Overheard in a classroom: “Yeah, man, you should sign up for one of these. I get, like, $200 every month for groceries. I’m thinking I can buy, like, a ton of alcohol and then resell it for, like, a lot more.” The college student then picks up his iPod touch, and returns to listening to his music.
Currently, around 1.9 million people receive financial support through the Michigan Bridge Card. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) provides these Bridge Cards for disadvantaged individuals or families on a temporary basis. The DHS’s “ultimate goal” is to help the disadvantaged people “become, or remain, self-sufficient.”
The DHS offers not only financial and emotional support for people, but also help them increase their personal responsibility and encourage employment. However, in February the DHS announced they will be cracking down on providing financial support for college students based on “exploitation.”
Around 25,000 Michigan college students will be affected by the new regulations. In the past, students that had Bridge cards received a monthly allowance from the government, meant to provide them with money for groceries and other necessary items. The former Bridge Card application policy, which was altered in April, required applicants to provide information about their earned and unearned income and household expenses to the DHS. Depending on those factors, DHS can allot a monthly food stipend of up to $200.
“College kids are not the client that was intended for Bridge Cards,” State Rep. Joe Haveman (R-Holland) told the Student Free Press. “For a traditional college student coming out of a middle class family, their parents are their support system.”
The crackdown is not going unnoticed. Many college students have expressed their outrage over the change in regulations.
Casey Smith, a full time student at Grand Valley State University, plans to attend Michigan State Universities law program in the future. She has a job, but relies on her Bridge Card to “bridge the gap” financially.
“Todays college student is more independent,” said Smith on WoodTV. “Our parents aren’t helping us as much because our parents have their own obligations. With the recession, they aren’t making as much money, or have more debt.”
Smith says she does not think cutting out financial aid for students is the best way to fix the problem. For her, monitoring the program more strictly would be a better way to handle the situation.
The governments regulations will allow some college students to receive the monthly allowance, but only if they meet some of the federal guidelines, like being over the age of fifty or caring for children under the age of six.
“My goal is to make sure that we’re just not teaching the kids how to abuse the system before they’re even out of college, and that’s exactly what’s been going on,” said Rep. Dave Agema.
The government says they are not singling out the college students in this crack down, but students disagree. Many believe that because college age kids do not bring in enough votes, they are being overlooked.
The new regulations on the Bridge Card are said to save the State of Michigan around $4 million a year.
-Torie McCray
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/Bridge-Cards-for-college-students-over
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Real Food Cafe Review
When a little known restaurant becomes a community sensation, bad things can happen. For instance, waiting lines become longer, servers become grumpier, and the food can change for the worse. However, Real Food Cafe, once a hole-in-the-wall, has now grown to be a popular breakfast nook, and is consistently keeping customers happy, as long as they can stand the wait.
Cozied into a small plaza, right off of Eastern Ave., recently expanded Real Food Cafe’s bright and cheery interior is a pleasant atmosphere to start with a morning meal. Decorated with colorful pictures and vintage paraphernalia, you’ll feel like you’re at Grandma’s house for Sunday brunch.
People squeeze into this quaint cafe for both breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday. Try going on weekends, and you’ll be waiting much longer for a chance to munch on some of their delectable items, like their raspberry white chocolate stuffed French toast.
Even in the busiest of days, the refreshingly kind staff provides fast service, even while providing large portions. Check your wallets for cash, even though you won’t need much, because this little restaurant only accepts cash or check.
So grab a friend, get that ten dollar bill your parents sent you in the mail the other day, and head over to Real Food Cafe for a fun, unique dining experience.
-Torie McCray
Cozied into a small plaza, right off of Eastern Ave., recently expanded Real Food Cafe’s bright and cheery interior is a pleasant atmosphere to start with a morning meal. Decorated with colorful pictures and vintage paraphernalia, you’ll feel like you’re at Grandma’s house for Sunday brunch.
People squeeze into this quaint cafe for both breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday. Try going on weekends, and you’ll be waiting much longer for a chance to munch on some of their delectable items, like their raspberry white chocolate stuffed French toast.
Even in the busiest of days, the refreshingly kind staff provides fast service, even while providing large portions. Check your wallets for cash, even though you won’t need much, because this little restaurant only accepts cash or check.
So grab a friend, get that ten dollar bill your parents sent you in the mail the other day, and head over to Real Food Cafe for a fun, unique dining experience.
-Torie McCray
Art Invasion Attempts Conversation
Once upon a time, a group of warriors hailing from a community where art and philosophy were considered to be important — if not one of the most important — aspects of daily life, climbed into a giant shape made of wood. They took the creation to the gates of their enemies, who, seeing it as a gift, pulled it into their gates. When the warriors emerged, they shocked their adversaries with a sneak attack .
It was through this act that the Greeks won the war that they had been fighting for over a decade.
The Trojan horses planted on the campuses of GVSU, Hope and Kendall aren’t proclamations of controversy or assertions of undying rivalry. Instead, they are declarations of war — art war, that is!
In an attempt to create a greater number of conversations between West Michigan Colleges’ art departments, a group of students hailing from the Calvin College art department decided that they wanted to be perceived as artists, even though they are not part of an art school. Calvin isn’t known for being highly involved in the art community of Grand Rapids. Perhaps this is because Calvin is seen first as a Christian institution, and not an academic and artistic community. Regardless, Calvin is not as well connected with the other art communities and schools in Grand Rapids, regardless of the talent and skill being harbored in the basement of Spoelhof.
The group’s goal is that their “attack” on the campuses of the other schools will spark a greater amount of conversations within the community, not only about art hailing from Calvin, but among Calvin students, making them a part of that community.
“We want good conversation, artist to artist,” said junior Jenny Swim, member of the Visual Arts Guild (VAG). “The project is declaring art war to these other communities that we want to enter in dialogue with [through] putting the ball in their court and not trying to hide the fact that it was the Calvin College Art Department.”
Constructed out of approximately $100 worth of 2 x 4s as well as “stacks of recycled cardboard,” three horses that stand about five feet high and four feet wide took position on the campus of Kendall, GVSU and Hope College, these schools were selected due to the “start of community and connections” that are “feasible enough to return” within the art community.
But these larger-than-life horses did not appear over night, or did they? Appearing around the campuses of these specifically selected schools, the hope was that Calvin’s art department “was going to put [their] name on the map” through coming up with a movement bold enough “that it spurs people into action,” said Swim.
“It is exciting and thrilling to be riding the adrenaline that is carrying us to the end,” said Swim before the dropping off of the horses. Planning to leave at nightfall on the eve of the 14th, the group of students planned to wear all black and rent a U-Haul to take their horses to the battle-lines.
However, it is not as simple as merely just dropping these horses and leaving as fast as one can without getting caught. These big horses, which need to be assembled last-minute after arriving to the destination, need three people to carry them because they are so big. But these horses will be more than just horses. They will also be symbols of the hope of a new art community; these horses’ bellies will be filled with declarations of art war that will entail an engaging invitation to this conversation of art.
“This has been a long time coming. It started in maybe September and we really wanted to get them out sooner… but things get busier and busier and it came down to just a few of us who were really there for the whole thing,” said Swim. “We have some really dedicated people who aren’t even getting anything out of this but they are doing it anyway.”
“I think that Calvin has a thriving art community. It might be small but we are here and we are interested in community, and not just because we are a Christian school but because we humans do better in community,” said Swim, her eyes glistening with pride.
“We want to be a part of the community and show the value of the voice and we want others to feel like they can enter into the conversation. We just wanted to create an equality of voices like celebrating in each other’s strengths, and do crazy stupid things that we might get in trouble for and still be a part of community at the end of the day.”
-Colleen Keehl
It was through this act that the Greeks won the war that they had been fighting for over a decade.
The Trojan horses planted on the campuses of GVSU, Hope and Kendall aren’t proclamations of controversy or assertions of undying rivalry. Instead, they are declarations of war — art war, that is!
In an attempt to create a greater number of conversations between West Michigan Colleges’ art departments, a group of students hailing from the Calvin College art department decided that they wanted to be perceived as artists, even though they are not part of an art school. Calvin isn’t known for being highly involved in the art community of Grand Rapids. Perhaps this is because Calvin is seen first as a Christian institution, and not an academic and artistic community. Regardless, Calvin is not as well connected with the other art communities and schools in Grand Rapids, regardless of the talent and skill being harbored in the basement of Spoelhof.
The group’s goal is that their “attack” on the campuses of the other schools will spark a greater amount of conversations within the community, not only about art hailing from Calvin, but among Calvin students, making them a part of that community.
“We want good conversation, artist to artist,” said junior Jenny Swim, member of the Visual Arts Guild (VAG). “The project is declaring art war to these other communities that we want to enter in dialogue with [through] putting the ball in their court and not trying to hide the fact that it was the Calvin College Art Department.”
Constructed out of approximately $100 worth of 2 x 4s as well as “stacks of recycled cardboard,” three horses that stand about five feet high and four feet wide took position on the campus of Kendall, GVSU and Hope College, these schools were selected due to the “start of community and connections” that are “feasible enough to return” within the art community.
But these larger-than-life horses did not appear over night, or did they? Appearing around the campuses of these specifically selected schools, the hope was that Calvin’s art department “was going to put [their] name on the map” through coming up with a movement bold enough “that it spurs people into action,” said Swim.
“It is exciting and thrilling to be riding the adrenaline that is carrying us to the end,” said Swim before the dropping off of the horses. Planning to leave at nightfall on the eve of the 14th, the group of students planned to wear all black and rent a U-Haul to take their horses to the battle-lines.
However, it is not as simple as merely just dropping these horses and leaving as fast as one can without getting caught. These big horses, which need to be assembled last-minute after arriving to the destination, need three people to carry them because they are so big. But these horses will be more than just horses. They will also be symbols of the hope of a new art community; these horses’ bellies will be filled with declarations of art war that will entail an engaging invitation to this conversation of art.
“This has been a long time coming. It started in maybe September and we really wanted to get them out sooner… but things get busier and busier and it came down to just a few of us who were really there for the whole thing,” said Swim. “We have some really dedicated people who aren’t even getting anything out of this but they are doing it anyway.”
“I think that Calvin has a thriving art community. It might be small but we are here and we are interested in community, and not just because we are a Christian school but because we humans do better in community,” said Swim, her eyes glistening with pride.
“We want to be a part of the community and show the value of the voice and we want others to feel like they can enter into the conversation. We just wanted to create an equality of voices like celebrating in each other’s strengths, and do crazy stupid things that we might get in trouble for and still be a part of community at the end of the day.”
-Colleen Keehl
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Banff Film Festival: A Review
The background music intensifies and Dean Potter shakes out tired forearm muscles as he clings to the sheer limestone of Eiger’s north face. Sans rope, but with a parachute riding piggy-back to protect himself from a fatal fall, viewers watch as he successfully scales the Swiss mountain’s 13,025 ft face.
Featuring individuals like Potter, who push physical and mental limits through their interaction with wilderness, is a component of the Banff Film Festival. The international film competition and annual presentation of short films and documentaries displays different aspects of mountain culture, sports and environment. The festival’s location at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada, only adds to the desired effect.
The winning films go on tour around the globe giving audiences the chance to view the work of artists, environments, and activities vastly different from their own. The selected films from the 2011 competition invite the viewer to explore the world around him or herself in a renewed way.
One of the more entertaining short films, Eastern Rises, included the hilarious antics of a group of fly-fishermen who finally got the chance to live out their combined dream of fishing in the relatively isolated Russian peninsula, Kamchatka. From the crystal waters the men draw rainbow trout after salmon after rainbow trout much to their unconcealed delight. The fish are unlike any they have ever seen, but it is their playful banter and love of fishing that makes even the skeptical viewer willing to participate in the sport.
Several sites throughout Michigan host showings of the annual festival and taking the time to view the films at one of them is highly suggested. For additional information on the films and the Banff Film Festival go to: http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/
Trailer of Eastern Rises
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXlG4yEMF_o
-Alice Keyes
Featuring individuals like Potter, who push physical and mental limits through their interaction with wilderness, is a component of the Banff Film Festival. The international film competition and annual presentation of short films and documentaries displays different aspects of mountain culture, sports and environment. The festival’s location at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada, only adds to the desired effect.
The winning films go on tour around the globe giving audiences the chance to view the work of artists, environments, and activities vastly different from their own. The selected films from the 2011 competition invite the viewer to explore the world around him or herself in a renewed way.
One of the more entertaining short films, Eastern Rises, included the hilarious antics of a group of fly-fishermen who finally got the chance to live out their combined dream of fishing in the relatively isolated Russian peninsula, Kamchatka. From the crystal waters the men draw rainbow trout after salmon after rainbow trout much to their unconcealed delight. The fish are unlike any they have ever seen, but it is their playful banter and love of fishing that makes even the skeptical viewer willing to participate in the sport.
Several sites throughout Michigan host showings of the annual festival and taking the time to view the films at one of them is highly suggested. For additional information on the films and the Banff Film Festival go to: http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/
Trailer of Eastern Rises
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXlG4yEMF_o
-Alice Keyes
Volunteerism presents moral dilemmas and personal challenges
After taking a few deep breaths I reached for the door handle, slipped out of the car, and began to timidly walk toward the large institutional building. It was my first day of tutoring and I felt a twinge of uncertainty about what to expect. After checking in and receiving the visitors badge which fairly screamed “look at me, I’m not from ‘round here,” I walked along the dank halls to the math room where noise poured forth. I slipped in and introduced myself to the teacher. Immediately heads turned and eyes focused on me.
“Oh gurl, you here to tuta? You can come right over here!”
“Gurl I suck at math, I need you baby.”
The teacher kept rambling on, explaining the class’s daily procedure but I couldn’t focus. Instead the phrases and whistles filled my ears and I wanted to bolt towards the door or sink through the floor—it would have been ended my embarrassment quicker. Instead I pasted a smile on my face and sat down eager to not be the focus of so many people’s attention.
The room was lit by fluorescent bulbs, painted grey, and had brightly colored posters of multiplication tables pasted to the walls to serve as the only decoration. A far cry from my school experience where sunlight streamed through windows and students were able to gaze out at the mountains beyond them.
“Man, I don’t understand why you gotta be so rude and take my paper away! I aint been cheatin!”
Back to reality. The teacher was wrapping up his warm-up exercise as I glanced over at the guy beside me who was slowly unwrapping an ACE bandage from his leg.
“What happened?” I posed the question hoping to start some form of polite conversation, anything to distract myself from just how much I stood out as the only white person and one of the few females in the room.
“Car wreck.” Was the short response followed by a smirk.
“Huh.” I let my face show my doubt.
“What, you don’t believe me?”
“Nope, I don’t think that’s what happened at all, but if that’s what you want to say that’s alright with me.”
He shook his head at me. “That ain’t what happened at all. I just think it makes for a better story, but how’d you know I was lying?”
“Easy, just had to look at your face.”
“You want to see it?” I nodded, and slowly the ACE bandage and tale simultaneously unwound.
“I got shot. It hit a main artery, broke one of my bones, and now I have a rod in my leg.” By now the leg was bare. A four by five inch square of his leg looked like it had been carved out and then crudely slapped back on. The skin graft was finally healing.
“I don’t take no pain meds and I can walk on it just fine. I miss dancing though.”
“What kind of dancing did you do?”
“It sure as hell wasn’t ballet, I can tell you that. But the thing I miss most is playing basketball. I used to play everywhere anytime I wasn’t workin’, but now even that’s gone.”
At age nineteen he’s grateful to be alive and remarked that he could now stand on both legs instead of one leg to shoot a basket. At age nineteen I’m grateful to have spent a week with friends exploring an island in southern Georgia where we hiked over fifty miles. The sharp contrast between our realities is sickening.
“Where you from?”
“Oh down south, North Carolina.”
“I know where I’m gonna head next time I get some vacation time den.”
I internally cringe and recognize my discussion window closing.
“Yea, yea, it’s really pretty there. I’m going to see who needs help.” And I slip away to another table.
After three hours of walking nineteen to twenty-five years olds through the basics of multiplication and fractions. I emerge into the sunlight, walking past students as I head for the gate.
“When you comin back?” Rings out the question.
“Next week,” I answer before continuing my solitary walk out toward the chain link fence that bears more than minimal resemblance to one that would surround a prison. I slip back into my car, shut the door and sit with thoughts spiraling out of control.
I have the freedom to leave the facility, they do not. I have the freedom to hop in my car and drive back to my private, Dutch, Christian college where I am surrounded by children of businessmen and other successful professionals. I am living a life that they will never experience. And how do I mentally rectify the fact that the two exist simultaneously?
Breathe in. Breathe out.
-Alice Keyes
“Oh gurl, you here to tuta? You can come right over here!”
“Gurl I suck at math, I need you baby.”
The teacher kept rambling on, explaining the class’s daily procedure but I couldn’t focus. Instead the phrases and whistles filled my ears and I wanted to bolt towards the door or sink through the floor—it would have been ended my embarrassment quicker. Instead I pasted a smile on my face and sat down eager to not be the focus of so many people’s attention.
The room was lit by fluorescent bulbs, painted grey, and had brightly colored posters of multiplication tables pasted to the walls to serve as the only decoration. A far cry from my school experience where sunlight streamed through windows and students were able to gaze out at the mountains beyond them.
“Man, I don’t understand why you gotta be so rude and take my paper away! I aint been cheatin!”
Back to reality. The teacher was wrapping up his warm-up exercise as I glanced over at the guy beside me who was slowly unwrapping an ACE bandage from his leg.
“What happened?” I posed the question hoping to start some form of polite conversation, anything to distract myself from just how much I stood out as the only white person and one of the few females in the room.
“Car wreck.” Was the short response followed by a smirk.
“Huh.” I let my face show my doubt.
“What, you don’t believe me?”
“Nope, I don’t think that’s what happened at all, but if that’s what you want to say that’s alright with me.”
He shook his head at me. “That ain’t what happened at all. I just think it makes for a better story, but how’d you know I was lying?”
“Easy, just had to look at your face.”
“You want to see it?” I nodded, and slowly the ACE bandage and tale simultaneously unwound.
“I got shot. It hit a main artery, broke one of my bones, and now I have a rod in my leg.” By now the leg was bare. A four by five inch square of his leg looked like it had been carved out and then crudely slapped back on. The skin graft was finally healing.
“I don’t take no pain meds and I can walk on it just fine. I miss dancing though.”
“What kind of dancing did you do?”
“It sure as hell wasn’t ballet, I can tell you that. But the thing I miss most is playing basketball. I used to play everywhere anytime I wasn’t workin’, but now even that’s gone.”
At age nineteen he’s grateful to be alive and remarked that he could now stand on both legs instead of one leg to shoot a basket. At age nineteen I’m grateful to have spent a week with friends exploring an island in southern Georgia where we hiked over fifty miles. The sharp contrast between our realities is sickening.
“Where you from?”
“Oh down south, North Carolina.”
“I know where I’m gonna head next time I get some vacation time den.”
I internally cringe and recognize my discussion window closing.
“Yea, yea, it’s really pretty there. I’m going to see who needs help.” And I slip away to another table.
After three hours of walking nineteen to twenty-five years olds through the basics of multiplication and fractions. I emerge into the sunlight, walking past students as I head for the gate.
“When you comin back?” Rings out the question.
“Next week,” I answer before continuing my solitary walk out toward the chain link fence that bears more than minimal resemblance to one that would surround a prison. I slip back into my car, shut the door and sit with thoughts spiraling out of control.
I have the freedom to leave the facility, they do not. I have the freedom to hop in my car and drive back to my private, Dutch, Christian college where I am surrounded by children of businessmen and other successful professionals. I am living a life that they will never experience. And how do I mentally rectify the fact that the two exist simultaneously?
Breathe in. Breathe out.
-Alice Keyes
GR Coffee Houses
The Bitter End Coffee House
752 W Fulton St
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
From the wooden squeaky floor to the high ceiling covered in a rose gold colored metallic paint ,this coffee house has savory coffee, tasty iced-drinks, a large variety of tea and a unique atmosphere. The wooden chairs, tightly squeezed tables, as well as the library feel of this place make a great place to go and get some work done. Not to mention it is open 24 hours and the friendly
baristas are constantly re-brewing coffee for those who are in need a
cup of joe no matter the hour.
Local Mocha
96 Monroe Center St
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This coffee shop has seemingly everything from breakfast to ice-cream
as well as a few house specialty coffee drinks that are as delicious
as the titles make them sound. With a counter and tables to sit at,
this place has great service and quality as well as friendly barista’s to keep you entertained with jokes, stories or a sincere smile.
Madcap Coffee
98 Monroe Center NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The high ceiling, large walls, ample amount of windows and the coffee
roaster in the basement that can be viewed from the main level make
Madcap Coffee a uniquely modern place to sit and have a tasty
not-too-sweet-mocha. Whether be the presentation of the drinks
ordered, or more importantly the drink itself, perfection is seemingly
Madcap’s specialty with well-trained baristas to fulfill any coffee
order with style.
The Sparrows Coffee Tea and Newsstand
1035 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
This coffee, tea, newsstand is great place to get cozy and read the
latest art or literary magazines, which are so neatly stacked and hard
to miss on the wall across from the coffee counter. With a chic-
independent vibe, the atmosphere is perfect for a conversation with a
friend or even a book-club. Seating is available in an arrangement
that is snug but inviting, as well as at the window and outside.
Wealthy Street Bakery, Inc.
610 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
If you wish for a little something more with your cup of coffee, the
Wealthy Street Bakery, Inc. is for you. Along with dry cappuccinos,
chai tea and smooth coffee that is both strong and always hot, this
bakery has items such as pizza, sandwiches desserts and more on the
menu. Although there is a morning and lunch rush, this
place is not too loud and feels like a hangout spot rather than a
bakery. So bring a book or some friends and get a carrot cake cupcake
with your tall Vienna Latte, sit at a window seat and enjoy.
ROWSTER
New American Coffee HQ
632 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
A coffee company and shop that makes sure that all details of their coffee are perfect, starting with the roasting process and ending with a savory
taste, a four something dollar cup of coffee will not be drank in vain. With workers that are as passionate for coffee as for the technique put into making truly a perfect cup, latte art or anything pertaining to coffee, this is the place to come if you like top-notch things.
Kava House
1445 Lake Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
A coffee shop that is both welcoming and cozy, this spot has two rooms to choose to sit in, as well as overhang to sit under outside. With a mirrors, bar and table seating as well as low lights this place has a quite warm atmosphere that is perfect for coming to concentrate or study. It is usually busy, but never too loud and the homey choice to sit and drink from a kava house mug.
-Colleen Keehl
752 W Fulton St
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
From the wooden squeaky floor to the high ceiling covered in a rose gold colored metallic paint ,this coffee house has savory coffee, tasty iced-drinks, a large variety of tea and a unique atmosphere. The wooden chairs, tightly squeezed tables, as well as the library feel of this place make a great place to go and get some work done. Not to mention it is open 24 hours and the friendly
baristas are constantly re-brewing coffee for those who are in need a
cup of joe no matter the hour.
Local Mocha
96 Monroe Center St
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This coffee shop has seemingly everything from breakfast to ice-cream
as well as a few house specialty coffee drinks that are as delicious
as the titles make them sound. With a counter and tables to sit at,
this place has great service and quality as well as friendly barista’s to keep you entertained with jokes, stories or a sincere smile.
Madcap Coffee
98 Monroe Center NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The high ceiling, large walls, ample amount of windows and the coffee
roaster in the basement that can be viewed from the main level make
Madcap Coffee a uniquely modern place to sit and have a tasty
not-too-sweet-mocha. Whether be the presentation of the drinks
ordered, or more importantly the drink itself, perfection is seemingly
Madcap’s specialty with well-trained baristas to fulfill any coffee
order with style.
The Sparrows Coffee Tea and Newsstand
1035 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
This coffee, tea, newsstand is great place to get cozy and read the
latest art or literary magazines, which are so neatly stacked and hard
to miss on the wall across from the coffee counter. With a chic-
independent vibe, the atmosphere is perfect for a conversation with a
friend or even a book-club. Seating is available in an arrangement
that is snug but inviting, as well as at the window and outside.
Wealthy Street Bakery, Inc.
610 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
If you wish for a little something more with your cup of coffee, the
Wealthy Street Bakery, Inc. is for you. Along with dry cappuccinos,
chai tea and smooth coffee that is both strong and always hot, this
bakery has items such as pizza, sandwiches desserts and more on the
menu. Although there is a morning and lunch rush, this
place is not too loud and feels like a hangout spot rather than a
bakery. So bring a book or some friends and get a carrot cake cupcake
with your tall Vienna Latte, sit at a window seat and enjoy.
ROWSTER
New American Coffee HQ
632 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
A coffee company and shop that makes sure that all details of their coffee are perfect, starting with the roasting process and ending with a savory
taste, a four something dollar cup of coffee will not be drank in vain. With workers that are as passionate for coffee as for the technique put into making truly a perfect cup, latte art or anything pertaining to coffee, this is the place to come if you like top-notch things.
Kava House
1445 Lake Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
A coffee shop that is both welcoming and cozy, this spot has two rooms to choose to sit in, as well as overhang to sit under outside. With a mirrors, bar and table seating as well as low lights this place has a quite warm atmosphere that is perfect for coming to concentrate or study. It is usually busy, but never too loud and the homey choice to sit and drink from a kava house mug.
-Colleen Keehl
A Rapidian Voyage
The Rapid. “Easy. Convenient. Cheap. Reliable. Safe. Clean. Relaxing. Fun. The smart way to get around Grand Rapids and the suburbs.” So says the ridetherapid.org, official website of Grand Rapid’s lone public transportation outlet.
A first-time rider starved of domestic public transportation experience, the entirety of my “Rapid” experience was hearsay-based and largely negative. If forced to compile a string of one-word fragmented descriptors, mine might read: “The Rapid. Erratic. Inefficient. Unneccessary.”
So I’ll admit, I prepared to board the Rapid with a backpack, a Flip Video camcorder and preconceived notions as baggage.
Then the bus came.
I never got that quote. To my left sat a businessman. In congenial but unpolished English he told me, “Sorry man. I think its cause I too nervous.” As consolation, he offered repeated smiles in my direction.
Plan B was the two teen girls in front of me. I didn’t need a word of rejection here; their hushed, but very audible, giggles and whispers said it all.
Humbled by two denials, I was relieved to see Calvin College stop approaching. As if a seasoned veteran, I tugged the cord, ready to exit the bus. I timed my departure to perfection. Leaving my seat, I reached the door just as the #24 hummed to a complete stop. I stood in front of the middle door – door of choice for seasoned veterans – and waited for it to open. It didn’t.
“Just push.” The driver’s voice came authoritatively but kindly – as if she knew it was my first time – from the front of the bus. Thoroughly embarrassed, but sheepishly proud at my successful arrival, I exited the bus to familiar soil.
Through the tinted windows, I saw the businessman grin at me once more.
9:27. A four minute commute, for 50 cents - with Calvin-subsidized Rapid card? What could be better? I crossed Burton wondering how I hadn’t done this before. Waiting at Calvin’s westbound bus stop was Alicia, a young mother with her child in a stroller.
Here were some new criticisms. Grouchy bus drivers that don’t spend enough time at the stops? And what does any of that have to do with Pakistan? Obviously, the Rapid isn’t immune to criticism. Curious for another perspective, I tracked down a Calvin student and regular Rapid-rider.
Video 5
Calvin junior Brian Haverdink reoriented my temporarily altered views on the Rapid. His experience sounds convenient and beneficial. The way it should be. Despite the aura of cynicism that plagues Grand Rapid’s public transportation system, things are actually looking up for the Rapid. With a host of new energy-efficient hybrid buses and a continually increasing ridership, a brighter future may be coming quicker than the cynics think.
On May 3, citizens of the greater Grand Rapids’ area voted to expand high speed bus mass transit service, a move that will raise taxes in six West Michigan cities but bolster the bus-riding experience. Still, the slim 136-vote margin of victory reveals a strong air of uncertainty surrounding the Rapid. For many, the issue remains a matter of personal taste and convenience. With preconceived notions and limited Rapid-riding experience now at my back, I now claim a whetted appetite to “the smart way to get around Grand Rapids and the suburbs.”
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