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Meet civic investor Jack Hoffman: Investing in a better city- through law

Submitted 04-24-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Attorney Jack Hoffman may be most widely known for his public role in the ballot efforts with Decriminalize Grand Rapids (DCGR), including his public letter to the City Attorney that he published as a citizen journalist on The Rapidian. “The...

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Meet civic investor Rachel Lee: Investing in neighborhood vibrancy

Submitted 04-23-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Rachel Lee, director of the East Hills Council of Neighbors, loved living in East Hills, even 15 years ago when she moved back from an internship in New York City, having fallen in love with the vibrancy of a busy city environment. But while there,...

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Choo Choo Grill still wows with its burgers after 68 years

Submitted 04-22-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

As a regular of Stella’s half-off burger nights, I enjoy a good burger. For me, a burger is a comfortable stand-by. If I go to any restaurant and feel indecisive about the menu options, I order a burger. That being said, all burgers are not...

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A Pleasant Dog works to help dogs, their owners thrive

Submitted 04-22-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Grand Rapids has a new dog training service in town called A Pleasant Dog. A Pleasant Dog is the creation of long-time dog lover and trainer, Jenn Gavin. Gavin’s goal for A Pleasant Dog is to help urban dogs and their owners thrive in a city...

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Meet civic investor Rick Beerhorst: Investing in the city as muse

Submitted 04-20-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Rick Beerhorst is a a local artist with deep roots in Grand Rapids. He grew up in Kentwood when much of what is now developed was still farmland. His flight to the urban core greatly influenced his artistic vision. "I started going out into the...

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Meet civic investor Eric Bouwens: Investing in the city's health

Submitted 04-19-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Surrounded by 12 comfortable exam rooms, a procedure room for minor surgeries and a team of financial assistants to help patients navigate health funding and an on-site social worker, Dr. Eric Bouwens finds himself starting off Spectrum Health's...

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What's On Tap: April 17-23

Submitted 04-17-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

B.O.B.'s Brewery Platinum Blonde Afterglow Amber Full On IPA, India pale ale London Calling, porter Calgacus, Scotch ale Robert The Barrel, bourbon barrel ale Spaceboy Stout, English oatmeal stout Hop Zeppelin Black IPA, Indian black ale Spooky...

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Local knitting group seeking new home

Submitted 04-16-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Following the close of Schuler Books & Music on Alpine Avenue, the Naughty Knitters and Hookers found themselves without a place to meet. The knitting and crochet group used to meet there every Friday for knitting and camaraderie. “We were...

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East Hills chef reflects on community involvement, experience in global cooking

Submitted 04-15-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Chef Roman Petrack was born in New Zealand, grew up in the Netherlands and has worked in several countries across the world. His experience in restaurants and as a personal chef within these cultures gives him a dynamic perspective on food and...

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Storytellers spin tales for elementary classrooms, public events

Submitted 04-15-2014 under LOCAL LIFE

Every month, a group of enthusiastic individuals gathers in Grand Rapids to spin yarns and tell tall tales. Story Spinners of Grand Rapids share personal stories, fables, historical narratives, personal mementos and everything in between. They have...

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