Ottawa County

Gloria Lara is the Executive Director of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.

LEDA launches weekly conversations on racial inequalities

The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has launched a series of weekly Facebook Live events, leading up to the virtual 2020 Summit on Race and Inclusion: Vision & Voices on July 21.

A protester carried this sign during the George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in Holland on June 7.
How I came to take a stand against racism

Dave Edmonds shares why he thinks it took so long for him to understand his role in racial inequality and why he is determined to make up for lost time.

More than 3,000 people lined Unity Bridge on June 7 to show their solidarity in standing against racism in America.
Thousands line Unity Bridge, ‘standing together’ for justice

“We choose unity. We choose peace. We choose togetherness,” co-organizer Shutaveya Ward says. “We can enact change by standing together.”

Lucia Rios at a work event.
Accommodating remote work during pandemic helps shift conversation about access, inclusion

Lucia Rios hopes that once we’re out of quarantine, we don’t stop making access and inclusion an important topic. She, along with others who are disabled, don’t want to go back to business as usual.

Rebekah VanZegeren is a former college athlete turned physical therapist.
Finding new ways to support health and fitness during COVID-19

Former athlete Rebekah VanZegeren shares how physical therapists are providing a safe environment for recovery during the pandemic.

‘Short-lived hobby’ turns into a Rotary Project to provide PPE to fight pandemic

What began as a little project by Sue Franz to help a friend in need quickly grew into the Rotary Fabric Mask Maker Club. Now, the group needs volunteers and donations to keep up with the demand.

Expanding online presence can help businesses succeed now, come back stronger

With many people staying home, working from home, and social distancing, they are spending a lot more time online. That’s why now is the perfect time for businesses to expand their reach online, says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant.

Salvador and Jodi Munoz during a recent reunion in Mexico.
Coming home: Family navigates immigration during COVID-19 crisis

After 12 years, Salvador Munoz was close to being reunited with his wife Jodi and their daughters, then came the COVID-19 crisis. The Holland family is working with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to get over the last hurdle. 

Connor DenBleyker with his new kitten, Elmer.
Cat adoptions are up during quarantine

The Harbor Humane Shelter has seen an increase in first-time adopters since stay-at-home orders went into effect, says Executive Director Jen Self-Aulgur.

Pandemic, erosion force restrictions at state, county parks

Photo essay illustrates how the potent combination of coronavirus guidelines and high-water levels will create a different experience at lakeside beaches from Holland to Grand Haven this summer.

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