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Ada/Cascade Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebrations
Ada MI July 4th Celebration
Friday July 2, 2010 Ada Park – Bike Decorating Day
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$4 kids 4-12 yrs who show up with parent or guardian
[fee includes supplies and helpers]
Saturday July 3rd, 2010:
Parade Line up 9:30 AM Parking Lot near McDonalds
4th of July Parade 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Entertainment/Activities 11:00 AM- 6:00 PM Ada Village Green
“On the Green Activities”
New Classic Car Show Thornapple River Drive
Fireworks Dusk 7590 E Fulton @ Ada Drive In the Village
Cascade Township July 4th Celebration
Saturday July 3rd 2010:
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friends of the Library Book Sale
Cascade Public Library
9:45 – 10 AM Bicycle Parade Staging
Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church
**Parade Participants must wear a bike helmet
10:30 AM Main Parade Cascade Rd SE to 28th St, west
up 28th St to Jacksmith
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Street Fair Begins Free Games , Rides for kids
& adults, elephant rides, train rides, animal
petting zoo, Food Booths, Clowns & more…..
Cascade Library Grounds
12:-12:45 PM Live Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds
12:55 – 1:15 PM Ronald McDonald Stage at Library Grounds
1:15PM-2:00PM Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM F.H.Y. Cheer Pomms Stage at Library Grounds
2:30 –3:15 PM Music by Flashback Stage at Library Grounds
3:30 PM Closing of the Celebration
Fireworks Dusk 7590 East Fulton @ Ada Drive ( Downtown Ada Village
Green across from Amway)
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West
Michigan.Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan
area with a diverse business community, great medical research &
services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment
of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Caught me
Posing for his close-up
Sideways Warrior Position is best for eating
What? Like you will miss a few seeds here or there.
Lunch is Over - See ya Soon!
Michigan is an agricultural state. In fact, in agricultural products,
Michigan is second only to California among the diversity of its
products. Agriculture and farming is a large segment of our local
West Michigan economy.
West Michigan is nationally known for its fruit production, including
blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes and peaches. Add to this local
organic farmers that sell to local restaurants and grocery stores and
you can see how important growing food is to our local economy.
We like to support local businesses and farmers. Local produce is
the best! So visit your local farmers’ Market in Kent County and
see what you have been missing. Fresh produce is here in Michigan
and available in most areas near you.
Ada MI Farmers’ Market – Community Church Parking Lot
Tuesdays June 22 – Sept. 28, 2010 2:00 – 7 pm
Project FRESH accepted
“Chef in the Market” cooking demonstration program, also accepting
food basket donations for delivery to food pantry
Allendale Famers’ Market – 6101 Lake Michigan Dr – Heritage Town
Square Parking Lot ( North side of Lake Michigan Dr) June – October
Tuesdays and Fridays 11:00 am – 4 pm Project FRESH accepted
Byron Center Farmers’ Market – Pathway Church Parking Lot or
grassy area north of the Post Office – 8350 Byron Center Av.
May – October Saturday 8am-1 pm Project FRESH accepted.
Caledonia Michigan Farmers’ Market – M 37 & 100th St Intersection
Saturday 8am – 12 pm until Oct 30th 2010
Coopersville Farmers’ Market – North Main St parking lot pavilion
May 7- Oct 29 Wednesday 8 am – 1 pm Project FRESH accepted
Fulton Street Farmer’s Market – 1147 E. Fulton St Grand Rapids MI
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
May to Christmas
Grand Rapids South East Area Farmers’ Market
Corner of Franklin & Fuller Grand Rapids Michigan
June – October Thursday 10am – 4 pm
Project FRESH & Food Stamps accepted
Grand Rapids West Side Farmer’ Market
Alpine at 11th St ( City View Church) Grand Rapids Michigan
Thursday May 6 – October 7 Thursday 10am – 6:30 pm
Project FRESH accepted
Grandville Farmers’ Market – 4055 Maple St SW Grandville, MI
North of the Grandville Library
May 4 – Oct 19 Tuesday 8 am – 1 pm
Howard City Famers’ Market – 120 W. Edgerton at the White Pine Trail
staging area near the depot at Ensley and Edgerton St. Intersection
May 8 – October Saturday 9 am – 1 pm
Hudsonville Farmers’ Market & Crafts – 3302 Prospect St corner of
Prospect and School just off Chicago Dr.
June 2 – October 6, 2010 Wednesdays 8 am – 2 pm
Project FRESH accepted
Lowell MI Farmers’ Market – 225 S Hudson Lowell Fairgrounds
Thursdays May 13- Oct 7 2010 2 pm – 7 pm Handicap Parking Avail.
Metro Health Hospital Farmers’ Market– Metro Health Village
5900 Byron Center Ave Wyoming MI – easy access off M-6
May 6 – late Sept. 2010 Thursday 9am – 1 pm
Project FRESH accepted; free health screenings; live entertainment
Plainfield Township Farmers’ Market – 4411 Plainfield Ave NE
(corner of 5 Mile Rd and Plainfield Ave) adjacent to Fire Station # 3.
June 15 – Oct 14, 2010 Tuesday & Thursday 2 pm – 7 pm
Rockford MI Farmers’ Market – South Squires St Parking Lot off Main St
June 5 – Oct 30, 2010 Saturday 8 am – 1 pm
Walker Farmers’ Market – 4300 Remembrance Rd at Rylee’s Ace Hardware
Saturday June – Sept 8am – 2 pm
Link to Michigan Farmer’s Markets
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Arts in Ada Michigan Festival ~ May 15th 9 am to 4 pm
Event will be held on Bronson Street from the Covered Bridge
to Ada Drive Directly in front of historic Ada Town Hall
Hosted by the Ada Arts Council
Music, Dance, and activities are planned all day
Artists will sell their creations, including stained glass, jewelry,
photography, paintings, and pottery.
- Live entertainment will be provided
- Food will be available
While you are in Ada, it would be a great time to check out the
boutiques and specialty shops here. Ada has unique stores with
unusual items and fantastic restaurants.
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2010 all rights reserved
Photos by Bonnie Westbrook
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
The eighth Annual Tri River Museum Network will open their tour
of small museums in West Michigan on Saturday, Sunday May 1 & 2,
2010 from 11 am to 5 pm.
Admission to all 18 museums is free during the promotional event,
designed to generate interest in the local historical societies and
their offerings. Local museums on the tour include Averill Historical
Museum and restored barn in Ada; Cascade Museum, located in a
town hall built in 1898, Fallasburg Historical Village with a a one
room schoolhouse and Lowell Historical Museum featuring a virtual
tour and Victorian rooms.
Ada Historical Museum
Cascade Township Historical Museum
Lowell Historical Museum
Other Highlights along the tour are historical churches, a Masonic Temple,
a Gleaners Hall, restored train depots, restored Victorian Home, military
museum, a dormitory that house girls who worked in silk factories, a
restored storefront, and a historic village encompassing 300 acres.
Each museum has a little different local historical memorabilia and local
records on display. Maps and additional information can obtained at any
of the museums taking part in the “Spring Into the Past” Tour.
Google Map & List of Tri River Museums
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Ada Park in Ada Michigan is going all out for Earth Day/ Arbor Day
this year with a Festival. The celebration will start at 10 AM and
continue until 2 PM at Ada Park & Arboretum on Saturday,
April 24th, 2010. Ada Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Ave.
Festival admission is free, although donations are accepted.
The Festival will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with exhibits
on trees, landscaping, native plants, invasive plants and insects.
Activities for all ages include:
- Games
- Crafts
- Fishing in the pond
Activities are also free, except for one craft and ‘tree themed ‘ snacks.
Each group will receive a free white pine sapling as long as supplies last.
The white pine is Michigan’s state tree.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Spring is here and Ada Parks Programs are underway. Take a look
at what fun programs the Ada Parks are offering this spring.
Pre-register by calling 616-676-0520
or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com
”Senior Specials at Ada Park”
Pre-register at the park office 676-0584 before the day of the event
$2/per event payable on site the day of the event.
Bird Break – Thursday April 15th 9-10 AM
Ada Park Les Craig Learning Center
A morning gathering in the learning center for coffee and donuts,
followed by a guided leisure walk ( 25 minutes) to look for and
listen to local birds.
Nature Walk – Thursday May 6th – 9-10 AM
Ada Park Shelter and Trails
A guided walk ( 40 minutes) along the paved paths through the
Arboretum and Nature Area in search of spring wildflowers
and other natural beauties. Refreshments at the end in the
shelter.
Lunch with Punch Wednesday, June 9 12-1 PM
Ada Park Les Craig Learning Center
A time to gather with friends for a nice meal and fellowship
in a pleasant setting. Lunch provided by the Ada Park staff
and volunteers. Optional walk in the park after lunch.
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FREE SPECIAL EVENT
Earth Day/Arbor Day Festival Saturday April 24th 10 AM –2 PM
Come celebrate Earth day and Arbor Day together in this special
event in Ada Parks’ Locke Arboretum. There will be activities
for all ages including workshops, guided walks, displays, exhibits,
handouts, make & take crafts, plus games & fishing for kids.
One free tree sapling to each family as supplies last.
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Youth Discovery Days Age 3-5 10 AM – 12 noon
Ada Park Learning Center $4/youth
Especially for Pre-Schoolers along with a parent or guardian to have
a fun, educational adventure out in Ada Park, Each session with
an indoor hands-on activity, nature craft and a guided discover
experience outdoors.
Cool Critters – Wednesday April 21
Does it have fur, scales or feathers? Does it run, swim or fly?
Look for the many different critters that live just outside
our back door.
Beautiful Bugs Wednesday May 12
What beautiful bugs live in our neighborhood? Go on an insect
hunt and pretend to be a firefly looking for some friends.
Jump, Frog, Jump! Wednesday June 2
Frogs are singing, croaking, and jumping everywhere. Look and
listen for frogs around the pond, try to hop like a frog, and
make a fun “frog” craft to take home.
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Kids Bike & Safety Rodeo Ada Park ( Free- Donations accepted)
Saturday June 12 10 AM – 1:30 PM 4-12 yr olds
Kent Country Sheriff Department will host fun activities and food
for all who attend with bike inspections, helmet inspections, bus
safety, fire safety plus a bike obstacle course form 10- 12 AM
At noon awards, raffles, and a free cookout lunch followed by
the ‘Bike Parade” at 1:00pm Bring your own bike and helmet.
Donations up to $ 5.00 per child will go towards the Community
Policing Unit. Make checks payable to: K.C.T. S Action Fund.
Call 616-632-6220 for more information or the Ada Parks Office.
Free Evening Fishing Ada Park Thursday June 17 from 6-8 PM
Open fishing for youth with their families at the Ada Park pond.
Poles, bait, assistance and snacks provided. Pre-registration
requested by calling the park office 676-0584
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful entertainment venue
in our Forest Hills Area. The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this
winter-spring season have something for everyone. Not only the
headlining events like Amy Grant, and Whose Live Anyway, the local
high school productions are not exactly the amateur events I remember
from my school days. The musicals we have seen have had seriously
talented young performers from our local high schools.
There are still quite a few shows to catch this season. If you haven’t
been to our fabulous gold star LEED performance center, you should
stop by and take a look.
It is open every day from 8am to 5 pm with a featured artist-in-residence
work displayed in the lobby. This month, fiber artist Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk
displays vessels that explore the concept of containment.
February 22 – Forest Hills Central -Evening of Percussion 7 pm
February 23 – Jazz Night 7 pm
March 11 – Cynthia Hagedorn Artist Reception – 6-7:30 pm
March 12-13 – Grand Rapids Balley Company Interactive 7:30 pm
March 25,26,27 – Forest Hill Central Musical – The Wizard of Oz – 7:30 pm;
+ 3:00 pm matinee Mar 27th
April 17 – An Evening with Amy Grant – 7:30 pm
April 18 – Grand Rapids Symphony – Percussion Explosion – 3:00 pm
April 20 – Forest Hill Public Schools K-12 Student Artists Reception, 6 – 7:30 p.m
Thursday, April 29, 2010 – Whose Live Anyway
May 26 – National Senior Health and Fitness Day, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m
June 3 – International Society of Experimental Artists’ Reception, 6 – 7:30 p.m
We volunteer at the Fine Arts Center and find it a very entertaining and
rewarding way to give back to our community. We have ushered shows,
taken tickets, handed out programs, placed posters and guided people to
their seats. The Fine Arts Center is a part of the Forest Hills School
System but must survive financially on its own, which means volunteers
are vital to the program. Without volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible to
fund the shows and events that take place to enrich the community.
Fine Arts Center GR MI 49546
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
U.S.News & World Report has published it’s ranking of Top High Schools
in the United States last month for 2010. Of the 21,00 schools in the country
considered, Michigan was ranked overall in 26th place, with 864 schools
ranked.
Of these, 324 were considered eligible for ranking and 75 made Gold,
Silver, or Bronze status. Twenty were awarded Silver or Gold Rank in
the state and of these, Kent County had 7 Open Enrollment High Schools
awarded Silver. Fifty Five high schools in Michigan were awarded Bronze,
3 in Kent County.
Silver Award Schools:
City High-Middle School – Grand Rapids MI
Forest Hills Eastern High School – Grand Rapids – Ada MI
Forest Hills Central High School – Grand Rapids – Ada MI
East Grand Rapids High School – East Grand Rapids MI
Bronze Award Schools:
Kelloggsville High School – Grand Rapids MI
Lee High School – Wyoming MI
Lincoln School – Grand Rapids MI
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
We are on the front lines of property values and were well aware this day
would come. We have seen property values fall from 15-30% in the past
3 years for local communities. ( Read our Blog post about home values)
The effects of this devaluation still has shock value for many living in
our local areas. We have watched poorer school districts struggle to
allocate funding with the financial news from Lansing being dire and
changing constantly. It has now started to hit our more affluent areas
and these parents are confused and angry.
We attended the Forest Hills Superintendant’s meeting last fall about
a $10 million dollar projected shortfall in their 2010-2011 school budget.
They are not getting any definite answers from the state on what cuts
will be until after they set their annual budget ( This is truly bizarre but
the state government runs its own show).
Both East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills have fixed costs because of
teacher and staff contracts. Our understanding is that these are about
70% of the budget in Forest Hills. [See FHPS Funding Facts } Dan Behm,
the Forest Hills Superintendant told our group of concerned citizens
that if he eliminated transportation and sports, that there would
still be $3 million shortfall and he would have to look for another job
because of angry parents.
We don’t offer any solutions, but we do need to look at all items on
the budget. Nothing is sacrosanct, not teacher salaries, retirement
or healthcare. The same belt-tightening and elimination of non-essential
items that has affected business and personal budgets for the last 3 years
and longer in the state of Michigan is reducing funds for public services
in our state.
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____________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
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