COVID-19: Signs of the Times
Local writer and photographer Mike Lozon documents the messages on Holland area signs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holland
Located on the shores of little Lake Macatawa, just off the coast of expansive Lake Michigan, Holland is the epicenter of West Michigan’s Dutch history and culture. Not surprisingly, then, the city is perhaps best known for its annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But there’s much more to the Tulip City than, well, tulips. The city’s downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts as much retail activity as any urban core in the region. The community is flush with wildly popular waterfront beaches like Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. And Hope College lends the clean, conservative town a bit of youthful spirit.
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.
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.
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.
How to help your restaurant survive the COVID-19 pandemic
Small business expert Liz Hoffswell offers 5 strategies to help restaurateurs continue to serve customers during this economic crisis.
Small businesses remain integral to community amid crisis
Longtime shop owner Kathleen Leshner offers ideas on how we can support these "nonessential" businesses that are the heart and soul of what makes our communities unique.
Lakeshore manufacturers refocus to provide essential products
Lakeshore companies are coming up with innovative ways to equip hospitals, health care systems and the front line of doctors, nurses, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers in this battle against COVID-19.
Pandemic leaves family alone in grief after loss of loved one
Bev Berens buried our mother last week. It wasn’t COVID-19 that took her but the pandemic still robbed her family of an important part of the grief and farewell.
Emergency grant funding keeps mental health services going
An emergency grant has been crucial to Mosiac Counseling providing counseling services remotely via teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is part of $80,000 given to 14 Ottawa County area organizations to provide essential services.
