Stories

Feature Story The Lakeshore offers myraid opportunities for outdoor yoga and pilates.

Making the most of summer with outdoor yoga and Pilates on the Lakeshore

While social activities ramping up as COVID-19 restrictions ease, there are still places to slow down and enjoy nature while getting in a great workout. If you’re ready to give yoga or Pilates a try, check out these classes that are offered in a park, on the beach, or aboard a ship.

Development News Nick Occhipinti

Green Gavel scoring system rates Michigan’s Supreme Court’s environmental impacts

Michigan League of Conservation Voters online Green Gavels' tool rates Michigan Supreme Court justices’ decisions on environmental issues.

Feature Story Herrick District Library is hosting a free program about census records.

‘Hopping Through History’ makes sense of census, offers tips on genealogical research

Why is the census important? Find out by joining “Hopping Through History — Making Sense of the Census.” The virtual Herrick District Library program also will examine how participants can use census data in researching their family history.

Longform Brian Nicholson, MiCAL program director for Oakland County-based crisis services agency Common Ground, takes a call for the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL).

New mental health crisis line to roll out across Michigan

The new service is now available in Oakland County and Michigan's Upper Peninsula – and it's just the first step of a larger plan to roll out improved mental health crisis services across the state.

Feature Story ICCF1

An interview with ICCF CEO Ryan VerWeys on the Franklin Campus Project

The Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), in partnership with the Madison Church, is now offering affordable housing and other services on the southeast side of Grand Rapids at their recent development at 415 Franklin.

Innovation News Theater

Host Productions LLC plans to open a community theater and more on the West Side

Grand Rapids-based theater production company plans to invest $750,000 on the West Side to transform a vacant building into a permanent home.

Feature Story MLK Neighborhood Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."