Michigan Sweet Spot – HDR photography of the real Michigan

February 17, 2012

Dr. Samuel Noordhoff, He’s Made a World of Difference

Filed under: Grand Rapids, HDR Photography — Tags: — teliczan @ 11:49 pm

Dr. Noordhoff Receiving Sir Harold Gilles Lecture Award in London

Dr. Noordhoff first came to my attention from his son in law, Dr. Robert Lamberts. He wanted me to know about the amazing award Dr. Noordhoff had recently achieved, and more than that, about the good works he has accomplished over his lifetime.

Every two years the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) honors physicians who have made the most significant contribution to plastic surgery over their career, with the Prestigious Sir Harold Gilles Lecture Award delivered at the annual meeting. Grand Rapids’ plastic surgeon Dr. M. Samuel Noordhoff was selected for this year’s award. The foundation for this success in plastic surgery was laid here in West Michigan. Dr. Noordhoff had all of his training in general surgery and plastic surgery in Grand Rapids at Butterworth Hospital.

Dr. Noordhoff is recognized worldwide for helping children and adults in underserved areas receive holistic care for cleft palate and craniofacial deformity. Much of this assistance has been with his own time and money. In 1989, he formed the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation to transform lives where there was a lack of medical resources. Since then he has established the Chang Gung Craniofacial Center in Taiwan, recognized as one of the leading centers for cleft lip and palate care in the world. His “Love Makes Whole” team has traveled to 11 countries, and completed 56 cleft missions serving Vietnam, Kenya, Nigeria, Cambodia, the Philippines, China, Myanmar, the Dominican Republic, Laos, Indonesia and Mongolia. The Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation team has also trained 115 seed craniofacial medical practitioners from 14 countries.

Unless helped, children born with cleft palate and craniofacial deformity face a lifetime of discrimination, shame, problems with speech and inadequate nutrition. Repair of defects can take several surgeries, with multiple medical specialties involved.

When I talked to Dr. Noordhoff about his accomplishments it was important to him that I give credit to the team of plastic surgeons, business manager, Kim Ma, and Mr. Yung-Ching Wang who was instrumental in the funding which launched the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

January 25, 2012

Marie Catrib’s Restaurant and Store … I Don’t Even Know Where to Start

Filed under: Grand Rapids, HDR Photography, Restaurants — teliczan @ 10:46 pm

The woman behind Marie Catrib's

This post has been a long time coming. Let me tell you how much I love Marie Catrib’s. When I meet someone new in town, I tell them about Marie Catrib’s…when I’m super duper hungry and want something healthy and delicious, I go to Marie Catrib’s… when I meet someone special for a delicious home cooked meal with tons of flavor, Marie Catrib’s… when I don’t feel like cooking and want great carry out… you get the picture. In fact, I’m eating Marie Catrib’s right now!

Fouad, Marie and Egan

Tasty tarts before they go in the oven. I would have taken a picture of the chocolate crumble I brought home, but I ate it already, yum!

Marie Catrib's store. That's Marie in the back with a customer.

In all the years I’ve been going there, with all the meals I’ve had, I’ve never been disappointed. Not even once. Marie Catrib’s has a great selection of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian meals that will make you wonder why anyone needs gluten or meat in their diet when they can eat like that. In fact her gluten free bread is the awesome. She also offers up a delicious roast beef sandwich and the salmon surprise is something everyone should try at least once. Then there’s the desserts, my favorite is the chocolate crumble, it tastes like a brownie made like fudge and rolled in toasted oatmeal crumblies. Every time I go to Marie Catrib’s I tell myself, “not the chocolate crumble this time” and darn it, I buy one any way, I just can’t help myself.

Besides the delicious food, the atmosphere keeps me coming back. The staff is just so kind and genuine it’s obvious they consider everyone who walks through the door as friends and family. Marie Catrib runs the locally owned and operated restaurant with her son Fouad and manager Egan. They believe in using locally grown and raised food whenever possible, and it shows in the fresh flavors.

I recently learned that Marie Catrib’s is a finalist at the Celebrated Service Awards, if you’d like to cast your vote click here to see the finalists. Voting concludes January 31, 2012.

Here’s some helpful links: Marie Catrib’s website and menu.

September 28, 2011

New York Mike is Serious About His Sandwiches

Filed under: East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, HDR Photography — Tags: , , — teliczan @ 6:53 pm
New York Mike's

New York Mike is on the right. He makes the best sandwiches... ever! Seriously.

My friend Amy told me about New York Mike’s Italian Deli. She’s from Philly and knows what an awesome sandwich is all about. Amy told me that this new place in Grand Rapids (New York Mike’s) had the best sandwiches she’d ever had, that she literally craves them. She had me at the best sandwich she ever had. So, I go to New York Mike’s and try the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and darn it, it is the best sandwich I ever had. It’s so good that every time I go there (which is a lot), I order it instead of trying the other sandwiches.

Every time I’ve gone there, literally all of the customers are raving about how good the food is, and about 3/4 of them seem to be repeat customers. It shows that they are local too, Mike has been behind the grill every time, slaving away, and whenever things slow down, talking to his customers. If you decide to stop by, here’s some tips:
- Mike’s Sicilian mom makes the meatballs for the meatball sandwich, I heard them referred to by one of the customers as “addictive” and “better than mom’s” when I was in there last.

- Favorite’s include: the meatball sandwich, Philly cheese steak, and hot steamed pastrami.

- Mike specially selects all the ingredients and roasts his own beef, no “cookie cutter” mass produced stuff allowed

- Hours are: Mon – Sat 7:00am – 7:00pm; Sun 10am – 5pm

Here’s a google map link to his store location at 1971 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids (in the same shopping plaza as the Knapp Corner Meijer)

For take out and catering, his phone is (616) 447-2505.

Through the month of October mention MichiganSweetSpot and get $1 off New York Mike’s Popular Hot Steamed Pastrami sandwich.

June 10, 2011

Taking a Walk at a Favorite Place

Filed under: Grand Rapids, Michigan travel, Michigan trip — Tags: , , , , , — teliczan @ 12:26 am

My favorite place to walk!

So, can you guess where I took this photo? I gave you a huge hint when I said it was a favorite place… I took this on a walking trail at the Frederik Meijer Gardens with my friend Patti. The Frederik Meijer Gardens is a great place for walks, it’s scenic, smells nice and just plain makes you feel good.

One thing though, you might forget the time so make sure you leave before they close. We totally blew the closing time and would have been locked in if it hadn’t been for a wedding there.

May 5, 2011

Crash Pad

Filed under: Animals, Grand Rapids — Tags: , , , , — teliczan @ 11:03 am
Crash's Landing

These cats are all adoptable from Big Sid's Sanctuary, which is affiliated with Crash's Landing.

I took this photo at Big Sids Sanctuary, which is a sister to Crash’s Landing. The two are cat rescue and sanctuaries for stray cats over 6 months old that need a home. I’ve heard glowing reviews about Crash’s Landing for years now from many who are personally familiar with the organization and I finally had to check the place out for myself last week.

Crash’s Landing was founded in 2002 by veterinarian Jen Petrovich who saw the need for these forgotten cats. Since then, over 2,610 cats have been rescued and 1,945 cats have been adopted out. There are currently 135 residents at Big Sids Sanctuary and 115 residents at Crash’s Landing.

During my visit, I was surprised at how peaceful and harmoniously the cats got along. There are built in cubbies, catwalks and soft cushy beds throughout the sanctuary. The custom cubbies and catwalks were generously built and donated by builder Rob Brink.

The cats at Big Sids Sanctuary have tested positive for feline leukemia and/or FIV. Something important to note is that although they have a disease, these animals are not necessarily sick. The cats pictured here are all from Big Sids Sanctuary and harder to place due to their condition however, many, if not most have a lot of playtime, love and life left in them.

If you would like to adopt a cat and/or donate to Crash’s Landing or Big Sids Sanctuary, please visit their website to learn more. Adoption is $85 and the cats are up to date with shots and have been spayed or neutered.

Home page for Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary

How Crash’s Landing got Started

March 24, 2011

Michigan Ice Storm Consolation Prize

Filed under: Grand Rapids, HDR Photography, Photography, West Michigan, winter — Tags: , , , — teliczan @ 4:04 pm
Michigan Ice storm with icy trees

Ice storm diamonds are a trees best friend.

Early this morning I was greeted by two messages, one by Inge, and one by my mom. Both of whom wanted to make sure that I knew I would be missing a great chance to take a picture for this blog. As my mom put it, “there’s ice diamonds on the trees.” Amazingly, it’s been that way all day, which is somewhat of a consolation for me because I am sick and tired of winter. Actually, literally sick. I have a cold. I’m thinking of venturing out to take more pictures because it’s just so pretty out right now.

February 23, 2011

She Saved My Little Pixie

Filed under: Animals, Grand Rapids — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — teliczan @ 10:10 pm
Richelle Smith Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Grand Rapids

Dr. Richelle Smith of the Safe Harbor Animal Hospital with Pixie

When I first pulled up to the Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, I noticed that the blinds on the window of the vet office were ripped to shreds… interesting. I wondered why and imagined some crazed cat clawing its way up the window. I got out of my car and took my very sick little toy fox terrier, Pixie inside. I had been told by my friend Janine who has the inside scoop on everything, that Dr. Richelle Smith of the Safe Harbor Animal Hospital was the best. I hoped so because I was starting to wonder if Pixie was going to pull out of this. She had already been to 3 appointments at a different veterinary hospital over the last week with no answers forthcoming and she was going downhill fast. To make matters worse, my friend Peggy had lost her sweet little wire fox terrier, Asta, a few months earlier. Asta had experienced nearly identical symptoms and every vet he had been to was baffled by what was making him sick. Pixie was losing her spirit, along with everything she ate or drank and at 8 1/2 lbs. didn’t have any weight left to lose.

Once inside, I was immediately struck by how peaceful, clean and nice smelling the office was. And that the staff was very kind and helpful. Dr. Smith was great, she spent a LOT of time with me answering questions and going into detail about what could be wrong, what my options were and which ones she recommended and why. During treatment she called every day to see how Pixie was doing and to make sure everything was okay. Fast forward to a month later, Pixie is doing great.

And, about the blinds, it turns out that Dr. Smith has a big heart and rescues animals. She had recently rescued and treated a dog (Bella Boo) from Tennessee that needed medical care and brings Bella Boo to work with her every day. One day, when Dr. Smith left the office without her new furry friend, she tore up the shades in the good doc’s office in an attempt to go along. Here’s a link to the Safe Harbor Animal Hospital.

February 4, 2011

Grand Rapids Skyline and The Big Snowstorm of 2011

Filed under: Grand Rapids — Tags: , , — teliczan @ 12:06 am
Grand Rapids Skyline 2011

The Grand Rapids Skyline after all the snow.

I was snowbound all day yesterday due to the Great Blizzard of 2011. But being snowbound aint how I hang, so I loaded up into my car and as my husband sent me off with “Don’t get stuck,” I raced off to beat the sunset.

There was about 2 feet of snow which had drifted as high as our gutters in some areas, but it just didn’t look that impressive on camera. What to do? I decided it was time to update my Grand Rapids skyline photo, it has changed profoundly in the last year with the completion of the Helen DeVos Children’s hospital and the MSU College of Human Medicine Grand Rapids campus.

Do you see the snow? It’s there and it’s deep. By the way, I didn’t get stuck. Well actually I did get stuck. 4 or 5 times, but managed to work my way out without a tow truck (or calling for help to get out.) Happy winter!

September 24, 2010

Ann Teliczan at ArtPrize: Here’s My Entry

Filed under: About Ann, Ann Teliczan, art, Art Galleries, ArtPrize, Grand Rapids — Tags: , , , , , , — teliczan @ 11:11 am
ArtPrize 2010 Ann Teliczan

"Presence" 72" x 36" Multi Media Painting by Ann Teliczan at Butterworth Hospital Main Lobby. Voting Code: 38751

I’ve had a few days to pick some favorite artists for ArtPrize 2010. And also to give you some tips about ArtPrize parking and other ideas to help you when you visit ArtPrize.

FEATURED ARTIST ANN TELICZAN/VOTING CODE 38751: Today I am featuring my ArtPrize entry. My work is located in the main lobby at Spectrum Health’s Butterworth Campus (the entrance on Michigan Street where they have valet parking.) When you walk in the door, my work is on the right, by the big fireplace. If you get a chance to see my work, make sure you view it close up from several different angles. I painted mica on it, which changes appearance when you view the painting from different angles. I hope you enjoy this, I created it with the intention of making something that cause positive mood transformations. If you want to see some of my other work, you can visit my website at www.Anntopia.com

ART PRIZE PARKING TIP: Parking is going to be a challenge during peak ArtPrize hours. But I have a solution, if you park in the Butterworth Hospital parking ramp on Michigan street, it’s a very short walk to many of the ArtPrize venues. A bonus is that you will probably have free ArtPrize parking if you try this (that’s not a promise though). Many times, the parking garage is unattended at the exit and the parking is free. The easiest route is to park in the parking ramp, start your ArtPrize tour at Butterworth Hospital’s main lobby, and then continue down the hill behind the hospital to other venues.

PUBLIC MUSEUM VENUE TIP: Make sure you see the work on the 3rd floor of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, it’s spectacular.

GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS AT ALTEN PLACE: This is another venue that has a lot of great work that is not highly publicized, I think it’s definitely worth visiting.

SKYWALKS: Don’t let the dreary weather stop you from coming downtown and enjoying ArtPrize. A lot of Grand Rapids is connected with skywalks and you can get to many of the venues by taking the skywalks.

Post and Art by Ann Teliczan

September 22, 2010

Ann Teliczan at ArtPrize: Oh Yeah, ArtPrize at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Filed under: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids — Tags: , , , — teliczan @ 11:52 pm

Balloon Chain by Robert Bose (with collaborator Michael Cha) at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Voting code: 46481

I was coming home from the downtown ArtPrize celebrations tonight and got sidetracked when my friend Lisa told me that the lights above the Frederik Meijer Gardens were amazing. So of course I went there instead of going home.

“The lights” are an ArtPrize entry called “Balloon Chain” by Robert Bose. His entry is particularly striking at night and this is a don’t miss entry. While I was talking to Robert, I could hear onlookers gasping in awe and saying “Get out! Wow! Can you believe that!” Yes, it’s that cool.

Post and HDR photo by Ann Teliczan.

Older Posts »

Theme: Silver is the New Black. Blog at WordPress.com.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 28 other followers