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2012 Spring Parade of Homes

2012 Spring Parade of Homes

The Annual Parade of Homes has expanded this year.

Beyond the list of 57 homes to be featured from May 25th through June 9th, there will be 6 remodeled homes along with something new, 8 conceptual homes.  The 8 homes listed as conceptual, can only be viewed online.

Most homes featured are in the $200,000 - $300,000 range.

Ticket prices this year are $12 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online: Paradeofhomesmi.com.

For more information, please go to: www.ParadeOfHomesMi.com.

Literary Life Bookstore & More closing in East Hills

Literary Life Bookstore & More closing in East Hills

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - A bookstore in the East Hills neighborhood is closing after five years in business. Literary Life Bookstore & More is discounting its inventory as it prepares to close.

Below is a release from the bookstore regarding its sale and hours of operation:

For five years, Literary Life Bookstore & More, located at 758 Wealthy Street SE (the southwest corner of Wealthy and Eastern) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has provided the Wealthy Street neighborhood with a place to celebrate all aspects of the literary life. Sadly, the time has come to close our doors for good.

Thought For Food: Revisiting Bartertown's Unassuming Revolution

Thought For Food: Revisiting Bartertown's Unassuming Revolution

Marie Lockerd

Catching up with Bartertown Diner's part owner and chef Ryan Cappalletti for an interview proved to be a bit difficult. Normally in the restaurant industry four in the afternoon on a weekday is a good time to find employees enjoying a lull in business before the dinner rush, but when I walked in at that time, it looked more like 7 p.m. on a Saturday. Although none of my questions got asked that day, the cheerfully busy atmosphere spoke volumes about how Grand Rapids has taken to the vegan/vegetarian employee-owned collective.  

Fubble Entertainment Captivates Audiences

Fubble Entertainment Captivates Audiences

By Victoria Mullen

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions." -- Albert Einstein

So, we’re sitting in our office, my business partner and I, when out of the blue, a loud burst of laughter comes prancing down the hall. Yes, prancing. Things come to a halt for a second. Then, a familiar plaintive cry, “Heeeeelp!”

This is not unusual. It’s Fubble Entertainment or, more specifically, Teresa Thome and Patrick Ziegler, the brains behind Fubble. It is Ziegler who has cried for help.

A New Farmers Market

A New Farmers Market

J. Bennett Rylah

The Fulton Street Farmers Market was one of the first markets established in Grand Rapids in the early 1900s, but the only one that would sell directly to consumers versus to wholesalers. While new technology was enabling food to travel longer distances, food prices were increasing. A group of housewives decided to utilize the farmland that surrounded them to establish the market. It was a grassroots effort made possible with community volunteers. And as the Market celebrates its 90th birthday this year, it's still a community project. On Saturday, May 5, the Market will experience a rebirth as its renovation is revealed to the public at 7:45 a.m., right before opening to shoppers for the year.

"I used to avoid coming here on Saturdays," admits Christine Helms-Maletic, Fulton Street Farmers Market's Project Development Manager. "It was always so crowded."

Grand Rapids Downtown Market Announces Search for PRESIDENT/CEO

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market Board announced today the search for the new Grand Rapids Downtown Market President/ CEO is underway. The board has secured a professional firm to help lead the effort.

‘Engaging a full time executive is the next important step to ensure the skillful management of the facility.  The successful candidate will report directly to the Downtown Market Board of Directors, which directs the non-profit organization that owns and operates the Market’ according to George Aquino, Board Chair.

When it opens in July 2013, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market will be the center of local food innovation, education and excitement in West Michigan.  The regions first year-round public market facility, the Downtown Market will support the production, distribution and marketing of local foods to a broad audience of city and regional residents, visitors, businesses and institutions.

Founders Brewing Company champions the bolder beverage

Founders Brewing Company champions the bolder beverage

by Emma Higgins in INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT in collaboration with Jonathan Stoner

Founders co-owner Dave Engbers tells the story of Founders growth-and the struggles to keeping going before they discovered the key to their current success