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My Town: GRPS looking for exchange student hosts

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 24th, 9:42 am
My Town: GRPS looking for exchange student hosts

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Grand Rapids Public Schools are looking for families who would like to host international exchange students during the next school year.

Several students from overseas will be attending school in the fall, as part of the districts efforts to expand its global education program. The following teenagers are need places to stay:

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My Town: Heart of West Michigan United Way awards $3.3 million in community grants

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 23rd, 10:30 am
My Town: Heart of West Michigan United Way awards $3.3 million in community grants

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—More than three dozen organizations and agencies helping people get back on their feet are getting millions of dollars in support.

The Heart of West Michigan United Way awarded $3.3 million in grants to 39 agencies that reach out to the community-from offering home-delivered meals to senior to after school care.

 “We value our partnership and believe a community that takes care of its friends and neighbors is a good place to live. By investing in the basic needs of the community, we are working together to help the people that are the most in need,” says Maureen Noe, president and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way.  “If people have their basic needs met, such as food, shelter and a safe home situation, they are able to focus on the future and take the next steps to improving their lives. “

This year’s grant recipients are: 

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My Town: Inaugural Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire information session July 23

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, July 21st, 2:00 pm
My Town: Inaugural Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire information session July 23

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—When you put together a science fair and a county fair, what do you get?

The Mini Maker Faire, which will be making its debut in Grand Rapids next month.

The event will attract all ages of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, scientists, authors, artists, students and commercial exhibitors to show what that’ve made and learned.

The Geek Group will hold an information session for participants from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at 902 Leonard Street NW in Grand Rapids.  “Makers” can submit applications that evening.  The deadline to apply as a maker in the inaugural event is Aug. 1.  An application is available on the event website here.

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My Town: Restaurant Week GR to include specials from 66 restaurants

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 17th, 11:18 am
My Town: Restaurant Week GR to include specials from 66 restaurants

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Restaurant Week is about a month away, but you can start making your plans by salivating over the menus.

The 5th annual event runs from Aug. 13 to Aug. 24 at 66 Grand Rapids restaurants. This year, the theme is "Perfect Pairings" to showcase beverages that pair well with foods.

Restaurants are now taking reservations for Restaurant Week Grand Rapids. This year, 44 restaurants will offer 3-course locally inspired menus for $28 per person, including:

 

My Town Ada/Cascade

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My Town: Consumers Energy Foundation awards nearly $31K to volunteer groups

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, July 14th, 10:03 am
My Town: Consumers Energy Foundation awards nearly $31K to volunteer groups

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Dozens of organizations are getting a financial boost from the Consumers Energy Foundation.

The organization recently awarded 64 grants totaling $30,900 to nonprofits across the state.  The Volunteer Investment Program grants are aimed at encouraging volunteering within Consumers Energy by rewarding those who work or have worked for the company.  This year’s recipients include:

Kalamazoo

  • $650 to Girl Scout Junior Troop 80462 (Jim Cottrell)
  • $450 to Mattawan Consolidated Schools Battle of the Books (Hillary Hogarth)
  • $550 to United States Bowling Congress Kalamazoo Area Youth Association/Airway Lanes (Susan Searles)

Kent

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My Town GR West: Date set for Hispanic Festival's return

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 1st, 1:10 pm
My Town GR West: Date set for Hispanic Festival's return

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- A celebration of Grand Rapids' Latino culture is returning for its 37th year.

The Hispanic Festival will fill Calder Plaza Sept. 5 and 6. The event is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan's premier annual celebration.  Last year, thousands of visitors enjoyed live music, dancing and cuisine native to Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. There was also a dance club .

Organizers say the purpose of the event it to bring community members together.

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My Town: Local breweries home to some of the best beer in the country

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 24th, 9:07 am
My Town: Local breweries home to some of the best beer in the country

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Lansing State Journal)-- Congratulations are in order for Kalamazoo-based Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale has been named the No. 2 beer in the country by readers of Zymurgy Magazine, the publication of the American Homebrewers Association.

Two other Michigan beers also made the Top 10: Bell’s Hopslam (No. 4) and Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Co.’s Breakfast Stout (No. 9). Founders’ also scored three more spots inside the top-ranks beers list with Kentucky Breakfast Stout (No. 11), All Day IPA (No. 34, tie) and Backwoods Bastard (No. 49, tie).

Zymurgy Magazine earlier this week released the results of the poll, in which readers named their 20 favorite beers that are commercially available in the U.S. California-based Russian River’s Pliny the Elder took the No. 1 spot.

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