Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (GRCT) presents Akeelah and the Bee, the heartwarming story of a young girl’s courage in the face of overwhelming odds, April 20 – 29. GRCT chatted with Guest Director Dwandra Lampkin about taking on the project, her own acting career, and what this show represents. GRCT: You are an actress yourself. Tell us about your background in the theater world. DL: I started theater in high school and then decided to go to college and study…

When warm weather returns to West Michigan, there’s no better place to be than outside enjoying delicious food and drinks with good friends. On June 1, come celebrate the beauty of the season with Van Andel Institute’s (VAI) JBoard Ambassadors at the 8th annual Around the World event! Around the World is the JBoard’s signature event that brings people together for a fun evening and good cause: supporting VAI’s biomedical research and science education programs. Formed in 2009, the JBoard…

Debbie Rock remembers the frustration she felt while first trying to navigate the special education system on behalf of her son, Robert. Now, she’s devoted to making sure other parents avoid similar feelings of helplessness. As a parent mentor for the Michigan Alliance for Families (MAF), she helps families whose children receive special education services learn the ins and outs of the system and directs them to state and local resources. “Ultimately, we hope that parents will become advocates for…

Choosing the right financial advisor is vitally important to your financial success. Merrill Lynch believes true financial success is achieved when you are able to make the investment-related decisions and trade-offs that will help you reach personally meaningful goals. Our dynamic team of female financial advisors works hard to understand you and your priorities—and puts your first. Meet the team and find the financial advisor right for you. April Armstrong April Armstrong, a graduate of the University of Michigan with…