Chef Jenna navigates COVID-recovery with creativity, PPP, and community-centered food hugs

Publisher Tommy Allen sits down with local chef, Jenna Arcidiacono, where she reflects on the early days of COVID-19, the power of community, and what she hopes to see as we move forward together.

Photographer shares secrets for taking spectacular sunset photos

Steve Damstra is known for his magnificent sunset images. The Grand Haven resident shares how he started taking photos and what makes a great shot (hint: he likes them to tell a story).

HDL will give out about 1,000 grab-n-go bags.
Holland library provides seed packets to help people get growing

Herrick District Library will distribute 1,000 grab-n-go bags through its seed library this year. Patrons may choose from four seed-pack categories: herbs, fruits/vegetables, greens, and flowers.

Bowerman Blueberries is expanding its original farmers market and bringing a restaurant to downtown Holland later this year.
Bowerman bringing blueberries to downtown Holland

Bowerman Blueberries is bringing its popular blueberry donuts, custard, and other new sweet and savory treats to the former Sandcastle for Kids toy store and AlpenRose cafe on the corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue in downtown Holland.

While at Grand Valley, Jordan Vanderham developed a mask that makes it easier to breathe while working or playing in below-freezing air.
Entrepreneurial GVSU grad finds success with cold-weather masks

While at Grand Valley, Jordan Vanderham developed a mask that makes it easier to breathe while working or playing in below-freezing air. He pitched the idea in competitions across the Midwest, including events hosted by Grand Rapids-based incubator Start Garden.

Refresh is a collaboration between Community Action House and the First United Methodist Church of Holland and offers a hot shower, meal, and zero judgement.
Refresh celebrates two years with expansion

Refresh is celebrating two years with another expansion. The drop-in program — a partnership between Community Action House and First United Methodist Church of Holland — offers a hot shower, meal, and zero judgment.

Voting for Dancing with the Local Stars runs through March 10.
How Dancing with the Local Stars helps me give back to my community

Christina Fecher’s heart for the hungry in her community inspired her to get involved with the annual Dancing with the Local Stars fundraiser. 

The #OttawaVotes project received a 2020 Clearinghouse Award for Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology.
Ottawa County voter information campaign earns national recognition

The #OttawaVotes project received a 2020 Clearinghouse Award for Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology. The campaign was honored for its intentional effort to provide regular, accurate information to voters.  

Good Sam helps hundreds of families each year become thriving members of our community.
Community foundation grant helps families facing housing crisis

The largest Community Impact award from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation will be given over three years to Good Samaritan Ministries. The grant will be used to help the nonprofit open a satellite office in Northwest Ottawa County.

A watercolor, titled A Foggy Day, by Mathias Alten is part of the Holland Museum exhibit.
Holland Museum exhibit to celebrate legacy of artist Mathias Alten

The exhibition includes rarely seen sketches and watercolors by the German-born artist well-known for his oil paintings. The pieces, which will be on display from March 12 through July 25, are from the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery Collection.  

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