People + Places

A vacant storefront at the corner of Division Avenue and Cherry Street is filling up with holiday gifts that will be available for struggling individuals in the area on Saturday, Dec. 18.

In Mary McKSchmidt’s latest book, “Uncharted Waters: Romance, Adventure, and Advocacy on the Great Lakes,” she’s sailing with her husband on Lake Michigan, taking a view of its eastern edge, when she’s overcome by a nearly spiritual wonder. She’s scanning the shoreline for the spot she stood as a girl — recalling a vibrant springtime that left her in love with the water she sailed.

“Who doesn’t love a vacation?” exclaimed Eric Sattler as he described his reasoning behind co-opening Grand Rapids’ newest travel agency—the Expedia CruiseShipCenter.

Evidence of homelessness is on view daily here in Grand Rapids—along Division Avenue in particular, where many shelters and services are located—but there is a group of homeless individuals who you aren’t likely to see on your commutes around town.

Selina Parks remembers her first steps into a Grand Rapids homeless shelter in vivid detail.

Whether you’ll be heading out on Black Friday or enjoying the solitude of shopping from home on Cyber Monday, don’t forget to pick up some winter gear for those in need. Several area nonprofits are collecting winter clothing for their clients and patrons.

A new fitness studio, Zeal Aerial Fitness, was welcomed into town on Nov. 9. Founded by Christina VanDam, the studio said it is the first all-inclusive aerial fitness facility to come to Grand Rapids.

As the holiday festivities begin, The Hero Foundation wants to remind the community not every family is lucky enough to afford Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas presents let alone pay for everyday necessities. Families coping with cancer are not only concerned with the emotional aspects of the disease, but they must deal with the financial side effects of cancer as well.

Whether you are traveling by car or plane over the holidays, chances are the trip will test your patience. GR|MAG reached out to AAA Michigan and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport for suggestions on how to keep your cool during holiday travel.

The city is giving residents a say on the signage that will welcome visitors to local parks.

Since the age of 9, RC Caylan has had a passion for fashion and design. Born and raised in the Philippines, his inspiration came from his grandmother, a schoolteacher and uniform seamstress.

Canine training business A Pleasant Dog has found a new home. In an effort to expand its services, A Pleasant Dog relocated from Wealthy Street to 1430 Knapp Street NE.

If you want a true sense of modern-day general store magic, The Counting House welcomes you.

Transforming lives and restoring hope in the Heartside community, Dégagé Ministries is a Christ-centered, non-profit organization that offers valuable programming and services to homeless and disadvantaged individuals in Grand Rapids. To commemorate its impact on the community, the ministry is hosting this year’s “Celebrate Dégagé.”

Whether you're shopping early or waiting until the last minute, you'll be able to knock out that Christmas list with these six holiday artists markets. 

Will you take the Short & Brutal or the Long & Difficult trail? That is the question participants’ in the Dirty Duel face as they start off their 5K pursuit at Robinette’s & Provin Trails on Saturday. Either choice will challenge racers’ mettle.

Six areas along the Grand River are slated for a major transformation as part of the River for All project, but the project’s completion is still years away.

“Housing is a basic right that everyone deserves,” Andrea Martin, housing coordinator at Arbor Circle, said. Yet, according to Arbor Circle’s website, there are over 3,300 youths who experience homelessness every day in West Michigan. “We want to get the word out so people understand that youth homelessness does exist in their communities even if they don’t always see it,” Martin said.

The Grand Rapids Griffins kick off the 2018-19 season this month under the leadership of Ben Simon, who was named the team’s 11th head coach in June. But Simon is no stranger to Grand Rapids — he spent the last three seasons as assistant coach for the Griffins, helping lead the team to a Calder Cup title in 2017, and played for the team in the 2006-07 season.

Less than two weeks before Americans head to the polls, Grand Rapids Community College has invited GOP strategist and CNN political contributor Ana Navarro to kick off its 2018-2019 Diversity Lecture Series.