HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore talks each week with WHTC news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference in West Michigan. Here are some highlights of their conversation for May 14, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
Woodward Inc. expands innovative manufacturing process at Zeeland campus. As global manufacturer Woodward Inc. expands its operations into a fourth building at its Zeeland campus, its additive manufacturing process (3D printing) is expected to grow the company’s West Michigan workforce.
Lakeshore Advantage receives $92K grant to usher in Industry 4.0 readiness. Lakeshore Advantage applied for the grant in partnership with The Right Place, Greater Muskegon Economic Development, and Michigan Manufacturing Technical Center-West. Implementing Industry 4.0 technologies helps manufacturers improve efficiency, increase revenues, and expand innovation.
Lakeshore municipalities planning ways to make broadband accessible, affordable to all. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable, affordable internet. Many Lakeshore communities are looking at ways they can provide the broadband infrastructure that’s essential to education and business.
CFHZ Community Stabilization Fund grants to nonprofit partners continue in 2021. The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area will continue this year to provide grants from its Community Stabilization Fund to address community needs related to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. CFHZ already has issued two rounds of grants in 2021, totaling $176,880.
Zeeland Rotary Club gifts hand sanitizing stations to city. Two outdoor hand sanitizing stations, a gift from the Zeeland Rotary Club, have been placed in high-traffic areas along Main Street. City officials say the donation is especially timely as the pandemic winds down and more people are visiting downtown.
Couple helps ensure Tanglefoot Park is a place where families make memories. Jess and Skylar Garrison are co-chairs of the Tanglefoot Park Transformation Capital Campaign, to raise the $200,000 needed to fulfill Spring Lake’s commitment to the renovation. They are looking forward to making memories at the waterfront park with their daughter, Rosemary.
Frontline workers recognized for going above and beyond in 2020. Solving problems is Carolyn McNeil’s passion and something she does every day at On the Border in Holland. She was among eight West Michigan essential employees honored last month for going above and beyond.
What to do in May
Twilight hike for kids and families
Pigeon Creek Park 12524 Stanton St., West Olive 8:30 to 10 p.m. May 21; $5 per person, ages 5 and older: Grab the kids and a flashlight and explore Pigeon Creek Park as day turns to night. Search for owls and whippoorwills, listen to frog calls, and set up light traps to watch the nocturnal activities of moths and beetles. Afterward, relax around a campfire to share more about your evening’s adventures. More details at miottawa.org/ocpevents
Historic walking tours
Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck/Douglas; any time you please; free: Spring is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the Lakeshore. And a great way to do that is to take a self-guided walking tour and learn a little history as you go. You never know what you might discover. Find out more at these websites:
Grand Haven – visitgrandhaven.com
Holland – holland.org/holland-walking-tour
Muskegon – frommichiganwithloveblog.com
Saugatuck/Douglas – sdhistoricalsociety.org
Check out more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Things to do in May: Celebrate Tulip Time, take a walking tour, or try food truck cuisine
