HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Lakeshore‘s managing editor, Shandra Martinez, talks each week with WHTC morning-news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a postivie difference along West Michigan’s Lakeshore area. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation on May 7, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
GRCC offers free summer program to prepare high school graduates for college. Grand Rapids Community College is offering two sessions of Bridges to College — Raider Ready this summer to help graduating high school seniors get ready for college. The free program is open to 2020 high school graduates or 2021 graduating seniors who plan to attend college in the fall.
EGLE Director explains efforts to protect West Michigan’s water supply, other natural resources. Liesl Clark, director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, describes the work EGLE is doing to ensure Michigan residents have safe, clean water. Clark recently answered questions about resources EGLE is providing for communities along the Lakeshore.
GRCC honors late sports journalist as Distinguished Alumnus. Grand Rapids Community College’s recent commencement ceremonies included a tribute to Sekou Smith, a sports journalist and community leader who died in January of COVID-19. The speaker, mentor, and friend to NBA stars was honored as GRCC’s Distinguished Alumnus for this year.
Grant will fund swim lesson scholarships at Holland Aquatic Center. A ‘Learn to Swim’ grant from the USA Swimming Foundation will allow the Holland Community Aquatic Center to offer nearly 200 swimming lesson scholarships. The funds will help HCAC make swimming lessons accessible for lower-income West Michigan families.
Faith and fishing meet as Jeff Troutman shares the heaven he knows. After being severely injured in a traffic collision at age 11, Jeff Troutman picked up his dad’s guitar during recovery. He’s been making music ever since, taking inspiration from his faith journey — and his passion for fly fishing — for the title track of his band’s new album, “Heaven.”
Things to do in May
Tulip Time in Holland; greater Holland, May 1 through 9; events ticketed and times vary; advance reservations preferred: Celebrate spring with a trip to Tulip Time. The greater Holland area boasts more than 6 million tulips in city beds, tulip lanes, parks, Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis’ Dutch Village, Veldheer Gardens, and private plantings. The festival looks a little different this year due to COVID-19, so there will be no parades or Dutch Dancing, but there will be plenty of activities, including a “do it at your own pace” scavenger hunt, a carnival, visits to a tall ship, virtual artisan market, and much more. Visit tuliptime.com for complete details.
Eats in the Street Food Truck Rally, downtown Coopersville 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., May 8; free (food prices vary): Looking for a different way to spend your Saturday? Head to downtown Coopersville for some tasty food truck treats, and while you’re there, take a horse-drawn trolley ride of the area. Add to the fun by grabbing a seat around the splash pad. You can watch the kids splash and play while you enjoy your food.
Details at stayhappening.com
Find more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Things to do in May: Celebrate Tulip Time, take a walking tour, or try food truck cuisine
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