Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra Martinez is the managing editor of The Lakeshore WM. After a distinguished career in daily journalism, she launched her Holland-based business, Shandra Martinez Communications. A longtime resident of the Lakeshore, she now writes and edits on a variety of platforms for clients in Michigan and across the country. She can be reached at mailto:shandra@thelakeshorewm.com

Shandra Martinez's Latest Articles

The Village of Spring Lake’s DDA invested $18,000 for an eight-unit kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun.
Spring Lake unveils new kayak rentals at Tanglefoot Park

The Village of Spring Lake’s DDA invested $18,000 for an eight-unit kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun. It costs $5 to unlock the kiosk via the app and $20 per hour to rent a kayak, complete with a paddle and floatation device.

Grand Haven Township Senior Planner Rory Thibault
Why breaking out of the housing trap begins with small changes

Strong Towns’ Norm Van Eeden Petersman joined the Tuesday Forum Series to explore what it takes for communities to address the affordable housing crisis.

Chamber members volunteer at the Zeeland Historical Society during Community Impact Day. (West Coast Chamber)
West Coast Chamber hosts 4th annual Community Impact Day

This week, the West Coast Chamber is holding its 2023 Leadership Week. In this Q&A, CEO Jodi Owczarski explains the effort to create a profound impact on the Holland and Zeeland communities. 

Boyd Feltman when Peachwave opened in downtown Holland in 2013. (Peachwave)
Q&A: Boyd Feltman shares secrets of Peachwave’s sweet success

Peachwave Yogurt & Gelato is celebrating its 10th year of serving frozen yogurt, gelato, and nondairy treats in downtown Holland. Owner Boyd Feltman talks about the sweet success of his business model. 

The grounbreaking was held May 5. (Gentex)
Gentex starts construction of onsite preschool for employees

The Gentex Discovery Preschool will be the first of its kind in the area, in part because of its extended hours, which will accommodate the children of both first- and second-shift workers.

A HUD grant is funding home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties. (DAKC)
Disability Advocates Kent County helps low-income seniors age in place

Disability Advocates Kent County is using a $975,000, 3-year HUD grant to fund home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties.

Lucia Rios holds State of Michigan Special Tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials. (Shandra Martinez)
Disability Inclusion Series Editor Lucia Rios receives 2023 Ability Award

Lucia Rios is honored for her decades of work educating people about accessibility issues and mentoring the next generation of disability advocates.

A third-grade classroom at Pine Creek Elementary working on a math lesson.
Grants support 3 efforts to reduce the education achievement gap

CFHZ is distributing $130,000 to three organizations to provide innovative solutions to help reduce the education achievement gap.   

Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue Chief Shawn Schrader speaks to Michigan Justice Richard Bernstein. (Shandra Martinez)
Justice Bernstein brings a perspective of inclusion to court

Richard Bernstein believes one of the most important attributes he brings to his role as a justice on Michigan’s highest court is the perspective of someone navigating life with a disability. 

GHACF is moving to a historic building on Sherman Avenue. (GHACF)
GHACF will expand with a move to historic building

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s move to a historic building on Sherman Avenue will create incubator space for assisting new and growing nonprofit, partners.

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