Bullying is real-it’s happening in our schools, on our playgrounds, on-line and in our neighborhoods.  In fact, 90% of all fourth thru eighth graders say they have been bullied or have bullied.    Being bullied is nothing new, but what I am seeing is a new level of viciousness in both words and actions by kids younger than ever before.   And, for some of these young victims they feel there’s no way out, no hope.   I recently received an e-mail from a 12 year old girl.  She said she has been bullied for the past four years and she fears she can’t take it any more.  She expressed how she wants to end her life but she’s worried her mom won’t be able to go on without her.  This is heart breaking!!  I immediately called the mother and talked about the girl’s situation.   I met with mom and the girl and shared resources available to them through their school and in their community.   This young lady inspired me to do a whole “Where You Live” show on bullying, depression and hopelessness.  This week on “Where You Live” this girl and several other West Michigan kids will share their stories.   Another piece of the show is an interview with a 19 year old from Rockford who has created a video expressing his sadness and his journey to finding hope.  He posted his video on YouTube where over 1 million people have viewed it and over 10,000 people have commented.  The show will also include expert advise for parents who suspect their kids are being bullying and what the new anti-bullying law really means.   Plus, we sit down with  an 11 year old in Allegan that has taken her pain from being bullied and turned it into action giving hundreds of kids a safe place to share their stories!  It’s a powerful show-every parent should watch, “Where You Live”  Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and 6:30 p.m. on WOOD TV 8.

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This weekend on “Where You Live” we’re heading north to the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for some winter adventures!  We’ll go snow tubing, dog sledding and for a horse drawn wagon ride through the snow!  Plus, we’ll check out the Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark!   And we’re giving away two overnight stay and play packages!!  It’s an amazing  place with an amazing contest!  Watch “Where You Live” this weekend at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and 6:30 p.m. on WOOD TV 8!

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Here are some fun events happening this weekend….Where You Live!

 Rockford Ice Festival, Friday, January 13 through Sunday, January 15

Downtown Rockford, www.rockford.mi.us

This annual winter festival includes amazing ice carvings, ice miniature golf, a scavenger hunt, hot chocolate and great deals in shops downtown Rockford.

 Cross-Country Skiing 101, Saturday, January 14 from 10am-Noon

Ada Township Park, 616-676-0520

Has your family always wanted to try cross-country skiing?  For only $5 you will receive a lesson and guided tour of the park.  All experience levels are welcome!

 Icebreaker Luge Race, Sunday, January 15 at 4pm

Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, www.msports.org

Bring the kids out to the Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex to watch this fun high-energy race.

 To The Rescue Exhibit – Final Weekend!

Now through Friday, January 20, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

www.grcm.org

This fun fire safety exhibit comes to a close next week.  Bring the kids out to experience what it’s like to be a rescue worker.  They can ride in a fire engine, wear costumes, identify pretend fire hazards and be a hero!

 This weekend on Where You Live, we’re celebrating the one year anniversary of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.  Watch as we take a look back at the grand opening and what makes this unique place all kids all the time!  Watch Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am & 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.

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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.

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As 2011 draws to a close I’m taking a minute to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened this past year.  It’s been an incredible year and so many good things have happened.  Here’s a few of the highlights for me:

*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!

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Looking for big family fun during Winter Break?  This week on “Where You Live” we’ll give you dozens of ideas on fun adventures you can share together as a family!  From go-karting at Craig’s Cruisers to swimimng at the Holland Aquatics there are great deals and winter break specials you’re not going to want to miss.  We’ll also visit Air Zoo in Portage, The Double JJ Resort, The Shedd Aquarium, Echo Valley and Snowflake Break at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids!  Catch all the fun 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-Where You Live!

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This week on “Where You Live” we’re focusing on the Spirit of Giving and we have three ways your family can help others:

1.  The Salvation Army/WOOD TV 8 Angel Tree Toy Drive.   Visit an Angel Tree location, take a tag, purchase a toy and return it to the tree.  A complete list of locations is available at wood tv.com. http://www.woodtv.com/subindex/community/angel_tree

2.  Better Way Import.  Bring Hope Bring awareness about the issue of trafficking and also the ability others have to fight it. Inspire Others To take action for freedom. Design Your Own Schedule Plan events when they work for you. Earn An Income Receive commission on everything you sell.  Better Way Imports needs You!  Join us and Do Good as you Do Well.  www.betterwayimports.com

3.  In The Image located in Grand Rapids is in dire need of warm coats, boots, hats, gloves and blankets.  These can be new or gently used.   Find out more about donating to those in need at www.intheimage.org

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The Holiday Season is special for so many reasons but one of the things I love the most is hearing about all the incredible ways people in our community are giving and sharing with others!  This weekend on “Where You Live” we’ll share some amazing stories of people giving back!  From studetns at West Michigan Aviation Academy spending at a day with local veterans to students in Belding packing holiday baskets for solders over seas.   We’ll also show you how 10 Bethany Christian Services foster and refugee families were blessed with a special holiday shopping event at Meijer.  And my friends at Fifth Third Bank will share three simple steps to teaching your kids the power of sharing with others.  Plus, we’ll give you easy ways your family can share coats, blankets and toys with those in need this season.   Join us for an inspiring show-”Where You Live” this 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.

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This week is Thanksgiving!  I love this holiday-of course the turkey and mashed potatoes are wonderful, but way more important is the fact that we can slow down and really appreciate all the blessings in our lives.   Family, friends, faith, freedom, shelter, education, employment…the list goes on and on.  We truly have so much to celebrate.  Take time to encourage your children to pause for a moment of thanksgiving.  Something we started when our kids were little was a thankgiving journal.  Each year we pull it out and everyone who joins us for Thanksgiving dinner writes what they are most thankful for.  Over the years we have gathered quite an interesting list.! For instance one year my 13 year old nephew simply wrote “food” and at that point in his life-that really was the most important thing to him!  It’s also great to look back at the things my grandparents wrote.  They are no longer with us and it’s a joy to be able to look at their handwritting and read their words.   This truly is a special time of year-I encourage you to pause and celebrate all the things you have to be thankful for “Where You Live!”

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The Detroit Lions are restoring the roar and families around West Michigan are thrilled to be cheering on their team!  This week on “Where You Live” we’re heading to Detroit-we’ll interview players, watch a practice and workout session and then we’ll head to the Lion’s Den-Ford Field!  Plus, Tina from Meijer will share some tasty ideas on family friendly foods to serve at your next Lions party!  And to make it even more exciting we’re giving away four tickets to the Dec. 11th Detroit Lions game-seats in the Meijer Family section at Ford Field!  Meijer is even providing a $50 gas card!  Watch “Where You Live” for your chance to win big-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.  Go Lions!!

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