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Commentary

Trolling under rainbow bridge

Submitted 07-31-2017 under OPINION

For all the discrimination and prejudice, I lamented in my first article, there was no acknowledgment of the disabled community. Even though I am not disabled, if I was going to get on a gay soap box about equal representation, I might want to make sure I’m not showcasing the same bias.

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Amplify GR meeting: What does community ownership look like?

Submitted 07-28-2017 under OPINION

Until Grand Rapids intentionally starts a restorative justice and reparations process to deal with over a century of oppression, those in power will evade true community ownership and empowerment.

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Foster mom gives back to the downtown food pantry Westminster

Submitted 07-26-2017 under LOCAL LIFE

For Dionne Ashley Ford, the food pantry at Westminster Presbyterian Church has made a huge difference for her family. Over the years she has adopted and raised 46 children of her own and fostered so many others. Now, shes giving back by volunteering.

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Grand Rapids Pops' Music of ABBA has audience dancing the night away

Submitted 07-14-2017 under OPINION

Arrival from Sweden recreates the ABBA experience to open the 2017 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area

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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services spotlight: Learning to advocate while parenting

Submitted 07-11-2017 under OPINION

Our third child, Hannah, is hard of hearing. This caused my husband, Dave, and I to follow a path we likely would not have otherwise traveled. It’s been a journey filled with anxiety, discovery and development of life-long friendships.

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We are the skyline: Reflection from our windows, our pains

Submitted 07-05-2017 under OPINION

We cannot forget that we are the true reflection of brilliance on the horizon. Our sacrifices and hard work, our kindness toward our neighbor, our helping hand to those in need, these are the tools that will build the solid foundations and skyscrapers of hope within our children and the future.

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Sexual violence, abuse in the GR music scene needs even more conversation

Submitted 06-27-2017 under OPINION

Sexual violence and abuse are regrettably part of DIY and creative music scenes around the country. We must continue to have constructive dialogue and show support for victims in order to reduce and hopefully eliminate these issues in our community.

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Movie Review: "The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki" at UICA

Submitted 06-27-2017 under OPINION

Community reviewer for the UICA, Patrick Feutz, discusses a sports biopic that charts the days leading up to the titular real-life boxer’s infamous 1962 World Featherweight Title bout with reigning champ Davey Moore.

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My journey to creativity activist after leading workshops at Girls Rock Grand Rapids

Submitted 06-20-2017 under PLACE-MATTERS

I've written songs everyday since February 12 of this year for my "365 Day Songwriting Challenge" and have written over 1000 songs since 2014. Everyone is creative and if you learn to unblock your creativity, you, too, can enjoy a creative and fulfilling approach to life.

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Photo Gallery: Pokey LaFarge and Lillie Mae at The Pyramid Scheme

Submitted 06-20-2017 under OPINION

St. Louis musician Pokey LaFarge and supporting act Lillie Mae brought a blend of country, jazz, and more to The Pyramid Scheme June 18th.

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