Alla Dickson is an award-winning artist.

Artist Alla Dickson’s captivating story fuels passion, creativity

Alla Dickson’s life story — born in Russia, residing in Cairo, then years in Siberia before creating a fairy tale retreat on the Lakeshore — is as captivating as her work. Her oil and watercolor paintings have received numerous honors and awards, including from Tulip Time and ArtPrize.

A GRCC student talks to his physical science professor.
GRCC to offer more in-person classes, services this fall

Grand Rapids Community College is focusing on safety as it plans to offer more on-campus classes this fall, though online and hybrid formats will continue to be offered. The college also plans to maintain through the fall its programs that offer loaner laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other equipment.

Hadley Streng is president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
GHACF invests $1.5M to provide low-cost loans to community nonprofits

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently approved a five-year investment in IFF. Income from GHACF’s stake in the community development financial institution will be used to provide loans to nonprofits in Northwest Ottawa County target communities.

Ottawa County peer support specialist Kelly Chapman with the county customer service award she received for helping a client to vote for the first time.
County employee awarded for helping first time voter

Kelly Chapman doesn't see what she did as noteworthy, but helping a senior client struggling with anxiety to vote for the first time has garnered praise from Ottawa County.

Invasive zebra mussels found in aquarium moss products (some in Kalamazoo) prompt national response

At least 21 states, including Michigan, are trying to stop the spread of zebra mussels and related invasives found in moss balls intended for aquariums. 

The 2020 Ottawa County Community Health Needs Assessment is available on the new website, healthyottawa.org.
Working together to solve health concerns

Nonprofits, health care providers, and governments have forged relationships that helped them better address the COVID-19 pandemic. The triennial Ottawa County Community Health Needs Assessment shows 2020 was the year of COVID and mental health.

Healthy meals are prepared for the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency's Meals on Wheels program.
Traverse City-based program sends hospital patients home with healthy meals

The program also delivers healthy meals to patients via Meals on Wheels for 10 days and provides other resources to connect patients to fresh, nutritious food.

A trove of on-demand e-learning and Zoom classes —183 in all — paved the way for Ottawa County emploees to stretch their work knowledge. Pictured from left: HR Director Marcie VerBeek and employees Sarah Allen and Kara Bostrom Young.
E-learning, Zoom pave way for Ottawa County employees to expand skills

Ottawa County employees “thrive on being in a learning environment,” says HR Director Marcie VerBeek. E-learning opportunities and Zoom classes allowed county staff to soak up new knowledge in spite of pandemic constraints.

Duane and Dave Bulkowski pre-COVID-19
How a local organization advocates, seeks to create change and more inclusive spaces

Disability Advocates of Kent County works to assist individuals with various services, connect them with community resources, and help organizations create spaces that are accessible and welcoming. Executive Director, Dave Bulkowski shares how they've responded to COVID-19 and what they hope to see going forward.

Grand Rapids Community College’s Bill Pink and Muskegon Community College’s Dale Nesbary have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board.
Lakeshore Advantage board adds college presidents as part of focus on education

Two college presidents — Grand Rapids Community College’s Bill Pink and Muskegon Community College’s Dale Nesbary — have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board. Their appointment demonstrates the organization’s recognition of how important access to affordable higher education is to the region’s economic growth. 

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