G-Sync – From the Mouths of Socialites: Why its hard to leave Grand Rapids

As they travel about town, socialites love to chat.  They'll talk just about anything, always with a careful eye for the roving camera's flashbulb that lurks just over their shoulder.  Smile. Flash. Their timing is impeccable.

And last Monday was no different at the VIP show at the Dog Story Theater, where so many had gathered for the comedic retelling of Grand Rapids Social Diary's founder Laura Caprara's life at the hand of some of our area's best improv comedians.  This hour of laughter was just the spark I needed to begin my week.

But it was a conversation I had pre-show in the lobby that really stuck with me.

I had just uttered to software maker (and often photographed) Paul Jendrasiak the over-used ice breaker, "So what have you been up to lately," when he replied:  "I just got back from a week in Chicago – my first vacation in over a year."

I was readying a follow-up comment about how busy he has been, but before I could get the words out, Jendrasiak quickly added that Grand Rapids "has had so much to do, that is has been really hard to leave town."

Snap.

Then it hit me, he was completely right.  This town is brimming with activity at a time when most of other cities have to downsize their cultural offerings.  Like Jendrasiak, I haven't taken a vacation away from metro Grand Rapids for a relatively long time because so much is happening on a weekly basis.

This week is yet again another prime example of the diverse  choices this region has to offer  those who will just get up from the couch.

Sure, there are plenty of big-ticket events, but we also have smaller and quieter activities that are sure to endear the city to anyone with an open mind.

G-Sync this week also makes note of some opportunities for you to give back, so if you have the means, please support them with your participation. But when you do, try not to think of it as an act of charity, but rather an investment in one of the many groups that make this city a gem in Michigan.


The Future Needs All of Us

Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
          

Email:  [email protected]
Twitter Feed: @TommyGSync

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Photo of G-Sync's Tommy Allen and FOX 17's Emily Richett provided by Terry Johnston


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