Editor’s letter: Home for the holidays

Hi, I’m Pat Evans. You might remember me (but probably won’t) from my five years as a reporter at the Grand Rapids Business Journal and beer columnist in the back pages of this very magazine.

Four years ago, I left my position at the Business Journal covering so much of what happened in this city as the real estate and development reporter — among other beats — and moved to the very bright lights of Las Vegas. I left behind a hometown I love and one in which I saw so much potential.

Well, I’m back now. And I’ve taken over the role of editor of Grand Rapids Magazine, a publication that helped shape my career as a national food and beverage writer and the author of two books.

I changed a lot over four years and so did Grand Rapids. Some things are much better here, but others could use some help.

I am excited for the future of this magazine and what we can do with it. I want every issue to have something for everybody, so please reach out and let me know what you’d like to see! Let me know when we strike a wrong chord. I promise to listen. But also feel free to chime in when you really like something. It goes both ways.

As luck would have it, the November/December issue is the annual drinks issue — right in my wheelhouse!

Included in this issue is a retrospective on the things I missed while I was away, as well as changes that occurred during that time in West Michigan.

We also have some great features on various holiday celebrations in Grand Rapids and how you can participate. Another highlight is a new book by longtime WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer. Her choice of topics might surprise you!

We also catch up with a former radio personality about his new life in the marijuana industry, chat with the Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent about the challenges facing students in an uncertain school year and introduce the city’s new NBA G League coach, former NBA player Jason Terry.

Somehow, 2022 is right around the corner, so let’s enjoy the holiday season. But trust me when I say I can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for the new year!

Pat Evans
Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

This letter can be found in the November/December 2021 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. To get more stories like this delivered to your mailbox, subscribe here.