HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore talks each week to WHTC morning news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation for April 2, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
Highlights:
Holland artist Joel Schoon-Tanis cultivates his craft with childlike wonder, whimsy, and wordplay. Though he’s an accomplished artist at 53, Joel Schoon-Tanis seems determined never to act his age. The Holland native takes his career seriously, but he isn’t afraid to include a few misspelled words in his projects.
Metal Flow CEO honored as Woman of Achievement and Courage. Kelly Springer says she is honored to be one of six women statewide being recognized by Michigan Women Forward. She says she is committed to the organization, whose mission is to promote financial independence, economic justice, and gender equity for Michigan women and girls.
New developments take root in Grand Haven. Several developments are in the works in or near Grand Haven’s downtown. Peerless Flats features housing units and amenities. Other projects are still in development. City leaders say having more people living downtown means more year-round foot traffic for the area’s retailers, restaurants, and other businesses.
Ottawa County buys land vital to creation of future Macatawa Greenway trail. Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission President Kelly Rice says the 5.5-acre property provides the final connection needed from Hawthorn Pond to 96th Avenue, making a linked future trail along the Macatawa River more feasible.
Ottawa County creates board to help protect and conserve groundwater resources. The Board of Commissioners established the groundwater board to help guide Ottawa County’s efforts to effectively manage its groundwater resources, upon which thousands of county residents depend.
Ottawa County endorses plan to address challenges faced by farmers. The Ottawa County Commission recently adopted the Focus on Agriculture plan. The four-part framework targets challenges faced by local growers and processors, including succession planning, comprehensive land use vision, economic viability, and agricultural easements.
April fun:
9 a.m. to 8:59 p.m. (or until the last egg is found), April 4; The Great Village Egg Hunt, Spring Lake Village: Spring Lake is hosting an egg hunt. Hundreds of eggs will be hidden throughout the village. Everyone is invited to come out and look for them. All of the eggs will be filled with candy. Almost all will have a prize donated by one of the village’s businesses. Prizes range from $5 gift cards to a bike and an overnight stay at a local bed & breakfast. For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page. Free.
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 3; Egg-cellent Egg Hunt, Fellinlove Farm, 6364 144th Ave., Holland: This Eggs-travaganza Scavenger Hunt, featuring bunny pony rides, Hoppin’ Down the Bunny Trail, bunny boat rides, and a bunny hop around the big pond at Fellinlove Farm, home to more than 130 animals. $5 per person suggested donation. Details at fellinlovefarm.com/events.
7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 3; Woodcock Walk, Hemlock Crossing, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive: If you have never seen a woodcock up close and personal, you can learn more about these fascinating, fun-loving birds during a short presentation, and then watch the sunset to their twittering. These round, short-legged birds hide in forest thickets during the day. But at night, the males perform a “sky dance” with chippering, twittering, bubbling sounds. $5 per person. Registration required; ages 12 and older. visit the Facebook event page for details.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April 10 (closed Sunday, April 4); Spring Fling at the Critter Barn, 9275 Adams St., Zeeland: Welcome spring by meeting all the new “babies” at this educational hobby farm — bunnies, lambs, ducklings, chicks, calves, and kids. Make your reservations online at www.critterbarn.org/spring-fling. $20-per-family; $5 for individual tickets for children 3 and older.
More ideas in Sally Laukitis’ monthly column about ways to explore the Lakeshore: Things to do in April: Hunt for eggs, shop for a bargain, or learn about frogs and birds.
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