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 Holland Chorale, Park Theatre and the Holland Symphony Orchestra are among the nonprofits taking part in Capacity Building: Michigan Lakeshore.
‘Capacity-building’ program helping Lakeshore arts organizations thrive for decades to come

Michael Kaiser, the former Kennedy Center leader and a pioneer in arts management, is working with Lakeshore arts and culture organizations to strengthen their management practices so they are around for decades to come.

Rendering of what Ottawa Beach General Store will look like after the rebuild.
Owners plan to rebuild vintage General Store near Holland beach

Plans call for rebuilding the popular Ottawa Beach General Store after the 2023 summer season so it will be ready to open for the 2024 season. Owners promise the new structure will have the same vintage look. 

The Secchia Institute is partnering with Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s Careerline Tech Center. (GRCC)
GRCC students among finalists in competition to send a meal to space station

The Secchia Institute is partnering with Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s Careerline Tech Center, with students Katie Bird and Devon Vanderwall preparing a recipe of Austrian-style steak soup for the NASA HUNCH mission.

Allegan County youth particpate in a grant selection process. (ACCF)
Allegan County youth award $64K in grants

Allegan County youth have awarded more than $64,000 to 24 organizations. The students are part of the Teens Aiding Growth Team and the Youth Advisory Council of the Allegan County Community Foundation.

The Muskegon Rescue Mission recently opened the Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool.
Muskegon Rescue Mission opens affordable day care

Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool is designed to provide low-income families with affordable child care as they continue to work or seek employment opportunities to help them overcome poverty. 

Raul Garcia, Homeowner Services Coach with Brittany Rabideau, a future Haven Townhome homeowner.
Lakeshore Habitat awarded $970K for Missing Middle Housing Program

The Missing Middle Housing Program is a housing production program designed to address the general lack of attainable housing and housing challenges underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Herrick District Library's main branch near downtown Holland.
Herrick District Library is asking the community for ideas for main branch renovation

Community members will be invited to offer input and share feedback on renovation concepts this spring. Input will be collected through interactive opportunities inside the library building, through social media and website surveys, and through email communications to library cardholders.

The board members of the Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative.
GHACF supports strategic growth of Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative

TCPI is one of six organizations benefiting from more than $200,000 in Community Impact Grant awards from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Additionally, the funding will support free Friday night concerts and a beginner music education program.

Matt Dunsmoore presents during the first session of the Tuesday Forum on Feb. 28. (GHACF)
‘Real conversations’ part of Tuesday Forum series

The Tuesday Forum is providing a unique opportunity for Tri-Cities area businesses, local leaders, and community members to collaboratively learn about and discuss critical issues impacting Northwest Ottawa County and strategically plan for a shared future through a six-part breakfast speaker series, “Envisioning Our Community’s Future.”

#LAFRocks Public Art Project coming to Muskegon this summer

The artwork will incorporate a small boulder/rock that will be on display beginning June 24. All artists 18 years or older are invited to submit an application to participate in the project by March 22.

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