Q&A: Philomena Mantella
Grand Valley State University is gaining a fresh perspective with new President Philomena V. Mantella.
Girl power
A local mom is creating safer beauty products for tweens and teens.
Church to art hub
Carol Moore purchased the historic church and is leading it through a transformation.
Spiritual words
Emily Stoddard spent her 20s running, running, running.
Representing the Black community
Dr. Charles Gibson is one of only a few Black trauma surgeons in the country.
Little Dreamers Sleepovers is a Real Snoozefest
Mr. Sandman might be out of a job. The legendary figure who’s been putting people to sleep and bringing good dreams has some competition in town with a woman who’s got her own bag of tricks for overnight fun and rest, and she’s a hit with the kids.
Notable reads
“All Manner of Things” was selected as a Michigan Notable Book.
Purple Backpack Project Delivers Lifesaving Items to Homeless
As temperatures drop and snowstorms await, local nonprofit Dirt City Sanctuary said even though items such as a proper pair of boots should be an essential necessity to surviving winter, many individuals in West Michigan walk the streets without such provisions.
Enthusiasts Explore World of Orchids
Orchids. Those delicate, multibloomed delicacies of the botanical world. So desirable, orchids are smuggled globally as devotees seek out incredibly rare varieties.
7 Things to Know About TO & FRO
The new activewear shop TO & FRO helps you look good during yoga, at the gym or while running (your life).
New Kyd on the block
On Jan. 1, Grand Rapids gained its newest poet laureate in Ericka “Kyd Kane” Thompson. She is the seventh to take on the title and the first Black woman and openly queer person to hold the role.
Comedic timing
One night about a year or so ago at Dr. Grins Comedy Club, the crowd barely had time to catch its breath between punchlines.
Creative couple
Even without live events, the Hays have kept busy amid the pandemic.
Fashion aficionado
The American Dream never goes out of style.
From Student Athlete to CEO
As a full-time student and athlete at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the founder of her own company, Locker Lifestyle, Katarina Samardzija is living her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Gemini Handmade Expands to Collaborate with Community
This past June, Parliament the Boutique rebranded as Gemini Handmade after five years on the South Division Avenue for the Arts corridor. Now, the local artisan-based shop has made another big move—to 963 Cherry St. SE.
Festival of Faith & Writing Allows for Unique Experiences
Before 2000, Lisa Cockrel had never heard of the Festival of Faith & Writing – a biennial celebration of literature and belief at Calvin College. Living in Chicago and attending college at the time, she was given the opportunity to travel to Grand Rapids and attend the festival. After an unforgettable weekend, she came away with an encouraging thought: “I found my people.”
Building a New Life
Nakajabu Sims’ probation officer told him that he was the poster child to see if 70x7 Life Recovery really works. Turns out, the nonprofit does its job well.
A new brew
Terry Rostic and Jamaal Ewing launched Black Calder Brewing late last year.
DIY at Wax Poetic Candle Bar
The life of a candle shop owner means your trash never smells bad.
“I mean literally, it never stinks,” says Jill Bromley-Sung, owner of Wax Poetic Candle Bar, who also comes away smelling pretty nice herself.
NEWSLETTERS
JULY/AUGUST 2026 ISSUE
