Community
Story Cafe to include free samples, live music, storytelling in grand opening
by (lindsmcholme)
Submitted 02-12-2013 under LOCAL LIFE
Story Cafe, a new coffee shop and community center in town, will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, February 16. The celebration will include free samples throughout the day, live music and storytelling. Since its soft opening, the cafe has...
616 Lofts fosters community in downtown Grand Rapids
by (Renato)
Submitted 01-25-2013 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
Derek J. Coppess created 616 Lofts in 2009 with the intention to build a vibrant residential community in downtown Grand Rapids. Judging by the recent success of such projects as the 616 Lofts above Grand Rapids Brewing Company at 1 Ionia Ave and...
8,000 meals provided in the 2012 holiday season
by (Access of West ...)
Submitted 01-11-2013 under NONPROFITS
It happened again this year; on a day when I least expected it in mid-December. It was just a voice on the other end, but I couldn’t help tearing up when she told her story. Getting out of an abusive marriage, couch surfing at friend’s...
Call For Musicians: Trip The Light 2013
by (DITA)
Submitted 12-19-2012 under NONPROFITS
Dance in the Annex (DITA) & ArtPeers invite local composers, musicians and singer-songwriters to submit original pieces of music for TRIP THE LIGHT 2013 (May 11, 2013). Submission deadline for musicians: January 18, 2013. TRIP THE LIGHT...
Catalyst Radio: Delos Reyes engaging community for The Rapidian
by (Catalyst Radio)
Submitted 11-30-2012 under NEWS
Don't have time to listen now? Download the mp3 and listen at your leisure. INTERVIEW In this episode of Catalyst Radio we talk with Renato Delos Reyes with Community Media Center’s locally focused citizen journalism news site The...
Literacy and neighborly love at the West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center
by (Community Liter...)
Submitted 11-28-2012 under NONPROFITS
From its roots as a mutual assistance association started in 2006 by Somali Bantu and Kenyan refugees and immigrants, to its current leadership under Executive Director Susan Kragt, the West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center has thrived...
Access of West Michigan Receives $30,000 Grant
by (Access of West ...)
Submitted 11-27-2012 under NONPROFITS
Access of West Michigan has been granted $30,000 from the Walmart Foundation, which will be applied to the Hunger Response Program. “This check couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Shelly Smit, Development &...
Urgent need for Thanksgiving meals
by (Access of West ...)
Submitted 11-15-2012 under NONPROFITS
“I really appreciate this, truly I do,” Jane told me as we discussed holiday baskets over the phone. “It’s been so rough these past few months, my husband lost his job, and both my parents have long term illnesses, we’...
Andrew Castagne opens up The Shallows Art Gallery to community
by (campbelletara)
Submitted 11-01-2012 under OPINION
Andrew Castagne was born and raised in Sault Sainte Marie, MI before moving to Grand Rapids three years ago to attend Kendall College of Art and Design. Castagne’s artistic and creative gears have always been turning at high speed. He...
Strengthening community through media
by (Renato)
Submitted 10-17-2012 under OPINION
Greetings! My name is Renato Delos Reyes, and I wanted to take some time to introduce myself to The Rapidian community, seeing as how I am your new Community Engagement Specialist. After being raised in a small rural town just outside of Lansing, I...