HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, WHTC morning news anchor Peg McNichol talks with Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, about people and organizations making a difference. Below are some of the highlights of their conversation on Oct. 13, 2021. Listen to the podcast: good-things-on-the-lakeshore-oct-13. This week’s topics:
- 2021 Big Read Lakeshore: How to participate. There are lots of ways to participate in the broader conversation with the NEA Big Read Lakeshore 2021 book, An American Sunrise, a collection of poems by Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. Check out our list.
- How Gemmen’s Ace Hardware in Hudsonville became ‘coolest’ in the U.S. The third-generation retailer was named Ace Hardware’s 2021 Coolest Hardware Store out of more than 5,400 Ace locations around the world.
- Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity raises $1.65 million for new neighborhood build. Habitat for Humanity has raised more money in the past nine months than during any other capital campaign in the nonprofits 31-year history. The need, however, is great. The city of Holland needs more than 120 homes to meet current needs, according to the nonprofit.
- Ottawa County Diversity Forum to highlight safe and healthy communities. This year, the Ottawa County Diversity Forum will feature keynote Darnell Blackburn, who will share his experience in public safety, recognizing the ways communities can work together to make the journey safe and healthy for all.
- Leadership training program launched for nonprofit executives. The nonprofit LEAD 24/7 is a 12-month immersive management program designed for executives of nonprofits to develop their leadership skillsets and abilities.
- GRCC’s Secchia Culinary Institute to receive a gift of a piazza. The family of the late Peter Secchia is bestowing a gift inspired by his Italian roots to Grand Rapids Community College’s world-class culinary instruction program that bears his name.
Good thing to do in October
- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16: HSO’s Classics II to feature Godfather composer. The Holland Symphony Orchestra and guest artist, Jack Unzicker on double bass will share live music “together again!” during the symphony’s Classics II concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Hope College’s Jack H. Miller Center. Single tickets are $22 per adult and $5 per student — kindergarten through college.
- 1 to 17 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16: Merchant & Makers X Chow-Down in Centertown, 519 Washington St., Grand Haven. Join the fun at this first-ever event in downtown Grand Haven, featuring food trucks, live music, and a Makers Market. Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com /event/merchants-makers-x-chow-down-centertown/
Check out more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column, October Along the Lakeshore: Pumpkinfests, Fall Color Tour, festivals, parades, and more about ways to explore the Lakeshore.
