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Feature Story Hadley Streng is president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

GHACF extends Restoring Hope Challenge Match in face of continuing need

By Shandra MartinezFriday, June 26, 2020
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is increasing the initial fundraising goal and extending the deadline to continue aiding community relief and recovery in response to COVID-19.
Feature Story Drip is one of 10 downtown Zeeland businesses that received a MEDC grant.

Zeeland partners with MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage to support COVID-19 recovery

By Shandra MartinezThursday, June 25, 2020
Zeeland is providing extra support to businesses hurt by the COVID-19 economic downturn by collaborating with the MEDC and Lakeshore Advantage on grants and other resources. 
Longform Michigan National Guard members volunteer at Food Gatherers.

During pandemic, food banks and rescues innovate to feed more Michiganders than ever before

By Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, June 24, 2020
Despite the many challenges the pandemic has presented, food organizations have quickly restructured their operations to meet unprecedented demand. 
Innovation News Booker

How local health systems are addressing health inequities

By Estelle Slootmaker, Interim Innovation News EditorWednesday, June 24, 2020
In light of COVID-19, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has produced five videos to promote health equity. Spectrum Health, Cherry Health, and Mercy Health are also expanding efforts to address racial and ethnic health inequities per the Black Lives Matter movement.
Feature Story Shannon Felgner is the Communications Manager for Ottawa County.

What’s at stake for Ottawa County with the census

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 24, 2020
In a Q&A, Shannon Felgner, Communications Manager for Ottawa County, explains why counting everyone is so important for the county. 
Development News Micro

1st Microgreenery puts more veggies on your plate

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, June 23, 2020
1st Microgreenery Fresh Living Microgreens sells on Fridays at Fulton Street Farmers Market, Bridge Street Market, and via online orders and social distanced pick-up. Owner Chris Huntoon says tasty microgreens are an easy way to eat healthier. 
Feature Story The interactive exhibit, located on the corner of Main Avenue and Elm Street, takes the shape of a wall made up of red and white campaign-style buttons.

Zeeland exhibit designed to bolster community support

By Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 23, 2020
The 'Heal the Zeel' exhibit asks residents to wear a button to show their support for the Zeeland community as they work to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19. 
Feature Story Ben

Breaking down the unique challenges of Michigan's migrant farmworkers during COVID-19

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorMonday, June 22, 2020
Michigan has officially entered summer, a season that brings tens of thousands of migrant and seasonal farmworkers to the state for temporary employment picking produce. COVID-19 has complicated this journey, housing, and benefits for migrant workers, and attorney Ben O'Hearn of Migrant Legal Aid breaks down the unique challenges they face.
Feature Story Visitors to Holland fill the sidewalks with the reopening of downtown.

Hope for recovery stirs as visitors flock to reopened Lakeshore downtowns

By Mike LozonMonday, June 22, 2020
Photo essay shows how merchants in downtown Grand Haven and Holland are back in business. They are optimistically looking forward to recovery three months after shops and restaurants were ordered closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Feature Story Heidi Tunison

Journalist’s wife recounts night of violent protests

By Heidi Tunison Sunday, June 21, 2020
Former reporter Heidi Tunison shares why she believes the work her husband, John Tunison, and other journalists do to increase transparency is more important than ever.
Feature Story Kiosha Jeltema is a West Michigan Works! Business Solutions Manager.

How West Michigan Works! is using online tools to connect job seekers with employers

By Shandra MartinezSaturday, June 20, 2020
In a Q&A, Business Solutions Manager Kiosha Jeltema explains how job seekers can make the best use of the online tools provided by West Michigan Works!
Feature Story Wyoming

How Wyoming aims to strengthen its diverse and growing population

By Leandra NisbetFriday, June 19, 2020
The city of Wyoming is diverse and growing, bringing together multi-generational residents as well as new additions to the community. In light of all of the recent happenings, it may be easy to forget that the census is still underway. The city of Wyoming is actively encouraging residents to participate and, in turn, positively impact their diverse and growing community.
Feature Story Teng and Sabrina Kue, owners of Little Bangkok Thai Restaurant

Cómo los residentes ven un sentido de comunidad y se enorgullecen de la diversidad en Wyoming

Por Leandra NisbetFriday, June 19, 2020
La ciudad de Wyoming puede describirse como un crisol que reúne a residentes multigeneracionales y nuevas incorporaciones a la comunidad. A la luz de todos los acontecimientos recientes, puede ser fácil olvidar que el censo aún está en curso. La ciudad de Wyoming está alentando activamente a los residentes a participar y, a su vez, contribuir positivamente en el crecimiento y la diversidad de la ciudad.
Feature Story Steven Penkevich in front of Reader's World in downtown Holland.

How a donor and a bookstore are educating readers in fight against racism

By Steven PenkevichFriday, June 19, 2020
Steven Penkevich shares the story of how a generous donor and Reader’s World see books as an important way to support Black Lives Matter and promote anti-racism.
Longform Fishing-for-Bluegill-Hamilton-Dam

Flint River, reconnected

By Patrick DunnThursday, June 18, 2020
Amy McMillan saw the potential for recreation in downtown Flint along the Flint River. But she knew that to realize those dreams would require money the City of Flint and Genesee County didn’t have.
Feature Story Herman Miller employee sews a mask.

Herman Miller response to pandemic benefits local, global communities

By Bruce BuursmaThursday, June 18, 2020
“When COVID-19 hit,” says Linda Brand, President, Herman Miller Cares, the company’s corporate foundation, “we immediately marshaled our resources to focus our giving and our volunteerism on this effort.”
Feature Story Deborah

Published Together: Leaning in, beginning the conversation on race

By Deborah Pryor BayardThursday, June 18, 2020
"It is time for those who are 'leaning in' and have rarely given this subject a serious look, to begin to re-examine what you thought you knew about race," says Deborah Pryor Bayard, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant and Grand Rapids African American Museum Archives board member. In this personal op ed, Bayard opens up to those seeking a deeper understanding of impact of the killing of George Floyd and COVID-19 on Black people in America.
Feature Story Kelly Raterink talks to customers.

Pandemic’s effect on meat processing, supply steers customers to locally-sourced food

By Bev BerensWednesday, June 17, 2020
Third-generation farmer Kelly Raterink believes the growing demand for and interest in local foods will be a catalyst for further expansion and economic opportunity for regional producers.
Feature Story Volunteers built the 80-foot fence that allowed the Curragh Irish Pub to extend its patio.

‘Village of friends’ gets creative to help downtown Holland restaurant reopen

By Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 16, 2020
Sometimes, building a fence is not about keeping people out, it’s about inviting more people in. Many volunteered to build this fence so the Curragh Irish Pub could safely expand outdoor seating in Downtown Holland. It's just one example of the community's spirit of cooperation and collaboration, says Mayor Nathan Bocks. 
Feature Story Nona

Veteran hairstylist on cutting hair in the new normal

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorMonday, June 15, 2020
Salons in Grand Rapids are reopening as of June 15. Veteran hairstylist Nona Walters explores her own plan for operating her business amid COVID-19.
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