Why do loyal residents often say the west side is the best side? Maybe because the area just across the Grand River from downtown Grand Rapids is filled with a thriving museum district, the John Ball Zoo, neighborhood corner pubs, beloved Polish meat markets, and beautiful cathedrals. Encompassing the Stockbridge neighborhood and the West Fulton business district, among others, the northwest side skews working class and is filled with residents and businesses who are investing aggressively in building urban community.
The way Grand Rapids responds to the events of Ferguson will set in motion a course of events that can either move us forward or roll us back in time. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen says it's time to listen and learn -- and follows through with a list of suggested articles and books to read, local organizations and initiatives to support, and smart ways to continue the conversation.
When local authors Betty Epperly and Deb Moore sat down to write about local individuals whose lives have been changed by their interactions with West Michigan nonprofits, they discovered a ripple effect. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen gets the story behind the stories in a book that's a must-add to your holiday shopping list for people who care.
Remaining true to her commitment to the West Michigan region, Glitter Milk Gallery director Miranda Sharp has given all of us, from artists to art lovers, plenty to embrace over this last year. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen talks with her about collaboration, creativity, and keeping her neighborhood connected.
Working in partnership with Kent ISD, Grand Rapids-based Kickstand Systems say they’ve developed an individualized, student-centric learning management software platform unlike any other competitor on the market. Rapid Growth writer Steven Thomas Kent delves in to find out how this local software company is poised to change education as we know it.
The number of teens who experience homelessness is high, and of that number between 20 and 40 percent will originate from one segment of the teen population. During National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen shines a light on what our area agencies are doing as they seek to reduce those numbers.
Can you imagine loading software on your computer from 1994? Neither can Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen, who takes a close look at why he's voting "no" on the upcoming ballot proposal on term limits for Grand Rapids government.
As West Michigan continues to grow, it's important that we begin to dive in and talk with the officials who are impacting the policies and projects in our community. Land banks are part of our fabric now, but in the years ahead their role will most certainly be debated. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen uncovers the big deal behind land banks.
Think those stereotypical jokes about lawyers being greedy and cutthroat are true? Au contraire: Since its inception, Community Legal Services of West Michigan's 37 volunteer attorneys have donated more than 500 hours of free legal assistance to people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen reports.
As we begin the next decade of river restoration work in Grand Rapids, Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen talks with Mayor Heartwell about the mighty Grand River's past and future.
Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen reflects on a couple's comments at the start of summer and finds something beautiful that ends with the launch of a Silver Line. Along the way, he wonders if the word "progressive" has come to mean something new as the city moves forward.
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