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Actions speak louder than words and the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center (FHFAC) is a perfect example of this. From the staff, to the beautiful LEED certified facility, this place tends to the performing and visual arts like a master gardener tends to a precious orchid. The facility is high tech with an incredible intimate 1,220 seat auditorium that hosts nationally known acts and student performances.

However, the people who work at the FHFAC are what make it so special. In 2006 I was a featured artist there and couldn’t have had a better experience. They were professional, helpful and encouraging. Artists need this kind of nourishment to thrive. So, I thank you, I thank Meg George, Jeremy Cox, Sue Sherman, Lori Dykehouse, Karen Lott, Rose Kogge, John Bischoff, volunteers and the Forest Hills Public School System for all you do on behalf of the arts. And, I thank the sponsors who care enough to dig into their pocketbooks and support this place.

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The Grand River flows through Grand Rapids. Usually you’ll see photos looking down on the river from the bridges and air. I wanted to show you something different. Downtown, along the river, there is this wonderful boardwalk that goes for quite a distance, I love to walk along the river here. This bridge is the huge walkway that leads to the Gerald R. Ford Museum.

Gerald R. Ford Museum

This is a photo of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Gerald R. Ford chose Grand Rapids to be his final resting place and considered this town his home. In 1999 I was privileged to work on the Kent County International Airport’s annual profile when the ad agency I work for (Allie Design Group) was selected to create it. This was the year the airport was renamed the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

I coordinated our efforts with President Ford’s assistant, Marty Allen. Previous to this experience I had a skeptical impression of all politicians, Ford included. What I discovered changed my mind, about him at least. We had access to many of President Ford’s personal photos and looking at them, it was easy to see he was a caring, sincere man who deeply loved his country. We selected a variety of photos of his life including one of him in the White House relaxing with a pipe in his mouth. We were told we could use this picture, but only if the pipe was Photoshopped out of his mouth. President Ford had since quit smoking and didn’t want to be a negative influence.

In the final draft of the letter we were to print from him on the inside front cover of the airport profile, President Ford recalled his feelings for Grand Rapids. When I read it, I told Marty that I thought the letter should be toned down, I thought maybe it was a little too much. Marty paused and then insisted “No Ann, that IS how he feels about Grand Rapids. Don’t change a word.” I believed him.

Here’s what Gerald R. Ford had to say about Grand Rapids, “In a long and eventful life, many honors have come my way. Few compare with having my hometown airport bear my name. None can surpass the proudest claim of my life – I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan.”

Years later, tens of thousands of Grand Rapids citizens lined the streets for President Ford’s funeral procession. I took the photo at the bottom of this post during the 21 gun salute at his burial. As a canon blasted away at dusk one of the shots formed a perfect smoke ring.

We love you too President Ford.

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Lowell Showboat
I took this photo in Lowell late in the day, just as the sun was setting. I was facing main street, with the Lowell Showboat off in the distance. I love the beautiful river running through town and everything that comes with it, like the ducks and riverwalk. When I was taking this photo, there was a cute little girl feeding the ducks, which just made them crazy with joy.

portagepointinnmss.jpgThe Portage Point Inn goes back to 1913 and overlooks Portage Lake in Onekama.
I took this shot from near the porch, looking toward the bay. Although I haven’t been lucky enough to stay there myself, I hear from those who have, it’s a wonderful experience that memories are made of.

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This cute little guy was rollerblading with his friends along the boardwalk in Manistee when they saw me taking pictures, stopped and politely watched me shoot away. So of course I had to chat and get to know them. Kenny offered to let me take his picture while he was skating. Thanks Kenny and thanks to your mom too for giving me permission to use this photo.

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Never been to Michigan? Here’s why visitors love us:

1. Sugar sand beaches everywhere.

2. A huge freshwater coastline that feels like an ocean.

3. Communities that welcome tourists.

4. Breathtaking nature and beauty throughout the state.

5. Lots of camping and places for outdoor activities.

6. A love for the arts, with great art galleries and unique finds.

7. Unbelieveable clouds, almost every day.

8. Comfortable weather in the summer, not too hot or cold.

9. Sunsets you’ll never forget.

10. Something for everyone.

I got this list idea from a great website, Problogger, if you have a blog, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Here’s a great place to visit. The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse is nestled in beautiful Douglas Park at the intersection of Cherry and First Streets. The park is county owned and has free admission. Visitors can enjoy the volleyball courts, boardwalks, picnic area with grills, sugar sand beaches, playgrounds and of course, beautiful sunsets.