With cold weather lifting and warm weather on the horizon, families are preparing for an exciting spring break. Instead of being surprised with bored faces on the first vacation day, plan your entire week with fun ideas that explore your neighborhood or just entertain you at home. Any budget works with simple ideas that are […]
Dont Miss The West Michigan Mom To Mom Sale In Grand Rapids On April 5
There is nothing like it anywhere in Michigan, and it’s coming to Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 5. It’s the seventh annual West Michigan Mom To Mom Sale. Over 200 booths will fill DeVos Place with local moms and businesses selling anything and everything for children as well as clothing and items for maternity use.
Booths and tables can be reserved right now at http://www.westmichiganmomssale.com. Booths are 10 feet by 10 feet. The cost for individuals is $40 for the day, for businesses $100. Eight-foot tables may also be rented for $10 each. Sellers are not asked or required to contribute any portion of their sales after the event.
What can you find there? Clothing for boys and girls in sizes 0 to 16, baby furniture and accessories, toys, books, maternity clothing and much more. This event is perfect for both buyers and sellers. Buyers find gently used items for their own families at fantastic prices while sellers whose children have outgrown these items can pass them along to new users. Sellers also have first choice to browse the other booths before the general public.
Sellers are encouraged to plan ahead – space always fills up fast! The website includes complete registration information and handy tips to maximize sales and minimize problems. Plenty of useful information for buyers can found there, too, such as directions, parking and floor layout.
Large items that will not fit in a booth, such as cribs, high chairs and strollers, are sold in a separate area. A small sales fee will apply.
This event has grown to be the largest sale of its kind in Michigan. Over 5,000 visitors are expected, and they will be looking for what sellers have to offer in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Public hours on April 5 are 9 am to 2 pm. Setup takes place Friday and early Saturday, with pre-shopping for sellers beginning at 7 am.
No admission is required. Voluntary contributions at the door will benefit the non-profit Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids. This organization will also accept donations of unsold merchandise after the sale for use in their programs for women and children.
Anyone who needs to shop for children or who just loves a good sale will certainly enjoy the West Michigan Mom To Mom Sale.
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Breaking Down A Mortgage Payment For Grand Rapids Homeowners
It is important that you know what goes into your mortgage payment. Understanding all the variables and the different things that you are paying for can help you keep the cost of your mortgage to a minimum and allow you to get the best deal on your next home. What goes into the price of your mortgage?
Start With the Principal
The first piece of the mortgage puzzle is the principal payment. This is the amount that you owe on the loan itself. The actual amount that you pay each month on the house plus the interest on the loan is known as the PITI payment.
Add On Taxes and Insurance
After you calculate the PITI, you have to consider taxes and homeowners insurance. You typically pay the first year’s worth of taxes when you buy your home and future years are generally rolled into your mortgage. The same may be true of your homeowners insurance as well. However, you may be able to pay your taxes and insurance as a separate upfront payment.
Mortgage Insurance Could Be Included
If you put less than 20 percent down on the home, you may be required to pay mortgage insurance until you have paid an equivalent of 20 percent of the home’s value. The good news is that you may be able to get to that 20 percent level faster if your home increases in value. Once you have reached the 20 percent threshold, you should contact your lender to have the mortgage insurance cancelled immediately.
Homeowners Association Fees May Be Added as Well
Homeowners who live in a community ruled by a HOA may need to pay fees and other dues to be part of the association. These fees will help pay for garbage pickup and other services that the entire community will benefit from.
Knowing what goes into your mortgage payment can help you negotiate the best possible deal on your next home loan. By taking into account taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance, you can better set your budget when shopping for your first home or for your next home that you want to live in for many years.
The Bunny Train Chugs Into Grand Rapids Starting April 5!
You already know what a special town Coopersville is for raising a family. Why not start a new tradition this Easter? Take a ride on the Bunny Train!
The Coopersville & Marne Railway is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Bunny Train. Bring the whole family for a ride with the Easter Bunny and her friends – Boo Boo and Jelly Bean, the lambs, Quack the duck, and the Springtime Princess. Be warned, there will be laughing and singing and dancing and lots of corny jokes throughout the one hour and twenty minute excursion. Easter Bunny, Angie Peavy, a Disney veteran (she was once Snow White), knows what it takes to keep kids entertained.
While the young kids are enjoying the antics of the Easter Bunny and her buds, older kids will appreciate the experience of traveling as people did way back in the early twentieth century. They will have opportunities to ask the conductor questions as you travel. Adults bring your cameras. Yes, there will be fun shots of the kids, but you will also be passing through some beautiful countryside, farmlands and over four creeks. Don’t miss your chance to memorialize the entire trip.
Adults who have a passion for trains and/or preserving the past can ask at the Coopersville station about volunteer opportunities on this unique rail line. After a brief stop (sorry, you must stay on your train), the train will return to Coopersville. When you disembark, each child will be given a surprise Easter treat!
Tickets are currently on sale. Adults (13-59) $15.50, Seniors (60+) $14.50, Kids (2-12) $13.50, Under 2? You’re free! Tickets may be bought online through: http://www.coopersvilleandmarne.org/AdvanceTicketInfo.html.
Simply print out the advance purchase form and follow the instructions. Advance tickets are strongly advised for the Bunny Train. If you plan to purchase your tickets the day of your excursion, please arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Bunny Train Excursion Dates:
April 5, 12, and 19 – excursions at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm
April 6, 13 – excursions at 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm
The Mayors Youth Council Gets Grand Rapids Children Involved
Informing and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow is one of the time-honored duties of city government. Getting children involved in community activities strengthens the fabric of society, while providing them with a constructive, positive outlet for their energy.
The Mayor’s Youth Council of Grand Rapids seeks to advance youth leadership and promote youth interest in city government. Field trips to the state capital, fundraising activities, meetings with the mayor and numerous community service opportunities are available to city teenagers in grades 9-12.
After an application process, 15 to 18 Grand Rapids teenagers are chosen to serve a one year term on the Council. While they serve, they have access to city officials, a great forum for making new friends and developing leadership skills, and a chance to influence policy on issues that affect the city’s youth.
For example, in 2013, some of the issues the Council weighed in on ranged from bullying in schools, teen pregnancy, drug use, safety at school and the importance of getting a strong education. Many city officials agree that youth speaking out about what’s important to them provides a benefit to the city as a whole.
Community service is an important element of the Mayor’s Youth Council. Previous councils have participated as volunteer organizers at food banks, during elections, in homeless teen programs and for the Smoke-Free Michigan initiative.
Since the Council depends solely on donations from the private sector, Council members draw up and execute their own fundraising plan, learning practical leadership lessons and gaining important experience along the way. Everything from selling flowers on Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day to car washes, bake sales and parties with cover charges is used to raise money for the Council’s field trips and activities.
The Council membership experience culminates with members attending the State of the City address, where they serve as ushers. There, they are able to network with city officials, making important contacts for their future.
All in all, the Mayor’s Youth Council is an excellent option for teens who want to get involved in the politics that affect their communities, lives and futures!
Robinette’s Apple Haus Serves Grand Rapids Finest Fruits
Many people in Grand Rapids, Michigan visit Robinette’s Apple Haus when they want to taste some of the finest fruits in the area. Robinette’s Apple Haus has been serving great food ever since 1973. You will be able to enjoy a variety of fruits here include apples, nectarines, pumpkins, tart cherries, apricots and peaches, depending on what is in season.
If you love apples, then you will be happy to know that there are several types of apples served at Robinette’s Apple Haus. One of those is the Lodi apple. The Lodi apple is green, and it turns yellow when it is ripe. It is great for apple butter, applesauce or apple pie. The Lodi apple is harvested during mid to late July.
The Pristine apple is another one of the choices that you have at Robinette’s Apple Haus. This apple is yellow with a fresh juicy taste. It also has a crisp texture. The Pristine apple is harvested during early to mid-August .
The Zestar apple is also harvested during early to mid August. It is bright-red with a greenish-yellow color. The spicy, sweet flavor of this apple makes it a great choice for people who are looking for a healthy snack. It is also a great choice for sauces, bars and baking pies.
Not only is Robinette’s Apple Haus a great place to get lunch. Lunch is served until 3 P.M. Cherry walnut salad, chicken pot pie, ham sandwich, turkey sandwich, chicken salad and pulled pork barbecue are some of the items that you can choose on the menu. You can also choose dessert items from the menu including pies, cookies and donuts.
Additionally, you can enjoy a wine tasting at Robinette’s Apple Haus. You will be able to taste up to six different wines. You will also be able to get a souvenir wine glass. The cost of this wine tasting is just three dollars per person. The cost is five dollars per couple. If you have a group of 10 or more, then the cost will be three dollars per person.
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DeAnna’s Playhouse Is A World Of Fun For Grand Rapids Families
For children the process of play is the same as work for adults. Through play children learn important social and development skills, and Deanna’s Playground takes this process to a whole new level.
Indoor Playground
The highlight of Deanna’s Playground is the indoor playground. This 15,000 square foot indoor space provides a safe atmosphere where children can explore and play without worry. Parents will be glad that though the space is barrier-free, it is safely contained to prevent children from wandering off or getting lost. The barrier-free atmosphere allows children of all ages and levels to access the space, including those with disabilities.
Activities for Children
Beyond just an indoor playground, Deanna’s Playhouse provides a host of different activities designed to both keep your child busy while developing skills and engaging their imagination. Activities include a costume room for dress up paired with a stage for performing, music room, art studio, puppet theater and a corner for storytelling. The playground also features a mini play village with roads, boats, cars, a bank and even a lighthouse. A favorite of these activities is Zebron the Magical Submarine, which can’t be missed.
Parent Resource Center
Deanna’s playground not only provides an atmosphere of learning and play for children, but also strives to help their parents. This is done through an onsite parent resource center. For no additional cost, parents can talk to Certified Parent Educators for advice on the best ways to increase the success and learning development of their children.
Events
Teach a large group of preschoolers or have a birthday coming up? Deanna’s Playhouse hosts both field trips and birthday parties. Birthday rooms can be reserved either at a “Make your own party” price, or let the Playground provide the cake, ice cream and party supplies for just a little more. Group rates are also available for groups over 20 for preschools looking for field trip activities.
Pull your kids away from the television and video games and bring them to Deanna’s Playhouse where they can explore, run, and learn more about themselves and their environment. They won’t even know they’re learning with all the fun activities they can take part in.