HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore talks each week with WHTC morning news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference. Here are some of the highlights of their conversation for the week starting Friday, May 21, 2021. (Listen to the full podcast.)
The Community Action House Food Club will allow low-income customers choice and dignity while they shop for their families. The adjoining Opportunity Hub will help them do more.
Meet Amanda Rhines, Disability Network/Lakeshore’s new executive director. As the mother of a child with Down syndrome, Amanda Rhines is a passionate disability advocate. After a decade at D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s, Rhines is in her first year as executive director of Disability Network/Lakeshore.
Muskegon’s Lemonade Stand offers an oasis for those with mental illness. For 20 years, The Lemonade Stand has provided a home, family, and support to those struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues in Muskegon. Like many nonprofit mental health programs across the country, The Stand continues to grapple with too little funding, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How an educator and advocate is building awareness and acceptance of transgender community. Jessie Nieusma works with the medical community, businesses, and schools to raise awareness and acceptance, and to humanize transgender people and kids, so they receive the care and role models needed.
U.S. Education secretary salutes GRCC for outreach, student support during pandemic. Secretary Miguel Cardona invited Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to join a recent call with national media. During the call, to discuss $36 billion in emergency U.S. Department of Education grants, Cardona highlighted GRCC’s outreach to and support for students impacted by the pandemic.
Holland Youth of the Year Nayeli Mora wins state title. Speaking up for herself and for others important is to Nayeli Mora, who will compete next month for the Midwest Youth of the Year after winning the local and state
What to do in May
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 28-31: Out of the Barn pop-up shop, 9637 48th Ave., Allendale: Shop ’til you drop in the fresh air during Memorial Day weekend. More than 50 local artists and crafters, and a few direct marketers, will be showcasing their wares in socially distanced tents. More details at stayhappening.com. Free to attend.
Hiking at Muskegon County Wastewater Management System, 698 N. Maple Island Road, Muskegon: The 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater Management Plant offers great recreational opportunities to the public, including a non-motorized nature trail and some of the best birding in Michigan, especially for spotting rare birds. The acreage includes treatment cells, storage lagoons, farms, as well as forest and grassland. In fact, the two 850-acre storage lagoons are big enough that each could be counted among the top 100 biggest lakes in Michigan. And the Muskegon Astronomical Society has an observatory on-site offering events that are open to the public, including a meet-and-greet with John Brinegar at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021. You must obtain a permit if you want to explore this fascinating area; passes can be obtained at mcresourcerecoverycenter.com.
Check out 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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