Your top choice for compassionateIn-Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI

It's often said that the golden years of your life are the most enjoyable. For most older adults in the U.S., it's a time to unwind, reflect, and live in the comfort of familiar surroundings. And that's how it should be - most senior citizens in America worked hard to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise their families. Shouldn't they be able to age with grace and dignity at home?

The answer is undoubtedly "yes," but as seniors age, they sometimes need assistance to live independently. Unfortunately, many older adults are unable to rely on adult children for help due to busy schedules, a lack of expertise, or both. That's where Mind & Mobility's home care in Grand Rapids, MI begins to make a lot of sense.

Our in-home care services cater to those who want to stay in their homes as they age but require ongoing care that their loved ones cannot provide. Nowadays, most seniors prefer to live away from long-term care facilities and closer to their home where they feel most at ease.

If you or your senior loved one wants to thrive in their own house and avoid care facilities, in-home care is an effective, safe way to give family and friends the care they need when they need it the most.

Service Areas

The Mind & Mobility Difference

Mind & Mobility is a home care agency that takes pride in helping seniors enjoy life at home with grace and comfort. One of the biggest reasons why so many seniors and their families choose us is that our senior caregivers in Grand Rapids, MI, do more than just change bedsheets and prepare meals. They make it a point to provide compassionate care and connect with patients on a personal level.

Instead of eliminating independence from our senior population in Florida, we believe in maximizing it - a goal that's not always supported by assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In fact, those locations are often overpriced, understaffed, and known for the spread of disease. Senior care from Mind & Mobility provides a more emotionally and financially relieving option, whether you need a little help around the house or more involved services like companion care or dementia care.

While we take pride in providing compassionate caregiving services for seniors at home, we also offer clients free access to our Mind & Mobility Homecare Center in South Florida. Here, your senior can receive treatment from therapists who are experts in physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Our therapists work collaboratively in a supportive environment, taking into consideration the client's needs and concerns. They combine their expertise with the latest research in their fields to deliver cutting-edge, evidence-based services. With unlimited access to one-on-one sessions, our therapists' top priority is to help seniors live and age gracefully at home without having to relocate to an assisted living facility.

What is Senior Care in Grand Rapids, MI?

Many older adults in the United States prefer to age at home, as it offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity. According to an AARP report, three out of four adults aged 50 and above wish to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

However, as adults approach their 60s and 70s, some may require assistance around the house, especially when family members are too busy or live far away. The truth is that the natural process of aging can make it challenging to continue living at home. Simple tasks like running errands become more difficult due to mobility issues. Preparing healthy meals and keeping track of medications and appointments can also become a challenge. Safety becomes a concern, and family members may worry about the well-being of their loved ones.

In these situations, in-home care is often a perfect fit. It allows seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

Mind & Mobility provides a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they receive the help they need to remain independent. If you have a senior loved one who needs some extra help to stay happy and healthy, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even from afar.

Some of the most common home care services offered at Mind & Mobility include.

Light Housekeeping
Nutrition Monitoring
Assistance with Technology
Meal Preparation
Dressing, Bathing, & Grooming
Medication Reminders
Laundry Services
Activity Escorts
Much More

Did You Know?

U.S. adults over the age of 60 have a 59% higher chance of being unable to perform daily routines and activities if they're lonely.

Our in-home care services are covered by medical insurance, long-term care policies, and private pay. Members have the freedom to choose their own caregiver and can benefit from unlimited physical and occupational therapy, regular visits from a registered nurse, and care management from a licensed clinical social worker.

Curious if home care in Grand Rapids, MI is right for you or your older loved one? Contact our office in Florida today for a no-pressure discovery call to learn more. If you or your loved one is ready to live life to the fullest, getting in-home care from Mind & Mobility is a quick, easy three-step process.

1. Speak to a Care Representative

One of our skilled care representatives will speak with you in person or over the phone and help you select the best home care plan to keep your loved one happy at home.

2. Go Over Your Care Plan

A local care professional from Mind & Mobility will travel to your home and sit with you one-on-one to discuss the details of your care plan.

3. Thrive from the Comfort of Home

Once your care plan is selected, you will have the pleasure of watching your senior loved one enjoy an independent life at home with the help of a compassionate caregiver.

Companion Care You Can Count On

Aging in place refers to the practice of aging adults living in their homes as they grow old. Studies show that around 77% of retirees prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and home care can be an excellent way to bridge the gap between receiving elder care and staying at home.

Allowing your aging loved ones to maintain their independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. This can contribute to their overall health and well-being, as opposed to a living facility where they may feel powerless and depressed. Unfortunately, these facilities often take away a senior's ability to do simple things like cooking for themselves, scheduling visits with family and friends, and even bathing in the comfort of their own homes.

Home care in Grand Rapids, MI, including companion care services, is designed to provide both medical and non-medical solutions that your senior needs in order to maintain their independence. That way, your senior doesn't have to destabilize their life or adjust to a new way of living away from home.

Mind & Mobility companion care incorporates a number of different services, including.

Spending Time with Your Senior
Conversation
Homemaking Support
Planning Outings
Mobility Assistance

Help with Nutrition
Staying Active
Memory Skills and Games
Running Errands
More

Getting Started with Companion Care from Mind & Mobility

To learn more about our companion care services, you can contact any of our nine locations in Florida to request a care consultation with one of our representatives. During your consultation, we'll assess your needs to ensure that we provide the right caregiver at the right time to meet your specific requirements.

Doing so helps us ensure that we get it right the first time. We'll also be happy to answer any questions you may have and introduce you to the team of senior home companions who will provide you with companion care services in Florida.

Need home care companion services on short notice? As a respected senior care business with more than a decade of experience, we have access to a large pool of senior caregivers in Grand Rapids, MI who would be happy to provide you or your senior with last-minute support.

Take a Break with RespiteCare Services from Mind & Mobility

Taking care of a senior loved one can be a tiring and overwhelming task, particularly if the caregiver is employed full-time and has other responsibilities to handle. Taking care of an older adult in such a situation can result in caregiver burnout, which can lead to a decline in the quality of care provided and even illness. To combat this issue, many adult caregivers choose respite care as a solution instead of full-time home care in Grand Rapids, MI.

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults in the United States provide care to someone aged 50 or older. Unfortunately, many of these caregivers experience stress, fatigue, and even depression.

Respite care services offer a short-term break to family members and unpaid caregivers from their caregiving duties. This is a crucial service that benefits both seniors and their caregivers and can be arranged for a few hours or even several days, depending on their requirements.

What are the Benefits of Respite Care from Mind & Mobility?

Respite care services can have a significantly positive impact on the health of your elderly loved one, as well as your own. Whether it's for an extended period of time or just a few hours a week, respite care can help ease the burden of caregiving.

Taking some time off for yourself may seem selfish at first, but it's crucial to recharge your batteries to be able to continue providing care. Taking a short (or longer-term) break can also improve the overall quality of your care. Plus, professional respite care services offer your senior an opportunity to learn from and engage with a compassionate caregiver from Mind & Mobility.

Some of the most common caregiving services provided by our respite care professionals include.

Housekeeping
Laundry
Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Help with Dressing and Grooming
Bathing Assistance
More

Our respite care services in Florida are typically offered on a temporary basis. However, we also serve many clients who require assistance on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their specific needs. We recognize that care needs and schedules can be subject to change, and we strive to be flexible in our approach to ensure that your and your family's needs are met.

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Three Hurdles That Family Caregivers Face

Caring for your aging parents can be a fulfilling act of love. As you reminisce about the care they gave you while growing up, you now have the opportunity to return the favor. However, providing care for loved ones can be challenging. It's important to anticipate the obstacles you may face and learn how to manage them to protect your own health and well-being.

Here are three of the toughest challenges that family caregivers have to face when caring for their senior parents or loved ones.

Not Enough Support

It's common to feel like you're carrying the majority of the burden when it comes to taking care of your aging parents. However, assuming that you are solely responsible for their care can be overwhelming and cause strain in other relationships. It's important to remember that caring for someone else is not a one-person job. Attempting to do so can lead to burnout, depression, and other serious health issues. It can also negatively impact the level of care your parents receive.

Not Enough Sleep

Interrupted sleep can be a problem for older adults whose circadian clock has shifted, leading them to wake up more frequently throughout the night. It can also be a result of stress and worry. If dementia is a factor, you may need to stay alert due to sundowning and wandering. Those tasks can be difficult and require a sharp mind that has had plenty of rest. In fact, getting enough sleep is crucial for your ability to provide the best care for your parents, as well as for your own physical and emotional well-being.

Not Enough Privacy

Sharing living space with your parents can compromise both your physical and emotional privacy. This is especially true if one or both of your parents have dementia, which can cause them to feel afraid or disoriented when you're not around. At the same time, your parents may also find it difficult to maintain their privacy while under your care.

That begs the question - how can you conquer the challenges that most family caregivers face on a daily basis?

In-Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI Helps Alleviate Your Burden

Mind & Mobility's in-home caregivers can be there to help you ensure the best care for your parents and a healthier life balance for yourself. Taking a break from caregiving is not just a great idea; it's essential.

Our respite care services offer you regular breaks from caregiving, which allows you to take care of yourself while enriching your parents' lives. We provide opportunities for socialization and engaging activities, along with the necessary support to ensure safety and comfort. You can rest easy knowing that your parents are in the best of hands while you take a break.

Compassionate Care When You Need It the Most

At Mind & Mobility Home Care, we take pride in our commitment to helping older adults maintain a high-quality life. Our team of senior caregivers cares deeply about the well-being of our clients and works together to craft personalized services that are backed by research and experience.

Our home care services are designed to support clients in various ways. Whether it's recovering from hip surgery, preventing falls, enhancing cognitive abilities through brain training, or pursuing new hobbies, you can rest easy knowing we have your senior's health and happiness at heart.

Of course, every one of our clients has their own unique needs and goals, and we adjust their levels of care accordingly. But one aspect of our home care services never changes - and that's the compassionate care we provide to seniors so that they may remain independent.

Contact Mind & Mobility today to take the first step toward aging gracefully at home. We'll be there by your side every step of the way.

Grand Rapids ready for rematch with White Bear Lake

DULUTH — The final few moments of the Section 7AA championship for Bauer Murphy and Grand Rapids were more than a little stressful Thursday at Amsoil Arena.The Thunderhawks thought Seth Carlson had scored a double-overtime game-winner against Andover in a scrum in front of the Huskies’ net, but the officials needed to confirm it with the goal judge.“The intensity was super high and we were stressed out,” Murphy said. “If it wasn’t called in, then we’d be set back a little, the emotions ...

DULUTH — The final few moments of the Section 7AA championship for Bauer Murphy and Grand Rapids were more than a little stressful Thursday at Amsoil Arena.

The Thunderhawks thought Seth Carlson had scored a double-overtime game-winner against Andover in a scrum in front of the Huskies’ net, but the officials needed to confirm it with the goal judge.

“The intensity was super high and we were stressed out,” Murphy said. “If it wasn’t called in, then we’d be set back a little, the emotions might be a little dull and it would definitely take a toll on the team. Once we saw it go in, we knew the refs would review it and call it a good goal. Everybody was getting pumped up and waiting until the ref skated out and called it a good goal. It was awesome.”

With the 3-2 win over Andover, Grand Rapids advanced to its first Class AA tournament since winning the 2017 state championship .

Coach Grant Clafton said he tried to test his team with a difficult schedule that included some of the top teams in the state, including Andover, St. Thomas Academy, Maple Grove and the Thunderhawks’ quarterfinal opponent, White Bear Lake.

“Our schedule is strong enough that, if you’re not playing well, it’s going to expose you,” Clafton said. “The schedule did its job and the kids did their job, learning from their mistakes and then got rewarded for some of the things we were harping on when they ripped off some of the big wins that they did. It emphasizes the importance of the structure that we wanted and they had success with it.”

The legendary Duluth East coach is just six victories from becoming Minnesota’s all-time win leader in hockey.

In White Bear Lake, the Thunderhawks face a familiar opponent. The Bears won the Jan. 19 matchup in Grand Rapids 2-0, despite being outshot 32-17. They also have Mr. Hockey finalist Nolan Roed on the roster. Roed had an assist on both White Bear Lake goals in the teams’ earlier meeting.

Clafton knows they need to give Roed the “respect he deserves,” but it’s more about staying the course.

“It’s just competition and sticking to the game plan,” Clafton said. “I’m not so much worried about what White Bear Lake is going to do, I’m more worried about making sure we’re sticking to our plan and we’re playing the way that we play.”

Murphy said offensively, they need to get more players in front of the net and maybe get an opening or two from Bears goalie Leo Gabriel.

“We need to keep getting those shots on net,” Murphy said. “But we need to have a guy crashing down in front of the net, have a net-front presence, and hopefully the guy doesn’t stand on his head like he did.”

Neither sophomore goalie Carter Casey or Murphy have ever played at Xcel and there will surely “be some nerves right away,” but he’s not worried.

“We get that 15-minute warmup and then we get to go off and calm our nerves,” Casey said. “I think that little 15-minute warmup just to be in front of the crowd will be good to take it all in and then when it’s game time — it’s time to go.”

Since the win over Andover last week, the Thunderhawks coaching staff has tried to let the boys “enjoy the successes and the opportunities” that have come with the spot in the state tournament, but they aren’t just happy to be in St. Paul, according to Clafton.

“Once we get out of town, it becomes a business trip,” Clafton said. “They’re still kids and you want them to enjoy the whole state tournament experience, because that’s part of it. But ultimately, we’re going down there to make some noise. We’re not interested in just getting there.”

Grand Rapids (17-11) will play White Bear Lake at 8 p.m. Thursday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Familiar foes headline Muskegon-area girls hoops roundup for district openers

MUSKEGON, MI – The opening round of the Michigan high school girls basketball district tournament can oftentimes pit familiar foes against each other whether it be conference competitors or neighborhood rivals.The Muskegon area saw a little bit of both on Monday night, as several teams were tasked with beating the same opponent for a third time in one season.The Muskegon and Whitehall girls basketball teams accomplished that feat in impressive fashion, as the Big Reds rolled past OK Green Conference foe Reeths-Puffer 61-2...

The Muskegon area saw a little bit of both on Monday night, as several teams were tasked with beating the same opponent for a third time in one season.

The Muskegon and Whitehall girls basketball teams accomplished that feat in impressive fashion, as the Big Reds rolled past OK Green Conference foe Reeths-Puffer 61-29 and Whitehall fended off West Michigan Conference rival Oakridge for a narrow 36-33 win in the opening round of district tournament action.

Muskegon took a 26-10 lead over the Rockets in the first half and didn’t let its foot off the gas, as the Big Reds outscored Reeths-Puffer 35-17 the rest of the way to advance to Wednesday night’s district semifinals.

Camiyah Bonner finished with a game-high 21 points to lead Muskegon, while Jaila Martin added 16 points and Mariah Sain had 15 points.

Brooklyn Tornes finished with 17 points and three rebounds to pace Reeths-Puffer (9-13), while Irelyn Nicklasch added four points and eight rebounds.

Muskegon (18-5) will take on host Rockford (21-1), the defending Division 1 state champions, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the district semifinals.

Whitehall found itself in a battle with Oakridge on Monday night, as the Vikings took a narrow 15-14 lead into halftime and entered the fourth quarter tied at 23 before pulling away late thanks in large part to a clutch free throw from Lexi Daggett and some key offensive rebounds from former Eagles standout Kendall Osborne.

Daggett, Osborne and freshman Clare Westerlund combined to score 33 of Whitehall’s 36 points to pace the Viking offense.

“Kendall did a great job handling the ball and getting us into our offense, and Lexi did well attacking the basket which was keys for us,” said Whitehall coach Brian Milliron. “Lucy Zamojcin was in early foul trouble before ultimately fouling out, but other girls stepped up including Allie VanAntwerp, Clare Westerlund, Lianne Fagan, and Taylor Ottinger to help get the win.”

Anna Lundquist finished with 20 points, 15 rebounds and five steals to pace Oakridge (8-14), while Cambria Guenthardt added four points.

“It was a hard-fought game all the way to the finish,” said Oakridge coach Saxson Smith. “I’m proud of the effort the girls put forward.”

Whitehall (10-13) will face top-seeded Spring Lake (15-6) in the Division 2 district semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. from Fruitport High School.

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DIVISION 1

Mona Shores 39, Greenville 36

The Sailors took a 24-18 lead into halftime, but Greenville responded with a 10-4 run to tie the game at 28 entering the fourth quarter. Mona Shores put together a clutch 11-8 run down the stretch to secure the narrow win in the Division 1 district opener.

Khaleeya Cook scored 14 points to lead Mona Shores, while Logan Clausen added seven points and Katie Phillips had six points.

Mona Shores (14-9) will face Cedar Springs (17-3) in the Division 1 district semifinals on Wednesday at 5;30 p.m. from Rockford High School.

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DIVISION 2

Fruitport 39, Orchard View 23

The Trojans took a 15-9 lead into halftime and outscored the Cardinals 24-14 the rest of the game to pick up the program’s first playoff win since 2019 and snap a 15-game losing streak.

Freshman Izzy Hanson-Wilbur scored 12 points to pace Fruitport, while Kenzie Pate added nine points, Jorja Blackmer had seven points and Ashton Olson had six points.

Fruitport (7-16) advances to host Montague (8-14) in the Division 2 district semifinals on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

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Ludington 62, Remus Chippewa Hills 26

The Orioles jumped out to a 32-16 lead in the first half and continued to roll past Chippewa Hills the rest of the way to secure an opening-round win Monday night.

Jaelyn Laird finished with 12 points to lead Ludington, while Jennah Skiba and Elianna Jeruzal each added 10 points, Peyton Welch had nine points and Rylee Stone, Ashley Stowe and Madelyn Kenyon each had six points.

Ludington (16-7) will take on Hart (17-5) in the Division 2 district semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. from Big Rapids High School.

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Sparta 40, Newaygo 31

The Lions trailed 14-13 at halftime before the Spartans went on a 16-10 run in the third quarter to pull away and sealed the win with a strong fourth-quarter effort in the opening round of the district tournament on Monday night.

Maria Riddering finished with nine points, five rebounds and four steals to pace Newaygo (12-11), while Ruby Hughes added eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks and Addison Goodin grabbed 10 rebounds.

“The last game of the season is always a tough one,” said Newaygo coach Nate Thomasma. “I thought the girls played hard tonight and with great energy. We just had a tough start to the second half and couldn’t quite dig ourselves out of the hole.”

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DIVISION 3

Manistee 61, LeRoy Pine River 58

The Mariners trailed 16-13 at the end of the first quarter but exploded for a 23-point effort in the second quarter to take a 39-29 lead at halftime. Manistee fended off Pine River down the stretch to secure an opening-round victory in the Division 3 district tournament on Monday.

Jayna Edmondson finished with 18 points and nine rebounds to lead Manistee, while Libby McCarthy added nine points, 11 rebounds, six steals and four assists, Alayna Edmondson had nine points and four assists, Grace Witmer had seven points and Avamae Fett had six points.

Manistee (10-13) will face host Manton (17-5) in the Division 3 district semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

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Ravenna 68, Grand Rapids Wellspring Prep 14

The Bulldogs rolled out to a 44-7 lead in the first half and continued to cruise past Wellspring Prep on Monday in the opening round of the Division 3 district tournament.

Mattisen Crowley scored 28 points to lead Ravenna, while Sydney Morrissey and Alivia Gilbert each added seven points, and Natalie Rosel and Addison Gillard each had six points.

Ravenna (9-14) will take on host Kent City (18-4) in the Division 3 district semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

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Shelby 42, White Cloud 19

The Tigers used an 8-2 run in the second quarter to take a six-point lead into halftime and proceeded to outscore the Indians 29-12 in the second half to secure the opening-round win in Division 3 district action on Monday night.

Molli Schultz finished with 14 points to pace Shelby, while Kylie Brown added 11 points and nine rebounds, and Biloxi Lee had 14 rebounds and six assists.

Jaden Gomez finished with eight points to lead White Cloud (8-15), while Tanayah Klammer added five points.

“I told the girls after the game that I enjoyed every minute of the season because they are a fun bunch to be around,” said White Cloud coach Caleb Wilk. “I’ll miss coaching our six seniors, but I know they will be going off to do amazing things.”

Shelby (7-16) will host North Muskegon (12-10) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Division 3 district semifinals.

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Maranda’s Weekend Fun Guide: March 8-10

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (ABC 4)- The weekend is approaching, and it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore family-friendly events and activities throughout West Michigan. Refer to Maranda’s Weekend Fun Guide of things to do Friday, March 8, through Sunday, March 10.TOP PICKS FOR WEEKEND FUN’59th Annual Maple Sugar Festival’ at the Kalamazoo Nature CenterJoin the Kalamazoo Nature Center in celebrating the maple sugaring season!On Saturday, March 9, their 59th annual Maple Sugar Festi...

TOP PICKS FOR WEEKEND FUN

’59th Annual Maple Sugar Festival’ at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

Join the Kalamazoo Nature Center in celebrating the maple sugaring season!

On Saturday, March 9, their 59th annual Maple Sugar Festival takes place, and a lineup of fun activities is in store. Attend a pancake breakfast, maple sugar tours, exhibits, live music, artmaking, animal ambassador presentations and more. View ticket prices and details here.

World of Winter: Closing Ceremony & Luminary Night Parade

“World of Winter” ends this Sunday, March 10, but not before hosting the ultimate community celebration. From 6-9 p.m., enjoy live music and entertainment, a complimentary s’mores station, art installations, a parade led by a drumline, food trucks and watch beautiful lanterns at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids.

There is no cost to attend. Learn more here.

Grand Rapids Public Museum Sensory Sunday

“Sensory Sundays,” an initiative designed to support visitors on the autism spectrum and individuals with other sensory processing needs, begins March 10 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Visitor accommodations include adjusted sound and lighting, a low-sensory planetarium show, sensory bags and quiet stations.

Learn more here.

‘Disney Princess: The Concert’ at Miller Auditorium

Experience the concert of a lifetime this Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m., at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. “Disney Princess: The Concert” is enchanting and perfect for all ages! Find more details here.

MORE PICKS FOR WEEKEND FUN

Slithering Sunday at the GR Downtown Market

Experience a “reptilian riff” at the Downtown Market this Sunday! From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., “Slithering Sunday” is happening, and attendees can get up close to snakes, gators, turtles, axolotls and more. Find more information here.

Grand Rapids Ballet School JRCO presents ‘Snow White’

here.

‘Michigan Horse Expo’ in Lansing

One of the country’s “longest-running equine events” returns to the MSU Livestock Pavilion in East Lansing this Friday through Sunday. It’s the “Michigan Horse Expo” featuring fun events like a rodeo, mane event, vendor areas and more. View additional details here.

HIS Dance Academy Ensemble presents ‘Desert: A Good Samaritan Story’

This Saturday, at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., HIS Dance Academy Ensemble will showcase an original contemporary ballet titled “Desert: A Good Samaritan Story” at The Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Arts and Worship. Find more information here.

Bunny’s Book Bash at Woodland Mall

Celebrate National Reading Month this Sunday during “Bunny’s Book Bash” at Woodland Mall. Occurring from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., this family-friendly event includes story times with your favorite book characters, meet and greets, face painting, balloon twisting, puzzles, coloring and more. View more details here.

Fellinlove Farm’s ‘Look for Lucky the Leprechaun’

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at FellinLove Farm in Holland! Their “Look for Lucky the Leprechaun” event, occurring Saturday, March 9, from 2-4 p.m., features a kids’ corner with crafts and prizes, a shamrock nature trail, visits with animals, a St. Patrick’s Day unicorn and more fun for the entire family. RSVP is required. Learn more here.

Your Grand Rapids Weekend Guide: March 7-10

Looking for something fun to take part in this weekend? The city of Grand Rapids is showcasing a diverse array of events, concerts, and experiences for residents and visitors alike!March 7-10Les Misérables for the 21st CenturyFor those looking for a cultural experience, Broadway Grand Rapids presents Les Misérables, currently on stage at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids through, Sunday March 10. This Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon has been hailed by Huffington Post as &ldqu...

Looking for something fun to take part in this weekend? The city of Grand Rapids is showcasing a diverse array of events, concerts, and experiences for residents and visitors alike!

March 7-10Les Misérables for the 21st Century

For those looking for a cultural experience, Broadway Grand Rapids presents Les Misérables, currently on stage at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids through, Sunday March 10. This Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon has been hailed by Huffington Post as “Les Mis for the 21st Century.”

Set against the backdrop of nineteenth century France, the musical tells a captivating story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption. Featuring a magnificent score that includes beloved songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Bring Him Home,” Les Misérables is a timeless testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Tickets are still available through the end of the weekend, offering a perfect opportunity for audiences of all ages to enjoy this unforgettable production.

Rush tickets for student and educators are available at $30 with a valid school ID, subject to availability. The limit is two tickets per person. There are tickets available for evening performances Thursday, March 7- Sunday, March 10, and for matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

March 7-10Live Music at Pyramid Scheme

For those seeking a more lively evening, The Pyramid Scheme (one of my favorite venues in town) provides a vibrant atmosphere for young adults looking to enjoy live music and socialize with friends. On Thursday, March 7, enjoy indie synth music with Ethereal, Odd Space, and Vert Terms. Friday, March 8, brings a night of metal with Throne, Drink Their Blood, Attrition Cult, and MDOP. Saturday, March 9, features the metal band Still Remains. Finally, on Sunday, March 10, unwind with 2000s pop rock from Midwest Skies, Years Later, and When The Sun Sets, along with a performance by singer-songwriter Melissa Dylan. The Pyramid Scheme is located at 68 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids. For information on show times and pricing, visit pyramidschemebar.com.

March 9Mandela: The Official Exhibition

For a more educational experience, consider visiting Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Opening to the public on March 9, running through May 26, this immersive exhibit offers a unique insight into the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Through exclusive photos, film, and personal effects from the Mandela family’s collection, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this iconic figure. Many of these items are being displayed outside of South Africa for the first time, making this exhibition a must-see for history enthusiasts of all ages. Mandela: The Official Exhibition is included with general admission to the museum, offering an enriching experience for the whole family. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids. For information on museum hours, pricing and parking, visit grpm.org.

March 10Slithering Sunday at Grand Rapids Downtown Market

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is gearing up for an exciting event this weekend with its first-ever Slithering Sunday on March 10. Aimed at children and families, this unique event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Greenhouse and Banquet Room. Attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with live critters, including turtles, snakes, gators, and other non-furry friends.

The event aims to be both fun and educational, with experts on hand to share insights into these creatures’ habitats, food sources, and other fascinating facts. Slithering Sunday is free to attend and promises to be a memorable experience for all. Grand Rapids Downtown Market is located at 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids. Visit the website for more information.

AI software translates GRPS vlogs into Spanish

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Public Schools is now using artificial intelligence software to translate videos and better reach Spanish-speaking families in the district.The Spanish video blogs of Superintendent Leadriane Roby are posted on the district w...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Public Schools is now using artificial intelligence software to translate videos and better reach Spanish-speaking families in the district.

The Spanish video blogs of Superintendent Leadriane Roby are posted on the district website in addition to the original English version.

The videos are uploaded to a website that processes the clip and creates the new version. GRPS pays $1,500 a year for the subscription.

News 8 spoke with Roby Tuesday as she was recording an upcoming video.

“We were missing a target audience when we did not have an access point for them,” Roby said. “The first time that I saw it. I was like, that person’s voice sounds like me and even kind of the intonation and different things and I was like, ‘How did they do that?’ and so I was amazed by it.”

The superintendent does not speak Spanish but about 40% of the students in the district do and 28% say it is their preferred language at home.

The videos also make it clear AI was used, according to Leon Hendrix, the executive director of communications.

“We want to make sure that folks know that this is a computer-assisted translation so we put that right on screen anytime we use this,” Hendrix said.

As impressive as the technology may be, Hendrix said it is not putting GRPS translators out of work.

“We also make sure this message is reviewed by someone who is a native Spanish speaker for accuracy, for clarity, before it’s ever published,” Hendrix said.

GRPS is also looking for ways the software can be used to help students learn.

“In education, we’re always learning and growing and we have to embrace technology. We can’t be afraid of it because what ends up happening is we kind of put up these barriers of we can’t do anything with it or we’re afraid to kind of engage in it and our young people sometimes get ahead of us and we should be learning right along with them,” Roby said.

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