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Proposed Ada Township business to 'paint it forward'

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Friday, December 6th, 2013, 2:03pm
Proposed Ada Township business to 'paint it forward'

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich.---  A new business aimed at uncorking the community’s creativity is in the works for Ada Township.

Arts & Carafes Studio has a tentative agreement to rent the space that was once home to Jay’s Consignment, on East Fulton Street.  The family-owned business is also applying for a license to serve liquor, which the Township Board will weigh in on during its regular meeting Dec. 9.

Much like Brush Studio in East Grand Rapids,  Arts & Carafes Studio would offer painting classes with the option of enjoying beer and wine.  Owners Michele Hardy and Jaclyn Sporte plan to use their business to “paint it forward”, donating a portion of the proceeds from scheduled art classes to a different charity each month.

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Tinsel Treats & Trolleys take over Ada December 6

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, December 5th, 2013, 7:00am
Tinsel Treats & Trolleys take over Ada December 6

ADA, Mich.—  Christmas will come early to Ada with Tinsel Treats & Trolleys Friday, December 6.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the annual lighting ceremony at Ada’s historic covered bridge.  Visitors can also enjoy listening to carolers, trolley rides and specials at area businesses from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Santa is also expected to stop by.

The holiday celebration will continue Saturday with Ada’s annual Christmas Parade.  The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., winding down Thornapple River Drive.  Visitors are invited to the fire department to enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies and photos with Santa, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  For more information, visit the Ada Business Association’s website here.

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Student team wins award at World Series of Innovation

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, December 2nd, 2013, 10:34am
Student team wins award at World Series of Innovation

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich.-- Two 18-year-old students are among the winners of this year’s World Series of Innovation.

Joshua Kunnen and Jayson Vandyke, who attend the Kent Career & Technical Center, won the People’s Choice Award during last month’s international competition. Their challenge was to come up with a new product or service that addresses everyday opportunities.  The two created IsePure All Natural Cologne.  As part of their product pitch, Kunnen and Vandyke also created a 60 second commercial. 

Kunnen and Vandyke will split $2,500 in cash, as well as a $200 Amazon gift card and other prizes.

More than 7,000 student teams entered the international competition; the other finalists were from the Washington D.C. and New York areas. 

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Debated development behind Walmart approved

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, November 25th, 2013, 7:00am
Debated development behind Walmart approved

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich.—A proposed development opposed by neighbors will move forward.

During its regular meeting November 20, the Cascade Township Board unanimously approved an ordinance amendment and rezoning request, clearing the way for a new subdivision behind the Walmart on 28th Street SE. The development, called White Water Place, is expected to include up to 89 ranch style rental homes.

Before the board made its decision, Township Manager Ben Swayze says some neighbors from a nearby condominium complex spoke out against the development, citing traffic concerns.  More than 50 neighbors also signed a petition opposing rezoning the lot for the development.

Swayze says the Kent County Road Commission will look into how to time the signal at Kraft Avenue to alleviate any traffic issues.   Ohio based Redwood Acquisition is expected to begin construction on White Water Place in the first quarter of 2014.

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Residents call for moratorium to block tower construction

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, November 21st, 2013, 11:55am
Residents call for moratorium to block tower construction

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich.—People living near the site for a proposed 150 foot cell phone tower are taking another step to try to block the project at 6390 Knapp St.

Planning Director James Ferro says on Monday, community members filed a request with the township to put a moratorium on building permits for cell phone service providers.  The Ada Township Board is  expected to weigh in on the request during its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. November 25.

AT&T recently applied for a building permit for the site, after the township’s 120 day hold on building permits passed.  The Ada Township Board enacted the hold so AT&T could try striking a deal with Forest Hills Eastern to install the tower on the school’s campus; however, no deal was reached in that time period.

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Gymco gives kids a leg up on building healthy bodies, strong minds

Submitted by Rapid Growth Media on Saturday, November 9th, 7:00 am
Gymco gives kids a leg up on building healthy bodies, strong minds

By Chealsea Slocum
Photography by Adam Bird 

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Kent County honors cleanest restaurants with Food Safety Awards

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, November 7th, 2013, 1:47pm
Kent County honors cleanest restaurants with Food Safety Awards

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Where are the safest places to eat in Kent County?

The county health department is answering that question with the 2013 Food Safety Awards.   The agency whittled down the list of 1,654 eligible restaurants to just 269 facilities, based on routine restaurant and food service inspections over the past year.  Under the county’s criteria, restaurants that earn the award must have a certified food safety manager, no confirmed violations of the Michigan Smoke Free Law and no confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks during the year.

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