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("Rest" by Basic Comfort plays) ("Rest" by Basic Comfort plays) (Lively music) We are here at Corazón De Cafe.

This is a beautiful, beautiful place.

Thank you.

Let us start with the name.

Corazón.

Corazón de Cafe.

What does that mean as it relates to what you’re doing in the community?

It’s the what?

It’s...Corazón means heart.

They were trying to find a name, and as they were getting ready to open, and we were fixing, pipes, we found in one of the sewers, a small heart pebble, and that’s where we got the name.

We had so much trouble trying to find a name, and we thought, oh, corazón, Heart, and we combined corazón and café together, and that’s how the name was created.

And so you’ve been open now for a while, and the owners wanted to kind of create a space for the community.

You could come read a book, you can come have you know, your favorite coffee and study.

Tell me again, the meaning behind the heart of community, of heart of what you want to do here.

Yeah, so we want to create, like a safe space for everyone.

We want everyone to think of this place where they can come hang out, have a pool party here, come study, grab a snack, chitchat, just to relax So we wanted to create something different, but stay within our culture and have snacks and a lot of treats in here that are usually in our hometown and just have a little bit of our hometown in the area, in the Wyoming area for everyone to just enjoy and try.

And so let’s talk about some of those treats, okay?

So one of them is the Concha, right?

And you have a giant humongousous concha.

Humongous Concha.

What exactly is that?

It looks delicious.

I took a peek.

So the concha is a very large portioned bread, and it’s scored on top with some sweet like, sugar.

It feeds about 12 people, depending how you.

Unless they want to take half or something, then it won’t feed as many people.

Yeah.

(Music) So, and it’s delicious, because I found out some people drove a while to get here to get the giant concha.

Yeah, because in this area, we don’t really have a big concha, so I feel like because it was trendy at the time and us having that humongous concha here, we got got very famous for it.

What does the concha mean in Mexican culture?

The concha...

So it’s just a tradition for people who just wake up have coffee, and the concha is always a side, it’s always there in the morning.

And then there’s another treat.

All your coffees are from Mexico.

Correct?

And so there’s one, what is it, the Cafe de Olla?

Yes, Cafe de Olla.

It’s a signature coffee because it’s made with a lot of Mexican ingredients, such as like piloncillo.

which is like a main ingredient in it.

And we just wanted to have that here.

Not not many places that I’ve seen have that as an option, so we just wanted to bring that here as well, just so people could try it, too.

Well, and what’s the significance, or what’s the difference, I should say, with Mexican coffee?

Is it stronger?

Is it just the richest taste?

Just because it has more ingredients to it, and it’s more like Mexican tradition with cannella and the piloncillo, as I mentioned.

I have to touch on the thing I saw on Facebook, right?

The volcano thing.Tell me about that, because I looked at that, and I saw the little cup.

It was like the maruchan noodles or something in there.

I’m like, what are what’s happening with that?

So that maruchan comes stuffed with corn nacho cheese, hot Cheetos, and then on top,, we add the b corn on a cob, and then it just brings a beautiful picture into one plate.

Okay, so it’s tastyy.

Yes, Amazing.

And a lot.

Seemingly, you said a lot of people come in and order that.

Any other dishes that stand out aside from, you know, the concha and the coffee.

I would say chocomil and bolza, that’s very popular in Mexico.

It’s like a street drink where instead of a cup, you put the chocomil in the bag and just drink it out with a straw.

That’s very popular as well.

And so what is the future hold?

as you look at Corazón de Cafe.

We just want everyone to come and enjoy this place as much as we enjoyed bringing Corazón de Cafe to life.

We want everyone to come in to think as one community.

We want everyone to experience our culture, what we have, and then what we bring from Mexico.

So you could get a taste.

If you can’t travel to Mexico, you can just come here and have a taste of Mexico.

One in six seniors is hungry in our country, and even in West Michigan, we know that probably half of them are also living alone.

It’s a really really hard thing to even fathom in America, but it’s true.

And so we are here to make sure that no senior is hungry or forgotten.

When we talk about senior hunger and the importance of nutrition, we can get real focused on food really fast, and it’s really important, but what we do is far more than that.

So when we say more than a meal, one of the things that we’re talking about is what are drivers do when they are meeting with a client and getting to know a client and discovering the rest of the needs that are going on maybe in the background that our care team can help to connect people to other resources?

So we have three programs.

You know, we have a senior pantry for people that are just really having a hard time getting access to healthy food because of the resources that they have, or lack of resources that they have.

So they can shop at that pantry a couple times a month and get access to all kinds of wonderful healthy food.

It is more than just shelf stable, canned food.

We have fresh fruits and vegetables, and then we have our dining sites, best kept secret in town, I feel like, because seniors can come in and enjoy a really nice lunch together, but more importantly, they have the ability to connect with others.

And we know isolation ever since COVID right?

Everybody understands the importance of not being isolated.

So giving people the opportunity to get out of the house and connect over a really nice and nutritious meal.

then our home delivered meal program, Meals on Wheels, as everybody knows it.

That program is really for the frailest of the frail, who really don’t get out on a right regular basis, can’t get out and shop for groceries, stand at the counter long enough to prepare a healthy balanced meal for themselves And so within Kent and Allegan Counties, we’re providing that service.

They’re excited to receive those meals, and they’re excited to get a visit.

Many of the seniors I’ve visited as a volunteer, or many of the seniors I hear about may only see their driver during the week.

Some of them live alone, or they’re living independently, they’re in their home, which is wonderful, and they want to stay independent, but they rely on the meals to make sure that they can stay in their home, that they can still get the nutrition they need to prevent hospital visits to prevent, you know, trying to get meals delivered from somewhere else, or trying to cook if it’s not an option for them.

Describe what goes on behind the scenes here.

What time do the doors open to start cooking, right?

Right.

Well, our cooks come in about 4:30 in the morning.

We have people cooking meals all the way up until about 1:00 to 2 o’clock in the afternoon, but about 7 in the morning gets even busier because our drivers come in.

So as a driver, you get to wake up early and come here to our Wilson Avenue campus, you will have your coolers ready for you already Our wonderful staff and volunteers here get everything packed up, and you get a great list of seniors that you’re going to go visit and deliver to.

But every time it’s an opportunity to make sure someone sees a smile and gets a really delicious nourishing meal.

And every time I, you know, go to a new door and meet a new face, they’re always so grateful and so excited for what we do and how we help them.

But even more than that, you know, half of the people that we deliver meals to are living alone.

And isolation comes with significant risks.

I was talking not long ago to Ken, who’s one of our longtime drivers.

And he told me a story that really illustrates it really well.

He had a client that he had gotten to know for many, many years by delivering meals regularly every other day, so Monday Wednesday, Friday, he was at her door, and he would do the traditional shave and haircut, you know, knock, knock, knock, knock, and she’d come to to the door real slowly because she had a walker, and when she’d get to the door, she’d do the knock back.

One Monday, he arrived, and as he did his knock, he was patiently waiting to hear her walker and her knock, and didn’t he hear her get to the door.

And so he said, ", maybe she’s occupied.

Maybe, you know, she can’t get to the door right at this moment, I’m gonna be patient."

He did it again, and she didn’t make it to the door.

So our process is that you go back to your vehicle, and you look up, if you’ve got a number, you call it, no answer.

Next is you call the care team, and they will look up and say, "Who’s responsible for this person?

is in an apartment manager, a fan member, whatever?"

They made that phone call Monday.

She was back on his list.

Before the words even came out of his mouth when she came to the door, she said, "You saved my life.

I fell on Saturday night., and I didn’t have a phone near me, and I couldn’t get to one."

So I laid there all day, Sunday, knowing, Ken, that you would be here on Monday.

And when I didn’t come to the door, meals on wheels would make a call.

And they called her son in Lowell and he came to her door.

And when she didn’t answer the door, he called 911 and they broke her door in and got her to the hospital and got her the healthcare need that she needed to be able to be well.

And, you know, that’s just one extreme example, but on a regular basis, our drivers are visiting people and observing and helping and being part of more than just delivering a meal, but being a part of their life in a way that’s really important.

If someone is interested in driving or Meals on Wheels, what’s the procedure?

There’s so many ways.

They’re welcome to stop by here at the Wilson campus, or we have an opportunity to start volunteering through our website, which is MealsonWheelsWesternMichigan.org And if they go to the website, there’s an easy link to sign up in order to get involved with volunteering.

As a driver working in the kitchen, there’s so many opportunities for volunteers.

We need the support to make sure that we can continue to serve people.

The way they deserve and need to be served, good quality, nutritious meals, however many meals they need, we don’t want to start a winning list.

We don’t want to cut back on the amount of food that we can give people.

But funding doesn’t keep pace, right?

And in this environment, we don’t know where that’s going to land.

So we have to be prepared, we have to be prepared to pivot if we have to.

But the community can help support us and help prevent us from having to pivot.

One of the things that often we forget, and that is really important to me, is inviting people to tell the story, right?

It’s real easy for seniors to become invisible in our community, especially if they have chronic conditions or mobility issues where they’re not out in the community They’re isolated in ways that are really difficult for people to understand.

So sharing the story that this is really important, check on your seniors in your neighborhood.

If there’s somebody who lives near you that you don’t see very often, go visit them, right?

And if they’re a candidate for Meals on Wheels and they need us connect them to us.

We are ready Rolling Rolling Rolling Okay Good to go We are here at Pochis Sweet Designs your Colombian restaurant and cafe Let’s start with the name What does Pochis stand for?

Pochis Pochis is my nickname My family call me Pochis Everyone in Colombia calls me Pochis When I start my business I think what is a perfect original name is not common Pochis And I start my business in 2020 It’s hard to start a business much less in the pandemic Tell me what happened with that Yeah when I start my business is in my home as a hobby When I start really the business I am confused the language is not easy when you don’t have someone helping When I start this I know Start Garden had this competition and win $5,000 is going to really start my business and in 2021 they had a competition for 100 ideas and win $20,000 is when I start my candies from Colombia So you have the winnings from Start Garden two different times right and you have proclamations from the city You are the only Colombian restaurant either in downtown or all of Grand Rapids, right?

Yes is couple different restaurants the latin food but the only Colombian restaurant in Grand Rapids is my restaurant and you have come a long way in five years I mean, because now you have more than one business So we are here at your restaurant but you also have two businesses yet in Colombia, correct?

Isabel Media Studios / Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Yes, I have Pochis Colombia Exports Is the company exports my products and have Pochis Sweet Designs is my candy With this project I support 320 mother singles in Colombia So this is truly a family business Your daughter is doing all the work here in your catalogue Yes, she is the person making my logos my designs my bags my catalogue my website my social media She working for me for everything about marketing and design And so what distinguishes your food from others because you have so many different items for offering Yes the latin food is very diverse Many people thinking because it’s latin food thinking everything is tacos but Colombian food is different Our menu is 100% gluten free We have fishes we have empanadas (savory pastry) arepas buñuelos (fritters) we have soups we have sancocho (meat stew) We have many different items The Colombian food isn't spicy It's very good The Mexican food is very good but the Colombian food is very good too Coffee is also where you got started and you have that imported direct so all the products that you have imported whatever you don’t make here is imported directly from Colombia correct?

Yes everything is about Colombian coffee because the best coffee in the world is Colombian coffee and everythings about coffee Our process is about coffee we import our coffee too Okay and tell me about the coffee that you gave me the Bogotá Latte We add two shots of coffee with a little vanilla and we add the cream to the top the chocolate and the little pieces they were coffee coconut cookies It's very good It is very good I can tell you that What’s one of your favorite and or best dishes on the savory side?

The more popular is the Bandeja Paisa because is the frijoles (beans) avocado rice beef eggs chicharron (fried pork) This is amazing the presentation and everything The people more like when visit Colombia and different places the more popular dish is the Bandeja Paisa Okay and then the sweets You got started again with the macarons and the strawberries So tell us about how and what you serve from your sweet menu We have Obleas (wafers) We have the Esponjado de Maracuyá the passionfruit mousse is very good it's the more popular And we have a arroz con leche (rice pudding) tres leche cake We have Bocadio con Queso (snack with cheese) We have many different dishes different dessert from Colombia And then you also have product from Colombia everything comes direct Yes I bring every item from Colombia because the people is in here no possible moving to Colombia and bring Colombia to here You are at the forefront of the Colombian festival here in Grand Rapids The first one, right?

Yes, two years ago we looking for what is the best option for promoting the restaurant Okay We’re making one festival in three months We close the street in the first year there is 3000 people We have the Colombian food the Colombian bands the Colombian drinks Last year is our second festival This was almost 5000 people coming to We have amazing time Gran Fiesta Colombiana GR We had dancers from Colombia We making our beer last year we working together with a brewery company in Grand Haven and she making for me the amazing beer from Colombia and many people come and it’s something different but it's only about Colombia Gran Fiesta Colombiana GR because I like the people see our beautiful country in different forms The culture the people for the dancing the music We have amazing items in Colombia Are you having fun and is this an exciting adventure or venture for you?

Yes this is this is very exciting Every item is new for me there's been many items in the last three years After the restaurant what I’m thinking maybe we need help other entrepreneur because it’s not easy coming new in this country No language, no nothing It's the reason we create the Asociación de Restaurantes Latinos de Michigan Restaurant Latin Association Asociación de Restaurantes Latinos de Michigan in the last December because we working together for the people to see more culture for Mexican for Dominican Republic for Colombia and different countries A note to our viewers we were honored to tell the story of Pochis we taped the segment in February of this year we learned that in June they closed their restaurant doors for good but that is not the end of their story.

They have informed us while their years of bringing Columbian food and traditions to downtown Grand Rapids and West Michigan is ending, they will continue their mission They describe the closing, not as a failure, but as lessons learned.

They ask the community to quote, continue to support them as they fight for this dream and to continue to keep their culture alive, one bite, one story, and one shared experience at a time.

Their Pochis Sweet Designs lives on through their Instagram presence and products are still available at Meijer stores.

They will also continue offering catering services and pop-up events Their words say it best.

From their Instagram post, they share.

Thank you, Grand Rapids.

After two and a half years of sharing our authentic Colombian food and culture, Pochis Columbian restaurant and cafe is closing its doors.

This journey was full of love, hard work, and community.

While this chapter ends, Pochis sweet designs continues, and so does our mission to bring Columbia to you This is not goodbye.

Just see you soon.

Gracias, de Corazón.

You can follow them at @Pochissweetdesigns.

Hello, West Michigan.

Welcome to Melina’s free fun forecast.

I’m Melina.

Today, we’re predicting perfect weather for adventure, all at no cost.

Let’s check the map for today’s top picks right here on Melina’s free fun forecasts, where the fun is always free and the weather is always perfect.

Today, we’re doing something that’s pure Michigan.

We’re visiting some of our i iconic lighthouses.

Not only are they stunning landmarks, but they’re also one of the best and free ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our coastline.

So grab your camera, pack a picnic, and let’s hit the road Did you know that Michigan has the most lighthouses in the United States?

West Michigan specifically is home to some of the most unique and beautiful lighthouses in the country.

These lighthouses have stood guard over our shores for generations, guiding boats safely across Lake Michigan And guess what?

You can visit them for free.

Well, there’s a small fee for some lighthouses if you want to or climb them.

Walking the pier, taking photos and enjoying the view, that’s completely free.

Also, a recreation passport fee only applies to vehicles, so if you walk or bike into the state parks, you won’t spend a dime.

First, we’re heading to the Holland Harbor, home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state, the Big Red.

It’s a local favorite and an absolute must see if you’re in the area.

Built in 1907, Big Red has been a beacon for mariners, and today is one of the most beloved landmarks along the lake.

While you can’t climb it, Big Red is more about the view than it is the climb.

It’s a great place to take photos, enjoy the breeze, and just relax by the water Plus, it’s located right near Lake Michigan’s famous sand dunes, so there’s plenty to do in the area after your lighthouse visit.

Now let’s check out one of West Michigan’s most famous lighthouses, Grand Haven, located at the mouth of the Grand River, the Grand Haven Lighthouse and its twin piers have been guiding ships into port since 1839.

It’s a gorgeous spot for a sunset stroll and the perfect place to take in the beauty of our lake shore.

Grand Haven’s Lighthouses are unique because of their vibrant red color and the long pier stretching out onto the lake.

You can easily walk out to the lighthouse on the pier and soak in the view.

The best part, it’s absolutely free and open to everyone.

Plus, right next door, you’ve got the Grand Haven State Park, a great place to relax, picnic, or just enjoy the lake.

Next, we’re heading just 30 minutes north to find the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, a West Michigan landmark that’s been guiding ships since 1903.

Located right at the end of the South Pier in Muskegon.

This bright red beacon is a favorite for photographers, sunset seekers, and anyone who just wants to soak in that classic Lake Michigan vibe.

Pro tip, come just before sunset for some of the best views on the lake, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a freighter passing through the channel.

From historic charm to unbeatable lake views, the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse proves you don’t have to spend a dime to make lasting memories right here in West Michigan.

("Rest" by Basic Comfort plays) Have a good day!