Our network

Sports & Recreation

Village design project kickoff planned for June 17

Village design project kickoff planned for June 17

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich.—The Ada Township Board and Downtown Development Authority Board hope to kick off  their village design plan Monday, June 17.

The Township picked Progressive AE to prepare the village design plan.  Progressive AE’s proposal includes showcasing the riverfront, creating a central focal point at Ada Drive and Thornapple River Drive, improving safety on roadways by adding medians and possibly including biking and parking lanes, reconfiguring the Thornapple Village Shopping Center, and expanding recreational opportunities.

Progressive AE plans to hold public forums to revise its plan. If all goes well, the developer will present its final approved plan in October 2013.

Fish for free June 8 & 9

Fish for free June 8 & 9

All anglers can fish for free June 8 and 9.

As part of Free Fishing Weekend, the state is waiving all fishing license fees for residents and out-of-state visitors. Free Fishing Weekend applies to all species of fish in inland waters and Michigan’s Great Lakes.  All other fishing regulations still apply.

Michigan is home to more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, over 11,037 inland lakes and 36,350 miles of rivers and streams.  To find inland lakes in your area, click here.

Relay for Life a success

Relay for Life a success

Rockford Relay For Life raised $318,000 for the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in the state.

Other West Michigan communities are doing their part.  During the Wyoming-Grandville Relay For Life on May 10, participants raised at least $54,857.  That same day, participants in the Grand Haven-Spring Lake Relay For Life collected at least $45,984 for the American Cancer Society.  Runners and walkers in East Grand Rapids raised at least $56,531 during their Relay For Life May 17.  On May 18, the Relay For Life of White Lake generated at least $43,211 for the American Cancer Society, while Relay For Life of Comstock Park raised at least $42,815.

And don’t count local colleges out.  In April, Grand Valley State University raised at least $85,263 during its Relay For Life, Western Michigan University collected at least $32,083 and Aquinas College raised $5,670.

Plenty more communities are planning Rel

WAVE Award nominations open

WAVE Award nominations open

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association have opened the 6th Annual WAVE Award nominations.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry. Nominations will be accepted from employers and guests from April 30 to Oct.7, 2013. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: Transportation, Retail & Service, Attractions/Events, and Nightlife. New categories to the 2013 awards program include: Restaurants/Breweries, Lodging, and Volunteer in Hospitality.

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

(Detroit Pistons) – Does your library or gym need a new look?

Here’s your chance to win a makeover in the School Makeover contest from the Detroit Pistons and NBA Live, Learn or Play, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The School Makeover, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Detroit Pistons, is accepting submissions from elementary and middle schools in the state of Michigan, through June 1. Submissions at www.nba.com/pistons/farm-bureau-school-makeover should include at least four images of the school’s library or gymnasium to be considered in the selection process.

“Farm Bureau Insurance agents are involved in their local communities all across the state. Michigan isn’t just a market for us, it is our home,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance vice president of Marketing. “We firmly believe in supporting safe and clean learning environments for our youth.

A River Runs Through It: Fly Fishing for Men

A River Runs Through It: Fly Fishing for Men

All men are invited to a morning of fly fishing instruction at Dominican Center at Marywood

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. All men are invited to Dominican Center at Marywood for a morning of good times, fellowship, expert fly fishing advice with hands-on instruction and a hearty cookout. Glen Blackwood of Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company will be our fishing guide, leading an introduction to fly fishing with a focus on fly casting; Brian Plachta will be our spiritual guide.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are sure to pick up some great tips on how to fine tune your fishing techniques. You'll be ready to tackle any of Michigan's waterways.

Perfect Your Golf Swing Tonight!!

Perfect Your Golf Swing Tonight!!

If you're ready to warm up your swing for summer, you can tonight, Feb 19, at Thousand Oaks Golf Club.  "Perfecting Your Golf Swing" is at the club from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The event is co-sponsored by Keystone Pharmacy and Age Management of Grand Rapids, tickets are $25. The event features a Men’s Health Issues presentation, Complimentary Golf Swing Analysis, Putting contest, Founders Brewery Beer Flights, and 19th hole menu.