KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Where are the safest places to eat in Kent County?

The county health department is answering that question with the 2013 Food Safety Awards.   The agency whittled down the list of 1,654 eligible restaurants to just 269 facilities, based on routine restaurant and food service inspections over the past year.  Under the county’s criteria, restaurants that earn the award must have a certified food safety manager, no confirmed violations of the Michigan Smoke Free Law and no confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks during the year.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—If you’re over age 21, September 25 is a good day to stop by for a drink at Olive’s Restaurant & Bar.

Guest bartenders will be serving up drinks to benefit Aquinas College’s Conductive Learning Center. CLC board members Chip Behler and Andy Behler will be demonstrating their drink-making skills from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The restaurant plans to donate 20 percent of proceeds during that time to CLC.

Conductive Learning Center was founded by Chuck and Susie Saur about 17 years ago, after their son was born with a severe form of Cerebral Palsy.  CLC serves children from birth to age 26 who live with motor skill disorders connected to complications of premature birth, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or brain injury.  Specially trained teachers help each child work on physical, life and social skills necessary for adulthood.  For more information about CLC, click here.