HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — This week, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, talks with WHTC morning news anchor about people and organizations making a difference. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation on March 26, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
Filmmaker gives a voice to first-gen college students. Cynthia Martinez was looking for a way to give back to her hometown. She found that outlet by creating a documentary about Upward Bound’s virtual summer session. She has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support the project.
Turning sap to syrup makes spring the sweetest season of all. Making syrup from maple tree sap brings a sweet reward, but it takes a lot of work. Lakeshore syrup producers — large and small, young and old — are tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down to just the right consistency. And they love it.
Investment in Holland Energy Park paying off for city, residents. The Holland Board of Public Works is retiring debt early for the Holland Energy Park that opened in 2017, eliminating millions of dollars in interest. The utility is passing along those savings, increasing its annual contribution to the city and proposing a 10% rate decrease for customers.
County employee awarded for helping first time voter. Kelly Chapman doesn’t see what she did as noteworthy, but helping a senior client struggling with anxiety to vote for the first time has garnered praise from Ottawa County.
E-learning, Zoom pave way for Ottawa County employees to expand skills. Ottawa County employees “thrive on being in a learning environment,” says HR Director Marcie VerBeek. E-learning opportunities and Zoom classes allowed county staff to soak up new knowledge in spite of pandemic constraints.
Artist Alla Dickson’s captivating story fuels passion, creativity. Alla Dickson’s life story — born in Russia, residing in Cairo, then years in Siberia before creating a fairy tale retreat on the Lakeshore — is as captivating as her work. Her oil and watercolor paintings have received numerous honors and awards, including from Tulip Time and ArtPrize.
Looking for something to do in March?
Saturdays – Fresh from the farm to you | Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 Western Ave., Muskegon: There’s nothing better than fresh produce — especially in March. Shop this downtown market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday for beets, greens, onions, radishes, herbs, and field-fresh sprouts, along with winter fruits and veggies. Learn more at www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.
March 27 – Earth Encounters: Amazing agates | Hemlock Crossing Nature Center, 8115 W. Olive Road, Allendale: Do you know what an agate is? Is it a rock, a stone, or a mineral formation? How are agates formed, and where can you find them? Learn this and more at Earth Encounters at Hemlock Crossing Nature Center, where you’ll examine a variety of agates up close, and even take home your own hand-crafted agate. Registration required; ages 10 and older. (If the Nature Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, a geology hike will take place instead.) Details: www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyParks/events.
Find more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Leprechaun hunt, farmers market, and fresh sap on tap along the Lakeshore.
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