Voice

Everyone has a story worth sharing.

Earth Day is Sunday, so GR|MAG talked with West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) Executive Director Bill Wood about how his organization is making positive changes in West Michigan. He also had some suggestions for how everyone can pitch in through taking small actions.

Gayle Boss had been celebrating Advent with her two sons for years but had never used an Advent calendar.

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.

For WMCAT’s Dennis Grantz, teaching the arts is a labor of love.

Jamie Cooper is making her mark on West Michigan by building bridges and creating connections in the cannabis industry.

Nate Gillespie created the Coronavirus Civilian Corps to address current instability.

Scott and Linda LaFontsee, owners of LaFontsee Galleries, celebrate a milestone in the artistic community by throwing a party and showing West Michigan what a 30-year commitment looks like.

Grand Rapids Magazine writer Ann Byle has written a book entitled “Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively from a Flock of Hens.” The book will be published by Broadleaf on May 23, 2023.

Meals on Wheels volunteer has spent over two decades helping.

“Ecliptic” at Rosa Parks Circle is getting a $2 million restoration that will increase the lifespan of the materials used in the art installation.

Dressage circuit champion Debby Buck DeJonge's novels are set in the glammy world of fancy horse competitions.

GR|MAG had the opportunity to talk with Jenny Kinne, the new owner of Books & Mortar, about her transition from employee to owner as well as her goals for the store, thoughts on the uniqueness of independent bookstores and some of her favorite reads.

With Punxsutawney Phil promising six more weeks of winter (we think that's an optimistic estimate), Grand Rapids nonprofits helping homeless individuals and families are still in need of winter gear to help those in need stay warm.

Back before ArtPrize started in 2009, Dave Lorenz had been telling Grand Rapids stakeholder it needed to do something to attract leisure travelers.

When you work with your friend in the retail business for around 12 years you start to think about doing it on your own terms. For Carmen Foster and Amanda Armstrong, co-owners of the recently launched athleisure brand Covet Leisure, an online athleisure business appealed to them—and literally was walking right in front of them.

Healing Connection helps identify trauma and provides resources to heal.

Rosalynn Bliss has seen numerous changes in her seven years as mayor of Grand Rapids.

For years, Drew McCarthy was “Big Droo,” a big-time radio personality in West Michigan. As McCarthy continued to establish himself as one of the premier sports radio hosts in Michigan, he also took on a very public bariatric surgery process.

Even restaurants that have emerged from the past two years seemingly unscathed still have experienced their ups and downs.