We need to get over our pride and ego and get on with our lives, Frenz Coffehouse owner Rich Zeck believes.

He is one of many local businesess people who haven’t bought into the news that we are going through the worst of times.

“I can speak for myself because I have lost my job,” he said of a former high-paying career. Zeck opened his own shop after the job loss and also works another part-time job.

Zeck said he believes Americans have allowed their financial fear to dominate their lives and this has made things worse.

“What if there were no newspapers and no televisions? The economy ”d go about our business and have a life.” He believes the stockmarket slumps follow each dire news report as people hunker down, afraid to spend money and get on with things.

Zeck, who is also a college professor, said he understands the economy is a hot topic and his students want to discuss it at length. “It’s such an emotional issue,” he said.

Zeck believes there is plenty of good to be learned and practiced in tough times.

He said friends, neighbors and families helped each other out to make it through the Depression. We should take a page from that chapter of history.

“I knew we were in big trouble when people came in worried about the cost of a barrel of oil and gold,” he said. “That makes no difference to most people.”

Putting hope in corporations and companies rather than in people is part of the error behind economic troubles. “Two hundred years ago you were a seamstress and I was a farmer,” he said. “We helped each other out and did business together.”

Doing this today is what we should be doing, Zech believes. As a coffee shop owner, he has sent customers to the other coffee shops in town. “Too often it’s ‘Me, me, me.’ It’s not me, it’s just us.” He is a firm believer in paying it forward. “If we all took the time to help someone else out, what would that do?” he asked.

Zeck gave the example of people who have lost their jobs. “Get out and volunteer,” he said. “People lose their jobs, collect unemployment and sit around saying, ‘woe is me.’ There are others out there a lot worse than you. Go help. Go volunteer. We’ve got it so good, we have no idea how good we have it.”

The second part-time job Zeck took is in a gerontology organization that helps the poor elderly. After six weeks it has become his inspiration and the greatest thing he’s ever done with his life.

“It’s all perspective,” Zeck said. ” The economy is poor. It’s not the end of the world. Talk to the people in Haiti who have nothing. Talk to the mom who lost her husband in a crash on a snowy road.”

Mike Moyer has owned Bostwick Lake Bakery since 1993. He believes businesses should work together and consumers should shop locally and at locally-owned stores.

He used the examples of Rockford Ace Hardware, where the store is 70 to 80 percent smaller than a Lowes. “You can’t beat them. I bet their prices aren’t even higher and there are people there ready and able to help you.”

Another example Moyer noted was Rockford Floor Covering. He said shops like this are what make Rockford unique and keep our economy local and vibrant. “It is a huge advantage to do business locally,” he said.

Don Kurylowicz, owner of Cannonsburg Grist Mill, Cannonsburg Market and Honey Creek Inn, offered his thoughts on the economy during a Rotary meeting on Tuesday, February 24.

He said he changed his college major in the ’70s because things were so bad. “We were involved in two wars, our president was being impeached, there was no gas, inflation was high,” he said. Kurylowicz eventually studied business and bought a bar in Cannonsburg, and is in his 25th year there.

“You don’t succeed in business, you survive it,” he stated. Now, he said he sees a positive outlook for West Michigan.

Mark Bivins, owner of Creative Concepts Plus on Courtland Street, likewise sees plenty of reason for optimism. “We live in a bubble in West Michigan. We felt the downswing first and maybe we will be the ones to come out of it soonest. I have a lot to look forward to.”

Zeck advised that even in tough times, there is plenty to appreciate. “I have a lot to be grateful for. I have my family, children, health. We all make choices in life. I chose not to be fearful and participate in a bad economy. Your coffee cup is either half empty or half full.”

You can walk into many of the stores in downtown Rockford, and there is a good chance that the business is owned by a woman.

In the United States and in West Michigan, women – and people in general – enjoy many opportunities to benefit from their own efforts, improve their lives and ‘live the American dream.’

In the media, today’s news is all of the sky is falling variety, forgetting or failing to note that our quality of life in the U.S., and in West Michigan, is not really so bad. In fact, we are in a position to help others who truly are in economic and personal disaster.

Jessica Gordon, a local business woman, runs WAR Chest Boutique located at 119 Courtland Street in downtown Rockford. She believes people will be willing to help improve the lives of others if they are given an opportunity.

Gordon tells how her organization helps women in Asia in regions that have become the newest source for traffickers of young destitute girls and women, some as young as nine years old. They are transported across borders and sold into sexual slavery throughout Asia.

Gordon tells of an African business woman who was tricked into selling her business and moved to Thailand where she expected to start a new business. Instead she was forced into prostitution.

Other horror stories include a newborn Thai baby sold for $200 to traffickers.

But there is hope for these women through a Christian organization called Women At Risk (WAR) International.

Partnering with several different programs in other countries like Thailand, Uganda, Nepal, India, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan and the Philippines, Gordon’s boutique showcases jewelry these girls and women produce in safe houses which are sponsored by WAR. The jewelry are made from pearls and semi-precious stones.

“The jewelry is sent on consignment, with the safe houses setting the prices. The proceeds go to these women to help them get their GED, get them proper medical care, preventative medical care,” Gordon explained.

Gordon found herself running the Rockford store after some mutual friends asked her if she was interested. A grant from a private foundation made it possible. “It was kind of an experiment, “Gordon related, “to see if showcasing the women’s work in an environment such as Rockford would work.”

Gordon went to India in her senior year of high school. “I was always interested in going there. I have always been interested in different cultures. My mom used to call me ‘Justice Jessica’ because I always got mad at mean people.”

What she saw was a lot of poverty. “What I walked away with is that they would not question their lot in life. The women in the lower castes felt like they had no control over what is to become of them and many end up becoming prostitutes.”

Gordon stated that women in most cultures overseas are targeted for slavery and prostitution. That is why WAR sponsors programs that teaches these women skills so they can keep them out of the red light district. “You can keep throwing money at them all day, but if you don’t train them, it won’t solve the problem,” Gordon said.

WAR sponsors safe houses, where women are rescued from trafficking and provided job training.

Gordon said that the Rockford area has shown support and concerned for the programs WAR are involved in. “People like knowing that they are purchasing something that is supporting someone,” Gordon said.

For more information on WAR, visit their website at www.warinternational.org, or visit the boutique Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. They are closed Sunday and Monday.

This event honors the top restaurants in West Michigan, as well as acknowledges the accomplishments of the American Culinary Federation and the Greater Grand Rapids Chefs Association.

Grand Rapids Magazine, underwriter of the event, presented awards in the following categories: Fine Dining; Casual Dining; Ethnic Dining: European; Ethnic Dining: Mexican; Central/South American; Ethnic Dining: Asian; and Restaurant of the Year.

Reds on the River in Rockford, a relative newcomer, won its third award in three years. Honored as best new restaurant in 2006 and a 2007 Fine Dining Award winner, Reds again received honors with the fine dining award.

Reds’ Executive Chef and General Manager Glenn Forgie accepted the award for his talented staff, noting he was “extremely honored to represent Reds.”

Forgie credited the strength of his staff. “Our team takes a lot of pride in what they do, working hard every day to prepare and serve their best to Reds’ guests.”

He also thanked Grand Rapids Magazine for hosting the event and recognizing the industry and all the efforts of the nominees. “We are proud to be nominated in the fine dining category, and to win our third award.”

The fine dining category is defined by Grand Magazine as: “top quality ingredients, well presented, somewhat innovative – a complexity of flavors, using the highest quality product. Excellent service and knowledgeable staff.”

The 1913 Room won top restaurant of the year. Forgie noted his congratulations to the 1913 staff, as well as the other award winners and nominees. “There is an incredible group of talent represented at this event, and it is an honor to be acknowledged along with them.”

To register go to www.rpssignmeup.com or call Rockford Community Services at (616) 863-6322. Tickets are $8 per person.

Whatever floats your boat! Last Friday evening, seeking to affirm that spring is indeed on the way, your reporters attended the annual Grand Rapids Boat Show at Devos Place. Along with the recent Camper, Travel & RV Show and the Golf Show winter-weary West Michiganders welcomed these harbingers of Spring.

At the show, we found ourselves sitting in the stands adjacent to what was billed as the “Huge Lagoon”- the largest indoor body of water at any boat show in the nation. This new addition to the show is a 100,000-gallon behemoth of an indoor lake. It was capable of floating special boats on display along with providing a venue for scuba, kayaking, and wakeboard demonstrations. (It was huge!)

As in past years, Rockford’s Powers Outdoors played a prominent role in the staging of the five-day show. At variously scheduled times throughout the show’s run Powers Outdoors presented Kayaking and Paddleboard Clinics & Demos to the delight of those in the stands.

Co-owner Jake Slominski of Powers Outdoors, who represented the Rockford location, hosted the demos. On the water, Doug Powers demonstrated the use of stand-up paddleboards and sit-in or sit-on styles of kayaks.

The audience was particularly interested in the stand-up paddleboard demonstration. This newest craze in flat-water fun involves the use of a handmade oversized fiberglass surfboard that is very buoyant and stable and allows the user to stand and propel the board with a long-handled paddle. You can also paddle while on your knees or on your belly with your hands. Slominski told the audience that the technique could be mastered in about 5 minutes and was great for exercise or just play.

Also demonstrated was a sit-on kayak that allowed easier on and off rather than the in and out of a traditional kayak. This particular kayak is fisherman friendly and is very stable and maneuverable.

Doug finished up the session by demonstrating the “Ultimate” Kayak. This model allows the user to either paddle, peddle, or the use of an electrical propulsion system. The peddle and electrical systems are built into the craft. It is super stable with comfortable seating and is the fastest kayak on the water. A user controlled stern-mounted tiller adds to maneuverability.

After the demo and back at the Powers Outdoors booth, Slominski told us that kayaks and canoes have been the largest segment of watercraft sales in the past few years. Interestingly, in this category, 52% of sales have been to women because the industry has become more accommodating to women’s physical needs (weight of craft and paddles, etc.).

“Powers Outdoors only sells affordable kayaks and canoes not big-ticket watercraft,” said Slominski, adding,  “We have carved a niche for ourselves in this segment of watercraft sales by being better at what we do than any of our competitors.”  He cites Powers Outdoors “try it before you buy it” philosophy where one can test drive (or paddle) the store’s watercraft before making a decision to buy. This special service, unique only to Powers Outdoors is available seven days a week at all their locations. Slominski feels the Rockford store location is blessed by its close proximity to the Rogue River that is fast becoming a kayaking and canoeing Mecca and destination.

Powers Outdoors is the largest Paddlesports dealer in Michigan and prides itself on getting people involved in boating and affordably allowing them to spend quality time with family and friends. Not only are kayaks and canoes affordable, they require little or no maintenance and last forever.

As for the economy, Slominski said, “At last year’s show we sold 120 canoes and kayaks and, from the enthusiasm of show attendees these past two days, I’m confident we will either match or exceed last year’s sales.”

We, here in Rockford, are also blessed not only by the Rouge River flowing through the heart of town but also by the proximity of numerous lakes in our local vicinity. Paddlesports makes it easy to take advantage of this healthy outdoor activity. This is especially so with kayaks and canoes, where the activity is available year-round on the Rogue River. It¹s all the more an economical value without the need to travel long distances to find water.

If you missed the boat (no pun intended) at the Boat Show you can still visit Powers Outdoors to schedule your own demonstration. The Rockford store can be found on the NW corner of 10 Mile Rd. and Main Street.

This year we’re excited to have John Hesse as our featured guest speaker to discuss his 2008 trip with MSU students to the Arctic and how global warming is reducing the Arctic ice mass and impacting the flora and fauna. John is an Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University. This is our most important fundraiser of the year, so please come out to join in the fun and make the 2009 banquet our most successful auction ever!

Important Event Details:

Tickets: just $27.00 per person*

Call for Reservations: advance payment appreciated by 3-3-2009.

Call Fred Eyer 363.0253
Bob Stegmier 866.4769

Venue: Centennial Club, 5801 3361 Charlevoix Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616.954.0444
28th St East of Kraft, South on Charlevoix (light by Walmart entrance)

When: Friday, March 6th

5:30 PM – Social Hour and Silent Auction Bidding

7:00 PM – Dinner and Program

*Note: this low price just covers our cost for the dinner, which is an outstanding value for a delicious dinner at the beautiful Centennial Country Club. Join Us for the Ike’s Biggest Event of the Year!

Imagine Homecoming, holidays or even that first school bus ride, as seen through the eyes of a foreign exchange student. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for an exchange teen and the family that hosts her. Hosts provide room, board and guidance for the student during their exchange experience. Families with small or grown children are eligible to host.

The sponsoring program, CASE, is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing youth from around the world the opportunity to exchange a cross-cultural experience. Each year CASE sponsors approximately 200 such exchanges between the United States and 28 foreign countries. CASE believes that the seeds to promote peace and harmony are planted in these young internationals who come to America to learn about our culture and people, and establish lasting friendships with their host families and new American communities.

For more information on hosting this young lady or an exchange student from another country, contact CASE toll free 1 (877) 417-9675. www.exchangestudents.org

E-waste Day will be held at the Sparta ChoiceOne Bank parking lot at the corner of Division and Union St. on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no limit on the number of items for disposal, and the only charge is $10 per TV.

Almost anything that has a cord or battery will be accepted such as laptops, monitors (any size ? no fee), computer accessories and cables, memory sticks, printers, VCR?s, radios, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and even electric power tools! A basic data wipe of computer hard drives is included. Large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are not accepted.

Call Comprenew at (616) 451-4400, option 1, or e-mail recycle@comprenew.org with questions about accepted electronic items. Please contact the Howard Christensen Nature Center at (616) 675-3158, or hcnc@kentconservation.org to make arrangements for large quantities, or to inquire about other dates for disposal.

Since she was a youngster, Perry has been an active participant in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, adaptive water skiing, and downhill snow skiing.

In her essay, she told of how her dream of earning a varsity letter helped her convince school personnel to revise her high school’s Athletic Code of Conduct Handbook to include students who participate in sports that have been adapted to their disability. Due to her tenacity, she and three other students with disabilities were awarded varsity letters in 2007.

Perry, along with the first, and third-place winners of the advocacy essay contest were presented their prizes at the MPAS Board of Directors meeting on February 17, at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan.

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the governor of Michigan to advocate for and protect the rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. MPAS services include information and referral, short-term assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training.

The event is open to all registered Rockford Girl Scouts and their dad, grandpa, uncle, etc. Cake check-in is at 1:30 to 2 p.m. with judging taking place at 2:0 and the auction at 2:15 p.m.