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The Green Life Market Opens in GR

Grand Rapids residents now have a fresh option when shopping for healthy and green products and food. The Green Life Market, on East Fulton (next to From the Heart Yoga Center), offers organic and natural foods, earth friendly cleaning supplies, chemical free personal care products, freshly brewed Organic & Fair-trade coffee and tea in addition to organic produce, meats, dairy and eggs. Owner Kristine Szurna Bersche and her husband Joel recently relocated back to Grand Rapids after Kristine’s nearly a decade long career as an environmental consultant in Chicago. The poor environmental practices that she observed on a regular basis propelled her passion for organic, natural, local and sustainably manufactured products and food.

"I’m thrilled to provide a healthier alternative to the products we typically find today in the chain grocery stores," notes Bersche. "But I’m even more excited for the opportunity to help educate people on the benefits of chemical-free products and foods." The store’s motto Eat Better, Live Better exemplifies the sincere intentions that The Green Life Market proffers. Special orders are gladly fulfilled. The open and welcoming store will also host forthcoming workshops and classes on topics ranging from composting to organic cooking.

Dr. Kevin Flood, DDS of Dental Health & Wellness Center (DHWC) announces he's "taking a stand against childhood tooth decay." The Grand Rapids dentist wants to prevent children from eating sugary candy that will promote tooth decay. Thus, DHWC is buying back candy from children on the day after Halloween, in a symbolic effort to promote better oral health and nutrition for children. Dr. Flood will pay children $1.00 per pound of candy. The candy will be donated to the art departments at several local school systems along with the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts for Christmas art projects for children.

The buy-back will take place at Dental Health & Wellness Center 4990 Cascade S.E. Dr. on November 1 from 2-5 p.m. For more information call 616-974-4990.

Utopian Marketplace in Montague hosts Alternatives to Antibiotics, a seminar lead by Renee Ruark, HHP, on November 17 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Ruark will introduce attendees to the myriad applications of herbal remedies and supplements and how the entire family can utilize them safely. Additional information on the importance of sustaining a healthy immune system through proper food choices will also be discussed. "A healthy immune system is your best defense," suggests Ruark. "When it fails to ward off an infection, natural alternatives to antibiotics and over the counter medicines are extremely effective for ailments ranging from runny noses and coughs to the flu."

Newly opened Lucky’s Coffee & Deli, in Spring Lake, proffers quality over quantity. Owner Ned Silverman, a seasoned coffee shop proprietor who has studied coffee roasting with Italy’s finest, extends his taste for excellence to the food prepared fresh to order at his latest establishment. Accompanying the wide variety of on-site freshly roasted organic and fair trade coffee are teas featuring organic Dong-Ding Oolong tea. Hungry customers can take home freshly baked breads, cookies and bagels along with a wide variety of menu items.

Vegetarians have an oasis in Lucky’s menu selection. Silverman shares "When I was a vegetarian, I found it nearly impossible to find restaurants that accommodated my vegetarian lifestyle." Customers may choose from several large fresh salads, soups and sandwiches including the "Hybread" made with roasted red pepper, red onions, goat cheese (chevre) and mushroom truffle on their own grilled pumpernickel bread. Silverman assures that carnivores will enjoy the vegetarian selections as well, but in order to accommodate those desiring meat based sandwiches or wraps, Lucky’s uses organic, humanely-raised and Kosher meats for their heartier selections. A spacious indoor dining area, including a loft and free computer station, is available for customers seeking respite or generous space to gather amongst friends. For customers on the go, carry out and drive through are conveniently available.

The Armenta Studio in Grand Rapids will host a cultural fundraiser entitled "In the Time of Butterflies" on November 24 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The event is in observance of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women" commemoration originally observed in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly, to honor the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic. The affair includes gallery presentations from graphic artists Derrick Hallowell and Eric Pichardo, poetry readings from Linda Leedy Schneider and Stelle Slootmaker, contemporary dance from Patrick Johnson's contemporary choreography, dance performers Jaime Malone and the At-Neemrah Dancers.

The community is encouraged to participate. "This event is during Thanksgiving weekend, an opportune time to demonstrate generosity through participating in this event," notes Armenta. Proceeds will benefit the women and families served by the local YWCA, which empowers women with support and education on domestic violence. Food will be provided by Marie Catrib’s restaurant.

Third Coast Yoga Studio (TCYS) recently joined Community Wellness Associates (CWA), in Spring Lake. TCYS offers a variety of Hatha and Kundalini yoga classes. A new Men’s Hatha yoga class, taught by Larry Heins, will be offered on Wednesday evenings beginning November 7. TCYS owner, teacher and yoga therapist Gretchen Cline, Ph.D., R.Y.T. remarks " I’m excited to bring yoga to this wellness consortium, and see it as an opportunity to join a community of holistic health practitioners who share a common belief that wellness lies in the integration of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual facets of being."

For more information and class schedule visit ThirdCoastYoga.com or call 616-298-1853. CWA is located at 225 E. Exchange St. (within Christ Community Church).

The Center of Unlimited Possibilities (CUP) in Spring Lake welcomes Terry Lanigan to their staff of practitioners. Lanigan brings many years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and nationally certified personal fitness trainer specializing in the development of weight management and strength training programs for individuals and families. Lanigan maintains that healthy lifestyle choices, safe exercise and, when needed, supportive personal or family therapeutic counseling, enable life-long health and healing.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 616-842-0264 or visit YourNextStepUp.com. Meet her and the entire CUP staff at the center’s open house on November 7 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. CUP is located at 14998 Cleveland Ste G, in Spring Lake..

The Wege Institute of Mind, Body and Spirit at Saint Mary’s Health Care in conjunction with Michigan State University is participating in an exciting reflexology research project funded by the prestigious National Institute of Health. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of foot reflexology in improving the quality of life for women undergoing chemotherapy for late stage (III and IV) breast cancer within the context of conventional medical care. Participating in this study is collaborative and will not change or affect the care that patients receive. Reflexology is the practice of applying gentle pressure on particular parts of the feet, hands or ears, which correspond to areas of the body. It is used to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body and improve general health.

Denise Iwaniw, author of Meditations from the Temple Within, draws from her lifetime experiences as a clairvoyant teacher, counselor and international public speaker in her latest book Embracing the Mystic Within – A Personal Journey Toward Spiritual Awakening. Written to help others find their own unique connection to Spirit and co-edited by a Roman Catholic nun and an award winning newspaper journalist, Embracing the Mystic Within, recounts the unfolding of Iwaniw’s clairvoyant gifts as a child and the further unfolding of her spiritual gifts into adulthood. Iwaniw shares "For those who are looking for insight into their own spiritual experiences, or those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, Embracing the Mystic Within will provide loving guidance comfort and hope."

Denise Iwaniw and her family reside in West Michigan. For more information or to order the book visit TempleWithin.com. Embracing the Mystic Within is also available at bookstores or may be ordered online at Amazon.com, Borders.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Making Grand Rapids a healthier more sustainable place is fast becoming the standard for local businesses. November marks the business anniversary month of four area businesses with guiding principles of holistic health and sustainability firmly rooted in their mission.

From the Heart Yoga Center, on East Fulton, celebrates 7 years. Owners Rick Powell and Behnje Masson are dedicated to continually inspiring and challenging area yoga students, teachers and enthusiasts. Masson is West Michigan’s only Certified Anusara Yoga® Teacher and Powell adds Tai Chi to the mix of health benefiting intentional movement techniques taught at the studio.

A short distance away, East Hill’s district business Global Infusion celebrates 3 years and continues to be a local favorite spot for fair trade gifts, décor and clothing as well as the ideal respite to enjoy a freshly prepared cup of coffee or customized tea drinks.

Across the street, Marie Cartrib’s restaurant also celebrates 3 years. Owner’s Marie and Fouad Catrib continue their uncompromising efforts to offer West Michigan delicious homemade food utilizing local, humanely-raised, quality ingredients in an eco-friendly, uplifting environment.

East Hill’s business neighbor Hopscotch Children’s Store celebrates their 2-year anniversary. As a store dedicated to encouraging children’s playful imagination and health as well as sustainability, it is a haven for children of all ages and parents looking for Waldorf inspired toys, natural parenting and baby gear, handmade clothing and more.

Journeyman Café, in downtown Fennville, whose motto is "live off the land," was acknowledged by Gourmet Magazine as one of "America’s best farm-to-table" restaurants. Chef Matthew Millar and his wife, Amy Cook, opened Journeyman Café with the idea of providing European-style cooking using only local, organic or chemical-free ingredients. The daily menu is created utilizing foods that are local and in season. Ingredients that can not be obtained from the more than sixty local sources are then meticulously selected with the highest ethical, quality and sustainability standards in mind. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Journeyman also offers artisan breads baked daily in their wood-fired oven.

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