• - Seasonal Expectations for Fall in Grand Rapids, Michigan
It feels as though autumn is making an early arrival in Grand Rapids, MIchigan. The days are unseasonably temperate for what we have come to expect at this time of the year. August is usually a steamy, sweltering portion of the summer which chases you to the beach to bear your arms and thighs to the sun. Altogether the entire summer has been downright pleasant. But, the later portion of August has played out with calm drizzling rain which has turned parched lawns into verdent patches of green. My umbrella and a light sweater have been standard accessories for the past several days.
I don't mind this flirtation between the seasons. Summer deciding to merge with Autumn a little early. It's fine with me because I love fall. I love the changing of the color guard that transforms the trees into a glorious profusion of artistry so extraordinary that people drive for hours just to take in the show! To enjoy West Michigan's best tours for the fall season, you may want to bookmark this site. Although, conventional wisdom says the best color does not peak until October...nature may decide to welcome the harvest just a little earlier this year.
One of my favorite spots to stop in for a snack while driving around Grand Rapids, Michigan during the temperate fall season is Robinettes Apple Orchard. (The website is undergoing some major reconstruction at this time, but you can bookmark to check it out later and to view their gift selections on-line) Robinettes Apple Haus has been in business since 1911 and is family owned. Robinettes is famous for fresh donuts, delicious cider, tasty pies and of course...great apples! I also love their freshly baked breads.
Fall is also a time for harvesting the contacts made in business throughout the spring and summer months. It's a great time to visit clients who have moved into new homes in time for the start of the new school year or to pick up the phone and make an appointment for lunch. This is the time to dust off old contact lists and write a letter.
Fall is a time of expectation. Expect good things to happen. Expect to see results as a reward for your labors. And NEVER GIVE UP! This past week, two calls brought in business deals from sources that were totally unexpected.
One individual had decided to use another company inspite of having several recommendations to use Audu Real Estate. Well, unexpectedly she called back, the deal had fallen through and she used us to buy her home! We also received a referral from an individual who said she had been given our name from a sources that I have little present contact with. If nature decides to enter the harvest a little early this fall...well, perhaps so can you. Here's to prosperous Prospecting & Harvesting this Fall!
• - Grand Rapids, MI Schools...Creating New Realities by Challenging Perceptions!
It's funny how perception can shape reality. Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood. Recently, I attended a business/networking meeting of the Women's Council of Realtors of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The speaker for the event was Dr. Bernard Taylor, the Grand Rapids School District Superintendent. Dr. Taylor, an engaging and interesting speaker gave a speech that totally rocked the core of what many people, including real estate agents, think about the Grand Rapids public schools.
Dr. Bernard Taylor was recently appointed as Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools in July off 2006. Having previously served as the Superintendent in Kansas City Missouri, his perspective on the dynamics in educational offerings for students in the Grand Rapids area was revealing.
Dr. Taylor opened his presentation by sharing how impressed he was about the level of support for education in Grand Rapids, noting a recent bond issue which has allowed 10 Grand Rapids area schools to be refurbished or renovated. He noted that his previous district in Kansas, Missouri had not passed a bond issue like this in 40 years! He also talked about the Un-Funded Mandates that are a part of budget for the school system. The largest being 13 million dollars for Special Needs situations for which the district receives no reimbursement but remains committed to supporting and maintaining.
Many of the attendees were surprised that the Grand Rapids school system faces some unique challenges in educating students for whom English is a second language even as late as the high school level and sponsors programs to educate them at their grade level while learning English. Additionally, the Grand Rapids School system supports specialized academies like the Montesorri Program & the Coit Creative Arts Academy.
The audience was intensely engaged as Dr. Taylor spoke. In 30 minutes he succeeded in rapidly dismantling stereotypes and perceptions that, as he stated , "had more to do with the people who were served by the district than with the reality of what is really going on". As Grand Rapids has increased in diversity, there has been a proliferation of a variety of models available to parents for the education of their children. These have included private schools and charter schools. These options have given parents many options.
One of the unanticipated results of the expanded choice in education has been that classrooms have become increasingly segregated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In one block of Grand Rapids which houses 4 schools, the parochial schools are mainly white and the public schools heavily populated by minorities. In a world that is becoming more globally interconnected on a daily basis, students are short changed in a vital component of the educational process when they do not have the opportunity to interact and learn from individuals from different backgrounds.
Dr. Taylor concluded by noting that in spite of these significant challenges, the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan remain committed to providing a quality education for ALL children. They have put their money to work through passing the bond issue to improve their schools even as state funding for education has decreased significantly. For the residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, having a leader who exudes energy, optimism and hope about the community and what is possible, is giving Grand Rapids a unique opportunity to transform old perceptions to create a bright New Reality.
Here are some highlights from the talk:
The Grand Rapids Public School serves approximately 22,000 pre-school through adult education students
It is Michigan's 3rd largest School District
100% of Staff members meet highly qualified requirements (HQ)
All Elementary Schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress Standards
All K-8/Middle Schools showed gains in READ 180
ACT Test average is 20, despite the fact that the test is being administered for the first time to many students for whom English is not the first language.
Strong neighborhood schools, Comprehensive Special Education Services, Extensive Second Language Programs
Successful completion of Phase II of bond construction plan on time and UNDER Budget parameters for 10 schools in the district. Effort involved Local Contractors, Architects and Engineers and was a model of a Successful Diversity Initiative!
If your are looking for homes in the Grand Rapids area or surrounding communities by school district...click here.
From time to time, one has the fortunate privilege of being introduced to a person, business or service that exceeds your expectations. My introduction to Sananda Spa & Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan is just such an experience!
However, the path to this connection is often littered with dashed aspirations and less than hoped for outcomes. Such was my experience in locating a good hair dresser in Grand Rapids, Michigan This makes the discovery even sweeter.
Every '"girlfriend" knows that finding a good stylist who doesn't keep you in the shop for half a day is an event worthy of Celebration! Most of us have resigned ourselves to the fact that you either spend the time or put up with sub-standard styling.
Well, my putting up came to a dramatic halt after several years with my former hairdresser. As she washed my hair, after coming in late for the appointment, she began to tell me how she had sent a lady to the hospital because she accidentally aimed a deluge from the water sprayer into her ears.
Perhaps the memory of the event jostled some hidden reflex. I suddenly found myself bolting out of my chair as the sprayer's full stream of water found it's mark right into my ears. That was it! My jacket was drenched. Fortunately, my ears were OK. I immediately began to call around for recommendations to friends, associates, anyone I could think of.
Finally, I connected with a friend who told me about a young lady who worked in a Salon called Sanada. Sandra said:
"You've got to get in to see Kristin. I've said good-bye to hours spent getting my hair done. She's not cheap, but she's good and she can get you in and out in an hour! But don't be put off if it takes you awhile to get an appointment."
I'm glad she let me know that. Kristin, one of the team of excellent stylist at Sananda Spa and Salon, is booked weeks in advance. And for good reason. She's worth it!
Sananda is part of trio of first rate Salons and Spas in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. These include in addition to Sananda, the Grand Salon in Ada and the Grand Salon located in the Amway Grand Plaza downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their official brochure provides this descriptive of the Sananda Spa & Salon experience: "Having joy or happiness, joyful, glad, delighted with" and their vision stated as a simple blessing reads thus: "May your experience with us fill you with joy and happiness and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed!"
As a full service Spa, the staff are trained to provide a wide array of services. First time visitors can expect a thorough analysis and detailed questionnaire designed to assure that the best possible recommendations and treatements are suggested. The calming earthtones of the reception area and Spa are accented by stylish contemporary furnishings. Every guest is offered your choice of beverage: coffee, tea, lemonade, wine...
I would highly recommend Sananda's massage therapist Linda. She is also available by appointment at the other locations. The woman has a gift in locating stress points and making them magically disappear. They also provide a full array of different Body Treatments, Masks and Facial Treatments as well as the Standard Manicures and Pedicures. Kristin, my stylist is also a Certified Specialist in Hair Extensions, an increasingly popular service to add volume and instant length to your hair.
Since I'm usually dashing between appointments on most of my visits, I haven't sampled all the services, but those I have were professionally and competently rendered. The biggest gift to me is the Value of my Time! Kristin consistently gets me into and more importantly out of her chair in an hour or less! If you are looking for a good hair salon or spa in Grand Rapids, Mi, I would highly recommend you check out the staff and services at Sananda Spa and Salon. A visit to Sananda will succeed in leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed as well as fill you with joy and happiness about a job well done!
• - What Will the World Be Like When "Shift" Happens?
SHIFT HAPPENS...
You never know what you might unearth of where you might end up when you follow a link down a cyberspace bunny trail. This find started with a drop in visit to Ed Rybczynski's blog & curiosity about the mention of a sight called slideshare. If you've wondered what the future holds...slide on over & watch!
It's hard to appreciate the enormity of the change that is happening in our world. This slideshow was a stylized adaptation of a presention by Karl Fisch which examined his perceptions for America in the 21st century global economy. What do you think?
• May. 9, 2007 - Springtime Blossoms in West Michigan!
Springtime Blossoms in West Michigan!
Spring is in the Air in West Michigan. Gardens are beginning to blossom into riotous color. A variety of Parks & Gardens are beginning to Open. Here's a Selection of some of the Luscious Beauty that is Blooming in Grand Rapids, MI & the Local West Michigan area.
Starting May 5th and continuing for one glorious week, Six Million Tulips will command center stage at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. This is a wonderful time to get out with the family and enjoy this gorgeous array of flowers.
The Festival has become the Nation's Fifth Largest Annual Festival & draws almost 750,000 visitors yearly. It is also an educational opportunity as the Dutch Heritage of West Michigan is celebrated with thousands of youngsters in Dutch costume join in the Kinderparade, and more than 1,500 teenagers proudly perform lively Klompen dances in wooden shoes held on by layers of woolen socks
John Ball Park & Zoo is a favorite amongst kids, large & small during the spring & summer seasons. The zoo has over 1100 animals from Africa, Australia, Asia, South America & the United States. John Ball Park Zoo is actively engaged in teaching & training about conservation & the proper care of planet earth. A variety of educational programs are available to teachers, parents & members of the community. The John Ball Park is a great place to relax & enjoy a picnic. I took this picture of some very "unusual swans" enjoying a leisurely swim on the lake!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one one of the areas popular attractions year round! The gardens were created through the hard work & fund raising efforts of the Grand Rapids Horticulture Society and the benevolance & generosity of the Meijer family who own a chain of local grocery stores.
The sculpture park is one of the garden's most unique features with sculptures from many famous artists around the world. The gardens & sculpture park span 125 acres. A variety of classes are open to the public & the Concert Series held during the summer is very popular. The mission statement of theFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is "To promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. President Jimmy Carter has referred to the Gardens as "a national treasure."
Information about local real estate in Grand Rapids, Michigan & surrounding communities including Grandville, Wyoming, Jenison, Kentwood & Walker. Also, Lola Audu, CRS, an experienced Real Estate Broker shares insights and general wisdom about life and personal growth. Lola welcomes your thoughts & insights about the information shared on this Web Log.
I don't mind this flirtation between the seasons. Summer deciding to merge with Autumn a little early. It's fine with me because I love fall. I love the changing of the color guard that transforms the trees into a glorious profusion of artistry so extraordinary that people drive for hours just to take in the show! To enjoy West Michigan's best tours for the fall season, you may want to 
Fall is a time of expectation. Expect good things to happen. Expect to see results as a reward for your labors. And NEVER GIVE UP! This past week, two calls brought in business deals from sources that were totally unexpected. 
It's funny how perception can shape reality. Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood. Recently, I attended a business/networking meeting of the 
The audience was intensely engaged as Dr. Taylor spoke. In 30 minutes he succeeded in rapidly dismantling stereotypes and perceptions that, as he stated , "had more to do with the people who were served by the district than with the reality of what is really going on". As Grand Rapids has increased in diversity, there has been a proliferation of a variety of models available to parents for the education of their children. These have included private schools and charter schools. These options have given parents many options.
From time to time, one has the fortunate privilege of being introduced to a person, business or service that exceeds your expectations. My introduction to 
pring is in the Air in West Michigan. Gardens are beginning to blossom into riotous color. A variety of Parks & Gardens are beginning to Open. Here's a Selection of some of the Luscious Beauty that is Blooming in .jpg)
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