Usually scarce on a Saturday, parking space along 8th Street in downtown Holland is abundant during the pandemic.

Stay-at-home order brings ‘eerie quiet’ to gathering spaces

Photographer Mike Lozon captures the transformation of the Holland landscape during the pandemic. This spring, the downtown feels like a ghost town with Tulip Time canceled and most businesses temporarily shuttered to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

#ShareTheStimulus campaign offers ways to ‘invest in our community’

Ottawa County nonprofit and government leaders are encouraging people who don't need their COVID-19 relief checks to use the extra money to help those who are struggling.

Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.
What small business owners need to know about stimulus loans

Small business owners should apply for their PPP loans ASAP,  says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant. In her column, she explains the Paycheck Protection Program and other CARES Act stimulus loan options. 

Fostering kittens during the pandemic

GVSU student Kathryn Agar is spending her extra time at home to care for orphan kittens. She shares how fostering is challenging but rewarding volunteer work. (Spoiler alert: lots of adorable kitten photos)

Jeff Robinson of Hybrid Machining removes a 3D printed face mask from a printer donated by Reed City on March 30, 2020 at Hybrid Machining in Holland. Robinson is donating his time and his space to help create more face shields and masks for essentia
Volunteers launch 3D printer network to fill gap amid PPE shortage

It began as a small group of West Michigan volunteers making Personal Protective Equipment on their 3D printers to protect the health of frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. And then it quickly grew into 3Dc19.com, a multi-state network of volunteers. Meet the people who made this happen. 

The Knickerbocker Theatre promotes a safety tip on its marquee.
COVID-19: Signs of the Times

Local writer and photographer Mike Lozon documents the messages on Holland area signs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding community during quarantine

Lucia Rios' milestone birthday didn't quite turn out as imagined but it was memorable. She credits caring friends and coworkers for helping her get through quarantine.

Carmen VanHaitsma
Amid pandemic, volunteer says Mission is where she’s supposed to be

When Carmen VanHaitsma was laid off from her job because of the COVID-19 crisis, she saw an opportunity to devote more time to helping the homeless. 

Holland Rescue Mission staff Aaron Paul and Lonny Young show off donated reusable cloth masks that will help keep staff, volunteers and residents at the shelter safe.
Mission takes extra steps to protect homeless from COVID-19

The homeless – already vulnerable – are among the most susceptible to coronavirus. In response, the Holland Rescue Mission has taken numerous safety precautions to protect the residents staying at the Holland shelter.

Emergency grants, community donations provide thousands of meals

In the past month, Community Action House provided more than 59,000 meals’ worth of groceries to families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. This was possible because of $50,000 in emergency grants and a #StayHomeFightHunger campaign that inspired many to donate food.

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