HOLLAND (WTHC-AM/FM) — Each week, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore talks to WHTC’s morning news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference in Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. ere are some of the highlights of their conversation on April 9, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
Hope professor confronts anti-Asian racism in debut album, fundraising concert. Jordan VanHemert, an acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer, has released his debut album, “I Am Not a Virus.” The assistant professor of music at Hope College is planning a concert in support of the album and a #StopAsianHate fundraiser.
Spring Lake campaign raising final funds for Tanglefoot Park renovation. The waterfront property owned by the village since 1916 long operated as an exclusive spot for trailers and RVs. Following pleas for Tanglefoot Park to be more community-friendly and recommendations heard at community engagement meetings, the village has launched a capital campaign to renovate the waterfront park.
How Muskegon YMCA is tackling food insecurity in its neighborhood. Volunteers and staff fill thousands of bags with food each Friday for the Muskegon YMCA’s food distribution program. Each bag holds a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches for one person 18 or younger — meeting a pressing need in the community.
5 ways to feel inspired during Financial Literacy Month. Statistics show that most people are concerned about money — with regard to either the present, the future, or both. As April is Financial Literacy Month, The Lakeshore asked financial adviser Stacey Workman for tips that could help people achieve their short- and long-term monetary goals.
New music business program lets GRCC students enter Ferris as seniors to complete BA. Under the agreement, students could earn an associate degree in pre-music and entertainment in three years at Grand Rapids Community College, then transfer to Ferris State University for one year to complete a bachelor’s degree in music and entertainment business.
Muskegon County resident finds successful path thanks to West Michigan Works! services, support. Hunter Daniels credits West Michigan Works! for providing a career coach and helping him make a plan for the future. Daniels’ success was among those celebrated at the recent Impact Awards event.
Places to go:
Spring Fling at the Critter Barn
Through April 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Critter Barn, 9275 Adams St., Zeeland: Welcome spring by meeting all the new “babies” at this educational hobby farm — bunnies, lambs, ducklings, chicks, calves, and kids. Make your reservations online at www.critterbarn.org/spring-fling. Prices: $20 for families; $5 per individuals, including children 3 and older.
Macatawa MarketPlace
Saturday, April 10, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Holland Town Center, 12330 James St., Holland: Back for its second year, the Macatawa MarketPlace kicks off the season with a great mix of vendors, food trucks, and even some street performers. This eclectic market is fun for all ages and is pet-friendly, so bring Fido along for the fun. Don’t worry if you can’t make it on the 10th. Be sure to mark your calendar as the MarketPlace is open the second Saturday of every month. Details at https://macatawamarketplace.com.
Free Museum Visit
Monday, April 12, 4-7 p.m.; Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St.: The Holland Museum is open the second Monday of every month with free admission for all visitors. Spark!Lab is temporarily closed, but visitors can see the current exhibits, Restored World’s Fair Klok and Mathias Alten: Beyond the Oil Paintings. View the Events Calendar for more free second Monday dates.
Bird-Watching in Muskegon County
Thursday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon: Local birder and wildlife photographer Charles DeWitt will share his expertise on the best spots to birdwatch in Muskegon County, as well as the times to watch as birds migrate. He will also share tips on photographing our winged friends. Find details and register at eventbrite.com. Free.
More ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column: Things to do in April: Hunt for eggs, shop for a bargain, or learn about frogs and birds.
