Get a taste of spring

Even though it may not feel like it outside, spring is blooming and butterflies are in the air! The Butterfly exhibit is now open at Frederick Meijer Gardens and it's the perfect way to escape the cold. There are more than 6000 free flying butterflies from around the world, including more than 40 different species!

The exhibit runs March 1st to April 30th.

Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 E. Beltline NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Eager to help out?

Then we have a good place for you!

Rapid Growth Media has partnered with different organizations to discuss the hunger issue here in our own back yard, West Michigan.

They'll talk with Kids Food Basket, the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force, Access of West Michigan, local food banks and other initiatives in the area to see where else help is needed and what YOU can do!!

Thursday, Feb 24th
Doors open at 5:30pm
Wealthy Street Theater
1130 Wealthy SE
FREE

In the mood to laugh?

Looking for a fun night out while at the same time, helping out those within your community?

Then make sure to check out LaughFest! It's a 10 day festival taking place March 10th-20th featuring comedy, improv and an abundance of events that will surely put a smile on your face. All proceeds from LaughFest will go towards Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids.

You can purchase tickets via www.ticketmaster.com or at Van Andel Arena Box office.

For more info and a complete listing of acts, please visit: www.LaughFest.org

Is it Paris? London?? Na.... it's Grand Rapids!!

As you know, I attempt to report on various happenings going on within our town as well as post cool, unique events/occasions/places that make our city Grand Rapids unique and THE place to be!

It was recently brought to my attention, that "Food and Wine" Magazine published an article in their February 2011 issue which talked about the new 'hot spots' to go for top notch wine and food.

#1) London
#2) Paris

ANNDDDDDD

#3) Nothing but our vibrant city, Grand Rapids, MI!!!

Reserve wine bar was featured for new natural wine, over 100 wines by the glass and the place to be!!

It's located at:
201 Monroe Ave. N.W.
Downtown

Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Grand Rapids IS a growing, thriving City!

For all of us that live here, the recent 'dying city' article that was published in Newsweek last week didn't set too well. As residents we see our city flourishing, thriving and making it's place on the map! We are all proud to live here and it's the most amazing place to call home.

Below is the link to the VERY appropriate letter Mayor Heartwell wrote in rebuttal to the article:
Thriving City

So unique Grand Rapids!

I thought this was super cool and very unique to our city!!

Nothing like a 500 ft Water Slide in the middle of the city!!! Event will take place Saturday and Sunday (Aug 21st and 22nd) on Lyon street and is FREE. Anyone can ride, however all under 48 inches must ride with an adult.

Come check it out and don't forget your bathing suit!!

West Michigan Schools come on top!

Wood TV 8 reported last week that three West Michigan Public Schools were ranked in the top 5 out of 3000 statewide!

According to excerpts from the report:

Forest Hills Public Schools' Eastern Middle School took the number one spot statewide among 3,000 schools ranked. Grand Rapids Public Schools' City Middle/High School came in fourth and FHPS' Northern Hills Middle School is ranked fifth.

Please click here for entire article