2008 Stage Headliners

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2008 Michigan Home & Garden Show.

3 Seminar Stages

Learn from the experts on our Home, Cooking and Garden Stages!  Free with paid admission!

See Full Seminar Stage Schedules Here


Frank Fontana

Interior designer and Life Style Expert, Frank Fontana, is the host and lead designer for the Chicago-based version of HGTV’s longest running, top rated design show, Design on a Dime. Frank Fontana is also one of the few host/designers simultaneously appearing in two HGTV shows at once, as well as an array of network specials. In addition to taking the reins of “Design on a Dime,” he is also the lead designer of HGTV’s “Takeover My Makeover,” Featured designer for the HGTV’s “Change the World Campaign” and the HGTV Christmas Special “Decked for the Holidays.”
Many recognize Frank Fontana as the real life “Italian Stallion” of the lifestyle world, and underdog winner of ABC Television Networks 2004 Martha Stewart-themed reality competition “The Great Domestic Showdown,” where he won the entire competition and launched his now booming television career.

Let's be Frank! Secrets of High Style, Low Cost Design


J Schwanke

J Schwanke's love of Flowers began at birth during a Snowstorm at a State Flower Convention in Nebraska. J’s career grew and blossomed… as he joined his family’s Flower business: Green’s Greenhouses Inc. in 1976 and directed the Flower Shop and Garden Center operations starting in 1981. J is a member of the American Academy of Floriculture, the American Institute of Floral Designers, and the Professional Floral Communicators International and the National Speakers Association.

 In 1994 J began an independent career as a flower design consultant, Flower Industry Spokesperson and the foremost Flower Design Expert in the American flower industry. As the HOST of the World’s First Web Broadcast Flower Design Show: JTV! Offering Flower Enthusiasts everywhere the opportunity to have FUN with Flowers and J all the time! J’s Passion for Flowers is far reaching and Infectious. He gives Flower demonstrations in every state in the Union, Canada, and throughout Europe. Critics, sponsors and Flower loving attendees agree J is one of the most sought after experts in the World of Flowers.

Build-a-Bug Workshop for Kids!

Part of Family Day - Saturday.  J teaches the kids how to make fun little bugs from foam & flowers!  Sponsored by UBloom.

Fun with Flowers and J!

Glenn Haege

America's Master Handyman(r), Glenn Haege, is celebrating his 25th year on the radio as a Home Improvement talk show host. He is credited with being the originator of this highly popular radio talk show format.
Haege is host of the award winning "Handyman Show with Glenn Haege" on WJR - am 760, from Noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, syndicated nationally and heard by 1.3 million people on 160 radio stations nation-wide including WTKG- am 1230 - Grand Rapids.
He writes 3 weekly newspaper columns for the Detroit News. “The Handyman” column and the “You Can Do It!” column appear in the Saturday Homestyle in the Detroit News & Free Press and his "Ask Glenn" column appears in the Wednesday Detroit News. All three articles are distributed nationally via the New York Times newswire.
Haege's highly popular help site, www.masterhandyman.com, now gets almost one million hits a month. All weekly articles, pod casts of his radio shows and books as well as a free weekly email newsletter are available on the site.
In addition Haege has found the time to write eleven books on home improvement topics. He has been involved in the home improvement industry for over thirty years as a retail store manager, trainer, corporate manager and broadcaster.

Remodeling with Green Products that Save You Money

Robert P. Fegan Jr.

As leader of DTE Energy's series of Energy Efficency Seminars, Bob Fegan has traveled accross our great state teaching builders and homeowners the true meaning of being Energy Efficient.  His down-to-earth style (pun intended) and realistic attitude reflects the idea that DTE Energy is concerned about the impact overconsumtion has on the environment.  For more information on his past seminars, click here.

Keeping Your Home Energy Efficient

Presented by DTE Energy.  Let Bob Fegan teach you how to reduce your consumption by buying and living smart.  With information for both the homeowner looking to renovate, and the folks looking to build, these seminars are not to be missed!

For a list of helpful websites, visit our Green Living page!

Chef Angus Campbell

A City and Guilds Master Craftsmen, with over 29 years of experience, Chef Angus Campbell was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Beginning his professional career, Chef Campbell worked at the Bahamas Hotel Training College where he became the Department Chair for their Culinary Arts Department before moving to Grand Rapids where he currently teaches in the Culinary Arts program as Chef-Instructor in the Heritage Restaurant for lunch service.

Chef Campbell currently teaches at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College.  Along with a program for enrolled students, the department offers nearly forty seminar-styled cooking classes annually to the general public through their Institute for Culinary Enthusiasts (click the link for topics and registration information), with 6 different classes running in March 2008.  He is also co-author of the best seller Modern Garde Manger, selected as the IACP Award Winner for 2007 in the Technical Reference Category.  

 

Creating Super Salads!

This year, on the Gourmet Cooking Stage, our chef has chosen four delectable salads that will bring flair to your table, a smile to your face, and joy to your palate. From the venerable Caesar, to the festive Flaming Spinach, these salads are sure to add pizzazz to your culinary repertoire.  Watch Chef Angus as he shows you how to tempt your taste buds while preparing heart healthy cuisine!