Women's LifeStyle Magazine, July 2018, Join In by womenslifestylegr

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Grand Rapids|Holland|Grand Haven

July

JessicaAnn Tyson E s s e n t i a l

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July 2018

The People Who Make It Happen . . .

Edition #244

Publisher/Owner Victoria Upton victoria@womenslifestyle.com Assistant Publisher Two Eagles Marcus Editor Elyse Wild Content Producer Sarah Anderson Editorial Intern

LIFE 10 Ways to Create Community in July..........................................8 Inside the Heart of Philanthropy with Diana Sieger..............................................................................................10 Barb Bechtel: Champion for the Children............................13 Overcoming to Give Back with Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson................................................................................18 We’re Out There: Event photos........................................................22 Woman of Hope: Tabitha Williams...............................................36

Joey Krzeminski Contributing Writers Beth McEwen Crystal Frazee Danea Mather Daniel Parker Elyse Wild Erick Gerson Kayla Sosa Kelly Brown Kelsey McCracken Peaches McCahill Richelle Kimble Samantha Suarez Photography Two Eagles Marcus David Specht

HEALTH Practice Sustainable Eating.................................................................14 Heal Your Pelvic Pain with a Holistic Approach...........56

FOOD From Blender to Bowl: Cold Soups..............................................16 Drinks with Dan......................................................................................................20 Garden Party Gazpacho Shooters.............................................28 Creamy Tomato Gazpacho with Basil Oil...................28 Spicy Green Cucumber Gazpacho...................................28

STYLE & BEAUTY Channel Your Inner Frida with Erick Gerson.........................30 Consignment and Thrift...............................................................................52

Roland Capulet Advertising Sales Susie Gordon / Sales Manager susie@womenslifestyle.com Sarah Anderson sarah@womenslifetyle.com CALL US: (616) 458-2121 EMAIL US: info@womenslifestyle.com SEND MAIL: 800 Monroe, NW, Suite 206 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

LEARN & DO Voluntary Re:Action.............................................................................................6 Shop Smart, Shop Local..............................12, 26, 32, 42, 44 Howl Fun: Fun Activities Designed for Dogs........................24 Her Legacy: Helen Claytor.....................................................................33 Reader’s Lounge...............................................................................................34 Inside Clothing Optional Resorts....................................................38 Host a Sensational Summer Soirée...............................................40 July Events...................................................................................................................46 An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry...........................................51 Lowell Riverwalk...................................................................................................52

Marisa Huizunga as Frida Kahlo (page 30). Photo by Roland Capulet.

On the cover: Jessica Ann Tyson & Monica Sparks Photo by Two Eagles Marcus

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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(P)arty! Our August 2018 “Home Is Where The Art Is” edition is the place to showcase all forms of art in our community!

A Note from the Editor This month, as I interviewed Diana Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, she said something that will stay with me for some time to come: “The strength of this community rests with the involvement of its citizens who give of themselves.” Sieger and I were discussing not just the extraordinary level of philanthropy that takes place in West Michigan, but the people who give their time and talents to make our city a better place for all citizens.

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In this edition, we bring you stories of women who do just that. Tabitha Williams is a mother of nine and the leader of Parents for Healthy Homes. After a terrifying visit to the ER with her young daughter, Williams learned that lead levels in homes in her zip code are rampant, and she has since dedicated her time toward educating parents and advocating to make lead testing mandatory in all homes (24). Twin sisters Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson endured shocking abuse and neglect in their early childhood until they were adopted by a woman who taught them to find within themselves an infinite capacity for giving back, even in the face of adversity. Today, they continue to live by a creed of generosity, and both women are running for Kent County Commissioner in their respective wards (18). On page 36, writer Kayla Sosa illuminates how Grand Rapids resident Barb Bechtel plays a special role for children enduring immense hardship through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national program that pairs volunteers with children in the foster care system to help them reach the best possible outcomes (36). On page 30, read more about Diana Sieger and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation; for 30 years, she has headed the foundation in its mission to provide substantial financial support to the city’s evolving social needs. Today, they operate through a lens of equity to uplift our most vulnerable populations and make Grand Rapids a city that is prosperous for everyone. Finally, we bring you countless opportunities to participate in our community with our volunteer listings (6) and events calendar (46). I hope these stories inspire you; I hope they bring to light that we can both celebrate our success and concede our missteps and take action; I hope they help you recognize that our community is at its best when everyone pitches in because we need you. We need all of us.

Read on and enjoy!

-Elyse Wild, Editor

Some of the best things in life are free - including Women’s LifeStyle Magazine! Thank you to our community advertising partners for making it possible.

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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 244th edition. All content ©Women’s LifeStyle, Inc. 2018.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Voluntary RE:action W

Volunteer Spotlight

elcome to our volunteer column sponsored by Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Discover which volunteer position best describes you. Pick a cause and react voluntarily!

n 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: Contact Amber Oudsema at 616-974-5221 or aoudsema@meijergardens.org.

n History Buff

If you love history and are hungry to learn more, then volunteering at a museum may be a perfect fit. The Gerald R. Ford Museum, which focuses on Grand Rapids residents former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford is in need of volunteers to assist with tours, educational programs and public events.

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

n Baseball Lover

Catch the ball game while lending a hand by becoming a volunteer for the West Michigan Whitecaps. Volunteers must be over 18 and can expect to work a total of four hours before and during the game. Some volunteer opportunities include selling tickets, counting cash and handling the electronic ticketing system, but more instruction is given the day of the event. Some perks of the job include free parking, admission to the game (after responsibilities, of course), four undated Whitecaps tickets and one hot dog and soda voucher.

Take Action: For more info, contact volunteer coordinator Kristin Mooney at kristin.mooney@nara.gov.

n Nature Bug

Take Action: To get started, email Jessica at jessicam@whitecapsbaseball.com.

n Outdoorsy Artist

our city’s most beautiful and thriving institutions. Teens ages 14-17 are invited to volunteer over the summer as a Play Activity Leader (PAL) in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. These teens have the fun job of playing with kids and leading them in games and activities in the garden. Kids Tram drivers (16+) engage families on interactive tram rides through the Sculpture Park with activities and discussions.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is looking for volunteers in all different areas. From stocking inventory to planting gardens to welcoming guests and handing out maps, get the full experience of the gardens and support one of

Join the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks for a day of beautifying Dickinson Park. On July 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. all ages are welcome to join the work. The goal of this project is to encourage the community to help work in the parks and get feedback on what parks need. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a free BBQ for all volunteers involved. All tools and instruction will be provided. Take Action: Visit friendsofgrparks.org/event/ dickinson-park-bbq-beautify.

“We’re on earth for an uncertain amount of time so it is important to us that we do what we can to individually support causes we care deeply about.” - Margarita Chappell

Mariah Shaltry

Volunteer for Barnabas Ministries, Little Orange Scooter, Forgotten Man Ministries, Kent County Jail and Little Space Studio

Paying it forward to people who have felt displaced, marginalized, or alone has become such a big part of who I am. I am so honored to have gotten to spend time serving and getting to know some amazing people in Grand Rapids.

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.

Meet our One Hundred New Philanthropists You don’t need a million dollars to be a philanthropist; you just need heart and an organization to help you move forward. Learn more by contacting Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751 or jtorres@grfoundation.org. Margarita and Jeffrie Chappell, members of 100 New Philanthropists

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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JULY 1

10 Ways to Create Community in

Be friendly and welcome all newbies to your world.

Say thank you to your community. Show gratitude to city and state employees and leadership.

Pick up litter when you see it to keep your neighborhood clean for everyone.

9 8

Get your hands dirty in a community garden.

It’s a common belief that the happiest individuals are those who are involved in their community, as it allows for personal growth, knowledge and inspiration. Here are ten ways to add more community to your life. BY PEACHES MCCAHILL

Be a good neighbor. Host get-togethers and bring your neighbors gifts from the market, such as fresh produce or flowers.

2 5

Volunteer in your community. Pick a cause that moves you and jump in.

Recruit others to participate in a community event such as a 5K, food drive and a street cleanup.

Reach out to a veteran and their family to show your appreciation for their service.

“I cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”

Join a club that aligns with your passions, such as cooking, fly fishing, reading, hiking or painting.

—Mother Theresa

Share your abundance! Be generous with what you have and give to those in need.

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 • July 2018

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“Life Happens Here” Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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The Heart of Philanthropy

and Diana Sieger

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

he mobile is immense, a mass of bright red surrounded by a smattering of soothing blue shapes. From certain angles, it is difficult to tell exactly what it is, but step just right, and you witness a delightful reveal; a large, luminous heart around which life ﬂows. Diana Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), stands under the piece where it hangs in the upper level of the GRCF lobby and studies it warmly. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she expressed. And it is. Created in 2008 by a group of young students led by artist Michael Phleghaar through the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts’ Artworks program, the mobile is titled, “The Heart of Philanthropy.” It is allegorical of the GRCF’s pursuit to provide financial backing to help our community soar, one Sieger has come to embody in the 31 years she has spent at the helm of the foundation. Sieger grew up in Detroit during the ’60s at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and volunteered at an inner-city Head Start program for a summer during her teenage years, which forged the lens through which she would come to see the world and lead the GRCF. “That experience gave me the impetus to go to college and get a sociology degree,” she said, adding with a laugh that people often asked what she would possibly do with such a degree. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1973, Sieger moved to Grand Rapids and took a job as a case worker for the American Red Cross aiding military families with disaster services. “That gave me a real view of personal lives that are troubled by outside circumstances,” Sieger expressed. While working at the Red Cross, she was encouraged to return to school and earn a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in policy planning and administration. Upon graduating, she began working as a program policy analyst for United Way, ultimately becoming the assistant vice president of planning and allocations. In 1986, the former president of the GRCF retired, and Seiger applied for the job, feeling as though it may just be the next step on her journey. Her hunch was right, and in 1987, she was hired. She notes that the GRCF she was stepping into was very different from what it is today; now with 28 employees, back then, Seiger was the lone staff member. “Four months after I started, I hired two staff members,” she smiled. “And off we went.” There are 756 community foundations across the United States, 61 one of which are in Michigan, the largest amount in a single state.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

These foundations are tax-exempt charities that augment philanthropy by guiding donors, whether they are individuals, families, businesses or organizations, to create permanent charitable funds to meet the needs of communities as they evolve. Foundations strategically administer and invest the funds within the areas they serve. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation was founded in 1922 by Lee Hutchins, a Grand Rapids entrepreneur, pursuant to his “vision of perpetuating the moral, physical, and mental welfare of the city and its people.” To date, the foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants toward programs that uplift the community. During Sieger’s time at the foundation, donor assets have gone from $35 million to more than $330 million.

The strength of this community rests with the involvement of its citizens who give of themselves.” From making grants to fund a tuberculosis X-ray bus in the ’50s to allocating funds to create a policecommunity relations in program in ’60s to a presentday program dedicated solely to identifying the needs of and supporting the city’s LGBTQ+ community, a glance at GRCF’s history will reflect an acute alignment with Grand Rapids’ evolving social issues. “Our business is to make a significant difference in the community through wise investment of the assets and making great grants but also getting involved in community issues,” Sieger emphasized. She is quick to point out that GRCF is not a solo act, but instead works in collaboration with many private foundations, corporations, businesses and nonprofit group across the city. “It’s the only way,” she expressed. “There is no such thing as one organization that will save the world. It can only be done together.”

Equity

Under Sieger’s leadership, GRCF has adapted what she calls “an equity lens.” Through a collaboration with WMCAT, the foundation has created a program called Public Agency which utilizes human-centered design, a groundbreaking design process that revolves around the people for whom systems are being created and problems are being solved. Through interviews with people in the community who are affected by poverty and discrimination, they are working to find solutions for issues that plague the city’s most vulnerable populations.

“This is new ground,” Seiger said. “This is where you really live by the word of making resources available to people who may not have been heard before. We have to ask, ‘What world do we want to become?’”

Challenge Scholars

When asked which program she is most proud of in her three decades of heading the foundation, her answer is immediate: Challenge Scholars. In 2011 the GRCF started the Challenge Scholars program to address low high school graduation rate and elevated poverty on city’s north west side — a predominantly Hispanic and African American area — by supporting students early on in their education through to their high school graduation. Students will then be able to attend an in-state college or trade school tuition-free. The program is currently available to qualifying students attending Harrison Park Elementary, Westwood Middle School and Union High School. The first class of Challenge Scholars graduates from high school in 2020. “It’s about giving students and their families a fighting chance to do well,” Seiger passionately expressed. Seiger points out that when the program began, the West Side was not yet booming with new development; now, it is a thriving dining and shopping district, which Seiger says, comes at a cost.

“Families are being displaced,” she said. “We cannot sugar coat that.” The foundation recently expanded the focus of the Challenge Scholars program from the schools to the surrounding neighborhoods in order to meet the challenges that inevitably arise with development. “It’s hard work,” Seiger expressed. “There are so many successes, though, and to look into the eyes of the students is an absolute joy.

The Future

Seiger’s days are filled with donor meetings, managing staff, updating GRCF board members, gathering with foundation colleagues and more. “Rarely is there a day that I sit at my desk,” she laughed. Sieger’s greatest strength in her leadership lies in her ability to approach the community with both passion and pragmatism; two qualities that fuse in perfect balance. “This community has so much success upon which to build,” she said. “And we need to lift that up and invest in education, food security, meeting basics needs, the arts: The things that feed our souls. All of that will help families prosper. Even the little things that people do, whether through volunteering or financial support, means a very great deal. The strength of this community rests with the involvement of its citizens who give of themselves.”

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

CHAMPION FOR THE CHILDREN:

Court Appointed Special Advocates

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

arbara Bechtel wasn’t sure what she was getting into at first, but now she can’t imagine her life any different. A little over a year ago, Bechtel was looking for a volunteer opportunity, when she came across Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national volunteer program that bridges the gap between the child and the court with a courtappointed special advocate. “We speak for children that are in the foster care system,” Bechtel explained. “Children that have been removed from their homes due to, whether it be, domestic violence, neglect, or violence against them personally.” A little over a year ago, Bechtel was looking for a volunteer opportunity, when she came across CASA. “I have a soft spot for children in particular,” Bechtel expressed. “This popped up, and when I first read it, I thought, ‘There’s no way I could do all that.’ It just really seemed quite daunting.” After thinking over it more, Bechtel decided to go for it. But the process to become a CASA is not quick and easy. After 30 hours of intensive training, volunteers are sworn in by a judge. There was a swearing-in ceremony on the same day Bechtel met with the director of the program. Barbara Bechtel, CASA Volunteer

“It was very moving,” she divulged. “And to hear what the judge had to say, how these advocates for children really make a difference and how much the judges appreciate it, and the fact that we can make a difference in the life of a child.”

With every other role being attorneys and overloaded case workers, sometimes the CASA is the most informed on the personal side of things.

“These kids may move from foster home to foster home, and I might be the only steady person in their life,” Bechtel said.

CASAs are required to commit to at least one year and must meet with their assigned children weekly.

“We’re there to speak for the child, in the best interest of that child,” Bechtel expressed.

Once a case of Children’s Protective Services child removal goes to a judge, that judge decides whether a CASA will be appointed to the case. Because there aren’t enough volunteers for every case, the ones assigned a CASA are usually more difficult. Volunteers are then able to review cases and pick one with which they are comfortable. The first step is to meet those involved— usually the children, foster parents or guardians/family members and the biological parent(s). Then, there are weekly meetings and time spent with the children. CASAs must be at court every 90 days to report on the child or children; this includes submitting to the judge a 4-5 page objective report that consists of an update on the biological parents as well as the how the children are doing mentally, physically and emotionally.

But more than that, Bechtel is a friend, a parent-figure, a confidant to the children to which she is assigned. In her first case that has now lasted a year, she has spent time with the five kids she advocates for every week.

Through the negativity, children always find a light that reminds us adults to step back and appreciate life for what it is. Bechtel sees this in the kids she works with as a CASA.

“Ideally, the goal for CASA is reunification with the (biological) parent,” Bechtel said. “Regardless of what kids go through, it’s still believed that the best place for them is with that family. Which is hard, but luckily there are programs that the parents are also supposed to be participating in while the children are not with them.” The role of the CASA is to not take sides, and just speak the truth of the situation.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Not every case is five children. Bechtel originally was “co-CASAing” with someone else. But when that person dropped out, she decided to take all the kids on herself. Though there have been some family struggles, Bechtel absolutely adores the kids — four girls and one boy, ranging from ages 11 to 3 years old — and, at this point, can’t imagine not seeing them each week. “I’ll drive the girls home, and we’ll go to McDonald’s, or we’ll go to the library, or we’ll go to the park; we just play games and get silly,” Bechtel said. “The whole time I’m with them, I’m observing how they’re doing — if they seem down, if they seem troubled by something. And sometimes they’ll tell me when they’re sad, or about something going on that they’re unhappy about. They do open up to me, which is good because it takes a while to gain their trust.” The children’s lives are sometimes chaotic, and the role of the CASA is to be an anchor in the midst of all that.

“I do see them happy, and that’s a blessing, that’s what I love to see,” she said. “When I come to pick them up, and they come running to me, ‘Barbara’s here!’ I love that.” What is especially needed now are more people to fill this role in these children’s lives. “If people think that they might be able to do it, we need people like this in the world,” Bechtel said. “I wish we didn’t; I wish we could just do away with the whole program, in a perfect world where kids were never taken away from their parents. But as long as we have that in the world, we need people to be there for the kids.” To become a volunteer CASA, visit casakentco.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. .

What it boils down to is bio-individuality and what works for you. All these diets take the emphasis away from the individual. The NTC program does have a lean toward traditional diets using local nutrient-dense foods.

Practice Sustainable Eating

with Nutritional Therapist Diane Teall Evans BY KELLY BROWN

KB: I think a big complaint about eating clean and local is that it is “more expensive.” What tips do you have for getting the most bang for your buck when grocery shopping? DTE: A lot of people talk about the investment. The key is to buy in season; just because you can have strawberries in January doesn’t mean you should have them. When it comes to meat, honor the animal. If you’re buying a whole chicken, you’re getting a better deal instead of a boneless, skinless chicken breast. Grab some friends and invest in a CSA box, so you’re eating fresh, local produce every week. It’s an investment to eat this way, but I tell my clients you can pay the farmer now or the doctor later. KB: What resources do you suggest to your clients? DTE: Balanced Bites podcast and the books Practical Paleo, 21-Day Sugar Detox, and Eat the Yolks are all amazing resources that are very relevant. Each of these makes eating clean digestible and attainable for those just getting started. They are all part reference and part education and help you build a cleaner, nutritional lifestyle. KB: What are the pantry staples everyone should have?

e’ve all been there: You’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and you see ad after ad trying to sell you some gummy bear vitamin or instant tea mix that is going to shrink your waist 4 inches and help you drop 10 lbs. in just a few weeks time. Your best friend is going paleo, the news says carbs will kill you and what’s all this gossip about fat being good for you? It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to figure out what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat it. Luckily, the secret to eating healthy and living your best life isn’t difficult to understand at all. In fact, it can be summed up in three words: Just eat clean. Nutritional Therapist Diane Teall Evans gives her expert advice on how to transition your lifestyle from fad diets and smoothie cleanses to a healthy eating plan that will last a lifetime. Kelly Brown: How did you end up as a Nutritional Therapist and what led you to this career choice? Diane Teall Evans: I used to work at a plastic surgery office and would always bake goods from scratch and bring them in for everyone. I realized I loved cooking. Then, I transitioned to working at an agency in Grand Rapids. Before my wedding, I became really stressed out. My skin was freaking out, and I needed a solution that wasn’t just topical. I started the Whole 30 program and noticed a huge difference in my skin’s appearance. From there, I transitioned into a loose paleo diet and became very interested in gut health. I was unexpectedly laid off from my job while planning my wedding and that’s what pushed me to enter the

DTE: Go home right now and ditch your vegetable oil and replace it with good cooking fats like Kerrygold butter, coconut oil or Ghee. That is the first thing you need to do. Then, buy pastured eggs – not free range (cage free). If you can get all of this from the farmers market, even better. Yes – the right fat is good for you! Frittatas are a great and easy way to use up your eggs and any leftover veggies in the fridge. Remember, eggs can be enjoyed outside of breakfast and make an excellent addition to salads and dinner dishes.

What it boils down to is bioindividuality and what works for you.” Nutritional Therapy Consultant (NTC) program. I entered the program four weeks before my wedding. I had considered a few other programs, but none of them vied with my philosophy like nutritional therapy. KB: If you could break it down to just the basics, how should people eat? DTE: Eat clean, seasonal and local. I think diets are really overwhelming and people get caught up in macros, carbs or no carbs, eat the yolk vs. don’t.

It might sound crazy, but wild-caught sardines are one of my favorite pantry staples for easy, nutrient dense lunch. I like the boneless, skinless with a little bit of jasmine rice and a bunch of green veggies. Sardines are an amazing source of protein, healthy Omega-3s, vitamins D and B12 and minerals like calcium. They haven’t had the chance to sequester heavy metals like big fish and are more sustainable. I encourage all my clients to try them! They taste a lot like tuna. KB: Lastly, where are your favorite places to eat in Grand Rapids and what are your tips for eating out? DTE: Just enjoy it; food is meant to be enjoyed. If you want to have a glass of wine (or two) and the cheese board and dessert then go for it! Don’t cheat yourself with an avocado brownie when you could have the real thing (in moderation). San Chez is a favorite, and I really like Reserve for a date night. For more information, please visit diteawellness.com or follow on Instagram at @Ditea

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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From Blender to Bowl

Why You Need Cold Soup in Your Life This Summer BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ |PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SPECHT

STEPHAN VANHEULEN, CHEF DE CUISINE OF CYGNUS 27, CREATED A GREEN GAZPACHO FOR THE RESTAURANT’S SPRING AND SUMMER MENU.

ometimes, soup is a dish best served cold. While it’s true while there are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of soup during the autumn and winter months, once spring and summer arrive, something lighter and cooler might tickle your fancy more. After all, who wants to guzzle down a hot bowl of stew when it’s 90 degrees outside? We’re team soup all year round, so instead of neglecting soup from June to August, we say give cold soup a try! Cold soups are an incredibly refreshing and tasty concept. Because they usually incorporate raw vegetables that can be chopped up and tossed into a blender or food processor, they’re one of the more nutritious methods of preparing food. The entire essence of the vegetable or fruit is consumed, rather than being boiled away or drained. They’re also a convenient solution for getting a nutritious meal when sizzling in the sun leaves you in no mood to turn on the stove or stand over a steaming pot.

Meet Your Souper Food

Cold soups are a no-fuss, simple meal, where you essentially combine a bunch of flavors in a bowl. They can be made with virtually any fresh seasonal ingredients: from watermelon to cucumbers, or even beets — you name it. Any color or texture you desire can be tossed in and

adjusted with other flavors to cater to your personal taste. If you want to keep it completely vegetarian, you can even use ingredients like avocado, ground almonds, or yogurt as a stand-in for soup stock. While a recipe is encouraged for those giving it their first shot, it is certainly not required. The final product can vary from utterly savory to intensely sweet, and everything in between. It’s the perfect way to make use of the freshest summer produce When most foodies think of chilled soups, the first ones that come to mind are usually the renowned Spanish gazpacho and the French style vichyssoise. While those are just the beginning of cold summer soups, we feel that it’s essential to share them with those unfamiliar with the classics.

Gazpacho

Think of gazpacho as sort of a liquid salad. A classic of Spanish cuisine, it originated in the southern region of Andalusia and is traditionally made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, wine vinegar, water, salt and stale bread. The bread is moistened with the water that is blended with olive oil, vinegar, and ice water, and then served cold.

uncooked tomato-based soup is a beautiful concoction because the end result packs a bold, chunky bite of summery flavors. There are many other less traditional but also super delicious fruity variations of gazpacho, including watermelon gazpacho, cantaloupe gazpacho, and strawberry gazpacho. Stephan VanHeulen, Chef de Cuisine of Cygnus 27, created a green gazpacho for the restaurant’s spring and summer menu. “Traditionally, gazpacho has a tomato base. I’m trying to elevate that a little by using more spring flavors, like cucumbers, green peppers, spinach, green onions, sherry vinegar, garlic, some jalapeno for spice,” VanHeulen said. “There’s also greek yogurt that’s been thinned out with lemon juice, and then it’s garnished with some fresh dill and smoked paprika. You just blend it all together and chill it until it’s really cold. My goal was to get some vibrant green color to it. I wanted people to think of lily pads floating on a green lake when they see it. It definitely has the traditional Spanish method as inspiration, but isn’t boxed in by it.”

Refreshing and crisp, gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during the hot summers. Despite extra chopping involved, this

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

VICHYSSOISE IS A THICK FRENCH STYLE SOUP MADE OF BOILED AND PUREED POTATOES, LEEKS, ONION, CREAM AND EITHER CHICKEN STOCK OR WATER.

The fresher local ingredients you use with more flavor, rather than the supermarket vegetables, the better. That will help your cold soup immensely.”

—Stephan VanHuelen, Chef de Cuisine of Cygnus 28

As for Chef Stephan’s thoughts and advice on making cold soup, he had this to say, “It’s like the juice cleanse trend, except you’re not straining out any of the fiber or true nutrients of the ingredients. It’s a soup cleanse!” he then added, “The fresher local ingredients you use with more flavor, rather than the supermarket vegetables, the better. That will help your cold soup immensely.”

Vichyssoise

As for his advice for those interested in experimenting with cold soups, he said, “You can make anything into cold soup: butternut squash, zucchini, peas.” When making cold soup with leafy greens, he advises, “Add a few pieces of ice while they are blending so that the soup doesn’t discolor into an army green and remains a vibrant green. It’s a technique I learned from French chefs.”

Although it’s a staple in most French menus, vichyssoise holds a special place in many chefs’ hearts, including the late Anthony Bourdain. In his book Kitchen Confidential, he credits vichyssoise as the dish that, as a young boy on a transatlantic cruise with his family, gave him his first food epiphany. He describes it as his “first indication that food was something other than a substance one stuffed in one’s face when hungry.” He further writes:

Waiter, I’ll have the Soup On the Rocks

Vichyssoise is a thick French style soup made of boiled and pureed potatoes, leeks, onion, cream and either chicken stock or water. Easy and economical, it is traditionally served chilled, but can also be served hot. Despite its fancy-sounding name, this soup has humble beginnings and utilizes easy-to-find everyday ingredients.

I remember everything about the experience: the way our waiter ladled it from a silver tureen into my bowl; the crunch of tiny chopped chives he spooned on as a garnish; the rich, creamy taste of leek and potato; the pleasurable shock, the surprise that it was cold… that soup stayed with me. It resonated, waking me up, making me aware of my tongue and, in some way, preparing me for future events. Alessandro Guerrazzi, Chef de Cuisine of six.one. six at the JW Marriott, which recently updated its menu to feature a variety of French items, describes vichyssoise as “a very simple country style potato and leek soup.” He prepared the dish for us off the menu, hoping to include it as a spring and summer special eventually. ALESSANDRO GUERRAZZI, CHEF DE CUISINE OF SIX.ONE.SIX AT THE JW MARRIOTT. GUERRAZZI WAS BORN IN ITALY AND GREW UP EATING COLD SOUPS.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Guerrazzi was born in Italy and grew up eating cold soups. “It was common for us, especially during the summer. I encourage everyone to try it. If you don’t like it, then you don’t like it - but at least try it. It’s very refreshing,” he said.

There are hundreds of other cold soup recipes online for you to try. Some worth exploring are chilled cucumber soup, Hungarian sour cherry soup (meggyleves), borscht (a Russian and Ukrainian beetbased soup), and cold pea soup. In the sweltering heat at the end of a long workday, cold soup can be sweet, soothing relief. Even better, it’s not demanding. So often is it prepared by just throwing some ingredients into a blender, setting it to whir, and voila! Your food is ready. Even the soups that require minimal cooking are worth it and can be prepped ahead - and then they’re just waiting for you in the fridge to consume whenever you please. I hope to see many of you enjoying the sun this summer, carrying takeout bowls filled to the rim with tasty cold soup.

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.

Overcoming to Give Back

with Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson

hen identical twins Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson are together, they generate an exhilarating energy, one that elevates everyone around them. Hours pass in minutes as the pace of conversation quickens while they excavate topics ranging from current events to shared experiences and everything in between. Their wit is acute, their laughs infectious, their gazes bright and sincere, and they will graciously treat you as a cherished old friend. To many in the community, the sisters are unmistakable: Tyson is the co-owner of The Candied Yam, a local restaurant that serves Southern cuisine, and president and founder of an award-winning event planning company that evolved into a PR firm, JA PR. Sparks is the founder and host of Radio For Divas, a 24 hour talk radio network aimed at empowering women. Combined, it is difficult to find a board or organization with which they haven’t been involved. Next month on August 7, both of their names will be on the ballot in the primary election for Kent County Commissioner in their respective districts: Sparks is running on the Democratic ticket to represent the 12th district, while Tyson is running on the Republican ticket to represent the 13th district.

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

Sparks and Tyson are glowing pillars of our community; their story is one that illuminates the ceaseless power of love and hope, and it begins in the darkest of places.

hungry and unallowed to look away; if they did, they were beaten. The girls’ only meals were eaten in the early mornings at school when free breakfast was provided, and they continued to be malnourished.

I Am Somebody

Though they had very few items of clothing at the time, Sparks wore one shirt over and over again — a shirt that served as a potent symbol of deﬁance against a ﬁgure who was determined to shatter her spirit, and one that foreshadowed the life that awaited her on the other side of suffering.

Sparks and Tyson spent the ﬁrst chapter of their lives in Lansing, MI. Born to a heroin addicted mother who was unable to care for them, the girls were left to fend for themselves, often scavenging for food in garbage cans. Their malnourished bodies and appalling living conditions quickly caught the attention of adults who worked at the kindergarten center attended by the girls; at age 4, they were put into state care and placed in a foster home. For many children, being placed in foster care is the beginning of a better life. For Sparks and Tyson, it presented a deluge of horrors to overcome; they faced chilling abuse and neglect at the hands of the adult who was charged with their care. “We were told everyday that we were ugly, that we were nobodies,” Tyson expressed. “From ages 4 to 7 and a half, that was our narrative.” During that time, Tyson and Sparks were cruelly kept from food. They recall being forced to watch their foster parent eat an entire Domino’s Pizza as they sat

“It was green,” Sparks smiled. “And it said on it, “I Am Somebody.”’

A Rich Life

At age 8, the girls were adopted out of the foster care system by a Kalamazoo school teacher named Joyce Ann. Joyce was single at the time and looking to adopt a baby, but she felt compelled by God to take in the twin sisters. For Sparks and Tyson, there is no doubt that divine intervention brought them to the woman who would raise them as her own and give them a life so rich that all of the abuse they endured would fade to memory. “It was like stepping into a fairytale,” Sparks recalled.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

“We walked into the house, and there was a cake with twins on it that said, ‘Congratulations.’ She drew us a bath and showed us our closets with these beautiful, organized clothes. It was incredible.” Shortly after the girls were put in her care, Joyce Ann took them to church, and the trio caught the attention of the minister, a Purple Heart Korean war veteran. Joyce Ann and the minister began dating, and married four months later; the family was complete. The girls were introduced to a world they had never known; one in which they would ﬂourish. They learned to garden, cook, volunteer, took organ lessons and horseback riding lessons, participated in girl scouts and debate club and more. “It was such a blessing to have the good parents that we had, I don’t know what would have happened without them,” Tyson expressed. Additionally, the girls were encouraged to be themselves and develop their own personalities and interests, as opposed to losing their individuality to the fact that they are twins. “Our parents were very cognizant of making sure we knew who we were and celebrating that,” Sparks said. “They were undoing all of the damage that was done when we were little. You can love people through damage. You can give someone a life full of the things that create good memories, full of exposure and experience, and it’s why we have such full lives now.”

Monica Jessica Ann Tyson (above) is running for 13th District Kent County Commissioner, on the Republican ticket. Monica Sparks (below) is running for 12th district Kent County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket.

In 1993, Sparks became a licensed real estate broker and began investing in real estate. She built a real estate empire worth more the $4 million, which she lost when the housing bubble burst in 2008. At a crossroads, Sparks meditated on her experience to ﬁgure out what her next move was. “I had to think of what I could glean from real estate to bring into the rest of my life,” she said. “And it was marketing; in real estate, I was always marketing and networking.” In 2010, she launched the Monica Sparks Show on iHeart Radio and in 2013 started Radio for Divas, a 24-hour talk radio network on which women share their expertise and experience to lift each other up. The network provides a vehicle for the altruism instilled in Sparks by her parents. “I couldn’t ask for anything more than to give women a platform,” Sparks smiled. “My favorites are when we do a radio-thon and are able to take a check to an organization that needs it to do good. There is no better feeling in the world than giving to people who can’t do anything for you.” Like her sister, Sparks’ involvement with West Michigan runs deep: Although she is no longer active in real estate, she developed more than 30 State of Michigan approved continuing education classes and teaches the courses for agents and brokers renewing their licenses. Additionally, she is a certiﬁed SCORE (a national 501c3 with more than 10,000 volunteers to advise small business owners) business mentor. She is currently on the planning commission for the City of Kentwood, is the former zoning board of appeals commissioner for the city of Kentwood, has been a member of the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among many others. Tyson praises Sparks for her dedication to the community.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

“She has such a great heart,” Tyson expressed. “She supports other people and is authentic. She will always come through and show up for people who need her.”

Jessica

Jessica has always had an aptitude for organizing exceptionally memorable parties. “I love spending time making things the best they can be,” Tyson shared. “I am very detail oriented. I love helping people have a wonderful time.” In 2003, she started her own event planning company, Events by Jessica Ann, which evolved into JA PR Group. In 2016, Tyson partnered with Jerome Glenn to open The Candied Yam, an upscale soul food restaurant the focuses on fresh ingredients and family recipes. To Tyson, being able to provide families with delicious food to enjoy together is of the utmost importance. “Mealtime grew to mean so much to us,” she said, recalling the magic ritual that surrounded dinner after she and Sparks were adopted: The table was decadently set and food was cooked fresh straight from the garden. Eleven years ago, Tyson started the Grand Rapids Legacy Luncheon to celebrate black history month, recognized outstanding community members and to give scholarships to selected high school students who are facing ﬁnancial barriers on their way to college. To date, Tyson has given away more the $100,000 in scholarships to students in need through community partnerships. Spark’s speaks to her sister’s tenacity to give back, no matter what the obsticles. “She is not going to back down,” Sparks said. “I appreciate her strength. She is strategic, and she cares about people.”

Compassion

While their politics and personalities differ (and compliment each other), Sparks and Tyson share an important quality: benevolence. From working every week to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need to helping less fortunate classmates with basic necessities, their adopted parents instilled in them an awareness of vulnerable populations and a commitment to help to the fullest extent of their ability. “Our mother groomed us from early on to be involved,” Sparks said. “It is natural that we would both get into politics as a way to help others.” Since their views diverge on most topics, the sisters bring the same asset to their campaigns: The ability to listen and love the person behind the politics. “No one person can be the spokesperson for everyone,” Tyson commented. “You have to be able to listen and have compassion for all people.” Sparks nodded in agreement. “As a community, we need to stop labeling each other, and instead, be gracious and listen.” When she is not editing for WLM, Elyse enjoys traveling to far off lands, taking photos, listening to live music and spinning records.

Drinks with Ingredients 1.5 .5 1 2 4-5

This delectable cocktail is brimming with subtle ﬂavors that fuse to pack a refreshing punch.

DAN

ounces fresh watermelon juice ounces fresh lime juice ounce sugar snap pea simple syrup (see below) ounces vodka mint leaves

Muddle mint and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients, shake over ice, and strain.

Mint y t i l a i n e g n Co

Sugar Snap Pea Simply Syrup

Add two cups water to one cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add one cup of whole sugar snap peas. Return to boil for one minute, remove from heat and let steep (1-4 hours). Strain and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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

Howl Fun: Fun Activities Designed for Dogs

BY BETH MCEWEN

any of us have a furry pal that we’d love to find activities to get involved with beyond a walk around the block. Since most dogs were bred for a purpose beyond companionship, Fido certainly can benefit from some extra-curricular activities! We are fortunate in West Michigan to have a myriad of groups to get involved with ranging from doggy pageants to hard-core athletics. Both Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing have Kennel Clubs, extensions of national clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC), which cater to breed enthusiasts. The goal of these clubs is to protect and advance the interest of dog shows and obedience trials and encourage sportsmanlike competition at such events. Whether your pure-bred pup is an excellent representation of his or her breed, or maybe has a few “flaws” (who doesn’t?), Kennel Clubs are a great place to find like-minded dog-owning friends and explore some of the activities our pups were originally bred to do. Is “rescue” your favorite breed? Kennel clubs have ways for mutts to get involved, too! While you may not be able to compete in conformation shows, dog sports are open to all kinds of pups. Visit grandrapidskennelclub.com, kalamazookennelclub.com or inghamcountykc.org for information on these groups and their offerings.

Agility

Agility is a fun activity for dog and owner alike, as you guide your pooch through an obstacle course in a specific order while being timed. Pure-breeds and mutts love this sport, and it’s great exercise too! Both the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Kennel Clubs also offer agility. If your pup can jump, bend, balance and pay attention amidst distractions, then this may be the sport for you!

Barn Hunt or Earthdog

In these competitions, a pooch attempts to find the hidden rodent — an easy task for most of our terrier friends! During Barn Hunt, the caged rodent is hidden among straw bales.

In Earthdog, the rat is hidden underground. In both events, your pooch gets to embrace his instincts to climb or burrow his way to find his prey. Check with your local Kennel Club for Barn Hunt or Earthdog trials.

Competitive Obedience/ Rally-O

Obedience competitions celebrate the hard work and selfcontrol of our furry friends. A judge instructs the handler to ask his or her dog to perform specific tasks without assistance to test the obedience of the pooch. Rally Obedience is a twist on traditional obedience where the handler navigates a course of signs that dictate what tasks the pup is to perform. In Rally-O, handler interaction is encouraged, which makes it a great team-building sport for pup and person. Both Obedience and Rally are offered through the Kennel Clubs.

Disc Dogs

If frisbee is your dog’s preferred method of fun, explore the world of Disc Dogs. These pups vault, flip, catch and fly in perfectly-timed combinations with their handlers. Start at home in your backyard or get some professional tips from Disc Dog trainers (discdogsofmi.com or midmichigank9events.net) and prepare to be hooked.

Diving Dogs

Many of our retriever breeds enjoy splashing around. Did you know that poodles were originally bred to retrieve from the water? A great sporting option for our water-loving friends is dock diving. What’s better than running to the end of a dock and jumping as far as you can to splash into refreshing lake water? Well, pooches can even enjoy this event in cold weather when competitions construct an indoor pool for them to launch into! Visit northamericandivingdogs.com for a list of events near you as well as some handy instructional videos to get started.

Flyball

This doggie relay-race is a favorite of dog athletes. A team of pooches each takes a turn running down a lane, hurdling jumps along the way, to snag a tennis ball and bring it back across the jumps as fast as they can. This sport is highadrenaline and loud — where a dog can be a dog. Barking and being excited is encouraged, as long as Fifi stays on task! Your local Kennel Club can offer information about upcoming events.

Herding

Whether you have a corgi or collie, a shepherd or a sheltie, our herding-breed friends can give us a run for our money at home! Dogs who were bred to run circles around livestock all day are great candidates for dog sports, and herding may be just what the doctor ordered! Check with your local Kennel Club for information on herding trials in your area.

Nosework

The sport of Nosework takes place inside, outside, on vehicles, in different containers and even searching for the handler’s scent. Learn about how scent travels and how you and your dog can have fun using your pup’s number one sense. Your local Kennel Club can get you started. Inspired yet? These sports represent just a fraction of the activities available for you and your pooch! If your pup is healthy and ready for an active lifestyle, look at what her favorite activities are at home. Alternatively, what does she do that gets her into trouble? That is usually an indicator of what she will enjoy the most! So, if you’ve got a jumper, a barker, a chaser, or digger, there’s a sport for you!

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2018

PROVIDING A HEALING TOUCH.

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

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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

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At Mercy Health Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit, we draw on the rich tradition of healing touch to meet the needs of our clients and patients. Kinesio taping is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. Kinesio tape is ideal for lower back strain, plantar faciitis and other injuries or symptoms.

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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 • June 2018

Shop Smart

Shop Local Fido the Fashionista

This ensemble by I See Spot is sure to earn Fifi the title of “Best Dressed” at the dog park. Complete with navy stripes, a red ruffle trim and a large matching flower, this doggy dress will have all of her fourlegged friends asking, “Where did she get that?” Available in a variety of prints and sizes. $20 at Fido and Stitch, 820 Monroe Ave NW #140 in Grand Rapids. Fidoandstitch.com

Reaching for the Stars

Illuminate your home with these vibrant stars by JustStars, a company launched in 1997 by German artist Sebastian Muecke. All of the paper stars are jointly designed in Berlin and handcrafted by artisans in Uttar Pradesh/India. Available in a variety of unique patterns, rich colors and sizes, the stars serve as captivating focal points in any room. $25-$30 at Design Quest, 4181 28th St SE in Grand Rapids. Designquest.biz

Divine Dining

Wow your guests with these contemporary dishes by Kitchen Goods & More. Each piece features an abstract navy blue watercolor design, bringing a modern mix-and-match feel to any dinner party. $10 for the mug, $13.50 for the smaller plate, $22 for the larger plate or $43.50 for the whole set at Eastern Floral, 2836 Broadmoor Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Easternﬂoral.com

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2018

May Special

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Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery 3142 Four Mile Rd, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7180 APPLE HAUS Tues-Sat 8am-5:30pm • GIFT BARN & WINERY Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2018

Garden Party Gazpacho Shooters

BY DANEA MATHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUGUST NYSON

Gluten free, grain free, dairy free, soy free, vegan

Nothing cools you down and fills you up better on a hot summer afternoon like flavor packed chilled gazpacho. These two unexpected takes on the classic Spanish soup will add variety to any summer party spread. Make them into sippable shooters so guests can try both flavors while chatting and basking in the summer sun.

Creamy Tomato Gazpacho with Basil Oil

Classically smooth with deliciously fresh ingredients and bright basil oil, this soup both cools the body and wakes up the palate.

While blending, slowly stream in olive oil. When finished, gazpacho will be a bright orangepink color.

Makes 8 Cups

Strain soup through a fine strainer to remove any chunks. You will have a creamy finished product. Store covered in refrigerator overnight.

4 large ripe, red tomatoes 1 Anaheim pepper 1 large cucumber 1 medium-large red onion 2 garlic cloves 1 red bell pepper 2 teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1/2 cup olive oil Instructions Rinse, trim and chop the vegetables into small pieces Add them to a high speed blender, tomatoes first. Pulse to begin breaking vegetables down. Add vinegar, salt and pepper and blend on high until pureed together, 1-2 minutes.

Basil Oil Makes about 2 cups oil

1 cup basil leaves, packed 2 cups olive oil

Instructions Add basil leaves and oil to a high-speed blender. Process until basil leaves are puréed, about 1 minute or more. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any basil pieces. You will be left with a clear, bright green oil.

Spicy Green Cucumber Gazpacho Visually stunning and filled with refreshing and healthy vegetables and herbs, this creative green gazpacho packs a zesty punch Makes 8 Cups 2 large cucumbers 1 ripe avocado 1 green bell pepper 1 medium white onion 1 jalapeno pepper (leave seeds in for more spice, or remove for milder spice) 2 stalks celery 5 tomatillos juice of 1 lime 2 garlic cloves 1 cup parsley leaves 1 cup cilantro leaves 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon agave 1/2 cup olive oil Garnish: chives, diced

Instructions Rinse, trim and chop all of the vegetables into small pieces. Add them to a high-speed blender, cucumbers first, and pulse to begin breaking vegetables down Add in lime juice, parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper and agavé. Blend on high until parsley and cilantro leaves break down and the soup is smooth, about 2 minutes. While blending, slowly stream in olive oil. No need to strain this soup. Store covered in refrigerator overnight. Building your Gazpacho shooters • Fill small glass or plastic shooters (about 2 ounces works best) to the top with gazpacho • Top creamy tomato gazpacho with a few drops of basil oil. Optional: use a toothpick to gently swirl oil • Top spicy cucumber gazpacho with diced chives to garnish • Serve chilled to all your summer guests!

Danea Mather is recipe developer, vinyasa and Buti yoga enthusiast, vegan and adopted pup mom. See the blog for more recipes at blog. cosmosfriendlyfoods.com or reach out anytime on instagram at @eat.quantum.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2018

SEASONALLY INSPIRED. HANDCRAFTED. FEEDING BODY AND COMMUNITY. 29

n July 6, we celebrate the birthday of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. A rebel, feminist and a revolutionary icon, her unique beauty and self-portraits are known all over the world. During her lifetime, she was an icon of fashion and the arts: She posed on the cover of Vogue Paris magazine (among many others) and her paintings are showcased in Europe, Latin America and the United States. She was unapologetic when it came to showing her feminine side and constantly challenging society standards. Kahlo’s life was not short of suffering; she was diagnosed with polio at the age of 6 and endured many surgeries after a terrible bus accident. Her physical ailments confined her to her bed, where she painted as a way to express herself. As an artist, Kahlo was a master of using color and always celebrated her Mexican heritage in her paintings. Her look has been a staple of beauty and fashion for decades. Before fuller brows became a trend or anybody rocked them in the pages of magazines, there was Frida.

Credits Makeup and wardrobe by Erick Gerson Photography by Roland Capulet Hair by Elle Yared Makeup products by About Face GR Skin care by Suukuu Handmade bracelets by Esther Servin Flower head piece by Eastern Floral Accessories by Jeremy Schnotala Model: Marisa Huizunga Max the macaw

This month, we are celebrating a woman who, despite the unfortunate things she lived through, saw beauty through a different lens and challenges us to do the same.

Channel Your Inner Frida

Lips

To channel your inner Frida, you’ll need a bold red lipstick. I used a matte true red lipstick as the base and applied a matte coral red lipstick in the center to intensify the lips and make them stand out.

Face

For the skin, I use essential oils from Suu Kuu to give the skin a natural glow. Follow up with a liquid foundation and a natural blush using a little dab of the red lipstick on the cheekbones.

Brows

Although you can totally rock Frida’s unibrow and become a modern version of her as many fashion models have done, you can also create an everyday full eyebrow by using a thin eyebrow pencil.

Courage

And of course, my last tip is not to be afraid. Just like Frida, be proud of the woman you are. Enhance what you have because once you realize the beautiful person you are, you can become a powerful, unique and strong woman just like Frida Kahlo.

Erick Gerson is a makeup artist from Mexico. He has won consecutive wedding makeup awards, appeared on TV shows and been published in magazines all over the world. He enjoys teaching makeup classes to other professional makeup artists and everyday women. To connect with him, visit erickmakeup.com or check out his Instagram @erickmakeup.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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FREE Consultations • Call for your appointment: (616) 447-9393 • www.agentletouch.net Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Super Shades

Let your Luigi loose with these Super Mario Bros. sunglasses. Complete with Luigi’s signature green ball cap and handlebar mustache, these shatterproof, UV-protected shades will make you look like you stepped right out of a Nintendo video game. One size ﬁts most. $9.99 at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Grcm.org.

All You Need is Love

In 1965, American artist Robert Indiana created the famous LOVE print, which served as the inspiration for his pop art LOVE sculpture. Today, the internationally-recognized sculpture sits just outside of The Frey Foundation in Grand Rapids. Show some love for Indiana and his legacy by choosing from a selection of ofﬁcially-sanctioned LOVE merchandise, including notes, postcards and various sized prints. $1-$67.50 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center St NW in Grand Rapids. Artmuseumgr.org.

A Clip Off the Old Block

Ditch those straight pins for a less prickly alternative – Wonder Clips! These colorful plastic crafting clips by Clover feature a wide opening to accommodate thick fabrics, a built-in guiding scale to help you keep a straight line and a ﬂat back. $8.99 at Family Sewing, 4950 Wilson Ave SW in Grandville. Familysewing.com

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Her Legacy:

Meet the Women of West Michigan Who Made History

Featuring Helen Jackson Claytor (1907-2005) First Black Woman President of YWCA

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Helen Claytor wears a suit jacket with a face-framing collar. Her simple jewelry consists of a pearl necklace and earrings, c. 1960’s Coll. #113,, History & Special Collections Dept., Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids History and Special Collections (GRHSC), Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

hroughout her long life, Helen Jackson Claytor was a constant advocate of racial equality and minority rights, both nationwide and locally in Grand Rapids. Born in 1907 to a teacher and a Pullman porter who rode the rails while studying law, Claytor was raised in the shadow of the University of Minnesota, where her parents oversaw the higher education of their daughters. Local whites offered extravagant sums to buy the family out of the area, but the principles of Claytor’s dedicated parents were “not for sale.” Claytor enacted these principles in her adult life with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and in the face of housing discrimination in the city of Grand Rapids. Active in the YWCA Girl Reserves from youth through college, Claytor later used her bachelor’s degree in education at the Black Branch of the YWCA in Trenton, New Jersey. Ten years later, when she returned to the YWCA in Kansas

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City after the loss of her husband, Earl Wilkins, Claytor came to the attention of the national YWCA board in New York City. They offered her a position in interracial education, and Claytor began traveling the nation to study interracial practices, which eventually led to desegregation within the organization and to her marriage to Robert Claytor in Grand Rapids. In 1949, Claytor was elected the first black president of the Grand Rapids YWCA, marking the first time in the United States that a black woman had been elected president of a community YWCA. Still, the victory caused a riff among the board and in the community. Three board members resigned, saying “it would be disastrous” to have a black president. Their concerns were disproven locally and nationally, however, when 20 years later in 1967 Claytor assumed the presidency of the national YWCA, the first black woman to hold the post.

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 • July 2018

READER’S This month, we turn to StoryCompass, KDL’s latest tool to help readers explore genres, to delve into the world of science fiction.

BY SUZANNE STEVENS

Artemis

by Andy Weir Jazz Bashara is a criminal. Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you’re not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So, smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you’ve got debts to pay, and your job as a porter barely covers the rent. Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime with a reward too lucrative to turn down. Pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she’s stepped right into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself, and that now her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first.

The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard by David A. Goodman

The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard tells the story of one of the most celebrated names in Starfleet history. His extraordinary life and career makes for dramatic reading: court martials, unrequited love, his capture and torture at the hand of the Cardassians, his assimilation with the Borg and countless other encounters as captain of the celebrated Starship Enterprise. There are also other biographies of Star Trek personnel, such as Captain Kirk and Spock, in this delightful series.

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton

For years Augustine has lived in remote outposts, studying the sky for evidence of how the universe began. At his latest posting, a research center in the Arctic, news of a catastrophic event arrives. At the same time, Mission Specialist Sullivan is aboard the Aether on its return flight from Jupiter. So far the journey has been a success. But when Mission Control falls inexplicably silent, Sully and her crew mates are forced to wonder if they will ever get home. As Augustine and Sully each face an uncertain future against forbidding yet beautiful landscapes, their stories gradually intertwine in a profound and unexpected conclusion.

The Sparrow

by Mary Doria Russell A visionary work that combines speculative fiction with a deep philosophical inquiry, The Sparrow tells the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission entrusted with a profound task: to make first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins with faith, hope and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a catastrophic end.

Suzanne Stevens is happy to help you find a good (book) match when you visit the Cascade Branch of KDL. On her own time, she can be found reading fiction books from other countries (or planets?), biographies or even the occasional mystery/thriller.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Woman of Hope:

Tabitha Williams Leads a Coalition of Parents Advocating for Healthier Homes BY KAYLA SOSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

n early 2016, Tabitha Williams was rushing her youngest daughter to the emergency room. She was having an asthma attack, and a few minutes later, she became unresponsive. Before she was told anything, Williams, a CNA-certified home health aide, knew what was going on.

Thankfully, her 5-year-old daughter was treated and survived, but Williams was faced with a harsh reality check about her daughter’s health and what may have caused that attack. Living in a home built before 1978 can mean a risk for lead in paint. With dust being stirred up in the house, and lead found in her soil, Williams found out her children’s asthma was being aggravated by the lead around them.

Since two of Williams’ nine children have asthma, she stepped up to the plate to educate herself and others about the dangers of lead paint and what to do about it. Extending off of the Healthy Homes Coalition is Parents for Healthy Homes (PFHH), a group of parents, grandparents and community members led by Williams who are all concerned about the health of children in the community. The group meets monthly to discuss issues and action, goes door-to-door informing the community and meets with public officials.

“The main issue we started to talk about was lead and how the 49507 area was the highest — even higher than Flint — with lead-poisoned children,” Williams said.

Need to Know Facts About Lead

•

Lead is a metal and does not belong in your body.

•

Children aged 1-5 are the most at-risk due to rapid development and hand-inmouth behavior.

•

Houses built before 1978 used leadbased paint.

•

So, the group began to alert community members about the alarming lead issue, and soon it became the main focus.

Lead poisoning can cause learning difficulties, behavioral issues, violent tendencies, ADHD symptoms, memory loss and hyperactivity.

•

“That still is our focus, but we had to back up a little bit, because we found that parents didn’t even understand that it was an issue and how it enters the home or the body,” Williams said. “So we went back to educating.”

In West Michigan, there is no law to test all children for lead, and no law that requires landlords to check homes for lead.

•

60 percent of children tested positive for lead live in rental properties.

•

Children come in contact with the lead through dust and paint chips.

The 49507 area code reaches from Franklin Street to 28th Street and covers the Madison Square, Alger Heights, Burton Heights, Oakdale and Garfield Park neighborhoods. “It’s a low-income based community,” Williams expressed. “We don’t like to use that word, lowincome, but that’s reality. It’s no surprise that that same side is affected by lead because of the condition of the housing.”

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

VICHYSSOISE IS A THICK, FRENCH STYLE SOUP MADE OF BOILED AND PUREED POTATOES, LEEKS, ONION, CREAM AND EITHER CHICKEN STOCK OR WATER.

I hope parents identify their voice and interests, and the power they have.” Williams said the keywords for the group are “educate, involve and advocate.” The group focuses on educating the community about healthy housing and hazards in the home, while building a network of parents and neighbors who support each other. “First, we had to get people into meetings,” Williams explained. “We did that by door-knocking, and we found that people don’t trust people they don’t know, so we started saying, ‘Bring a friend to the meetings.’” The monthly meetings consist of discussing the problems with housing hazards and the steps to take to solve them. Additionally, the the group supports parents by providing daycare, food and transportation. Stemming off what Williams quickly learned after her daughter’s severe asthma attack, parents are taught various cleaning techniques and ways to avoid making a lead-presence worse.

Proactive Cleaning Tips for at-Risk Homes •

Always “wet clean” — use wet cloths, paper towels or mops. Dry items throw possible lead dust around.

•

Clean from top to bottom.

•

Focus on window sills and window wells.

•

Wet clean anything kids touch a lot.

•

Wet clean weekly.

•

Wipe/mop in an S-shape to confine dust or paint chips. Use a two sided bucket for mopping, and change water frequently.

•

Clean one area at a time and close off the room so the dust does not circulate or contaminate another room. Keep children away while cleaning.

•

Do maintenance checks looking for peeling paint and settled dust.

•

Take shoes off in home. Keep children’s toys off of the floor.

•

Call landlord immediately when you see a lead hazard.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

While there is no one simple solution, Williams and her co-organizers are working diligently talking to lawmakers and attending city commission meetings to find one. They are advocating for all homes built before 1978 have to be tested for lead, and holding owners/landlords responsible for removing the lead and upgrading the home. Williams emphasizes that they also want to provide resources and education for landlords.

“I hope parents identify their voice and interests, and the power they have,” Williams expressed. Mary Robinson is the director of development for WMEAC, and helped select Williams as the winner of her award, which she described as a “hidden heroine” award.

“We’re asking for all homes to be tested, and eventually all children to be tested,” Williams said. “These kids are being poisoned, they’re forever yours. We want these landlords to have some accountability. They have to fix these homes up by a certain time.”

Robinson said Williams has an authentic energy and passion with this issue and has helped bridge the gap in the community in educating others. Even though she works full time and is a mother to nine children, Williams is still pioneering this effort, driving community members to meetings and doing community service for anyone she can.

Currently, children only get tested for lead if their parent or guardian asks for it, and the symptoms for lead poisoning are often mistaken for side effects of common illness, such as nausea, loss of appetite and headaches.

“Change starts at the individual level,” Robinson said. “To have community organizations with representatives that are members of those communities, those are the people who are going to make the change.”

For all her hard work over the past two years, Williams was recently recognized by receiving the West Michigan Environmental Action Council Woman of Hope award for her work with PFHH. Williams said she felt honored to receive the award, and hopes feel empowered to advocate for their children.

To get involved with Parents for Healthy Homes, visit their website, healthyhomescoalition.org/PFHH or call 616-241-3300.

The Naked Truth: Inside Clothing Optional Resorts BY MEGAN STUBBS

Sexologist Megan Stubbs gives us the skinny on taking a vacation of a different sort.

or some, the idea of public speaking is a terror inducing scenario; while for others, the thought of being naked in public strikes fear in their hearts as well. How interesting that we are often told to image our audience naked to put ourselves more at ease with the situation! What if we applied that same logic to a vacation at a clothing optional resort? Yes, it sounds terrifying, but when you’re with a group and everyone is doing it, it helps lessen the scare factor and creates sense of community. You might even like it! When I mention clothing optional resorts, people usually say one of two things: “Oh, I could NEVER do that! I don’t look good enough.” or “I couldn’t be naked 24/7 in front of strangers!” While those concerns are valid, they’re founded on fears that our society has indoctrinated us in. So you don’t look good enough, huh? I thought we were talking about vacation and not an advertising campaign! Marketing and beauty industry standards aside, you don’t have to look a certain way to be able to enjoy yourself at a clothing optional resort. Despite many of the images that advertise the resorts, you will find an amazing mix of people and bodies soaking up the sun. Trust me, I know: I did the field research at Hedonism in Jamaica. “Easygoing, open-minded and sociable guests are what makes it possible to create the liberating, judgementfree environment,” Kevin Levee, general manager, said. “Regardless of size, sexuality and relationship status, people know they can head here to pursue pleasure in a fun, safe and positive atmosphere.”

It’s also important to note that just because it is clothing optional, it doesn’t mean you have to be fully in the buff 24/7. The only time this is enforced is when you are on the nude side of whichever resort you’re at. Afterall, it wouldn’t be equitable to the rest of the guests if you suddenly rolled up clothed. “Clothing optional” means you have the chance to be as mild or as wild as you would like. People often cite that

a resort with all inclusive amenities and nudity is a recipe for disaster, but I strongly disagree; however, those who patronize these types of places are adults who understand consent and communication. Security and safety are of the utmost importance to the resort guests and staff. If you’re looking for a getaway that has your favorite amenities such as all you can eat, all you can drink, entertainment, daily activities, beaches and pools, yet unlike any other you’ve experienced before, consider visiting a clothing optional resort.

MEGAN’S TIP FOR A SMOOTH CLOTHING OPTIONAL VACATION — Research the theme nights while you’re staying there. Since you’re on vacation, join in on the party! Be sure to pack any fun outfits if you’d like. — Pack less! Skip the checked luggage and pack less clothing; you won’t need it. — Go nude! You came all this way and booked a stay at the property, at least try it once. You might like it. — Ask before you touch. Contrary to popular belief, just because the resort is clothing optional does NOT

mean it’s a sexual free for all. You are expected to act as you would at any other social gathering. — Meet people! Trust me, these are just regular people who are happy to make a human connection. You may even become new best friends. — Inquire about the camera policy. You’re on vacation, so it’s likely you will want to take photos. Check in with the resort about their guidelines on photography. It will likely be allowed except in the nude areas. Respect everyone’s privacy and be a good neighbor! — SUNSCREEN! It’s likely that you will be vacationing somewhere where the sun’s rays are quite strong. Protect your skin, especially the parts that don’t normally see sunshine; you know where I mean.

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Grand Rapids,MI 49508

Start your summer off right— Book your next event on the rooftop at CityVuˉ Events!

6 1 E a s t 7 t h s t r E E t, h o l l a n d, M I 4 9 4 2 3 / c i t y f l at s h ot e l . co m

How to Host a Sensational S

Summer Soirée

ummer is a time for entertaining! Whether you’re hosting a graduation party, a birthday party or a “just because” party, there are four things to consider as you prepare: seating, food placement, entertainment and mood. Each is just as important as the next, and getting it set up just right will make the whole event run smoothly.

Seating

Arrange comfortable seating in a way that encourages conversation. Consider creating a few dining areas and spaces for casual conversation. Get creative with your eating spots! If you don’t already have outdoor furniture, use two sawhorses and an old door as a table with a pretty tablecloth and cut flowers from your garden or local flower shop. If you have a deck, clamp a 10-inch or deeper piece of wood to your railing, haul your barstools outdoors and voila! You have an outdoor bar! Create another seating area around a fire pit with lawn chairs for after dinner festivities.

BY KELSEY MCCRACKEN

This is a great place to use a bar cart if you have one; set it up by the fire as a s’mores station with all the fixings so your guests can help themselves to a treat.

Stations

Avoid a traffic jam during dinner by separating the food and drink stations. This encourages your guests to move about the yard and join in on new conversations. If you need extra places to set food, bring out a console or sofa table. These are generally a perfect height for creating a drink station outfitted with glasses, mixers, cute napkins and an ice bucket!

Entertainment

Keeping your guests entertained is essential when hosting a gathering. Spread activities throughout the backyard, such as outdoor games, a selfie station and a bonfire.

People will stay longer and have a better experience if they have something fun to fill their time. Plus, it will help the people in your life connect and form friendships as they have fun together!

Mood

The final aspect of hosting a party this summer is setting the right mood for your event. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including lighting and tablescapes. Hang dazzling string lights over dining and seating areas to create ambiance. String paper lanterns and tea lights in jars from tree branches or group candles on tables to create a seating area suitable intimate conversation. Kelsey graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a BFA Interior Design. She has a passion for historical home preservation and mixing multiple colors and textures in the spaces she designs for her clients.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Share the Swiss with this hardwood swivelstyle Circo Cheese Board by Picnic Time. This durable chopping board holds four cheese tools inside, including a hard cheese knife, a cheese shaver and a cheese spreader, and features a recessed moat along the board’s edge to catch cheese brine or liquids. $24.99 at The Cheese Lady, 315 Fuller Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Thecheeselady.net.

Exercise Elixir

Relieve muscle aches and pains with the Zheng Gu Shui pain relief liquid. By rubbing or spraying a small amount to injuries after activities or accidents, essential healing herbal ingredients soak into the skin, promoting blood circulation to disperse blood stasis and relaxing tendons and muscles to alleviate discomfort. This miracle blend also works wonders when sprinkled in a warm bath. $7 at Mercy Health Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit, 300 Lafayette Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Mercyhealth.com/medical-services/ integrative-medicine.

Whereʼs the Cheese?!

At your favorite meat market, or course! Farm Country Cheeses are delicious to enjoy at home or to wrap up with your favorite crackers and a bottle of wine as a memorable hostess gift. Made in Michigan, the offerings include Dill, Natural Smoke Cheddar, and Medium Yellow Cheddar. Available for $4.99 each at Byron Center Meats, 8375 Freeland Avenue in Byron Center. byroncenter meats.com.

A Patriotic Place Setting

Celebrate the Fourth of July with this red, white and blue dining set. Each piece is 100 percent Melamine, making them less likely to crack or chip, dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Plus, they’re made in the U.S.A. – talk about festive! Available individually. Starting at $6.59 at Rylees ACE Hardware, 1234 Michigan St. NE in Grand Rapids. Ryleesace.com

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

820 Monroe Ave NW #140 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ﬁdoandstitch.com (616) 288-7992 Mon- Thurs 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 12pm- 4pm

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

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Tour Includes: • Transportation via deluxe highway motorcoach • Two meals included: Countryside’s Breakfast to Go Bag and Dinner • A spectacular presentation and guided “Devil in the White City” tour • Enjoy a cruise along the Chicago River featuring Chicago’s unique architecture and history • Dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants • Tax and tips for all inclusions (driver’s tip appreciated) • Services of a Countryside Tour Director Call today to request a detailed brochure, or visit our website!

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Adam Nash Helping Teens and Parents Thrive MA, LLPC

Nicole Vega Therapy and Health Coaching for Women LMSW, CHC

Paul Krauss Counseling, EMDR Therapy, & Solutions MA, LPC

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HealthForLifegr.com • (616) 200-4433 • 781 Kenmoor Ave SE C Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Shop Smart

Shop Local Wine not?

Bagged wine just got a lot more fashionable with this Party Pouch tote by PortaVino City. Designed with a secret, insulated compartment that holds a removable 1.5-liter reservoir, you can bring the party anywhere, anytime. Simply pour your wine or beverage of choice into the bag’s main compartment and reseal. The tote’s exterior flap conceals the pouring spout until you’re ready to sip. $54.95 at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, 3142 4 Mile Rd NE in Grand Rapids. Robinettes.com

Eating Out of the Palm of a Hand

Show some love for the Mitten with these whimsical Michigan plates. Featuring colorful illustrations and rich colors, these dishes pay homage to all of our lakes and cities. Add it to your kitchen collection or give it away as a unique gift to your favorite Michigander. $29 at Parooz, 6504 28th St SE in Grand Rapids. Shopparooz.com.

In Sickness and in Sports

Commitment carries over into active lifestyles with these silicone rings by Qalo. Featuring a simple, clean-cut design, these durable and flexible bands can be custom-sized for a perfect fit and serve as a safe alternative to your everyday wedding band. Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and cuts. $24.95 for the gray men’s ring and $19.99 for the pink women’s ring at Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 East Paris Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Billandpauls.com.

A Shoe with Sole

Summer adventures are no match for these stylish sneaker bottom Ellen-L sandals by MIA. These breezy athletic-inspired kicks feature a clear lucite strap, an adjustable ankle closure and an ultra padded sole for maximum comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear. $59 at LA Miller, 65 E Bridge St NE in Rockford. Lamillerboutique.com

Shop Smart

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

JulyEvents Mondays

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

Jazz in the Park. Pack a picnic, a blanket and even your dancing shoes for West Michigan Jazz Society’s free outdoor concert series where talented jazz musicians and ensembles deliver toe-tapping performances with the beautiful Grand River serving as a backdrop. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. Full schedule at wmichjazz.org. Open Bike Night. Cyclists are invited to an evening ride followed by fun and food at the brewery. Challenge yourself by joining the training group or unwind by rolling with the leisure group. Cedar Springs Brewing Company. 6:30-9:30 pm. Updates on event’s Facebook page. Csbrew.com.

Tuesdays

Tuesday Evening Music Club. Summer serenades with concerts performed by talented local and regional artists, surrounded by the outdoor beauty of the amphitheater. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Full line-up at meijergardens.org.

Wednesdays

Wednesdays & Saturdays

Holland Farmers Market. Fill your fridge and pantry with fresh finds at the Holland’s farmers market featuring over 50 vendors selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, breads, homemade goods and more. Eighth Street Market Place. 8 am-3 pm. Find weekly market features at hollandfarmersmarket.com.

Do you have an event the community needs to know about? Submit your event to events@womenslifestyle.com

Thursdays

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts. Pair music with your lunch hour by heading to the heart of Downtown GR and enjoying a live performance by a local band, and grab an afternoon bite at one of the several food trucks onsite during the concerts. Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org Street Performances in Downtown Holland. Street performers, selected by the city of Holland to bring the best, add live entertainment to Holland’s 8th Street strip as they perform their dynamic talents for passersby. 8th Street Downtown Holland. 6:30-8:30 pm. downtownholland.com Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts. Amp up your night with a free outdoor concert in front of the Flat River in Lowell, featuring talented performers who specialize in genres across the musical board, good eats and a cash bar. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org. Code Camp: Build a Business with Junior Achievement. Times and

locations vary Want to learn to build your own app? Come join Junior

Fridays

Holland Summer Concert Series. Bring your chairs, a picnic dinner and dancing shoes for a free concert in the great outdoors performed by a line-up of talented, local musicians. Kollen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. downtownholland.com

Saturdays

Ruff Runners GR running group. You and your energetic dog are invited to frolik and socialize with others at this special running group designed for humans and their canine companions. Meet outside Fido & Stitch. 9 am. Updates on event’s Facebook page. Fidoandstitch.com 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. This is a self-guided, drop-in event. Main Branch. 10 am. grpl.org

James Sofranko, Artistic Director

50% off Nutcracker

tickets July 16-29

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Valid on Price Levels 2 and 3 Orchestra only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Quantities limited. Discount applies to every two tickets purchased online only. See website for details.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

940 Monroe Ave Ave NW, Suite G153 | 616.913.9123

monroenorthfitness.com | grandrapidschallengecenter@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIPS CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY AT KOLLEN PARK ON LAKE MACATAWA.

Ongoing

Be the Astronaut exhibit. Visitors are put in the boots of an astronaut and take command of futuristic space vehicles to explore the universe through the interactive exhibit that merges tangible displays with video game technology. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am. Exhibit runs until Sep. 16. grpm.org Mirror Variations: The Art of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian. See sculptures and drawings that fuse Persian patterns influenced by mathematics with geometric abstract art. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Exhibit runs until August 26. Hours at artmuseumgr.org. Transitions: New Photography from Bangladesh. This exhibit captures the modern land of Bangladesh’s landscape with its addition of developments while showcasing the spectrum of economic classes inhabiting the areas. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Exhibit runs until August 26. Gallery hours uica.org. Intersections exhibit. Anila Quayyum’s ArtPrize 6 winner returns to GRAM to immerse visitors in the lighting effects of a laser-cut cube. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Exhibit runs until August 26. Hours at artmuseumgr.org. Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence exhibit. Featuring works by the wellknown sculptor, this exhibit captures Koorida’s compelling repertoire in both sculpture and drawings. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Exhibit runs until August 19. meijergardens.org Zoo in You exhibit. Explore the world of trillions of microbes that live within the human body through interactive and engaging exhibits. Grand Rapids Public Museum. Exhibit runs until Sep. 2. Hours at grpm.org

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Grand Valley State Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance invites you to the 24th Annual Cook Carillon Concert Series. Cook Carillon Tower GVSU Allendale Campus 1 Campus Dr., 1300 Hass Center for Performing Arts, Allendale, MI 49401. experiencegr.com

July 3

Volunteer Education session. Those interested in becoming a volunteer tutor are invited to a free information session that teaches attendees more about the center’s programs. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org Beer Run. Get into the running game the Beer City way by joining runners of all levels on a 3-5-mile course in the hosting neighborhood followed by beer, snacks, door prizes and fun with the people of the GR Marathon. Fulton Street Pub & Grill. 6:30 pm. Full schedule at grandrapidsmarathon.com.

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July 4

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July 4 Celebration Freedom. Celebrate Independence Day near the lakeshore with kids games, vendors, patriotic music, live martial arts demonstrations and more all culminating into a fantastic firework show over Lake Macatawa. Kollen Park. 1-11 pm (fireworks at 10:30 pm). holland.org

July 5

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Phillip-Michael Scales (blues/pop). Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts presents Big Band Nouveau. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org.

July 5 & 19

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

Unlimited Weights, Cardio & Classes (Classes may include: zumba!, total body, yoga, kickboxing, etc.) *One-time $59.95 processing fee applies

We have a personal trainer to help you meet your individual goals! All new members may have an FKA Assessment.

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

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

July 6

First Fridays Gallery Hop. Avenue for the Arts welcomes you to a night of gallery going as artwork and handmade goods by local artists take over gallery and building spaces along the corridor. Exclusive food and drink

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

specials, offered by local businesses, make for an exciting evening of culture and libations. South Division. 6-9 pm. avenueforthearts.com

Grand Rapids Fireworks presented by Amway. Ah-Nab-Awen Park 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Free. experiencegr.com.

Kesha concert. Van Andel Arena. 7 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.

July 8

Movies on Monroe: Major Payne and Saving Private Ryan. Enjoy an outdoor screening of a blockbuster movie on GR’s giant movie screen in its new location. Attendees are permitted to bring their own snacks and beverages (alcohol restricted to beer and wine only). North Monroe Parking Lot (across from SpeakEZ). 6:30 pm (movies begin at 7:30 pm). Full line-up at downtowngr.org.

July 7

Wine and Cheese Event – Italian Taliano Winery Piedmonte. The Cheese Lady of Rochester. 302 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307 United States. 11:30 am - 12:00 pm. $20. thecheeselady.net Grand Rapids Public Museum: Front Row for the Fireworks. Guests can explore all three floors of the Museum, ride the 1928 Spillman Carousel, see a planetarium show, hear patriotic melodies from the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and interact with favorite historical characters. 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm. Tickets for Members: $10. Non Members: $15. grpm.org.

The Vintage Street Market. Enjoy shopping through vintage clothes, jewelry and trinkets among the market vendors. The Downtown Market. 10 am-4 pm. vintagestreetmarket.com Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Huey Lewis and the News. The finest national and international musicians are brought to the Gardens’ beautiful, outdoor amphitheater to thrill music-lovers of all genres with glorious performances. Food and drink concessions available at venue. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Line-up, schedule and tickets at meijergardens.org.

July 9

Jazz in the Park presents Paul Keller Sundown Quintet. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. wmichjazz.org Location, Location, Location exhibit. View the works submitted by artists depicting urban, suburban and rural environments through multiple mediums and dimensions. LowellArts. 10 am-5 pm. Lowellartsmi.org

July 9-23

Pajama Time! Get cozy in your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed

animal or blanket, and come to the library for a special bedtime event. Listen to stories, sing songs, and get those wiggles out before bed. Great for working parents! 6:30 pm Main Library. grpl.org.

Based on the Philip K. Dick novel by the same name. Tickets are $3 with valid GRPL library card. Use code GRPL2018 to purchase tickets online. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm grpl.org.

Read Like a Rock Star Greatest Hits Magic Show. Be amazed by this high energy, interactive magic show! Magician Jeff performs grand illusion tricks to make you ooh and aah and inspire you to read like a rock star. June 10, 10:30 am (Main Branch), 2 pm (West Leonard Branch). July 11, 10:30 am (Seymour Branch), 3:00 pm (Yankee Clipper Branch), 6 pm (Main Branch).

July 10 & 11

July 10

Tuesday Evening Music Club presents The Kathy Lamar & Robin Connell Band and Soul Syndicate. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Full line-up at meijergardens.org.

July 11-25

97 LAV Summertime Blues Concert Series. Some of GR’s favorite blues artists return for another season of the annual free concert series, taking place on the Preferred Credit Union Stage. DeltaPlex. 6 pm. Deltaplex.com Grand Rapids Downtown Market: Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi. Tuesday, 2018 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. $75. downtownmarketgr.com GR Reads: The Movies - Minority Report. Washington, D.C. has been murder free thanks to astounding technology which identifies killers before they commit their crimes.

Baby Time. Parents and caregivers are invited to introduce their babies, birth through 18 months, to music, movement, and language in these 30-minute classes designed just for their specific developmental stages. Yankee Clipper Branch. 11 am. grpl.org Summer Storytimes for Families. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children up to 5 years old to this exciting class featuring literacy rich activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. 11am West Leonard Branch grpl.org.

(Continued on page 53)

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Kent District Library presents:

SuperPartyWonderDay August 5 | 2-7 PM | FREE Admission | Family-Friendly The Meadows @ Millennium Park superpartywonderday.com Rib cook-off contest plus craft brews on tap

Mark Lavengood

The Moxie Strings

Plus three winners of the KDaLe Home Brewing Competition

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Beaubien Bodyworks Holistic Massage, Skincare, Haircare

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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.

Venice, Italy

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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

Second Dance 321 Division Ave. SE (616) 240-7938 Hours: T, Th 12-7, WF 11-6 Sat 10-5 Specializing in upscale formalwear, find bridal, bridesmaid, mother of, school dance dresses such as prom and homecoming, and formal accessories. seconddancegr.com 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. We accept all seasons any time. No appointment necessary. styleencoregrandrapids.com

$40/per person* - includes materials + design to take home! Classes at 10 am

SUMMER CITRUS: Work with

LOCAL LOVE: Work with flowers

seasonal flowers in delicious citrus

grown right here in the mitten!

tones.

TROPICAL TAKEOVER: Design with fresh, tropical statement flowers.

BRUNCH + DESIGN: Enjoy a delicious

CENTERED ON CENTERPIECES:

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

Create a fruitful piece to grace your table this year.

KEEP IT OUTSIDE: Make your own

brunch as you design with seasonal

outdoor pot for all your neighbors to

flowers. Mimosas included!

see.

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

Allendale 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

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

Ada Georgie’s Consignment Clothing 7504 Thornapple River Drive (616) 676-1869 Hours: TWF 10-6, Th 10-8, Sat 10-4 Accepting everything from Gap to Gucci and you get 50% instead of only 40%. No appointment necessary. georgiesconsignment.com Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Let Loose for Free Verse: An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry BY RICHELLE KIMBLE

group of Grand Rapids’ growing community of spoken word performers is taking center stage at The Knickerbocker on July 31. The event showcases Rachel Gleason, features Kyd Kane, who’s spoken word exhibit was a top ten finalist in 2017 ArtPrize, and special guests Michaelyn Mankle, Gabrielle Sorge, and KFG. Although the art of spoken word has existed for centuries across the world, the rise of performance poetry grew in the U.S. with the assistance of notable poets of the 20th century such as Vachel Lindsay, Robert Frost and Robert Pinsky. Now in 21st century Grand Rapids, artists share spoken word at open mic nights, ArtPrize, professional performances, community events and more. Rachel Gleason, the Spoken Word Showcase performer and a Grand Rapids-based poet, performer, singer/ songwriter, and LGBTQ activist, feels that performance poetry plays a role in unifying community members and artists by “providing a platform for people to share their truth and be heard, and for people to listen and understand someone else’s truth.” Gleason has been writing and performing spoken word for seven years. For her, combining her favorite art forms and sharing her story while experiencing an immediate, genuine rouse from a live audience encourages

Destination:

her to continue creating and performing. “My personal mission as an artist is to inspire and empower others by displaying strength through vulnerability, and spoken word is often known for its raw honesty in that regard,” Gleason said. “A well crafted poem takes you on a journey not only through image-driven language and unique metaphors, but through the emotion of performance as well.” Lend an ear, bring your vulnerability, and be wooed by talented local artists’ vivid imagery and enthralling performance during an evening of spoken word at The Knickerbocker.

What: Rachel Gleason Spoken Word Showcase featuring Kyd Kane with special guests Michaelyn Mankle, Gabrielle Sorge, and KFG Where: New Holland Brewery,The Knickerbocker, 417 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids When: July 31, 8-10 p.m. Cost: Free

EAST HILLS GRAND RAPIDS

Celebrating our commitment to add exquisite layers of comfort to your life while reducing carcinogens in closets, communities & ecosystems, since 1996.

Thurs & Fri 10 - 7 Sat 10 - 5 141 Diamond SE GR Learn more @clothingmatters.net

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Women’s Consignment Boutique in East Hills. • Antropologie, Talbots, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Free People, Express, & More • Consignment Accepted: Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s

145 Diamond Ave Se | (616) 805-6848

Autumn IN New England ~ An UnbeLEAFable Fall Foliage Tour ~ October 10 - 18, 2018 (Wednedsay - Thursday)

This breathtaking foliage tour via deluxe motorcoach, takes us through a carnival of colors, as we travel through Canada, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Western New York! • Niagara Falls • Pulp Mill Bridge • Shelburne Museum & Farms • Village of Stowe • Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory • Morse Farm Sugarworks • Chutters Candy Store • Omni Mt. Washington Resort • Franconia Notch • Kancamagus Highway • Conway Rail • Kennebunkport’s Dock Square • Nubble Light • Boothbay Harbor • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens • Strawbery Banke Museum • Portsmouth’s Harbor District • Lincoln Family Home ... and SO MUCH MORE!

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Dance, Splash and Celebrate AT LOWELL’S ANNUAL

Riverwalk Festival

BY RICHELLE KIMBLE

enture to the quaint town of Lowell for a three-day festival of live entertainment, arts and crafts, outdoor markets, and river activities (including the renown rubber duck race!). Presented by the Lowell Chamber of Commerce, the 24th annual River Walk Festival celebrates the history and community of the city under sizzling sunshine or summer rain. All events and offerings are sponsored by local businesses and organizations and inspired by the ambiance of the historic features of Lowell. The city boasts one of the river’s five picturesque dams, which is a short walk from the center of the Riverwalk Festival. Strolling from the dam along the Flat River and through Historic Downtown Lowell, attendees can choose to sink into their lawn chair at the Riverwalk Stage for a live concert, bite into local grilling or the communal Riverwalk Pig Roast on Avery Street ($7 per plate), support local vendors, sip on a handcrafted cocktail, and pop into local restaurants and shops. Bring the youngsters to the crowd, too, to awe at street performers and cheer on the ducks floating for the win from the $1,500 State Farm Duck Raffle. If the Historic Pontoon Ride doesn’t satisfy your curious kiddos’ thirst for

knowledge, bring them to the used book sale behind the Englehardt Public Library. As a commencement to summer in Lowell, the River Walk Festival is a playful option for family and friends. Join the finale on Saturday by participating in the Riverwalk 5K, attending the Riverwalk Parade, and cozy up at the Kent County Fairgrounds under a blanket for the festival’s firework show presented by the Laurels of Kent. The Riverwalk Festival is the perfect event to kick off warm weather and seasonal community collaboration. Bring the kids, your megaphone, and dancing shoes for this all-inclusive, activity-packed weekend in the historical downtown of Lowell on the Flat River. To register for the Riverwalk 5K, participate in the kayak, SUP, or canoe race, and for a full schedule of events, go to riverwalkfestival.org.

What: Riverwalk Festival Where: Downtown Lowell When: July 12-13, 5-9 p.m., July 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Free

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

(continued from page 48) Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Watching for Foxes (folk/ rock). Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org Maranda’s Park Party: Holland. Join TV’s Maranda for an afternoon of great entertainment, attractions, games, community resources and family fun during this free community park party. Kollen Park. Noon-2 pm. Park Parties take place at different parks throughout the summer. Line-up at wotv4women.com. Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 6-7 pm. literacycenterwm.org Artist’s Reception for Kate Meyer. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 6-7 pm. fhfineartscenter.com How to Draw Wildlife. Take an in depth look at drawing wildlife with the Blandford staff as you examine still life animals to understand structure and use that knowledge to draw a picture of your pet. Blandford Nature Center. 6-7:30 pm. Register at blandfordnaturecenter.org. Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts presents The Soul Syndicate. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org. The Amazing Honey Bee. View live bees in an observation hiv and participate in a question and answer session with an experienced beekeeper and much more in a fun, fast paced presentation that is entertaining and educational. 3 pm Main Library. grpl.org.

July 12 & 13

D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops presents Classical Fireworks. Grab an all-viewing seat on the colossal ski hill and experience an amazing fireworks show choreographed to classical music performed by the GR Symphony. Cannonsburg Ski Hill. 8 pm. Tickets at grsymphony.org.

July 12-14

Riverwalk Festival. Visit Lowell for three days of family fun complete with parades, live music and entertainment, farmers markets, food, delicious drinks and a firework finale along the picturesque Riverwalk Plaza. Downtown Lowell. Noon-9 pm (Thu & Fri) and 8 am-10:45 pm (Sat). Schedule at riverwalkfestival.org.

July 12-26

Summer Storytimes for Families. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children up to 5 years old to this exciting class featuring literacy rich activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Thursdays 10:30 am (Seymour Branch) 11 am

(Yankee Clipper Branch) grpl.org

July 12-14, 18-22 & 25-28

Fun Home.Lesbian graphic novelist Alison shares the story of her recently passed father during this intense and moving play depicting how he played a vital part in her unique and sometimes secretive childhood. Circle Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at circletheatre.org.

10 Books & 28 Events

July 13

GROW Start Smart Business Readiness Course. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. growbusiness.org Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts Friday performance presents The Adams Family and Alive & Well. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org. Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Patti LaBelle. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org. Grand Rapids Downtown Market: Spanish Tapas Night. Friday, 2018 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. $95. downtownmarketgr.com.

July 13-15

Lavender Festival. The Cheese Lady of Rochester. 302 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307 United States. July 13, 10:00 am - July 15, 5:00 pm. thecheeselady.net.

July 14

July Events GR Reads: The Movies – Minority Report Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 8:00 pm Wealthy Theatre – 1130 Wealthy St SE

Lost to Time: 20 Detroiters You’ve Never Heard Of Tuesday, July 17, 2018, 6:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE

Sound Proof and the Music of Michael Jackson Thursday, July 19, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Billy’s Lounge – 1437 Wealthy St SE

Buenas Ondas: Runaway Poetry The Runaway Poetry Club performs their own spoken word poetry, rap, and other musical talents. Following the showcase, there will be a poetry competition for young poets ages 15 to 20. 1:00 pm. Main Library. grpl.com

Robotics Petting Zoo

July 15

Supermercado Tour

Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents The Temptations & The Four Tops. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6:30 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org. Daryl & John Oates and Train concert. The legendary duo and award-winning hit-makers perform together for the first time, bringing audience members a two-for one concert experience. Van Andel Arena. 7-11 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.

Saturday, July 21, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE

Michigan Native Plants in Your Home Landscape Tuesday, July 24, 2018, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Wednesday, July 25, 2018, 7:00 pm Rodriguez Supermarket – 1428 Grandville Ave

Surviving College Culture Shock Thursday, July 26, 2018, 7:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE To see more events and details, visit www.grpl.org/GRReads.

July 16

Jazz in the Park presents Ivan Akanslima. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. wmichjazz.org Circle Summer Concert Series presents Bringing Sexy Back: Male Musician Pop/Rock Icons. Rock out to hits from the legendary fellas who shook the stage back in the day. Circle Theatre. 7 pm. Tickets at circletheatre.org.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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July 17

12th-graders are invited to a free heart screening session including a blood pressure check, 12-lead EKG, physician exam and an echocardiogram if needed. Mercy Health (Hackley Campus). Schedule at mercyhealth.com/studentheart.

Lost to Time: 20 Detroiters You’ve Never Heard Of. Detroit Historical Society’s Joel Stone introduces attendees to the Who’s Who of Detroit’s 300-year history during this riveting lecture. Grand Rapids Public Library. 6:30-8 pm. grpl.org

Sustainability Series Grand Rapids: Composting 101. Learn tips and tricks about composting with GreenMichigan. org and WMEAC while enjoying a delicious Mitten brew. The Mitten Brewing Co. 6-8 pm. wmeac.org

Beer Run. Embark on a 3-5-mile community run followed by beer, snacks, door prizes and fun with the people of the GR Marathon. Curragh Irish Pub. 6:30 pm. Full schedule at grandrapidsmarathon.com.

Tuesday Evening Music Club presents The Eric Engblade Quartet and Wire in the Wood. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Full line-up at meijergardens.org.

July 17 & 18

Culture Kingdom Live with Culture Queen. With just a spoonful of magic and ancient wisdom, Culture Queen helps you discover your own royalty and connect with your culture through self-affirming songs, rich storytelling, and body-positive dance. July 17, 10:30 (Main Library), 2 pm (West Leonard Branch). July 18, 10:30 am (Seymour Branch), 3:00 pm (Yankee Clipper Branch), 6:30 (Main Library.) grpl.org

July 18

97LAV Summertime Blues Concert Series: PERFORMER. DeltaPlex. 6 pm. deltaplex.com Johnny Mathis concert. The legendary singer showcases his unique approach to pop music that eclipses passing fads and trends to reserve an immortal quality. DeVos Performance Hall. 7:30 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com. Shania Twain concert. Van Andel Arena. 8:30 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.

July 19

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Avalon Cutts-Jones (soul/jazz). Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org

Free Student Heart Screenings. Students entering 9th grade to

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

Maranda’s Park Party: Kentwood. Join TV’s Maranda for an afternoon in the park featuring activities, prizes and fun for the whole family. East Kentwood High School. Noon-2 pm. Park Party line-up at wotv4women.com. Yoga at GRAM. Stretch into Triangle pose and admire GRAM’s beautiful architecture surrounding this Vinyasastyle yoga class. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5:45-6:45 pm. artmuseumgr.org Kids Creative Art Class. Kids and parents are invited to make art in a new way using sticks, leaves and more of nature’s media. Blandford Nature Center. 6-7:30 pm. Register at blandfordnaturecenter.org. Beer Explorers: Dangers of Fruiting Beer. Experts from Perrin Brewing Company visit to teach participants about adjustments made to compensate for added sugar when brewing fruit beer, along with what can go wrong. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 6:30-8 pm. Tickets at grpm.org. Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts presents Jake Kershaw. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org. Jerry Seinfeld stand-up show. DeVos Performance Hall. 7 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

July 19 & 20

D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops presents 80s Rewind. Set yourself up on the ski hill and blast back in time with legendary hits from the early alternative pop and industrial rock bands on the scene including the Scorpions, U2, Billy Joel and more. Cannonsburg Ski Hill. 7:30 pm. Tickets at grsymphony.org. Peter Wege Auditorium presents: Piano Cottage Rocks 2018. Amp up your summer fun with the “must-go” family friendly concert for families before school is back in session. The Piano Cottage kids ages 8-16 hit the of stage to present “The Piano Cottage Rocks!” -an unforgettably good old fashioned, family-friendly summer rock and roll concert. 6:45pm. Wealthy Theatre 49506. Get your tickets at grcmc.org.

July 20

Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 2-3 pm. literacycenterwm.org Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Joe Jackson. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org. Movies on Monroe: West Side Story and Shape of Water. North Monroe Parking Lot. 6:30 pm (movies begin at 7:30 pm). Full line-up at downtowngr.org.

July 21

Grown Up Street Party and 21st Anniversary. GRCM invites adults to their 21st birthday party along Sheldon Avenue and inside the museum. Enjoy games, exhibits, food trucks and beer while partying with your fellow grownups and supporting the museum. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 6-10 pm. Tickets at grcm.org. Robotics Petting Zoo. Stop by to see robots perform complex and surprising tasks. FIRST robotics clubs from around West Michigan will present their robots, sharing their knowledge and offering insight into how the robots were designed and built. Great for the whole family. Main Branch. 2-4 pm. grpl.org.

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July 12-13

July 22

Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour comedy show. Van Andel Arena. 7-10 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com

July 23

Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Dispatch with Nahko and Medicine for the People. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 5:45 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org.

July 19-20

Jazz in the Park presents Michael Doyle-Evidence. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. Wmichjazz.org LowellArts! Tint Your Vision: Handcoloring Photographs. Learn to alter a black and white photo using colored pencils, chalk and pastels to tint and color. 6:00pm-9:00pm. $45 ($42 for LowellArts Members) Register at lowellartsmi.org. July 24 Michigan Native Plants in Your Home Landscape. Learn the tricks and trade of transforming your landscape into a haven of native Michigan plants. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org Tuesday Evening Music Club presents Valley Girl and The Hacky Turtles. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Full line-up at meijergardens.org. Yani 2018. Known for his breathtaking instrumental shows around the world, Yani stops in GR as part of his Live at the Acropolis 25th Anniversary tour. DeVos Performance Hall. 7:30 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.

July 26-27

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(continued on page 57)

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Heal Your Pelvic Pain With a Holistic Approach BY DR. CRYSTAL FRAZEE, PT, C-HWC, C-IAYT

ixty percent of women deal with pelvic pain at some point in their lives, and the reasons are multifaceted: The female pelvic floor can be affected by hormones, medications, childbirth, disease, infections, trauma, pelvic surgeries and musculoskeletal injuries such as falls. Regardless of the reason that the pain develops, research shows that the pelvic floor muscles are almost always a cause or contributing factor. There are effective options for addressing pelvic pain and restoring sexual, physical and emotional health as a result. You deserve to feel radiant, healthy, and whole! Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way.

Recognize the Symptoms

When you are receiving treatment or doing stretches, be very conscious of emotional and physical sensations. Keep your breathing slow, “low” (diaphragmatic breathing) and steady. When a sensation arises, be curious about it and allow it to be. When you give space to your entire physical and emotional experience, you optimize your healing and relief.

The most common pelvic complaints are related to bladder/bowel function, pain with intercourse or discomfort with basic daily activities like sitting and bending over. The pain is typically felt in the lower back, hips, groin, tailbone, sacroiliac joints or inside the vagina or anus. Sometimes pelvic issues can even contribute to constipation, abdominal discomfort and difficulty exercising.

Another way to practice mind-body healing is to manage your thoughts. Anxious thinking can keep your nervous system revved up and elevate pain levels. Recognize your worrisome thoughts and give them a label. “Fear” or “anxiety” are simple labels you can use that redirect your focus to the present moment, diffusing the mental loop that contributes to ongoing pain.

These issues are common, but never normal. Bring awareness to any discomfort you’ve been having and decide if you may be dealing with a pelvic-health related issue.

A skilled PT will encourage you to do mindbody practices and create a safe environment for you to notice and share what you are experiencing as you undergo treatments.

Get Physical Therapy First

Build a Team

A physical therapist is a great go-to expert to assess for musculoskeletal imbalances that may be causing your pain. Think of your physical therapist as your body’s BFF. They dial into how your posture, breathing pattern, muscle strength, mobility, coordination and lifestyle all relate to the issue your body is having. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment; a good PT will compassionately design a customized plan to deliver efficient results based on your personal goals.

Take a Mind-Body Approach

Healing pelvic pain is just as much about the emotions that arise as it is about the physical tissues involved. It’s not uncommon to have anxiety and fear about getting pregnant or staying intimate with your partner when you’re living with persistent pain.

Your mind, body and emotions are inextricably linked: for example, emotions can trigger body tension, so a mind-body approach that helps you bring awareness to these emotions can ease the pelvic muscle tension and relieve pain.

If you aren’t seeing relief within a few months of physical therapy, it’s time to expand the team by including your gynecologist and other specialists to rule out other possibilities. Some conditions, like endometriosis, have the best outcome with a comprehensive team that may even include a counselor to help you navigate the emotional challenges. Living with pelvic pain can feel frustrating and isolating at times, but it’s important to know you are not alone! Partner with a women’s health PT, integrate mind-body healing practices and expand the team if you need to. You can absolutely ease your pain and feel confident about your body again!

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

(continued from page 55)

D&W FRESH MARKET PICNIC POPS PRESENTS BEETHOVEN VS. COLDPLAY ON JULY 26 AND 27.

July 26

Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Desmond Jones (rock/funk). Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org Maranda’s Park Party: Kalamazoo. Join TV’s Maranda for an afternoon in the park featuring activities, prizes and fun for the whole family. Bronson Park. Noon-2 pm. Park Party line-up at wotv4women.com. Landscape Painting. Learn how to draw stunning landscapes during this outdoor drawing class led by one of Blandford’s creative staff members. Blandford Nature Center. 6-7:30 pm. Register at blandfordnaturecenter.org.

July 24, 10:30 am (Main Librar), 2 pm (West Leonard Branch) July 25, 10:30 am (Seymour Branch), 3 pm (Yankee Clipper Branch), 6:30 pm (Main Library) grpl.org

July 25

Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org

97LAV Summertime Blues Concert Series: PERFORMER. DeltaPlex. 6 pm. deltaplex.com Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Jason Mraz with Brett Dennen. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6:30 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org. Live Music at Wheelhouse: Fauxgrass. Reap the benefits the local restaurant’s Wine & Dine Wednesday special while enjoying live bluegrass music by Fauxgrass.

Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails. 6-9 pm. wheelhousegrandrapids.com Supermercado Tour. Join the library staff for a tour of the award-winning market and learn how to use authentic Mexican ingredients in your next meal. Rodriguez Supermarket. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org Downtown Market: Kids at the Market - Critter Barn. Wednesday, 2018 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Free. downtownmarketgr.com

Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concertspresents The Bootstrap Boys. Riverwalk Plaza. 7-9 pm. Full line-up at discoverlowell.org. Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents The Beach Boys. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org. Surviving College Culture Shock. This panel is a part of T2C Studio’s College Bootcamp Event, At the event, students will be able to meet with universityrepresentatives and network with other students attending local colleges, all while learning practical skills that will help them be successful. College Bootcamp will run from Main Library, 5:30-8 pm. grpl.org

EASY GOING Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

FlyFord.org 57

We Take Care of People by Making Car Care Easy.

Meg, Jo and Amy as they navigate through womanhood romance and virtue. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grct.org.

July 26 & 27

D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops presents Beethoven vs. Coldplay. Conductor, composer, arranger and producer Steve Hackman delivers a symphonic mash-up featuring Beethoven’s Eroica and songs by Coldplay. Cannonsburg Ski Hill. 7:30 pm. Tickets at grsymphony.org.

July 29

Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents Air Supply. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org.

July 27-August 4

School of Rock (SRTI Youth Musical). Rock out in this theatrical adaptation of the movie where hopes-to-be rockstar, Dewy Finn, makes a band with the students in his substitute class to compete in the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grct.org.

July 28

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

July 30 Jazz in the Park presents John Proulx Trio. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 6:30-8:30 pm. wmichjazz.org

July 31

Tuesday Evening Music Club presents Lipstick Jodi and Hollywood Makeout. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Full line-up at meijergardens.org.

July 31 & August 1

Bubbleman Ron. Bubbleman Ron uses an ordinary soap bubble solution to create square bubbles, merry-go-round bubbles,bubbles inside of bubbles inside of bubbles, tornado bubbles, and much more! Join us for this entertaining blend of science and fun! 10:30 (Main Library), 2 pm (West Leonard Branch). July 18, 10:30 am (Seymour Branch), 3:00 pm (Yankee Clipper Branch), 6:30 (Main Library.) grpl.org

Urban Gardening Workshop: Kids in the Garden. Bring the kids to experience the joy of gardening and being outside together. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 11 am-12:30 pm. Register at grpm.org.

July 28-August 5

Little Women (SRTI Youth Musical). This play, based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, shows the journeys of URBAN GARDENING WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE AT THE GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM ON JULY 28.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • July 2018

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

Support Locally Owned Business

Food, Beverages & Restaurants

Shopping & Retail

n Art of the Table n Better Way Imports n Aperitivo n Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus n Beltline Bar n Clothing Matters n Bistro Bella Vita n Family Sewing n Boba Bliss n Frames Unlimited n Brewery Vivant n Gazelle Sports n Byron Center Meats n Holland Furniture n Daddy Pete’s BBQ, LLC n Iris Boutique n Erb Thai n Nawara Brothers Home Store n Essence Group n Rylee’s Ace Hardware n Ferris Coffee & Nut n Spirit Dreams n Field & Fire n Stonesthrow n Grand Central Market n Switchback Gear Exchange n Grand Rapids Brewing Company n The Shade Shop n Grand Rapids n Two Dutch Hens Cheesecake Company n Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery Pet Products & Services n Grove n Chow Hound Pet Supplies n HopCat n Fido & Stitch n Malamiah Juice Bar n Matchbox Home Products & Services n Nutcase Vegan Meats n 616 Lofts n Old World Olive Press n A-1 Locksmith n One Trick Pony n EPS Security n Ottawa Beach Inn n Gerrit’s Appliance n Patty Matters n Gordon Water n Railside Golf Club n HBA of Greater Grand Rapids n Reserve Wine & Food n Morris Builders n Rockwell / Republic n Standale Interiors n Stella’s Lounge n Tazzia Lawn Care n The B.O.B. n Verhey Carpets n The Cheese Lady n William’s Kitchen + Bath n The Cottage Bar n Terra GR n Twisted Rooster Automotive n The Green Well n CARSTAR Collision Centers n The Waldron Public House n Community Automotive Repair n Wheelhouse n Harvey Automotive, Cadillac, Lexus, Auto Outlet n Pfeiffer Lincoln

Business Services

n Clark Communications n CompuCraft Technology Services n Danielle Rowland, State Farm n Innereactive n Local First n The Image Shoppe n Women’s LifeStyle

Floral & Garden

n Ball Park Floral & Gifts n Eastern Floral n Fruit Basket Flowerland n Romence Gardens

Travel & Lodging n Breton Travel n City Flats Hotel n Countryside Tours n Witte Travel

Community Organizations

n Grand Rapids Community Media Center (GRCMC) n Grand Rapids Public Library n Grand Rapids Public Schools n Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) n Slow Food West Michigan n The Rapid n The Rapidian n West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC)

Health, Beauty & Wellness n Design 1 Salon Spa n Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness n Grand Rapids Natural Health n Grand Rapids Wellness n Grand Ridge Orthodontics n Harvest Health Foods n Manic Muse Salon n Renew Mama Studio n The Hairport n The Village Doula GR

Financial & Legal

n Adventure Credit Union n United Bank

Arts & Events

n ArtPrize n Celebration Cinema n Community Circle Theatre n Grand Rapids Art Museum n Grand Rapids Civic Theatre n Grand Rapids Public Museum n GRandJazzFest n GRTV n LaFontsee Galleries n LowellArts n River City Improv n Sanctuary Folk Arts n Showspan n Triumph Music Academy n UICA n Wealthy Theatre n West Michigan Whitecaps n WYCE 88.1 FM

Every time you spend money at locally owned businesses, you’re casting a vote for the type of community you desire.

Local First •345 Fuller Avenue NE • GR, MI 49503 • (616) 808-3788 • www.localfirst.com