Susan Julien Larimore

Susan Julien Larimore's Latest Articles

UIX: Jody Deems-McCargar changes lives one note at a time with Crescendo Foundation

By Susan Julien Larimore

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Urban Innovation Exchange

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January 9, 2014

Jody Deems-McCargar believes that every child deserves to experience the joy of music, so it's only fitting that she and her husband, Wright McCargar, created Crescendo Foundation. Harnessing the talent of their studio, The Piano Cottage, the duo  teaches students both how to play music and how to "play it forward." Susan Julien Larimore listens in and reports that the foundation is changing lives, one note at a time.

UIX: Rich Bloem builds homes, hope, and connection

By Susan Julien Larimore

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Urban Innovation Exchange

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December 12, 2013

By partnering with Matt and Kristin Fowler and the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability, Rich Bloem is building his passion for creating community one house at a time. Susan Julien Larimore reports on progress towards the goal of creating a "living building" in the Baxter neighborhood and a LEED-certified home for a veteran right here in Grand Rapids.

UIX: Steve Faber and Gwen O’Brien lead on parks advocacy

By Susan Julien Larimore

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Urban Innovation Exchange

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October 31, 2013

A week before Grand Rapids will be asked to vote on an important parks millage, UIX catches up with Steve Faber and Gwen O'Brien, two Grand Rapidians who are using their talents to advance a cause that's dear to their hearts.

New to West Michigan: talented transplants tell all

By Susan Julien Larimore

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General

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October 24, 2013

Rapid Growth wondered what it's like to be new in town, so we checked in with a panel of talented transplants at our Speaker Series last week. Susan Julien Larimore gives us the inside scoop on being a newcomer to West Michigan and highlights a few local organizations who help make the transition to town easier.