Quynh Lai and Ben Wiley of Stock&Candor yearn for their guests to experience food in an entirely new way. The only stipulation: adventurous eaters who can enjoy all foods only. No picky eaters or dietary restrictions allowed.
After 31 years at Varnum LLP, Carroll Velie was ready for lazy unscheduled days, traveling, and better exercise clothes. But before her final curtain call, Carroll is giving one last performance within her "encore career" as Manager of Fundraising Events at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
From a very young age, Kelley Freridge had a knack for the great outdoors. "My parents always said that when I was six, I announced that I was going to camp. That's where I learned that 1+1=3." After a decade of working within the outdoor industry, Kelley finds herself back within the space that once brought her such joy — operating as Chief Marketing Officer at the American Camping Association.
From bakeries specializing in distinct diets, to shops mastering the art of the perfect croissant; there seems to be a rising trend of sweets and savory specialty bakeries within Grand Rapids, MI. It's a niche market that takes not only passion — but patience — which can be learned through the lens of pastry chef Annie Paul.
Nearly 50 percent of millennials engage in some version of a side-hustle. The majority are making money off of landscaping and home repairs, but a select few fall into the "arts and crafts" category. This is where Gwen Pionk — owner and designer of Stillcraft Co. — found her niche with dip-dye and macramé art.
Senior Neighbors helps older adults connect to local services. Not only that, but "Older adults are an important part of the fabric of our community, but outside the need to offer some of them assistance, they often go unrecognized," emphasizes President of Senior Neighbors, Robert Barnes — who established the annual "16 over 60 Awards Gala" to celebrate achievements and contributions later in life.
"I guess for romantic purposes you could say it was always within me," mentions Zachary Pisciotta, Former Executive Chef of Reserve Wine & Food, when asked about how he became a chef. Now serving as Harvest Manager and resident farm-dinner coordinator at Green Wagon Farm, Zach is experiencing the "Farm-to-Table" phenomenon from both ends of the spectrum.
Should the proposed federal budget pass this month, the Michigan Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP), which helps reduce at risk behaviors that result without sex education, wouldn't receive any additional funding. Rapid Chat sits down with Sellers, President of Health 4 Hire, to discuss this vital issue.
Twenty years ago, Bridgett Tubbs and her late husband Doug opened up their first AppleTree child care center in Grand Rapids, MI. With the vision to set themselves apart and raise the bar for quality childcare and early education, AppleTree has been able to spread their apple seeds across Michigan with 26 total locations, and several others in the works.
Within GR city limits, being an avid outdoorsman who works in the medical field is a likely existence — at least if you're of the caucasian race. As an African American, these numbers quickly begin to diminish. But Grand Rapids transplant Adam Quiring, challenges this status quo by being all of the above — if not more.
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