Stories

Load More Stories
Feature Story downtown-holland-borrs

Leaders say Downtown Holland merchants ready, eager to reopen

By Shandra MartinezTuesday, May 26, 2020
Hospital and business leaders discuss how downtown merchants can begin partially reopening this week during a webinar hosted by the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Advantage.
Feature Story FTparks

Take a hike: Ten favorite West Michigan trails to explore this season

By Stephanie Doublestein, updated by Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorMonday, May 25, 2020
As the weather improves, the hiking scene in West Michigan heats up, with hidden urban paths, colorful trails through the woods, and plenty of day trips offering a welcome respite. Rapid Growth gives you ten hikes to try, so tie your boots and get ready to see the city from a new vantage point.
Feature Story memorial-parade-2019

Zeeland creates virtual Memorial Day service to honor the fallen

By Shandra MartinezSunday, May 24, 2020
Memorial Day has always been a special day in Zeeland, with many people showing up for the community’s largest annual parade. This year, organizers came up with a way to carry on the tradition despite canceling the parade.
Longform Tri-County Office on Aging volunteer Robin Barfoot makes a friendly reassurance call from her home.

Friendly reassurance calls help Michigan elders fight isolation during pandemic

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, May 21, 2020
COVID-19 has exacerbated the high levels of isolation today's older adults experience. But many providers are working to ease that loneliness by making calls to check in on Michigan’s elders.
Feature Story Lindsay

Nonprofit provides remote cancer and grief support: Adjusting to a "new normal" at Gilda's Club

By Lauren Fay CarlsonThursday, May 21, 2020
"There are no breaks when it comes to cancer and grief, even during the current COVID-19 pandemic," says Lindsay Jousma, director of programs and operations for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. As a nonprofit that provides free cancer and grief support through in-person meetings and events, Gilda's Club has shifted to a remote community during quarantine, adjusting their model for a new but equally supportive normal.
Feature Story kristina-county-photo

Q&A: What businesses need to know ahead of reopening

By Shandra MartinezThursday, May 21, 2020
Kristina Wieghmink, Ottawa County Department of Public Health information officer, answers questions about what businesses need to know to reopen under the “MI Safe Start Plan."
Feature Story payton-book-photo

Teens collaborating on storybook put positive spin on quarantine

By Adeline Kotecki and Payton Hosley Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Inspired by their grandmother, cousins Adeline Kotecki and Payton Hosley collaborate over Zoom calls to write a story about their quarantine experience. 
Feature Story market-main-one

Farmers markets reporting higher attendance as they open within safe shopping guidelines

By Bev BerensTuesday, May 19, 2020
Farmers markets along the Lakeshore are reopening for the 2020 season. Here's a roundup of schedules for the popular outdoor markets in Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, and Spring Lake.
Partner Content Buckley students enjoy their school's community garden.

How policy, systems, and environmental change can create healthier Michigan communities

By Claire CharltonMonday, May 18, 2020
By reaching beyond direct nutrition and fitness education, PSE initiatives work to change environments and systems, removing barriers that make choosing that healthy snack and getting that physical activity so difficult.
Feature Story prom-pantry-photo

Teen’s food pantry expands to include deliveries to senior citizens

By Baruch de Carvalho Monday, May 18, 2020
Using money she had set aside for her canceled senior prom, Autumn Fitchett bought groceries to start a food pantry. Now, the Zeeland teen is partnering with Community Action of Allegan County to deliver meals. 
Innovation News Above the Influence

Local coalition focused on substance use prevention keeps youth engaged with virtual experiences

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorFriday, May 15, 2020
A local youth coalition is staying engaged and motivated to live Above the Influence of substance use and abuse during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Feature Story farmers-market-one

Pandemic changes face, feel of Holland Farmers Market

By Mike LozonFriday, May 15, 2020
Not even the coronavirus could stop the 41st opening of the Holland Farmers Market during the second week in May. However, the pandemic imposes some restrictions on the operation of the outdoor market in compliance with an executive order from Michigan’s governor.
Feature Story Yolanda

Creatives at Home: Finding purpose (and community) through locally-sourced food prep

By Yolanda GonzalezThursday, May 14, 2020
Artist Yolanda Gonzalez explores her journey to sourcing and cooking local produce, and the solidarity and community it affords,  even amid social distancing.
Partner Content The Eat Well in a SNAP website.

Easy-to-access website helps Michigan families Eat Well in a SNAP

by Estelle SlootmakerThursday, May 14, 2020
The Eat Well in a SNAP site aims to connect people with support and inspiration for seasonal meals and recipes, resources, and conversations about food. 
Feature Story jonathan-mccabe-photo

Senior won’t let unique graduation experience derail goals for future

By Jonathan McCabeThursday, May 14, 2020
Jonathan McCabe shares how West Ottawa High School teachers and staff are making virtual and socially distanced graduation events special. 
Development News Mobile Bike

Veteran bike mechanic has Common Bond with cyclists

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorWednesday, May 13, 2020
Bob Hammond has launched his dream business, Common Bond Mobile Bike Shop, which serves bicyclists anywhere throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Feature Story Ebrahim Mohammad Eshaq sews masks.

‘Mask Master’ finds home, new purpose in U.S. with refugee resettlement program

BY ANDREA GOODELLWednesday, May 13, 2020
Ebrahim Mohammad Eshaq is putting his tailoring skills to work making face masks for Zeeland-based Ventura Manufacturing. As the Afghani refugee and his family settle in the U.S. with the help of Bethany Christian Services, he is grateful for the opportunity to help. 
Feature Story Dr. Grifka

Collaborating to fight COVID-19: Metro Health joins Mayo Clinic on convalescent plasma research

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorTuesday, May 12, 2020
For the past month, Metro Health ICU physicians have partnered with Mayo Clinic in researching treating COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma and the early results have been positive. Ronald Grifka, MD, Chief Medical Officer breaks down the partnership, the treatment, and the future of the research.
Feature Story tripel-root-sticker

‘Heal the Zeel’ campaign rallies community support

By Shanda MartinezTuesday, May 12, 2020
The city of Zeeland’s “Feel the Zeel” tagline has temporarily switched to “Heal the Zeel” during the pandemic. Downtown businesses such as Out of the Box and Tripelroot say they appreciate the campaign's unifying message. 
Feature Story United Way

Published Together: With Coronavirus Response Fund, a community comes together

By Michelle Van Dyke, President & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United WayMonday, May 11, 2020
Michelle Van Dyke, President & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, explores how community organizations came together to form the Coronavirus Response Fund. Since it was publicly announced on March 23, the Coronavirus Response Fund has granted $2.3 million to 123 local agencies, and the number grows by the day.
Load More Stories
Focus Areas
Copyright © Issue Media Group. All rights reserved.