On Our Radar, September 2025

Grand Haven’s Hispanic Heritage Festival Returns with New Leadership

The Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Musical Fountain—this time under new leadership. Earlier this year, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan acquired Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative, a nonprofit known for connecting Lakeshore communities through culture and education. Programs like Lakeshore Latinas, the Lupita Reyes Scholarship, and LEADeres Lakeshore are now under HCWM’s management, further expanding its reach across the region. The partnership strengthens longstanding community efforts to celebrate Hispanic heritage through meaningful connection. Learn more at hispanic-center.org.

Kirk Cousins Surprises Salon Customers
with Visit

NFL quarterback and Holland native Kirk Cousins surprised customers at a local salon earlier this summer by covering the cost of their haircuts. Using his new “Hall of Fade” VIP card — introduced in Season 2 of Netflix’s Quarterback — Cousins triggered a perk that grants free haircuts to everyone present during his appointment. Though first announced at a Great Clips in Atlanta, Cousins chose Holland for the card’s debut. During the visit, the four-time Pro Bowler chatted with customers and stylists, posed for photos, and celebrated the hometown that helped shape his career.

Healthy Breakfast for Busy Families on the Go

Start the school year strong with Nourished Mornings by Renee Kohley, a Grand Haven-based author and founder of Raising Generation Nourished. Her latest cookbook is filled with quick, whole-food breakfast recipes designed for busy families. Options like BLT Stuffed Waffles, Fruit & Cream Oatmeal Muffins, and DIY Acai Bowls are kid-friendly and nutrient-packed. Kohley also shares practical tips to help parents ditch sugary cereals in favor of meals that fuel focus and energy. The book empowers families to create healthy routines—without the stress. More at raisinggenerationnourished.com.

Mallory Shotwell Takes the Lead at Holland Area Arts Council

Mallory Shotwell is now executive director of the Holland Area Arts Council, bringing a background in arts education, nonprofit leadership, and community programming. Shotwell founded Madison Community Discourse in Wisconsin and worked as curator and educator at the Arts + Literature Laboratory. After moving to Michigan, she contributed to ArtPrize and launched Cultivate, a Grand Rapids artist-run initiative. At HAAC, she leads operations and programming to expand access to the arts throughout the Lakeshore region. Learn more at hollandarts.org.