HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, talks with morning news host Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a positive difference along the Lakeshore. Listen to the full podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/whtcs-morning-news-podcast/good-things-on-the-lakeshore-1
Here are some highlights from their conversation for Dec. 15, 2021:
Home for the holidays: Habitat builder comes home to Habitat house. Mitch and Johally Carlson built hundreds of homes for other people, but when they needed a home of their own, the answer was closer than they might have thought.
More housing coming to West Michigan, still more needed. New housing projects underway now and coming soon will help alleviate some of the housing shortage in West Michigan, HousingNext’s Ryan Kilpatrick says. But still more is needed to slow ever-increasing housing prices.
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber named a 2021 Neighborhood Champion. Bank of America has selected the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a 2021 Neighborhood Champion, a recognition that includes both grant funding and executive leadership development.
Trendway’s tradition of making Christmas special for foster children. For 30 years, Trendway employees have been supporting the Angel Tree program to make sure foster children have Christmas gifts.
JR Automation expands operations in Holland. JR Automation plans to invest more than $1 million in a new Holland facility that will create 28 new jobs in the next two years.
IRC Film series offers a snapshot of life around the globe. The International Relations Commission’s annual Reel Time Film Series continues with “Life in a Day 2020” on Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre. Admission is free.
Return to rural roots puts Michigan’s Librarian of the Year right where she belongs. As the recipient of Michigan’s 2021 Public Librarian of the Year, Fennville Library Director Teresa Kline has been recognized for her innovative approach to providing services to a rural community.
Roller rink makes a comeback as RollXscape Skating Center. Tim and Brenda Price have remodeled the former Grand Roller Rink in Holland Township into the new RollXscape Skating Center.
Muskegon-Area chef competes on Netflix’s ‘School of Chocolate’. Culinary Institute of Michigan Professor and Chef Amanda Miller — and contributor to Patricia’s Chocolates in Grand Haven — shares what’s it like to compete in the Netflix reality cooking competition “School of Chocolate.”
Good things to do in December
8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 18, Downtown Shopping Jam, downtown Holland: Are you still looking for that perfect gift? Roll out of bed and head to downtown Holland (in your pajamas, if you like) for early-morning shopping; the earlier you shop, the more you save. (Participating shops and restaurants will offer 30% off at least one item from 8 to 9 a.m., and 25% off at least one item from 9-10 a.m. Details: downtownholland.com/events/2021/shopping-jam/
Dinner time though 2 a.m., New Year’s Eve Party of the Year, Coral Gables, 220 Water St., Saugatuck. Ring in the New Year with a special dinner package, dancing, party favors, and karaoke, plus fireworks at midnight. Details: saugatuck.com/events-listings/new-year-s-eve-party-of-the-year.
Check out more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column, December Along the Lakeshore: Sparkle, Sinterklaas, and shopping about ways to explore the Lakeshore.
