Saugatuck resident Meena Ariagno brings global perspectives to podcasting

Saugatuck resident Meena Ariagno, an Indian-American immigrant with roots extending from Uganda to London, is giving people in West Michigan a global platform with her podcast series. 

Big Read Lakeshore explores identity, the American dream in this year’s book selections

The Big Read Lakeshore will feature a diverse book selection, over 150 events across three counties, and author visits by Pedro Martin and Yuyi Morales.

Vander Meulen Builders
A century of craftsmanship: Family firm celebrates 100 years of building homes

Vander Meulen Builders, a fourth-generation family-owned construction firm, is celebrating a century of building custom homes for the Lakeshore community. 

Naomi Timmerman’s journey from breastfeeding challenges to a bountiful supply is a testament to maternal resilience.
How support helps mom transform breastfeeding struggles into a success story

Throughout National Breastfeeding Month in August, Holland Hospital is emphasizing the crucial role support groups play in a mother’s breastfeeding journey.

Neighborhood Connector Lori Appeldoorn pauses at one of many welcoming stops along Central Avenue. This one, in front of JJ's on the corner of Central and 16th Street, includes yard games, lighting, and picnic benches for neighborhood gatherings.
Eastcore looks to artistic future with neighborhood improvements, mural festival

The Eastcore neighborhood in Holland's central city is undergoing a major shift thanks, primarily, to the combined efforts of neighbors and the nonprofit 3Sixty. The neighborhood's second annual mural festival next month will celebrate all those successes and add to them.

The new Commongrounds building on Eighth Street in Traverse City.
Commongrounds uses co-op model to serve missing needs of the community

Traverse City's Commongrounds is a mixed-use building, offering affordable housing, co-working space, a coffee shop, child education center, and performance venue. It's the first real estate cooperative in northern Michigan.

Produce from the Youth Mentor Garden at Marquette Park in Wyoming, Mich.
Youth Mentor Gardens grow food, family, and community in Detroit and Grand Rapids area

At two Youth Mentor Gardens, participating teens and their families work together to plant, weed, water, mulch, and harvest produce.

Mark Witte
CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

Moxie’s all-women crew in Chicago to Mackinac race shares highlights

Moxie's nine-woman crew faced numerous challenges during the 115th Chicago to Mackinac race, which spans 300 nautical miles across Lake Michigan

Inaugural Surge Summit brings Tech Week GR expansion to Holland

The half-day event will highlight product and technology startups in West Michigan’s Lakeshore region and aims to ignite conversations about pathways to innovation for businesses at all stages and sizes.  

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