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Feature Story MLK Neighborhood Association

The “new” MLK Neighborhood Association – Developing neighborhood block champions

Shanika P. CarterTuesday, July 13, 2021
After reemerging in 2020, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Neighborhood Association has continued to strive and move forward through the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to continue caring for one other and advocating for the community. Even through the challenges, the faithful few have come together virtually, working on their mission to continue enhancing the overall quality of life in the neighborhood and building on the rich history that has become a known part of the community for over 40 years.
Feature Story Lakeshore storyteller Mike Lozon authored 12 historical books over his career.

A tribute to Mike Lozon: The Lakeshore’s storyteller

Shandra MartinezTuesday, July 13, 2021
Many are mourning the passing of journalist, photographer and author Mike Lozon, one of The Lakeshore’s first contributors. Representatives of the organizations he supported are sharing what made his work so special for our community.   
Feature Story Summer enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College is up 7.1% from a year ago.

State programs play a role in GRCC’s 7.1% increase in summer enrollment

Shandra Martinez Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Grand Rapids Community College, which recently kicked off its second summer semester, reports enrollment this season is up 7.1% over 2021 and 5.9% from before the pandemic. The increase is attributed in part to students taking advantage of state programs that help with tuition costs.
Development News Student

Pulse software frees teachers to interact more effectively with online students

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, July 12, 2021
West Michigan-developed Pulse software helping teachers working virtually to monitor their students’ progress more closely in Kenowa Hills Public Schools, Wyoming online charter, and other Michigan schools.
Longform Eastern Market in Detroit.

How do you feed a state in crisis? Michigan Food Security Council report plans ahead

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, July 8, 2021
A recent report by the state's new Food Security Council examines response to food security issues during COVID-19 and how we can learn from it in the long term.
Feature Story Salvador Lopez

Housing and education equity advocate Salvador Lopez to fill GRCC board vacancy

By Shandra MartinezMonday, July 5, 2021
Grand Rapids Community College has named Salvador Lopez, a GRCC graduate with extensive involvement in education and community support, to fill a board seat vacated by Kathy Crosby. Lopez runs the nonprofit KConnect, which focuses on ensuring all children have an equitable path to economic prosperity. 
Longform Sarah Milanowski, marketing and communications specialist with LifeCircles PACE, accompanies a PACE participant.

Little-known Michigan programs provide all-inclusive support for older adults to age at home

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, July 1, 2021
The PACE model provides comprehensive medical and social services at low or no cost to older adults who live at home
Partner Content Fresh Conversations participant LaDonna Johnson prepares to eat a corn salad she made using a recipe she got from the program.

Fresh Conversations inspires Detroit seniors to eat healthy and move more

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, June 30, 2021
A weekly nutrition class offered by the Methodist Children’s Home Society is helping seniors become more mindful about making healthy food and fitness choices.
Feature Story The Rapid 1

Residents leverage alternatives to driving as generational perspectives on transit shift

Enrique OlmosWednesday, June 30, 2021
Generational shifts in transportation have prompted a new outlook on alternative transportation and highlight solutions for getting around without a vehicle.
Feature Story Alita Kelly gardening

MLK Freedom School – Empowerment through urban agriculture and food justice

Shanika P. CarterTuesday, June 29, 2021
Beginning in 2020 in her yard, Alita Kelly’s gardening caught the attention of some of the neighborhood youth, leading to conversations about social and racial justice, as well as the history of food. As a result, “freedom school” was born. Now, in collaboration with the city of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the MLK Freedom School has become an expansion of Kelly’s vision for the community.
Feature Story Modern Hardware

Looking back at 50 years of Modern Hardware

Grant KammerMonday, June 28, 2021
Modern Hardware has been in the Vander Lugt family for two generations and fifty-one years, providing consistent quality service to the Oakdale Neighborhood. A look back at the history of this organization, their changing role in the community, and how they’ve managed to survive over the years.
Feature Story The 27th anniversary Show & Shine Car Cruise & Show is returning to downtown Zeeland.

Things to do in July: Music and fireworks, art shows and car shows, festivals and fairs

Sally LaukitisMonday, June 28, 2021
As the economy opens and the weather warms, July brings plenty of activities along the Lakeshore. Offerings include a kids’ presentation about park design, a car show, a festival, and — of course — fireworks.
Longform AARP Michigan volunteer Howard Pizzo, AARP Michigan Communications Manager Mark Hornbeck, and AARP Michigan State Director Paula Cunningham on the Lansing River Trail.

Michigan pursues "age-friendly everything" to support growing older adult population

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 24, 2021
With the coming growth in Michigan's older adult population, the existing movement towards age-friendly health systems has broadened to embrace the concept of "age-friendly everything."
Longform AARP Michigan volunteer Howard Pizzo, AARP Michigan Communications Manager Mark Hornbeck, and AARP Michigan State Director Paula Cunningham on the Lansing River Trail.

Michigan pursues "age-friendly everything" to support growing older adult population

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 24, 2021
With the coming growth in Michigan's older adult population, the existing movement towards age-friendly health systems has broadened to embrace the concept of "age-friendly everything."
Feature Story Record Player

KDL puts a spin on traditional music library with its Grooves vinyl collection

Sarah SpohnWednesday, June 23, 2021
With the recent resurgence of vinyl, more music lovers are looking to listen to albums the ‘old school way.’ KDL’s Grooves vinyl collection offers patrons the opportunity to borrow turntables and over 1400 vinyl records from eight branches across their network.
Feature Story Paul J. Nawrocki pitches his business idea for The 100 competition at the SURGE Celebration on June 17, 2021.

Entrepreneurs invited to submit ideas for Start Garden competition

Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 22, 2021
The 100 is back. Start Garden’s competition invites aspiring entrepreneurs to submit a video describing their ideas — as many as they like. The 100 finalists chosen in July will need to refine their ideas in preparation for judging at the Demo Day competition in October.  
Partner Content Rachel Bloch, the Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency’s health education consultant and MFF SNAP-Ed program lead.

Innovative program makes CSAs accessible to Michigan families

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, June 21, 2021
A program called Michigan Farm to Family: CSA offers families fresh fruits and vegetables through local community supported agriculture shares at a reduced price.
Development News Doug Matthews

Residents get more power in allocating ARPA dollars with participatory budgeting model

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, June 21, 2021
City of Grand Rapids is using a new model, the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), that will give residents more say in how its $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be spent in each of the city's three wards.
Feature Story Boston Soul Cafe crew

Boston Soul Café — Helping the community thrive with food for the soul

Shanika P. CarterFriday, June 18, 2021
The Boston Soul Café on Kalamazoo Avenue services the Boston Square community by offering quality breakfast and lunch selections Thursday through Sunday, including an extended soul food dinner menu every Sunday. The Café also specializes in offering ice cream, with a window that is open seasonally. As the business makes its presence known, the common feedback from those who try the Café is that they are happy to have discovered this neighborhood gem.
Longform Family Medical Center Behavioral Health Therapist Alexis Cavins and School Based Services Supervisor Meredith Gilliam at Wagar Middle School in Carleton.

Teletherapy and telepsychiatry visits help Southeast Michigan students improve mental health

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 17, 2021
The Family Medical Center of Michigan has developed a successful school-based behavioral telehealth program in partnership with 20 schools in Lenawee, Monroe, and Wayne counties.
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