HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, talks with morning news host Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a positive difference along the Lakeshore. Listen to the full podcast:
Here are some highlights from their conversation on Dec. 1, 2021.
Getting a boost before the holidays: Health departments ask residents to get their shots. Hospitals are nearing capacity along the lakeshore, and county health departments want residents to take steps to protect themselves and others, including getting a booster shot before gathering with family this holiday season.
From toys to tech: Library of Things offers creative opportunities. Herrick District Library has a history of loaning unusual items — from framed art and Polaroid cameras in years past to the e-book readers, Launchpad learning tablets, and wireless hotspots now available. Most recently, HDL’s Library of Things began loaning out technology, games, toys, and musical instruments.
Ottawa family law judge honored by State Bar. The State Bar of Michigan recognized Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit Court Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg for his contributions to family law.
‘Eye-opening’ event helps students discover manufacturing. More than 40 West Michigan manufacturers opened their doors to 4,000-plus high school and middle school students as part of Discover Manufacturing Week.
Why Michigan’s top travel expert thinks tiny Norton Shores is best part of the Mitten. Dave Lorenz’s job has him crisscrossing the state to promote the Pure Michigan brand. And while he enjoys all of Michigan’s top tourist attractions, the Travel Michigan VP explains why Muskegon County is the place he loves to call home.
Good things to do in December
7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2: Evening Walk at Pigeon Creek Park, 12524 Stanton St., West Olive. Evening walks are a great way to ease into winter. Meet an Ottawa County Parks naturalist at the Pigeon Creek Kiosk (near the parking lot) for an easy-paced walk on lit trails, and you’ll learn more about the Ottawa County Parks. (Walks continue until the snow falls, at which time the trails are closed to hikers but open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.) Free. Details: miottawa.org/parks/pigeoncreek.htm.
3 to 8 p.m., Dec. 3 and 10 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 4 and 11: Holiday Kerstmarkt, Holland Civic Center Place / Eighth Street Market Place, 150 W. 8th St. Experience a traditional Dutch Christmas Market without ever leaving the country. Hand-crafted artisan gifts, artisan demonstrations, holiday items, and delicious food. It’s a true holiday treat that you won’t want to miss. Free entry, brDetails: downtownholland.com/events/2021/holiday-kerstmarkt/
6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3: Sinterklaas Eve, Holland Civic Center Place / Eighth Street Market Place, 150 W. Eighth St. Meet Sinterklaas, the benevolent Dutch St. Nicholas, and his helpers at the Holiday Kerstmarkt in downtown Holland. Kids can pick up a pre-made lantern and traditional Dutch treats outside the Civic Center and then join Sinterklaas for a short procession through the Kerstmarkt. Following the procession, pictures will be taken with Sinterklaas in the warming hut. Lanterns and treat bags are limited to the first 300 children. Free. Details: https://www.holland.org/sinterklaas-eve.
10-11 a.m., Dec. 4: Themed Walk — Skeletons in the Aster Family Closet, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, 1300 84th Ave., Zeeland. Stroll through a winter meadow and learn to identify members of the Aster family, whose “skeletons” remain standing through winter. Details: Upper Macatawa Natural Area – Ottawa County, Michigan (miottawa.org)
10 a.m. to noon Dec. 4: Sinterklaas at Dekker Huis Museum, 37 E. Main St., Zeeland. Kids and adults alike can visit with Sinterklaas, hear his story, construct a clock, build structures with Lincoln Logs, and tour the museum. Free. Details: Sinterklaas comes to the Dekker Huis Museum
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (12:30 p.m. parade line-up at Wicks Park on Water Street; 1 p.m. parade begins), Dec. 4: Whootville Christmas Parade, downtown Saugatuck. Don your best Whootville or Christmas attire and be part of Saugatuck’s annual Christmas Parade. Don’t feel like dressing up? Watch from the sidewalk as the parade winds its way in a big loop around downtown, and then join in the fun for the Candy Cane Game. Free. Details: Annual Whootville Christmas Parade
2 to 4 p.m., Dec. 4: WinterFest at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Holland. Have your picture taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus, go on a Mansion Scavenger Hunt, take a horse-and-wagon ride around the estate grounds, and have your face painted before enjoying delicious holiday cupcakes. Free. Details: feltmansion.org/eventcalendar/winterfest
Check out more ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column, December Along the Lakeshore: Sparkle, Sinterklaas, and shopping about ways to explore the Lakeshore.
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