Ottawa County’s newest social district opened over the weekend in Grand Haven. Venues taking part in the district include Odd Side Ales, Grand Armory Brewing, 12 Corners Tasting Room, and The Kirby House.

This year’s Ottawa County Diversity Forum tackled how to close equity and inclusion gaps in education, law enforcement, mental health, local government, immigration, and youth development. Here are 10 insights from the day-long conference.

Community Action House’s new Food Club is based on a model that transforms how food assistance is offered. It prioritizes healthy options in a high-dignity, grocery store-style environment.

For many, Gary Stevens is the voice of Holland. Whether he’s reporting or hosting shows, Stevens can be heard on WHTC six hours daily, Monday through Friday. 

GRCC partners with innovative textile ‘upcycling’ manufacturer Public Thread to start an industrial sewing program. Students can earn an industrial sewing certificate program while gaining in-demand skills. 

Fifth-grader Evan Weesies has an all-terrain wheelchair that gives him the freedom to move around his family’s Muskegon County farm, thanks to assistance from Michigan AgrAbility. Evan’s Pumpkin Patch, which takes inspiration from the movie and book “Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” is a destination for busloads of schoolchildren. 

A group wants to host the first Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games next June. The event site is the 3-acre Riverview Park portion of the Window On The Waterfront, along the Macatawa Marsh.  

Lakeshore Advantage received $92,787 in state grant funding to increase manufacturers’ Industry 4.0 technology adoption readiness. Close collaboration with regional economic development partners allows for the initiative to be extended to Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, and Kent counties’ employers.