Heartside-Downtown

Story Matters: Jawhan "DJ Maddog" Jackson says LaughFest brings local comedy to next level

Submitted 03-13-2015 under NONPROFITS

Jawhan "DJ Maddog" Jackson says he first got hooked into LaughFest when participating in an improv comedy event. He say LaughFest gives Grand Rapids a "big city feel."

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My health journey: On running and having your s**t together

Submitted 03-11-2015 under VOICES

Running has always made me feel strong, mentally and physically. It’s always given me space to take, to occupy, when I felt like I was disappearing.

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Disability 101 (part 3): Disability Pride?

Submitted 03-10-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS

Disabled activists have fought a long time to actually own the experience of disability itself. And in that ownership comes the possibility of pride, self-love and disability celebration.

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PussyCat Beer Guild brings women, beer together

Submitted 03-10-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

One of the oldest women-only beer enthusiast groups in the U.S., PCBG allows for women to share and grow their love of beer. The local Guild meets every month at HopCat.

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Story Matters: Volunteer Ann Videtich says LaughFest brings a spotlight on Grand Rapids

Submitted 03-10-2015 under NONPROFITS

Ann Videtich has volunteered in a lot of areas for LaughFest. Here she shares how she's watched LaughFest draw attention to our city, both for out-of-town visitors as well as comedians.

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Story Matters: LaughFest festival director Joanne Roehm shares special memories

Submitted 03-09-2015 under NONPROFITS

Joanne Roehm, festival director of LaughFest, says the world needs LaughFest and the work being done at Gilda's Club to help us talk about the tough things in our lives.

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Story Matters: Faithful attendee, volunteer says "everybody needs LaughFest"

Submitted 03-09-2015 under NONPROFITS

Sue Baker has attended LaughFest every year with her sisters, and volunteered many of those years. She explains why she continues to give her time and what value she finds in the yearly festival created to raise funds for Gilda's Club.

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My health journey: Motivating myself for family, community around me

Submitted 03-06-2015 under VOICES

When I went on a mission to start a new trend where healthy eating and living would be a priority, I brought that mission not only to myself but to my children, my grandmother and my community.

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