Tag Archives: workshop

Lavender farm announces first of three summer workshops

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Summerhouse Lavender Farm has created a “zen” garden experience. (SLF)

By Jack Cafretsas
Summerhouse Lavender Farm


The Summerhouse Lavender Farm will offer an educational experience on its farm: The Summerhouse Seminar Series. Guests are invited to take part in planting, demonstrations, and games while enjoying crafty culinary creations. Plates and Planting, the first of the events, takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The bitter temperatures of 2019’s final winter storms damaged many of Dan McGavin and Carol Brown’s lavender crop. But instead of seeing loss, the farm owners saw opportunity.

“These events are a celebration of rebirth,” said McGavin.

The couple envisioned the events as an opportunity for the community to discover the magic of the lavender growing process. Attendees will get to learn proper planting techniques, lavender care, harvesting and distilling of the plant. 

There are many things you can do and make with lavender which is why Summerhouse Lavender Farm is hosting workshops this summer. (SLF)

The day will be topped off by enjoying culinary creations derived from lavender, such as lemonade and cookies. Attendees will also get to sample their new line of grilling spice, and enjoy hotdogs provided by the Douglas Root Beer Barrel. Games and other activities are also part of the experience for attendees.

Feeling a drive to keep active after retirement, McGavin and Brown built the lavender farm piece by piece on their Fennville property. The farm is still actively growing, recently expanding into the farm’s back pastures. 

 “We said to ourselves, ‘what do we do now,’” said Brown, who is a former professor of communications. 

Hops and other crops were considered before the two decided on lavender as their new pursuit. From there, they found a one-acre plot in Fennville where they began assembling their dream plant by plant.

The farm now features approximately 825 plants of seven varieties. With these, a host of creations are hand-crafted. Products such as lotions, soap, essential oils, and even honey from the farm’s bees all come from the organically grown lavender. 

Inspired by the calming effects of lavender, the farm has integrated fountains and Zen gardens to create a sense of calm restfulness. The atmosphere is designed to reduce stress as visitors come to reconnect with nature. 

Brown and McGavin say the farm’s motto is, “a creative respect for land, lavender and people.” However, the two say they cherish the people the most. 

“We just want to share what we have created here with those who will love it just as we do,” McGavin said.

More information and pre-sale tickets for the first workshop can be found through the farms Facebook page. Admission for the event is $10. By following the page, fans can stay up to date on the next two workshops which are yet to be announced. 

About the SummerHouse Lavender Farm

The Summerhouse Lavender Farm is located at 2976 65th Street, Fennville, MI. The farm grows seven varieties of plants, with a total of approximately 825 plants. A variety of products, from lotions to essential oils, are available for purchase. For more information call 616.218.5793 or email info@summerhouselavender.com.  

Lavender being prepared at Summerhouse Lavender Farm (SLF)

Employment Expertise: A positive first impression

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By West Michigan Works!

Workshop Spotlight on Introduction to Interviewing

West Michigan Works! talent development instructor, Robin, shared with us some insight into her favorite workshop for job seekers: Introduction to Interviewing. Robin has been with Michigan Works! for 20 years and began teaching workshops last year. This is what she told us about her favorite workshop:

 

What is Introduction to Interviewing?

Intro to Interviewing is a free, one-hour workshop open to the public. This workshop provides job seekers with up-to-date interviewing techniques so they can put their best foot forward with a potential employer.

 

Why is this such an important workshop for job seekers?

There are certain aspects of interviewing that job seekers don’t always think about. In this workshop, we don’t take anything for granted. We cover everything from common-sense dos and don’ts to less obvious aspects, like making eye-contact and speaking confidently. Participants will leave the workshop with a good understanding of how to conduct themselves throughout the interview process, including how to:

  • research the employer and job to prepare for the interview
  • practice answering common interview questions as well as difficult ones
  • dress appropriately
  • ask meaningful questions about the business and position
  • practice active listening and clear, assertive communication

What is something job seekers tell you they were surprised to learn in the workshop?

Job seekers are sometimes surprised to learn about the importance of a professional email address and voicemail message. This includes keeping your voicemail cleaned out so you can accept new messages from potential employers. Preparing for an interview can be stressful and it’s easy for things to get overlooked. Spending a little time on details like these can go a long way toward making a good first impression!

 

Visit jobs.westmiworks.org/calendar/ to find and register for Introduction to Interviewing or another workshop near you!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Stand out from the crowd with a dynamite cover letter

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

Workshop Spotlight on ‘Cover Letter Writing’

We recently asked Beth, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, for some insider information on their free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop:

 

What is Cover Letter Writing?

Cover Letter Writing is a free, one-hour workshop open to the public. This workshop provides job seekers with the skills to craft a strong cover letter that presents them as a strong candidate for the job.

 

Why is this such an important workshop for job seekers?

It is crucial in today’s job market to understand how employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen cover letters and resumes for certain key words and skills related to the job. Job seekers need to know how to tailor their cover letter for ATS screening to get their application materials in front of an actual human. Participants will leave with a good understanding of:

  • what an ATS is and how they work. INSIDER TIP: the website jobscan.co gives an inside look at how ATS scans your application materials for key words.
  • the importance of using specific skills and keywords to tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for.
  • the basic format and content of a cover letter.
  • how to create an opening statement that hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. INSIDER TIP: If the first few sentences sound generic, it won’t set you apart from other candidates. Start with whatever you feel is the most impressive aspect of our experience (relevant skills or abilities, year of experience, etc.).

What is something job seekers tell you they were surprised to learn in the workshop?

Cover letters should not be intimidating or seem daunting!  Once you have your first cover letter written, it is a lot easier to change or update key words/skills as you go. Remember that the skills you have in your 20s may not be the same skills you want to highlight in your 30s, 40s, and so on. Your cover letter will always be a working document.

 

Visit jobs.westmiworks.org/calendar/ to find and register for Cover Letter Writing or another workshop near you!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Local First presents ‘Measure What Matters’ workshop June 21

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By Local First

 

Grab a beer and join the equity and inclusion conversation! The next Measure What Matters workshop will explore the importance of viewing our local economy through an inclusive lens. This workshop will host a discussion focusing on the resources available to build your business, implement access forward principles, and strengthen positive communication between staff. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge to craft an inclusion and equity statement and turn it into a company-wide policy.

 

Measure What Matters is part of Local First’s ‘Good for Grand Rapids’ initiative that brings together and celebrates companies using business as a force for good. These companies have a demonstrated commitment to positive environmental and social change in Grand Rapids and beyond by creating high-quality jobs, stronger communities and a healthier Great Lakes region. The initiative offers resources and best practices for sustainability and social good.

 

Companies — of all sizes and all industries — are encouraged to see how they stack up against other businesses in the nation and determine how much good they do for the local economy by using an online Quick Impact Assessment tool here. It takes 30-60 minutes to complete.

Measure What Matters Workshop

When:  Wednesday, June 21 — 3-5 pm

Where:  LINC UP, 1167 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Price: $10 (Local First Members)-$15 (Nonmembers)

 

REGISTER HERE.

 

Hack the QIA! Local First will also be available to help attendees through the QIA — bring your laptop or mobile device!

 

Introduction
Paul Doyle, Inclusive Performance Strategies

 

Resources
Jill Vyn and Chris Smit, DisArt
Topic: Creating access forward principles in small business

 

Dawn Helou, HR Director, Gordon Food Service
Topic: Written policies, how to enforce and encourage conversation amongst staff

 

Paul Doyle, Inclusive Performance Strategies
Topic: Creating an Inclusion and Equity statement for your business

 

Breannah Alexander, Partners for a Racism Free Community
Topic: Taking it steps beyond an equity and inclusion statement — creating company-wide policy.

 

 

 

The educators are coming—5,000+ of them!

Area Education, Education, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , ,
MACUL
From Wednesday, March 9 through Friday, March 11, thousands of educators will take over the DeVos Place Convention Center. It’s not an invasion. It’s the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning’s (MACUL) 40th annual Conference for Educational Technology.

One of the nation’s largest conferences for educational technology, the event will gather more than 5,000 teachers, administrators and school board members from Michigan, neighboring states and Canada. National leaders and classroom teachers will present more than 350 sessions on best practices and trends in educational technology, along with special events and featured speakers planned to meet the needs of every attending educator in Michigan.

 

“The MACUL Annual Conference is the highlight of the year for educators who strive to explore and utilize innovative teaching tools and strategies,” said Kevin Clark, president of the MACUL board of directors. “With the constant influx of new technology, it can be a challenge for teaching professionals to keep their practice relevant. The MACUL Annual Conference provides the opportunity to see ideas in action, get hands-on professional development, and make connections with colleagues from around the state.”

 

Kent County school districts attending and participating in MACUL include Grand Rapids Public, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, Grand Rapids Catholic Central high school, Forest Hills, Kentwood, Kenowa Hills and East Grand Rapids. The Student Technology Showcase, highlighting he projects of K-12 students from across Michigan, will be held on Thursday, March 10 from 11:00 am to 1 pm.  The showcase will feature some of the top technology projects being used by students in their classrooms.  Students and teachers will be available to discuss and share their projects.

 

The exhibitor section of the MACUL conference will feature more than 200 booths, representing nearly 150 companies. Displays of the latest and greatest in hardware, software, and services will highlight how technology can enhance teaching and learning.  Exhibit days and times at DeVos Place will be Thursday, March 10 from 9:30 am – 5 pm and Friday, March 11 from 8:30 am to 1 pm.  The exhibits are open to the public with a $20 admission charge at the door.

 

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors, go here.

Learn to Shake, Rattle and Roll at GR Civic Theatre this Winter!

Education, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

 

puc2-320[1]By Victoria Mullen

Nope. Even if you’re not a fan of the cold or ice or snow, there is absolutely no reason to be bored this winter. These offerings from the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will have you enjoying the season in no time.

Unarmed Stage Combat Workshop (age 18 and up):

Ever wonder how actors perform realistic-looking actions like falling, punching, kicking, pulling, pushing, rolling, or choking without killing each other? OK, maybe you already know but haven’t given it a try yourself. Well, here’s your chance. This three-weekend series gives participants a chance to work with a professional stunt choreographer to explore basic safe practices in performing staged combat.

Class meets from 3-5 pm three Saturdays in January: the 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Space is limited (4-12 people). Invite your friends and family to the “In-Formance” for the final 30 minutes of class on January 30th and show off what you’ve learned.

This one’s popular folks, so register today. To sign up for the workshop go here. FEE $125.00Errol Flynn

Single Sword Stage Combat Workshop (age 18 and up):

Errol Flynn and Inigo Montoya are just two famous members of the swashbuckling legacy, and you can follow their fancy footsteps by taking this class. Presented by a certified professional instructor, this three-weekend workshop explores basic techniques within the Hollywood style of swordplay. You’ll learn the principles of footwork, spacing, protocol and safe technique. Invite family and friends to the final presentation to show off your new skills. Space is limited (4-12 people), so register now.

Class meets three 3-5 pm Saturdays, February 6, 13 & 27 (NO CLASS February 20). Classroom In-Formance: February 27th — The student may invite family and friends for the final 30 minutes of class! To sign up for this workshop go here. FEE $125.00

On a musical note (Ha! See what we did there?), Civic Theatre offers Musical Theatre Audition Prep Workshops with some presenters who have some serious cred, so you’ll be working with some of the best in the biz.

Broadway Actress, Laurie Veldheer, an alumni of the Civic School of Theatre Arts, has appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia! as Sophie Sheridan and Newsies (Original Broadway Cast). She graduated from Penn State University with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and continues to study in NYC while pursuing her professional career.

Julie Freyer
Julia Freyer

Julia Freyer, a Grand Rapids native and Alumni of Civic School of Theatre Arts, is a proud graduate of Penn State University’s Musical Theatre Program. Freyer’s national tour credits include: A Chorus Line (Judy) with Michael Bennett’s original choreography set by Baayork Lee. Regional favorites: Paper Mill Playhouse in A Chorus Line (Judy) directed by Mitzi Hamilton, Sacramento Music Circus in A Chorus Line (Judy) directed by Stafford Arima, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (The Producers, Curtains), Atlanta Theatre of the Stars (The Producers), Pennsylvania Centre Stage (The Apple Tree, She Loves Me, Pop!). Julia is also a featured dancer with the American Pops Orchestra in Washington DC. Julia currently teaches dance to children and adults in the New York City.

Triple Threat Prep: Vocal, Acting & Dance with Laurie Veldheer and Julia Freyer:

Looking to perfect your vocal, acting and dance skills before Winter and Spring auditions? Let Broadway Actress, Laurie Veldheer and NYC-based audition coach, Julia Freyer take the mystery out of auditioning for musical theatre. Whether you are a beginner, or a veteran performer, Laurie and Julia will help you reach new heights and get the most out of your audition experience.

Session 1 (ages 8-12): Tuesday, December 22, 10am-3:30pm. Session 1 will work on Music first, then have an hour break for lunch and to change into dance clothes for the dance portion of the workshop. To sign up for Session 1 of the workshop, go here. FEE: $225.00

Session 2 (ages 13-Adults): Tuesday, December 22, 11:30am-5:00pm. Session 2 will work on dance first, then have an hour break for lunch before working on the musical portion of the workshop. To sign up for Session 2 of the workshop, go here. FEE: $225.00

Vocal Intensive with Laurie Veldheer   

Lauri Veldheer
Laurie Veldheer

Want to focus on the vocal portion of your audition? Well, this is the workshop for you! Broadway Actress Laurie Veldheer will help students choose appropriate material, maximize their vocal potential, and make strong acting choices. Anyone is welcome to register for this workshop, and students who have already taken the December 22nd workshop will benefit from added coaching and one-on-one time. Session 1 (8-12 year olds): December 29th, 10am-1pm To sign up for session 1 of the workshop, go here. FEE: $150

Session 2 (13-Adults): December 29th, 2pm-5pm  To sign up for session 2 of the workshop, go here. FEE: $150