1. Mel Trotter Ministries is still making sure those who need a fresh Thanksgiving meal will get one.
They've announced a few changes to this year's Thanksgiving event. They will not be having their annual Thanksgiving Day banquet at DeVos Place, instead they'll deliver food boxes to those in need.
This year's turkey drop is happening Wednesday, November 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Celebration Cinema North and South, and the goal is to collect 2,100 turkeys.
Mel Trotter is hosting a special, Thanksgiving Day event at their shelter in downtown Grand Rapids.
To learn more, or to volunteer, visit meltrotter.org.
2. Food places around the country are hoping you'll cast your vote their way after going to the polls today. Some name brands and regional spots easing your feet, and treating your tongue as you do your civic duty.
Chili's is offering their Presidente Margarita, with three other liquors added with the discounted price of $5 when you show your "I Voted" sticker.
At Applebee's, get free chips and queso appetizer with any online order of $20, just enter the code "queso" when checking out.
Krispy Kreme will give people a free glazed donut and an "I Voted" sticker to make your voice heard.
Others with deals include Pieology, Bobo's, and Eastern Standard Provisions Company.
3. Construction projects are underway at Grand Rapids Community College, both on their main campus, and on the lakeshore.
A few of those projects include a $12.7 million renovation project at the Wisner-Botrall Applied Technology Center. It'll receive a two-story expansion and should be ready in time for winter 2021 classes.
Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall is being renovated over the next two years. The project includes upgrades to all five floors, transforming the building into a 21st-century learning center.
GRCC's Lakeshore Campus will be in Holland Township at the old J.C. Penney in The Shops at West Shore. The building should be open in time for the Fall 2021 semester.
Funding for the work comes from the college, state government, and donors through the GRCC Foundation.
4. Ottawa County Parks is working to build another major destination along the Grand River.
The department acquired 62 more acres of land last month, expanding the Bend Area Open Space to more than 400 acres. It now features nearly two miles of public access along the Grand River.
The Parks Department plans to integrate it with a recently completed section of the Idema Explorers Trail. It'll be approximately four miles, looping around the Grand River when it's all "said and done."
The expansion is receiving funds through the Grand River Greenway Campaign. Bend Area Open Space expands Georgetown Township.
5. A dealership is holding a competition to encourage students to read. Subaru of Muskegon calls it the Battle of the Books.
It's meant for classes in Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties.
There are two categories: K-3rd Grade and 4th-6th grade. The winning classrooms will receive $1,000 in free books and a pizza party.
Registration opens November 9 and only the first 40 classes will be accepted. The competition runs from December 1 through January 4.
