Retiring HAC executive director will miss ‘the challenge’

After more than a decade overseeing the Holland Aquatic Center, Executive Director Jack Huisingh is retiring. The former competitive swimmer will miss his staff and the challenge of the job.

David Tucker, be nice. volunteer team leader
Business symposium kicks off series of spring be nice. mental health events

The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and its be nice. program will host four spring mental health events this year.

HSO President and CEO Kay Walvoord
HSO concert is Kay Walvoord’s last as CEO of orchestra

Holland Symphony Orchestra will perform its final concert of this season on April 27. It’s also the last under the leadership of co-founder Kay Walvoord, who is stepping down after 36 years with the organization. 

Author embraces experience of growing up in deaf culture

Grand Rapids resident Mickey Carolan describes himself as a CODA, short for child of deaf adults. Growing up with two deaf parents gave him experiences that have inspired his three books and his work as an ally for the Deaf community.

Entering its second summer of construction, downtown Zeeland is working with customers and shop owners to make sure downtown shopping and dining is still "The Main Thing."
Supporting local businesses — even during construction — is the Main Thing in Zeeland

Zeeland is encouraging customers to make continuing to support their favorite downtown businesses during construction "The Main Thing" with an awareness campaign that highlights how to navigate construction and why it's important.

The Lindenloft cottage is the sole cottage of Highland Park to remain in the same family and retain its original name through the years.
Final installment: Highland Park’s history lives on

In the final installment of our series of excerpts from Karen Lowe's book The Historic Cottages of Highland Park, we explore two very different cottages as well as some of the boardwalks and bridges that connect the community.

Special funds are a step toward leveling the playing field for Black farmers

For the first time, BIPOC farmers in West Michigan will be able to apply for a grant through the West Michigan Farmers of Color Land Fund to help them buy, maintain, and improve agricultural land.

Shelby Coolbaugh, administrative assistant for the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP), and Salli Pung, state long term care omubdsman for MLTCOP.
Michigan ombudsman program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities

The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program improves quality of care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. 

How Michigan universities are at the forefront of advancing AI technology

Artificial Intelligence offers enormous opportunities across industries, but universities in Michigan are aware of the need to implement the technology responsibly and are leading the charge on how to do so.

Danielle Atkinson
Mothering Justice “Mamas’ Agenda” addresses childcare and early childhood education

A grassroots policy advocacy organization, Mothering Justice provides mothers of color in America with resources and tools to make equitable policy changes. One of its agenda items is early childhood education.

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