HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each Friday at 8:35 a.m. on 997 and 1450 WHTC-AM/FM, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, talks with WHTC’s Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a positive difference along the Lakeshore. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation on July 28, 2021. Listen to the complete podcast https://omny.fm/shows/whtcs-morning-news-podcast/good-things-on-the-lakeshore-with-shandra-marti-19 .
Wayfinding robot ‘Francesca’ returns to Ottawa County. Francesca, who helps visitors find their way around Ottawa County’s Fillmore Administrative Building, is back in service. The wayfinding robot was idle after COVID-19 hit because her touch screen risked spreading germs. Her interface has been updated to be touchless with voice activation and facial recognition.
Park Theatre bursts back on the scene with new vigor post-pandemic. Downtown Holland’s Park Theatre hit the ground running when it reopened its doors post-pandemic. The nonprofit venue is expanding its tastes to include comedy and art events, including some top-bill acts from around the country.
Father and son entrepreneurs team up to launch solar lighting company. Luciano Hernandez says attending the SURGE Boostcamp, a Lakeshore Advantage business boot camp, with his son was “exactly what we needed” to make their solar lighting concept a reality. He says it gave him the motivation to launch his new company, Spirit Fire Aftermarket Products, and its first product, solar-powered marker lights for trucks.
Entrepreneurs invited to launch business ideas at SURGE Boostcamp. The 16-week program is now accepting high-tech startup and product idea applications for its fall cohort. Lakeshore Advantage’s virtual business launch program is designed to give startups the boost they need to achieve their next growth milestones.
Promise Scholar headed to U-M shares her lifelong love of learning. It won’t be in a box with her other belongings, but Promise Scholar Ebony Roach will take a lifelong love of learning with her when she heads to the University of Michigan in the fall. She’s also carrying a tremendous sense of gratitude to her family, teachers, and friends who’ve helped her succeed.
GRCC receives third Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation grant to provide skilled trades training. Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation recently awarded $25,000 to Grand Rapids Community College, marking the third time GRCC has received funding from the legendary band. The grant will help GRCC Workforce Training to continue a program that provides technical education and hands-on welding experience.
Things to do in July:
6 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 30 and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 31.: Saugatuck Venetian Festival Lite Coghlin Park, 60 Griffith St., Saugatuck. Tickets cost $10 per person for the concert, $20 per boat for Dinghy Poker Run Details: facebook.com/events/136775025190478/?ref=newsfeed
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 31: Village Square Art Fair, Village Square Park, 420 Butler St., Saugatuck. Details: Village Square Arts & Crafts Fair | Michigan
11a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, July 31: Celebracion de las Artes – Applauding the Latino Culture at downtown Fennville’s City Square and Fennville Library, 400 West Main Street, Fennville. Join in the fun for music, dancing, art, food and more! https://www.fennvilledl.michlibrary.org/sdfai-special-events
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.
