HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, The Lakeshore‘s managing editor, Shandra Martinez, talks to WHTC about people and organizations making a difference in West Michigan’s Lakeshore area.
Highlights of her conversation with morning news anchor Peg McNichol for the week starting Jan. 22. (Listen to the complete podcast.)
Grand Haven nonprofit supports women by providing essentials. Meghan Heritage is the founder of Be Event, which works as a kind of “911 charity,” filling in the cracks where other nonprofits can’t reach. It raises money each year with a women’s luncheon.
GHACF responds to ongoing need during pandemic with 14 grants. The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently disbursed a round of grants worth nearly $224,000. Organizations that serve those most impacted by the pandemic received funds.
Michigan offers 3 grants for businesses, employees, venues hurt by pandemic. State funds have been set aside for those whose livelihoods have been damaged by the pandemic. However, there’s a brief window of time to submit applications.
Land O’Lakes helps hard-hit pets with large donation to Harbor Humane. A 10,000 pound dog food donation from Land O’Lakes will help Lakeshore area pets served through Harbor Humane Society.
Hundreds of scholarships available through CFHZ. The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area annually awards scholarships worth more than $900,000. Its website offers an easy-access general application.
Know a frontliner worker who deserves recognition? West Michigan Works! is accepting nominations for its 2020 Essential Service Awards. The annual awards recognize frontline workers who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities and display integrity, passion, and commitment.
GVSU Innovator of the Year enjoys ‘cool, fun projects’. Holland BPW’s Pete Hoffswell was honored for the “smart brick” he invented, which collects temperature data throughout the city’s snowmelt system.
Looking for something to do in January?
Looking for a quiet place to hike? Check out Tallmadge Woods and Crows Nest, a 2.6 mile loop trail near Saugatuck. Good for all skill levels, the trail takes you through wooded dunes, winds above the Kalamazoo River, and has Lake Michigan overlooks. Snowshoeing is also allowed. The trailhead is located at the end of Park Street in Saugatuck, just before the entrance to Ox-Bow School of Art, at 3435 Rupprecht Way, which is private property. Park at the Mt Baldhead parking lot and head north. The trailhead is unsigned, so keep your eyes open. More details at alltrails.com › trail › tallmadge-woods-loop.
In search of a new way to get out and enjoy nature? Then take a trip to Fellinlove Farm’s “Winter Wonderland.” Walk the ¾-mile nature trail aglow with more than 4,000 lights and winter décor, including artistically created wooden snowmen, deer, and birds. And you can watch the farm’s live animals go into their barn for the night. With 150 animals — including ponies, llamas, chinchillas, goats, miniature pigs, tortoises, and even a prairie dog — you’re sure to have a memorable visit, no matter what your age. ($5 donation suggested) The farm is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4-6 p.m. through January. For more information or directions, visit fellinlovefarm.com.
These are some of the ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Things to do in January: Find post-holiday bargains or enjoy the ice and snow.
