Women's Lifestyle Magazine, June 2019, Join In!

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Grand Rapids|Holland|Grand Haven

JUNE 2019

Join In! The Sisterhood of WOMEN 4 DÉGAGÉ We Are LIT Pops Up with Diverse Reads FOOD PREP 101: Filipino Cuisine

Maranda CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PARK PARTIES

The Museum Store | 101 Monroe Center | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616.831.2920

Art Books and Modern Designs for the Home Maya Lin: Flow opens May 18

Cowboy Coffee Pot, Umbra Cups & Coasters, Sagaform Books top to bottom: Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands Maya Lin, Artist of Light and Lines RAD American Women A-Z

Contents

June 2019 Edition #255

womenslifestyle.com PUBLISHER Two Eagles Marcus ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Roxanne O’Neil

PHOTO BY DAVID SPECHT

PHOTO BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

24 Maranda Celebrates 25 Years of Park Parties 27 We Are LIT Brings Multicultural Awareness Through Literature

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Carole Valade EDITOR Elyse Wild editor@womenslifestyle.com

22

Filipino 101: An Entry-Level Guide to Filipino Cuisine

ART DIRECTOR Kelly Nugent

14 Ask the Doctor: Menopause Hormones and Life Choices

27 We Are Lit Brings Multicultural Awareness Through Literature

39

Grand Rapids Pride Center Creates Belonging PHOTO BY ELYSE WILD

16 Oh, Make Me Over!

LIFE AND STYLE 18 A Grand Entrance: Creating Your Perfect Entryway

FOOD AND DINING 21 Keep Cool On The Grill: Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Grilled Steak Salad with Chive Yogurt Dressing 22 Filipino101: An Entry-Level Guide to Filipino Cuisine

16 Oh, Make Me Over!

LEARN & DO PHOTO BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

EMAIL info@womenslifestyle.com

19 Reader’s Lounge 20 Her Legacy: Roberta Griffith

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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

34 June Events

33 21 Mary Johnson Helps Important Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

People Succeed

ABOUT THE COVER

Maranda photographed by Two Eagles Marcus Maranda is a West Michigan icon. She has impacted thousands of lives in our community with her Park Parties series, which kicks off 25 years this month. Read more on page 24.

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8 Ten Ways to Join in June

10 The Art of Holding Space

CALL (616) 458-2121

To extend an uplifting, inclusive and vibrant invitation to enjoy life, every day, in our community.

33 Mary Johnson Helps Important People Succeed

PHOTOGRAPHY David Specht Elyse Wild Eric Zuniga Mai Thao Two Eagles Marcus

IN MEMORIAM Victoria Ann Upton Founder 1955 - 2018

30 Sisterhood: Women 4 Dégagé Lifts Up Women in Need

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Arnold Elyse Wild Kayla Sosa Moya Tobey Samantha Suarez

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terrie Lynema sales@womenslifestyle.com (616) 951-5422

29 Bethlehem Intergenerational Center Brings Together the Young and Old

PHOTO BY ELYSE WILD

PRODUCTION DESIGNER Larissa Espinosa

COLUMNISTS Erick Gerson Kelsey Emmanuel Lori Marks Mai Thao Mark Dunham Peaches McCahill Shahad Alzaidan

FEATURES

37 Event Spotlight: Festival of The Arts Celebrates 50 Years 39 Event Spotlight: Grand Rapids Pride Center Creates Belonging 40 A Solo-Female Traveler’s Guide to Asia 41 Event Spotlight: GRAAHI Gala Raises Awareness and Funds for Health Equity 42 Face and Places Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

From the Editor

ONLINE ONLY CONTENT We have too much great content to fit it in all in the print edition every month.

Please visit womenslifestyle.com for exclusive online content featuring:

EDITOR ELYSE WILD WITH MARANDA. PHOTO BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

This month, our theme is “Join In,” and we bring you stories of people who are coming together to make our city one in which everyone may thrive.

Loving Day Ebony Road Players invites you to celebrate Loving Day.

Erica Byers Pelton Inspires After a near fatal gunshot wound, Pelton lives with tenacious positivity.

The Source Removes Barriers Meet the women behind The Source, a non-profi t employee support organization.

Kickin’ It Look inside the Grand Rapids FC, West Michigan’s minor league women’s soccer team.

The beaming smile on our cover belongs to the one-and-only Maranda. The colorful West Michigan icon is celebrating 25 years of spreading joy to the children of West Michigan through her signature Park Parties event. Turn to page 24 to read about how she went from a Cambridge graduate to television host synonymous with all things kids and family.

On page 27, meet Kendra McNeil, founder and CEO of We Are LIT, a multi-cultural pop-up bookstore that spreads equity through literature. We bring you into Bethlehem Intergenerational Center, a day care in which children and senior citizens spend their days together, playing, bonding and learning from each other (29). In “Mary Johnson Helps Important People Succeed,” learn about how one Grand Rapids woman has been aiding young girls in creating a foundation for health, happiness and success through a thoughtfully designed eight-week summer program (33). Read the story of Amanda, a courageous young woman who spent seven months of her recent pregnancy living at Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center and the women who rallied around her in her efforts to secure housing and build a life for her baby (30).

As you come to our events section, you will notice we did things a bit differently this month in honor of our theme: We expanded our event spotlights from half a page to a full page. We reflect on 50 years of Festival of the Arts while looking forward to 50 more (37); learn about the vital work of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, which is celebrating the 31st annual Pride Festival this month (39); reflect on the diverse beauty of Asia as we anticipate the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival (40); and come together in the name of health equity for the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Gala (41).

I hope these stories inspire you as much as they did me. I hope they encourage you to join in, for our community is at its best when we come together in support of one another.

Some of the best things in life are free! including

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine!

Happy Reading!

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

-Elyse Wild, Editor EE

FR

Grand Rapids|Holland|Grand Haven

APR 2019

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 255th edition. All content ©Women’s LifeStyle, Inc. 2019.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Read previous editions online at WomensLifeStyle.com.

YEARS LOCAL

MEG GOEBEL

WOMAN UP & CELEBRATE

OF CELEBRATING

WOMEN

Ten Ways to Feel Beautiful Physical Acceptance and Wellness

BEAUTIFUL

“I Started Wearing Makeup at Age 33”

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Spotlight on Community Initiatives

Join In

Sponsored by Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Free Mom Hugs Michigan

In a mission to spread love and advocate for the LGBTQ+ children of the world, a group of moms and allies created the national organization, Free Mom Hugs. This year, state chapters have begun popping up, and Michigan’s chapter will be at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival June 15. In addition to providing free hugs, the nonprofit also provides resources and volunteers at various organizations. Learn more on the group’s Facebook page, Free Mom Hugs Michigan.

Grand Rapids Red Project

The Grand Rapids Red Project works to improve health, reduce risk and prevent HIV. Volunteers are needed to help out with HIV and Hep C testing. Additional volunteers are needed for Clean Works, the Red Project’s harm reduction program. Volunteers will provide individuals with syringes, condoms, safer shot and safe sex supplies.

Volunteers will be trained on getting clients into the program and will learn lifesaving training with naloxone rescue kits. Learn more at redproject.org.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival

Volunteers for the Pride Festival have the option of working the front gate, beer tents, security and maintenance, survey distribution and breakdown. The festival is held yearly to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in Grand Rapids and not only provide a day of outdoor entertainment, but a variety of resources and connections for people if needed. Learn more and sign up at grpride.org.

Grand River Water Festival

This fun festival features dynamic music, activities and educational experiences to introduce attendees to environmental organizations and causes that are working for environmental preservation. Volunteers are needed to set up and tear down, run multiple booths, coordinate parking and oversee recycling and composting.

For more information, visit grandriverwaterfestival.org.

Festival of the Arts

This three-day festival of all-things-art wouldn’t be possible without the 20,000 volunteers who come together to make it happen. Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas, including children’s activities, the regional art exhibition, setting up, tearing down, stage crews, clean up, art sales, information booths, hospitality and more.

To sign up, visit festivalgr.org/volunteer

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

—Graci Harkema

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PHOTO BY CORINTHIA E. CROOM, ACTPHOTOMEDIA

UrbanGirlGR, an affinity group for women supporting and empowering other women, was founded by Katherine Lee Baker and Allison Rudi. Now over 600 dynamic women of varying ages, races, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds have embraced this safe, brave space that is welcoming, affirming, lively, honest, supportive, and intersectional. Various leading ladies host events in women-owned spaces, promoting women-led businesses, including Equal Pay Day, fireside chats, UrbanMamas with free childcare, and more - celebrating womanist goals of authenticity, equity, kindness, and mutual respect.

“UrbanGirlGR has proven to be an extension of family and the hub for so many new relationships for me. I wouldn’t trade these ladies for anything.”

— Corinthia Croom, Leading Lady and UrbanGirlGR Photographer

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

Graci Harkema, member of One Hundred New Philanthropists

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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10 Ways to Join in

1

JUNE

Commit to whole foods. Try the 30-day challenge with no sugar or processed foods.

The start of the summer is the perfect time to step up your self-care and take part in your community. Here are ten steps to help you get started.

BY PEACHES MCCAHILL

Talk to your loved ones about mental health.

2 Join a club.

4 7

5

6

Take part in an anti-bullying campaign.

Unplug. Put away your cell phone and disengage from electronics at least one hour before bedtime.

8

Take a stand. Find something you believe in and support it.

“Now join your hands and with your hands your hearts.”

— William Shakespeare Join a sports league.

9 8

3

Practice meditation.

Become an organ donor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keep up on current events and be invested in what is happening in the world.

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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 • June 2019

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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Health & Beauty

The Art of Holding Space

BY SHAHAD ALZAIDAN

A

s mindfulness practices become more integrated into everyday discourse, the phrase “holding space” has found its place in the spotlight. By taking a glimpse into what it means to hold space, we can begin to de-mystify this profound practice and discover practical ways to become a more effective space holder.

your life? By becoming aware of emotionally colonizing responses, we can shift our behavior and strengthen our abilities to hold space.

HOLDING SPACE SAFELY

The abstractness of this term makes it difficult to define clearly, but in essence, it is a practice that goes beyond simply listening to another person, to witnessing and validating their emotional state, while being mindful of our own. It is relinquishing judgement and control to walk alongside them openheartedly and compassionately, providing support without attempting to fix their problems or influence the outcome of their situation.

When space is held effectively, it creates room for comfort, peace, growth, self-exploration, and ultimately, collective healing.

When facing situations in which we desire to hold space for another person, that person is typically in an intense emotional state. Allowing that person to feel comfortable enough to share their story necessitates them feeling safe with us. Feeling safe allows them to set their defenses down and to show up fully, knowing that they are free to express their true emotions in a setting that is free from conflict and judgement. Therein lies one of the most difficult aspects of holding space — we often believe that in order to validate another person’s experience, we must agree with them. However, by paying attention to why the person is feeling the way they do, we can offer empathy and understanding, and ultimately, validation, regardless of our opinion. By reminding ourselves that the person simply needs to be seen, we can witness them without imposing our own perspectives.

EMOTIONAL COLONIZATION

SETTING EGO ASIDE

WHAT DOES “HOLDING SPACE” EVEN MEAN?

Effectively holding space requires us to go against many of our natural human tendencies. Heather Plett, an international speaker, writer, coach, and facilitator, and an expert on all things related to “holding space,” defines the opposite of holding space as “emotional colonization.” Emotional colonization can be obvious and extreme, as in instances of emotional abuse and violence, but it can also manifest in subtle and often subconscious ways. Those subtle behaviors are common to all humans, and it is in exploring these natural tendencies that we can grow to become more effective space holders. Some of these behaviors include placing expectations on the other person to view situations with our own perspectives, dismissing their stories with stories of our own, interrupting them, or invalidating their experience. The list of emotional colonizing behaviors is long but the common thread is that they place us at the center of the conversation, rather than the other person. Can you notice where these behaviors show up in

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Our own perspectives are often fueled by our egos.

Despite the negative reputation the term “ego” has, it is important to note that the ego itself is not inherently bad — it is simply a part of being human; however, emotionally colonizing behaviors are heavily rooted in the ego. The reality is, we never know how another person feels. Our ego might want us to believe that we do, but even if we went through the exact same situation at the exact same time, we are not the exact same person and thus will not feel exactly the same way. As well intentioned as, “I know exactly how you feel” may be, it exchanges the focus to you and your experience, rather than holding that space for the other person.

Being a space holder for another person can often also bring up our own pain. If this happens, recognize that you are walking alongside them as they express their pain, rather than making it your own. Humbly witness what they are telling you, and hold that space for them

without expectation or any desire of influencing the outcome. If given the opportunity by the recipient to offer guidance, do so gently, with humility and compassion. Fixing their problems ourselves, shaming them, or overwhelming them with our own thoughts of what they should do and when they should do it will not serve their healing or growth. Rather, we empower others by holding that sacred space for them.

RESPECTING THE SILENCE The magic of holding space occurs in the quiet moments.

If we can become intentional, active listeners, rather than responders, we can place ourselves in some of the most deeply intimate human experiences. Holding space is greatly complex and cannot be encompassed within the confines of a page, but being held can provide tremendous growth and healing well worth the effort of delving into this practice.

“If we can become intentional, active listeners, rather than responders, we can place ourselves in some of the most deeply intimate human experiences.

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

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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Ask the Doctor: Menopause, Hormones and Life Choices

BY STEVE LASATER, M.D. Dr. Lasater, One of my close friends, age 50, stopped having her monthly periods last year. She’s having awful hot flashes, night sweats and moodiness. I’m not quite 50 yet and although I’m still having periods, they’re becoming much lighter and fairly irregular. I’m also starting to have some hot flashes myself on occasion. I’ve been reading that bio-identical hormones are the best way to treat the symptoms of menopause, but my friend says that her doctor told her that it’s safer for a woman NOT to take hormones after menopause, because they can cause major problems. What is your opinion?

— Mary C. Dear Mary, You are correct — bio-identical hormones ARE the best way to treat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, depression and loss of interest in sex, among other symptoms. Just as importantly, bio-identical hormones help reduce a woman’s risk of some major health problems that become more likely after menopause, including osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The advantages of bio-identical hormones are often misunderstood because many physicians have been misled into believing that all hormones used to treat the problems of menopause are the same, but they’re not. For example, Premarin®, which contains estrogens from pregnant horses, is not the same as bio-identical estradiol, which is chemically identical to the type of estrogen that a woman’s own body has produced since puberty. Yet, oftentimes a headline in a news story, or even in a medical journal article, will state something like “Study Shows Hormones Cause…” but not all hormones are the same.

Imagine the confusion produced if a headline, in discussing a particular drug’s side effects, were to state ‘Pills Found to Cause Side Effect...’ Which pills are supposed to cause this particular side effect — does the author really mean ALL pills, including those used to treat high blood pressure, antibiotics used to treat infections, anti-inflammatories used for arthritis, etc., etc.? Certainly not! That article would never be published unless it was MUCH more specific.

But too many statements about hormones get

14

lumped together in a headline or for a soundbite, thereby putting bio-identical hormones in with company they do not keep. When the medical literature is carefully examined, it becomes clear that the particular type of hormone in question matters greatly.

For example, there is a dramatic difference between the effectiveness as well as the safety of conjugated estrogen derived from horses and that of bio-identical estradiol, which contains the same form of estrogen as the woman’s ovaries had been producing ever since she went through puberty.

Additionally, there is also a huge difference in the route by which the hormone is administered. When conjugated estrogens (those derived from horses) are given by mouth, the hormone is absorbed through the small intestine and goes directly to the liver. This sudden hormone tsunami then causes the liver to respond by producing a number of inflammatory biochemical called cytokines and interleukins, which in turn produce several undesirable effects — they destabilize any plaque that the woman has in her coronary arteries, and thus for a time increase her risk of having a heart attack.

The cytokines and interleukins also increase the woman’s risk of developing a blood clot. Fortunately, neither of these disastrous effects occurs when bio-identical estradiol is applied on or under the skin, rather than being taken orally.

Clearly, this is a big difference, but one that is not at all apparent if the details have to be left out in order to fit the space allotted to a brief headline. Thus, in most cases, for a menopausal woman to take bio-identical hormones is truly a win-win situation: the woman feels much better, and she becomes much healthier because her risks are reduced.

Steve Lasater, M.D. practices Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement and Age Management Medicine at Optimal Wellness Medical Group in Grand Rapids.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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DIALOGUE

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Health & Beauty

ERICK GERSON AND NICOLE SPAAK

Oh,

Make Me Over!

MAKEUP BY ERICK GERSON/E.G. MAKEUP LLC

W

elcome to Oh, Make Me Over!, a beauty column in partnership with renowned makeup artist Erick Gerson. Each quarter, we will pick a random winner from a number of entries on Facebook to receive an exclusive makeover by Gerson.This month’s winner was Nicole Spaak, a student at Grand Valley State University. Spaak was nominated by her sister Emily, who said, “Nicole is kind, passionate and hard working. She is always there for you if you need her no matter how busy she is.”

To enter the next makeover contest, visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/WLMAG) on June 10 for entry details.

BEFORE AFTER

THE MAKE OVER

BY ERICK GERSON

For Nicole’s, makeover, I wanted to keep it young and fun. She doesn’t usually wear much makeup, so I wanted to create something exciting without looking like she was overly made-up—something comfortable but a little out of the ordinary for her.

For Nicole’s hair, I decided to create a messy Mohawk to keep the hair away from her face and create height.

With the combination of her hair and makeup, I wanted to bring out her inner rockstar!

PRODUCTS USED: Face O Mac eyeshadow in Try Me On O Ben Nye Silver Prism Sparkler Glitter O L’Oréal Paradise Mascara in black O BareMinerals Fly High

Hair by Elle Yared/ Rubies Salon O Kevin Murphy Power Puff Voluminazing Powder O Got to be Glued Hair Spray

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. To connect with him, visit erickmakeup.com or check out his Instagram @erickmakeup.

FUN & PRIZES FOR ALL AGES

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

17

Life & Style

A Grand Entrance:

Creating Your Perfect Entryway

BY LORI MARKS What is the first thing you see upon entering someone’s home? A focal wall? A beautiful fireplace?

A large window with a view of the great outdoors?

Any number of things can catch your eye but how often do we pay attention to the entry itself? The entryway is the introduction to your home so styling it should be as important as any other space.

A few simple tips will ensure that yours can be both beautiful and functional.

SHED SOME LIGHT ON IT

Don’t neglect the entry when it comes to stylish lighting options. Try a chandelier, wall sconces or a pendant. Even ceiling flush mount or semi-flush mount lighting has fun and unique styles. Choose something that works in conjunction with the entry size and style of your home.

DON’T LEAVE A BLANK WALL

If your entry has wall space, liven it up. A decorative mirror is always a nice option so both you and your guests can get that last look before heading out the door. A mirror can also make the space look bigger. For color, try hanging artwork.

A large piece or even some smaller prints hung together will definitely have guests taking a second look. A collage of small mirrors or a sculptural piece or pieces will also add interest. You can try

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painting the entry in a welcoming color that is a shade lighter or darker than the rest of the walls depending on the layout of the house. If you’d like even more added appeal, wallpaper can make your entry a show-stopper.

LOOK UP, LOOK SIDE TO SIDE, LOOK DOWN

Great lighting, artwork and…wow…an entry rug!

A long entry gives you the opportunity to lead the way into the rest of the house with a trendy runner.

If this isn’t the case, and you simply want something for shoes, opt for a rug or mat. If you want simple and functional, find something that is machine washable and made of synthetic fibers. Remember, functional does not have to mean boring. Again, color and texture can work in large or small spaces.

If you select a rug that slides easily, find a rug pad to keep it in place.

A LITTLE FURNITURE, A LITTLE FUNCTION

Now that the entry is taking shape from a decorative standpoint, think about function. An entryway can accumulate shoes, keys and mail, among other things. If you have the space, a narrow console table with a decorative tray or box keeps

small items in one place. Add some vases, books and especially greenery to warm up the space.

Additionally, place a bench or a chair in the corner, giving the entry a comfortable feel and allowing guests to put shoes on or take them off easily.

Cubbies and decorative bins can be placed under benches and storage ottomans can be tucked under consoles to hide a variety of items. Hang cute pegs on the wall for coats if you don’t have a closet. Try a ladder and hang small baskets on it for hats and gloves. This is another great spot to add greenery.

There are also floating shelves or small cabinets that can be hung and used for storage, particularly if you are dealing with a small space.

Creativity is key with any project. Use your imagination and your resources. The entry can be the perfect space for addressing issues of function and storage while also embracing and accentuating the beauty of the rest of your home. With the entry you create, everyone who steps inside will always feel welcomed.

Lori Marks is a graduate of Michigan State University and a certified interior designer. She currently works as a designer at Stonesthrow, helping clients redesign and refresh their interior space. To connect with Lori, visit Stonesthrowliving.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Learn & Do

READER’S

West Michigan is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty and an abundance of fresh water.

Its fruit belt yields a bountiful harvest that’s the envy of the world. West Michigan has also yielded a crop of writers of national renown whose work will resonate particularly with Michiganders.

BY MARK DUNHAM

Orbiting Jupiter

by Gary Schmidt

Waiting for the Morning Train: An American Boyhood

by Bruce Catton Renowned for his books on the American Civil War, historian Bruce Catton had fond memories of growing up in Benzonia, MI. He liked to say that this book, written towards the end of his life, was the one of which he was most proud. Part history of Michigan, part historiography, and part coming-of-age, this book never fails to warm the hearts of its readers.

Once Upon a River

by Bonnie Jo Campbell Bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Bonnie Jo Campbell hails from Comstock, MI. Her writing has been described as “rural Michigan gothic,” and this gritty novel about a girl traveling alone on a river is no exception. Sixteenyear-old Margo Crane’s journey is both real and metaphorical, a search for love and identity and a discovery of what it means to live with the consequences of one’s actions.

Newbery Honor-winning author Gary Schmidt is a professor of English at Calvin College and lives in Alto, MI. In this unforgettable story of redemption and second chances, 13-year-old Joseph, who has spent time in a juvenile facility, is placed with a foster family in rural Maine, where he meets twelve-year-old Jack.

Although this novel is classified as young adult, it is certain to find ardent fans among readers of all ages.

The Loon Feather

by Iola Fuller This overlooked classic, whose author was born in Marcellus, MI, was first published in 1939 and won the prestigious Hopwood Award the same year. The central character is Oneta, a native girl growing up on Mackinac Island during the waning years of the fur trade. The fact that this relatively unknown coming-of-age novel has never been out of print attests to the beauty of this story, which so sensitively portrays the cultural conflicts of the time. A great choice for young adults, as well as for readers of any age.

Mark Dunham is an adult services librarian at the Krause Memorial Library in Rockford. He’s an aspiring gardener and enjoys visiting Michigan’s many historic sites.

He’s also a lifelong resident of this state.

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19

Learn & Do

HerLegacy

10 Books, 26 Events

Meet the Women of West Michigan Who Made History

June Events Adult Beginner Ballet

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREATER GRAND RAPIDS WOMEN’S HISTORY COUNCIL.

Monday, June 17, 2019, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE

Roberta Griffith

Broadway Karaoke at the Last Chance Tavern Saturday, June 22, 2019, 9:30 pm The Last Chance Tavern – 1132 Burton SE

Changing the Narrative Monday, June 24, 2019, 7:00 pm Muse GR – 727 Leonard St NW

GR Reads: The Movies – Flash Gordon Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 8:00 pm Wealthy Theatre – 1130 Wealthy St SE

A Day in the Life of a Zoo Veterinarian Friday, June 28, 2019, 2:00 pm John Ball Zoo Ballroom – 1300 W Fulton For full list of events and details, visit www.grpl.org/GRReads.

B

(1867-1941)

orn in 1867, Roberta Griffith grew up in an era when blindness was associated with impaired mental development and low expectations.

Despite all, a visionary, Griffith found her way to the progressive Ohio School for the Blind, where a fuller curriculum allowed her to imagine applying to Western Reserve University. There were no texts in braille or other services to help her, but in 1900 Griffith graduated as the first blind woman in the U.S. to earn a degree from a school for sighted students.

Although she had embarked on a career in journalism, Griffith soon moved to be near her mother in Grand Rapids, where she first worked as a real estate agent and became an advocate for improved care and education for people with vision disabilities. She arranged for braille publications, a typewriter and study room for the blind in the Grand Rapids Public Library; led an effort to establish a statewide employment bureau for blind workers; continued her advocacy through a national

WWW.GRPL.ORG/GRREADS 616.988.5400 SPONSOR:

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MEDIA SPONSOR:

foundation for the blind; and traveled and worked with Helen Keller, ten years her junior, to standardize the English braille code and institute national publications programs for the non-sighted.

Back in Michigan she led the fight for state legislation mandating the compulsory use of nitrate of silver as an antiseptic in the eyes of newborns and enabled equitable education opportunities to blind students by creating braille classes in public schools, training braille teachers, and sponsoring a braille club for both students and adult learners. Her crowning glory was publishing a sixvolume braille dictionary, the first tool of its kind for the blind.

Never losing her determination to learn, create, and help others, in 1913 Griffith founded the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Grand Rapids and served as its executive secretary for almost thirty years. Upon her death in 1941, Griffith was hailed as a moving representative of Progressive Era women, like Jane Addams in Chicago.

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 •June 2019

Food & Dining

KEEP COOL ON THE GRILL Refreshing dairy-infused dishes for warm days Keep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients make each of these refreshing dishes perfect solutions for toasty days.

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More Makes 4 servings 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 tablespoon mustard powder

1 tablespoon Sriracha

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons paprika

4 chicken drumsticks, bone in, skin on

4 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on vegetable oil, for grill 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mustard powder, Sriracha, garlic and paprika.

Place chicken in large zip-top bag; pour buttermilk mixture over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Heat outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess; discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grates. Transfer chicken to grill and cook, turning occasionally, 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer chicken to serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Grilled Steak Salad with Chive Yogurt Dressing Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of Comfortably Domestic on behalf of Milk Means More Makes 6 Servings DRESSING:

1 cup plain yogurt

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (3 small limes)

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper STEAK:

1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic 20 ounces boneless petite sirloin steak SALAD:

3 cups baby spinach

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts 1/2 cup sweet red pepper rings 1/2 cup sweet yellow pepper rings

1 cup avocado chunks 1/4 cup thinly shaved red onion

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

To make dressing: In blender, combine yogurt, lime juice, milk, chives, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend on low until smooth consistency forms and chives are completely incorporated. Transfer dressing to jar with tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until serving.

Heat grill to medium.

To prepare steak: Combine kosher salt, black pepper and granulated garlic to create rub. Sprinkle half of seasoning mix over one side of steak, pressing it into meat. Repeat with remaining seasoning on opposite side of steak.

Grill steak over direct medium heat to desired level of doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium pink center. Remove steak from grill and let rest 7-10 minutes on cutting board.

To make salad: Toss spinach and romaine on large platter. Scatter red and yellow peppers, avocado and onion over greens. Slice grilled sirloin thinly against grain. Arrange meat slices along center of salad.

Drizzle dressing over salad just prior to serving.

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Food & Dining

Filipino Food 101: An Entry-Level Guide to Filipino Cuisine

BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ

I

f I asked a random group of people to name their favorite dishes from Japanese, Thai, or Chinese cuisine, I’d probably be met with a flood of diverse responses: ramen, sushi, pad thai, tom kha, dumplings or Peking duck, to name a few. But if I asked those same people to name some Filipino dishes, I’d likely hear nothing but crickets.

Filipino food is largely misunderstood by the rest of the world. Some people assume because we’re located in Asia that we use chopsticks (we don’t) and that our food is probably the crappier version of more popular Asian cuisines.

Others have only heard of our balut (duck embryo) from Fear Factor and immediately dismiss the rest of what our cuisine has to offer. But did you know that the late Anthony Bourdain visited the Philippines multiple times and called our lechon (slow-roasted suckling pig) “the best pig ever?”

For the record, I personally enjoy balut every now and then. It tastes better than it looks.

The Original Fusion Food With 7,641 islands in our country, the Philippines is home to a vast number of cultures.

“Our cuisine is founded by our Malay roots with a sprinkling of Pacific Islander flavors and Chinese culinary influences,” said local food critic and Vice President of AHC+ Hospitality George Aquino. “Add 333 years of Spanish colonization, 47 years of American rule, and 3 years of Japanese occupation, and you have Filipino cuisine.”

Generally speaking, our cuisine is pork-heavy. Because we are surrounded by water, however, we also have an abundance of seafood and tropical fruit. Like other Southeast Asian cuisines, we are known for our street food and have a fondness for coconuts, shrimp paste, lemongrass, and patis (fish sauce). Most meals are accompanied by rice.

Aquino further explained, “Soy sauce, garlic and vinegar are like our ranch dressing. Patis is our version of umami. Just add pork, fish or chicken, and you’re good to go.”

Sinigang

Sinigang is the perfect comfort dish. It’s a sour and savory stew made of tamarind, garlic, fish sauce, a variety of vegetables like radish and bok choy and a meat of choice, most commonly baboy (pork), hipon (shrimp), or bangus (milkfish). My family and I usually like to have it as soon as we get home from a long vacation after missing Filipino food.

Some of our best-known dishes include pancit (noodles) and lumpia (egg rolls), which were influenced by early Chinese settlers. The Filipino-favorite shaved ice dessert halo-halo is a dish with Japanese’ origins. The Spanish gave us a taste for food drenched in rich sauces like adobo and menudo.

Of course, we put our own unique twist on each of these dishes.

Unlike the Latin version of adobo, for example, ours has soy sauce, black peppercorns, and bay leaves — ingredients that are native to Southeast Asia.

In short, Filipino cuisine was fusion food before it was cool, and no single dish can serve as a stand-in for all the flavors we have to offer.

But where do you start if you’ve never tried it before? I wouldn’t recommend diving in with the “extreme” dishes like balut or dinuguan (blood stew), that’s for sure. To help you enter into this new world of delicacies, I’ve assembled a short list of entry-level Filipino foods that I’m confident will leave you intrigued.

PHOTO BY DAVID SPECHT

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Adobo

PHOTO BY DAVID SPECHT

The unofficial national dish of the Philippines, adobo is usually the first dish I introduce to foreigners. It starts with a protein (usually chicken and/or pork, sometimes squid), which is placed in a pot filled with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onions, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and other vegetables. It is then simmered until tender and served over rice.

A UNIQUE & ARTFUL EXPERIENCE

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Like most Filipino dishes, it isn’t exactly Instagrammable by Western standards unless you put a lot of effort into plating it, but all palates can appreciate its salty and tangy flavor. Everyone I’ve introduced it to so far has come back for seconds.

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Lumpia

Lumpia is essentially a deep-fried spring roll stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and/or chopped vegetables. Served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, lumpia is a classic appetizer and often makes appearances at Filipino gatherings and parties.

Sisig

PHOTO BY DAVID SPECHT

You’ll know someone has ordered sisig at a Filipino bar when you hear the sizzling of the hot stone plate. Sisig is a classic pulutan (beer chow) in Philippine culture. Its main ingredient is chopped up pieces of spicy, fatty meat (most commonly pig face) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, calamansi (Philippine citrus fruit) juice, and chili peppers. Because the Philippines is a developing nation, no cut of the animal goes to waste. Other versions of sisig include oyster, tuna, chicken or pork belly instead of pig face. Some recipes incorporate mayonnaise or raw eggs to be mixed in while it’s hot, giving it a creamier texture.

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In his 2017 visit to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, Bourdain cited sisig as one of his favorite Filipino dishes. “It’s simple, flavorful, delicious, and goes perfectly with beer. All you can ask for.”

Filipino Breakfast (‘silog’)

To serve something “silog” means to pair a protein with garlic fried rice and an egg.

Longsilog, for example, is longganisa (sweet sausage) with rice and a fried egg. Tocilog is tocino (sweet cured pork) with rice and a fried egg. Tapsilog is tapa (marinated beef ) with rice and a fried egg. You get the picture.

You can “silog” almost anything. The options are limitless, and it’s a great way to kick start your day!

Leche Flan

Ready for dessert? Leche flan is a custard dessert made with egg yolks, evaporated milk and condensed milk, with a layer of syrupy caramel on top. The texture is smooth and creamy and the flavor rich and sweet. It is one of the most popular desserts served at parties, fiestas, and other special occasions. This steamed sweet dish is also popular in Latin American and Caribbean cultures.

Sharing is Caring

To quote Anthony Bourdain a third time, because it wasn’t obvious enough that I’m a fan, “Filipinos are, for reasons I have yet to figure out, probably the most giving of all people on the planet.” In my humble opinion, I would say we are more about sharing than giving, and that is best demonstrated in our communal way of eating.

Sharing food is a vital part of the Philippine dining experience. So if there’s one thing you take away from this article, it’s that most Filipinos are excited to share our food and culture with you. We like it even more if you enjoy it, of course. Kain na!

(Let’s eat!)

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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Maranda

Celebrates 25 Years of Park Parties

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

“I just have a love and respect for kids and to think about parents who are struggling, if I can come alongside them and help them in some way, just give a kid a break, that’s what I want to do. I want to be known for that.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

M

any Grand Rapids residents know the familiar name: Maranda, the energetic woman on WOODTV8 who is always talking with kids and parents in the community. You may also know her from her annual Maranda Park Parties, which kicks off its 25th year this month.

At WOODTV8, Maranda serves as the Children and Family Services Manager, which means she does “all kids and family things” on TV, online and in the community.

She produces content Monday through Friday for the two channels run out of the station: WOODTV8 and WOTV4Women.

“We always focus on all things kids, all things family,” Maranda said. “Usually it’s fun things, but sometimes we get into deeper stuff. Yesterday I was at Wedgewood, and I sat down with four teenagers and they told me what life is really like as a 16-year-old at a public school.”

PARK PARTY CROWD IN BATTLE CREEK, 2012. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARANDA.

Maranda Park Party Schedule June 13 Lamar Park, Wyoming June 20 Smith-Ryerson Park, Muskegon June 27 Bronson Park, Kalamazoo July 11 Kollen Park, Holland July 18 Carson/Rizor Athletic Field, Battle Creek July 25 Garfield Park, Grand Rapids We’re going to showcase kids. They’re going to tell their stories and we’re going to give them a voice.’ And they took a chance on me.”

MARANDA ON STAGE AT PARK PARTY. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARANDA.

Maranda, 55, was born and raised in Grand Rapids. She attended Hope College and even studied Shakespeare at Cambridge University in England. After college, she lived in Chicago for a short period of time before moving back to West Michigan and landing a job at an AM kids’ radio station. She was 22-years-old at the time, and that was when her passion for children and family began. At the station, she was told they needed a character for a kids’ show.

“There’s a mermaid in The Tempest [by William Shakespeare] named Maranda, so I took that name on and I did a show called, ‘Maranda in the Morning,’” she said.

“We played Mr. T and Alvin and the Chipmunks and all kinds of great kids’ stuff.”

After the radio station went bankrupt, Maranda worked full time for an advertising agency while she started a children’s show at Wyoming Public Access Television.

“It was great because I had my mom doing the videotape, my husband did camera work and the voice over stuff,” she expressed. “We brought together a collection of people and every Tuesday night we made awesome TV.” As her show began to gain traction, she gained the attention of local TV stations. WXMI, now the Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, picked up her show in 1985.

“I said, ‘You know, I’ve got this idea for a kids’ show, and I know it’s going to be completely different than what you’re used to,’” she recalled. “‘It’s going to treat kids with respect.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

The show ran once a week, and Maranda continued her other job at the advertising agency. In 1990, when WXMI became Fox17, the station asked Maranda to run a kid’s club. Eventually, she came to WOODTV8 and now produces Maranda Where You Live.

There’s no longer a weekly show, but instead smaller video segments played on TV throughout the day.

“We share stories about kids and families,” she recalled. “It’s more targeted towards moms and adults. Sometimes we’ll do a half hour special at the public museum with dinosaurs and we bring in tons of kids, and it’s old school TV.” Maranda said kids don’t watch TV the same way anymore, so she and her coworkers at the station have to be strategic about reaching their young audience.

“It’s funny, for the first time in my career, probably a year ago I’m out at a school talking to all these kids, everyone’s excited, and they’re like, ‘What’s your Youtube channel?’” she smiled. “That’s the future. We have to rethink how we do what we do. So it’s very important that I put content online all the time, because I know that’s the future.”

One way she connects with kids all over West Michigan is through her annual Maranda Park Parties, which she started in 1994.

“I was on TV all the time talking about fun places like Cedar Point and Michigan’s Adventure and all these things, and then it hit me that most — kids are just sitting there thinking, ‘That’s fun for the kids who have money,’” Maranda said. “And then there’s a lot of kids who just don’t

have the ability to go somewhere, because transportation issues, parents are working … It’s not fair that I’m on TV all the time talking about all this stuff that costs so much money; we need to bring the party to the kids.”

Maranda partnered with local companies Meijer, Craigs Cruiser’s, Priority Health and Cheese Kurls to create a free party for kids with tons of games, food and prizes.

“We were just having fun,” she said. “I had no idea this thing would go on and on and be what it is. And I think that’s the beauty of it, it’s an organic experience and every year that we get to keep doing it, I just feel so blessed.”

Today, six parties are held throughout the summer at parks all over West Michigan and serve approximately 5,000 to 6,000 kids at each party.

A little over a decade ago, Maranda partnered with the Michigan Department of Education and USDA to make sure that nutritious meals were offered at the park parties.

“We became the largest feeding site in the country,” she said. “Our program, we’re feeding 20,000 kids every summer.”

Since the beginning of her career, Maranda has had a passion for kids and families. Through tears, she explained how she loves children and feels that what she does is her calling.

“I just have a love and respect for kids and to think about parents who are struggling, if I can come alongside them and help them in some way, just give a kid a break, that’s what I want to do,” she said. “I want to be known for that.”

This summer, catch Maranda at one of her park parties, kicking off on June 13 at Lamar Park in Wyoming.

Each party goes from noon — 2 p.m., with a free lunch offered to any under 18 at 11:30 a.m. while supplies last.

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.

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n June 22 from 11 a.m.

— 2 p.m., Paws With A Cause- invites you to join them at their national headquarters in Wayland to celebrate 40 years of enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.

At the open house, visitors will learn about the organization’s incredible beginning as founders Michael D. Sapp Sr. and Antoinette (Candye) Sapp went the extra mile to help their friends Marty and Dianne Jansen, who had total hearing loss. Michael trained the Jansen’s terrier to alert them to the sound of their newly-adopted baby crying, allowing them to find independence in parenthood.

Today, Paws With A Cause trains service dogs for people with physical disabilities, seizure response dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs for children with autism.

They have placed thousands of assistance dogs with clients in need, and as of 2018 have 420 active client-dog teams across the nation.

The open house welcomes the public to tour the facilities, which includes a training apartment where dogs learn dozens of tasks, including alerting to sounds, retrieving dropped items, pulling up bed covers, opening doors, turning off lights and more.

PAWS® Assistance Dogs and their trainers will be onsite to show off their incredible skills to visitors. Attendees will also have the chance to become familiar with each PAWS department, learn how to get involved with their life-changing work, meet the organization’s newly hired CEO Michele Suchovsky and hear what they have in store for the next 40 years. We hope to see you there for a PAWsome good time!

For more information, please visit pawswithacause.org/40.

What: Paws With A Cause 40th Anniversary Open House When: June 22, 11 a.m.— 2 p.m.

Where: PAWS National Headquarters, 4646 Division Ave S, Wayland, MI Cost: Free

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

BY MOYA TOBEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

We Are LIT Brings Multicultural Awareness Through Literature

When I started thinking about a store of my own, I noticed that Grand Rapids was lacking a bookstore that focused specifically on multicultural books. I kind of combined my love of reading with my love and travel and learning about different cultures.”

— Kendra McNiel, founder and CEO of We Are LIT

W

ords are powerful; they can weave together a story worthy of tears. They can influence voters. They can topple governments and kindle the flickering flame of revolution. The value of a well-written story is difficult to measure, and not always appreciated. Kendra McNiel understands just how precious stories can be.

In November 2017, she launched her pop-up multicultural bookshop We Are LIT at the Women Who Write Author Showcase.

The idea for the bookshop came from her experiences as an avid reader and traveler.

“As a traveler I like visiting bookstores,” McNiel explained. “When I started thinking about a store of my own, I noticed that Grand Rapids was lacking a bookstore that focused specifically on multicultural books. I kind of combined my love of reading with my love and travel and learning about different cultures.”

In October 2017, McNiel was encouraged by a friend to pursue her idea and have her first pop-up at the Women Who Write Author Showcase at Aquinas College, which was taking the next month.

“Everything came together in a 30-day power crunch,” McNiel laughed.

In the space of a month, she managed to put together the pop-up business. Since then, McNiel has been operating from her website (wearelitgr.com) and appears at various locations across the state, including a monthly appearance at the Downtown Market.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

At We Are LIT pop-ups, one can find books that fit McNiel's missions to expose the Greater Grand Rapids area to multicultural literature. Each book is hand-picked

by McNiel and ranges in genre from children to cooking to self-help and everything in between.

“A lot of what I curate is based off of interactions with other book lovers,” McNiel said. “I participate in book discussions with individuals across the country on different platforms, and that all kind of shapes the We Are LIT inventory and the overall feel of the store.”

Originally, McNiel didn't plan to sell children’s books, but quickly found a demand for them. Now, they are her biggest seller. While the stories in the children's books sold by We Are LIT are typical of any children's book, the characters are representative of minority communities and issues.

McNiel hopes that someday her business will grow big enough to fit in a permanent space. Until then, she enjoys doing pop-ups and serving the Grand Rapids community through wearelitgr.com

Moya Tobey is a college student studying publishing at Cornerstone University. She dreams of traveling the world, fighting for victims of injustice and penning everything she sees.

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Bethlehem Intergenerational Center Brings Together the Young and Old

BY KAYLA SOSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

“Every day is different in our world.

— Sue Davidson, director of the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center SUE DAVIDSON, DIRECTOR OF THE BETHLEHEM INTERGENERATIONAL CENTER

A

n extraordinary union takes place every day at a daycare center in downtown Grand Rapids.

There are rooms of children of all ages, playing, as one would expect, but in one room, young children are playing and interacting with senior citizens.

Currently, there are 12 seniors and 45 children at the center. This summer, Davidson expects some older kids to come back during their break from school. She said the older kids especially love being in the Rose Room, because they can have more meaningful conversations.

The Bethlehem Intergenerational Center (BIC) opened two year ago and is located inside Bethlehem Church at 22 Commerce Avenue. Formerly known as Hill Child Development Center, which ran for 46 years, the center brings together the young and old to have fun and learn.

“We do things to encourage those conversations,” Davidson said. “Like, Mondays are show and tell day. There are a lot of coffee table book, which are great conversation starters, because they’re looking at these beautiful pictures of places maybe they visited, or there’s an old Grand Rapids [book] in there.”

“Every day is different in our world,” Sue Davidson, director of the center, laughed.

Inside of the vast building, there is an early childhood wing, where children of various ages spend their days learning and playing; and a senior wing, which the children call, “The Rose Room.”

“A couple of the children have breakfast in the senior wing every day,” Davidson said as she described a typical day at the center.

Through small group activities like music and board games, the children and seniors develop a natural friendship.

“I have to say, that is my favorite time,” Davidson said.

“Because that’s where real conversations happen, that’s where real relationships are built, because they’re choosing; it’s not something we set out.”

When it’s warm outside, groups will take trips to the nearby parks, play outside in the church’s playground or tend to the church garden.

“Some of our [senior] participants will go to the library with them,” Davidson said. “It’s always a choice in the senior wing. They get to choose.”

Many seniors at the center are in the final span of their lives. Davidson said the teachers at the center make it a priority to have conversations about death and not make

it a confusing or scary topic. Last year, for the first time, a senior in the program passed away.

“I was very honest with the kids about it, and we brought out the photo albums and we looked at pictures of him,” Davidson said. “We talked about the fun things we did.

They knew that it was OK and they could be sad. We were all sad, and we miss him, but it’s a real thing that happens in their lives.”

Jill Bosnjak is member of the church, and her five-year-old daughter Sasha goes to BIC every week.

“I wouldn’t change it now, my daughter loves it,” Bosnjak said. “It’s just a chance for them to have new experiences and meet new people and learn to interact with adults that they’re not comfortable with at first.”

Davidson hopes to see more seniors sign up to attend the center.

To find out more, or to sign up, visit bethlehemintergenerationalcenter.org.

CHILDREN AND SENIORS AT BIC ENJOY “MUSIC TOGETHER,” A TIME WHEN THEY SING SONGS AND PLAY INSTRUMENTS TOGETHER.

The bonding time is not only good for the children to interact with elderly, and sometimes disabled, people, but it’s also a time for the seniors to engage. Davidson said many of the seniors in the program have early onset dementia and use a wheelchair or walker.

“For the kids, it really helps develop a sense of empathy,” Davidson expressed. “For our seniors, it is absolutely that sense of self-worth. They are making a difference — they understand that they are changing lives every day, so it’s a benefit both ways.”

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

29

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

Sisterhood:

Women 4 Dégagé Lifts Up Women in Need

W

hen you look at Amanda, she appears just like any other young woman poised on the brink of a promising future. Her smile is bright, and her demeanor is calm as she holds her 6-week-old daughter, Isabella, who has her mother’s dark hair and rich brown eyes. What you don’ t see when you look at her is the harrowing story of how she spent most of her pregnancy living at Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center, fighting to find permanent housing as the birth of her baby grew ever near on the horizon.

“It was extremely hard to be pregnant and homeless,” she expressed. “It was a very rough experience. There were many times when I broke down and didn’t know what to do.”

Most Grand Rapidians know Dégagé by sight: the grey four-story building on the corner of Division and Cherry, usually with a small crowd milling outside —

lives coming and going as they navigate challenges most of us will be fortunate never to face. The ministry is an institution of benevolence, a vessel that guides its patrons — many of who are experiencing homelessness — out of their darkest hours by providing dynamic assistance.

They offer food services, shower and laundry facilities, mail and document services, free legal counsel and more.

Now, there is a growing group of women who are coming together to support female patrons of the ministry further; they call themselves Women 4 Dégagé, and they are changing the lives of women like Amanda through gestures great and small.

Conception

“I knew that it would work,” Linda Vos-Graham, who originally had the idea for Women 4 Dégage, said.

“Dégagé serves so many women, and the need is so great— this is a sisterhood. I felt it in my heart.”

While just in its beginning phases, the group has quickly gained momentum. Its mission is simple yet powerful: Empower women who seek help through the ministry’s Open Door Center through developing and expanding services for housing, health, education and employment, fundraising or collecting items, building community partnerships and offering friendship and love to women in need.

Along with Vos-Graham, Carole Valade, Dégagé Executive Director Marge Palmerlee and Dégagé Development Director Brooke Jevicks are at the core of the group. As the women gather in Palmerlee’s corner office on a brisk weekday morning to discuss how to best connect those who want to help women in need, the energy in the room is palpable.

“Everyone wants to do something,” Vos-Graham expressed. “We want to provide all types of options for women to get involved, whether it is collecting

“Knowing that there is a group of people who support you and love you and want to see you succeed is powerful.

— Brooke Jevicks, Dégagé Development Director

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: BROOKE JEVICKS, SUZANNE REININK, MARY SWANSON, LINDA VOS-GRAHAM, LAURA FEAGAN, MARGE PALMERLEE. BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: JEAN DEHAAN, OJONE AMEADAJI, JENNIE COMPAGNER, CAROL HELSEL, CHERYL HEMOND. NOT PICTURED: CAROLE VALADE.

30

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

something, sending a check, introducing more resources — anything.”

The group is currently made up of 20 women, all of whom respond to the needs of women at the ministry as they arise. Jevicks cites one who donated 50 pairs of flip flops for women to wear during the warmer months or in the showers; another who is running a pajama drive; another who organized an adult-coloring group at the shelter on Monday evenings. Vos-Graham even bought out the entire stock of hand weights at a local sporting goods store and donated them to a group of women who exercise at Dégagé.

“There is so much opportunity to provide help in any way you feel like you can contribute,” Vos-Graham said.

Birth

Amanda was approved for housing through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority three days before she gave birth.

“It was amazing,” she recalled. “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

While Amanda had overcome one challenge by moving into her apartment, her struggle wasn’ t over: The city bus was her only means of transportation to the hospital, and she had none of the supplies necessary for a baby. Julie Kendrick, manager of the Open Door Center, decided that Amanda would not be taking the bus when she went into labor; instead, Kendrick would drive her.

“I asked myself, ‘ Would I do this for anyone?,” Kendrick said. “And the answer was, ‘Yes.’ ” When the day came, Kendrick drove Amanda to the hospital and stayed with her through the entire birth.

Jevicks and Palmerlee alerted Women 4 Dégagé to the fact that unless they acted, Amanda and her new baby would be returning to an empty apartment. The group pooled their resources, and within two days, Amanda had a crib, a dresser that can be used as a changing table, a toy box, a Diaper Genie, a Pack n’ Play, three bags of clothing and supply of diapers — everything she and Isabella needed to embark on their new life together.

“That is what happens with the power of women,” Jevicks expressed. “We come together when we hear the need. It was an awesome response.”

Today, the center has no capacity to sleep anyone under the age of 18, and women who are facing homelessness are often separated from their children.

Had Amanda not found an apartment when she did, Palmerlee notes, she would have had to leave Dégagé.

“If we can have an area for women and children where they can stay together... going through homelessness is traumatic enough,” she stated.

Palmerlee goes on to tell the story of a woman who called the center during a blizzard this past winter, begging to sleep in the stairwell with her children. The center was full, and due to regulations, she was turned away. It is clear the incident haunts Palmerlee; while she speaks, her voice wavers and her eyes brim with tears.

“That should never happen in a city like Grand Rapids,” she said. “We can do better.”

Empowerment

Valade emphasizes that the power in Women 4 Dégagé resides in its accessibility: Anyone who wants to help may join.

“We are a circle of leaders, and that includes the shelter women,” Valade nodded. “We are trying to create empowerment for everyone. We have pledged to make sure that this group remains very inclusive.”

Jevicks nodded in agreement. “Everyone has something to offer. Our strengths are in different places, and the most significant thing you can give someone is love.”

As the group works toward implementing a solid structure, they remain focused on responding to the needs women at Dégagé currently have. While they continue to grow in numbers and impact, they welcome any woman who feels called to join them on their mission.

As with Amanda, the group seeks to support women as they move on from the Open Door Center and into their own homes. Palmerlee points out that removing barriers to staying housed can be as simple as providing a mattress when a woman would otherwise be sleeping on the floor, bus fare so she can get to her job or even $50 to make a rent payment.

Today, Amanda is on a pathway to employment. She and Isabella are happy and healthy.

“You still need continued hope,” Jevicks said. “Knowing that there is a group of people who support you and love you and want to see you succeed is powerful.”

To get involved with Women 4 Dégagé, please email W4D@degageministries.org for more information.

Growth

More than 300 women each year find overnight shelter at the Open Door Women’s Center, located on the 3rd floor of Dégagé. Currently, the space can sleep up to 40 women each night, which Palmerlee says is not enough.

In March, the ministry announced plans for a $6 million expansion, which will double the number of beds at the shelter and allow them to accommodate children.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

AMANDA AND HER DAUGHTER, ISABELLA

“I would like women to know that no matter where you are in life, don’t ever give up.

If you have some kind of support system, take it and run with it and don't ever give up on yourself.”

— Amanda, former patron of Dégagé Open Door Women’s Center

“I would like women to know that no matter where you are in life, don’t ever give up,” Amanda said. “If you have some kind of support system, take it and run with it and don’t ever give up on yourself.”

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

31

Mary Johnson

Helps Important People Succeed

BY ELYSE WILD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

I

n 2008, Mary Johnson began a journey to enrich the lives of girls in Grand Rapids with a faith-based summer day camp called Helping Important People Succeed (H.I.P.S.). The eight-week-long program is thoughtfully designed to provide girls ages 11-17 with the tools to grow into independent, successful and happy young women. The program is free for participants, which, Johnson notes, allows them to welcome anyone who is willing to commit to the program.

“All kids need to have privilege,” she said. “We are giving kids all the same privilege and resources to be successful.”

Girls in the program learn a vast array of skills, from loving yourself to budgeting. They explore different values like leadership, integrity and equality and embark on educational field trips. During workshops, which are held at Messiah Missionary Baptists Church, girls are prompted to explore “seven necessary elements of self-development: education, empowerment, etiquette, leadership, selfesteem, outer and inner beauty and celebrating self-accomplishments.”

Each year, H.I.P.S. has a theme around which the programming is designed. Last year’s theme was, “Living Your Life Like It’s Golden.” This year, the theme is “Love.”

Johnson notes that while the program aims to provide the girls with a foundation of faith, they are encouraged to engage with their spirituality and what it means in their lives, as opposed to being indoctrinated with the views of others.

“You have to keep it real,” Johnson said. “You have to keep it real with the kids.”

H.I.P.S. kicks off on June 30 and ends on September 28 in a grand finale, which is kept secret from participants until the day of. In 2018, the camp concluded with a decadent lunch at the Amway Grand Plaza during which the girls enjoyed a keynote by Dr. Debbye Turner, the third African American woman to be crowned Miss America.

Johnson is a clinical social worker and spent years working with at-risk youth in the Grand Rapids Public School system. She found she was able to help her students become successful through encouragement, love and support.

32

“This will enrich their lives with confidence, selfesteem, social skills — it is such a rich experience.”

— Tamara Spears, mother of H.I.P.S. participants “You don't need to have an iron whip,” she said. “You need to set expectations with them, and they will meet them.”

Spears encourages anyone to enroll their children in the program.

She employs this same philosophy with H.I.P.S., encouraging participants to treat themselves as outstanding members of society; the girls are even referred to as “ambassadors” and are treated by H.I.P.S. staff and volunteers as role models in the community.

“This will enrich their lives with confidence, self-esteem, social skills — it is such a rich experience,” she said. “Mary has a heart for the children. She is genuine, nurturing and compassionate, and they know that.”

Johnson notes that the program has been successful in part due to generous endorsements by the Rev. Dr. Timothy Harris from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Pastor Daniel Smith from Messiah Baptist Community (M.B.C.) Church and the now-deceased Dr. Clifton Rhodes, Sr., of M.B.C., whose support of the H.I.P.S. elevated it within the communities it serves.

Tamara Spears enrolled both of her daughters in the camp last year.

“I wanted them to be in a program where they could see individuals striving for success — people who care about them and who they want to emulate,” Spears said.

Both of her daughters enjoyed H.I.P.S. immensely.

She notes that her oldest daughter, in particular, was allowed to be a leader.

Mya Jennings is 18-years-old and began participating in H.I.P.S. three years ago. Like Spears' daughters, Jenning says the program gave her something invaluable: self-worth.

“Something I’ve learned at H.I.P.S. is that if you love yourself, you will be able to live in society in a positive way, which is so great because there is a lot of negativity these days,” she said.

To donate to H.I.P.S. or learn more about the program, please visit grhips.org.

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

“It helped her become more self-aware and confident,” Spears expressed.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

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June Events

June 1-22

Festival of the Arts Regional Exhibition 2019. The Fed Galleries at KCAD will once again collaborate with Festival of the Arts in presenting the annual juried Regional Arts Exhibition. Kendall College or Art and Design. 12pm-4pm. kcad.ferris.edu.

June 8-9

Amazing Honey Bees. Be amazed this weekend as you take a closer look at the fascinating world of honeybees.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 1pm-4pm. meijergardens.org.

June 14 and 16

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival. Family-friendly event is a celebration of all things Asian-Pacific and will feature food, drinks, and performances. Rosa Parks Circle. grasianfestival.com

June 27-29

FHPS Summerstock: Matilda the Musical. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

7pm-9pm. fhfineartscenter.com.

June 25-30

Anastasia The New Broadway Musical. Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled as a musical. DeVos Performance Hall. devosperformancehall.com.

Mondays

Monday Night Market. Over 25 vendors will be at the night market throughout the season. Holland Civic Center Place. 5pm. downtownholland.com.

Tuesdays

Concert in the Park. Music provided by the Holland American Legion Band. Kollen Park. 7:30pm. downtownholland.com.

Thursdays

Street Performer Series. Downtown Holland. 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Downtownholland.com.

Relax at Rosa. Relax at this free lunchtime entertainment series.

Rosa Parks Circle. 12pm-1:30pm. downtowngr.org.

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Summer Concert Series. Kollen Park. 6:30pm-8:30pm. downtownholland.com.

Friday Movie Madness. All you need is show up and well’’ have a family movie ready to roll. Kent District Library (Grandville Branch). 1pm-2pm. kdl.org.

Saturdays

Holland Farmers Market. downtownholland.com.

about proper handling, clear up myths, and talk about possible health benefits. Blandford Nature Center. 2:30pm - 4pm. blandfordnaturecenter.org

June 2

CraftSanity Small Loom Sampler Workshop. Learn circular and tapestry weaving techniques on small round and rectangular CraftSanity Looms.

Lions and Rabbits. 1am-4pm. lionsandrabbits.com.

June 3

Mahjongg at the Library. Games of skill, strategy, and calculation. Kent District Library (Englehardt Branch).

1pm-2:30pm. kdl.org.

Yoga Storytime. Breathe, bend and read together with satires, rhymes and songs. Kent District Library (Wyoming Branch). 10:30-11:30am. kdl.org.

June 1

Celeste Barber Is Back. Actor, Comedian, and Social Media Super Star Celeste Barber is the self proclaimed queen of everyday sophistication and low budget lifestyle aspirations. 20 Monroe Live. 6 pm.

20monroelive.com Kombucha Workshop. We will teach you how to do make Kombucha, talk

June 4

Small Business GPS: Marketing Strategies Part 1. Designed to provide participants the informations and resources to write or refine their business plan. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9pm. growbusiness.org.

(Continue on page 36)

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(Continued from page 34)

June 5

Crochet Coffee Mug Cozy. You will learn how to make your very own coffee mug cozy for your favorite mug.

Light Gallery + Studio. 6pm-8pm. lightgallerygr.com.

June 7

GR After Dark Masquerade Ball Featuring the Theater Bizarre Orchestra. 20 Monroe Live. 8pm.

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Cookies with Cops Storytime.

Storytime featuring an officer from the Wyoming Police Department as a special guest reader. Kent District Library (Wyoming Branch).

10:30-11:30am. kdl.org.

June 12

Maranda Park Party. Kollen Park, Holland. 12 pm - 2 pm. woodtv.com.

Remember When Car Show. A Great antique, classic, custom, and hot rod vehicles. Downtown Holland. 5-9pm. downtownholland.com.

Yoga with Kids. Musical yoga program where the song lyrics instruct children on the poses. Holland Farmers Market.

9:30am. hollandfarmersmarket.com.

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June 8

Arabian Flights. Chef Jenna will provide a 4 course meal with wine pairings while you enjoy a special evening at Armstrong Arabian Farm.

Space is very limited. Amore Trattoria Italiana. 5:30pm.

Drop-in Sketching Tour: Maya Lin. GRAM docents will lead sketching exercises for participants through and exhibition featuring the work of renowned artist, architect, and designer Maya Lin. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 1-2pm. artmuseumgr.org.

Macrame Earrings. You will learn the two basic macrame knots, and walk thorough making your own macrame earrings. Light Gallery + Studio.

Noon-2pm. lightgallerygr.

June 9

Tiki Cocktails. Get into the island spirit as we celebrate the South Pacific by making two tiki inspired cocktails. Teaching Kitchen.

4-5:30pm. downtownmarketgr.com.

June 11

Athena Leadership Forum. Supports the development of strong female leaders in our community. City Flats Hotel. 11:30am-1pm. grandrapids.org.

Grandparents and Me: Plant Pals.

Hunt for plants used to make gum, chocolate, baskets, flooring and

Dia del Sol. Goei Center.

5:30- 8 pm. gaah.org.

Alan Turner. Singer-songwriter with songs that speak of loves gained and lost raucous whiskey drinking often times with a sly twist of humor mixed in. Riverwalk Plaza. 7- 9 pm. discoverlowell.org.

Yoga at GRAM. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5:45-6:45pm. artmuseumgr.org.

June 14

Cars and Coffee Grand Rapids.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids.

7-10pm. downtowngr.org.

CityVū Wine Dinner. Executive Chef Chris Gribble of CityFlatsHotel will be creating a special 4-course dinner with pairings from local Fenn Valley Vineyard. 7-10 pm. CityFlatsHotel, Holland.

June 15

Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2019. Calder Plaza. Noon-10pm. donwtowngr.org.

Tai Chi. Join Rick Powell, co-founder of From the Heart Yoga & Tai Chi Center.

Bradford Nature Center. 8:30-9:30pm. blandfordnaturecenter.org

(Continue on page 38)

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Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Arts & Entertainment:

Event Spotlight

PHOTO BY ERIC ZUNIGA

Festival of the Arts Celebrates

F

or three days in June, Festival of the Arts transforms downtown Grand Rapids into a marketplace in which art and food are shared and culture is celebrated. Amid the familiar intersections emerge stages, tents and booths. The streets fill with the din of performances ranging from symphonic to alternative, ballet to martial arts, theatrical to spoken word and everything in between. An intoxicating assemblage of gastronomic aromas snakes through the air, a cultural stew composed of slouvaki, noodles, falafel, corn dogs, egg rolls and more. Festival is our city’s informal harbinger of summer; as Dianne Carroll Burdick, who sits on the event’s board of directors, puts it, “When it’s festival weekend, you can just feel it.”

Now, as it celebrates 50 years, the three-day festival is under permanent leadership while it embarks on a new era of creating community through art.

David Abbott joined Festival of the Arts as executive director in 2018. He is the organization’s first-ever employee; until he was hired, the event was run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Establishing consistent leadership, Abbott says, secures the festival’s future.

“People are more comfortable giving to organizations if the players don’t change,” Abbott commented.

Abbott’s life is peppered with memories of Festival of the Arts, one in particular that touches on an experience that prevails among many Grand Rapidian.

“When I was a kid and had Slouvaki at festival, it offered the first taste of something that was culturally different,” Abbott expressed, noting that for many attendees festival provides a vehicle into a culture outside of their own,

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

50 Years whether it be through the palate-pleasing taste of meat on a stick, a piece of artwork or a dance performance.

Festival of the Arts was inspired by the 1969 installation of Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse, commonly referred to as “The Calder.” Burdick, a celebrated photographer who joined the festival board three years ago, has participated in the event as either an artist, volunteer or both every year since the event debuted in 1970.

BY ELYSE WILD

During its inaugural year, festival was contained to two stages and a smattering of food booths on Calder Plaza. Today, the event sees nearly half-a-million visitors and is made possible by nearly 20,000 community volunteers.

This year, festival is bringing some special features to honor the 50-year run. For the first time, Monroe Center will host food DAVID ABBOTT trucks to cater to attendee’s hunger alongside PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO the volunteer-run food booths. There will EAGLES MARCUS be ten stages for performances, the largest “That first year, on Thursday night I helped set up chairs number of stages at the event to date; the Grand with my parents,” Burick recalled. “I had so much fun, Rapids Ballet will perform a world premiere ballet on and that is what made me love it forever. Whatever Friday evening; those willing can sing their hearts out I have done in festival, I have always felt a sense of, on a new karaoke stage; and comic connoisseurs can ‘I belong.’” enjoy a special comic book exhibit at MadCap Coffee.

Additionally, Perrin Brewing Co. will debut an As Burdick grew, so did her participation in the exclusive beer to commemorate the 50th anniversary festival. When speaking with her, it is clear that the of the festival. event has had an impact on her as an artist and as a Grand Rapidian. She went from setting up chairs as “Because it is the 50th anniversary this year, the a little girl to leading demonstrations in hooking rugs footprint is going to be richer and fuller and thicker,” in high school; from playing in an orchestra on stage Burdick expressed. “It’s going to be exciting —festival is in college to earning an honorable mention in the truly for everyone.” festival’s art show — the Regional Arts Competition and Exhibition — something she says inspired her to pursue What: Festival of the Arts a career in photography. This year, she will be leading a When: June 7, noon — 10 p.m.; June demonstration in hand-coloring photographs.

“My favorite part about it is coming together with all of the creatives in the community — festival is a family for me,” she said.

8, 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.; June 9, 10 a.m. —6 p.m.

Where: Ottawa Street, Lyon Street, Ionia Street and Pearl Street Cost: FREE

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C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters.

The acclaimed and faithful stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ static masterpiece. DeVos Performance Hall.

4 pm. devosperformancehall.com.

June 16

616 Day at the Downtown Market.

Shop in an outdoor market filled with local vendors selling homemade and homegrown West Michigan goods.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

11am-6:16pm. downtownmarketgr.com.

June 18

Baby and Me Tour: Portrait Through the Years. Featured art includes painting, drawings, and sculptures both history and modern. Grand Rapids Arty Museum. 11am-Noon. artmuseumgr.org.

Sewn Together. Bring your own machine, and project you are working on to learn the basics of using your own machine, proper maintenance and care, and help with trouble shooting machine issues. Lions and Rabbits.

6-9:30pm. lionsandrabbits.com.

June 19

ACG Young Professionals June Happy Hour. The ACG Young Professional Committee invites you to join them for an informal drop in event. Members and Nonmembers welcome.

38

The Knickerbocker New Holland Brewing. 5- 8pm. acg.org.

Maranda Park Party. East Kentwood H.S., Kentwood. Noon-2 pm. woodtv.com.

June 20

Flashlight Tour. After the Museum closes at 9pm, lights will be turned off and special flashlights tours will be offered. Grand Rapids Art Museum.

9-10pm. artmuseumgr.org.

June 21

Maranda Park Party. Lamar Park, Wyoming. Noon- 2pm. woodtv.com.

Movies on Monroe: Into the SpiderVerse & A Star is Born. 6pm-12am. downtowngr.org.

June 22

June 24

June 28

June 25

Cooking with Craft Beer (21+). This beer-inspired menu will include a refreshing seasonal salad with a pale ale vinaigrette, delicious brown alebraised chicken, and rich chocolate stout cupcakes. Teaching Kitchen.

6-8:30pm. downtownmarketgr.com.

Pruning Japanese Maples. Learn how to bring out the natural beauty of Japanese maples through proper pruning. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 4-6pm. meijergardens.org.

Maranda Park Party. Smith Ryerson Park, Muskegon. Noon-2 pm. woodtv.com.

Reginald Pettibone’s Native American Dance and Cultural Program.

HoChunk Nation powwow dancer Reg Pettibone will teach us about our nation’s Native past. Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Library).

10:30-11:30am and 2pm-3pm. grpl.org.

June 26

June 29

Maranda Park Party. Bronson Park, Kalamazoo. 12 pm - 2 pm. woodtv.com.

Founders Fest 2019: A Celebration of beer and music. 12th year that continues to bring together the tastiest beer with the finest artists from around the country, and the world. Founders Brewing Co. 3-11 pm. foundersbrewing.com.

Fruit Fest at the Downtown Market.

Local farms and producers will have apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and berries of all kinds for sale under the outdoor market shed. Grand Rapids Downtown Market. 10-2pm. downtownmarketgr.com.

June 23

June 27

Bill Maher Live Stand Up Tour. He has set boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television.

DeVos Performance Hall. 8pm. devosperformancehall.com.

A Day in the Life of a Zoo Veterinarian.

Get the inside scoop from Dr. Ryan Colburn, head veterinarian for the John Ball Zoo. John Ball Zoo. 2-3:30pm. grpl.org.

Deep Greens and Blues. Downhome Americana band blending soulful harmonies and artisan-crafted songwriting that explore the depths of roots, country, and fold traditions, creating new vibes inspired by old sounds. Riverwalk Plaza.

7-9pm. discoverlowell.org.

Drop-in Tour: Maya Lin. GRAM docents will guide participants through an exhibition featuring the work of renowned artist. architect, and designer MayaLin. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 1-2pm. artmuseumgr.org.

June 30

RAIN-A Tribute to the Beatles.

Celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

7-9:30pm. meijergardens.org.

For more event listings,visit womenslifestyle.com.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Arts & Entertainment:

Event Spotlight

Grand Rapids Pride Center Creates Belonging

BY ALLISON ARNOLD | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GRAND RAPID PRIDE CENTER

I

t was 1987, and after returning from the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, a group of West Michigan advocates decided to continue the momentum in our Midwest city. In 1988, the Lesbian and Gay Community Network of West Michigan was formed.

That June, The Network’s first pride festival, A Celebration of Life, was held at the Monroe Amphitheater, which is now Rosa Parks Circle. The 2018 festival had more than 11,000 attendees, and even more are expected at this year’s festival on June 15 at Calder Plaza. Attendees can expect a wide assortment of games and activities, drag shows and headlining and local entertainment, all in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

Eve Gardner has been a volunteer facilitator for the youth group for about a year.

“It’s been awesome to see youth in front of our eyes process who they are as people, and they know themselves more than I think I know myself sometimes,” Gardner commented.

Being a facilitator for the youth group has not only allowed Gardner to witness beautiful transformations among her students, but to experience growth within herself.

“I wish other people would do it because it's so amazing to watch each child's face light up the minute they walk through the door,” she said. "They get to drop everything.”

In 2016, The Network rebranded to the Grand Rapids Pride Center to encompasses the diverse community the

Inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community are also vital in this space.

“[We want to] create a space for queer young adults of color to come together because they are facing obstacles that a lot of other demographics and community people aren’t facing.

“It's important to understand at-risk populations because of dual or multiple identities,” Beau VanSolkema, a transgender man who has been involved in the Grand Rapids Pride Center, said.

— Thomas Pierce, Executive Director at the Grand Rapids Pride Center

organization serves. Since its inception, the Pride Center has been dedicated to creating a space that fosters support for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

VanSolkema calls attention to the multiple identities that can be layered on top of being LGBTQ+. These could include being a person of color, transgender, a woman, a formerly incarcerated individual and a person living with HIV. The more identities one has, the more challenging it can be to find spaces that are truly inclusive.

In efforts to tackle race, gender and sexual identity, the P.O.C young adult group was formed in partnership with Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 who are experiencing unsafe or unstable housing. “[We want to] create a space for queer young adults of color to come together because they are facing obstacles that a lot of other demographics and community people aren't facing,” Thomas Pierce, Executive Director at the Grand Rapids Pride Center, expressed. “We wanted to

YOUTH GROUP AT THE GR PRIDE CENTER

create a safe space for them to come in and talk about those kind of things.”

Other social and support groups the center offers are geared toward young adults, men, women, cross-dressers, parents of LGBTQ youth, families, and transgender, non-binary and gender questioning individuals.

Despite changes and many ups and downs since 1988, the Pride Center continues to be dedicated to creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, educating citizens on what being an ally truly means, and building a sense of community, belonging and pride.

For more information on the Grand Rapids Pride Center and the programs and services it provides or to purchase tickets to Grand Rapids Pride Festival, please visit grpride.org.

Allison Arnold is a freelance writer and avid adventurer who loves hiking, traveling and trying new foods. She loves writing about food and culture on her blog, For the Love of Tacos.

GRAND RAPIDS PRIDE FESTIVAL 2018 | PHOTO BY ELYSE WILD

The youth social and support group is one out of ten free support groups the center offers and has been around since 1989. It is the largest group at the center, serving about 50 kids every week.

What: Grand Rapids Pride Festival When: June 15, Noon — 10 p.m.

Where: Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave NW Cost: $8/General Admission; $50/V.I.P. Lounge

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

39

MAI THAO ON TOP OF LION ROCK IN HONG KONG

Mai Thao is the chief operating officer of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, an event that brings together the rich traditions of the Asian and Pacific-Islander American communities in West Michigan. Along with owning and operating Waan Waan Sweets, a confectionery that serves Thai rolled ice cream at Bangkok Taste Cuisine (15 Jefferson Ave SE), Thao is an avid traveler. We invited her to share her latest experience solo-trekking through Asia and shed light on what makes each destination a world to behold.

A Solo-Female Travelers Guide to Asia Words and photos by Mai Thao

Hong Kong

S

olo travel gave me the ultimate freedom to explore East Asia and Southeast Asia at my own discretion. I’ve always had a travel bug in me. I wanted a long vacation and an escape from the Michigan winter. Two years of saving and I was ready to leave.

For four weeks in November 2018, with a 35-literbookbag, I traveled to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Each destination left an everlasting impression. The experiences enriched my understanding of the history, the people, the culture and the food from each of the countries I visited.

Hong Kong is densely populated with no shortage of skyscrapers providing a beautiful skyline. Public transportation is cheap and reliable. All signs are in English, making it easy to navigate around. Credit cards are widely accepted. Free Wi-Fi is readily available. At $134 per night for a twin bed, accommodation was the most expensive.

I stayed in the city for three days and two nights.

The Lion Rock hike located on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong was the highlight of my visit. The view of the city on top of that mountain was beautiful and super rewarding.

Singapore

Singapore is culturally diverse with four official languages including English. Signs and announcements on public transit are in English as well. Spending two or three days here is sufficient. A must see is the free Gardens by the Bay light show. There’s no shortage of street food here. If you’re a fan of seafood, try the Singaporean chili crab or laksa, chicken and shrimp spicy coconut rice noodle soup. I started my mornings off with a strong brew of Kopi/coffee with condensed milk and sugar.

Vietnam - Hanoi EL NIDO IN THE PHILIPPINES

CHICKEN PHO FROM HANOI, VIETNAM

HMONG GIRL SAPA, VIETNAM

What: Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival When: June 14, 11 a.m. — 11 p.m.; June 15, 11 a.m.—11 p.m.; June 16, 11 a.m.—5 p.m.

Where: Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW Cost: Free

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Hanoi — the city of over 5-million motorbikes and no sidewalks! Sidewalks become motorbike parking during the day while motorists and pedestrians share the streets. Jaywalking is a norm. I found navigating the streets of Hanoi to be exhausting. Horns are constantly used as a warning to pedestrians. I stayed in the French old quarter where most tourists visit.

During the day the locals work, and by the late afternoon, street are filled up with food stalls. For as little as 25,000 VND ($1.07 USD), you can get a delicious bowl of chicken pho. Accommodation is also very cheap— for $21 USD a day, I got a studio apartment.

If you plan to do any travels to Southeast Asia, Vietnam should be on your list.

Philippines - El Nido, Palawan

The beaches in El Nido are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. Island tour packages with lunch buffet are cheaper than Thailand and the crowds are smaller too. I stayed in El Nido for three nights and that was plenty of time. You’ll need cash for everything so bring plenty. The town is rapidly developing and a few ATMs are scattered around, yet Wi-Fi is spotty. Plan to relax and disconnect from city life. The people are very nice and friendly. Besides the costly plane ticket to El Nido, accommodation, food and tour packages for a single person is all at a reasonable price. I had the best lechon/ roasted pig there.

Safety is the main concern for any solo traveler. Accessibility to the Internet is easier than ever. With a local SIM card, I was connected with my family and friends and had access to online resources at my fingertips. Ride hailing apps bypassed the need to speak the local language. I could set the destination without having to speak to the driver and share live tracking.

I hope this article inspired you to take your own adventure! Don’t let your fears stop you from visiting places you want to see.

You can talk to Thao about her travels and try her delicious Thai rolled ice cream this month at the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival.

Mai Thao is an entrepreneur and owner of Waan Waan Sweets, which serves rolled ice cream and boba tea in downtown Grand Rapids. A workaholic and epicurean, her passions are traveling and cooking.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

Arts & Entertainment:

Event Spotlight

LAURA AND NATHANIEL MOODY (PICTURED HERE AT THE 2018 GRAAHI GALA) ARE BEING HONORED AT THIS YEAR’S GRAAHI GALA.

GRAAHI Gala

Raises Awareness and Funds for Health Equity

BY ALLISON ARNOLD | PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAAHI

T

he Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is gearing up for its sixth annual gala on June 20 at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. “Color Our World With Health Equity” is the theme for the event, which celebrates individuals who are making a difference in health equity in the Grand Rapids community. The title sponsor for the evening is Ford Motor Company.

GRAAHI was established in 2002 in order to address growing research indicating health care disparities for African Americans. The organization promotes health equity in the African American community through its four pillars: community, advocacy, research and education.

According to GRAAHI, health equity means everyone having fair opportunity to become healthier, which can be difficult without access to steady employment, good schools and stable living conditions.

“Health equity is basically, color the world completely so that everyone has equal access to services that are available or to an affordable lifestyle, or everyone’s entitled to insurance — an equal playing field for

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

everyone,” Stephanie Pierce, Director of Community Engagement at GRAAHI, said.

As the premier fundraiser for the organization, the 2018 GRAAHI Gala raised around $50,000 to go toward programming. Attendees can choose to donate to specific GRAAHI initiatives such as Real Women Real Change, which focuses on healthy eating and physical activity for women, the Diabetes Empowerment Network, which offers health education and cooking classes for black men, and Strong Fathers, which offers support and resources for men with young children. GRAAHI also works with seniors to promote healthy lifestyles, in addition to holding a number of community partnerships.

Proceeds from the GRAAHI Gala 2019 will go toward supporting these programs and the organization’s mission to decrease health disparities in the African American community. Additionally, the event will honor couples who have been dedicated to social justice and supportive of GRAAHI’s work.

to improve the lives of others,” Pierce expressed.

Those being honored include Jim and Kathy Hackett, Bill and India Manns, and Nathaniel and Laura Moody.

Guests will enjoy local entertainment (to be announced) in addition to dancing, cocktails and a gourmet meal.

The event is colorful black tie, and with the theme, organizers hope to see attendees in vibrant dresses and bow ties.

To purchase tickets, visit graahi.com.

What: Color Our World With Health Equity GRAAHI Gala When: June 20, 6 — 10 p.m.

Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE Cost: $200/each; $2,000/table

“We always try to honor trailblazers in health and equity and people who have made an impact in the community

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See more photos at womenslifestyle.com/party-pics Michigan Women Forward • WOMANUP & CELEBRATE • Thursday, April 18th, 2019 • JW Marriott • Photos by Two Eagles Marcus

American Heart Association West Michigan • Heart Ball • Friday, April 26th, 2019 • 20 Monroe Live • Photos by Two Eagles Marcus

West Michigan Asian American Association • 10th Anniversary Asian Gala • Thursday, May 16th, 2019 • Goei Center • Photos by Two Eagles Marcus

myTEAM TRIUMPH - West Michigan Chapter • Captain’s Ball • Saturday, May 18th, 2019 • Sharpe Cars • Photos by Two Eagles Marcus

Cheeky Strut & Siren and Proper • 10 Year & 5 Year Anniversary • Saturday, May 18th, 2019 • Cheeky Strut & Siren and Proper • Photos by Two Eagles Marcus

Submit your event coverage request at womenslifestyle.com/photos 42

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • June 2019

FREE Outdoor Concerts Thursdays at 7pm on the Riverwalk Plaza by the Flat River in downtown Lowell 113 Riverwalk, Lowell, MI 49331

JUNE 13–AUGUST 22 LowellArtsMi.org DiscoverLowell.org

June 13 ALAN TURNER Inspirational Country

June 20 BLUE SOUL EXPRESS

Dynamic Blues / Soul / Funk

June 27 DEEP GREENS & BLUES Down-home Americana

July 4 RIVER CITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE WITH RICK REUTHER

Presented by LowellArts and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Dance and Swing Tunes

July 11 THE INSIDERS: TOM PETTY TRIBUTE BAND

July 12 MAGIC BUS

Rock & Roll

Riverwalk Festival July 11, 12 & 13

12:15pm BRUCE MATTHEWS 2:00pm THE ADAMS FAMILY

July 25

August 1

August 15

August 22

JESSE RAY AND THE CAROLINA CATFISH

ROOSEVELT DIGGS

DESMOND JONES

B-SIDE GROWLERS

60’s Woodstock

Americana

July 13

Rock / Funk / Jazz Fusion

Rock & Roll

LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.

Rotating Exhibits

LOWELLARTSMI.ORG

Fallasburg Arts Festival Art & Theater Classes

Concerts

Community Theater

LowellArts 223 W Main St Lowell, MI 49331

July 18 THE JETBEATS Vintage Rock & Roll

Vintage Blues / Jazz / Country

Concerts are family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Bleacher seating is available, or bring a chair.

Free parking.

Lead Sponsors

DDA

Support Locally Owned Business

FOOD, BEVERAGES & RESTAURANTS

n Aperitivo n Beltline Bar n Bistro Bella Vita n Brewery Vivant n Byron Center Meats n Daddy Pete’s BBQ, LLC n Erb Thai n Essence Group n Ferris Coffee & Nut n Field & Fire n Grand Central Market n Grand Rapids Brewing Company n Grand Rapids Cheesecake Company n Grove n HopCat n Malamiah Juice Bar n Matchbox n Nutcase Vegan Meats n One Trick Pony n Ottawa Beach Inn n Railside Golf Club n Reserve Wine & Food n Rockwell / Republic n 6eight Coffee n Stella’s Lounge n The B.O.B. n The Cheese Lady n The Cottage Bar n Terra GR n Twisted Rooster n The Green Well n The Waldron Public House n Wheelhouse

FLORAL & GARDEN n Ball Park Floral & Gifts n Eastern Floral n Flowerland n Romence Gardens

SHOPPING & RETAIL

n Art of the Table n Better Way Designs n Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus n Family Sewing n Frames Unlimited n Gazelle Sports n Iris Boutique n Rylee’s Ace Hardware n Spirit Dreams n Shakedown Street n Stonesthrow n Supermercado Mexico n Switchback Gear Exchange n The Shade Shop n Two Dutch Hens

PET PRODUCTS & SERVICES n Chow Hound Pet Supplies n Fido & Stitch

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

n 616 Lofts n A-1 Locksmith n EPS Security n Gerrit’s Appliance n Gordon Water n HBA of Greater Grand Rapids n Morris Builders n Rockford Construction n Standale Interiors n Tazzia Lawn Care n Verhey Carpets n William’s Kitchen + Bath

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 Magazine

AUTOMOTIVE

n Arie Nol Auto Center n CARSTAR Collision Centers n Community Automotive Repair n Harvey Automotive, Cadillac, Lexus, Auto Outlet n Pfeiffer Lincoln

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 Neighbors Development n Slow Food West Michigan n The Rapid n The Rapidian n West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC)

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

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FINANCIAL & LEGAL n Adventure Credit Union n United Bank

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

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