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Commute on Two Wheels Instead of Four

Submitted by Amy Fox, WZZM Executive Producer
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, 5:09am

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Get out your bikes, walking shoes, or even rollerblades.

The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition has declared this Active Commute Week, and the week of perfect weather lends no excuse not to take part if you live relatively close to work.

Coalition Director Tom Tilma says the latest figures from 2010 show nationally, .5 percent of people commute to work.

In Michigan, .4 percent of Grand Rapids residents commute, compared to 3.1 percent of Ann Arbor residents.

Tilma's goal is to get the greater Grand Rapids area up to 2 percent in the next few years. He hopes his coalition's ambitions will become reality with help from the city.

The City of Grand Rapids recently installed bike lanes on Plymouth Avenue. Bike lanes will also be added on Burton Street.

The city manager also has plans to add 27 miles of bike lanes in one year, starting in July.

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Kentwood student headed to D.C. for National Spelling Bee

Submitted by Chris Zoladz, Multi-Media Producer, WZZM 13
Monday, May 14th, 2012, 2:46pm
Kentwood student headed to D.C. for National Spelling Bee

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) - A Kentwood boy is one of 12 students representing Michigan in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Mwangi Wa Maina attends Crestwood Middle School and is in seventh grade.

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Grand Rapids in tight race for Beer City USA title

Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff
Saturday, May 12th, 2012, 8:46pm

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)-- Grand Rapids is in the running to become Beer City USA 2012.

Examiner.com holds the contest every year, and Grand Rapids is one of 30 cities that made the cut this year.  As of 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Grand Rapids was in second place, with 30 percent of the vote.  Defending champion Asheville, North Carolina had 31 percent of the vote.

The poll closes May 13.  To vote, visit the Examiner's poll page.

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One-Day Outdoor Book Festival, BookFest, Offers Family Fun

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events
Friday, May 11th, 2012, 10:01am
One-Day Outdoor Book Festival, BookFest, Offers Family Fun

The Grand Rapids Public Library will host an all day book festival, BookFest, on June 2, 2012 in conjunction with Festival of the Arts. The event runs from 10 am to 5:30 pm in front of the Main Library – 111 Library St NE and is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.

The outdoor stage will feature musical performances, author appearances and a poetry slam. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character and join the Storybook Parade led by PBS Kids characters Super Why and Princess Presto. The Salvation Army Kroc Center will be on hand to help kids make a costume if they do not have one.

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G-Sync: It Could Get Better

Submitted by Rapid Growth Media, Weekly E-Magazine
Thursday, May 10th, 2012, 11:55am
G-Sync: It Could Get Better

Tommy Allen

On Saturday night, I prepared to head out for the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. I perused the listings that dotted the web for our area’s best parties and celebrations already underway at this late hour of the day.

As I scoped the offerings, many seemed too weak to hold my attention while some simply did not offer the pleasures of a Mexican beer consumed over dinner.

As we headed off towards our destination by default, I heard Michael say, “You know, Cabildo is playing at The Winchester tonight.”

So, with the click of my turn signal, we moved from right to left and in doing so changed not only my night’s destiny, but also my point of view.

The setting could not have been more perfect. Yes, it could have been warmer, sunnier, etc. But if you have lived in Michigan awhile, then you know that you just have to be patient. The weather here, like my night, can change very quickly.

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GRPS Athletics Holding Parent Meetings

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 3:39pm
GRPS Athletics Holding Parent Meetings

Each GRPS "family of schools" will be holding a K-12 athletic meeting for all parents of new, current, and potential student athletes. GRPS Athletics staff will discuss how they are building successful K-12 programs and the Athletic Director will discuss the family of schools’ road map to the student athletes' success. It is the athletic department's goal to have students graduate with the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers beyond high school. Student athletes are encouraged to attend with their parents.


Union Family of Schools (Union, Burton, Westwood, CA Frost, Harrison, SWCC, Buchanan, Cesar Chavez, Covell, Shawmut Hills, Sibley)
May 10th at 6:00pm in the Union High School Auditorium
 
Creston Family of Schools (Creston, Riverside, Aberdeen, Coit, Congress, East Leonard, Kent Hills, North Park, Palmer)

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Community Planning Committee Announced for Monument and Veteran's Memorial Parks

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 3:31pm
Community Planning Committee Announced for Monument and Veteran's Memorial Parks

Mayor George Heartwell and Downtown Development Authority Chair Brian Harris today announced the members of the community-based planning committee that will guide the historic evaluation, master planning and eventual rehabilitation of two key downtown public parks.

"Monument and Veteran's Memorial parks are the front yard for the Children's Museum, the Public Library and numerous local businesses and residences," Mayor George Heartwell said. "Rehabilitating these historic public spaces supports the ongoing revitalization of downtown and will enhance the quality of life in our city. We are thankful so many thoughtful community leaders have volunteered to help make this project successful."  

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