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

Jeff Robinson of Hybrid Machining removes a 3D printed face mask from a printer donated by Reed City on March 30, 2020 at Hybrid Machining in Holland. Robinson is donating his time and his space to help create more face shields and masks for essentia
Volunteers launch 3D printer network to fill gap amid PPE shortage

It began as a small group of West Michigan volunteers making Personal Protective Equipment on their 3D printers to protect the health of frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. And then it quickly grew into 3Dc19.com, a multi-state network of volunteers. Meet the people who made this happen. 

JR Automation worked with GM to build a mask assembly line in metro Detroit in just six days.
Lakeshore manufacturers refocus to provide essential products

Lakeshore companies are coming up with innovative ways to equip hospitals, health care systems and the front line of doctors, nurses, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers in this battle against COVID-19.

Sarah Lewakowski is the executive director of Mosaic Counseling.
Emergency grant funding keeps mental health services going

An emergency grant has been crucial to Mosiac Counseling providing counseling services remotely via teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is part of $80,000 given to 14 Ottawa County area organizations to provide essential services. 

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

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.

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

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.

Love In Action staff sort food donations.
Emergency grants help nonprofits get more food, services to those in need

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. 

Ottawa county nonprofits launch the web page careottawacounty.com to connect people with resources and ways to help those impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
United Way offers opportunities to help during coronavirus crisis

Do you need help or want to help? The Greater Ottawa County United Way has partnered with other nonprofits to launch a website to answer your questions.

A renovation is planned for Tanglefoot Park
Spring Lake park renovation to create community hub

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.

The Lilley House was moved in July to a spot across from Tanglefoot park.
Saving a landmark brings couple to Spring Lake

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. 

Immigrant entrepreneur makes a big difference in Spring Lake

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.

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