The test kitchen highlights open spaces under the counter and sink for chairs or wheelchairs, lowered ovens, and cabinets with pull-down wire shelving.

Community, inclusion inspire new Home Accessibility Center to support those with disabilities

A new Home Accessibility Center will serve as a showroom to give contractors and families a place to learn how existing kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms can be renovated to ensure those with disabilities can continue living at home.

Residents can purchase composting bags for $5 for one bag or $12 for three bags.
Ottawa County launches food composting program

Ottawa County’s new food composting program is the only local public health-led residential composting program of its kind in West Michigan.

Jennifer Pascua
Museum celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with May program

The Holland Museum is spotlighting the experiences of five Asian and Pacific Islanders in West Michigan on May 19 as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  

Students in grades six through nine can explore careers through hands-on activities.
Students can explore careers through hands-on summer experiences

Students in grades six through nine can explore careers through hands-on activities and tours during a series of summer camps offered by the GRCC Workforce Training team.

Dee Meux, a certified nursing assistant at Samaritas, wears Glass smart glasses.
Smart glasses help family caregivers connect to professional help for loved ones aging at home

Caring for an older relative despite having no formal caregiving training can be stressful, but a new pilot project in the Grand Rapids area is using smart glasses to help.

Team members from Zeeland High School's robotics team — known as Built on Brains, or B.O.B. — were one of two teams to compete at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics World Championship in Houston last month.
Robotics students are next tech workforce

Two area robotics teams competed at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics state and world championships, but that's just the beginning. Many tech companies mentor the students now and seek them out when it comes time to hire later.

Step it Up participants can join group walks like this one or participate in physical activity on their own.
10 ways to enjoy the outdoors in Ottawa County Parks this month

Get outdoors this month with the Ottawa County Parks Department! Everything from birding to kayaking to bald eagle viewing are up for grabs.

A recent study found there are 411,000 fewer available homes for sale for a household earning $75,000 to $100,000 compared to pre-pandemic.
New homebuyers prepare for a ‘hot’ housing market this summer

Housing trends in West Michigan reflect a nationwide trend. A recent study found there are 411,000 fewer available homes for sale for a household earning $75,000 to $100,000 compared to pre-pandemic.

Jocelyn Hines (right) poses with her parents (left) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Hines received the 2019 Youth Volunteer of the Year award.
MSU grad launches Muskegon Young Black Professionals to support community

Muskegon native and MSU grad Jocelyn Hines was inspired to launch Muskegon Young Black Professionals after seeing a similar networking organization in Detroit.

A student takes part in GRCC's free college prep summer program. (GRCC/Steve Jessmore)
GRCC’s free summer program prepares new high school grads for college success

A free Grand Rapids Community College summer program for graduating high school seniors is aimed at boosting foundational math and reading skills and preparing them for success.  

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