Stories

Feature Story GRCC's Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory is recognized as one of the top programs in the nation.

GRCC early childhood center among top programs in nation

The Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory allows future teachers to interact with highly qualified mentors while observing and participating in the delivery of effective curriculum for young children.

Feature Story Construction

How a strong foundation, entrepreneurial spirit and faith help a local business owner succeed

Born and raised in West Michigan, Jodi van Haren brings a unique perspective to the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. Owner of Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, van Haren is also a member of the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi — the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of the Chippewa Indians, a wife, a mother, grandmother and an active community member. As she reflects on 20 years in business, she shares more about her background and lessons learned along the way.

Feature Story Colby Tucker, 14, from Hopkins in Allegan County, is in his third year of collecting and cooking sap.

Turning sap to syrup makes spring the sweetest season of all

Making syrup from maple tree sap brings a sweet reward, but it takes a lot of work. Lakeshore syrup producers — large and small, young and old — are tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down to just the right consistency. And they love it.

Feature Story Vaccines

Excitement is in the air: Health care workers emboldened with new supply of COVID-19 vaccines

Smiles are replacing masks and hope is in the air. After nearly a year of waiting on a vaccine, health care staff are turning the tide in the battle against COVID-19.

Feature Story Duane and Dave Bulkowski pre-COVID-19

How a local organization advocates, seeks to create change and more inclusive spaces

Disability Advocates of Kent County works to assist individuals with various services, connect them with community resources, and help organizations create spaces that are accessible and welcoming. Executive Director, Dave Bulkowski shares how they've responded to COVID-19 and what they hope to see going forward.

Innovation News Wormies 1

Local compost company champions sustainability and taps into the cannabis growing industry

Wormies, a local compost company specializing in vermicompost, reduces waste and builds sustainability for local gardens and a growing cannabis industry.

Feature Story KDL hot spot 1

Kent District Library addresses internet access disparities with mobile hot spots and more

As COVID-19 impacted all facets of face-to-face interactions, appointments and education, the Kent District Library has implemented resources to provide fair access to high-speed, quality internet. Through WiFi mobile hot spots, computers, iPads, and more available for checkout, local residents can access digital resources for free.

Feature Story Dutcher Snedeker 1

Navigating the local arts and entertainment scene: Reflections after a year of shutdowns

Three local perspectives on how the COVID-19 shutdowns have affected the arts and entertainment industry. Representing businesses most dependent on in-person gatherings including venues, performance artists, and galleries, these individuals share their reflection on the past year.

Feature Story Chef Jenna 1

Chef Jenna navigates COVID-recovery with creativity, PPP, and community-centered food hugs

Publisher Tommy Allen sits down with local chef, Jenna Arcidiacono, where she reflects on the early days of COVID-19, the power of community, and what she hopes to see as we move forward together.

Feature Story Moss Ball carry Zebra Mussels

Invasive zebra mussels found in aquarium moss products (some in Kalamazoo) prompt national response

At least 21 states, including Michigan, are trying to stop the spread of zebra mussels and related invasives found in moss balls intended for aquariums. 

Feature Story This year, GRCC is planning four in-person commencements over two days.

GRCC brings back traditional in-person graduation ceremonies

Grand Rapids Community College graduation last year was a virtual celebration due to the pandemic. This year, GRCC is planning four in-person commencements over two days, limiting guests to ensure the safety of graduates and their families.

Feature Story While at Grand Valley, Jordan Vanderham developed a mask that makes it easier to breathe while working or playing in below-freezing air.

Entrepreneurial GVSU grad finds success with cold-weather masks

While at Grand Valley, Jordan Vanderham developed a mask that makes it easier to breathe while working or playing in below-freezing air. He pitched the idea in competitions across the Midwest, including events hosted by Grand Rapids-based incubator Start Garden.

Longform Judy Stelling, GetSetUp's director of guide programming, first got involved with the program by taking classes herself.

New platform offers free, live online classes to reduce loneliness for Michigan's older adults

A variety of interactive sessions are now available to older adults through the San Francisco-based company GetSetUp. 

Do Good BAMM

Summit brings LGBTQIA+ youth together to create a more tolerant tomorrow

On Saturday, March 12, the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH) hosts a statewide virtual conference, Building a Movement for Michigan (BAMM) Pride Summit that will unite LGBTQIA+ middle and high school youth from the Greater Grand Rapids area and across the state to learn, find support, and feel affirmation that they may not experience in their daily lives.

Innovation News Ana Ramirez-Saenz

La Fuente Consulting grows brand with a new comprehensive language services company

Founder and CEO of La Fuente Consulting, Ana Ramirez-Saenz, launches a new company, La Fuente Communications, providing comprehensive language and interpretations services. 

Feature Story Credits earned at GRCC during the summer are easily transferred to students’ “home” colleges and universities throughout the state. 

More university students taking community college summer classes to save money

A growing number of university students are saving money as Grand Rapids Community College guest students. Credits earned at GRCC during the summer are easily transferred to students’ “home” colleges and universities throughout the state. 

Feature Story Author Luke Ferris works from home.

What will working from home — or work — look like beyond the pandemic?

Having employees work from home has affected the culture of a lot of small and midsized businesses. As COVID-19 numbers decline and vaccines become more readily available, leaders are considering the future of in-person, off-site, and hybrid work.

Longform Terry Dangerfield, superintendent of Lincoln Park Public Schools, talks with Nicole Chubb, the district's executive director of special education. The district received funding from Michigan's Education Equity Fund.

CARES Act dollars support Michigan children's mental health through state's Education Equity Fund

328 Michigan public school districts and charter schools have received dollars from the new state fund to support students' mental health and bridge the digital divide.

Feature Story Laura Bergells

Published Together: 7 Tiny Tips That Can Make a Big Difference for Remote Workers

Working from home since 1999, Laura Bergells of Maniactive shares her tips for working from home. 

Development News Robert Cloy

“Shade is an equity issue": How JEDI guides Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

Non-profit organization, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plans its work to address JEDI, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in light of historical inequities that guided development of parks as public spaces in the past.