HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, talks with WHTC morning-news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference. Listen to the full podcast. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation for the week of July 9, 2021:
Beer City Open puts West Michigan on the map for pickleball. The Beer City Open, co-founded by Grand Rapids attorney and Grand Haven resident Andrea Koop, is putting West Michigan on the map for pickleball. The tournament attracts hundreds of players, both amateurs and professionals, each year. This year’s prizes top $30,000. Play is set for noon Friday at Grand Rapids Park, with mixed-doubles medals matches at 6 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2021. Some of the tourney is being streamed live on Facebook.
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.
Community Action House partners with Holland library to assist patrons in need. Community Action House — which provides area individuals and families with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities — has stationed an outreach team at Herrick District Library. The team will be available four hours per day, five days a week to guide and connect patrons with supportive services.
Nonprofit development lender expands regional impact. Grandville-based economic development foundation has unveiled its new name — Great Lakes Commercial Finance — as well as an updated logo and website. The company, with 40 years of service, has worked with hundreds of lenders to help thousands of Michigan small businesses secure the financing they need.
How 2021 Promise Scholarship recipients are pursuing their dreams. The Holland/Zeeland Promise announced its 2021 cohort, which includes six West Ottawa and four Holland High graduates. The scholarships will allow the recipients to realize their dream of a college education.
ODC expands nature-based preschool opportunities around Holland. The Outdoor Discovery Center Education Network is expanding its nature-based preschool offerings to Holland’s northside with a campus on a portion of the former Park Township Airport property.
Next Creative Co.’s humble roots in hotel lobby spark impressive growth. Rich Evenhouse and Tim Hackney opened Next Creative Co. from a hotel lobby in downtown Holland. The ad agency has experienced consistent growth and recently became a multi-city firm, thanks to a recent merger with Grand Rapids-based agency AUXILIARY.
Spera Foods founder building ‘hopeful’ health brand. After being introduced to tiger nut in Germany, Hannah Raycraft founded Spera Foods — spera is Latin for hope — to bring the root vegetable to the American food industry. Her entrepreneurial mission has been a challenge, but Raycraft has seen tiger nut grow in popularity since she started her business five years ago.
Things to do in July
Fenn Valley Music in the Vineyards: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Ave., Fennville; $5 for lawn seats on Thursday, includes one glass of wine Details: www.fennvalley.com/music-in-the-vineyards/
West Michigan Business and Craft Fair: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 10: Western Market (On Western Avenue between Jefferson and 2nd streets, and on Clay Avenue) in Muskegon Details: visitmuskegon.org/event/west-michigan-business-and-craft-fair-wmbcf/
Merchants and Makers at Grand Haven Waterfront: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10; 301 N. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com/event/merchant-and-makers-at-the-grand-haven-waterfront/
Check out more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Things to do in July: Music and fireworks, art shows and car shows, festivals and fairs.
