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9th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up
West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Grand Rapids Young Professionals will host the 9th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up on Saturday, September 15 at Sixth Street Park. Over the past eight years, we have organized thousands of volunteers to pick up nearly 100,000 pounds of refuse from the banks of the Grand River and its tributaries in Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville and Wyoming. Last year, a record 370 volunteers picked up a record 23,043 pounds of trash from 16 miles of riverbank.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Walker Mayor Rob VerHeulen, Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Grandville Mayor James Buck are sponsoring this year’s clean up of the Grand River in their respective communities. An estimated 450 volunteers are needed to collectively cover over 12 miles of riverbank.
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at Sixth Street Park with the Clean Up running from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be transported by shuttle bus to various locations in Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, and Grandville. Refreshments will be served before and after the event.
The Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up began nine years ago as a collaboration between WMEAC and the City of Grand Rapids. Refuse collected from the river and its banks during revious clean ups include plastic and glass bottles, plastic bags, tires, television sets, discarded clothing, shoes, roofing shingles, a discarded bed with mattress, fishing and camping equipment and many other assorted items.
Moms Clean Air Force Out to Clean Up the Community
September 14, 2012
Moms Clean Air Force is a national movement of more then 80,000 moms – and dads too! – who are protecting our children’s rights to clean air – just as our parents fought for us, forty years ago, when the Clean Air Act was first passed.
Rallying that incredible force of moms and dads everyday is our family of bloggers and grassroots field team, to take our mission to local communities.
Politicians in Congress, encouraged by irresponsible corporations and lobbyists for polluters, are trying to gut the Clean Air Act and dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency. They are fighting for the right to pollute our air.
Lined up against them to strengthen clean air regulations are some of the most respected medical organizations in the world: the American Lung Association; the American Medical Association; the American Heart Association; the American Academy of Pediatricians; the American Nurses Association. Now there’s another powerful group supporting our rights to clean air: Moms Clean Air Force.
Air pollution is dirty. It is toxic. Moms Clean Air Force can show you how pollution connects to disease. Moms will do everything they can to keep their children safe and sound. We look for the healthiest foods we can afford; we avoid toxic chemicals in our products. But there are some things we simply cannot buy. Clean air is one. We need job-creating regulations to assure that our children have clean air right now, and for their futures..
Sometimes, being a good moms means being an active citizen.
Moms Clean Air Force is a national movement of more then 80,000 moms – and dads too! – who are protecting our children’s rights to clean air – just as our parents fought for us, forty years ago, when the Clean Air Act was first passed.
Rallying that incredible force of moms and dads everyday is our family of bloggers and grassroots field team, to take our mission to local communities.
Politicians in Congress, encouraged by irresponsible corporations and lobbyists for polluters, are trying to gut the Clean Air Act and dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency. They are fighting for the right to pollute our air.
Lined up against them to strengthen clean air regulations are some of the most respected medical organizations in the world: the American Lung Association; the American Medical Association; the American Heart Association; the American Academy of Pediatricians; the American Nurses Association. Now there’s another powerful group supporting our rights to clean air: Moms Clean Air Force.
Air pollution is dirty. It is toxic. Moms Clean Air Force can show you how pollution connects to disease. Moms will do everything they can to keep their children safe and sound. We look for the healthiest foods we can afford; we avoid toxic chemicals in our products. But there are some things we simply cannot buy. Clean air is one. We need job-creating regulations to assure that our children have clean air right now, and for their futures..
Sometimes, being a good moms means being an active citizen.
West Michigan Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association Helps Clean Up the Region
September 14, 2012
The purpose of the West Michigan Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association is to promote better understanding and awareness of the challenges that exist in air pollution control, waste processing and control, and environmental management programs. The Chapter promotes camaraderie among environmental professionals to help foster a spirit of cooperation, so together we may more effectively address the many environmental challenges we all face. This partnership includes government, academia, industry, and those in the private service industry, including consultants and attorneys. As a non-profit, technical and educational organization, the Chapter’s main goal is to disseminate information related to air and waste management and environmental quality management to its members. The Chapter also promotes environmental education by participating in various education outreach programs, such as providing educational materials and assistance to community schools and establishing a scholarship program for qualified college students in environmental studies.
The Chapter is excited to have the opportunity to sponsor the Mayors’ Annual Grand River Clean-up on behalf of our young professionals group. It’s a great way for our members to support local environmental stewardship efforts.
Clean Up Sponsor: Free DTE Energy Home Energy Consultation Program Available Now
September 14, 2012
DTE Energy’s Home Energy Consultation Program is now available in your community to help you save energy and take control of your home energy cost!
The DTE Energy Home Energy Consultation Program offers DTE customers a free home energy consultation that evaluates the energy efficiency of the home and provides energy saving tips. Along with the assessment, aDTE contractor will install the following free energy saving products:
- Water-saving faucet aerators for kitchen and bath
- Water-saving showerheads
- Water heater pipe wrap
- Programmable Thermostat (pending eligibility)
The greatest value, however, is the education shared to help change behaviors. As well, there is absolutely no income requirement to participate in the program. The only requirement is that they are a resident of a single-family home, and a DTE customer in active status – even rental properties are eligible.
Please call today to schedule your appointment for your DTE Energy Home Energy Consultation at 866-796-0512.
Consumers Energy Sponsors and Supports the Clean Up
September 14, 2012
Consumers Energy’s environmental stewardship stretches back more than a century to when company founders harnessed the flow of Michigan rivers to bring the life-changing benefits of electric power to communities across Michigan.
That commitment continues today, whether its gathering materials for recycling, providing water educational programs for children or assisting with cleaning up the Grand River. In the future, Consumers Energy plans to make more investments to preserve Michigan’s environment. This includes additional investments in clean, renewable energy projects and emission control equipment for its generating plants.
On Tap: All Day IPA and Centennial IPA
September 14, 2012
Originally developed for colonialists receiving shipments of beer that could survive the voyage from Britain to India, the IPA (India Pale Ale) has become a popular brew amongst Americans today. For residents of Grand Rapids, two ubiquitously sold IPAs come from Founders Brewery: the All Day IPA and Centennial IPA.
Almost all beers consist of four basic ingredients: water, yeast, hops and grain. The hops keep bacteria from ruining the beer while providing the bitter flavor. Depending on the amount of hops a beer contains, the bitterness strengthens or weakens accordingly. The grain contains sugars that facilitate the process of fermentation while affecting the color, flavor, body, and texture of the beer. Each beer’s unique flavor depends on the amount of each ingredient as well as the different types of grains used. In the case of an IPA, most contain an IBU (International Bitterness Unit) of 40-60 and an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 4-7 percent. While there are plenty of breweries producing various types of India Pale Ales, the All Day and Centennial IPAs stand out.
Boasting a 2010 GABF (Great American Beer Festival) silver medal, the All Day IPA truly lives up to its name. It’s no wonder why: from the moment it’s opened to the moment the last drop hits the back of your tongue, each sip should go down with a pause to bask in its hoppy-sweet aftertaste. With an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 4.7 percent and an IBU (International Bitterness Units) of 42, the All Day is one you can actually drink all day.
The Centennial IPA, a 2010 WBC (World Beer Cup) bronze medal winner, possesses an ABV of 7.2 percent, with 65 IBUs. Although it contains a higher alcohol percentage as well as a higher mark in the bitterness scale, the Centennial is more flavorful than its sibling, the All Day. The All Day’s refreshing “hoppiness” is the most noticeable after each swig. The Centennial has a rounder, rich, full-bodied flavor with a noticeable maltiness that mixes well with its bitter component giving the palate a broader range of different flavors.
Despite the fact that both beers are India Pale Ales, the differences in flavor and boldness make them distinct from one another. Beer drinkers that desire a refreshing, in-your-face kind of IPA might relish the All Day while those that want something with a little more range might savor the Centennial. Both beers are equally enjoyable for their own individual characteristics, and luckily, Founders Brewery is featuring both for of-age volunteers of the 2012 Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup on September 15, 2012.
Boardwalk Subs
September 14, 2012
Boardwalk Subs is a family owned and operated sub shop that delivers value food with sliced specialty meats, fresh bakery bread, and numerous toppings to choose from. Their appetizing menu includes 25 different subs including soups and salads. Instead of using precut items, Boardwalk Subs slices their meats and cheeses according to order and ensures that each entrée is affordable (fewer than ten dollars per sandwich).
The business has two locations: a recently relocated one on Gezon Parkway in Wyoming, Michigan, and one on Lake Michigan Drive in Standale, Michigan. Both locations offer services for catering, tailgate parties, corporate luncheons, and fundraising options for organizations that wish to partnership with them.
Aside from boasting top quality fifteen inch sandwiches, what distinguishes Boardwalk Subs from other corporate-owned sandwich shops that care more about speed and cheap prices like Jimmy John’s or Subway is their membership to Local First. Local First is an organization advocating for local business ownership in the Midwest. They encourage the development of a sustainable West Michigan economy through the promotion of local businesses, social equity, and environmental stewardship through the education, support and collaboration of the surrounding communities.
Through organizations like Local First, Boardwalk Subs supports and involves itself with the Grand Rapids community such as its sponsorship of the Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup.
In a fast-food culture where cheap prices and speediness replace quality and conscience, Boardwalk Subs manages to fulfill both sides of the spectrum. With great tasting, quality subs, salads, and soups, Boardwalk Subs manages to also participate in the community to give back to the people of Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids’ Mayor George Heartwell
September 13, 2012
In his third term as Mayor of Grand Rapids since 2004, Mayor George Heartwell has enacted numerous “green” initiatives that has 
made put Grand Rapids on the map for a more sustainable future. He was the only mayor involved in the first six Grand River Clean Up, until other nearby cities joined in the yearly annual event.
Just this summer, the U.S. Conference of Mayors awarded Heartwell first place in the Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards under the large city category of 2012. This acknowledgement granted the city $25,000 to be distributed among green businesses and programs. Mayor Heartwell helped found the Grand Rapids Area Community Sustainability Partnership, which now boasts over 200 members. Also with the help of Mayor Heartwell, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy formed and then created the Office of Energy and Sustainability for the City of Grand Rapids.
Under his leadership, Grand Rapids enacted the Sustainability Plan FY2011-FY2015, which focuses on implementing economic, social, and environmental action over the time period. The first-year report of the Sustainability Plan proved that one quarter of the environmental targets already were completed and 68 percent of all targets were in progress, with 24 percent already completed. Led under Mayor Heartwell, Grand Rapids is proud to be part of the BetterBuildings for Michigan program and also be the home of the most LEED Certified buildings per capita. The city has also been acknowledged as one of the five model cities for sustainability in the nation.
Mayor Heartwell continues to move Grand Rapids toward an even “greener” future under the Sustainability Plan and also with the goal for 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. The 9th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up will further add to the list of initiatives the city has taken, expecting close to 450 participants, proving that once the work has been planted, the idea of sustainability continues to grow
Baker Holtz CPAs and Advisors
September 13, 2012
Baker Holtz CPAs and Advisors, made up of financial and tax consulters, has been in the Grand Rapids community for over 30 years 
and is excited to be a sponsor of the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up.
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the business is closely tied to its community. Furthering its work in the area, Baker Holtz is ready to step outside of the office to continue its community service work. Many staff members and their families will be at the cleanup this Saturday to help lend a hand in the preservation of the Grand River.
Steelcase Inc.
September 13, 2012
Steelcase, recently celebrating 100 years of serving the world’s leading organizations, is continuing its legacy through sponsoring the
Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up.
Throughout its legacy Steelcase emphasizes that, as a company, they design for social, economic and environmental sustainability. As a global company based in Grand Rapids Michigan Steelcase endeavors to participate in creating a better environment and promoting the local community to greater heights.
A large part of their effort to make the best products for the world is considering the impact of their work while initiating community cooperation. They do this through the constant adherence to their triple bottom line; people, planet and profit. By integrating the importance of caring for the planet and for the people within their global and local communities Steelcase is able to ensure that sustainable practices are more than just a side note but are a part of the corporation’s success.
The Mayors’ Clean Up is sure to be a success with such environmentally passionate sponsors such as Steelcase.
Feyen Zylstra LLCC
September 13, 2012
Feyen Zylstra, as an electrical contractor in the West Michigan area, understand the importance of sustainable practices, especially 
those preserving our water and energy resources. Due to this, Feyen Zylstra decided to sponsor the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up as another way to participate in their community.
Feyen Zylstra plays an active role throughout the West Michigan community and take full responsibility for the role they can play for their neighborhood’s positive growth. They consistently work with Toys for Tots, Gilda’s Club, United Way Day of Caring, the “Schools of Hope” Program, the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, among many other community programs and organizations.
Once again, we are looking forward to having such a committed sponsor from the area participate in the Mayors’ Clean Up.
Starbucks
September 13, 2012
Starbucks continues its company’s focus on practicing and promoting sustainable growth and action through its sponsorship of the
Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up. Starbucks believes that caring for the planet is not only important, it makes good business sense and is the right thing to do.
Much of Starbucks’ work revolves around recycling, composting and using more earth-friendly reusable items within their cafes. In addition, Starbucks is committed to covering their electricity consumption with renewable energy by 2015 and reducing total energy consumption by 25 percent. Much of their work results in LEED Certified stores, energy efficient lighting and equipment as well as renewable energy credits.
As a company that relies on water for its product, Starbucks plans continue its water conservation efforts by reducing water use by 25 percent by 2015. Among water management practices, such as new water filtration systems, Starbucks also focuses on saving water through landscaping initiatives, such as rain gardens.
As a part of the community, Starbucks ensures that they are helping their neighborhoods thrive. Sponsoring the Mayors’ Clean Up was just another way for Starbucks to practice is environmental work while promoting and participating in the local community.
The CarbonNeutral Company
September 13, 2012
The CarbonNeutral Company is a proud sponsor of the Grand Rapids Mayors’ River Clean Up. Since its establishment in 1997 the 
company’s reputation as a world leader for carbon reduction solutions has grown. The company works with more than 400 companies and has contracted over 8 million tones of carbon.
As a part of its commitment to providing solutions and sustainable options for companies the CarbonNeutral Company provides quality assurance programs for businesses looking to increase value through reducing carbon emissions. In addition, they highlight the need and benefits of corporate responsibility.
Part of their own corporate responsibility programs is sponsoring local environmental and sustainable programs, such as the Mayors’ Clean Up.
20 Liters
September 13, 2012
As a sponsor for the Grand Rapids Mayors’ Clean Up, 20 Liters is continuing its commitment to create access to clean water for 1 billion people who lack it…20 liters at a time. As a part of their sponsorship, 20 Liters will be on-site taking water from the Grand River and cleaning it for drinking.
20 Liters is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing clean water, specifically for Rwanda but is also expanding to other areas of the globe. It’s name is in recognition of the minimum amount of water needed each day for adequate hydration and hygiene. 20 Liters also serves as a symbol of the common site of a 20 liter jerry can carried around to find clean water.
To date, 20 Liters provided clean water to over 14,080 people in Masaka, Rwanda and is expanding their program to include a plan to provide clean water to over 87,000 people in Rwanda by 2015. Among other projects, 20 liters installs and educates communities on harvesting rain bottle through the use of rain cisterns and slow-sand filters, both sustainable and economic practices for saving and using clean water.
Although Rwanda is 20 Liter’s focus, they are well aware of West Michigan’s own water issues. They decided to sponsor the Grand River Clean Up as a way to acknowledge and actively work on local water issues while still remaining on task with their overall mission. We are happy to have a fantastic organization, with a mission close to our own, working with us this Saturday!
Coca-Cola Bottling
September 13, 2012
Coca-Cola Bottling once again is sponsoring Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up. Thanks to Coca-Cola, there will be complimentary Coke 
products at the volunteer after party. Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident through their long-term work and sponsorship of sustainable programs throughout the globe.
As the world’s largest beverage producer, Coca-Cola committed $10.5 million in new grants to be used to spark sustainability efforts on six continents. The grants will stimulate work in water stewardship and community recycling, among other environmental initiatives. This coincides with the EPA recognizing Coca-Cola as one of the nation’s top green energy users.
Locally, Coca-Cola Bottling focuses on participating in community events and projects, such as the Mayors’ Clean Up. Coca-Cola’s sponsorship is a part of its Live Positively platform, which has seven areas of focus for the company to make a difference in the world through positive, sustainable growth.
Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery
September 12, 2012
After multiple years of sponsorship, Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery (GRPD) is offering its support to the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up, once again. It plans to make approximately 100 pizzas to feed all of the volunteers that participate in the clean up. GRPD not only supports local initiatives, such as this, but incorporates sustainable and community-oriented practices into its everyday mission and work ethic.
GRPD sits in the historic Heritage Hill area, and is proud to be apart of what owner Michael Raymond, calls an “eclectic community.” It makes utilization of local food products the prime ingredient in its business, with a focus on local, gluten free meats and produce from nearby farms and businesses. GRPD is part of Local First, participates in the Kids’ Food Basket Juice Ball, is an ArtPrize vendor for the third year, and is working hard on cleaning up the State Street area. Raymond runs his company under the principle of reciprocity, that offering support, in turn brings support back to that business.
“It’s a ripple effect, like the water, out in the community. Sometimes it takes a while to come back to you,” said Raymond. As for its environmental initiatives, Michigan materials are used in the packaging of its food products. Although GRPD uses foam cups, which are typically viewed as not so environmentally friendly, Raymond is aware of the less energy it takes to produce a foam cup, and the places that do accept foam for recycling. All cans and containers that hold any bulk food items are also recycled, reducing the company’s waste to a minimum.
“We’re really blessed that the community has rallied behind us,” said Raymond.
The prosperity of GRPD is seen not only through its loyalty to community and environmental programs, but to the individual customer as well. After saving tabs from pizza boxes, customers can bring them in to earn My GR City Points and free menu items. There’s also the “repeat offender” punch card to keep customers coming back to earn a complementary item as well. All college students, military and servicemen receive a 20% discount to honor their community work.
CitizenShirt
September 12, 2012
Thanks to CitizenShirt, the first 450 volunteers will get a commemorative t-shirt for the 9th annual Mayor’s Grand River Clean Up. CitizenShirt, sponsored the Mayor’s Clean Up by doing what they do best; printing t-shirts.
CitizenShirt is dedicated to its mission for thoughtful design, regular collaboration and being a catalyst for good causes. CitizenShirt, with a burgeoning reputation for customer service and impeccable work continues to provide high quality t-shirts to various companies and organizations throughout the area.
By participating in the Mayors’ Clean Up CitizenShirt is joining the effort to preserve and protect our Grand River while recognizing the importance it has on our communities. Thanks to CitizenShirt’s sponsorship WMEAC will be able to provide 450 t-shirts to volunteers as a way to provide a tangible memory for them to carry home.
Padnos: Paper, Plastics, Metals and More
September 12, 2012
Sponsoring the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up for the second year in a row is Padnos, one of the leading businesses in recycling and processing of metal, paper and plastics in Michigan, with 18 locations throughout the state.
Padnos’ mission is to help companies get down to zero waste. Going beyond Michigan, Padnos is able to manage the scrap materials for various industrial companies across the United States as well. Padnos also added electronics recycling. As a part of keeping on top of the latest recycling trends, the Padnos facility in Wyoming adopted solar energy in order to produce clean and renewable energy on site, furthering its commitment to reducing wastes.
As a sponsor for the Mayors’ Clean Up Padnos is once again showing dedication to environmental and green initiatives.
Davenport University
September 12, 2012
Davenport University continues its sponsorship of the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up for the second year in a row. As a 
sponsor, the school brings in a lot of students to donate their time at the event, with the majority of their volunteers coming from the basketball teams.
“It’s a great project for people to do good and work together,” said Nicholas Smith, coordinator of student activities at Davenport.
Recycling, environmental, and health concerns are part of the day-to-day culture on campus. Davenport implement the Grow program to help students be knowledgeable and aware of the healthy food choices available to them in the dining halls, including hormone-free dairy products and local food options. One of Davenport’s most important events is Green Week, with lectures, events and activities that all focus on green initiatives. This campus-wide event spreads awareness and activism among the students, all through a sustainable lens.
We are looking forward to see our sponsor Davenport University at the Mayors’ Clean Up as we work on sustainable action together.
Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids
September 12, 2012
The Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids, as a Green Hotels member, places emphasis on its initiatives in the area 
of energy and waste management, policies, sponsorships and offering green alternatives to customers. This year, Holiday Inn pledged to sponsor the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up, in addition to partnering with a local elementary recycling program, promoting the use of bicycles to guests, and investigating rainwater usage, among numerous other options.
Since 2009, the local Holiday Inn has reduced wastes and consumptions dramatically. Electricity, natural gas, and water use all decreased in each guest room, with in-room energy management systems, efficient lighting, drip irrigation, and its linens program.
The hotel composts 291,840 pounds of organic waste annually and it also switched from to paper liners and glass cups instead of plastic and Styrofoam materials in the guest rooms. Another recent initiative are Green Meeting packages, which gives any business or group the opportunity to host a meeting with environmentally friendly materials and utensils, foods, and recycling bins.
With a strong focus on community, the Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids takes part in numerous sponsorships connected to the local area. In addition to the Mayor’s Grand River Clean Up, it hosts community events such as the monthly “Lights Out Lunch” and e-waste collection drives. With such a strong passion for the environment, we are happy to have the Holiday Inn Downtown as a Clean Up sponsor.
GM Components Holdings Back to Clean Up the River
September 12, 2012
After a great experience in 2011, General Motors Components Holdings returns to the 9th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up as a sponsor and a volunteer group.
“Community outreach and environmental stewardship are integral parts of GM’s ‘Environmental Principles,’ which are the foundation of the corporation’s environmental philosophy and have been incorporated into GM’s business plan world-wide,” said Annette Wendland, Environmental Engineer at GM Components Holdings. “We are participating because we feel it is important to be actively involved in giving back to our local community and protecting its environment.”
Bringing a collection of salary and UAW personnel, as well as their families, the volunteer group from GM Components Holdings will have the opportunity uphold their environmental principles. “We’re returning for our second year because it’s such a fun way for us as a group to meet and work with other people in the community who share these same principles.”
GM Components Holdings is based locally in Wyoming at the former Delphi plant. GMCH, through the GM Foundation, is the presenting sponsor for the Plaster Creek site group, which is located only a few miles from the plant.
Volunteer Group Sunday Football League Ready to Do Some Heavy Lifting
September 12, 2012
The Sunday Football League, a affiliation of locally based recreational football players, will be giving back to the community that helped launch and grow the organization by volunteering at the 9th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up.
“We are a compilation of prep players, high school grads, college students and grads, fathers, sons, grandfathers and husbands who just love to play football,” said Rob Schoonmaker, a long-time player and organizer of the clean up volunteer group. “The league started in 1994 with two captains picking teams for a good ole backyard-style football game and has grown into a six-team league with over 100 active players. We play at different parks throughout Grand Rapids and love the opportunity to give back to the community that has allowed us to grow to what we are now.”
Dozens of the league’s players and family members will join forces with other local organizations to lend a helping hand to the community during the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up. One of the league’s member teams, the Lowell Showboats, are also collaborating with the Breylon Senn Research Fund to raise awareness for Mitochondrial Disease, and its players will sport a Breylon Seen benefit t-shirt during the event.
Games are played weekly at Hillcroft Park in Wyoming. Learn more about the Sunday Football League on its homepage here.
As it happens, WMEAC Policy Director Nicholas Occhipinti was actually inducted into the SFL Hall of Fame in 2007. He is no longer active with the league.
Profile on Clean Up After Party Headliner Potato Moon
September 11, 2012
A band that has hit creative stagnancy is often times a band that has reached its peak, and in some cases, its death. They may remain popular amongst cult listeners, but if artists are not pushing their own musical boundaries, they are no longer relevant—lost in the wake of their own design. On the other end, not all changes are positive; some artists move in a direction that old fans are no longer interested in following. However, Grand Rapids based Potato Moon does not fall in either category.
The band currently consists of six members: Ben Stancil, Jane (Stancil) Steele, Laura Stancil, Phil Stancil Sr., Phil Stancil Jr., Michael Sullivan, and Jimmy Schultz (the last two being relatively new additions to the formerly all-family band). Originally starting as an acoustic folk and bluegrass family band, Potato Moon slowly evolved throughout the years, eventually drawing new inspiration from genres such as blues and rock. However, the original elements of bluegrass and folk have managed to remain present in their current sound as the musicians have skillfully mastered the constant concurrence of diverse styles and elements.
Each album marks a significant growth in the conceptual and technical aspects of Potato Moon. The band’s first album, self-titled Potato Moon (2001), is a compilation of raw country ballads. Potato Moon led to the utilization of vocal harmonies and bluegrass instrumentation—a more mature sound marked by Midnight Water (2002). Their sophomore album eventually led to the concept album, Carnival, two years later about a carnival band from the ‘30s.
After Carnival, Potato Moon moved away from its “family band” novelty by adding two new members, Michael Sullivan and Jimmy Schultz, and released The Life of the Lonely Jones (2006). Their fourth album thrust the band into completely new places containing sounds thick with electric blues guitar riffs, the playful appropriation of studio sounds, and the development of the Jones family—the band’s new alias for live performances. While older albums maintained their acoustic, intimate aura, The Life of the Lonely Jones expanded the band’s musical palate by replacing raw bluegrass instrumentals with soulful blues riffs weaving in and out of the contrasting vocal melodies. The sound got bigger, fuller, and rockier with distorted guitars and atmospheric sounds.
Although their fourth album displayed the distances the band had gone—with two Album of the Year honors at the West Michigan WYCE Jammie Awards—the succeeding album, After the Harvest (2008), was evidence that Potato Moon was pushing their own boundaries, genre notwithstanding. With 31 tracks, most of them lasting between 46 seconds to 5 minutes, the album was a conceptual shift from their previous eight to ten track albums. It was darker, grittier, and more saturated with intense emotions. Sixteenth notes were shaken out of acoustic guitar strings stacked with heavy reverb, following no time signature. Vocal harmonies were darker and earthier, juxtaposing old-timey country and blues with contemporary sound effects. The album never gets boring—new sounds and new textures are discovered with every listen.
While they are no longer as “raw” as their original acoustic tracks, Potato Moon has progressed subtly, but surely enough that older fans remain while garnering attention from new ones. Their fascination with Americana and complimentary storytelling remained in their lyrics and style, yet they still preserve the ability to evolve and broaden musical horizons. It took four years before finally releasing their most current album, The Ghost Sessions (2012), and it is no surprise to hear the diverse changes in the style of lyrics and instrumentation. Twelve years after their birth, Potato Moon have proven once again that they have the energy to grow and escape the clutches of creative stagnancy or irrelevance, and with every album they confidently declare: we are far from death.
Check out their music at http://www.potatomoonband.com.
WMEAC Announces Site Groups
September 11, 2012
WMEAC announces the nine site groups that it will be covering at the 9th Annual Grand River Clean Up:
- Group #1 (Three Sites) – Indian Mounds South/Johnson Park Presented by Feyen Zylstra LLC
- Group #2 (Two Sites) – Grandville Indian Mounds Drive Presented by City of Grandville
- Group #3 (Two Sites) – Wyoming Indian Mounds Drive Presented by City of Wyoming
- Group #4 (Two Sites) – Market Avenue Presented by City of Grand Rapids.
- Group #5 (Two Sites) – Wealthy Street Bridge Presented by Founders Brewing Company
- Group #6 (Three Sites) – Plaster Creek Presented by General Motors Components Holding
- Group #7 (Three Sites) – North Monroe and Indian Mill Creek Upper Presented by Autodie
- Group #8 (Three Sites) – Downtown and Butterworth Park Presented by Steelcase Inc.
- Group #9 (Three Sites) – Riverside Parks and Indian Mill Creek Lower Presented by Great Lakes Commission
Presenting Mayors’ Clean Up Sponsor Founders Brewing Co.
September 5, 2012
Internationally awarded and nationally loved, Founders Brewing Co. is a company that continues to invest and take part in their home state and local community of Grand Rapids. Most recently, Founders Brewing Co. will sponsor the Mayors’ Grand River Clean Up coming up on September 15.
“Keeping all of our natural resources healthy, vibrant and clean is our responsibility,” said Dave Engbers, co-founder and vice president of Founders Brewing Co. “The Grand River is the reason why Grand Rapids was originally established as a trading post: We have a responsibility to celebrate, nurture and respect what it has brought to our community.”
The four-city initiative to keep the riverbanks of the Grand River clean is a part of Founders’ long-term support and care of the Grand River, which includes its working with Grand Rapids Whitewater initiative to restore the rapids back into the river. Founders’ concern for the environment goes beyond the banks of the river to promoting recycling on premise and using recycled products when possible. In the past, Founders sponsored the 2012 WMEAC Earth Day Celebration as well as hosting Grand Rapids’ Green Drinks.
The Grand Rapids Mayors’ Clean Up will be another chance not just for Founders but for anyone to give the Grand River a visit and give it a little bit of tender loving care. Plus, what a great chance to hang out with one of Grand Rapids’ favorite breweries!
Coca Cola Sponsorship
August 8, 2012
A big thank you to Coca Cola, who will be donating beverages for our volunteers to enjoy after the clean up this year!
Make sure to stick around after the clean up for the volunteer celebration to enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie.
