Welcome to 2012- I hope the new year is off to a great start Where You Live!  On this weekend’s show we’ll explore simple ways you can recharge, re-energize and revamp things for your family!  We’ll shop with Shari from Meijer and see how simple switches in the groceries you buy can make a big difference in your family’s  health.  Our friends at Holland Aquatic Center will share great shape up moves you can do at home and Priority Health has five ways to make living healthier a little easier.  A Pine Rest Expert will share practical ways to reconnect with those you love.  Plus, you’ll love the great finds at Goodwill that will inspire you to re-do your wardward and your living room all for under $10!!  Plus, it’s time to kick-off the 35th Anniversary of the Fifth Third River Bank Run-find out how you can get involved!  Watch “Where You Live” this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 7;30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Sunday at 11:30 on WOOD TV 8.

*In just one year, we have given away over 12,800 prizes to kids and families in West Michigan. 

*We are blessed to have loyal viewers who join us each week for “Where You Live” where we have shared some incredible stories, explored some wonderful family fun destinations and weekly presented relevant information to help families live a little healthier and happier.

*Partnering with over 100 local libraries over 70,000 kids participated in the 2011 Summer Reading Club!

*This past summer over 42,000 kids and families enjoyed free food, free entertainment and free fun at our Park Parties.

*We were involoved in great community events like the Fifth Third River Bank Run, Beautiful U, Teacher Wish List, the grand opening of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the first ever Santa’s Pool Party, Cruiserfest, the Bethany Caring for Families shopping event at Meijer and so many other amazing events. 

*We visited over 220 schools and non-profit events.

It’s been an amazing year and I’m so thankful to each person, organization, community and company that partnered with us to make it all happen!  Happy New Year and here’s to an incredible 2012!

Grand Prize to New York City!!

Megan Briggs of Muskegon, Dalton Branch

Boyne Mountain/Avalanche Bay

Aleeshia McClenton of Kalamazoo, Comstock Twp. Library

Mackenzie Johnson of Whitehall, White Lake Community Library

Brayden Waldron of East Leroy, Lawrence Memorial Library

Caleb Sibley of Ionia, Ionia Community Library

Double JJ Resort

Sierra Schrotenboer of Holland, Salem Twp. Library

Cassy Cole of Edmore, Home Twp. Library

Justin Barnes of Montague, Montague Branch

Austin Pringle of Grand Rapids, Van Belkum Branch

John Ball Zoo

Jack Meier from the Lowell, Lowell Englehardt Library

Landrie Fridsma of Kentwood, Gaines Twp. Library

Ely Brege of Grant, Grant Area Library

Grady Busen of Sparta, Sparta Twp. Library

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Salvador Villalobos, Alvah N. Belding Library

Reece Dekryger of Fremont, Fremont Area District Library

Mya Knoper of Allendale, Allendale Twp. Library

Kendon Sutherland of Spring Lake, Fruitport Branch

James Mankel of Gowen, Spencer Branch

Kristin Smelker of Hastings, Hastings Public Library

Congratulations to all our readers and thank you to each of the wonderful librarians and businesses that supported this year’s Summer Reading Club!

1.  Get in line early for the one large scale event your child really wants to do-climbing wall, super slide, dixie twister, etc.  These lines will get long quick and it’s probably not realistic to think you’ll get on all the activities during the two hour event.

2.  Bring a water bottle for each person in your group.  We’ll be passing out FREE Ice Mountain Water, Milk with the lunches and 100% Apple Juice from Mc Donalds but you’ll want to have water with you at all times so bring some from home to be safe.

3.  We have great corporate partners that are passing out cool things: Priority Health is giving out backpacks, AMWAY will be at the Art Area and Fifth Third Bank at the Super Slide handing out tattoos.  Craig’s Cruisers will have candy, Ferris State University will be at the Climbing Wall with Pennants.  Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital will have jump ropes, Meijer will have Michigan Apples and other goodies, Holland Aquatic Center will be doing a Safe Water Activity, the Bethany Christian Services Wheel of Prizes  and Touchstone Energy Cooperative will have some great giveaways.  The West Michigan Whitecaps will be there with Crash and two fun inflatables!

4.  Special for the Greenville Party-be sure to pick up a special gift from the Meijer area as a thank you to the city of Greenville!  You can even come to the grand opening of the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail in the Meijer Parking Lot at 10 a.m.

5.  Bring a bag of new or gently used items to donate to Goodwill and you’ll get an Entertainment Book!  Goodwill will be at the Greenville and Wyoming Park Parties.

6.  Great food items include Cheese Kurls, Country Fresh Ice Cream, Ice Mountain, McDonalds Apple Dippers and Meijer local produce.  Remember everything is WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

7.  We’re super excited to introduce the AMWAY One-By-One Art Area for kids.  Work with artist Corey VanDuienen to create cool art that will be part of his 2011 Art Prize entry!!

8.  Visit the WOOD TV tent to get your picture taken with your favorite WOOD TV on-air talent.  Brett and Emily from DayBreak will be at our Greenville Party.

9.   If you can’t make it to this week’s Park Party, log on to woodtv.com throughout the Party and we’ll be posting photos live from the event!

10.  Watch all the Park Party Action on “Where You Live” this weekend to see highlights from the first big event!  Catch the show Saturday  at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on WOOD TV 8.

HAVE FUN and feel free to post photos from the Party at facebook.com/marandatv!!