Leaders say Downtown Holland merchants ready, eager to reopen

Hospital and business leaders discuss how downtown merchants can begin partially reopening this week during a webinar hosted by the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Advantage.

Q&A: What businesses need to know ahead of reopening

Kristina Wieghmink, Ottawa County Department of Public Health information officer, answers questions about what businesses need to know to reopen under the “MI Safe Start Plan."

Teens collaborating on storybook put positive spin on quarantine

Inspired by their grandmother, cousins Adeline Kotecki and Payton Hosley collaborate over Zoom calls to write a story about their quarantine experience. 

Farmers markets reporting higher attendance as they open within safe shopping guidelines

Farmers markets along the Lakeshore are reopening for the 2020 season. Here's a roundup of schedules for the popular outdoor markets in Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, and Spring Lake.

Teen’s food pantry expands to include deliveries to senior citizens

Using money she had set aside for her canceled senior prom, Autumn Fitchett bought groceries to start a food pantry. Now, the Zeeland teen is partnering with Community Action of Allegan County to deliver meals. 

Pandemic changes face, feel of Holland Farmers Market

Not even the coronavirus could stop the 41st opening of the Holland Farmers Market during the second week in May. However, the pandemic imposes some restrictions on the operation of the outdoor market in compliance with an executive order from Michigan’s governor.

Senior won’t let unique graduation experience derail goals for future

Jonathan McCabe shares how West Ottawa High School teachers and staff are making virtual and socially distanced graduation events special. 

Ebrahim Mohammad Eshaq sews masks.
‘Mask Master’ finds home, new purpose in U.S. with refugee resettlement program

Ebrahim Mohammad Eshaq is putting his tailoring skills to work making face masks for Zeeland-based Ventura Manufacturing. As the Afghani refugee and his family settle in the U.S. with the help of Bethany Christian Services, he is grateful for the opportunity to help. 

‘Heal the Zeel’ campaign rallies community support

The city of Zeeland’s “Feel the Zeel” tagline has temporarily switched to “Heal the Zeel” during the pandemic. Downtown businesses such as Out of the Box and Tripelroot say they appreciate the campaign's unifying message. 

With shops and restaurants closed, the sidewalks in downtown Holland lack the usual hustle and bustle of a springtime Saturday.
Michigan West Coast Chamber foundation announces downtown relief fund

A newly created relief fund will offer grants of up to $10,000 to businesses in downtown Holland and Zeeland struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 economic crisis. The deadline to apply is May 18. 

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