editor's letter / connect
BEHIND THE SCENES
Courtney Kotewa of Metro Health is one of the many medical personnel who have been impacted by COVID-19 this year.
The impact of COVID-19
With a light at the end of the tunnel, we look back at how COVID-19 has wreaked havoc over the past year, sharing personal stories of those on the front lines: doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. These individuals share how COVID-19 impacted their lives — from battling the disease to having to quarantine away from family to the day-to-day toll of watching patients die and not being able to do anything to stop it. We are so grateful to all of the medical professionals out there who have dedicated themselves to helping others — even putting their own safety and lives at risk. This issue is also our Top Docs issue, and you can find out which doctors are considered to be at the top of their specialties. To compile this list, Grand Rapids Magazine enlists a third party, which distributes a survey to area doctors, who then make their recommendations for the region’s top doctors in each specialty — arriving at the final list. May also is our home design issue. We spoke with Jean Stoffer and Grace Start — the mother-daughter duo behind Jean Stoffer Design, Stoffer Home and Stoffer Home Cabinetry. The pair talked about how they’ve grown their design firm and become nationally recognized for their style. If you are considering a home remodel, this article will certainly give you the motivation to get started. If a home remodel is too big a task, but you are looking for a more simple refresh, Hannah Venema, of The Handywoman Eclectic, provides a slew of helpful painting tips to brighten up those drab walls with a fresh coat of paint. And interior designer Autumn Fuchs shares tips on how to turn your closet from a hot mess to just plain hot. This issue also is full of the latest food and drink hotspots. Pux Cider was preparing for a spring opening when we spoke to owner Chris Schaefer, who provided us with an education in heirloom cider 101. And the couple behind One Stop Coney Shop is eager to welcome you into their downtown location, where they serve up traditional dogs alongside creative takes on diner staples. Wishing you a healthy spring!
Correction
In our April "25 activities every Grand Rapidian should do" article we erroneously listed certain Grand Rapids Symphony summer concert plans, which were still being finalized due to COVID19. The Symphony advises that people check the website for up-to-date performance information.
Next issue
Grand Rapids has an abundance of bakeries filled with sweets. In our June issue, we hear from area pastry chefs and share where to go for any sweets cravings. FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: cdewey@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:
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Quinn Kirby is an award-winning photographer and artist. They are the recipient of multiple Michigan Press Association photography awards and placed as a top 30 shortlisted artist in the 2020 Boyne's Emerging Artist Award. You can find more of their work and book the photographer at quinnkphoto.com.
EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON BEHIND THE SCENES BRYAN ESLER CONTRIBUTOR QUINN KIRBY
4/14/21 2:21 PM