On Our Radar, November 2024

Women as Werewolves

Local author Stefanie Gilmour’s short fiction has been published in The Quiet Ones literary magazine. In late October, she visited The Bookman in Grand Haven and Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland to give a talk on “The Feral Female: Women as Werewolves,” a fascinating history of growly and hairy women that inspired films and literature, including her own. Gilmour’s book series— comprised of Fear the Wolf, Cage the Wolf and Free the Wolf — follows 30- something protagonist Alex and her two best friends. Alex keeps a low profile, because she can’t control her shifting, says Gilmour who adds: “Ladies know a thing or two about hiding to navigate through society. My werewolves are emotion-based shape shifters. I kind of meshed She-hulk with Rachel Harrison.” The series can be found on local bookstore shelves. Download the first chapter of Fear the Wolf at stefaniegilmour.com.

50 Years of Inspired Luxury

Holland based Tiara Yachts, one of the oldest privately held boat manufacturers in the United States will debut its newest model, the 56 LS, at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2025. Founded in 1974 by Leon Slikkers, who began his boat building career at Chris-Craft, the company was established with the mission to create the finest yachts in the world and the 56 LS is no exception. “Everything is amplified on this boat,” said Tiara Yachts CEO Tom Slikkers. “I’m confident our customers are going to be just as excited as we are about this addition to our portfolio.”

A Scheduled Farewell

Johannes Müller Stosch, the German-born conductor Music Director and Conductor of the Holland Symphony Orchestra, has announced his departure. During his tenure, the HSO performed the entire Beethoven symphony cycle, all four Brahms symphonies, major choral works such as Verdi’s Requiem, Brahms’ German Requiem, and Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, and countless other ambitious works under his baton.

“As I say goodbye in spring 2027, I’m deeply thankful for the time I’ve spent with this group of dedicated musicians and the Holland community. We have achieved something special together—creativity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the music we love. These experiences will always hold a meaningful place in my life. I look forward to seeing the HSO thrive under its next music director, who will bring their own vision and new directions for the orchestra,” said Müller Stosch. Retired President and CEO Emeritus Kay Walvoord will co-chair a music director search committee with longtime HSO percussionist Rachel Coussens.

PADNOS: Contracting & Expanding

Local scrap management enterprise PADNOS recently announced a 50/50 partnership with Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro. The collaboration has launched Allusort LLC, advanced scrap sorting operations at PADNOS’s Grandville hub, aiming for improved sustainability in aluminum recycling. Additionally, PADNOS is expanding its footprint by acquiring three companies: Sam Winer & Company in Elkhart, Howe Auto Sales in Bay City, and Grandpa’s Garage in Traverse City. “These three acquisitions align with our strategy to grow our regional network,” said Jonathan Padnos, President and CEO of PADNOS. With over 900 employees across 30 locations in Michigan and Indiana, PADNOS has pioneered West Michigan’s recycling efforts since 1905.