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Volume 47 Number 5

May 2010 Features RIVEr Awareness

Every 10 years, an educational and recreational event takes place on the Grand River — all 200-plus miles of it. Meanwhile, two men and a legion of supporters have secured a promise from the Downtown Development Authority for $25,000 in matching funds for a feasibility study geared toward returning the rapids to the river. ......................................38

ABOUT FACE

Today, rejuvenation procedures, from Botox to plastic surgery, mean tailoring to individual needs and doing as little as possible for the best results. . ................................42 BEST LAWYERS

A list of West Michigan lawyers excerpted from the 2010 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America,” based on more than 2.8 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. ......................45

2 Grand Rapids May 2010

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New innovations...

New YOU.

Dr. Brad Bengtson Introduces the Next Generation in Laser Liposuction New FDA approved LifeSculpt™ laser body sculpting system: SlimLipo™ LifeSculpt™ is for men and women with stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. The SlimLipo™ laser selectively targets unwanted fat cells, tightening tissue and skin, which results in an improved, smoothly contoured surface. Some of the advantages are:

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New Location ~ May 2010 bengtsoncenter.com

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Women’s Health Center 555 MidTowne Suite 110, Grand Rapids, MI drb@bengtsoncenter.com

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Volume 47 Number 5

May 2010

14

on the cover:

Photography by Michael Buck

22

In Every Issue Life & Style

Pamella Roland’s spring chiffon; Mardi Link’s true-crime novel; Grand Alpaca Co.; Home Repair Services; Holy Wow ministries. ..... 9-13

Speaking Up Etc.

By Carole Valade..................... 7 Travel

By Matt Baker Venice at night without the tourists. .......................... 14

Grand Times

Canoeing the Grand River long before settlers arrived from abroad. ........................ 16

Critic’s Choice

By Mark F. Miller The Wilcox Estate in East Grand Rapids. ............24

Profile

As CEO of Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids, Cheryl Bremer wants to take the organization to new heights. ......................... 18

Art Appreciation

Design

Dining Review

A peek inside the 2010 Grand Rapids Symphony Showhouse. .....................21-26

By Ira Craaven Downtown Trini’s & Margarita Joe’s in Sparta. ............................. 60

By Joseph Antenucci Becherer Richard Diebenkorn’s “Ingelside” at Grand Rapids Art Museum. . ......................26

City Guide

Beltline Bar’s David Quinn; Mexican, Central/South American dining list; Queen’s Pub; singer Benjamin Riley; Hot Shots. . .................... 59-88

Fresh Hops

By Jon C. Koeze What’s a “high gravity” beer? ..................................... 64 Grand Vine

Calendar of Events ............ 71

By A. Brian Cain Wines at the Biltmore Estate. ...................................68

68 4 Grand Rapids May 2010

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com Publisher

John H. Zwarensteyn: jzwarensteyn@geminipub.com Editor

Carole Valade: cvalade@geminipub.com Managing Editor

Marty Primeau: mprimeau@geminipub.com Copy Editor

Donna Ferraro: dferraro@geminipub.com Contributing Editors

Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze, Tricia van Zelst Contributing Writers

Julie Burch, Kimberly Monaghan Editorial Interns

Cristina Stavro, Alexandra Fluegel, Amy Soukup Design Panel

Celeste Adams, Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Joe McCambridge, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen Design & Production Manager

Skate Server

Scott Sommerfeld: ssommerfeld@geminipub.com Assistant Design & Production Manager

Chris Pastotnik: cpastotnik@geminipub.com Art Coordinator

Harbour Bay Furniture Co. Stuart, FL and Holland, MI

Downtown Holland · 212 S. River Ave., Holland · (616) 395-5554 Open Mon.–Sat. 10:00–5:30

www.harbourbayfurniture.com

Kelly J. Nugent: knugent@geminipub.com Designers/Production Assistants

Melissa Brooks: mbrooks@geminipub.com Robin Vargo: rvargo@geminipub.com Contributing Photographers

Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Jeff Hage, Jack Poeller, Johnny Quirin General Sales Manager

Randy D. Prichard: rprichard@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Consultants

Grand Rapids Symphony Women’s Committee Showhouse

May 1 - 23, 2010

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Kathie Manett: kmanett@geminipub.com John Olsa: jolsa@geminipub.com Jan Thomas: jthomas@geminipub.com Lesley Vander Wall: lvanderwall@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Assistant/Coordinator

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com Circulation & Marketing Manager

Scott T. Miller: smiller@geminipub.com Circulation & Marketing Coordinator

Jocelyn Burkett: jburkett@geminipub.com Circulation & Marketing Assistant

Shane Chapin: schapin@geminipub.com Finance & Administration Manager

Pamela Brocato, CPA: pbrocato@geminipub.com Accounting & Credit assistant

Bev Horinga: bhoringa@geminipub.com

Special Events

Local designers transform the historic Wilcox Estate for a month of special events and home and garden tours in support of the Grand Rapids Symphony.

SHOWHOUSE TOURS & TICKETS ~ May 1-23, 2010 - Estate tour admission $18 pre-sale and $20 at the door - Group sales 10+ at $15 - You may purchase tickets at Papers Plus, Ramona’s Table, GR Symphony Office, Sears Architects and Wealthy at Charles PREVIEW PARTY ~ Thursday, April 29, 6pm GIRLS NIGHT OUT at the WILCOX ~ May 10 / 7 - 9pm ANTIQUE CARS on the WILCOX ESTATE ~ May 16 / 12 - 5pm WEDNESDAY EVENING MUSICALES - 7 - 9pm ma non troppo ~ Wednesday, May 5 Symphony Stars ~ Wednesday, May 12 Sam Stryke ~ Wednesday, May 19 THURSDAY DESIGNER NIGHTS ~ May 6, 13, 20 / 7 - 9pm For reservations and credit card payments call Patti at Sears Architects at (616) 336-8495

Administrative assistant

Tina Gillman: tgillman@geminipub.com Receptionists/Clerical Assistants

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Alyson Mabie, Linda Wilson To Order Reprints

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com (616) 459-4545 Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Publications, a division of Gemini Corporation. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2010 by Gemini Publications.

All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444.

Estate Tours: Wed, Thur, Fri ~ 11am - 4 pm, 6 - 9 pm Sat, Sun ~ 12 - 5 pm Cafe Hours: Wed - Fri ~ 11- 4 pm, Weekends ~ 12 - 5pm

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Advertising rates and specifications at www.grmag.com or by request.

Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions. audited by

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Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)

6 Grand Rapids May 2010

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Etcetera

Fresh water battle

by Carole ValaDe

IT MAY SEEM TOO obvious to observe that those living on this peninsula called Michigan are water babies. Or perhaps it is too important not to observe, lest we comfortably continue to take it for granted.

In the recent past, those suffering in drought-ridden states proposed a pipeline to carry Great Lakes water to their regions, undaunted by the potential destruction of ecosystems extending far beyond the Great Lakes.

The Council of Great Lakes Governors formed a seven-year effort to pass legislation in each of eight Great Lakes States prohibiting the water diversion from the Great Lakes Basin, and it took more than another year to secure Congressional approval of the ban. It is but one year old.

The historic agreement also provides for a regional management to sustain the lakes and provides environmental checkpoints for each of the eight states. In March, Congress formally authorized a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, elevating the eight states to a partnership with the federal government in guiding restoration efforts. The Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act reauthorized the Environmental Protection Agency’s office and Great Lakes Legacy Act first established in 2002, which was credited for removal of almost one million cubic yards of toxic sediments from the Great Lakes.

Congressman Vern Ehlers was among the supporters of these historic agreements.

Residents likely read more about the invasion of Asian carp than the initial and subsequent threats to divert Great Lakes water — and that problem, too, is now work for the Great Lakes Commission. The group continues to push for Congressional action and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ assistance to permanently

PHoToGraPHy by MICHael buCK

letters We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Please send letters in care of: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, or e-mail to letters@grmag.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.

separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds as the key strategy in protecting the lakes from Asian carp.

Protection of the world’s largest body of fresh water is sometimes lost on those who have never availed themselves of the opportunity to witness its magnitude and grandeur.

Those I know to be bankrupt in this regard live on the East Coast and do not — cannot — imagine, let alone understand, the concept of “fresh water.” And it is always a thrill to drag those horses to water.

Such was the case for the winner of the 2009 ArtPrize competition. Brooklyn, N.Y., artist Ray Ortner, who won the international competition with his seven-panel painting of the ocean, was said to be surprised by the enthusiasm for his work … until someone took him to the west shore.

Celebrate. ’Tis the season.

May 2010 Grand rapids 7

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GRand Rapids | HOlland | ROckfORd 4/2/10 9:15:31 AM

“Chiffon is very easy to wear. Women love the fact that our chiffons come in a wide array of colors.”

— Pam DeVos, designer for Pamella Roland » PG10

PHOtOGRaPHY COURtEsY PaMELLa ROLaND

iNsiDE » TRUE-CRIME NOVEL 10

» ALPACA FARM 11

» HOME REPAIR SERVICES 12

» HOLY WOW 13 May 2010 Grand rapids 9

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Life & Style

Artistic inspiration

CHIFFon IS “lIGHT, CoMFoRTABle, FloW-Y AnD FeMInIne.”

It’s also a key fabric in the Pamella Roland Spring 2010 runway collection.

“Chiffon is very easy to wear,” said designer Pam DeVos, who divides her time between Grand Rapids and Manhattan. “Women love the fact that our chiffons come in a wide array of colors.”

The gowns — “simple and elegant with pops of bright color” — were inspired by the artwork of artist Georgia O’Keefe, she said. Since launching her fashion line in 2001, DeVos has designed gowns for dozens of Hollywood celebrities. “It is very exciting to work with actresses and their stylists,” DeVos said. “But you never know if they are going to wear your designs until they actually show up on the red carpet.”

This fall, the exhibit Diana, A Celebration comes to the Grand Rapids Art Museum largely due to the efforts of DeVos, an honorary life trustee of the museum, and her husband, Dan, who contributed the lead gift.

“Princess Diana was an icon in so many areas — philanthropy, the arts and fashion,” said DeVos. “She was loved by so many people around the world; everyone looked up to her. This exhibition will bring many people to West Michigan from all over, and should have a very positive economic impact with our hotels, restaurants and other downtown businesses.”

— MARTY PRIMeAU

in the Community of Isadore in Northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, Polish Catholic immigrants faced many challenges in the early 1900s. But perhaps none were as great as the discovery that one of their own had committed murder.

Mardi Link’s true-crime novel, “Isadore’s Secret” ($22.95, University of Michigan Press), tells the story of Sister Janina, a Felician nun who was killed in 1907 and buried under the parish church.

“There are so many unsolved cases in the country, but it’s amazing I can find this much in my own backyard,” said

Link, who lives in Traverse City.

A former crime writer for a New Hampshire newspaper, she has a passion for “seeing justice done.”

Link, who is working on her third book, about a 1986 unsolved Michigan murder, likens her novels to “much longer crime stories.” “Isadore” is her first on Michigan’s 2010 notable book list.

Not everyone, however, celebrates her efforts.

“The evil eye will be upon you if you write this book” warned an elderly Isadore resident when Link began researching the scandal.

In addition to having doors slammed in her face, she received e-mails threatening a book boycott.

“It’s like no time has passed since the murder,” said Link. “They are so blindly faithful that they feel this story has tarnished this place. That was not my intention.”

The novel opens with a priest and parish sexton unearthing a section of

the church basement in hopes of disproving a rumor of confession.

When they find a skeleton, they not only unlock the key to the nun’s disappearance but open a vault of transgressions and bitterness.

“It was hard to find living and breathing people to talk about this,” Link said. “They were all horrified I would write this book. For me, as a crime writer, this meant go full steam ahead.”

Link said she admires the community’s ability to stand together in the face of adversity as demonstrated by the crowded masses held in 1922 when the new church was erected.

What began as Link’s desire to uncover the truth soon turned into a commemorative journey to give a voice to a oncefavored lost soul.

“When I started to look into the life of Sister Janina, I felt a kinship toward her, and I realized that she was cheated out of all the ceremony that comes with a nun’s burial,” said Link. “This book is my way of giving her a marker.”

— KIMBeRlY MonAGHAn

PhotograPhy courteSy PaMella roland (toP); traVerSe city record eagle (leFt); uniVerSity Michigan PreSS (center);

sin and confession

10 Grand rapids May 2010

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Life & Style alpacas are more environmentally friendly than most farm animals and leave few carbon footprints in their wake.

Got fiber?

PhotograPhy by JiM gebben

T

“I sell the fiber right off the animal,” Jane said. The two-textured fleece comes in 22 colors, including a rare rose-grey. Purchased by knitters and clothing manufacturers, the fiber is turned into everything from socks to sweaters and sold in high-end boutiques and department stores.

“When the economy was down, people were turning to alpacas,” said Tim, who, together with Jane, decided it would be a great retirement venture that was easy to manage. Though his medical background allows Tim to handle many of the veterinary needs, Jane has presided over most of the alpacas’ births.

Despite their good nature, alpacas exhibit some quirky behavior. The 4-foottall adults make little clucking sounds as they lead their babies out to pasture. In the evening, they often partake in a group “pronk” — a frolicking-like jumping behavior.

“In the summer, they like to lie down and take an afternoon nap,” said Tim. “They look like they’re dead. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve run out to wake them up. They just look back at us like ‘what are you trying to do?’”

— KIMBeRlY MonAGHAn

im Talbott, a retired colon and rectal surgeon, likes to joke that his occupational path has “gone from fiber to fiber.” In 1985, he and his wife, Jane, purchased five alpacas and have since grown their herd to 170 head — making their farm the largest and oldest of the 500 alpaca farms in Michigan.

“They’re a huggable investment,” said Talbott, who, with Jane, owns and operates Grand Alpaca Co. in Grand Rapids.

“They are very social animals and have such a sweet and beautiful disposition,” she said. “They brush up against me for a little love. They’re just like big dogs.”

Alpacas, cousins to camels and llamas, live “lightly on the earth.” They are considered more agriculturally, economically and environmentally friendly than most farm animals and leave few carbon footprints in their wake. Their padded feet prevent soil erosion, they eat less and consume less water, and their pH-balanced manure can be recycled as fertilizer.

But it’s the alpacas’ fleece, which tim and Jane talbott surrounded by some of their “quirky” alpacas at outranks wool in warmth and durabilgrand alpaca co. in grand rapids. ity, that makes them sought after.

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Life & Style

Free workshops to make homes more energy efficient are sponsored by Home Repair Services.

A do-it-yourselfer’s paradise Got air leaks in your home? Cha-ching! Faulty appliances? Cha-ching!

If utility bills are soaring, Home Repair Services can come to the rescue. Since 1979, the nonprofit organization has helped thousands of low-income Kent County homeowners with remodeling and repair needs. While some services are strictly for those who qualify, HRS also offers free workshops to the general public.

“Your Energy Efficient Home” allows each participant to learn a variety of do-it-yourself tasks, such as fixing a broken lever inside a toilet tank.

“Homeowners want to know what they can do to get a handle on high utility costs,” said Stan Greene, resource development manager. Though “Your Energy Efficient Home” is a four-part series, Greene said each

two-hour session is independent, with topics ranging from “Creating a Plan” to “Healthy and Green.”

All workshops are held in the HRS headquarters, a 50,000-square-foot building at 1100 S. Division Ave. To make it easy for participants to see how repairs are made, HRS constructed a “Fix-It house” with clear Plexiglas panels in the walls, floor, ceiling and appliances. A sink, totally independent of the wall and positioned on its own cart, can be moved around so more people can see and practice fixing a leaky faucet.

There’s also a furnace and a water heater, and a mock outside wall that shows how pipes and wiring can allow outside air to seep in. Participants practice filling these outside holes on the mockup.

For low-income homeowners, HRS offers a plethora of services, including emergency repairs, a tool library and financial counseling. The organization relies on donations of overstock goods and custom orders gone wrong. Gallons of “oops paint” are perfect for other projects.

In the 2009 fiscal year alone, HRS helped more than 3,500 families, Greene said.

To find a schedule of classes, go to www.homere pairservices.org.

— Ann Malone

Photography by Michael Buck

Stan Greene gives Abby Zwier some expert advice at Home Repair Services.

12 Grand Rapids May 2010

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Life & Style

It’s not just about teeth!

Magician tom coverly performs for students at grand haven high School.

PhotograPhy byJohnny Quirin

holy Wow tom CoVerly is addicted to magic.

The former youth pastor launched Holy Wow Ministries in 2008 to incorporate his love of tricks and his desire to speak about God. “It has just been wild,” said Coverly, who was in the top 12 of GR’s Got Talent in February. “Last summer I did a lot of Christian music festivals — attracting 5,000 to 25,000 people — all over the country.”

The 37-year-old New Jersey native discovered magic as a college student 18 years ago when he wandered into a store looking for gimmicks to use for practical jokes. As he watched the employees perform illusions, Coverly became hooked.

“You’ve got two kinds of people who watch magic tricks,” he said. “You’ve got those who will sit there, love it, be wowed, enjoy it, and they’re like, ‘I don’t want to try and figure it out.’

“Or you have those who will watch a trick and they’re trying to throw guesses out there: ‘I know how that’s done. That’s done this way or that way.’ I’m one of those people.”

Performing magic at Christian festivals is a far cry from his childhood upbringing in Camden, N.J. “I grew up learning to handle everything with my fists,” he said. “I was breaking into cars and houses, living this whole inner-city life where you don’t know any

better, just how to survive.”

At age 13, Coverly went to church.

“I’d never been to church before, never saw the inside of a church building, never saw a Bible before in my life,” he said.

“The youth pastor said, ‘Jesus Christ,’ and I thought he was swearing. I literally thought Jesus Christ was a curse word.”

After the church service, he sat down with the youth pastor, wanting to know more. “And that’s when I surrendered my life to God.” Coverly, who attended Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania, spent 12 years as a youth pastor before launching Holy Wow. “All of these years as a youth pastor, taking my kids to see Skillet, or to see Third-Day or Casting Crowns, now I’m sharing the same stage as them. It just absolutely blows me away,” he said.

Despite the church’s historical disproval of magic, the response of the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“When I do church shows, I make it very clear up front that I don’t have any magical powers,” he said. “I wish I did. It would be fun and I would be the coolest superhero alive.”

— eMIlY WeST

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Life & Style: Travel

Nightseeing in Venice

by Matt baker

BoarDinG a train to italy, an Austrian friend handed us a list of “15 Things You Must See in Venice.” We’d only have 24 hours to see the city’s most famous sights — the Casa di Goldoni, the Ca’ Pesaro, the Palazzo Grassi. We promised him we’d cram them all in.

But we were lying.

We did use his list, but not in the way he intended. As our train crossed the Austrian/ Italian border, we re-titled it: “15 Things in Venice We Must Avoid.”

No city is overrun by tourists quite so thoroughly as Venice. We wanted a unique experience, someOur theory was that, at night, the city would be thing untainted by landmarks and revealed for what it truly is, that it would show us museum passes. To accomplish things astonishing, authentic and never-before-seen. that, we developed a new method of traveling: nightseeing.

Our rules were simple.

1. We must spend our daylight hours in Ven- strolling across our alley carrying flowers. He looked at us and then they were gone. ice napping somewhere warm and sunny.

It would be hard to top seeing Steven Tyler 2. We are only allowed to begin exploring the city at dusk, about the time that the muse- twice in one night. Already, we thought, it ums and cathedrals are locking their doors and couldn’t get any better than this.

But it did. At dinner we met a couple of pupsightseers are headed back to their hotels.

3. We are not allowed to seek out any sights peteers and argued with them about The Beatles. Then they invited us to watch their puppet that have been written about in guidebooks.

4. We have until dawn to accomplish our show. We were feeling good about the evening.

After the puppet show, we spent a couple goal.

PhotograPhy courteSy Matt baker

Our theory was that, at night, the city would be revealed for what it truly is, that it would show us things astonishing, authentic and never-before-seen.

It turns out that we were right.

First, we met a rock star.

Per our rules, we spent the afternoon napping on the ginger-colored beaches of Lido, amongst men in toothpick thongs and children shouldering bodyboards. When dusk began to settle over the islands, we took a water taxi to San Marco Square (coincidentally, No. 3 on the list of 15 Must See’s). Burly guards were ushering sightseers out of the bell tower as the basilica closed. Miss Italia contestants nibbled on tiny cups of gelato as tourists snapped pictures. That’s when a complete stranger leaned over and tipped us off: Steven Tyler was on the patio of a nearby café.

We don’t even like Aerosmith, but we couldn’t look away. We moved close enough that his bodyguards had a little chat with us about keeping our distance. We watched Tyler for 20 minutes as he talked on his cell while his girlfriend looked bored. When they finally left, they drew a comet tail of paparazzi and screaming fans.

We headed into the labyrinth of alleys and canals, looking for somewhere to have dinner (or, in our case, breakfast). But as we were passing the Palazzo Querini Stampalia (No. 13 on the list), we saw Tyler and his girlfriend again,

14 Grand rapids May 2010

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Life & Style: Travel

PhotograPhy courteSy Matt baker

in a private violin concert, with the Basilica di San Marco (No. 1) as a backdrop. As his friends sipped their wine, the violinist continued playing for almost an hour.

This is exactly the type of experience most tourists long for. But it isn’t the sort of thing that can be plugged into an itinerary. It was spontaneous — completely unplanned. While everyone else was sleeping, we stumbled onto our real Venice just

of hours hopping from jazz clubs to wine bars as they were closing. In one club near the Bridge of Sighs (No. 15 on the list), we talked to a 60-something gondola driver about his life on the canals. In another near the Rialto Market (No. 7), we met a pastry chef. Near the Rialto Bridge (No. 6), we were shadowed by a pair of 10-year-old Italians who we thought might want our money. It turned out what they really wanted was to jump off the bridge.

They raced past us to the top of the Rialto, checked both sides for boats, and then, at the count of “dieci,” one of them jumped into the canal to the applause of the crowd at the water taxi platform nearby. We realized then that while sightseeing is all about a city’s landmarks, nightseeing is about its people.

While waiting for a water taxi, we saw an Italian businessman slap a water taxi attendant, who then tossed the businessman down a walkway. Meanwhile, a group of men sitting nearby were singing what sounded like the Italian equivalent of “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”

We took a water taxi back to San Marco Square — we wanted to be there to watch the sun rise. As we settled onto the square’s cobblestones to wait, a threesome emerged from an alley near the clock tower carrying a small table and chairs and a bottle of wine. They set the table up in front of the basilica. The biggest silhouette took a violin from its case and began playing the first movement of Vivaldi’s “Summer.” From our perch along one edge of the piazza, we indulged

in time. A pinkish dawn broke over San Marco, the violinist packed up his violin, and the threesome carried the table and chairs off and disappeared.

We picked up our bags and began our trek back to the train station. We were off to the next city. We’d be sleeping the whole way there.

Matt Baker is a Grand Rapids-based freelancer who loves to travel.

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History: Grand Times

Persistent paddlers CANOEING ON THE GRAND BEGAN WITH NATIVE AMERICANS AND EVOLVED INTO THE ELEGANT CLUB ON THE BANK AT NORTH PARK. BY GORDON G. BELD

his parents had befriended.

One night, he discovered it was missing, but he found it among several Indian canoes at a riverside camp.

Recalling the incident in his book, “The Yesterdays of Grand Rapids,” Belknap said that he jumped into the canoe and started across the river with several Indians in pursuit.

The Michigan, a steamboat, was just leaving its dock for a trip to Grand Haven; and the pilot cut the engines while crewmen used poles to push away the pursuers. Indian boys on a nearby island retaliated by shooting arrows at the steamer, and passengers on the upper deck scrambled for safety. Then, unable to reach the pursuers with their poles, the crewmen jumped ashore and threw stones.

“My canoe was lifted on deck,” Belknap wrote, “and the Michigan swung around in the channel and steamed away for the Haven. I was afraid to be set ashore at any downriver point so remained on the boat,

a

r

Wo

Gran Febr

washing dishes to pay my freight.”

Belknap went on to fight in the Civil War and later entered politics, representing the area in Congress.

More peaceful canoe cruises on the Grand were commonplace at the start of the next century when the Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club moved from Reeds Lake to new quarters on the bank of the Grand at North Park. The building, with a large ballroom and a veranda overlooking the river where regattas and other aquatic activities took place, was completed in 1908.

Sculling also was popular at the club, and some of its members were among the best in the country.

At the 1912 races of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen in Peoria, for example, Grand Rapids rowers won the intermediate four-oared shell contest, finishing ahead of teams from St. Louis and Quincy, Ill. Popularity of the club at North Park decreased during the third decade of the 1900s when automobiles carried greater numbers of area residents to more distant warm-weather attractions. In 1929, the city of Grand Rapids acquired the property. Today it is the site of social activities of American Legion posts.

GR

Photography courtesy Gordon G. Beld

C

anoeing on the Grand has been going on for a long, long time.

Many of us enjoy paddling up and down the river today, but long before European-born settlers came to what is now Grand Rapids, the stream was a highway for Native Americans whose villages lined its shores. Their earliest known canoes were dugouts, made by chopping or burning out the center of a log. These were followed by more complex, bark-covered craft.

Among the first non-Indian canoeists to reach Grand Rapids was Giles B. Slocum, a southeast Michigan entrepreneur who paddled downstream from Jackson in 1834. Later, he owned extensive tracts of land on the west side of the state and, with Charles Mears, laid out the village of Whitehall.

After Charles E. Belknap came to Grand Rapids with his parents in 1846, he owned several canoes at various times and used them to pick up packs of shingles that washed off rafts as they floated down the river to Grand Haven. It was a good source of income for a boy, he said, because he was paid five cents for each bundle retrieved.

His favorite boyhood watercraft was a gift from a Native American whom

th

16 Grand Rapids May 2010

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4/2/10 9:16:18 AM

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Profile: Influential Women

P

Helping others As CEO of the Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids, Cheryl Bremer wants to take the organization to new heights. By Cristina Stavro

Cheryl Bremer Web site: www.redcrossggr.org Residence: Grandville Family: Married to Cal Bremer; grown children, grandchildren.

“Red Cross will not only be a household name.

We will be as visible in the community as Starbucks is.”

— Cheryl Bremer

S

wimming in an African river on New Year’s Day while keeping watch for hippos is not a memory most people can claim. For Cheryl Bremer, it’s one of many that have filled the journey to her appointment as CEO at The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids.

After a 20-year career in fundraising, she was tapped for the ARC position in October 2009. “I was intrigued by the Red Cross,” said Bremer, who was a fundraising administrator at a private Christian school in Chicago in 2007 when she was contacted about the position. “I love to see people locally and internationally loving and ministering to each other.

It seemed to be a good fit.”

Though she’s been on the job for less than a year, Bremer has big plans for the organization.

“Red Cross will not only be a household name. We will be as visible in the community as Starbucks is.” This means

Red Cross having a tangible presence— through offices, a storefront, a disaster trailer, all marked by the “unmistakable Red Cross sign.”

The Grand Haven native lived in Nigeria between the ages of 7 and 17. “My parents were missionaries in the lower lands of Nigeria and the interior,” explained Bremer. She attended a missionary boarding school in Jos, where days began at 7 a.m. with a breakfast of porridge and toast before classes started.

Two extended breaks from school each year gave Bremer and her four siblings time together with their parents.

She remembers times spent as a family, hiking in the hills, going to the town market, riding bikes and helping out in the orphanages.

Though she calls Grand Haven home, Bremer has spent most of her adult life in Grand Rapids. After majoring in education at Calvin College, she spent a few years teaching elementary school.

But Bremer said she always was drawn to numbers, prompting her to make a career switch. She went back to school and earned an accounting degree from Davenport University.

“That began my 22-year career as a fundraising professional,” she said of her experience with several nonprofit organizations, including International Aid, Calvin College and Daystar School in Chicago.

Photography by Jim Gebben

Community Involvement: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids Chamber, Inforum, volunteer consulting with other nonprofits in area of fundraising.

18 Grand Rapids May 2010

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Profile: Influential Women Working with International Aid— which seeks to improve global health— prepared Bremer for the world of disaster response. Later, a leadership role in the first comprehensive campaign for Calvin College defined Bremer’s fundraising and management career.

Bremer has managed the transition to chief executive officer well. For her, “the breadth of responsibility is the biggest leap.” Much of her job revolves around a community that spans five counties.

“Her dedication is amazing to see,” said Caroline Clunk, the communications coordinator at the Grand Rapids branch of Red Cross. “Her tenacity is visible and empowering to our staff and volunteers.

No matter what needs done, she is there, willing to put in the hard work to do it and do it well.”

Hard work and lots of it is what Bremer faces every day. And just like in Nigeria, days begin early, typically with a morning walk and breakfast with her husband. At 7:30, the work day begins.

“I average four to five meetings each day between staff, management, board members, donors and community organizations.” Between those meetings are 15 to 20 phone calls, 50 to 75 e-mails, and two or three cups of coffee. “I try to leave work by 6 p.m., though my husband would tell you it’s often 6:45.” Some days include evening meetings, further extending already-long days.

Relaxation is “somewhat illusive” in the busy CEO’s life. When there is time, she and her husband enjoy cultural events, music and biking.

Travel is another passion — 17 countries and counting — with most trips focused on mission work and fundraising.

She once took a group of women donors to Honduras and lived in an orphanage for a week, bringing Master Gardeners along to teach locals how to raise their own food.

Bremer has found inspiration in the young adults and college students of Grand Rapids: “They energize me. There is a wonderful spirit among young people today who are getting excited to be a part of the Red Cross.”

A volunteer-run Red Cross Service Center in Hastings recently opened, offering a glimpse of Bremer’s vision and where the organization is headed.

“It’s wonderfully rewarding, challenging, exciting — it’s a great honor.” GR May 2010 Grand Rapids 19

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4/2/10 9:16:30 AM

CELEBRATING

CITY LIFE This year discover the perfect living

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4/6/10 10:39:45 AM

Design > A newly transformed Wilcox Estate is the 2010 Grand Rapids Symphony Showhouse.

Photography

by Johnny Quirin

Inside » Symphony Showhouse 22

» Critic’s Choice 24

» Art Appreciation 26

May 2010 Grand Rapids 21

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Design: Solved

Rocking the Wilcox

T

hey came, they conquered.

Three months ago, 18 designers entered the Wilcox Estate in East Grand Rapids with the goal of transforming the 60-year-old compound of buildings into the Grand Rapids Symphony Showhouse. Originally designed as a recreational facility and a place to house vehicles, laundry and greenhouse, the estate was in need of a dramatic facelift.

Since purchasing the Mediterraneanstyle villa four years ago, owner Nyal Deems has been slowly renovating the spaces to become a more traditional home while maintaining the unique architectural details. Enter the designers, who

swept in to apply the finishing touches with paint, artwork and furnishings — both indoors and out.

The showhouse, organized by the symphony’s Women’s Committee, will be open to the public this month for tours and special events, from a Girls Night Out with desserts, champagne and fashions

by Boutique Emmanuel to a piano performance by jazz musician Sam Stryke.

All money raised will benefit the Grand Rapids Symphony. For a full schedule of tour hours, prices, events, floor plan, designers and a history of the estate, visit grsymphonyshowhouse.org. gr

PHOTOGraPHy by JOHNNy QUiriN

THe GraND raPiDS SyMPHONy SHOWHOUSe iS FiNiSHeD aND reaDy FOr THe PUbliC TO TOUr THe UNiQUe aND HiSTOriC COMPOUND. by Marty PrIMeau

22 Grand rapids May 2010

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Design: Solved

enter the designers, who swept in to apply the finishing touches with paint, artwork and furnishings — both indoors and out.

before

PHOTOGraPHy by JOHNNy QUiriN

Designers roberta lathrup of Designs by roberta and anna Donahue of ak Donahue Design teamed up to transform the living room and entryway, bringing in more than 20 artisans to work on special projects: installing a chandelier, painting a trompe l’oeil ceiling mural, constructing a stone fireplace, adding a stained glass window and more. One major project was opening up the wall between the living room and entryway, exposing the staircase. “it really transformed the room,” lathrup said.

Mary Dixon of Dixon interior Design mixed traditional furnishings and contemporary artwork in the Wilcox dining room. raw paneling was finished and painted “for an Old World patina,” complemented by the wrought-iron chandelier over the table.

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4/2/10 11:05:47 AM

Design: Critic’s Choice

Mission-style renovation

by Mark F. Miller

This year’s Grand Rapids Symphony Showhouse, with an enchanting courtyard enclosed by massive brick-walled buildings, is characteristic of Mediterranean period structures that were constructed during the Eclectic movement of American architectural style.

The house, actually a series of structures, once accommodated the recreation and utility facilities of the Wilcox Estate on 30 acres of land in East Grand Rapids. The estate has since been divided into smaller parcels and this utilitarian building has been converted by owner Nyal Deems, with the help of a team of designers, into a unique single-family residence. The resulting remodeled home has the luster of an ancient Italian villa, complete with endearing spaces and 1920’s charm. Many details are typical of Eclectic Mediterranean, and specifically, Mission Style architecture.

The Eclectic movement, prominent from the 1880s to the late 1930s, was rooted in the traditions of Europe and Early American architec-

tural tradition. Since the style stressed relatively pure copies of historic architecture, it typically was regionally based, with American Colonial, English and French period houses gaining prominence on the East Coast. California and the southwestern states, on the other hand, turned to their Hispanic heritage with Spanish Revival, Monterey and Mission styles.

While the varied styles of the Eclectic movement typically remained in their region of origin, the Mission style spread eastward into early 20th century suburbs under the influence of fashionable patrons, well-traveled architects and national magazines. It was about this time that the Wilcox family was adding to its estate. Mission Style, with its simple rectangular forms, low-hipped roofs and elaborate compound plans (in some instances housing inner courtyards), was perfect for the buildings they envisioned to house their pool, squash courts, greenhouse, laundry and garages.

Mission Style, as its name suggests, was

Mediterranean details in the Wilcox Estate include, from top, columns with spiral shaft, decorative masonary vents and quatrefoil windows. At right, a view of the courtyard.

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Design: Critic’s Choice Reclaimed from a utilitarian structure built nearly a century ago, the home expresses the Mission Style — perhaps better than any building in the region — through its quality construction, detailing and subtle interpretations of the colonial buildings it is based upon. Its patina, especially evident in the wonderful central courtyard, adds to the building’s charm

PHOTOGraPHy COUrTeSy SearS arCHiTeCTS (PaGeS 24 & 25)

Secondary passageway to the courtyard is on an axis with the main entry archway.

derived from the shape, form and details of Spanish Colonial mission buildings, and while few examples are precise copies, most express the virtues embodied in the originals. The Deems residence contains quatrefoil windows, a staple of this style also commonly found in churches and Gothic architecture. The windows have a symmetrical shape of four partially overlapping circles transposed with a square, and figuratively represent a flower with four petals.

The building also gestures toward the bell towers of early missions with its vertical front entryway acting as an arched threshold into the courtyard. This well-defined archway is flanked by stone columns with Corinthian caps and subtle spiral shafts, a detail that is consistent with many Spanish Revival buildings and possibly even influenced by Islamic ornamentation.

The central archway is joined by a variety of other arches and arcades, expressed in window and door openings and as internal structural elements, reinforcing the Mediterranean tradition. Small details echo this heritage, including decorative vents in the thick masonry walls and a random assortment of proud bricks laid within the common bond brick coursing of the wall, creating a unique and everchanging pattern of shadows and textures on the surface.

and gives it an almost European feel. The newly crafted interiors and tasteful solutions provide another layer of complexity that makes the building even more compelling and well worth a visit during this month’s tour.

Mark F. Miller is an architect at Nederveld and chairman of the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission.

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4/2/10 11:05:57 AM

Design: Art Appreciation

A true masterpiece

Unexpected, even magical, passages of color delight the eye with a sliver of hot pink, a slice of aqua blue and a spot of orange-red.

richard Diebenkorn american, 1922-1993 “ingleside,” 1963 Oil on canvas Museum purchase, 1967.1.1

riChard dieBenKOrn’s “inGeLside” is likely the most important painting in West Michigan. A true masterpiece, the 1963 painting is in the permanent collection of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Diebenkorn is widely considered among the most respected and influential American painters of the 20th century. Born in Oregon in 1922, he is associated with California where he was raised, initially trained, and later taught.

He was first interested in illustration but was drawn to early modern masters Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse, who pioneered a simplified and conceptual approach to describing the natural world, and near-contemporary painters Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, who championed diverse styles of abstraction that called attention to the application of paint, color and composition.

Although Diebenkorn did important figurative work, he is best known for large paintings of open and lightfilled landscape. “Ingelside” is a record of the environs of San Francisco, where he worked until 1966 when he moved to Los Angeles.

The sheer size of the painting commands attention: the canvas measures 82-by-70 inches. From a distance, it is easy to discern a broad, winding roadway with sidewalks, clusters of buildings, patches of lawn and an expanse of open sky.

The roadway pulls the viewer into the painting.

Wide at the base of the canvas, it jogs inward and narrows until, just beyond the halfway point, it shoots upward where it appears to touch the sky. The suburbs and hills of San Francisco are suggested, not minutely defined.

While the roadway draws the viewer in past the frame, the elements of the suburban landscape invite exploration. This is a memorable slice of America populated by bungalow homes,

tended lawns, broad sidewalks and ornamental palms, an environment created by individuals who sought modernity and tranquility in open spaces governed by the clarity of a flawless sky.

Diebenkorn has captured a timeless view of a specific moment, place and culture one might casually view through a picture window.

“Ingelside” is not reality or even a photograph. It is a painting, and Diebenkorn delights in the application of paint. Veils of pigment are noticeable throughout; as a result, even the road and sidewalks are luminous, not dense.

Layers of color are not intended to blend but remain independent yet cooperative with those beneath and alongside. Gradually, the viewer realizes the rich variety of the artist’s palette: Grasses are diverse greens, houses are associated whites, and the sky is far from a singular block of blue.

Unexpected, even magical, passages of color delight the eye with a sliver of hot pink, a slice of aqua blue and a spot of orange-red. Diebenkorn’s brushstrokes are noticeable across the canvas and energize an otherwise placid environment. Although loose, every stroke was thoughtfully applied to create an original and personal vision.

Richard Diebenkorn’s commitment to exploring the possibilities of the painted image earned the attention and respect of the art world. At the time of his death in 1993, his works were hung in many of the most respected public collections across the United States.

How fortunate we are to have “Ingelside,” widely regarded as one of the artist’s best works, in West Michigan. It reminds us there are many challenging and rewarding ways to appreciate artistic expression and the world around us.

Contributing editor Joseph Antenucci Becherer is a professor at Aquinas College and curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

PHOTOGraPHy COUrTeSy GraND raPiDS arT MUSeUM

by JOSePH aNTeNUCCi beCHerer

26 Grand rapids May 2010

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Special Advertising SEction

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3/31/10 3:33:13 PM

Special Advertising Section

Israels Designs For Living

Grand Rapids | Home

GR Home Showcase:

Interior Sales Consultant Ken Brooks and store manager Luitjen Kiewiet agree that the customers love the store’s new Lifestyle Collections concept.

Furnished for real

Photography by Michael Buck

Founded more than five decades ago, Israels Designs For Living has long served at the forefront of fine furniture retail, offering keepsake pieces from makers including Kindel, Harden and Baker.

But the family-owned company’s redesigned, 60,000-square-foot showroom on 28th Street also now offers just as many new brand options and price points as it does legacy furnishings — and feels more like an inspiring Parade of Homes tour than a traditional furniture store.

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By Lisa M. Jensen

3/31/10 3:33:15 PM

Special advertiSing Section

Luitjen Kiewiet, Store Manager 2320 28th St. Se, Grand Rapids (616) 243-5466 luitjen.kiewiet@israels.com www.israels.com Credentials: Founded in 1956 as an interior design firm, israels opened its first retail store 21 years later across from the Amway Grand Plaza hotel. in 1996, a second showroom opened at the corner of Breton and 28th Street, followed by Windows, Floors & More in 2005 to complete a wide range of home furnishing offerings.

Inspirations: “Repeat customers are a tremendous source of inspiration for all of us at israels,” said interior Sales Consultant Ken Brooks. “Seeing many of the same faces come through our door year after year confirms that our never-ending effort to please the customer is paying off.”

Career high point: “israels designs For Living is one of the most respected furniture stores in the Midwest, backed by a family of visionaries,” said Luitjen Kiewiet, israels’ store manager. “Being hired by them was a very exciting opportunity.”

Above: A favorite from the urban modern Collection is nichol miller’s park Avenue bed. Below: many customers look for a single piece of furniture that can add drama to a room, like the Baker Furniture Jaques garcia victoire chair.

the changes, just introduced in January, came in response to market research israels helped Personal high point: “having played a major role in the conversion of our entire store layout — from to underwrite. a ‘gallery-based’ concept to our all new ‘Lifestyle “the study showed Collections’ concept — has been a major underthat while customers have taking,” noted Kiewiet, “but seeing the final results has made it very rewarding.” become very sophisticated and creative, their lives are busier than ever, and they don’t have a lot of time to shop,” shared Luitjen Kiewiet, israels’ store manager. “our redesign was completely driven by a desire to enhance our customers’ shopping experiences. for us, it’s not about selling furniture — it’s about making their shopping experience pleasant and memorable.” to make identifying personal preferences and product selection easier for homeowners, israels’ new retail environment is

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comprised of nine Lifestyle Collections. in each of these, furniture and accessories sharing a common sense of design and character are displayed in room settings to reflect specific lifestyles. traditionally, Kiewiet explained, a furniture store groups a variety of furniture styles from the same manufacturer into one section of a showroom. “it may make a nice gallery for a particular furniture maker,” he noted, “but doesn’t really show how individual pieces will look in a real room setting.

“Here in our new showroom, we’ve made better use of floor space and walls, and introduced the newest paint colors,” Kiewiet continued. “this way, customers can not only see how a certain style of sofa might look with the surrounding accessories, but get a sense of how this whole room could fit into their own home.” interior sales consultants are also on hand to offer guidance and help homeowners identify furnishings within

Photography by Michael Buck (top)

Grand rapids | Home

ISRAELS DESIGNS FOR LIVING

3/31/10 3:33:17 PM

Special Advertising Section

GR Home Showcase:

Israels Designs For Living

Grand Rapids | Home

Inspired by recent market research, Israels Designs For Living’s new showroom invites homeowners to discover furnishings in their favorite lifestyle settings — and price points.

Photography by Michael Buck (top)

A popular trend right now is furniture that can be used indoors or outdoors, such as this beautifully appointed teak furniture from Summer Classics.

their budget, no matter its size. “Many are trained formally in interior design,” Kiewiet added. “Complementary design service — from space planning, color choices, fabric and flooring selections — is offered with every purchase. People appreciate not paying extra for solid solutions.”

While the 28th Street showroom’s Lifestyle Collections encourage homeowners to explore their own ideas and, if needed, share these with in-house designers, Israels’ Web site has been redesigned, too, to make choosing furniture easier and more fun. Visit www. israels.com for more details.

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“This roll-top desk from Stanley Furniture is the essence of classic traditional styling, and one of our most popular items,” states Kiewiet.

3/31/10 3:33:20 PM

Special Advertising Section

Gather

Grand Rapids | Home

’Round The Fire

While economic turns have helped make “staycation” a buzz word, backyard entertaining has ignited well beyond a trend.

“W

hether they’re retired, raising children or a young, two-income couple — building a new home or renovating — people have found it’s fun to gather ’round a fire right out their own back door,” said Rhonda Belden, marketing manager for Belden Brick & Supply in Grand Rapids.

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For some, nothing beats the sound and scent of crackling logs, branches and twigs. Because they radiate heat 360 degrees, firepits come closest to recreating that old-fashioned campfire.

Portability, affordability and convenience — plus a diversity of sizes

and styles — also make firepits the most popular outdoor hearth appliance, noted John Anible, owner of Hearthcrest Fireplace & Home Décor.

But he added that a wood stack — real or fabricated — isn’t the hottest thing going up in flames right now.

Courtesy Rasmussen Gas Logs and Grills

By Lisa M. Jensen

3/31/10 3:33:22 PM

Special advertiSing Section

Grand rapids | Home

An outdoor fireplace and patio setting trimmed in umbriano pavers and Brussels dimensional Stone from unilock, available at Belden Brick & Supply in grand rapids, extends warm welcome.

Courtesy unilock (Top); diamond Fire Glass, inc. (bottom)

Courtesy Rasmussen Gas Logs and Grills

n ext Generation a mbience “Glass crystals,” said Anible, “are gorgeous. People love glass because it offers a very clean look, comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, and especially colors — from bright oranges and reds to deep blues and rainbow hues. The choices, which can be combined, are literally endless.” now, he noted, homeowners can color coordinate their firepits and outdoor fireplaces with patio furniture and other products, like paving stones. “But what really makes glass so appealing is the effect it has on fire,” Anible said.

“Reflective glass, about double the cost

GRM_05.10_Sec05_HOME.indd 33

of colored glass, is especially mesmerizing; the flames just glitter, shimmer and dance.”

For a standard two-foot firepit, Anible noted 35-50 pounds of base glass (depending on glass size) is usually topped by about 14 pounds of colored or reflective crystals. “Lighting that can be installed beneath the glass just enhances the setting even more,” he said.

Geometric shapes and varying sized stones — from ¾-quarter-inch onyx to weightier cannonballs — are also gaining favor with homeowners desiring something different.

“The look ranges from Zen to contemporary,” Anible said. “Regardless, it all still feels very organic and inviting.”

extending The se ason While Michiganders have typically shied away from investing too much in

3/31/10 3:33:32 PM

Special advertiSing Section

Take a seat

“What type of furniture you choose depends on what kind of fire appliance you have,” said Michelle Miller, marketing manager for Out Back Casual Living and Fence in Comstock Park. “If you’re burning real wood and are looking for something maintenance free, PolyWood is a great option because nothing can hurt it.”

For cushioned seating, Miller said, selecting the right fabric is key.

“Avoid cotton and polyester, which begins to fade between 50 and 80 hours,” Miller said. “A seat covered in Sunbrella fabric will last forever.” She recommends weather-resistant furnishings from these lines, available at Out Back Casual Living and Fence: WOODARD. The company offers a variety of wrought iron, aluminum and all-seasons wicker, ranging from contemporary to traditional in a large selection of fabrics and finishes.

WINSTON. Regarded as “the performance company,” this manufacturer’s 2010 product line includes 26 furniture collections, 150 fabrics and 16 frame finishes.

AGIO. All-weather wicker, powdercoated aluminum, stainless steel, genuine stone tops and other longlasting materials comprise modern designs and classically-styled options.

POLYWOOD. Created from a high density polyethylene plastic, this Adirondack-styled green product comes in a range of hues.

Visit www.outbackfence.com to learn more.

GRM_05.10_Sec05_HOME.indd 34

A top seller at Belden Brick & Supply, Isokern modular fireplace units can be finished in a wide variety of products to suit varying style preferences and price points. homeowners can add on to basic units as well to create their own one-of-a-kind setting.

a space they perceived could only be used three months of the year, Belden observed, a wider range of outdoor hearth products are changing that.

“An outdoor fireplace makes backyards enjoyable from the earliest weeks of spring through late fall,” she said. offering high insulation value, green energy efficiency and easy installation because of their modular design, isokern outdoor fireplace models and chimney systems have become top sellers at Belden Brick & Supply Company, Belden said. “isokerns can be finished in anything, from real and manufactured stone to brick,” she noted. “homeowners like dressing up outdoor fireplaces to match the design of their home.”

While stone remains a favorite, Miller predicts handmade brick will be the future trend. she said. “it’s something different, but still looks organic, with an historic edge.”

Low-maintenance, earth-friendly, and available in a wide range of colors, clay pavers are another option. “no matter what look you like, chances are very good it will be available in your price point,” Belden added. “These products are all competitively priced, and can be fashioned into outdoor seating to enhance a great outdoor space.”

To learn more, visit www.hearthcrest. com, www.beldenbrickandsupply. com, www.fireplaceglass.com and www.isokern.com.

Courtesy earthcore industries manufacturer of the isokernFireplace (top); Courtesy Rasmussen Gas Logs and Grills (bottom)

Grand rapids | Home

ONCE THE HEAT IS ON, the next step is taking a seat around it.

3/31/10 3:33:37 PM

Special advertiSing Section

The Shade Shop

Dressingwindows

Founded By arnold McKey in 1935 as a shade repair and cleaning business in a boathouse along the Grand River, the shade shop is a well-established staple on Grand Rapids’ historic West side.

Photography by Michael Buck

Courtesy earthcore industries manufacturer of the isokernFireplace (top); Courtesy Rasmussen Gas Logs and Grills (bottom)

Grand rapids | Home

GR Home showcase:

and the family-owned business — now the region’s premiere Hunter douglas Gallery dealer — is still as committed to its community as it is to its customers.

GRM_05.10_Sec05_HOME.indd 35

Whether energy efficiency, privacy or enhancing views is the goal, the shade shop has for three generations offered the most innovative window treatments and design solutions.

By Lisa M. Jensen

3/31/10 3:33:39 PM

Special Advertising Section

Grand Rapids | Home

“From the riverbank, the shop moved to several different places on Leonard Street before the family purchased the historic Ritzema Building in 1962,” noted Susan McKey, who married Arnold’s great-grandson, Barry, and now manages the store.

“We’ve always been on the West Side, and feel very strong ties here to these neighbors, customers and friends who have kept us in business for 75 years.”

An active member of the West Leonard Business District and West Grand Neighborhood Organization, Susan is a heartfelt advocate of supporting locally-owned businesses to promote a vibrant community.

“There’s so much renovation, so many longstanding businesses recommitting themselves,” she said. “Giving the absolute best service to every customer who walks through our own doors has helped us remain a trusted business in this community. That’s so important to us.”

The Shade Shop’s wide range of window coverings and design solutions — from simple roller shades to the most innovative motorized technology — has also earned the business of many loyal customers over the decades.

Making A Difference

Glowing or subdued, “Light makes all the difference in a room, and how we feel in it.” — Susan McKey

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Glowing or subdued, light has the power to change moods as well as reflect them, Susan said: “Light makes all the difference in a room, and how we feel in it.”

What makes The Shade Shop so inviting, as West Michigan’s premiere Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer, is its showroom of full-size displays that allow customers to see, touch and compare a vast variety of light management options.

From honeycomb, pleated and woven

3/31/10 3:33:44 PM

Special advertiSing Section

GR Home showcase:

The Shade Shop

THE SHADE SHOP

Credentials: Serving the community since 1935, we incorporate three generations of window covering expertise. The Shade Shop’s team is continually trained, educated and certified in the latest products and motorization technology being innovated and produced by hunter douglas Window Fashions.

Inspirations: A walk through the Grand Rapids Art Museum, architecture of all types, the changing seasons, a sunny day in West Michigan, a sunny day in Mexico, a client’s satisfied smile!

Career high point: every time a client sends us a thank you note. We have kept every one of them over the years to remember the challenges, successes achieved, and many friends we have made along the journey.

duette shades by hunter douglas are available in four different kinds of fabric opacities, from sheer to fully opaque, and come in a variety of textures and colors including soft neutrals and bolder jewel tones.

wood shades to hardwood, polysatin and hybrid shutters — from privacy sheers and gliding window panels to wood blinds and endless custom drapery, valance and trim options — the McKey family’s shop is a treasure trove of inspiration. “as a Gallery dealer for Hunter douglas, beyond special promotions, we can also offer our customers the company’s Right Choice Promise,” susan added. “so if you custom order a product but find you aren’t happy with the color or how it works in your home, you can change it out for something else — you’re not stuck with it. the company stands behind us on every product. “that’s important to us, too.”

Certified on numerous levels of window treatment design and motorization, Barry McKey provides in-home consultations

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to further help ensure the right product is chosen, while fourth-generation son, Brett, serves as the shade shop’s certified installer, and Barry’s retired father, Ron, maintains the workroom. Personal dedication to shade shop customers also comes from longtime, talented in-store design assistant Corinne alt, susan said. “once you start designing draperies and valances, you automatically want to coordinate cushions, bedding, slip covers and other accessories,” she said. “We have a very creative staff that works in this area, too.

“We definitely take a team approach in this business and family. our customers are a big part of both.” to learn more, visit www.theshade shop.hdwfg.com and www.hunterdouglas. com.

Grand rapids | Home

Barry and Susan McKey, owners/Sales & design 422 Leonard St. nW, Grand Rapids (616) 459-4693 shadeshop@sbcglobal.net www.theshadeshop.hdwfg.com

Personal high point: Being a trusted and respected part of the Grand Rapids business community for more than 75 years, serving generations of our clients’ families who continue to honor us with referrals, and being chosen by hunter douglas Window Fashions as their premiere Gallery dealer in West Michigan.

From simple roller shades to the most innovative motorized technology, The Shade Shop can custom fashion a window dressing to suit every homeowner’s taste — as well as provide unique finishing touches.

3/31/10 3:33:48 PM

By Patrick Revere Photography by Michael Buck

38 Grand Rapids May 2010

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Several experts — whether bird watchers from the Audubon Society or local historians — have been recruited to discuss the details of their particular community’s relationship with the river and its habitats. But the foremost topic will be the water.

S

ixth century Greek philosopher Heraclitus described the inevitability of change by asserting “No man ever steps into the same river

twice.”

To whatever extent they may believe this to be true, river enthusiasts statewide will embark July 14 on the third part of a once-per-decade journey to chart changes to the Grand River’s plants and wildlife, adjacent land usage and water quality.

“The most telling factor of any river or stream is its diversity,” said Doug Carter, riverologist and chairman of Expedition 2010. “It’s constantly changing — a changing ecology through its mix of depths, speeds, direction and wildlife.”

The 12-day float will begin after a foot tour of the river’s headwaters in northern Hillsdale County. About 200 people will float each day, totaling about 2,000 people for the length of the 225-mile stretch. The Grand River is Michigan’s longest river, running through 18 counties and 158 townships. Its natural water basin spans 5,570 square miles.

“We will observe and talk about how the river flows and changes as it goes out to Grand Haven,” Carter said.

Several experts — whether bird watchers from the Audubon Society or local historians — have been recruited to discuss the details of their particular community’s relationship with the river and its habitats. But the foremost topic will be the water.

In the mid- and late-19th century, many natives and settlers alike were halted by the roaring rapids at the site of what would become the city of Grand Rapids. Soon, crossings were built.

The river was used to float logs and operate grist mills, and, in July 1880, Grand Rapids became the first city in the country to harness river power for municipal electricity.

To look at the entire length of the river under such an intense microscope every 10 years, and compare it against what was found during previous trips, offers a tremendous picture, said Rita Jack, director of clean water programs for Sierra Club in Lansing. “It shows us not only how conditions are, but how they’re likely to progress, given certain factors.”

She believes positive results have manifested since the expeditions began in 1990.

May 2010 Grand Rapids 39

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“For instance, the EPA’s clampdown on storm runoff,” she said. “It started with larger municipalities, but since then, they have progressively worked down to medium-sized and smaller municipalities. During this year’s expedition, I anticipate we should see the payoff from these activities.”

The float will land in Grand Rapids on Day 10: July 23. When paddlers arrive, they’ll find a host of locals dedicated to returning the Grand River to its former vitality. Suzanne Schulz, planning director for the city of Grand Rapids, has been engaged in a river naturalization project that has many aspects, including possibilities for restoring its banks.

“There are a variety of types of riverbanks right now, from the natural to a combination of rock and wall, to the sheer concrete wall and railing systems seen in the middle of downtown,” Schulz said. “We need to ensure we have banks that will keep the (downtown) Riverwalk as accessible as possible, but if we can install more boulders and natural vegetation, it will help cleanse the water and provide more aesthetic appeal.”

Andrew Bowman, planning director for Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, has been organizing the efforts for the lower Grand River portion of the expedition. Volunteers will be on hand at Canal Street Park, he said, to help tired paddlers safely off the river. There will also be lunchtime presentations about the river, including one by Grand Rapids Whitewater, a local group of outdoor enthusiasts who would like to see the rapids return to the waterway (see, page 41).

Bowman said the separation of sewage and storm water systems in Grand Rapids has dramatically reduced the overflow of human waste into the river, which had been a primary source of E. coli and other harmful bacteria. However, the separation

project also has resulted in some direct runoff from city streets that receive less day-to-day filtration. The storm water runoff is something GVMC, the city and other organizations have continued to address on a point-by-point basis.

“There are always challenges, but overall there has been good progress,” Bowman said. “The fish population has improved. For instance, sturgeon have been moving farther upriver, which is a sign of habitats on the mend.”

City data shows that the water tested at eight sites in the metro area most recently is at or near the highest quality levels since testing began in the mid-1980s. Still, none of the tests during that 25-year period show excellent water conditions.

“The No. 1 goal (of the expedition) is river awareness and education,” Bowman said. “We will have young people at stops along the way to do presentations and also to see community presentations. There is a recreational-education component to Expedition 2010 that will work well for youth groups involved in organizations such as the scouts, YMCA and churches.”

The final part of the run, from Nunica to Grand Haven, will include a visit by a research vessel from the Annis Water Institute near Muskegon. The visit typifies the interest organizers have seen in the expedition.

“Fundraising has been difficult this year, and maybe that’s a sign of the times,” Bowman said. “But something that parallels that has been an increase in people wanting to give time and be more involved. It’s an interesting balance that will help this thing go well in the end.”

The expedition will end with the final flotilla being escorted past the river bayous and out the Grand Haven channel to Lake Michigan for a rendezvous southeast of the pier head.

Sierra Club is adamant that the Grand River is safe for floating and even swimming in most stretches, said Jack. The 10-year tests of the river, she said, are important for river lovers to ensure progress continues in abating contamination.

“I used to be so blissfully ignorant about what’s been going on with the rivers, and having learned more, I feel there’s nothing better that we could be doing with our time than to restore and protect the waterways,” Jack said.

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher who pined about life’s metaphorical river, also said “Everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.”

Riverologists retain hope that this may hold true for the betterment of Grand Rapids residents and the river they admire. gr Patrick Revere is a freelance writer based in Grand Rapids.

andy bowman

an invitation to float Grand River Expedition 2010

the way. Among those planning

yards and it’s an important effort,”

$25 for a day trip to about $150

is a 12-day, 225-mile float begin-

to board kayaks and canoes are

said Rita Jack of the Sierra Club.

for a week or more. Cost includes

ning July 14 in northern Hillsdale

bloggers, photographers, videog-

“What a thing to do for a fam-

a T-shirt, water bottle, vessel

County near Jackson. About 200

raphers, writers, scientists, law

ily. You get an entirely different

sticker, maps, liability insurance

people are expected to float each

makers and, maybe most impor-

view of mid-Michigan and West

and meals, if a person is floating

day, with trips ranging from 11.5

tantly, families.

Michigan — altogether different

for more than a day.

to 27 miles.

Everyone is invited to float or help with ground efforts along

“This could be the perfect answer to the summer vacation.

It’s inexpensive, it’s in our back-

than driving over a bridge or even walking along the banks.”

Registration fees range from

For more information, visit michigan.sierraclub.org/issues/ greatlakes/articles/gre2010.html.

40 Grand rapids May 2010

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Chris Muller and Chip Richards formed Grand Rapids Whitewater to make the Grand River more exciting.

PUTTING RAPIDS BACK IN THE GRAND Grand Rapids’ skyline is accented with architectural features that serve as an ode to a once-roiling river, from a prominent research institute to the convention center, from the central transportation depot to the key piece of public sculpture, Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse.”

Yet the homage seems to miss its mark when lifelong residents and visitors alike look upon the Grand River — a fast-flowing but glassy center point of the city named for the waterway’s former identity.

“The river is why we’re here,” said Chip Richards, who formed Grand Rapids Whitewater with friend and fellow outdoorsman Chris Muller. “The old rapids prevented natives and settlers from moving any farther north. The dam was built in the ’20s as a way to make something locals at the time would see as more beautiful.”

Indeed, during times of low water, certain portions of the riverbed would become exposed and reveal city waste that created a foul odor.

“That’s behind us,” Richards said. “We can engineer the river to keep the water levels up and have a natural appearance. It’s time to make the river safer, healthier and more beautiful, more exciting.”

The two men, with a legion of supporters on Facebook and elsewhere, have

secured a promise from the Downtown Development Authority for $25,000 in matching funds to pay for a feasibility study geared toward returning the rapids to the river.

Early thought is to fill deep holes in the riverbed, including some drilled for quarries at the base of the Sixth Street Dam, and anchor large boulders into the bedrock to create the rapids. In time, the dam could be re-engineered to include a by-pass canal for small watercraft.

Truckee River has returned between $3.5 and $5 million annually.

“The people are staying downtown, enjoying themselves by going out to eat and spending money on hotel rooms,” Richards said. “There are a lot of positives, but the overall benefit is bringing people downtown and keeping them engaged in the community.”

Muller and Richards have worked extensively with the city, business owners, college students and professors, and have conferred with river anglers and naturalists.

All of the work they’ve done, they said, is changing the collective opinion about the benefits of re-engineering the river and its dams.

The once 18-foot drop between Leonard and Fulton streets is now a 13-foot drop at the dam. If the dangerous hydraulic roll at the dam can be eliminated, casual recreation on the downtown flow will be a viable attraction.

Part of what could be devised is an almost Class III water course during high season suitable for intermediate paddlers, and during low season would accommodate novice Class I paddlers.

They’re still looking for funding.

“We’re not asking any one person to prop up the whole,” Richards said. “We’re asking everyone on our Facebook page to buy the river a six pack, or to donate time and energy with whatever it is that they do well. With that, we would exceed our goal.”

“we can enGineer the river to keep the water levels up and have a natural appearance. it’s time to make the river safer, healthier and more beautiful, more excitinG.” — chip richards

“What we have is a ‘new’ city with an old river that we’ve turned our backs on,” Muller said. “There are a lot of people downtown — about 40,000 each day — who have the ability to either stay or leave.

This is a big part of what will help people make that decision.”

Other cities from Portland to South Bend have successfully completed similar projects. A study done in Reno, Nev., shows that a $1 million investment in the

If the changes are realized, the Grand River could accommodate everyone from children on rafts to professional kayakers involved in a weekend-long competition.

“It’s a very cool perspective to be on the water and looking out at downtown,” Muller said. “It’s not just about kayaking; it’s about being proud of your home, your river.”

May 2010 Grand rapids 41

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BY MARTY PRIMEAU

About Fa c Today, rejuvenation procedures, from Botox to plastic surgery, mean tailoring to individual needs and doing as little as possible for the best results.

A

few times a year, Dr. Robert Lamberts throws a party at his office for 40 or more prospective clients. While they sip wine and nibble hors d’oeuvres, the Grand Rapids dermatologist demonstrates “the latest and greatest” in rejuvenation procedures.

“It’s my niche,” said Lamberts, who has been helping people look better for nearly 20 years, whether it’s using Botox to freeze frown lines or liposuction to trim tummies.

“Some people may say it’s frivolous.

But cosmetic dermatology has its own rewards.”

That’s especially true in today’s youthobsessed society. “I see people in their 40s and 50s competing for jobs against people in their 20s and 30s,” Lamberts said. “They want to do things that will slow the aging process.”

Today there are plenty of options. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are constantly honing their craft to offer customized treatments using neurotoxins, tissue fillers, lasers and more.

“One of the things that happened dur-

ing the economic downturn is that people have shied away from facelifts and eyelid surgery,” said Dr. Dennis Hammond, a plastic surgeon at the Center for Breast & Body Contouring. “Instead, they’re asking for Botox and fillers. And that’s a good thing. We can do nice modifications without surgery.”

Dr. John Renucci of Plastic Surgery Associates agreed, saying about 75 percent of what he does is nonsurgical.

“The non-invasive procedures will never replace plastic surgery,” he said.

“Surgery is what is needed to contour the cheeks, jaw line and neckline, to remove excess skin or to tighten and repair muscles.”

But non-surgical procedures can improve the look of the skin, from erasing fine lines, sun spots and dilated blood vessels to improving the texture — “all the things that give people an aged appearance.”

Doctors say the latest emphasis is a personalized approach to rejuvenation, often with a combination of therapies.

“We’re tailoring individual needs and doing as little as possible for the best

results,” Renucci said. “That trend also applies to plastic surgery. Fifteen to 20 years ago, if someone needed a nose job, there was the same rhinoplasty for every person. Now there’s a lot of tailoring and adjusting.”

Prospective clients can schedule a consultation to learn what’s appropriate — and affordable. “We try to target a person’s concerns,” said Diane Blaisdell, one of two nurses who work with Lamberts at Dermatology Associates of West Michigan. “Based on what they want to achieve, we give them options and help them set up a program.”

Most people hope for subtle improvements with little downtime, she said.

“They don’t want the ‘Wow, what did you do?’ response. They want to look very natural.”

And clients often are surprised at what they hear during a consultation.

“Some people come in and tell me they think they need a facelift,” Renucci said.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KATERYNA GOVORUSHCHENKO

a ce

“I tell them what they really need is good skincare.”

Still topping the list of popular anti-agers is Botox, a purified botulinum toxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles.

The effect lasts about four to six months.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 5 million procedures were done in 2008, up 8 percent over the previous year.

It’s effective, doctors say, but pricey at $250 to $600 per visit for a single area.

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Non-surgical procedures can improve the look of the skin, from erasing fine lines, sun spots and dilated blood vessels to improving the texture — “all the things that give people an aged appearance.”

“Products such as Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane have really taken off because people can see immediate improvement,” Lamberts said. The fillers also can add volume to the face. “During the aging process, we lose the fullness,” he said. “Fillers can give a more youthful appearance.” Prices range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the area and type of treatment.

Dr. Robert Lamberts performs a laser treatment at Hammond said he’s getting Dermatology Associates of West Michigan. more requests for plumper lips — “women wanting the Angelina Jolie look.”

Aging hands also can benefit from a lit“There are a lot of family practice doctle plumping. Renucci said he’s been doing tors — even dentists — who are offering fat injections to soften the look. “With these procedures,” said Lamberts. “There older hands, you see all the tendons and are even a number of practices where the blood vessels. If you’re doing anti-aging use of neurotoxins is administered by a procedures on your face, you need physician’s assistant or nurse.” to look at your hands, as well.”

And that can be dangerous. “These are There’s also a wide variety of procedures that have downsides,” Hamlaser and phototherapy treatments mond said. “You could get permanent designed to eliminate fine lines, scarring if not done correctly. It needs to age spots, sun damage, acne scars be taken very seriously.” and more. The original laser resurThe experts also know where to inject facing procedures — designed to toxins or fillers to achieve the best results, reach deeper wrinkles and scars and how to combine various procedures.

— vaporize the upper layers of skin “We can maximize the effects by the techand require considerable healing niques we use,” Lamberts said. time. Newer, less invasive proceWhile cosmetic dermatology is an dures, such as fractional resurfac- exciting field, Lamberts said, it requires ing treatments, leave skin intact a lot of continuing education. “This isn’t with minimal downtime. Depend- something you can let sit. Through the ing on the desired results, some years, I’ve mentored with people to learn people may require a series of new techniques and stay current.” treatments.

In addition to treating skin cancers Cost also fluctuates, depending and melanomas, Lamberts said he’s done on the type of laser and the area. webinars with experts and flown around “You can target one specific area the world to do hands-on training. or do the whole face,” Blaisdell “There are so many little nuances, and said. “People should expect to pay things are changing all the time. It’s why I $500 to $3,000 for each session.” stay so enthusiastic.”

GR The key to any rejuvenation Marty Primeau is managing editor of therapy is finding a board-certified Grand Rapids Magazine. physician with plenty of experience, preferably one trained to Dr. Dennis Hammond injects Botox at the Center for Breast & Body Contouring. work with the skin.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

For years, Allergan Inc. had a monopoly on the toxin. But Dysport, a European version of Botox, was released last May, and two new agents are expected to be approved this year that may last longer and have a more rapid onset.

With competition, local doctors say, prices will become more affordable.

Beyond Botox, “fillers are the next step up,” Lamberts said. While the original dermal fillers were bovine-based collagens, newer products are synthetically created using hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally found in the skin.

Doctors inject fillers into the dermis, the skin’s middle layer that is primarily made up of collagen, a protein that provides a framework for cell growth and acts as a support structure. As people get older, that structure weakens and skin loses its elasticity.

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Best in the West A list of the best lawyers in West Michigan

M

nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or e-mail ballots; the other half is polled by phone.

The voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality. Lawyers were urged to evaluate each lawyer only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns, and weight votes accordingly.

This same method has been used for more than 25 years since the first addition was compiled. Lawyers are chosen based solely on the votes of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included.

Best Lawyers uses various methodology tools to identify and correct for anomalies in the nomination and voting processes.

Ultimately, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases.

Best Lawyers lists are available at www. bestlawyers.com. “Best Lawyers” and “The Best Lawyers in America” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White Inc. GR

Photography courtesy Istockphoto.com

ost people don’t intend to break laws. Most hope never to need a lawyer.

But life happens. And for those times when expert legal counsel is needed, everyone wants the best representation possible.

So Grand Rapids Magazine presents a list of West Michigan lawyers in 45 specialties.

The list is excerpted from the 2010 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America,” based on more than 2.8 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

Here’s how it works: The nomination pool for the 2010 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys.

Lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally.

Voting lawyers also were given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS

Alternative Dispute Resolution Grand Rapids Frederick D. Dilley Rhoades McKee

Michael S. McElwee Varnum

Thomas R. Behm Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman

Charles F. Behler Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Patrick E. Mears Barnes & Thornburg

James S. Brady Miller Johnson

John G. Cameron Jr. Dickinson Wright

William W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Lori J. Purkey Purkey & Associates

Scott S. Brinkmeyer Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Melissa N. Collar Warner Norcross & Judd

Jon G. March Miller Johnson

Thomas P. Sarb Miller Johnson

John C. Buchanan Buchanan & Buchanan

Stephen A. Hilger Stephen A. Hilger

Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson

Robert H. Skilton III Warner Norcross & Judd

Robert J. Buchanan Buchanan & Buchanan

Robert W. Scott Miller Johnson

Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee

Gordon J. Toering Warner Norcross & Judd

John J. Bursch Warner Norcross & Judd

Dustin Ordway Miller Johnson

Robert F. Wardrop II Wardrop & Wardrop

Robert L. DeJong Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone

Corporate Governance and Compliance Law Grand Rapids Craig N. Meurlin Warner Norcross & Judd

H. Rhett Pinsky Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy

Wyoming Perry G. Pastula Dunn, Schouten & Snoap

John M. DeVries Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Robert E. Lee Wright Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone Antitrust Law Grand Rapids Daniel R. Gravelyn Barnes & Thornburg Banking Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson

Thomas W. Schouten Dunn, Schouten & Snoap Bet-the-Company Litigation Grand Rapids Charles F. Behler Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge James S. Brady Miller Johnson

James H. Breay Warner Norcross & Judd

Douglas A. Dozeman Warner Norcross & Judd

Harvey Koning Varnum

David J. Gass Miller Johnson

Daniel R. Kubiak Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

William K. Holmes Warner Norcross & Judd

Gordon R. Lewis Warner Norcross & Judd

Richard A. Kay Warner Norcross & Judd

Rodney D. Martin Warner Norcross & Judd

Jon G. March Miller Johnson

Jeffrey A. Ott Warner Norcross & Judd

Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson

Ronald E. Roden Miller Johnson

Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee

Alan C. Schwartz Miller Johnson

L.R. Roegge Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

John M. Sommerdyke Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone

Paul T. Sorensen Warner Norcross & Judd

Bankruptcy and CreditorDebtor Rights Law Grand Rapids James B. Frakie James B. Frakie

Douglas E. Wagner Warner Norcross & Judd

Stephen B. Grow Warner Norcross & Judd

Commercial Litigation Grand Rapids Stephen P. Afendoulis Varnum

Timothy Hillegonds Warner Norcross & Judd Scott H. Hogan Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Michael C. Walton Rhoades McKee

Charles F. Behler Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Douglas A. Dozeman Warner Norcross & Judd David J. Gass Miller Johnson William K. Holmes Warner Norcross & Judd Richard A. Kay Warner Norcross & Judd Jon G. March Miller Johnson Molly E. McManus Warner Norcross & Judd Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee D. Andrew Portinga Miller Johnson L.R. Roegge Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Devin S. Schindler Warner Norcross & Judd Paul T. Sorensen Warner Norcross & Judd Stanley J. Stek Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone Robert D. VanderLaan VanderLaan & Associates Douglas E. Wagner Warner Norcross & Judd Michael C. Walton Rhoades McKee James L. Wernstrom Clark Hill Construction Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson

Corporate Law Grand Rapids Scott Alfree Varnum Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson Jeffrey S. Battershall Warner Norcross & Judd James H. Breay Warner Norcross & Judd Michael G. Campbell Barnes & Thornburg Cameron S. DeLong Warner Norcross & Judd Frank G. Dunten Dickinson Wright R. Paul Guerre Barnes & Thornburg Shane B. Hansen Warner Norcross & Judd Thomas P. Hogan Rhoades McKee Scott A. Huizenga Varnum Richard C. Lague Varnum Tracy T. Larsen Barnes & Thornburg Gordon R. Lewis Warner Norcross & Judd Hugh H. Makens Warner Norcross & Judd Charles E. McCallum Warner Norcross & Judd Daniel C. Molhoek Varnum Robert L. Nelson Myers Nelson Dillon & Shierk Brian J. Page Dykema

46 Grand Rapids May 2010

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS Jack A. Siebers Siebers Mohney

James S. Brady Miller Johnson

Robert R. Stead Barnes & Thornburg

Charles E. Chamberlain Jr. Willey & Chamberlain

Stephen C. Waterbury Warner Norcross & Judd

Paul J. Denenfeld LaGrand & Denenfeld

Michael G. Wooldridge Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett

Paul L. Mitchell Mitchell & Zambon

Paul D. Yared Siebers Mohney Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar Grand Rapids James S. Brady Miller Johnson Charles E. Chamberlain Jr. Willey & Chamberlain Paul J. Denenfeld LaGrand & Denenfeld Paul L. Mitchell Mitchell & Zambon Larry C. Willey Willey & Chamberlain

Larry C. Willey Willey & Chamberlain DUI/DWI Defense Grand Rapids James S. Brady Miller Johnson Charles E. Chamberlain Jr. Willey & Chamberlain Larry C. Willey Willey & Chamberlain Education Law Grand Haven John S. Lepard Scholten & Fant

Elder Law Grand Rapids Lauretta K. Murphy Miller Johnson Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law Grand Rapids Stanley J. Stek Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone Employee Benefits Law Grand Rapids Mary V. Bauman Miller Johnson Frank E. Berrodin Miller Johnson James C. Bruinsma Miller Johnson Sue O. Conway Warner Norcross & Judd Jeffrey A. DeVree Clark Hill William R. Hineline Law Weathers

Grand Rapids Gary A. Chamberlin Miller Johnson

Anthony J. Kolenic Jr. Warner Norcross & Judd

Craig A. Mutch Miller Johnson

Warner Norcross & Judd

Larry J. Titley Varnum Timothy J. Tornga Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones George L. Whitfield Warner Norcross & Judd Muskegon John H. McKendry Jr. Warner Norcross & Judd Environmental Law Grand Rapids Scott D. Broekstra Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones John V. Byl Warner Norcross & Judd Charles M. Denton II Barnes & Thornburg Douglas A. Donnell Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones John D. Dunn Warner Norcross & Judd John A. Ferroli Dykema

Goodman Congratulations to Hackney, Grover, Hoover Bruce & Bean Varnum Vernon P. Saper

Criminal Defense: White-Collar Grand Rapids

Congratulations to Hackney, Grover, Hoover & Bean

“Best Lawyers in America 2010”

GRANDVILLE • LANSING

Managing Partner Richard K. Grover Jr.

May 2010 Grand Rapids 47

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS Dustin Ordway Miller Johnson

Richard C. Lague Varnum

Gary A. Chamberlin Miller Johnson

John Patrick White Varnum

David E. Preston Varnum

Devin S. Schindler Warner Norcross & Judd

Robert J. Chovanec Warner Norcross & Judd

Thomas R. Wurst Miller Johnson

Mary Jane Rhoades Rhoades McKee

Immigration Law Grand Rapids Kathleen M. Hanenburg Warner Norcross & Judd

Ann M. Cooper Drew Cooper & Anding

Muskegon Robert A. Dubault Warner Norcross & Judd

Michael L. Robinson Warner Norcross & Judd Alan C. Schwartz Miller Johnson Eugene E. Smary Warner Norcross & Judd Scott J. Steiner Rhoades McKee Matthew D. Zimmerman Varnum Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law Grand Rapids Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson Family Law Grand Rapids James S. Brady Miller Johnson Michael B. Quinn Miller Johnson Richard A. Roane Warner Norcross & Judd David C. Sarnacki The Sarnacki Law Firm Connie R. Thacker Rhoades McKee 616-235-3500 James W. Zerrenner James W. Zerrenner PLLC First Amendment Law Grand Rapids James S. Brady Miller Johnson J.A. Cragwall Jr. Warner Norcross & Judd Health Care Law Grand Haven Thomas R. Reinsma Scholten Fant Grand Rapids Richard L. Bouma Warner Norcross & Judd Lawrence P. Burns Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett Richard E. Cassard Warner Norcross & Judd Brian Fleetham Law Weathers Kenneth G. Hofman Miller Johnson

Insurance Law Grand Rapids David N. Campos Garan Lucow & Miller Gary A. Maximiuk Wheeler Upham Thomas R. TerMaat Siebers Mohney Intellectual Property Law Grand Rapids Frederick S. Burkhart Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart Charles E. Burpee Warner Norcross & Judd Catherine S. Collins Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart Timothy A. Flory Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart Richard A. Gaffin Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone Donald S. Gardner Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart Terence J. Linn Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart

Steven R. Drew Drew Cooper & Anding Scott E. Dwyer Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones William H. Fallon Miller Johnson

Land Use & Zoning Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson

Michael L. Fayette Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy

Randall W. Kraker Varnum

David R. Fernstrum Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Legal Malpractice Law Grand Rapids William W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Jeffrey J. Fraser Varnum Bradley K. Glazier Bos & Glazier Theodore M. Iorio Kalniz, Iorio & Feldstein Filllipe Iorio Kalniz, Iorio & Feldstein David E. Khorey Varnum Peter J. Kok Miller Johnson Donald P. Lawless Barnes & Thornburg Jon G. March Miller Johnson Craig A. Mutch Miller Johnson

James A. Mitchell Varnum

Peter H. Peterson Miller Johnson

Harold W. Reick Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton

H. Rhett Pinsky Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy

International Trade and Finance Law Grand Rapids Cameron S. DeLong Warner Norcross & Judd Charles E. McCallum Warner Norcross & Judd Daniel C. Molhoek Varnum Labor and Employment Law Cedar Springs Jack R. Clary Jack R. Clary Grand Rapids Thomas J. Barnes Varnum

Donald J. Veldman Warner Norcross & Judd

Louis C. Rabaut Warner Norcross & Judd Brent R. Rector Miller Johnson David A. Rhem Varnum Robert W. Sikkel Barnes & Thornburg Edward M. Smith Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy Michael A. Snapper Barnes & Thornburg Kent J. Vana Varnum Joseph J. Vogan Varnum

Paul A. McCarthy Rhoades McKee Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson John R. Oostema Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge L.R. Roegge Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Medical Malpractice Law Grand Rapids Bruce M. Bieneman Bruce M. Bieneman Robert J. Buchanan Buchanan & Buchanan Albert J. Engel III Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Mark E. Fatum Rhoades McKee Troy W. Haney Haney Law Office William W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge John M. Kruis Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Richard G. Leonard Rhoades McKee William F. Mills Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee John C. O’Loughlin Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Norman H. Pylman Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman L.R. Roegge Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

48 Grand Rapids May 2010

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS William J. Waddell Law Offices of William J. Waddell

James R. Brown Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

William A. Horn Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

F. William McKee Warner Norcross & Judd

Grandville Richard K. Grover Jr. Hackney Grover Hoover & Bean

Randall W. Kraker Varnum

Claude L. Vander Ploeg Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

William F. Mills Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman

Richard A. Wendt Dickinson Wright

Personal Injury Litigation Grand Rapids Bruce M. Bieneman Bruce M. Bieneman

Bruce W. Neckers Rhoades McKee

James S. Brady Miller Johnson

L.R. Roegge Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

John C. Buchanan Buchanan & Buchanan

William J. Waddell Law Offices of William J. Waddell

Robert J. Buchanan Buchanan & Buchanan

Michael D. Wade Garan Lucow & Miller

Frederick D. Dilley Rhoades McKee

Holland Candace C. Dugan Warner Norcross & Judd

Mergers & Acquisitions Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson R. Paul Guerre Barnes & Thornburg Tracy T. Larsen Barnes & Thornburg John W. McNeil Miller Johnson Mark E. Rizik Miller Johnson Ronald E. Roden Miller Johnson

Natural Resources Law Grand Rapids William A. Horn Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones Eugene E. Smary Warner Norcross & Judd Non-Profit/ Charities Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey B. Power Warner Norcross & Judd W. Michael Van Haren Warner Norcross & Judd

Norman H. Pylman Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman

Troy W. Haney Haney Law Office

Private Funds Law Grand Rapids Ronald E. Roden Miller Johnson

John M. Sommerdyke Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone

Oil & Gas Law Grand Rapids John M. DeVries Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Robert R. Stead Barnes & Thornburg

Larry J. Gardner Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Jon G. March Miller Johnson

John M. Sommerdyke Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone

Municipal Law Grand Rapids

Michael C. Haines Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

E. Thomas McCarthy Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Robert R. Stead Barnes & Thornburg

William W. Jack Jr. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS Product Liability Litigation Grand Rapids James S. Brady Miller Johnson David J. Gass Miller Johnson William F. Mills Gruel, Mills, Nims and Pylman Professional Malpractice Law Grand Rapids Mark E. Fatum Rhoades McKee Jon G. March Miller Johnson Jon R. Muth Miller Johnson Public Finance Law Grand Rapids Richard A. Wendt Dickinson Wright James K. White Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones Susan M. Wyngaarden Varnum Real Estate Law Grand Rapids Jeffrey S. Ammon Miller Johnson

Michael C. Walton Rhoades McKee

Jeffrey B. Power Warner Norcross & Judd

Securities Law Grand Rapids Shane B. Hansen Warner Norcross & Judd

Jerome M. Smith Warner Norcross & Judd

Timothy L. Horner Warner Norcross & Judd Gordon R. Lewis Warner Norcross & Judd Hugh H. Makens Warner Norcross & Judd Eric S. Richards Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones Tax Law Grand Rapids Robert D. Brower Miller Johnson Edward B. Goodrich Rhoades McKee Carol J. Karr Miller Johnson Stephen R. Kretschman Warner Norcross & Judd John W. McNeil Miller Johnson J. Lee Murphy Miller Johnson

Jonathan W. Anderson Varnum

Mark E. Rizik Miller Johnson

James R. Brown Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones

Holland John R. Marquis Warner Norcross & Judd

John G. Cameron Jr. Dickinson Wright Melissa N. Collar Warner Norcross & Judd

Trusts and Estates Grand Rapids Robert D. Brower Miller Johnson

Nyal D. Deems Varnum

Carl W. Dufendach Warner Norcross & Judd

William W. Hall Warner Norcross & Judd

Christopher L. Edgar Miller Johnson

Todd A. Hendricks Rhoades McKee

Dirk C. Hoffius Varnum

Randall W. Kraker Varnum

John M. Huff Law Weathers

Robert L. Nelson Myers Nelson Dillon & Shierk

Carol J. Karr Miller Johnson

James J. Rabaut Warner Norcross & Judd

Thomas G. Kyros Varnum

Robert W. Scott Miller Johnson

Marilyn A. Lankfer Varnum

David L. Smith McShane & Bowie

Susan Gell Meyers Warner Norcross & Judd

William K. Van’t Hof Charron & Hanisch

Lauretta K. Murphy Miller Johnson

Fredric A. Sytsma Varnum Michael J. Taylor Miller Johnson Pamela J. Tyler Varnum W. Michael Van Haren Warner Norcross & Judd Holland Mark K. Harder Warner Norcross & Judd Water Law Grand Rapids Fredric N. Goldberg Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones Workers’ Compensation Law Grand Rapids Leonard M. Hickey Hickey Combs Kenneth R. Oosterhouse Farr Oosterhouse & Krissoff Richard R. Symons Varnum

_______________________________ These lists are excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America® 2010, which includes listings for more than 40,000 lawyers in 80 specialties, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Best Lawyers in America® is published

by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, South Carolina and can be ordered directly from the publisher.

For information call 803-648-0300; write 129 First Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@ bestlawyers.com; or visit www.bestlawyers.com.

Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers® databases are available at www.bestlawyers.com.

Woodward/White Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2009, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney.

Copyright 2009 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of Woodward/White, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission.

“The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.

_______________________________ Law Firm Locations

Bos & Glazier 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 458-6814 Buchanan & Buchanan 171 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 750 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 458-2464 Charron & Hanisch 4949 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 363-0300 Clark Hill 200 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 608-1100 Jack R. Clary 2600 Indian Lakes Road Cedar Springs, MI 49319 (616) 696-8636 Dickinson Wright 200 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 1000 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2427 (616) 458-1300 Drew, Cooper & Anding 125 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-8300 Dunn, Schouten & Snoap 2745 DeHoop Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 538-6380 Dykema 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 700 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2304 (616) 776-7500 Farr, Oosterhouse & Krissoff 125 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 459-3355 Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith 1700 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 726-2200 James B. Frakie 2812 East Beltline Lane NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 363-3330 Garan, Lucow & Miller 300 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 742-5500 Gruel, Mills, Nims & Pylman 50 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 700 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 235-5500

Barnes & Thornburg 171 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 1000 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 742-3930

Hackney, Grover, Hoover & Bean 3514 Rivertown Point Court SW, Suite 102 Grandville, MI 49418 (616) 257-3900

Bruce Bieneman 660 Cascade West Parkway, Suite 220 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 464-3497

Haney Law Office 330 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-235-2300

50 Grand Rapids May 2010

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West Michigan’s BEST LAWYERS Hickey Combs 3358 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 364-2550

Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone 99 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 1200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-8656

Stephen A. Hilger 2153 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 321 Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 957-1771 Kalniz, Iorio & Feldstein 4981 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 940-1911 LaGrand & Denenfield 161 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 404 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-356-1770

Rhoades McKee 161 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 600 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 235-3500

William J. Waddell 1025 Spaulding Ave. SE, Suite D Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 957-5800

Miller Johnson 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 800 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 831-1700

The Sarnacki Law Firm 146 Monroe Center NW, Suite 800 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 988-9500

Wardrop & Wardrop 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 150 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 459-1225

Mitchell & Zambon 161 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 507 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 456-7831

Scholten Fant 100 N. Third St. Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 842-3030

Myers, Nelson, Dillon & Shierk 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 270 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 233-9640

Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 774-8000

Pinsky, Smith, Fayette & Kennedy 146 Monroe Center NW, Suite 805 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451-8496

VanderLaan & Associates 80 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-0900

McShane & Bowie 99 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0360 (616) 732-5000

Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton 695 Kenmoor Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (616) 949-9610

Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart 2851 Charlevoix Drive SE, Suite 207 Grand Rapids, MI 49588-8695 (616) 975-5500

Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones 900 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 632-8000

Purkey & Associates 2251 East Paris Ave. SE, Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-940-0553

Varnum 333 Bridge St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0352 (616) 336-6000

Law Weathers 333 Bridge St. NW, Suite 800 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 459-1171

Warner Norcross & Judd 111 Lyon St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 400 Terrace Plaza Muskegon, MI 49443-0900 (231) 725-2600 85 E. Eighth St., Suite 310 Holland, MI 49423-2920 616-396-9800 Wheeler, Upham 40 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 459-7100 Willey & Chamberlain 940 Trust Building 40 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 458-2212 James W. Zerrenner PLLC 220 Lyon Square NW, Suite 450 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 774-4414

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A Special Advertising Supplement

2010 Professional Law Profiles Distinguishing the most appropriate attorney for your business or personal needs from a dynamic selection of seasoned firms in West Michigan can be challenging.

Regionally and nationally recognized law firms in greater Grand Rapids offer the specialized legal guidance and personal attention you are seeking.

Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman LLP Keller, Vincent & Almassian PLC Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge May 2010 Grand Rapids 53

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A Special Advertising Supplement

PICTURED Left to Right: J. Paul Janes, Ross D. Plont, Norman H. Pylman, William F. Mills, Thomas R. Behm, Benjamin W. Mills and Scott R. Melton

Gruel Mills Nims

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FOCUS: Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman LLP focuses its practice on representing clients who have sustained catastrophic physical, emotional and financial losses. We understand the scope of these losses and help our clients through very difficult times in their lives. Our commitment to our clients is of the utmost priority. Caring for our clients is, and always will be, the philosophy of our firm.

HONORS: Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman LLP has received the prestigious AV-rating from Martindale-Hubbell (www.martindale-hubbell. com), a national peer review rating organization. Our lawyers are listed in Woodward/White, Inc.’s “Best Lawyers in America” and have been elected to membership in prestigious state and national honorary trial lawyer associations.

ABOUT THE FIRM: Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure that our clients’ cases are well organized and powerfully presented. We maintain an ongoing relationship with experts throughout the country in many professional fields to ensure that each case is carefully analyzed and strongly supported. Our lawyers are also supported by a seasoned and experienced team of paralegals, registered nurses and support staff. The firm handles a wide range of legal needs in the areas of wrongful death, automobile negligence, medical malpractice, construction site negligence and commercial litigation.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Our lawyers are represented in the following associations: American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Federal Bar Association, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Michigan Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates and Michigan State Bar Foundation.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 50 Monroe Avenue, N.W., Suite 700 West, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2625, Phone: (616) 235-5500; Fax: (616) 235-5550; Web site: www.gmnp.net.

54 Grand Rapids May 2010

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A Special Advertising Supplement

SeatED Left to Right: James M. Keller, Greg J. Ekdahl. Standing Left to Right: James R. Oppenhuizen, A. Todd Almassian, Michael D. Almassian

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FOCUS: Keller & Almassian, PLC specializes in representing businesses and owners anticipating or experiencing financial distress.

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Our firm offers the resources and experience clients expect from a larger firm, combined with the personal service, economic efficiency and accessibility of a small firm.

EXPERTISE: Our firm has earned its reputation for experience and knowledge in the legal services we offer to our business and consumer clients. However, our attorneys are not simply general practitioners.

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CERTIFICATIONS AND RATINGS: James M. Keller and A. Todd Almassian are Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialists.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 2810 East Beltline Lane NE; Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49525; (616) 364-2100; www.kalawgr.com

May 2010 Grand Rapids 55

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A Special Advertising Supplement

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Contact Information: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge; 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 200; Grand Rapids, MI 49503; 877-833-SHRR; www.shrr.com; info@shrr.com

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616.874.7400

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May 2010 Grand rapids 57

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58 Grand Rapids May 2010

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City Guide Wine educator A. Brian Cain sampled wine and food at The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. » PG68 PHotoGraPHY CoUrtesY tHe BiLtMore CoMPanY

insiDe » DINING REVIEW 60

» CHEF PROFILE 62

» FRESH HOPS 64

» MAKING TRACKS 72

» CLUBS ‘N’ PUBS 80

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City Guide: Dining Review

Viva la ‘Big Nasty’ burrito

Diners awarded

95

Points

Downtown Trini’s 134 E. Division St.; Sparta (616) 887-2500 www.downtowntrinis.com

by Ira Craaven

Step into Downtown Trini’s & Margarita Joe’s in Sparta and you feel as though you’ve traveled south of the border.

From the wall murals and colorful décor to the reasonably priced fare, this Mexican eatery attracts crowds of hungry diners.

The menu offers a nice spectrum of Mexican specialties with a handful of American selections. Most selections also can be ordered a la carte, so even though Trini’s doesn’t have a long list of combination platters, diners can create their own combo favorites.

Innovative twists include dishes that vary from the traditional preparation, such as Benny’s Fajitas cooked up with jalapenos. Otherwise, traditional Mexican fare is what one expects to find here, and the food doesn’t disappoint.

On a Tuesday evening shortly after 6, we were nicely greeted at the hostess stand, and although told there would be a little wait, we were seated within five minutes — a good thing as there isn’t much waiting space and it’s standing room only. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, but we were surprised to see such a large crowd on a Tuesday night.

We started with a Maker’s Mark ($5) and a margarita on the rocks ($4.50), which we sipped with our never-ending basket of warm chips ($1.49) served with house-made salsa that is nicely spiced. We jazzed up one bowlful with some of the on-request-only hotter green salsa.

Although tempted by the appetizers (from guacamole and con queso dip to Mexican potato skins, fried stuffed jalapenos, nachos and more), we decided to resist since the restaurant

Ira’s Rating System Food: Selection, variety, product quality, taste, preparation, innovation and consistency.

Service: Hospitable, knowledgeable and prompt.

Value: Pricing, number of à la carte items, consistency.

Beverages: Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Ambiance: General atmosphere; overall cleanliness.

(Grand Rapids Magazine editors, American Culinary Federation Greater Grand Rapids chapter, GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education instructors and beverage distributors all contributed to these established guidelines.)

Server Sarah Kains talks to customers Aailtje Helmer, left, and Jocelyn Leasure at Downtown Trini’s.

is known for legendary portions — a wise decision.

Our dinner selections were, indeed, generous. The Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas ($8.49) were brimming with tender hunks of white chicken, along with mild green chilies and sautéed onions that made a flavorful sauce.

The tasty trio was topped with cheese; chopped onions are added on request.

Trini’s does encourage folks to overeat. By eating 13 or more traditional tacos, a diner will be included on the “Taco Wall of Fame.” And the restaurant’s special dish is the “Big Nasty,” a gigantic burrito overstuffed with steak, marinated chicken, taco meat, beans, rice, lettuce and tomato, topped with burrito sauce and melted cheese ($8.99). We opted for the less stuffed “All-Time Favorite,” made with taco meat, beans, lettuce and tomato. Even the mini version ($5.49) was a generous portion, and we were impressed with the quality of the meat.

Photography by Michael Buck

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Photography by Michael Buck

City Guide: Dining Review

Order the large ($6.49) only if you’re famished.

The Tuesday night special was an all-youcan-eat breaded cod and shrimp with fries ($7.99). The colorful Fiesta-ware platter was piled high. A layer of waffle fries filled the bottom of the platter, topped with about a dozen mid-sized, nicely fried shrimp whose breading was spiced just enough to keep things interesting. Two large golden-fried cod fillets topped it all, accompanied by a handful of hushpuppies and a generous salad of lettuce, onions, tomatoes and shredded cheese and a warm roll and butter. A Coke ($1.89, refilled twice) washed it all down.

In addition to a fully stocked bar, there is a nice selection of beverages, such as juices, lemonade, Coke, Sprite, orange or Mellow Yellow and bottled root beer.

Downtown Trini’s lists four desserts: Choco Taco, Cherry Chimichanga, Buenos (Mexican cookies) and fried ice cream — but our server told us they also had deep-fried cheesecake.

We ordered the cheesecake ($4.95) and the cherry chimichanga ($3.99). A word to the wise: One should plan to share dessert here as the servings are huge. The slightly tart cheesecake was encased in a flour tortilla and deep fried, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. It was cut in half and served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and the entire dish was drizzled with caramel sauce. The cherry chimichanga was also deep fried with the large, wrapped tortilla encasing cherry pie filling. It was dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with a sugar glaze and topped with more cherry pie filling.

Even though the place was busy throughout the evening, our server remained friendly and efficient. Chips and salsa arrived within seconds of being seated. Our server easily prioritized dish flavors for us when asked, described which menu items had added spice and how the daily special offering was prepared. Our selections were nicely paced, allowing us to enjoy cocktails and munchies without being rushed or having to wait.

GR

From the wall murals and colorful décor to the reasonably priced fare, this Mexican eatery attracts crowds of hungry diners.

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City Guide: Chef Profile

Upholding a GR tradition aFter Working at a variety oF reStaurantS on both SiDeS oF the State, DaviD Quinn lanDeD at the beltline bar, a 57-year-olD local traDition. BY JULie BUrCH

the beltline bar’s

Guacamole dish Makes: 8-10 Servings 6 ripe avocadoes Juice of one lime ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes 1 /4-½ cup diced white or red onion (to taste) Cut in half lengthwise and remove pits from avocadoes, then scoop pulp into a bowl and add the juice of one lime.

Mash together with a bean masher or potato masher.

Fold in the next four ingredients, then season with salt, pepper and garlic. Serve with crisp corn chips.

Time: 10 minutes 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro /8 cup chopped green chilies (mild or hot, to taste) Salt and pepper Dash of granulated garlic (to taste) 1

Mexican restaurant. Then his teacher hooked him up with a job at the Loon River Café, a wild-game restaurant frequented by Ted Nugent that allowed him to work under a professional chef. He left home to seek opportunities on the west side of the state by age 17, and found a job at Pietro’s. He was there a total of six years during two different time frames, working his way up to general manager.

In between those two stints, he spent six years at the now-closed Rio Bravo TexMex restaurant on 28th Street. Quinn joined Restaurant Partners close to three years ago, originally as manager of the 28th Street Sundance Grill before relocating to the Beltline Bar. While at Sundance, he met his fiancée, Jessica Ricciardelli, who is now the general manager.

Quinn also has a 6-year-old daughter, Avery Grace. there is more than one claim for the origination of the wet burrito. where do you stand on the controversy? Wherever it was invented — this restaurant or somewhere else — if we weren’t the creator, we definitely put it on the map in this town.

PhotograPhy by Jack Poeller

A

s kitchen manager and executive chef at Grand Rapids’ venerated Beltline Bar, David Quinn makes sure the 57-year-old restaurant lives up to its reputation.

He oversees kitchen operations, anticipates usage, calculates budgets, orders ingredients, coordinates purveyor deliveries, trains, coaches and schedules the 32 employees under him, handles catering orders and has even shipped dry-icepacked menu items to fans now living in other states.

It’s a very busy kitchen, yet Quinn seems to thrive under the pressure. background: Originally from the Detroit area, David Quinn got his first restaurant job at the age of 12, washing dishes in a family-owned eatery. He took culinary classes in high school and was turning out food at an area deli by age 15. He became familiar with Mexican fare while working for Detroit’s El Charro

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3_10 GR Magazine Ad:Layout 1 3/23/10 10:44 AM Page 1

City Guide: Chef Profile Faculty members combine real world knowledge with exceptional academic backgrounds.

GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

With such a well-established menu, do you get to exercise your culinary imagination? We do review the menu about once a year, with occasional minor tweaks that allow us to create special dishes. I enjoy getting to have a creative hand in that process.

Do you have a business or kitchen philosophy that guides you? I would never ask any of those who work under me to do anything that I haven’t done or

“I’m always listening to my subordinates to see what I can learn from them.

I’m always open and hungry to learn something different or new.” wouldn’t do. It’s good to keep an open mind, too. I’m always listening to my subordinates to see what I can learn from them. I’m always open and hungry to learn something different or new.

What are you most likely to cook up for friends and family at home?

We cook everything from filet mignon to fish, pastas, chicken — pretty much everything. We like creating things at the house using a lot of fresh vegetables, meats and proteins.

Do you have a signature dish or a favorite to make? The famous Beltline Bar wet burrito is the signature dish here, but I like making all of them because I know each dish is special to someone.

Tell us about the recipe you’re sharing with us here. Part of the deal when the restaurant was purchased was that (owner) Jeff is the only one with the secret spice concoction for our sauce, so that can’t be given away — not even to me. To this day, he comes in and mixes the spices together himself. I can tell you how we make our guacamole.

GR

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May 2010 Grand Rapids 63

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City Guide: Fresh Hops

High gravity means high sugar

High gravity beers generally start at 8 to 9 percent alcohol by volume and can go as high as 20 percent with special fermentation.

tHe terM “HiGH GrAVitY” comes to us from a brewing technique used to estimate the alcohol content in a fermented beverage. After a beer is brewed but before it is fermented, a hydrometer is floated in a small sample of the brew.

The degree to which the hydrometer floats or sinks depends on several factors, one of which is the amount of unfermented sugar suspended in the solution. Beers with an excessive amount of sugar are known as high gravity beers.

Once fermentation is complete, a final reading indicates how much sugar has been converted to alcohol by the yeast in the solution. This is the primary method of alcohol calculation for home brewers. Basically, if a beer is described as “high gravity,” it means “high alcohol.”

How high? American commercial beers are generally in the range of 4 percent alcohol by volume, while microbeers may run in the 6 to 8 percent range. High gravity beers generally start at 8 to 9 percent abv and can go as high as 20 percent with special fermentation.

Here are a few high gravity beers that contain more alcohol than your typical American commercial beer, all purchased at Martha’s Vineyard, 200 Union St. NE. eKU 28 — Kulmbacher Brewery, Germany.

Although high gravity beers are relatively new to the American market, European brewers have been making them for centuries. This one is labeled 11 percent abv and pours bright orange with lively tiny bubbles in the head. The rich, malty flavors may remind you of molasses or burnt honey, but the finish is dry as a sherry.

It is also one of the more affordable high gravity beers at $3.99 for an 11.2-ounce bottle. If you only try one beer mentioned here, this is it.

Samichlaus — Castle Brewery, Austria. The legend of this beer could be an entire article in itself.

It is made once a year, aged 10 months, then bottled and aged again for several more months. The bottle I sampled was capped in 2006. The label says it is 14 percent abv; it cost $6.29 for a 11.2-ounce bottle. This is an extremely complex beer. The flavors wash over your tongue in waves and include the rich flavors of caramelized grain malt and the subtle tastes of wild herbs and fruits, but so many others, as well. Take your time to sip it and enjoy. thomas Hardy’s Ale — O’Hanlons Brewing Co., England. This one pours like syrup from an 8.5-ounce bottle, deep dark brown with a very shallow head. Smelling the top of the glass is like sticking your head in a grain silo just after harvest. This is a very sweet ale with all the anticipated sweet grain flavors but also sublime layers of plumbs, apricots and licorice. The finish is also sweet with muted hop flavors. It is 11.7 percent abv and costs $7.69 for a small bottle. I really liked this ale and would serve it as an after-dinner drink or nightcap.

Dragon’s Milk — New Holland Brewing, Holland. This West Michigan product is every bit as delicious as the European beers above. It is 10 percent abv and costs $8.69 for a 22-ounce bottle. It features deep, rich, caramelized malt flavors with hints of dark chocolate and licorice. The finish is dryer than the others, with pronounced hop flavors that balance the sweet malt flavor — a great beer to complete the evening.

This is just a small sampling of the high gravity beers available. The trend to make beers and ale higher in alcohol concentration is becoming more popular as beer consumers are more concerned with quality and less interested with quantity.

Contributing Editor Jon C. Koeze is cable television administrator for the city of Grand Rapids.

He has made and tasted beer since 1980.

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

by Jon c. koeZe

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 Look for new offerings in next month's issue!

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City Guide Beltline Bar

this list of selected area restaurants as a service to our readers. The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors. Restaurants are included in the guide by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing.

EL SOMBRERO — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. H, L, D ¢ EMPANADA KITCHEN — A variety of empanadas from sweet to savory, with fillings like steak, chicken, cheese, vegetables and more, along with tacos, quesadillas and sides. 1551 28th St SW, 301-8072. www.empanadakitchen.com. H, L, D ¢

Ethnic — Mexican, Central/South American 7 MARES (SEAS) — Deliciously authentic, fullscale Mexican meals and specialty dishes that go well beyond the norm in this family-owned eatery.

Excellent seafood selections, along with Friday fish fry by the pound. Super breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. H, B, L, D ¢-$$ ADOBE IN & OUT — The usual Mexican offerings served quickly at drive-through or seated (Grandville location is drive-through only). Open daily. 617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 2577091. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ BELTLINE BAR — Local favorite with warm décor. Big wet burritos are the claim to fame, but full Americanized Tex-Mex menu. Great margaritas. Now offering The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. www.beltline bar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ CABANA TRES AMIGOS — A large menu of authentic Mexican fare including starters, salads, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, combination plates, house steak and shrimp specialties, along with daily lunch specials, a children’s menu, à la carte items, full bar service, take-out service and even a nice vegetarian selection. Spacious, pleasant surroundings with fireplaces and tastefully done Mexican décor. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAFÉ SAN JUAN — Puerto Rican cuisine is the emphasis, with a full menu offering bistec (beef), chuletas (pork chops) and pollo (chicken) dishes along with unique appetizers, soups and sandwiches. Mexican dishes also available. Now serving breakfast. Open daily. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CANCUN RESTAURANT — This neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. Open daily. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ CANTINA — Longtime favorite with an extensive menu of Mexican specialties, including beef and/ or chicken fajitas, in an authentic, casual setting with a full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, AE $ CARLOS O’KELLY’S — Casual Mexican café atmosphere specializing in fajitas, enchiladas and other Mexican fare. American options available; complimentary chips and salsa. 4977 28th St SE, 942-1600. www.carlosokellys.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL — Pick your style: burrito, bowl, salad, soft or crispy taco. Move through the line and pick your fresh-made fillings, starting from the base of chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa or vegetarian. Meats are naturally

Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes and dinner platters to à la carte tacos, burritos, tostadas, tamales, quesadillas, flautas, gorditas, sopes, tortas and traditional menudo on weekends.

Colorful surroundings with a roomy, windowed dining room. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas.

Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC ¢

raised, vegetarian-fed, hormone- and antibioticfree, all priced under $7. Modern vibe with lots of windows and seating. Online ordering. Open daily at 11 am. 3610 28th St SE, 885-1520. www. chipotle.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ ➧CINCO DE MAYO — Brightly decorated Mexican eatery with two locations, downtown Rockford and downtown GR, offers a wide variety of Mexican fare, from fajitas, tacos, burritos and enchiladas to combination platters and traditional entrees like carnitas and steak asada. Full bar service. Open daily. 123 Courtland St, Rockford; 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ ➧DON JULIO’S — Mexican chain restaurant and bar offers a wide variety of Mexican specialties, combination plates, vegetarian options, and specially priced dinner-for-two options. Open daily.

5039 28th St SE, 575-9171. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ -DOWNTOWN TRINI’S — Sparta’s destination for great Mexican food had to expand to meet popular demands. Traditional taco, fajita and wet burrito offerings are augmented with other creative and tasty dishes. Gigantic portions; full bar.

Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. www.downtowntrinis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ EL ARRIERO — Get an authentic taste of Mexico at this clean, airy location near Woodland Mall.

Extensive menu offers the best tastes and specialty dishes of Mexico, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Now with a liquor license, they offer Mexican and domestic beers, great margaritas and other bar beverages. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL BURRITO GIGANTE — Huge burritos, yes, plus tacos, tortas, gorditas, tostados, quesadillas and Mexican-style hamburgers. A tiny space, but tasty fare at downright reasonable prices. Try the shrimp wet burrito. Cash only. Open daily. 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 475-0478. H, L, D ¢ EL BURRITO LOCO — Offering a broad menu of more than 70 authentic, affordable Mexican selections in casual, contemporary surroundings.

Complimentary chips and salsa; beer, wine and especially good margaritas from the full bar. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine NW, 7854102. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL GRANJERO — Generous portions of tasty

GRAND VILLA DUNGEON — Mexican food is the specialty. Features 40-inch TV screen, broadcasts satellite programs and many sporting events.

Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. www.grandvillarestaurants.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRINGO’S GRILL — Roomy, upscale atmosphere near Holland’s West Shore Mall where Latin American-inspired flavors mingle in creative fare such as scallop or sticky-shrimp tacos, burritos, empanadas, chiles rellenos, chicken and seafood dishes and filet medallions served with polenta and fried goat cheese. Fresh guacamole made tableside. Full bar, desserts, smoke-free. Open daily at 11 am. 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 994-9722. www.gringosgrill.net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S — Authentic Jamaican fare: jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and spicy “escoveitched” fish; a tofuwith-veggies dish; plus Jamaican fruit cake. With only a couple tables, takeout is the best bet.

Near the back of the Tillman Retail Center in the Baxter neighborhood. Cash and checks only.

1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. www.jamaican daves.com. H, L, D, 3 ¢ JOSE’S RESTAURANTE — Authentic Mexican fare in a low-key locale with overhead fans, jukebox, pinball and a video game. Patrons crave their chalupas, burritos and tostadas. Open daily. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. H, L, D ¢ LAS CAZUELAS — Casual and cozy locale opens for breakfast at 10 am, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Genuine flavors from Hispanic kitchen features chalupas, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, carne asada, fajitas, tampiquena and more. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ LINDO MEXICO — Pleasant Mexican décor sets the scene in its roomy new location on 28th Street, now with a liquor license. Menu and daily specials feature true Mexican fare, including specials such as tacos de barbacoa, tripitos or lengua. Enchiladas, burritos, combo plates and more. Open daily. 1292 28th St SW, 261-2280. www.lindomexicorestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ ➧LITTLE MEXICO CAFÉ — An all new space at the original location offers some of Grand Rapids’ most beloved traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Favorites include fajitas, burritos and margaritas. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ FMAGGIE’S KITCHEN — 2009 GRM Dining Award of Excellence winner. Authentic Mexican

Photography by Jack Poeller

Grand Rapids Magazine has compiled

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City Guide food, homemade with a lighter taste, hot sauces are options, in a clean, bright café setting. Great choice for breakfast too. Cafeteria-style ordering in restaurant that earns raves. 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. H, B, L, D ¢ MEXICAN CONNEXION RESTAURANTE — Popular Hastings location serves authentically prepared Mexican favorites in large and inviting surroundings. Burritos, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, carnitas, asada, combination dinner plates, and more. Open daily. 131 S Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-4403. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MICHOACAN — Restaurante y taqueria offers a huge selection of tortas, enchiladas, sopes, tacos, burritos, gorditas, flautas, tamales, carne asada, seafood, chicken and steak selections, and parrillada, a sizzling skillet full of spiced beef, chicken, shrimp and chorizo. Window-lit, brightly colored surroundings with jukebox and flat screen TV. Open daily at 9 am, breakfast options. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MI TIERRA RESTAURANT Y TAQUERIA — Authentic Mexican offerings from Spanishspeaking staff whether dining in or driving through. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other traditional dishes. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533.

H, L, D ¢ MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL — Build-your-own Mexican fare. Fresh-daily ingredients; four meat selections. Burritos, fajitas, tacos, salads, quesadillas, and more. Open daily in the Waterfall Shoppes. 5070 28th St SE, 285-7114. www.moes. com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA — All the classic favorites and more from this popular chain serving higher-end Mexican delights.

Guacamole made tableside. Complimentary chips and salsa, full-service bar. Open daily 11 am. 3676 Potomac Ave, Grandville, 257-3185; Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St SE, 285-4649. www.onthebor der.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL — Sort of a Subwaygoes-Mexico, with freshly made salsas and tasty fillers ready to wrap up in a tortilla or taco shell.

Copper-fronted serving counter (faxed orders accepted). 2887 28th St SE, 957-9600; 3871 Rivertown Parkway, Grandville, 724-1600; 5150 Northland Dr NE, 364-8400; 3225 Alpine Ave NW, 988-5650. 2211 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8801. www.qdoba.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢

Photography by Jack Poeller

RAFAV’S FRESH MEX — Authentic Mexican fare in bright, cozy surroundings in that “cool wood building” in the Eastown area. Nice selection of appetizers, tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, vegetarian options and dinner platters (third taco free on request). Breakfast choices, too, but they don’t open until 11:30 am. Closed Sun (and Mon, July-Aug). 1441 Wealthy St SE, 458-1457. H, (B), L, D, V, MC ¢-$ SAN MARCOS — Mexican Grill pulls out all the stops (order the giant margarita at your own risk).

Extensive menu of authentic fare made from scratch by Spanish-speaking kitchen. Top-shelf tequilas, complimentary chips/salsa, kids menu, lunch specials, desserts and even veggie plates.

Mariachi band plays monthly. Open daily. 9740 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-2511. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$ SU CASA — Longtime Fennville favorite for authentic Mexican fare. Full array of choices from tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and enchiladas to tortas, gorditas, sopa, barbacoa, seafood selec-

tions and more, with burritos especially popular.

Breakfast is served beginning at 8:30 am; open daily in the Super Mercado, 306 W Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-5493. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ TACO BOB’S — Open for lunch weekdays 11 am-3 pm (plus Sat when exhibitions are at DeVos Place), offering fresh-Mex tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, combo plates, and featuring the “funny taco,” a hard-shell taco wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese between the shells; free delivery with $7 minimum purchase. Across from DeVos Place, 250 Monroe Ave NW, 4581533. www.tacobobs.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ TACO BOY — Local alternative to the chains.

Reasonably priced, tasty fare from burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas and more, to combination plates complete with refried beans and salad. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL CAPORAL — Two humble locations serving food to brag about. Reasonable prices, generous portions: tacos, burritos, tostadas, tamales, quesadillas, flautas, etc., with menudo served Sat and Sun. Open daily; quick takeout.

1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢

Everyone’s Dancing.

You’re Invited!

TACOS EL RANCHERO — Genuine Mexican fare in low-key surroundings with five booths to eat in or take out. Cash only. 1240 Burton St SW, 2456514. H, L, D ¢ TRES LOBOS GRILL & BAR — The taste of Mexico with an expansive menu. Try lobster fajitas or parrilladas served in stone bowls. Separate bar with giant TV offers 10 Mexican beers, top-shelf tequilas and Agavero, a tequila liqueur. Inexpensive, fast lunch served ’til 4 pm daily in GR; closed Mon in Holland. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389; 381 Douglas, Holland, (616) 355-7424. www.treslobos restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

Dining Guide Legend GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

H — Handicapped accessible B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner C — Cocktails 3 — Checks accepted V — Visa MC — MasterCard AE — American Express DC — Diner’s Club DS — Discover Card RSVP — Reservations preferred

¢ — Inexpensive (under $8)*

$ — Moderate ($8-$15)* $$ — Expensive (Over $15)* * Prices based on average check for one person.

- — Reviewed in this issue

➧ — New listing . — Listing update O — GRM’s 2009 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2009 Award of Excellence — Chef Profile in this issue

Additions, corrections and/or changes must

be submitted for the editors’ consideration by calling Grand Rapids Magazine, 459-4545, or write: The Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503.

Call now!

What you do on the dance floor is Our Business!

3089 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, Michigan

940-9894 4485 Plainfield NE Grand Rapids, Michigan

363-7632 www.arthurmurraygr.com May 2010 Grand Rapids 67

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City Guide: Grand Vine

Vanderbilt would love these wines

by A. Brian Cain

A self-guided visit to Biltmore’s Winery, at right, ends in the tasting room where guests can enjoy complimentary samples (above).

When touring the estate, be sure to visit the winery and enjoy a meal at the Bistro where Biltmore’s wines can be sampled. The food and service are impeccable, and there is a real passion to share the wine experience. Flights of the top red and white wines served in crystal stemware can be enjoyed with your meal.

Our wine experience started at the winery tasting room where we sampled the wines priced under $20 from the Biltmore Collection.

The winemaker makes no apology for blending local flavors with West Coast grapes to improve the texture and balance. For this reason, most of the wines carry neither a vintage date nor specific appellation.

Here are some of our favorites: Chardonnay Sur Lies: Produced by aging the wine on its own sediment called “lees,” this

Chardonnay offers bright, citrus-like fruit and a rich, creamy mouth feel. I do not believe this wine was aged in oak; at least, I can’t taste it.

Viognier: This is an excellent example of this lighter aromatic varietal. While very clean and refreshing, persistent apricot, citrus and hints of green herbs invite pairing with cold seafood or chicken salad.

Cardinal’s Crest Red: This is a good drinking red. Though I do not detect any sugar, the balance is remarkably soft, so I assume it is not completely dry. The fruit is bright but not edgy.

Century Red: This was our favorite red among the Collection series. Besides offering

Photography Courtesy the Biltmore Company

George Vanderbilt traveled the world to bring the finest of everything back to the North Carolina palace he called Biltmore.

From the beginning, wine played a role in entertaining guests and epitomizing the good life.

Today, the Biltmore Estate is not only the largest private residence in America but also home to some of the finest wines east of the Mississippi. In keeping with Vanderbilt’s vision of a self-sufficient estate, later generations added a winery and vineyard.

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Photography Courtesy the Biltmore Company

City Guide: Grand Vine lots of bright red fruit from the Sangiovese and Merlot grapes, the texture is both mouth coating and long on the palate. As a bonus, the bottle beautifully depicts a frosted-glass rendition of the Biltmore House. This is the bottle to bring back as a souvenir.

At the Bistro, we ordered several flights: Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon: Lots of black fruit and berry smells carry through the mid-palate and finish.

Big tannic texture and a slightly herbaceous flavor offer clear evidence of its West Coast component.

Limited Release Tempranillo: This is quite a bit richer and more powerful than typical Spanish Tempranillo. Again, the West Coast characteristics dominate with ripe fat fruit.

Syrah: Another good varietal example, this Syrah is lighter than many Californian or Australian Syrahs. The soft plum jam-like texture and sweet fruit aroma are very pleasant.

Next, our waiter brought out the large stemware with a generous sample of each of the following specialty wines: 2006 Antler Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay: Enormously complex with the classic style of a great White Burgundy, it is rich and long but not fat.

2006 Lion’s Crest Napa Valley Chardonnay: A much crisper, fresher, citrusflavored Chardonnay than the Antler Hill, the Lion’s Crest finishes with rich fruit and a long, dry aftertaste.

2006 Biltmore Reserve Sonoma County Chardonnay: Quite similar to the Lion’s Crest, the Biltmore Reserve again emphasizes bright fresh lemon fruit and a long silky finish.

2005 Antler Hill Napa Valley Syrah: Very fine-textured and classy, the Syrah expresses dried cherry, herbs and a cedar box subtlety not unlike a good French Crozes Hermitage.

2003 Antler Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Like the Syrah, polish, elegance and fine texture trump power.

The richness comes from its depth of flavor and continues to grow as the wine finishes echoing persistent velvety black fruit. This seven-year-old wine is not done developing.

Enjoy in good health!

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator and freelance wine writer.

Ethnic Dining Award of Excellence 2007, 2008 and 2009 Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Awards

GRAND RAPIDS FINEST OUTDOOR DINING

Dine al Fresco!

Come experience our extensive choices beyond the ordinary.

Join us for Mother’s Day OPEN 12-8, RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 122 MONROE CENTER, ST NW DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

PHONE 616-235-9339 www.trecugini.com

Congratulations to VanderLaan and Associates “Best Lawyers in America 2010”

300 Aldrich Place 80 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone (616) 454-0900 Fax (616) 454-0986 May 2010 Grand Rapids 69

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The best that Italy has to offer in the heart of Grand Rapids...

AWARD WINNING

LUNCH Mon - Fri 11:30-4:00 PM DINNER Mon - Thurs 4:00-10:00 PM Fri 4:00-11:00 PM Sat 5:00-11:00 PM

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asian Cuisine

58 Monroe Center • Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 235-6969 www.xoasiancuisine.com

Buy one, geT one Free!

(Up to $13.00) Dine in only, not valid on Holidays.

Expires 12-30-10

Now is the time for change Business luncheons, intimate dinners, appetizers and cocktails. Or, our award winning Sunday brunch. Charley’s Crab is dedicated to ensuring your visit is excellent.

Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Mon - Thurs 11:30 - 10 and Fri 11:30 - 11 Sat 4:30 - 11 (no lunch) Sun Brunch 10 - 3, Dinner 4:30 - 9

310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids 63 Market St., Downtown Grand Rapids 616.459.2500 www.muer.com

616-235-1342 complimentary parking

Wi n e r y & Ta s t i n g R o o m

• Winery Direct Discounts • Retail Sales • Tours Available, call for more information • Free Wine Tasting at the Winery or at our Tasting room in downtown Saugatuck.

The Lake Effect Everyone Loves.

6130 - 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 I-196 exit 34, follow the “winery” signs.

Open year around, check our website for hours.

800-432-6265 • winery@fennvalley.com www.fennvalley.com

advertise your restaurant

Here ContaCt Karla at (616) 459-4545 for more information.

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City Guide Calendar of Events Grand Rapids Magazine

is pleased to provide this extensive list of area events.

Commonly requested venue and ticket outlet information is at the end of this listing.

Special Events May - FULTON ST FARMERS MARKET: A GR tradition since 1922 opens for the season. Shop for locally grown produce, plants and flowers, breads, meats and cheeses, honey, arts and crafts. 8 am-4 pm Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat. 1145 E Fulton St (just west of Fuller Ave). www.fultonstreetmarket.org.

May - HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET: Opening May 12, more than 50 vendors offer fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods and meats plus garden art and furniture. 8 am-4 pm Wed and Sat. Eighth St Market Place. www.hollandfarmer smarket.com.

Thru May 1 - FIESTA!: Latin Americans United for Progress annual celebration with a fiesta queen and king contest, lowrider car show, Latino entertainment, carnival, various exhibitors and lots of food. Civic Center, 150 W 8th St, Holland.

May 1 - DOUGLAS/SAUGATUCK SPRING PREVIEW: Shops and galleries host receptions to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.

Free refreshments 5-9 pm.

May 1 - GO OUT. BREATHE EASY: Celebrate smoke-free dining in Michigan with this kick-off event that includes a presentation and entertainment at The BOB (5 pm), followed by a restaurant crawl with special offers and discounts ($7 buys a wristband or T-shirt to access the discounts).

Proceeds benefit Tobacco Free Partners.

May 1 - GRACE HUNGER WALK: Annual 5K and 12K walk to raise support for local programs. 8 am check-in, 8:30 am walk. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapidsfumc. org.

Photography courtesy Frederik meijer gardens & sculpture park

May 1 - KARAOKE FOR KITTENS FUNDRAISER: Sing songs and bowl strikes to raise funds for Carol’s Ferals. Participating local celebrities include Gerry Barnaby and Kim Carson, Delilah DeWylde, Tommy Allen, Dustin Dwyer and Mark Rumsey. $8, includes bowling. 8 pm-1 am. Clique Bowling Alley, 533 Stocking Ave NW. www.car olsferals.org.

May 1 - KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY: Wear festive attire and Derby hats for food, fun and prizes at Holland Museum’s annual fundraiser. 5 pm.

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, 2157 South Shore Dr, Macatawa. Tickets TBD. www.hollandmuseum. org.

May 1 - OUT CAME THE SUN: MomsBloom and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services holds the second annual 5K run, walk or stroll to raise awareness of perinatal mood disorders. 8:30 am check-in, 9 am run/walk. $25. www.momsbloom. org.

May 1-8 - 81st ANNUAL TULIP TIME FESTIVAL: Join Holland as it celebrates its culture and heritage with more than 6 million tulips, fireworks, parades, Klompen dancers, outdoor concerts, music and variety shows, children’s events and more. Also see Music, Art and Sports. For schedule and ticket info: (616) 396-4221, (800) 8222770, tulip@tuliptime.com, www.tuliptime.com.

May 1-23 - GR SYMPHONY SHOWHOUSE: Grand

Rapids Symphony Women’s Committee hosts a showhouse where 24 local interior designers, architects, builders and retailers demonstrate their talents. 11 am-4 pm and 6-9 pm Wed, Thu, Fri; 1-6 pm Sat; noon-5 pm Sun. Wilcox Estate, 701 Laurel Circle. $18 in advance, $20 at door. www.grsymphonyshowhouse.org May 2 - KIDNEY WALK: National Kidney Foundation walk promotes education and prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, and awareness of need for organ donation. Noon check-in, 1 pm walk. Fifth Third Ballpark. www. kidney.org.

May 4 - FEAST FOR KIDS: Annual fundraiser for Kids’ Food Basket showcases area chefs. 6-11 pm.

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th St SE. $65 (kidsfoodbasket.org).

May 12 - GREAT GARDENS PARTY: Meijer Gardens’ annual fundraiser includes live and silent auctions, food, cocktails and entertainment. 6 pm. $100 (www.meijergardens.org).

May 14 - HOMETOWN HEROES: Annual Red Cross event honors Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers and other local heroes, plus food and silent auction. 6 pm. Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW. $100 (456-8661 or www.redcrossggr.org/ hometownheroes).

May 14-15 - RELAY FOR LIFE: 24-hour fundraiser for American Cancer Society research and programs includes food, activities and silent auction.

1 pm Fri-1 pm Sat. Ab-Nab-Awen Park, downtown Grand Rapids. Free. www.relayforlife.org/relay/.

A New Eden Dale Chihuly has done it again.

The Seattle glass artist and his crew have created an exclusive outdoor sculpture exhibition with thousands of pieces of glass in 15 settings across the 132-acre grounds at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Each site-specific sculpture — from a 16-foot tall “Citron Green and Red Tower” in the English Perennial Garden to “The Moon” (pictured) in the Groves — harmonizes with the natural environment.

“A New Eden” will be on display through September, allowing visitors to see color, light and shadows evolve as the gardens move through the seaSee Art sons.

May 15 - WCC ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW: Women’s City Club brings appraisers Charles Schoenknecht and Ward Paul to appraise items and offer information. 11:30 am-2 pm. Women’s City Club, 254 E Fulton St. $20 for lunch and one item for appraisal. Prepaid reservations required (459-3321). www.womenscityclubgr.org.

May 15 - GREAT LAKES, GREAT MIDWIVES! FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL: Includes pancake breakfast, kids activities, entertainment, silent auction and educational films to promote awareness of midwives and childbirth. 8 am-8 pm. Unity Church, 1711 Walker Ave NW. $5, $10 family. www.friendsofmichiganmidwives.org.

May 15 - RUNWAY ON MONROE: Fashions from 20 Michigan designers will be featured at a fashion show at Rosa Parks Circle, with a grand prize winner chosen by the public. Time TBD. www. runwayonmonroe.com. Free.

May 18 - STORY SPINNERS: Join in the retelling of folk tales and original stories. All ages. 7 pm.

Terraces of Maple Creek, 2000 32nd St. www. storyspinners.net. Free.

May 20 - ART FEAST BENEFIT: International cuisine, meet the artists, silent auction and music to benefit Health Intervention Services. 6-9 pm. Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW. $40, $75 couple (405-1932 or savvywomen@gmail.com).

May 20 - LAKESHORE SUMMIT ON RACISM: Learn how to help the region advance racial equity and economic opportunity for all. Registration 7:30 am, program 8:15 am. Hope College, Dimnent Chapel. www.ethnicdiversity.org.

May 20-22 - JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS SALE: Large children’s and maternity consignment sale, including clothes, furniture, toys and books. 8 am-9 pm Thu and Fri, 9 am-3 pm Sat. DeltaPlex Arena. $3 Thu, free Fri and Sat. May 2010 Grand Rapids 71

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City Guide: Making Tracks

Poetry put to music benjaMin riley has been singing all his liFe; now the selF-taught Musician is ready to Focus on Music as his PriMary career. BY JULIET BENNETT RYLAH

B

got really frustrated and was like, ‘ It’s just all about breathing, man.’ From an 8-year-old kid, that’s probably the best advice I’ve ever gotten about singing. You just gotta breathe.”

The brothers formed a band when Riley was just 14. In 2004, he began writing his own songs. “Blood on the Pavement,” Riley’s first record, appeared in November 2008, and a band was soon to follow. “That launched me into music on a larger scale,” Riley said. “The band that I have now, I plan on taking on tour, hopefully doing some regional stuff this spring, then hitting some festivals this summer.”

Riley’s second album, “I Can See Glory” — a soulful, five-song EP — was released in March.

The Benjamin Riley Band Riley said he feels blessed to have equipment, a space to record and talented friends. His band History: “Blood on the mate, Justin VanHaven, engineered and produced Pavement,” November 2008; “I Can See Glory,” March 2010 the record. Riley said he spent more time and Genre: American, folk, blues, soul worked with more musicians on these five songs Parity: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, than on his previous 13-track LP. Adam Duritz, Damien Jurado “It’s pretty cool to have somebody walk in and Curiosity: On Facebook and take a look at what you’re doing and see what your MySpace (www.myspace.com/ interpretation is with them, to be able to guide benjaminriley1). them and achieve what you’re looking for — to build a song from nothing,” he said. “That’s the cool part about music, maybe, is that you can attack it from the same perspective that you’re used to, but it always gives you something back.”

Riley, a self-taught musician who plays by ear, cites several musical influences, including old gospel tapes, Bob Dylan, Sam Cook, Bruce Springsteen’s album “Nebraska,” and ’60s and ’70s rock.

His gospel collection could be why the soul influences have crept into this recording, particularly in the title track.

“Like most artists,” he said, “I tend to write a bit of myself into my songs — maybe a lot of myself.

I try not to overanalyze what I’m doing because, after all, it’s just poetry put to music. When you combine these two things, it’s not just works or music. Those two things together create a new image or new emotion.”

Riley, who has worked as a salesman and a builder, now is focused on music alone.

“I think what I’ve come to realize in the last year, after trying to fit the mold of all the different jobs I’ve held and building a career a lot of different ways and still coming out broke, is that the only job I want to have is music,” he said. “I’m OK with being poor as long as I can continue to do it, so here’s this second album. But there’ll be more; there’ll be lots more.”

GR

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

enjamin Riley’s voice is huge enough to fill any room. It’s unexpected, coming from the articulate, soft-spoken guy with long, tangled hair dressed in a flannel shirt. When he sings, it’s like the huge, tormented voice comes from another place.

He’s been singing since childhood.

“When I was 6, I remember asking my brother how to sing, and he didn’t know how to explain it to me at all,” Riley said. “He

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City Guide May 21-22 - “LIVING PROOF LIVE”: Beth Moore’s life-transforming Bible study challenges and inspires women. Also worship leader Travis Cottrell and the Praise Team. 7-9:30 pm Fri, 8:30 am-noon Sat. Van Andel Arena. $60 (800-2542022 or www.lifeway.com).

May 21-23 - SPRING FLAIR: Home and garden show with RVs, boats, lawn equipment, rides, games and Skerbeck Brothers Carnival (ride-allday armbands $15 in advance, $20 at gate). 3-11 pm Fri, 11 am-11 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Dr, Allegan. $3 adults, kids 10 and under free.

May 22 - AN EVENING ON THE RIVIERA: Mason Street Warehouse’s spring benefit includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment and silent and live auctions. 6 pm. Laketown Golf and Conference Center, Saugatuck. $125 (269-857-4898, www. masonstreetwarehouse.org).

May 22 - WALK AND REMEMBER HOSPICE OF MICHIGAN: 15th annual 5K walk for friends, families and co-workers to remember loved ones while supporting Hospice of Michigan’s mission of ensuring quality end-of-life care. 8 am. EGR Middle School. www.hom.org.

May 22 - WALK MS 2010: Three-mile fundraising walk to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. 9 am-1 pm. Aquinas College. www.nationalmssociety.org.

May 31 - GRAND HAVEN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Washington St from 6th to Waterfront Stadium, 9:30 am.

May 31 - ROCKFORD MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Rockford American Legion sponsors parade through downtown Rockford. Time TBD. May 31 - SAUGATUCK MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Butler St in downtown Saugatuck, 9 am.

May 31 - ZEELAND MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Main at Centennial, west to State, south to Central and east on Central to Maple, 9 am. Ceremony to follow, Zeeland Cemetery.

Music May - FRIDAY NIGHTS AT GRAM: Immerse yourself in the arts every Fri at GR Art Museum. 5-6:45 pm live jazz and modern music; 7-7:45 pm Art Forum; 7:45-8:30 pm jazz encore. Dinner buffet ($12), small plate menu ($6) and cash bar until 8 pm in cafe. $5 nonmembers, members free.

May - THE INTERSECTION: Large nightclub with local and national music. May 1 and 8 Honky Tonk Heroes. May 5 Enter the Haggis. May 15 Mega 80s. See Web site for concert updates. Ticket prices vary (Beat Goes On, Purple East, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office or Ticketmaster).

133 Grandville Ave SW. www.sectionlive.com.

May 22-23 - GREAT LAKES KITE FESTIVAL: Giant kites and expert kite fliers from all over the world, plus dozens of demonstrations and seminars. Begins 11 am Sat. State Park, Grand Haven. Free (usual State Park parking fee). www. mackite.com.

May - LEMONJELLO’S: Fair trade coffeehouse with live music at 8 pm. May 12 Open Mic (free).

May 14 A Children’s Crusade, Lights at Sea and Camarie (free). May 21 Good Luck Varsity, Man Against Society and The Active Inspire ($3). See Web site for updates. 61 E 9th St, Holland. www. lemonjellos.com.

May 26 - SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY: Healthy Living Lecture Series by Saint Mary’s Health Care, fitness classes, exhibits, health screenings and services, cooking demos and door prizes. 9 am-3 pm. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave SE. Free.

May - MIGHTY WURLITZER CONCERTS: Organ concerts every weekend (7-9 pm Fri, 2-4 pm Sat) at Public Museum. May 7-8 features guest musician Martin Ellis. Members: $8 adults, $4 children.

Nonmembers: $10 adults, $5 children (456-3977, www.grmuseum.org or at front desk).

May 28-29 - MEMORIAL DAY RIB FEST: Live music and lots of ribs to benefit Ward Goff Scholarship Fund. Kick-off party 5 pm Fri, live music 7-11 pm Fri and Sat, Rib Fest noon-7 pm Sat. 20 N First St, Grand Haven.

May - MUSIC AT MID-DAY: Free concerts 12:1512:45 pm. May 4 ma non troppo (instrumental trio). May 11 Grandville 7th Grade Jazz Band. May 18 Jonathan Tuuk, organ. Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE. www.parkchurchgr. org.

May 28-Jun 12 - SPRING PARADE OF HOMES: Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids has added remodeled homes to its showcase of ideas in home construction, design and interiors. 1-9 pm May 28-31, 1-9 pm subsequent Wed and Sat, 6-9 pm subsequent Fri. Remodeled homes: 1-9 pm Jun 11-12. $12 adults, children 13 and younger free (281-2021 or www.hbaggr. com).

May 29 - GRAND RAPIDS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Begins at Newberry and Division Ave, goes south on Division to Fulton St, east to Veterans Park where there will be a ceremony.

10:30 am. www.grcvb.org.

May 30 - ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET: 400 exhibitors rain or shine the last Sun of month thru Sep. 8 am-4 pm. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Dr, Allegan. 735-3333. $4.

May 31 - COOPERSVILLE MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES: Pancake breakfast, parade, memorial service, pig roast and more. See www.coo persville.com for details.

May 31 - DOUGLAS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Downtown Douglas, 10 am.

May - ONE TRICK PONY CONCERTS: Restaurant with free live music at 8 pm. May 1 Natchez Trace.

May 13 3’s A Crowd. See Web site for updates.

One Trick Pony, 136 E Fulton St SE. www.one trick.biz.

Thru May 8 - GILMORE KEYBOARD FESTIVAL: Two weeks of keyboard performances across West Michigan, plus lectures, master classes and films. Artists include international stars, jazz greats, contemporary musicians and up-andcoming artists. See Web site for schedule and ticket info: www.gilmorekeyboardfestival.org.

May 1 - THE CHAMBER CONCERT: Gilmore Keyboard Festival presents members of the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo orchestras performing a variety of music, piano, fortepiano and harpsichord music. 8 pm. St Cecilia Music Center. $22 (459-2224, www.scmc-online.org).

May 2 - GR YOUTH SYMPHONY CONCERT: Features the winners of the Skip Gates Competition. 3 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $6 adults, $4 students (at door or 866-6883).

May 2 - WEST MICHIGAN CONCERT WINDS: May 2010 Grand Rapids 73

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City Guide

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Volunteer musicians perform “May I Have This Dance?” concert with guests The Kalamazoo Concert Band. 4 pm. Reeths-Puffer H.S. Rocket Centre for the Fine Arts, Muskegon. $8 adults, $6 seniors. www.wmcw.org.

May 3, 17 - HAT TRICK SERIES: WYCE 88.1 presents concerts at 7 pm that raise money for a local nonprofit. May 3 Malcolm Holcombe. May 17 Backyard Tire Fire. One Trick Pony, 136 E Fulton St. Free; donations accepted. www.wyce.org.

May 6 - THE COASTERS, DRIFTERS AND PLATTERS: Three history-making, record-breaking, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends perform at Tulip Time. 7 pm. Central Wesleyan Auditorium, Holland. $35 (Tulip Time office, 238 S River Ave,

PhotograPhy courtesy tuliP tiMe Festival

Jonathan Shuff, 2001 Grand Prize National Geographic Society and Ford Motor Company Escape Competition. Exhibition of new work through May 15.

Holland’s Tulip Time Festival poster has been an annual tradition since 1982, when graphic artist Stephen Frykholm designed a trio of bright red tulips on a white field reminiscent of his now-iconic Herman Miller summer picnic posters created during the ’70s and ’80s.

This year’s more subdued “Reaching for Light” is a watercolor by Randall Higdon, who also was the 1994 poster artist. Higdon, who lives in Coloma, is a native Michigander and graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design who has dedicated his energies to fine art painting since 1978.

The 81st annual Tulip Time takes place May 1-8. Tulip Time posters from 1982 on can be seen (and purchased) at www.tuliptime.com/store posters.

See SPeCIAL eVeNtS

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City Guide Holland; 800-822-2770; or www.tuliptime.com).

May 6 - INGRID FLITER: St Cecilia Music Center, in collaboration with Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, presents this Argentine pianist. 7:30 pm. Royce Auditorium. $30-$35, $10 students (459-2224, www.scmc-online.org).

May 6-8 - TULIPALOOZA: Outdoor concerts at Holland’s Tulip Time. May 6 WGRD presents national and local alternative rock artists. May 7 Thirsty Perch Blues Band. May 8 Starfarm, 80s songs. 7 pm. Sixth St Stage at College Ave, Holland. $10-$22 (Tulip Time Festival office, 238 S River Ave, Holland; 800-822-2770; or www. tuliptime.com).

May 15 - JAZZ VESPERS: Gentlemen of Ragtime performs. 6 pm. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapidsfumc.org. Free.

May 15-16 - ST CECILIA CONCERTS: 5 pm Sat Concert Orchestra and Concert Band. 8 pm Sat Sinfonia and Philharmonic. 3 pm Sun Grand Band and Adult String Orchestra. Royce Auditorium.

Each concert: $10, children 10 and under free (459-2224, www.scmc-online.org).

May 19 - NICKELBACK: Canadian rock band performs its Dark Horse World Tour. 6:30 pm.

Van Andel Arena. $46.50-$89.50 (Van Andel and

DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 20 - SACRED SOUNDS OF ST MARK’S: Works drawn from the tradition of the great cathedrals of England, sung by the GR Choir of Men and Boys. 8 pm. St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave, www.stmarksgr.org. Free.

May 21 - DOOBIE BROTHERS: Eighth year series of summer concerts featuring national acts in Meijer Gardens’ outdoor amphitheater kicks off with the Doobie Brothers. Lawn seating (bring blankets or low-rise chairs). Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Gates open 6

May 7 - STARSHIP, STARRING MICKEY THOMAS: Multi-platinum band performs at Tulip Time. 8 pm. Central Wesleyan Auditorium, Holland. $23$30 (Tulip Time office, 238 S River Ave, Holland; 800-822-2770; or www.tuliptime.com).

May 7-8 - “VERDI’S REQUIEM”: GR Symphony and Calvin College Capella Singers perform this choral work, conducted by David Lockington.

8 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (GR Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony.org.

May 9 - CANADIAN TENORS: Muskegon Community Concert Association presents “Canada’s National Treasure” singing theater, classical, operetta and alternative world pop. 7:30 pm.

Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $30 adults, $25 seniors, $5 students (Frauenthal box office or Star Tickets).

May 9 - GOO GOO DOLLS: 1980’s punk-influenced trio are making new music as witnessed by “Let Love In.” 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $35 and $75 (DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 9 - SPRING CONCERT: Forest Hills Adult Community Band presents a free concert. 2:303:30 pm. Forest Hills Eastern HS Auditorium, 2200 Pettis Ave NE (use Knapp St parking entrance).

May 12 - BARENAKED LADIES: Multi-platinum pop-rock group performs. 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $39.50-$49.50 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

Photography Courtesy Tulip Time Festival

May 14-16 - “LOUIS ARMSTRONG’S NEW ORLEANS, WITH BYRON STRIPLING”: GR Symphony performs songs from the Big Easy in a tribute to the great trumpeter. 8 pm Fri and Sat, 3 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Grand Rapids Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony.org.

May 14-16 - MAYFEST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association presents 15th annual concert with local and regional bluegrass groups. Camping available. Begins 6 pm Fri. Kent County Fairgrounds, Lowell. Day passes: $10 Fri, $15 Sat, $5 Sun. Weekend passes: $20 in advance, $25 at gate. www.wmbma.org.

May 15 - ELI MATTSON: Runner-up of “America’s Got Talent” 2008 performs. 7:30 pm. Van Singel Fine Arts Center. $12 adults, $8 students (8786800, www.vsfac.com).

May 15 - EMBELLISH SPRING CONCERT: Embellish Handbell Ensemble presents “Songs of Faith and Joy.” 8 pm. St Robert’s, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada. $12 at door, $10 in advance (915-0134 or tickets@embellishhandbells.com). http://embel lish.ws.

CHIHULY

Dale Chihuly. The Sun (detail), 2010. Photo by Scott Mitchell Leen.

AT FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: A NEW EDEN

APRIL 30 – SEPTEMBER 30 Dale Chihuly, one of the most sought-after

artists in the world working primarly in glass, comes with vibrancy this spring and summer to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Meijer Gardens. His works will be displayed at 15 indoor and outdoor sites across the conservatories, gardens and grounds.

LEAD SPONSORS OF THE EXHIBITION THE MEIJER FOUNDATION THE DANIEL AND PAMELLA DEVOS FOUNDATION STEELCASE, INC. May 2010 Grand Rapids 75

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City Guide pm, concerts start at 7 pm. Tickets TBD (www. meijergardens.org).

May 22 - GRWC SPRING CONCERT: Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus celebrates spring with its 14th annual concert. 8 pm. St Cecilia Music Center. $18 at door, $15 in advance (Spirit Dreams or www.grwc.org), $10 students.

May 22-23 - ROCK THE COAST: Christian music festival features concerts and rides at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park. Proceeds go to Youth for Christ and First Priority ministries.

Tickets TBD. www.unitychristianevents.com.

GR. More info: www.artprize.org.

May 28 - DAUGHTRY: Rock band performs with special guest Lifehouse and opening band Cavo. 7:30 pm. Van Andel Arena. $29.50 and $39.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 1 - FRESH ART LIVE: Muskegon Museum of Art hosts live and silent auctions of contemporary art; proceeds benefit MMA programs and exhibitions. 5:30 pm reception, 7 pm live auction. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, www. muskegonartmuseum.org. Free.

Art Thru May 27 - ARTPRIZE ARTIST REGISTRATION: Open art competition registers artists for competition Sep 22-Oct 10 in downtown

May 1 - TULIP TIME ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: More than 130 juried exhibitors. 10 am-5 pm.

Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave, Holland. Free. www.tuliptime.com.

May 15 - ARTS IN ADA: Fine jewelry; watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings; pen and ink drawings; wood sculpture; ceramics; pottery; glass; photography; mixed media; stained glass and more, plus food, face painting, kids crafts and entertainment. 9 am-4 pm. Bronson St and Ada Dr. www. ada.arts.org.

pile

May 15 - JOHN BALL ZOO ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: 31st annual fair, sponsored by John Ball Park Community Association. 9 am-5 pm. John Ball Zoo, 1300 W Fulton St. www.johnballzoo society.org. Free.

May - AQUINAS COLLEGE GALLERY: Thru May 9, Bachelor of Fine Arts Show. Aquinas Art & Music Center (enter off Fulton St), 632-2408, www.aquinas.edu/art/gallery.html.

May - CALVIN CENTER ART GALLERY: Thru May 8, Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition. May 13-22 Bachelor of Arts Exhibition; reception 6-8 pm May 21. Spoelhof Center, 3201 Burton St SE, 5266271, www.calvin.edu/centerartgallery.

May - CALVIN (106) GALLERY: May 7-21 Advanced Painting Exhibition. 106 S Division Ave.

smile

May - CASCADE GALLERY: Thru May 29, pastel landscapes by Michelle Bahr and Jane Everhart, oil/photo transfer paintings by Abigail Bradley, and pottery by Ann Truemper. 2840 Thornapple River Dr at Cascade Rd. May - FIRE AND WATER GALLERY: Thru May 31, pastel artist Bonnie Osborne. Plus work from two dozen area artists, gifts, jewelry, sculpture and photography. 219 W Main St, Lowell, 890-1879, www.fire-and-water-art.com.

May - FOREST HILLS FAC: Thru May 14, Forest Hills Public Schools Student Art Exhibit. 600 Forest Hill Ave SE, 493-8965, www.fhfineartscen ter.com.

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May - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Thru May 9, Spirit and Form: Michele Oka Doner and the Natural World. Thru Sep 30, Dave Chiluly: A New Eden, includes glass chandeliers, towers up to 30 feet high, floating spheres, reeds rising from the earth, the sun, the moon, and a rowboat full of glass. Permanent exhibits include more than 100 world-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. See Museums & Attractions.

May - GALLERY UPTOWN: May 3-29 Splash 10, featuring 10 West Michigan watercolorists. Opening reception 5:30-8 pm May 7. 201 Washington St, Grand Haven, (616) 846-5460, www.galleryuptown.net.

May - GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM: May 7-9 Art in Bloom, floral designs by regional floral designers inspired by the museum’s art collection. May 21-Aug 15, Dutch Utopia: American Artists in Holland 1880-1914, a collection of 43 American painters inspired by the Dutch. Thru Sep 25, Selections from Museum Photography

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City Guide Collection, includes Ansel Adams, Edward Steichen, Walker Evans, Yousef Karsh and Gordon Parks. Permanent collection spans Renaissance to Modern with particular strength in European and American 19th- and 20th-century painting and sculpture, plus more than 3,500 prints, drawings and photographs. 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org.

May - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: Thru May 10, Robert Stone, photography. May 10-Jun 21 Jeanetta VanderMyde, watercolor and pencil. One Trick Pony, 136 E Fulton St SE. www.gvami.com.

May - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Thru May 16, Bevrijding (Liberation): Images from the Dutch Resistance, linocut prints created after WWII detailing aspects of the resistance from the perspective of rural country dwellers. Thru Aug 29, Smile, images representing Holland’s diverse culture. Dutch Galleries exhibit 17th- to 20thcentury Dutch paintings and cultural objects. See Museums & Attractions.

May - KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Thru May 23, Fear and Folly: The Visionary Prints of Francesco Goya and Federico Castellon. 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $8 adults; $6 students, seniors; $4 members. 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, www. kiarts.org.

May - KENDALL GALLERY: May 3-15 Tim Kranz and John Shaw, MFA Thesis Exhibitions. May 4-Jul 23 Studio Excellence Awards 2010. 4-7 pm May 4 All College Open House Reception. Kendall College of Art & Design, 17 Fountain St NW, 4512787, www.kcad.edu.

May - LEEP ART GALLERY: Thru Jul 6, Simple Gifts by Steven Huyser-Honig, art inspired by the Great Lakes. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, 300 68th St SE, 222-4530.

May - LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL: May 10-26 Lowell Area Schools: K-5 Student Art Exhibition, reception 5:30-7 pm May 10. Plus more than 20 artists display fine arts and gifts, including pottery, paintings, beadwork, photography, textiles, sculptures and stained glass. 149 S Hudson St, Lowell, 897-8545, www.lowellartscouncil.org.

May - MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Thru May 2, Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales. Thru Aug 1, Color It Bizarre: Clarice Cliff Pottery from a Michigan Collection. Thru Aug 8, A Collector’s Gift: Works by Walter Shirlaw and J Frank Currier.

May 27-Aug 25 Regional Exhibition, juried selection from West Michigan artists; 5:30-8 pm May 27 opening reception. 5:30-8 pm May 6 Salon Thursday, area artists display up to two works submitted as Regional entries; free to public. Also see Fresh Art Live in Special Events. Hours: noon4:30 pm Sun; closed Mon and Tue; 10 am-4:30 pm Wed, Fri and Sat; 10 am-8 pm Thu. $5 adults (Thu free); members, students, kids under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 7202570, www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

May - RIVERTOWN ARTISTS GUILD: Thru May 31, Rivertown Artists Guild members’ art at Walker Library, 4293 Remembrance Rd; Meredyth Parish at EGR Library, 746 Lakeside Dr; Doris Larson and Mary Bommerito at Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael St; and Jan Upp at the GR Realtors’ Association, 660 Kenmoor Ave SE. May - SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS:

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Live the GrandExperience

City Guide Thru Jun 21, Domestic Cyclone. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, (269) 857-2399, www.sc4a.org. Free.

May - UICA: Thru Jul 31, dis.place.ment, international juried exhibition. Thru May 28, Margarida Correia, Casey McGuire and Wendy Kawabata.

Thru Aug 6, Christopher Gauthier and Nicola Vruwink. Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, 41 Sheldon Blvd SE, 454-7000, www.uica.org.

Stage May - DR GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Stand-up comedians from all over the world perform Thu at 9 pm, Fri and Sat at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. $5 Thu, $10 Fri and Sat (356-2000, www.thebob.com).

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Thru May 1 - “PORGY & BESS”: Opera Grand Rapids presents Gershwin’s jazz-infused tale of pure-hearted Porgy as he fights to save his love from the clutches of a drug-dealing pimp. 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $20-$94 (Opera and DeVos box offices or Ticketmaster). www. operagr.com.

Thru May 8 - “THE BUTLER DID IT”: Comedy parodies English mystery plays but with an American flair. 8 pm, 2 pm Sun. Holland Civic Theatre.

Tickets TBD (616-396-2021, www.hollandcivic theatre.org).

Thru May 8 - “JOYFUL NOISE”: Based on true story of the politics and passion that nearly prevented Handel’s “The Messiah” from being performed. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St SW. $15 adults, $13 seniors and students (455-1001, www.masterarts.org).

May 1 - RIVER CITY IMPROV: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 7:33 pm (doors open 6:30 pm). Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St SE. $8 (at door or Calvin’s box office). www.rivercityimprov.com.

May 4 - “MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE”: Irish musical and dance. 7:30 pm.

DeVos Performance Hall. $27-$54 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 6-22 - “RENT”: Circle Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning rock opera. 7:30 pm, 5 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $25 (456-6656, www.circletheatre.org).

An Impression

May 6-8 - “TARZAN”: Rogue River Community Theatre presents this musical comedy. Kent Theatre, 8 N Main St, Cedar Springs. 8 pm, with 2 pm matinee May 8. $10 adults, $4 students (at door). 874-5264 for details.

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May 7 - “WHY WON’T AUNT MILLIE STAY DEAD?”: Interactive murder-mystery dinner theater. 6:15 pm cocktails, 7 pm dinner. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $30 (includes dinner), cash bar (Frauenthal box office, 231-727-8001 or Star Tickets).

May 11 - “IZZO GOES TO BROADWAY”: Broadway Grand Rapids and MSU Club of West Michigan present a benefit performance starring MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo in an evening of song, dance and inspiration celebrating the winning spirit. 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $45$85 (DeVos Place box office).

May 13-22 - “THE DRAWER BOY”: Actors’ Theatre presents the story of an aspiring actor from Toronto researching life in rural Ontario for a script, as he unravels a mystery. 8 pm, 3 pm Sun.

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City Guide Spectrum Theater, 143 Bostwick Ave NE. $22 (234-3946). www.actorstheatregrandrapids.com.

May 14-23 - “SHAKESPEARE CELEBRATION”: Grand Rapids Ballet Company closes its season with two works inspired by the Bard: “Another Part of the Forest” and “The Tempest.” Wege Theatre. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. $30 (GRBC box office or Ticketmaster). www.grballet.com.

May 21-23 - “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”: NETworks Presentations brings the Broadway musical about a young woman and a prince trapped in a beast’s body. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Sat, 1 pm and 6 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $46-$60, $41-$51 6 pm Sun (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

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City Guide: Clubs ’n’ Pubs

A sporting good time The Queen’s Pub offers a lively atmosphere and a huge selection of beer, wine and menu items. BY ERIN PRICE

Photography by Micheal Buck

W

ith its polished, dark hardwood floors and lively atmosphere, The Queen’s Pub brings a classic pub feel to the already diverse Eastown bar scene.

The pub was opened in 2008

by Balwinder Bal as an accompaniment to his Indian restaurant, the ever-popular Bombay Cuisine. Queen’s Pub took over the Bombay space as the restaurant moved to an adjoining space next door.

Although it has taken on some of the Indian feel of its neighbor, it really is in a different world from the exotic scents of Bombay Cuisine just a few feet away.

Attracting a wide spectrum of college-age kids, residents of Eastown and East Grand Rapids and downtown professionals, specials such as two plates for $8 The Queen’s Pub the atmosphere is lively and entertainserved with rice and naan (IndianLocation: 1420 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids ing. On a Friday evening, the place style bread). In fact, all of Bombay Hours: 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Wed.; is hopping. Music is loud and usuCuisine’s dishes can be ordered in 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Thu.-Sat. ally popular pop/dance music, and the pub, which shares the same Contact: (616) 456-7055; pages on although there is no true dance floor, kitchen.

Facebook and Twitter. people make use of the available open Queen’s Pub offers happy hour Features: Happy hour 3-6 p.m. and spaces to get down right where they specials Sunday through Wednes10 p.m.-midnight Sun.-Wed.; $10 pizza and are standing. day from 3-6 p.m. and a “reverse beer specials Mon. and Tue. Patrons fill every available seat at happy hour” on the same nights Drink Prices: Draft beer $3-$6/pint; bottled the large wrap-around bar and tables from 10 p.m.-midnight, with $3 pints beer $2-$4; well drinks $3.50; are full. All seats offer good views of of draft beer, $2.50 well drinks and wine $5.95/glass. the numerous flat-screen TVs that $2 off martinis. On Mondays and display sports games in action. Billed Tuesdays, there’s a $10 pitcher and as a sports bar, The Queen’s Pub has pizza special. all the essentials. In addition to those sitting and chatting while Beer or wine enthusiasts should be pleased with The Queen’s they view the big game, others enjoy a game of darts or play Pub selection. There are 20 beers on tap, including area micropool with their friends. If going on a weekend night, be patient. brews that rotate every three months, and also an English cider, The bartenders and servers, though friendly and able, seem StrongBull. Then there are around 45 choices of domestic and barely able to keep up with the mostly young crowd and their foreign bottled beer, some of which are so rare, many beer drinkorders. ers have never heard of them.

For those who prefer wine, there are more than 75 selections, The menu consists of the usual American staples, including burgers ($5-$8) and pizzas ($5-$8), and bar snack favorites including Michigan wines.

A wine bar is soon to open next door at Bombay Cuisine, as such as chips and cheese, French fries, fish and chips, and wings ($3-$5). The more adventurous can sample the Indian cuisine well, for those who like to sample wine in a more relaxed atmothat keeps the restaurant next door hopping, with late night sphere.

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City Guide May 7 “Mother.” Opening May 21 “The Evil Dead.”

Opening May 28, “Vincere.” $4-$7 For complete schedule, times: 454-7000 or www.uica.org.

May 2-6 - JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: 3 pm May 2 “Eli & Ben.” 7:30 pm May 3 “Camera Obscura.”

7:30 pm May 4 “Spring of 1941.” 4:30 pm May 5 Children’s Festival “White Balance.” 7:30 pm May 5 “Adam Resurrected.” 7:30 pm May 6 “Nora’s Will.” Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr NE. $6 at door or $36 for eight admissions in advance (942-5553). www.jewishgrandrapids. org.

Museums & Attractions May - AIR ZOO: More than 50 rare aircraft, plus exhibits and educational activities, including fullmotion flight simulators, 4-D Missions Theater, Magic Planet, Space Ball, Zero G, indoor amusement park rides and Michigan Space Science Center. Special exhibit thru Jun 30, The Spirit of Flight: The History of Aviation Through Art. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, www.airzoo.org.

Admission price varies by height of participant and activities (see Web site).

May - BINDER PARK ZOO: Animals are exhibited in a natural, lush forest setting, including the 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek. $11.95 adults, $10.95 seniors, $9.95 ages 2-10. www.binderparkzoo.org.

May - BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: Take a wildflower walk with founder Mary Jane Dockeray 2-3 pm May 22 ($3, RSVP: 735-6240). 143 acres contain diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits, animals, Heritage Buildings (log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, etc.). Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm MonFri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www.blandfordnaturecenter. org. Free.

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Client: Parkland Properties / Boardwalk Publication: Grand Rapids Magazine / May 2010 Agency: Grey Matter Group 616-458-8750 www.greymattergroup.com

May - CAPPON & SETTLERS HOUSE MUSEUMS: Restored Cappon House is the Italianate Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor. Tiny Settlers House recalls a life of hardships faced by early settlers.

1-5 pm Fri-Sat. Tulip Time Hours: 9 am-5 pm May 1 and May 3-8, noon-5 pm May 2. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. Cappon House, 228 W 9th St, Holland. Settlers House, 190 W 9th St, Holland, (616) 392-6740.

May - COOPERSVILLE FARM MUSEUM: Exhibits include tractors from 1930 to present, 100-yearold barns, interactive kids area. 10 am-4 pm TueSat. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 997-8555, www. coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

May - COOPERSVILLE & MARNE RAILWAY: Restored 1920’s-era railway has regular excursion rides Wed and Sat at 11 am and 1 pm; $10.50 adults, $9.50 seniors 60 and over, $7.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free. 11 am and 1:30 pm May 31 Veterans Troop Train includes a brass band reception, military re-enactors and military equipment displays; $7.50, veterans free. 311 Danforth St, Coopersville, 997-7000 (for advance tickets), www.coopersvilleandmarne.org.

May - DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER: 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch (images of earth and the universe) and more than 240 plant species. See Web site for activities. Trails open daily dawn to dusk.

The Shade Shop

422 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids MI M-F: 9 to 5:30 Sat: 10 to 2:00 616-459-4693 theshadeshop.hdwfg.com *Energy savings based on inside-mounted shades in all windows. Savings vary with such factors as specific Architella fabric, window R-value and climate. For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, ask a salesperson or check out the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at Hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette Architella honeycomb shades with Architella fabric. © 2009 Hunter Douglas. ® Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas.

12972

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City Guide 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, www.degraaf.org. Free.

DOWNTOWN at your doorstep

Homes starting at $179,900 call 616.726.2900 to schedule a tour

grriverhouse.com A Robert Grooters Development

STUDIO DUO architecture and interior design 616.656.2182

studioduo@me.com www. STUDIODUO .net

May - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: May 15-16 Michigan All-State Bonsai Show. May 29-30 Iris Show. Also see Great Gardens Party in Special Events. Outdoor exhibits include Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, 30-acre sculpture park, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours, themed gardens. Indoors has sculpture galleries, tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, Victorian garden, café and gift shops. May 29-30 Iris Show. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am-9 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with IDs, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 9571580, www.meijergardens.org.

May - GERALD R. FORD MUSEUM: Thru Jun 13, America and the Cold War explores America’s struggle against the Soviet Union from 19461991. Permanent exhibits include The 1970s, An Overview; a video history of the Watergate scandal; a replica of the White House Oval Office; and New Mood at the White House, a holographic presentation. 9 am-5 pm daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St NW, 254-0400, www. fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

May - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Cultural attractions from the “old country” and exhibits that explore local history: Lake Michigan maritime, shipwrecks and resorts; agriculture and manufacturing; religious foundation of the Holland Kolonie. I Spy Adventure and activities in Mark’s Room for children. Tulip Time Hours: 9 am-5 pm May 1 and May 3-8, noon-5 pm May 2. Regular hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, www. hollandmuseum.org.

May - JOHN BALL ZOO: Summer kick-off begins May 8 and includes a new exhibit of New Guinea Baboons, plus ring-tailed lemurs, Lions of Lake Manyara, penguins, Komodo dragon, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island, Living Shores Aquarium. Hours thru May 7: 10 am-4 pm daily. May 8-Sep 13: 10 am-6 pm. Admission thru May 7: $3.50 adults and seniors over 62, $3 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. May 8-Sep 13: $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors, $5.50 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, www. johnballzoosociety.org.

May - KALAMAZOO NATURE CENTER: 1,100 acres of forests, prairies and wetlands. See Web site for activities and camps. 9 am-5 pm MonSat, 1-5 pm Sun. $6 adults, $5 seniors 55 and over, $4 children 4-13, children under 4 free. 700 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, (269) 381-1574, www.naturecenter.org.

We don’t have a look.

We help you find yours.

May - KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM: Permanent exhibits include a simulated mission to space via the Challenger Learning Center, a 2,300-year-old mummy and Science in Motion.

See Web site for planetarium show schedule ($3) and scheduled activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 1-5 pm Sun. 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, (800) 7723370, www.kalamazoomuseum.org. Free.

May - LAKESHORE MUSEUM CENTER: Thru Dec 31, You Should See This, more than 30 eclectic items from the museum’s collection chosen by community and staff. Permanent exhibits include Michigan Through the Depths of Time; Body Works: It’s All Up to You; Habitats and Food

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with friends

Webs; Science Center; and Voices of Muskegon.

9:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri, noon-4 pm Sat-Sun. 430 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 722-0278, www. muskegonmuseum.org. Free.

to the vineyards

May - LOWELL AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits about Lowell history, a Victorian parlor, dining room and porch. 1-4 pm Tue, Sat and Sun, 1-8 pm Thu. $3 adults, $1.50 children 5-17, under 5 free, families $10 maximum. 325 W Main St, 897-7688, www.lowellmuseum.org.

May - MEYER MAY HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house, meticulously restored

by Steelcase in 1986-87, features original furnishings and reproductions of arts and crafts-style items. Open for guided tours 10 am-2 pm Tue and Thu, 1-5 pm Sun (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

May - NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE THEME PARK: All things Dutch: import shops, Delftware, Dutch architecture, canals, windmills, klompen shoes, cheese making and petting zoo. Theme park open daily 10 am-6 pm; gift shops open 9-6:30; extended hours for Tulip Time (May 1-8) and other special events. 12350 James St (at US 31), Holland. Theme park admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children 3-15; shops free. (616) 3961475, www.dutchvillage.com.

May - PUBLIC MUSEUM: Thru May 31, Big, BIG BUGS! displays a mega-magnified praying mantis, stick insect, caterpillar, locust and more, plus a Bug House, bug life cycles, anatomy and adaptations and bug “jobs” ($2). 5-9 pm May 10-14 evening ticket package includes admission to museum and Bugs exhibit, dinner, carousel rides and planetarium show for $10, $5 members.

Thru Nov 20, Amway: 50 Years of Helping People Live Better Lives. Permanent exhibits include: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers, The People of This Place; Anishinabek, The People of This Place; 1928 carousel ($1). 9 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 9 am-8 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org.

May - ROGER B. CHAFFEE PLANETARIUM: Stateof-the-art, 3-D, Digistar-powered shows. 1 pm Sat and Sun Discover Your Universe; 2 pm daily and 7 and 8 pm Tue Crickets and Constellations; and 3 pm Sat and Sun Under Starlit Skies. Museum admission plus $3 (3 pm show free with admission). Laser Light Shows thru May 29: 9 pm Sat “Dark Side of the Moon,” and 10 pm Sat “The Wall”; museum admission plus $7. Van Andel Museum Center (see Public Museum).

F

ollow the lakeshore. Breathe in the blossom-perfumed breezes. Wind your way into wine country. Then tour our cellar. Sip award-winning vintages in our tasting room. Share a bottle of your favorite wine with a delicious lunch or dinner in our restaurant overlooking the greening vineyards.

Uncork the Experience of Tabor Hill

TASTING ROOMS : Saugatuck Tabor Hill Wine Port

(269) 857-4859

Benton Harbor

Tabor Hill Wine & Art Gallery

(269) 925-6402 Bridgman

Tabor Hill Champagne Cellar

185 Mt. Tabor Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107

(269) 465-6566

800-283-3363 • www.taborhill.com

51 th ANNUAL SPRING

May 28 - June 12, 2010 The finest homes in West Michigan, open to the public.

TICKETS

May - TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits include a train depot display, Michigan Logging and Early Pioneers. 9:30 am-5 pm TueFri, 12:30-5 pm Sat and Sun, closed Mon. 200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, 842-0700, www. tri-citiesmuseum.org. Free.

Adults (ages 13 & up): Children (12 & under):

May - VEEN OBSERVATORY: Astronomical observatory owned and operated by Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing nights: 9:30 pm-midnight May 8 and May 29: Saturn, Deep Sky Objects. Weather permitting (call 897-7065 for updates). $3 adults, $2 kids 5-17, kids under 5 free. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, www.graaa.org.

Memorial Day Weekend Friday, Saturday & Memorial Day:

1-9 p.m.

Wednesdays & Saturdays Fridays:

1-9 p.m.

6-9 p.m.

Now Featuring Remodels!

May - VOIGT HOUSE VICTORIAN MUSEUM: 1895 home of the Carl Voigt family features three floors of original furnishings and personal possessions.

Remodeled Homes Friday & Saturday:

$12 FREE

HOURS

June 11 & 12 1-9 p.m.

Photos & Maps Online at WWW.HBAGGR.COM Presented By:

Sponsored By:

Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids May 2010 Grand rapids 83

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RUNWAY ON MONROE

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11 am-3 pm Tue, 1-3 pm every second and fourth Sun. $3 adults, $2 seniors and children 6-17. 115 College Ave SE, 456-4600, www.grmuseum.org.

free practice from 9:30-10:30 pm. $12 drop-in.

Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St, www.grtango. org.

lectures & Workshops

May - TRENDZ CLASSES: Architectural Surfaces Studio and School offers DIY and professionallevel classes; see Web site for schedule. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave, Caledonia, 588-3227, www. eco-trendz.com.

May - GRAND RIVER FOLK ARTS SOCIETY: Dance instruction events. 7:30 pm May 1, First Friday Dance with Hawks & Owls, 5th St Hall, $8 adults, $7 students/seniors, $6 members.

7 pm May 14, International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St SE, $5 at door. www.grfolkarts.org.

May - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: 7:30 pm May 6 Artist Critique Night. 7:30 pm May 13 Program Night. Free and open to public. GVA Gallery, 1120 Monroe Ave NW, www.gvami.com.

May - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Adult computer classes include Basic Internet and Google Essentials. Also this month: Michigan’s Economic Transformation, Grantseeking Basics, Standing Naked in the Stream: Isle Royale Stories, and Who We Are: Exploring Family Secrets with Steve Luxenberg. See Kidstuff for children’s activities.

Pick up a schedule at GRPL Main Library, 111 Library St NE, or visit www.grpl.org. Free.

May - GR TANGO: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm every Thu, followed by

May - UICA WRITING WORKSHOPS: Constructive criticism and inspiration for those with a passion for writing every Wed 6:30-9:30 pm (free). Also: 1-3 pm May 16 dis.place.ment: In the Landscape, facilitated by Vic Foerster, author of “Naked in the Stream, Isle Royale Stories” ($15 members, $20 nonmembers). 1-3 pm May 23 dis.place. ment Memoirs, facilitated by Colette DeNooyer and Nurya Love Parish ($25 members, $30 nonmembers). UICA. May 6-27 - ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASS: Learn the difference between anger and aggression, explore factors that influence anger, learn to recognize warning signs and develop ways of responding to anger. 7-8:30 pm. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St SE, Cutlerville. $70/ person or $105/two family members (493-6033). www.pinerest.org.

May 7 - “SINGS WITH STARS” BOOK LAUNCH: Literary Life Bookstore presents author Bethany

illustration courtesy runway on Monroe

MIX OF “PROJeCt RUNWAY,” ArtPrize and “American Idol” is what creator Alyssa Schutter envisioned for Runway on Monroe. The Grand Rapids competition culminates May 15 as 20 local designers show off their fashion creations and judges select the winner of the $5,000 grand prize.

“The fashion industry isn’t huge in Grand Rapids or Michigan as a whole,” said Schutter, owner of 616 Creations. “But it’s important for people to realize there is talent here.”

Runway on Monroe launched in February with an invitation to local designers. A panel of judges narrowed the field to 20, and those designers and their creations will be featured May 1 at a Live Mannequin event at Thirty Eight Condos, 38 Commerce Ave. SW. Online voting will determine the final five.

Webisodes of the entire process will be available at runwayonmonroe.com.

Finalists in the Hush Puppies Shoe Design Challenge also will be announced May 1, with voting open to the public. Winner of the shoe contest will take home $1,000 in cash and will have the opportunity to have a shoe manufactured by Hush Puppies and available at hushpuppies.com.

At the full runway production May 15 at Rosa Parks Circle, the top fashion designer will be selected by a panel of judges.

Tara Kuhnlein will host the free event, produced by Jerrad Matthew, owner of the Matthew Agency.

Beverage tents will be available with proceeds going to VSA Arts of Michigan/ Grand Rapids.

See SPeCIAL eVeNtS

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announcing

Greenier. 7 pm. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418.

Free.

May 12 - BREASTFEEDING CLASS: Breastfeeding basics followed by pumping info from a boardcertified consultant. Registration required. 5:308 pm. Baby Beloved, 555 Midtowne St NE, Ste 100, 977-5683, www.babybelovedinc.com. $35.

May 13 - GR SYMPHONY CHORUS AUDITIONS: Auditions for the 2010-2011 season, which includes “Carmina Burana” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.” Registration: 454-9451, ext. 140, or jherdegen@grsymphony.org.

May 13 - LEGISLATIVE PROCESS TRAINING: Great Start Parent Coalition invites parents to learn about the legislative process and best way to advocate. 6-8:30 pm. Hill Child Development Center, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. Dinner and child care provided (register at 632-1007). www.firststepskent.org.

May 13-14 - INSTITUTE FOR HEALING RACISM: Two-day workshop focuses on becoming positive agents for change and intentional allies in building an inclusive and anti-racist community.

Interactive exercises, dialogue, videos and story telling create a safe place where diverse views and experiences are validated. GRCC Diversity Learning Center. $200-$300 (234-4497, www. grcc.edu/ihr).

May 15 - DANCEgr: One-hour dance lesson followed by social dance that includes East and West Coast swing, salsa, tango, waltz, cha cha, rumba, foxtrot and more. 7-8 pm lesson, 8-11 pm dance. 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE, www.dancegr. com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

May 15 - UICA WEEKEND WORKSHOP: Explore Consumer Culture as presented by Nicola Vruwink and her exhibit “To You, From Me, Love Nicola,” then create art in the studio. All ages. 1-3 pm. UICA. $8 members, $10 nonmembers, $15 parent and child. Register at 454-7000, ext 25.

illustration courtesy runway on Monroe

May 18 - NOURISHING WAYS OF WEST MICHIGAN: “Healthy Eating Shouldn’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg: Strategies that Help Avoid the High Cost of Illness” by Anne M.A. Sergeant.

7-8:30 pm. St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave, www.nourishingways.org. Free.

May 20 - POTTED HERB GARDEN 101: Greater GR Chapter of Mothers and More presents master gardener Stacey Vandereide who explains how to grow a container herb garden. Bring herb packets and small pots. 7-9 pm. St Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Dr, 389-5376, www. grmothersandmore.org. Free.

E

EEOpening

Client: Stella’s Lounge/MarkSellers, Garry Boyd Publication: Grand Rapids Magazine Ad size: 4.6875” x 14.875” with 1/8” bleed Design questions: abeasley@visualalchemy.net or 616-446-4735 Billing questions: Garry Boyd, 356-2700, garry@hopcatgr.com

May 10 - DYSLEXIA SEMINAR: New Chapter Learning offers info on the thinking style, learning differences and gifts of visual thinkers. 6 pm. Wyoming Library, 3350 Michael Ave SW. Registration: 534-1385. www.newchapterlearn ing.net. Free.

May 1ersst!

. stuffed burg strong drinks Arcade Games re . Classic fa an ri ta ge Ve

49503 nd Rapids, MI ra G . e v A ce 53 Commer 6-356-2700 r.com . ph. 61 sg a l el t .s w w w

Keeping West Michigan looking great for 60 years!

The Second Century

short term intensives for aspiring and experienced artists

May 20 - RIVERTOWN ARTISTS’ GUILD: Join a guest speaker in a program about sculpture. 7 pm. Arts Council Building, 532 Ottawa Ave NW. May 20 - THIRD THURSDAYS: Literary Life Bookstore presents Matthew Gavin Frank, local author of “Barolo,” a foodie memoir and travelogue about his experiences in Italy. 7 pm. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418. Free.

May 25 - EMBELLISH AUDITIONS: Handbell Ensemble holds auditions. 7 pm. Aquinas College Art and Music Center, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. More info: http://embellish.ws.

800.318.3019 ox-bow@saic.edu www.ox-bow.org May 2010 Grand rapids 85

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City Guide Sports May - WEST MICHIGAN THUNDERHAWKS: Professional indoor football league. May 1 and 15 vs Richmond Revolution. May 22 vs Maryland Maniacs. 7 pm. DeltaPlex. $8-$19. www.west michiganthunderhawks.com.

May - WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS: Professional minor league baseball team, member of the 14-team Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: May 7-9 vs Bowling Green. May 13-16 vs South Bend. May

18-20 vs Lake County. May 28-31 vs Dayton.

Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $5-$13 (800-CAPS-WIN, www.whitecapsbaseball.com).

May - WRESTLING CAMP: Register for Michigan Xtreme wrestling camps: May 29 Take Top, Jun 18-20 College Showcase, Jun 25-27 Leg Wrestling, Jul 16-18 Big Man, Jul 23-25 Chase Your Dreams, Sep 18 Your Style on Your Feet, Oct 16 Scoring From the Bottom, Nov 5-7 State Champ Kickoff.

See www.michiganxtreme.com for application form, more information.

Shop Around Fine Wines, Beers and Specialty foods

May 1 - TULIP TIME RUN: Blue Cross Blue Shield presents the annual 5K and 8K runs through Holland. Also, 1K Kids Fun Run. 8 am. Christ Memorial Church parking lot, Holland. $25 in advance, $30 day of race; kids run: $10 in advance, $15 day of race (800-822-2770, www. tuliptime.com/tulip-time-run).

May 8 - FIFTH THIRD RIVER BANK RUN: 33rd annual run features 25K, 10K and 5K runs, 5K walk and junior events. Events start at 7:30 am, packet pick-up 6:30 am. Downtown Grand Rapids (Monroe and Lyon). Register online: www.53riverbankrun.com. (616) 771-1590.

May 29 - KICK-OFF TO SUMMER RUN: Tri-Cities Family YMCA holds 5K run, 1-mile family fun run/ walk, and Tot Trot obstacle course for ages 3-6.

7:30-10 am. 1 Y Dr, Grand Haven. www.tcfymca. com.

Kidstuff For Kidstuff activities, see the May issue of Grand Rapids Family Magazine.

Calendar legend COMMONLY REQUESTED VENUE AND TICKET OUTLET INFORMATION FOLLOWS.

VENUES Aquinas Performing Arts Center, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 456-6656 the DeltaPlex entertainment & expo Center, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, 364-9000, www.deltaplex.com DeVos Place (DeVos Performance Hall), 303 Monroe Ave. NW, 742-6600, www.devosplace.org Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8966, www.fhfineartscenter.com Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, (231) 722-9750, www.frauenthal.info Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580 (main), 975-3147 (class registration line), www.meijergardens.org Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org Grand Rapids Civic theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., 222-6650, www.grct.org Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org St. Cecilia Music Center, (Royce Auditorium, Dexter Ballroom), 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, www.scmsonline.org Spectrum theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, 234-3946 Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, 454-7000 (film hotline 454-3994), www.uica.org Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., 742-6600, www.vanandelarena.com Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, www.vsfac.com

2869 Knapp St. NE; Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone (616) 719-2518 www.crushedgrapegr.com

Taste the Difference!

Stop by our beautiful tasting room to sample from over 50 award-winning Oils and Balsamic Vinegars from around the world.

TICKET OUTLETS Distinctive collections

~ jewelry ~ home decor ~ fashion

65 E. Bridge Street, Rockford | 616.884.0107

www.oldworldolivepress.com

226 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, MI Phone (231) 869-5008 www.MarilynsStyle.com

Expose your business to over 48,000 readers each month!

To advertise, call (616) 459-4545

Grand Rapids Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, 454-9451, www.grsymphony.org Star tickets, (800) 585-3737, www.startickets.com ticketmaster, 456-3333, www.ticketmaster.com

list your event calendar items must be submitted two months prior to the magazine issue date. Please send submissions for the July calendar no later than May 15. e-mail caleditor@geminipub.com, fax (616) 4594800 or mail to grand rapids Magazine, 549 ottawa ave. nw, suite 201, grand rapids, Mi 49503.

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City Guide: Hot Shots

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5

2

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Celebrating a legacy and toasting brewers Grand Rapids Symphony honored the Rev. Marvin and Dr. MaLinda Sapp Feb. 27 at the 5th Annual Celebration of Soul dinner and reception.

The couple received the 2010 Legacy Award, recognizing extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of the African-American community in West Michigan. The evening began with a Louisiana-inspired dinner at DeVos Place, 1. Rosiland and Si Marsh followed by a Symphony with Soul concert. Pro2. Lighthouse Full Life ceeds benefited the symphony’s education proCenter Church Youth grams and the Mosaic Scholarship Fund.

Praise Team The Great Lake State became “The Great 3. Rev. Chico and Beer State” Feb. 27 as more than 5,000 people Vanessa Daniels attended the Michigan Winter Beer Festival at 4. Sally Robson, Susan Fifth Third Ballpark — a 35 percent increase over and Paul Bowers last year’s event. And there was plenty to cel5. Brian and ebrate. Michigan’s brewing industry contributes Heather Albert more than $133 million to the state’s economy.

6. Kirk Matheson In terms of number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks No. 6 in the 7. Charles, Andrew and David Kroll nation.

7

Photography by Michael buck (1-4); Johnny Quirin (5-7)

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Music and ad awards at The Intersection

1. John Diem and Mark Hammond 2. May Erlewine and

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Photography by Johnny Quirin (1-4); Jim Gebben (5-7)

Nearly 1,200 people — many wearing their “jammies” — Seth Bernard listened to 25 acts on two stages at the 11th Annual WYCE Jam3. Ethan Harris, Ryan Harris mie Awards Feb. 16 at The Intersection. Folk-rock artist Drew and Micah Webber Nelson won top honors for best album, “Dusty Road to Beulah 4. Otter Rose and Tony O Land” and best song, “Waiting for the Sun.” WYCE held a food 5. Wendy Hickey and and clothing drive to benefit Feeding America West Michigan and Michelle Covington In The Image. About 70 bags of food and 100 bags of clothes were 6. Jenny Seavitt, David donated.

Ellison, Gretchen Hehlo Gold and Silver 7. Frank Blossom ADDY Award winners celebrated with 5 more than 500 members of the West Michigan creative community at the 2010 ADDY Awards Feb. 25 at The Intersection, sponsored by the American Advertising Federation of West Michigan. West Michigan professional entrants earned 23 Gold and 58 Silver ADDY Awards, while students took home five Gold and 19 Silver Awards.

Best of Show went to Fairly Painless Advertising for Herman Miller Inc. GVSU visiting professor Frank Blossom won a lifetime acheivement award.

88 Grand Rapids May 2010

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es!

i t i l i b i s s o P f o y a r r A s u o u t p m u S A . . . t Gif e n O

Make Them Smile Twice. Surprise the moms, dads, grads, teachers and coaches on your list this spring with the gift of fresh fish, pristine seafood, fine meats and specialty pastas served in Leo’s casually elegant atmosphere. Leo’s gift certificates are always well received, perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and for treating high school and college graduates to a wonderful evening out. They also add that special touch for wedding gifts.

“Best Seafood Restaurant” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 “Readers Poll”

Leo’s gift certificates available online at leosrestaurant.com

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 Lunch Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Dinner Monday–Thursday 4:30–10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 4:30–11:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday

“Best Business Lunch” Grand Rapids Press 2008 “Tops in Grand Rapids Awards”

“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007 & 2009 “Dining Awards”

Join us for happy hour from 4-6 pm Monday–Friday and enjoy $2 draught beers and $5 martinis.

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