Summer in the city

919
Photo by iStock

Summer might look a little different this year, but that didn’t stop us from putting together our annual City Guide. We are excited to share the best places in the city to eat, drink, shop, stay and stock up on grocery items. We also tapped Grand Rapids City Commission members Jon O’Connor, Joe Jones and Senita Lenear for suggestions on how to spend a weekend in their respective wards. Get out and support local businesses as much as you can this summer, they’ve been working hard to continue to serve their customers despite tremendous challenges.

In this issue, we also honor 12 nurses in 10 specialties as part of our new Excellence in Nursing awards. Grand Rapids is lucky to have strong nursing programs that are training top-notch nurses to care for our community. These nurses utilize the newest care models, technology and more to keep us healthy. We thank all of the nurses in our community for their commitment and care.

We also are lucky to have committed farmers in West Michigan. We visit three area farms to learn more about how they are growing crops, diversifying their business models and passing on the joy of farming to another generation. I definitely appreciate having a bounty of produce on hand for summer grilling and healthy beach snacks.

Not everyone has access to healthy food in West Michigan, but one organization that strives to help people who have mobility challenges is Meals on Wheels. The organization delivers meals to qualifying recipients each week thanks to volunteers like Bruce Phillips Jr.

Summer is a great time to get some sun while tearing through the pages of a good book. Local author Susie Finkbeiner will keep you busy. Pick up her 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award winner “All Manner of Things,” or her just published “Stories That Bind Us.”

And if you want to look stylish while reading by the pool, Gina VanTimmeren, owner of Gina’s Boutique in Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, shares this summer’s fashion trends.

Enjoy the sun.

Facebook Comments