Author

Paul R. Kopenkoskey

Paul R. Kopenkoskey’s career as a freelance writer spans more than 30 years. The Calvin University grad has written for many West Michigan publications and he has sat in the editor’s chair for three monthly magazines. His first historical fiction novel, Karl Beguiled: A Journey of Hope and Sacrifice, is available on Amazon.com. He’ll devour a Snug Burger at Snug Harbor restaurant in Grand Haven any time of the day. He can be reached at paulrk@hotmail.com

Paul R. Kopenkoskey's Latest Articles

From left, Iliana Ponce, Esther Fifelski, and Susan Kragt are among those advocating for Afghan refugees in West Michigan.
Lakeshore agencies welcome Afghan refugees with open arms

Bethany Christian Services is working in concert with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to help Afghan individuals and families who are seeking asylum following the U.S. armed forces withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Sixteen-year-old Makenzie Aney is the inspiration for a café her aunt plans to open in mid-2022 with an aspiration to do more than sell espressos and lattes. 
Owner’s niece inspires Kenzie’s BE Café, where staff with disabilities will run the show

When Kenzie’s BE Café opens, owner Erin Lyon says the coffeehouse’s 25 employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities will “be pretty much running the show.”

Mandy Anderson and Aaron Johnson of Eat Well Do Good.
Grand Haven ghost kitchen creates a model for hiring employees with disabilities

Eat Well Do Good is the nonprofit arm of Grand Haven’s Lake Effect Kitchen. It’s also a place where workers with intellectual disabilities can earn a competitive wage, gain life skills and boost their own self-image.

Ryan Kilpatrick, Lead Consultant for the Ottawa County-Holland-based HousingNext.
How zoning can promote unfair housing practices and what to do about it

The 15th Annual Lakeshore Fair Housing conference on Nov. 18 will explore the connection between zoning and unfair housing practices.

Even under the best of conditions, seasonal and migrant farmworkers toil long, exhausting hours in extreme weather conditions, possibly exposed to pesticides. 
Migrant Legal Aid’s Fair Food Pledge works to alleviate migrant farmworker injustices

Migrant Legal Aid’s Fair Food Pledge is a partnership with food retailers and produce growers that has set standards for treating farmworkers fairly and ethically.

A rendering of the Request Foods expansion.
Request Foods plans $205M expansion, adding nearly 200 jobs

Zeeland-based Request Foods plans an investment of $205 million in Holland Township that will expand its warehouse and manufacturing space, and create up to 198 new jobs.  

Ottawa County's 2021 Diversity Forum speakers
Diversity Forum: 10 insights about gaps in equity and inclusion

This year’s Ottawa County Diversity Forum tackled how to close equity and inclusion gaps in education, law enforcement, mental health, local government, immigration, and youth development. Here are 10 insights from the day-long conference.

Patrick Cisler, executive director of Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance in Holland, joined forces with Zeeland-based Leading By Design to establish LEAD 24/7 for nonprofits.
Leadership training program launched for nonprofit executives

The nonprofit LEAD 24/7 is a 12-month immersive management program designed for executives of nonprofits to develop their leadership skillsets and abilities.

Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds Justin Roebuck registering new voters at Grand Valley State University.
From election coordinator to Michigan Clerk of the Year: Justin Roebuck’s passion for public service

Ottawa County’s Justin Roebuck was recently named the 2021 Michigan Clerk of the Year. He has made customer service a priority since taking office, with a focus on utilizing technology to solve problems and improve access and transparency.

The Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds office's Honor Rewards Program for veterans offers discounts at area businesses.
Honor Rewards program provides veterans with discounts on goods and services

More than 350 Lakeshore area businesses participate in the Honor Rewards program, which offers discounts on goods and services to U.S. military veterans. Ottawa County is hoping to spread the word about the program and reach more veterans. 

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