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Feature Story Adnoris Torres, Executive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

LatinxGR offers resource, encourages volunteer translation for non-English speakers amidst COVID-19

By LatinxGRSaturday, March 14, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, LatinxGR is concerned about the lack of information available in Spanish and other languages. In an attempt to meet the language and information needs, LatinxGR organized a crowdsourcing strategy for local bilingual volunteers to translate text for the community.  
Feature Story Singularity University offers free three-day virtual summit on COVID-19

In a time of self-quarantine, a future-focused educational organization offers summit on COVID-19

from publisher and editorial team at Rapid Growth Friday, March 13, 2020
Singularity University is offering our West Michigan community a very timely summit, “COVID-19: The State & Future Pandemics,” that is not only being offered virtually for all to access but is also being offered at no cost to the viewers. 
Development News rapid2

The Rapid invites community feedback as it looks to the area's public transit future

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorThursday, March 12, 2020
The Rapid is seeking feedback and input from residents of communities it serves throughout the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Recent Division Avenue Design Workshops kicked off the process of gathering that feedback.
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New track for teens debuts during City of Grand Rapids 6th annual Neighborhood Summit

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, March 12, 2020
Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit expands its efforts to elevate all voices in the City with a new program track for teens.
Feature Story A renovation is planned for Tanglefoot Park

Spring Lake park renovation to create community hub

By Shandra MartinezThursday, March 12, 2020
The renovation of Tanglefoot Park will transform the former RV park into a community hub that will also serve as a water gateway to Spring Village’s redeveloped downtown.
Feature Story The Lilley House was moved in July to a spot across from Tanglefoot park.

Saving a landmark brings couple to Spring Lake

By Shandra MartinezThursday, March 12, 2020
In July, a renovated Lilley Mansion will open as a bed-and-breakfast, nearly two years to the day that Robert Lopez and Patrick Roggenbau discovered the vacant landmark while on vacation. 
Feature Story Grand Valley State University’s operations manager, Scott Vanderberg

Grand Valley faculty showcases evolution of tech in new media technology exhibit

By Brittany PrestonThursday, March 12, 2020
Grand Valley State University’s operations manager, Scott Vanderberg, has been collecting the school’s outdated media equipment for 35 years. Vanderberg has collected everything from video cameras and tripods to recording devices and landline phones, and is currently showcasing his collection in the form of the first ever Media Technology Exhibit at the university's Allendale campus.
Longform R2AAA elder-abuse victims specialist program manager Angela Shepherd, R2AAA assistant director Kara Lorenz-Goings, and R2AAA executive director Julie Wetherby.

Safe Haven programs offer rare respite for Michiganders experiencing elder abuse

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, March 5, 2020
Michigan elders experiencing abuse often have comparatively few community resources to turn to for help. But the Safe Haven model offers them safe, temporary housing to escape and get back on their feet.
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Mitten Floral blossoms in Wyoming with blooms from West Michigan

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor Thursday, March 5, 2020
Mitten Floral, at 3547 Burlingame in Wyoming, features flowers for weddings and all occasions, workshops, and a table and materials for customers to create their own flower arrangements.
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New space focused on parent-child interaction through play-based learning opens in Caledonia

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, March 5, 2020
Start-up business Cognificent Kids promotes strong cognitive development skills in young children through enrichment classes and play-based learning experiences.
Feature Story Dr. Katherine Sage

RapidChat: Dr. Katherine Sage on life as a young physician

By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat EditorThursday, March 5, 2020
As an American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) emerging leader and Grand Rapids boomerang, Dr. Katherine Sage aims to bring a unique outlook and fresh ideas to the world of foot and ankle health, including community outreach, volunteering, and having choice in your health care systems, insurance companies, and physicians.
Feature Story Betty White at Gildas Club

10 years and a whole lot of laughs later: LaughFest celebrates a milestone

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorThursday, March 5, 2020
2020 marks the 10th anniversary of LaughFest, a Gilda's Club Grand Rapids festival that has generated over $2 million in proceeds for the nonprofit, and facilitated open and honest conversation, community support, and above all, laughter when patients and their families need it most. 
Feature Story Quincy Byrd stands with his wife, Sara and children Daisy (left), Holly and Ethan. (Courtesy photo)

From homeless to helping: Holland leader shares his Habitat story

By Andrea GoodellThursday, March 5, 2020
Holland City Council member Quincy Bryd understands the affordable housing crisis better than most. A decade ago, his family was facing homelessness after he lost his job. 
Feature Story A worker adds installation in a new mixed-income housing project being built in Holland.

Nonprofits join forces to tackle affordable housing shortage in Ottawa County

By Andrea GoodellThursday, March 5, 2020
The Rodriguez-Matos family will finally move into their own home thanks to the work of local nonprofits that are joining forces to more quickly move the needle on available affordable housing in the Holland area.
Feature Story Basil at hotel

Immigrant entrepreneur makes a big difference in Spring Lake

By Shandra Martinez Thursday, March 5, 2020
Chaldean immigrant Basil Bacall sees his hospitality business as a way to give back, whether that is through supporting refugees or participating in local efforts like Spring Lake’s Art in the Park.
Feature Story Alyson and Mallory Caillaud-Jones

How local food entrepreneurs are showing up for equality on International Women’s Day

By Leandra NisbetThursday, March 5, 2020
International Women’s Day is March 8, 2020, with a theme of Each for Equal. Several women-owned food businesses are coming together to celebrate, collaborate, and give back. Three of these entrepreneurs share their insights on why gender equality is important, how collaboration benefits everyone, and how businesses can help make change.
Feature Story Momentum1

Why Momentum Center’s approach to improving mental health is working

By Shandra MartinezThursday, February 27, 2020
Those who take part in the Grand Haven nonprofit's activities report a decrease in depression and anxiety as their social connectedness increases.
Feature Story Jessica Christopher

One story of recovery: ‘She gave me a chance when I didn’t think I would get one’

By Shandra MartinezThursday, February 27, 2020
When Jessica Christopher applied to be part of the staff at the Momentum Center for Social Engagement, she worried her past would be an obstacle. It turned out to be an asset. 
Longform Community integrated paramedics Kim Whalen and Lt. Kevin Bailey of the Bloomfield Township Fire Department conduct a patient visit.

Michigan paramedics are using a new model to promote good health before emergency strikes

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, February 20, 2020
Through an increasingly popular new model called community-integrated paramedicine, Michigan paramedics are using their downtime to proactively promote good health and nip emergency room trips in the bud.
Development News Dogtown

Dogtown Studio makes music dreams come true

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorThursday, February 20, 2020
Grand Rapids' Dogtown Studio produces affordable music videos for musicians promoting their music online. In 2019, they produced videos at no cost for 50 musicians. In 2020, they're implementing a model that benefits musicians while making the business sustainable.
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