Herrick District Library will host a series of holiday-themed events this December. From family films to fierce gingerbread competitions, events are available for every age.

5 free things to do at the library in December

Herrick District Library will host a series of holiday-themed events in December. From family films to fierce gingerbread competitions, events are available for every age. Registration is required for some events, but all are free.

In honor of its centennial, MAM is planning a Worship Celebration Service on Dec. 11, led by the congregation’s new pastor, Winfred Burns ll. 
Maple Avenue Ministries celebrates its centennial

Over its 100 years, Maple Avenue Ministries has been groundbreaking in many ways. The Holland church is inviting the community to celebrate its centennial during a special Worship Celebration Service on Dec. 11.

Art teacher Steven Pryce teaches at Lincoln High School in Augusta Township.
State program helps Michigan schools handle students with extra care if they’ve experienced trauma

Since it was piloted in 2017, the state's Handle With Care program has helped schools provide compassionate care to thousands of children identified by law enforcement as having experienced a traumatic event.

John Shea (left) and Jay Peters posed for a photo this week after Peters used CPR to save Shea from a "widow maker" heart attack. Peters is active in helping Holland achieve a Heart Safe Community designation.
Heart Safe: Surviving a heart attack through training and a little bit of luck

It was only through a series of coincidences that John Shea survived a "widow maker" heart attack this fall. The city of Holland is working toward becoming a Heart Safe Community. Part of that process requires increased CPR training for the public.

Customized Workplace English instruction helping to fill the manufacturing talent gap

MillerKnoll collaborated with the Literacy Center of West Michigan to create an onsite Customized Workplace English program at the global design leader’s facility in Zeeland. 

Liz Keegan, director of education and outreach at the Center, and Delores Trese, managing attorney at Legal Aid of Western Michigan, have been spreading the word on how tenants can recognize when they are victims of discrimination, as well as how to
5 things tenants, landlords should know about housing rights

Liz Keegan, director of education and outreach at the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, and Delores Trese, managing attorney at Legal Aid of Western Michigan, explain tenant and landlord rights.

Gail Hall
Why holiday stress can trigger eating issues

There can be emotional triggers during the holidays that can lead to eating issues. Gail Hall, a certified eating disorder specialist, explains the psychology of food and holiday traditions.  

A Common Redpoll.
Birding programs have enthusiasts flocking to Ottawa County

Ottawa County caters to the growing base of bird watchers and enthusiasts with birding programs, a photo contest, scheduled bird walks and waterfowl field trips. Volunteers are needed for the Christmas bird count that runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4.

Lynn Hendges, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services manager of housing and homeless services.
New data management tool aims to help medically vulnerable Michiganders escape homelessness

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is developing a standardized, statewide indicator to track not only an individual's homelessness risk but also their medical fragility. 

Gentex Discovery Preschool will be the first of its kind in the area with subsidized preschool for first and second shift parents on the Gentex manufacturing site in Zeeland.
Gentex, ODC partner to bring child care to employees

The Outdoor Discovery Center is working with Ottawa County to use $7.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to create 1,000 new child care slots in the county. That money will be matched with $30 million from local business partners.

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