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Feature Story Elizabeth

Published Together: Employment attorney Elizabeth Welch breaks down the COVID-19 CARES Act

By Elizabeth WelchTuesday, April 7, 2020
Still have questions about how the CARES Act affects you? Explaining everything from unemployment expansion for individuals to rebates, tax credits, and payroll protection, employment attorney Elizabeth Welch breaks it down.
Feature Story Retailers are hiring more cashiers and other workers to keep up with demand during the pandemic.

Essential businesses offer pay, protection to meet COVID-19 demand

By Shandra MartinezMonday, April 6, 2020
In many cases, employers are offering temporary pay bonuses through April and investing in safety precautions to protect employees from exposure to the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.
Feature Story Clean Air Action1

WMCAC helps communities clear the air through voluntary efforts

By Paul R. KopenkoskeyMonday, April 6, 2020
For 25 years, Grand Rapids-based West Michigan Clean Air Coalition has worked to reduce poor air quality’s health risks through its unified partnerships that encourage community members to voluntarily help reduce air pollution.
Partner Content Kids fly kites at a sports gear giveaway at the Kinross Recreation Center.

Coalition aims to build a healthier community in UP's Kinross Township

By Greg TaskerMonday, April 6, 2020
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District and other partners are working to promote physical activity and other healthy choices in the community through the Kinross Building a Healthy Community Coalition.
Feature Story Rules for park visitors are always spelled out on display boards. But the coronavirus crisis necessitated the creation of additional regulations.

COVID-19 etiquette for park visits

By Mike LozonFriday, April 3, 2020
Visitors to Ottawa County parks are being asked to observe some additional protocols during the COVID-19 crisis.
Feature Story The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department recommends visits to parks that regularly experience lower attendance, such as Connor Bayou.

How to practice safe distancing while enjoying Ottawa County Parks

By Mike LozonFriday, April 3, 2020
The Ottawa County parks system is open to visitors wanting to maintain their physical stamina and emotional well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are some ways to enjoy the county's 28 parks while maintaining safe social distancing.
Feature Story Sovenard1

Published together: We are not alone; a postcard from the dark side of the moon

By Rick MuschianaFriday, April 3, 2020
Rick Muschiana founder and co-owner of The Søvengård, express solidarity for his fellow food, beverage, and hospitality entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 shutdown, exploring the impact on the now and his optimism for the future.
Longform Meals on Wheels driver Lamar Ellington gives Beverly Sullivan, 79, a meal delivery for her mom, Ellen Dennis, 97.

Here’s how Michigan helps elders stay where they want to be: at home

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 2, 2020
Three out of four people aged 50 and older want to remain at home. While it's the most cost-effective solution for elder care, it does still present some challenges. Here's how Michigan providers are addressing them.
Innovation News Seamstress

Local seamstress trains dozens to sew face masks for medical professionals responding to coronavirus

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, April 2, 2020
Seamstress and artisan Alison vanMelle teamed up with volunteers from GVSU's School of Engineering to sew face masks for medical professionals.
Feature Story katrina-finds-home

Emergency housing programs ‘saved my family,’ mom says

By Andrea GoodellThursday, April 2, 2020
Katrina Karlsons feels fortunate that her family is able to follow Gov. Whitmer's “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. After a January eviction, two nonprofits helped the family move out of homelessness.
Development News GL1

Temporary Heartside health center offers COVID-19 care to those experiencing homelessness

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorWednesday, April 1, 2020

A homeless gentleman with a bright idea inspired Guiding Light to offer its 255 S. Division Avenue facility as a temporary coronavirus isolation center in collaboration with Kent County Health Department.

Feature Story Office

Bizness at (Home) Work: Ryan Anderson offers tips for easing the pain of working from home

By Ryan AndersonWednesday, April 1, 2020
Let's face it. If you're not used to it, working from home can be a real pain. If you lack a proper work environment, sometimes literally so. In this essay, Herman Miller VP of Digital Innovation Ryan Anderson offers useful tips for working from home during the COVID-19 crisis.
Feature Story Bread 1

Creatives at Home: Quarantine baking and why now is the perfect time to make sourdough bread

By Kevin BuistTuesday, March 31, 2020
Kevin Buist, Artistic Director for ArtPrize, shares his method for surviving quarantine: baking bread. In this insightful essay, Buist shares his method — and purpose in the tradition of methodical baking. Buist joins a growing list of area creatives who are joining Rapid Growth with this fresh series, Creatives at Home (during COVID-19) from Publisher Tommy Allen. 
Feature Story brittany-michigan-works

Q&A: How Michigan Works is helping job seekers during COVID-19 crisis

By Shandra MartinezMonday, March 30, 2020
Brittany Lenertz, the talent solutions director with West Michigan Works!, answers questions about how to find employment as Gov. Whitmer's Stay Home, Stay Safe order has resulted in the temporary closure of many businesses.
Partner Content Kids participate in a Best Food Forward class at Pearl Lean Elementary in Warren.

Working together to improve food security in Warren

By David SandsMonday, March 30, 2020
As a key part of Gleaners’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education work, funded with grants from Michigan Fitness Foundation, Gleaners works to address the long term systemic problem of hunger.
Feature Story Bridget

Published Together: Food distribution for kids during COVID-19

By Bridget Clark-WhitneyFriday, March 27, 2020
On an average day, 75,000 children across Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties qualify for federally subsidized breakfast and lunch. Due to school shutdowns during the COVID-19 crisis, accessing daily food options became much more difficult. Kids' Food Basket President and CEO Bridget Clark Whitney explains the desperate need for food distribution during COVID-19 crisis.
Feature Story matthew

Mental health under COVID-19: The impact of social distancing & school closures on children, teens

By Matthew D. AndersonFriday, March 27, 2020
Executive Director of Engaged Outreach Matthew D. Anderson explores the mental health impact of social distancing on children and teens in light of school closings and the Shelter in Place policy.
Feature Story Love In Action staff sort food donations.

Emergency grants help nonprofits get more food, services to those in need

By Shandra MartinezThursday, March 26, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, nearly $120,000 in emergency grants were given to Ottawa County nonprofits in the last week to provide more food and services to those in need. 
Feature Story soup

Creatives at home: In uncertain times, freelancer Kathy Price turns to liquid gold

By Kathy PriceThursday, March 26, 2020
Freelance hair and makeup artist shares her sources of strength and comfort in times of uncertainty.
Feature Story Community Kitchen Assistant Rachel Nolan holds hot meals boxed and ready to go home with those who come to the soup kitchen daily.

Community Kitchen mission continues with boxed meal pickup

By Andrea GoodellWednesday, March 25, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis has forced The Community Kitchen to switch to boxed meals, but it hasn’t shut down the operation that feeds hundreds of people.
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