
gene.parker

![Opera Grand Rapids Presents Samson + Delilah [Video] [Photos]](http://townsquare.media/site/45/files/2012/10/opera.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Opera Grand Rapids Presents Samson + Delilah [Video] [Photos]
I had planned on heading out to Lake Michigan to get some pictures of the huge waves which came as a result of Hurricane Sandy. But when I saw the sand whipping around on TV at 60 mph, I changed my mind and decided to take photos at the Opera instead. From one storm to another, but as it turned out it was a good move! My camera was protected and I got to see a grand opera of Biblical proportions

Everybody Loves Everybody Video Goes Viral
Rockford's Jake Schemmel had a horrible year. One of the 18-year-old Michigan State student's closest friends died in a terrible accident, another committed suicide and he, himself, almost lost his life in a boating accident. But out of tragedy comes triumph...

Rockford Lighting Ceremony Gallery
Rockford turned its holiday lights Tuesday, November 15. The annual lighting ceremony featured Christmas songs from the Rockford High School Brass Ensemble and the Rockford Choir. I had the honor of helping about 1,000 people count down as the city's Public Works Department turned on the holiday cheer...

The Grand Rapids Civic Theater presents The Wizard of Oz.
There's no place like home. After watching the Grand Rapids Civic Theater's presentation of the Wizard of Oz, that message rings loud and clear. The Civic's talented cast is led by 15-year-old Amanda Wright of Caledonia, who plays Dorothy. It's just like watching the TV movie with Judy Garland, but better because it's live LOCAL theater!
Night Of The Living Dead Is Alive @ Civic Theater
With all of the "horror" films I watched as a kid, you would have thought I would have seen the classic "Night of the Living Dead". After all, it was the movie that started the "Zombie Craze". But somehow among my steady teen-age diet of Dracula, Frankenstein and various werewolves - where wolf ! -- there wolf ! -- I never had the pleasure of watching it.
![Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s 12 Angry Men On Stage [Photos]](http://townsquare.media/site/45/files/2011/09/2-1474707984-O.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s 12 Angry Men On Stage [Photos]
Ever wonder how a jury reaches a decision in a murder trial? What if the evidence presented in the courtroom was so overwhelming, only one vote was needed to convict the accused? But what if one juror had a lingering doubt that wouldn't go away?
![West Michigan’s Healing Field [Photos]](http://townsquare.media/site/45/files/2011/09/324586_2289289707974_1120915578_32695319_1607905086_o.jpg?w=980&q=75)
West Michigan’s Healing Field [Photos]
The West Michigan "Healing Fields" gave us a chance to pause, reflect and remember the victims of 9 11. Thirty-two hundred flags - one for each victim - are on display at the Cannonsburg Ski Area until Tuesday. The flags personalize the great tragedy by supplying information on each victim...

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Wraps Up
There's no comparison. The Coast Festival Fireworks in Grand Haven are some of the finest in Michigan. Saturday night was the perfect night for Fireworks and the brilliant display didn't let of the over 100,000 folks shoe horned near the lakeshore down...

Shark Week Is Here!
At our house it's a annual event not to be missed. The Discovery Channel's Shark Week.
My son, Troy was a huge shark fan when the popular series began in 1997 and he continues to watch even though he's in college. A few years ago he found out that all of his friends were "seriously into shark week" so now they all get together and watch the blood and carnage.

Paul McCartney Rocks Detroit At Comerica Park
Forty-One years after the end of the world's greatest rock band, Paul McCartney proved last night in Detroit that he is truly one of the "best" entertainers ever. The 69-year-old McCartney treated tens of thousands at Comerica Park to a non-stop three hour show that was absolutely amazing! Unlike several members of his generation and stature still out on the road, Paul still has it.

First Lady Betty Ford Laid To Rest
Grand Rapids has come full circle with the death of former First Lady Betty Ford. Funeral Services were held today for Mrs Ford at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids. The former president's wife and political partner was buried by her husband's side at the Ford Museum.

First Lady Betty Ford Comes Home To Grand Rapids
First Lady Betty Ford came home today to Grand Rapids one last time. A police motorcycle escort accompanied the body of Mrs. Ford and her family to the Ford Museum, the same as it did nearly five years ago for the funeral of her husband, former President Gerald R. Ford.