Editor’s letter
Words worth repeating Once again, winter’s come to strip us of light. And so the tradition of cultivating our own warmth through fire, food, and community continues. I hope you find yourself in a comfortable space. Both physically and mentally. We visited a few cozy spots trying fresh, new(ish) food (love to see family businesses) and even ranked hotcakes around the Grand Haven area (pages 31 and 48). If you’re not “pumpkined-out,” maybe try the cheeseball recipe. Isn’t it the coolest when you find out your coworker knits or does their own prints? West Michigan is home to a talented community of crafters that regularly hosts pop-up markets to sell their wares. You may recognize some neighbors at any of the markets mentioned in our Winter Markets piece (page 26). While we may not have infinite pocket cash to buy a product from every maker friend, there are other ways to support local artists. But if you need unique holiday gifts, you’ll know where to go. I was a little disappointed to find the food menu gone, BUT if you’re near West Olive on a line dancing night, you gotta jump in at the Pipeline Smokehouse & Bar’s Underground Saloon (page 34). More indoor fun can be seen in ‘Wintertainment’ (starts at page 14) — arcades, bowling, and glow roller skating! If you don’t mind the snow, there’s a couple of many places to explore Michigan’s icy terrain. Did you know there’s adaptive sports facilitation in Muskegon? Anyone can ride the slopes. This issue, Urban St Reads has recommendations from Embrace Books — a completely free library that runs on donations. Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence offers services and hope for abuse survivors — more on Giving Back. Like a lot of young locals, I left West Michigan the first chance I had. There’s a lot of growing up that is done through lived experience. Great memories mixed with unpleasant ones are the price to pay for living. Everything is perpetually changing, and the years really don’t stop coming. But that’s the loveliness of it all; you’re here to see it. Wherever you’re from or may end up, I hope the Lakeshore can welcome, or make you feel, like home. Have the happiest season celebrating the love around you, Jessika Cesilia Perez Associate Editor
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