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Feature Story Kids are intrigued by David Smith's use of metal in Untitled (Rebecca with a Turtle), ca. 1956-57.

David Smith: Sculpting space, nature, and legacy at Meijer Gardens

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024
David Smith’s relationship with nature is central to his sculptures. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park's interior and exterior exhibition of his work, "David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture," resonates deeply with his intent.
Longform Deb Messing oversees Sanilac County Community Mental Health communications efforts to the county's rural residents.

Rural mental health providers overcome stigma, rugged individualism, and distance to provide care

Julie RiddleMonday, December 9, 2024
Here's how three Michigan community mental health agencies serving rural populations have found ways to meet their unique needs by developing innovative programs and effective outreach.
Longform Small-team-smile

New series explores efforts to address oral health inequities

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 9, 2024
A new State of Health series highlights innovative approaches and partnerships tackling systemic barriers to oral health care for underserved populations.
Feature Story small-karen

Advocate uses her experiences to help others with disabilities gain independence through work

Shandra MartinezMonday, December 9, 2024
Karen Wynne helps individuals with disabilities navigate the Ticket to Work program, empowering them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Feature Story Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Kelly Linton, an ADA specialist and systems advocate working with Wheel the World, takes measurements.

How Wheel the World is changing accessibility in Kalamazoo, one business at a time

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 4, 2024
Kalamazoo businesses partner with Wheel the World and Disability Network Southwest Michigan to improve accessibility, creating inclusive spaces that welcome everyone.
Feature Story "P" is for Patti (Smith) as well as Public (Transportation).

How a life without a car led to financial freedom and a three-story home

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 4, 2024
Ken Miguel-Cipriano says he thrives in Grand Rapids with a carless lifestyle, saving money, embracing community, and advocating for sustainable transportation.
Feature Story Uncle Goose owner Pete Bultman believes their blocks promote critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Uncle Goose: Building a legacy of play, imagination and sustainability

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 4, 2024
Rooted in Grand Rapids' manufacturing legacy, Uncle Goose crafts handcrafted wooden toys that inspire imaginative play, promote learning, and prioritize sustainability.  
Feature Story U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, smiles as she checks out at a local shop.

PUBLISHED TOGETHER: Small business magic is where custom experiences meet local impact

Kim BodeWednesday, December 4, 2024
During the holiday season, Grand Rapids transforms into something straight out of a Hallmark movie — complete with real snow and better shopping. Kim Bode, founder and owner of 8THIRTYFOUR, describes her magical shopping trip with Rep. Hillary Scholten.
Feature Story For 10-year-old Connor Trelfa, the Spencer Township branch of the Kent District Library isn’t just a place to borrow books, it’s a second home.

Legendary Readers Program helps elementary students fall in love with reading

Shandra MartinezSaturday, November 30, 2024
Kent District Library's Legendary Readers program inspires K-5 students to read for 100 days, fostering literacy, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Registration closes Jan. 31.
Feature Story Small-Demi

KCAD alum Demi McNeal: Crafting custom elegance through fashion

Shandra MartinezFriday, November 29, 2024
Up-and-coming designer and KCAD alum Demi McNeal debuts her custom evening wear brand, Dominique Alyse, with a successful fashion show in Michigan.  
Feature Story Stories of hope, currated by Publisher Tommy Allen.

Hope is a four-letter word: Publisher Tommy Allen shares reasons to be hopeful

Tommy AllenThursday, November 28, 2024
Publisher Tommy Allen has gathered a collection of stories that remind us that even during uncertain times, hope is more than a sentiment — it’s the driving force behind progress.
Longform A gathering for Michigan State University's Generations Connect program, which matches MSU undergraduate students with elders in the community, at the East Lansing Public Library.

Michigan universities join global "age-friendly" movement, making campuses more welcoming to elders

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
As Michigan prepares for rapid growth in its population of older adults, three Michigan universities have joined a global movement to make higher education institutions more "age-friendly."
Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, November 25, 2024
AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.
Feature Story Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate to ensure all of a patient's health care needs are met.

Michigan hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate for whole-person care

Monique BedfordFriday, November 22, 2024
With support from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, many of Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health (CMH) agencies are collaborating to ensure all health care needs for patients are met.
Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, November 22, 2024
When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  
Feature Story Danielle Sheffield, Board Chair of Feeding America West Michigan, envisions the new facility as a community hub and a beacon of hope.

Feeding America West Michigan expands headquarters to better tackle food insecurity

Tommy AllenWednesday, November 20, 2024
Feeding America West Michigan's new Kentwood headquarters increases meal distribution capacity and fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions to combat hunger.
Feature Story MCC students Kaili Prins, left, and Marissa Aney-Johnson joke with Muskegon Community College mascot Jay the Jayhawk. The two students spoke during the event.

Addressing nursing shortage: Partnership creates pathway for nurses to earn degrees

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 20, 2024
A new partnership between GVSU, MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon is helping nurses earn bachelor’s degrees. The first cohort is getting their education for free thanks to state funding to address the nursing shortage.
Feature Story A pre-event meeting has sparked several new collaborations for attendees.

Grand Rapids Giving Day aims to raise $250,000 and spark 100,000 acts of kindness

Shandra MartinezWednesday, November 20, 2024
Nonprofit leader Erika Plunkett helps launch Grand Rapids Giving Day, uniting 50 nonprofits to raise $250,000 and inspire kindness.  
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.
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