Grand Raggidy Roller Derby teams offer a fantastic way to meet new people.
Grand Raggidy Roller Derby teams offer a fantastic way to meet new people. Photo by Tommy Allen
Chef Muschiana welcomes folks to Søvengård's new Westside location after a two-year hiatus.
Chef Muschiana welcomes folks to Søvengård's new Westside location after a two-year hiatus. Tommy Allen
Grand Action 2.0's Acrisure Amphitheater begins construction in Grand Rapids.
Grand Action 2.0's Acrisure Amphitheater begins construction in Grand Rapids. Tommy Allen
KCAD students contribute their design skills to the emerging underground mural district
KCAD students contribute their design skills to the emerging underground mural district Tommy Allen

Features

Longform Care Model Training recipients Dinora Quintanilla (far left) and Kim Poplaski (far right) with Care Model Training facilitator Vanessa Jimenez (center).

New training helps Kent County providers better connect residents in need to resources

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 18, 2024
Health Net of West Michigan's new Care Model Training provides frontline navigators with tools and tactics to better help residents access health care and social services.
Feature Story Diversity has also taken a front seat in the area’s evolving demographics, says TaRita Johnson, The Right Place’s senior vice president of talent and diversity, who oversaw the project.

Diversity, education fuel evolution of Grand Rapids’ workforce

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 18, 2024
The Right Place’s TaRita Johnson talks about the potential of a report that explores the shifting face of the Grand Rapids talent landscape, which is benefiting from diversity and a rise in education.
Feature Story Joel Elsenbroek , apprenticeships project manager for West Michigan Works!, accepted the Certificate of Recognition from John Ladd, administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.

West Michigan Works! honored by White House for expanding apprenticeships

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 13, 2024
West Michigan Works! received White House recognition for advancing apprenticeships, supporting 276 apprentices across diverse fields, and building a skilled workforce.
Feature Story A delighted client receives her Meals on Wheels Western Michigan delivery.

Giving the gift of time and healthy meals

Kelsey SandersWednesday, November 13, 2024
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, which delivers community and nutrition to seniors year-round, is looking for volunteers.
Feature Story Vicki Briggs, a board member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, shares images with the public that capture the history of this place.

Wyoming Veterans Memorial revitalized with new tree plantings and an impressive new grant

Tommy AllenWednesday, November 13, 2024
The Wyoming Historical Commission and Tree Amigos rededicated the Veterans Memorial, honoring local heroes with new tree plantings and a community ceremony.
Feature Story Jaime Counterman is Hope Network’s first chief advancement officer.

Meet Hope Network’s first chief advancement officer

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 13, 2024
A Q&A with Jaime Counterman, who aims to build a new philanthropy vision at Hope Network as the organization’s first chief advancement officer.
Longform In Detroit, a truck drives on Jefferson Ave. while smoke billows from Zug Island.

Wayne County air quality monitors alert residents and inspire clean air action

Rylee BarnsdaleMonday, November 11, 2024
Wayne County is tackling its air quality crisis with a new network of 100 hyperlocal monitors, launched in partnership with environmental service company JustAir to track pollution in real time.
Feature Story Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director.

GRPL’s new deputy director brings global experiences to the role

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director, bringing global insights and a decade of experience to elevate the library’s services and impact.
Feature Story FinLit will include a variety of digital tools to help young adults become more comfortable with their personal finances, including a quiz identifying a “Money Mindset” that provides insights about spending habits and relationships with money.

Students develop FinLit, GVSU’s $2M financial literacy program

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
A new $2 million financial literacy tool, FinLit, created by students, aims to empower GVSU students with essential money skills.
Feature Story The apprenticeship program connects child care providers with local training institutions to foster hands-on learning environments.

Apprenticeship program aims to ease West Michigan’s child care shortage

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 6, 2024
West Michigan Works' apprenticeship program addresses the child care worker shortage by giving new staff hands-on experience, supporting workforce stability.
Feature Story Alex Aguilar-Delgado says securing The Rapid's Wave card was a snap at GRCC.

New free bus pass eases transportation strain for GRCC students, employees

Shandra MartinezTuesday, November 5, 2024
GRCC and The Rapid partner to provide students with free bus passes, improving access to education by easing transportation challenges.
Longform K-Connect's data dashboard for Kent County.

Local health statistics are a click away as community health dashboards proliferate in Michigan

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 31, 2024
Community health dashboards are readily available online resources that compile various health data for different regions.
Feature Story Kent District Library's Write Michigan Short Story Contest is free to enter for youth. Adults pay a $10 entry fee, although scholarships are available.

Write Michigan contest inspires creativity and connection across the state

Shandra MartinezWednesday, October 30, 2024
KDL’s Write Michigan Short Story Contest invites Michiganders of all ages to share their stories, fostering creativity and connection statewide. Deadline is Nov. 30.   
Feature Story fragmentslist

How 2 West Michigan designers are turning plastic waste into art

Shandra MartinezWednesday, October 30, 2024
Two KCAD alumni are transforming plastic waste into durable recycled materials. They are showcasing their sustainable innovation at the “Fragments to Form” exhibit,  which runs through Nov. 22.
Feature Story Adrian Butler is a DJ, producer, content creator, and artist.

Exhibit A’s comeback celebrates Grand Rapids’ unique style and collaborative spirit

Tommy Allen, PublisherWednesday, October 30, 2024
As Grand Rapids readies itself for the electrifying return of Exhibit A, there’s a palpable energy running through our city’s creative community, which is being included and elevated once again in this beloved event that has not been staged since 2019.
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