Building Communities

As part of their research, Peach Plains Elementary School students toured Grand Haven’s Coast Guard station.

Fourth-graders partner with U.S. Coast Guard to solve problems

Peach Plains Elementary School students collaborated with the Coast Guard to answer an important question: How can we share the work of our local U.S. Coast Guard station with our community? 

Latest in Building Communities
John Shay
New county administrator makes calls on and off the field

When newly appointed county administrator John Shay isn't making decisions for Ottawa County, he's spending Saturday afternoons making rulings on a football field.

Windmill Island Gardens will host Books and Blooms this summer.
Michigan State University and Windmill Island Gardens partner to offer gardening classes

MSU-extension needed a garden space to show off its Smart Gardening campaign. Windmill Island Gardens needed to renovate its neglected butterfly garden. Together, the partners are sharing gardening knowledge with the Lakeshore community.

Lori Hastings
Lori’s Voice enriches lives of children with disabilities

Lori's Voice is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded to help young people with disabilities. Founder Lori Hastings remembers what it was like growing up a neurological disorder. Now, she's making sure other challenged youth have what they need.

The Ottawa County 58th District Court in Grand Haven (Ottawa County)
Expungement clinic coming to Grand Haven

A new state law has made hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Michiganders eligible to have their criminal convictions wiped clean. Many might not know they are eligible, but through an expungement clinic later this month, they can find out and start the process. 

Step it Up group walks are led by an Ottawa County naturalist.
Step it Up with walks through nature

Ottawa County’s Step it Up program is encouraging area residents to take to the parks — on their own or as part of one of the county’s organized group outings — and enjoy nature while being active.

Carolyn Stich and Joel Schoon-Tanis are using their artwork of sunflowers to support Ukraine.
Artists use their work to support Ukrainian resistance

Lakeshore artists Joel Schoon-Tanis and Carolyn Stich are using their creative talents to support the Ukrainians under siege by Russia half a world away.

Beauty Beyond Drag Productions will raise awareness for the Grand Rapids Red Project.
Make Waves on the Lakeshore: Turn on your heartlight

Warm your heart and the hearts of others by giving your time, talent, or cold hard cash. 

Kylen Blom
Screen printing, innovating, and community building: Q&A with Kylen Blom

Kylen Blom is no stranger to starting a new project. The serial entrepreneur has been building businesses since his days as a business student at Hope College.

Fennville District Library librarian Teresa Kline is the 2021 Michigan Librarian of the Year.
Return to rural roots puts Michigan’s Librarian of the Year right where she belongs

As the recipient of Michigan's 2021 Public Librarian of the Year, Fennville Library Director Teresa Kline has been recognized for her innovative approach to providing services to a rural community.

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