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Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor's Latest Articles

G-Sync: Making friends with art

Over the years, G-Sync Editorial has looked at our many festivals and community events, and we've discussed the impact of these place-making activities on our local economy. Rarely do we take a moment to think about what it is to collect art. This week, read on for a look at the way one important collection was born.

G-Sync: STEAM energy is the answer

The world has been engaged in a talent and innovation battle for decades and STEM education has been the weapon of choice. But this is all about to change...that is, if we are willing to make the change. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen comes out about the silent "A" and our new weapon of change: STEAM.

G-Sync: Are we really living downtown?

G-Sync's Tommy Allen asks, "Are we really living downtown?" You might be surprised at his observations -- and at the benefits contained within just a few blocks.

G-Sync: New Year’s revolution

Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen's G-Sync is talking about how to create the city we want now in his New Year's Revolution. With seven suggestions for both personal and community improvement, surely at least one will be right up your alley in 2015. Are you in?

G-Sync: Pop songs and progress

G-Sync's Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen took the weekend off from attending local events and stepped into the streets of Washington, DC. Now he shares his view from the nation's capital and his hopes for 2015.

G-Sync: DisArming stereotypes with art

Grand Rapids has often been referred to as a "beta city," transforming our reputation in the process. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen discovers how the Grand Rapids debut of the DisArt Festival in 2015 will once again capture the nation's attention.

G-Sync: How a city moves forward after Ferguson

The way Grand Rapids responds to the events of Ferguson will set in motion a course of events that can either move us forward or roll us back in time. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen says it's time to listen and learn -- and follows through with a list of suggested articles and books to read, local organizations and initiatives to support, and smart ways to continue the conversation.

G-Sync: All that glitters is west side gold

Remaining true to her commitment to the West Michigan region, Glitter Milk Gallery director Miranda Sharp has given all of us, from artists to art lovers, plenty to embrace over this last year. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen talks with her about collaboration, creativity, and keeping her neighborhood connected.

G-Sync: Let’s sticker it to homelessness in GR

The number of teens who experience homelessness is high, and of that number between 20 and 40 percent will originate from one segment of the teen population. During National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen shines a light on what our area agencies are doing as they seek to reduce those numbers.

G-Sync: Lamp Light a Gain

When the 3rd annual Lamp Light Music Festival returns back to the host homes nestled deep in Grand Rapids' Eastown neighborhood this weekend, the team that created it will have changed drastically. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen muses on the power of a well-organized music festival to create harmonious connections in our community, one home at a time.  

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