Students from the Animal Academy’s third-through-fifth grade class at work in the hay at Critter Barn.
Photo provided
Photo provided
iCademy Global, a free virtual charter school serving students across Michigan, has partnered with Critter Barn, a nonprofit educational farm in Zeeland Township, to launch Animal Academy. The 27-week course brings hands-on agricultural education to virtual learners and is part of iCademy’s Community Passport Program.
The program started in September and will run through May. Students in grades K-8 will engage in farm-based learning experiences that integrate science, math and life skills. They’ll work with livestock, explore agricultural systems, and develop real-world problem-solving abilities.
“We’re providing students with tangible context for concepts that are typically difficult to grasp in traditional settings,” Animal Academy instructor Crystal Morse said. “Whether that’s measurement through feeding calculations or understanding potential and kinetic energy through corn production.”
“The unique part of Critter Barn is that it’s not a petting zoo. It’s a working farm,” iCademy Community Programs Director Jody Voss said. “Kids get the opportunity to participate in the running of the farm, building memories and making real-world connections.”
The partnership reflects a natural collaboration between two organizations committed to experiential learning.
“We try to find unique opportunities for our students, and when Critter Barn expanded their facilities, I knew this would be perfect,” Voss said. “It’s been a win for all the kids in the community, not just our school.”
For iCademy Global, the partnership reflects the school’s commitment to flexible, personalized education that balances technology with human connection and real-world learning. The program ensures students gain valuable hands-on experiences beyond the virtual classroom.
The maximum class size for the program is 10 students. The 6-8 class has seven students, while the K-2 and 3-5 sections have five students each.
For more information about Animal Academy, visit critterbarn.org, or to learn more about iCademy’s Community Passport Program, visit icademyglobal.org.
The program started in September and will run through May. Students in grades K-8 will engage in farm-based learning experiences that integrate science, math and life skills. They’ll work with livestock, explore agricultural systems, and develop real-world problem-solving abilities.
“We’re providing students with tangible context for concepts that are typically difficult to grasp in traditional settings,” Animal Academy instructor Crystal Morse said. “Whether that’s measurement through feeding calculations or understanding potential and kinetic energy through corn production.”
“The unique part of Critter Barn is that it’s not a petting zoo. It’s a working farm,” iCademy Community Programs Director Jody Voss said. “Kids get the opportunity to participate in the running of the farm, building memories and making real-world connections.”
The partnership reflects a natural collaboration between two organizations committed to experiential learning.
“We try to find unique opportunities for our students, and when Critter Barn expanded their facilities, I knew this would be perfect,” Voss said. “It’s been a win for all the kids in the community, not just our school.”
For iCademy Global, the partnership reflects the school’s commitment to flexible, personalized education that balances technology with human connection and real-world learning. The program ensures students gain valuable hands-on experiences beyond the virtual classroom.
The maximum class size for the program is 10 students. The 6-8 class has seven students, while the K-2 and 3-5 sections have five students each.
For more information about Animal Academy, visit critterbarn.org, or to learn more about iCademy’s Community Passport Program, visit icademyglobal.org.
Road Commission Sets Open House on Roundabouts for Tuesday
The Ottawa County Road Commission will hold an open house next Tuesday night to give county residents a chance to learn about several upcoming roundabout projects that are planned for next year.
The open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Olive Township Hall, 6480 136th Ave.
The meeting will go over plans for the construction of three roundabouts at the following locations:
• Port Sheldon Street/120th Avenue – Olive Township
• Baldwin Street/48th Avenue – Blendon and Georgetown Townships
• Lincoln Street/144th Avenue – Grand Haven and Robinson Townships
The Ottawa County Road Commission is seeking input for the construction of these roundabouts to best meet the needs of all residents, daily commuters, and businesses or property owners that will be affected by the planned intersection improvements.
Comments and input can be submitted through an online comment form by visiting ottawacorc.com/roundabout-feedback.
Public comments will also be recorded at the meeting.
For more information about the meeting, visit the meeting notice website at ottawacorc.com.
The open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Olive Township Hall, 6480 136th Ave.
The meeting will go over plans for the construction of three roundabouts at the following locations:
• Port Sheldon Street/120th Avenue – Olive Township
• Baldwin Street/48th Avenue – Blendon and Georgetown Townships
• Lincoln Street/144th Avenue – Grand Haven and Robinson Townships
The Ottawa County Road Commission is seeking input for the construction of these roundabouts to best meet the needs of all residents, daily commuters, and businesses or property owners that will be affected by the planned intersection improvements.
Comments and input can be submitted through an online comment form by visiting ottawacorc.com/roundabout-feedback.
Public comments will also be recorded at the meeting.
For more information about the meeting, visit the meeting notice website at ottawacorc.com.
MAX Launches Free Rides to Food Pantries
The Macatawa Area Express has launched the Pantry Pathways Shuttle to help Holland and Zeeland residents access local food pantries.
As the government shutdown continues, placing SNAP benefits at risk, many residents in the Holland and Zeeland area are struggling to put food on the table.
“We know that many families are facing difficult circumstances right now. Our goal with the Pantry Pathways Shuttle is to remove barriers and make it easier for everyone in Holland and Zeeland to reach local food pantries.” MAX Executive Director Ryan Novotny said. “Through the end of November, we’re offering free rides on the MAX Transit Pantry Pathways Shuttle to provide passengers transportation to and from local food pantries for anyone within our service area.”
Due to safety reasons, passengers using other MAX services are limited to two bags of groceries or supplies. However, the Pantry Pathways Shuttle will be equipped with storage bins to accommodate four bags per passenger.
To reserve your free Pantry Pathways Shuttle ride to one of locations listed below, please call the MAX Transit Customer Service Team at 616-355-1010 at least two days before your trip (Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.).
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Community Action House (CAH)
Hours: Monday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday 1-7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: 739 Paw Paw Dr., Holland
Requirements: Qualified based on household size and income. Membership fees do apply.
Phone: For more information call 616-392-2368
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Salvation Army
Hours: Monday 1-3:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon, 1-2 p.m., Fridays 9:30 a.m.-noon
Location: 104 Clover St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public. Clients are welcome two times per month
—————
Calvary Reformed Church
Hours: Mondays 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays 10-11:30 a.m., Fridays 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: 995 East 8th St., Holland
Requirements: Holland Heights residents only. Once every two weeks.
—————
I Am Academy
Hours: Tuesdays 1-2 p.m. while supplies last, every other Friday while supplies last
Location: 190 E. 8th St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public
—————
Engedi Church
Hours: Fourth Wednesday of every month beginning at 5 p.m.
Location: 710 Chicago Dr., Ste. 100, Holland
Requirements: Open to public for free food distribution
—————
Community Kitchen
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: 101 East 13th St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public/They serve ready-to-eat meals. Eat in or take to go.
As the government shutdown continues, placing SNAP benefits at risk, many residents in the Holland and Zeeland area are struggling to put food on the table.
“We know that many families are facing difficult circumstances right now. Our goal with the Pantry Pathways Shuttle is to remove barriers and make it easier for everyone in Holland and Zeeland to reach local food pantries.” MAX Executive Director Ryan Novotny said. “Through the end of November, we’re offering free rides on the MAX Transit Pantry Pathways Shuttle to provide passengers transportation to and from local food pantries for anyone within our service area.”
Due to safety reasons, passengers using other MAX services are limited to two bags of groceries or supplies. However, the Pantry Pathways Shuttle will be equipped with storage bins to accommodate four bags per passenger.
To reserve your free Pantry Pathways Shuttle ride to one of locations listed below, please call the MAX Transit Customer Service Team at 616-355-1010 at least two days before your trip (Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.).
—————
Community Action House (CAH)
Hours: Monday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday 1-7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: 739 Paw Paw Dr., Holland
Requirements: Qualified based on household size and income. Membership fees do apply.
Phone: For more information call 616-392-2368
—————
Salvation Army
Hours: Monday 1-3:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-noon, 1-2 p.m., Fridays 9:30 a.m.-noon
Location: 104 Clover St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public. Clients are welcome two times per month
—————
Calvary Reformed Church
Hours: Mondays 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays 10-11:30 a.m., Fridays 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: 995 East 8th St., Holland
Requirements: Holland Heights residents only. Once every two weeks.
—————
I Am Academy
Hours: Tuesdays 1-2 p.m. while supplies last, every other Friday while supplies last
Location: 190 E. 8th St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public
—————
Engedi Church
Hours: Fourth Wednesday of every month beginning at 5 p.m.
Location: 710 Chicago Dr., Ste. 100, Holland
Requirements: Open to public for free food distribution
—————
Community Kitchen
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: 101 East 13th St., Holland
Requirements: Open to the public/They serve ready-to-eat meals. Eat in or take to go.
Roads Closed for Wyoming Water Project
Two sections of roadway in Olive Township are closed to through traffic because of construction tied to the city of Wyoming water transmission line project.
New Holland Street, from 96th Avenue to 104th Avenue, was closed on Wednesday and will remain in effect “for the foreseeable future,” according to Prein & Newhof, the contractor for the water line project.
Meanwhile, Van Buren Street closed on Monday, also from 96th to 104th, because of the project. The closing will remain in effect until Dec. 12.
The detour during for the New Holland closure is 96th Avenue to Quincy Street to 104th Avenue, according to the Ottawa County Road Commission. No detours were given for the Van Buren closure.
Van Buren Street also remains closed from U.S. 31 to 128th Avenue for the water line project. That closure is expected to remain in effect until early January.
New Holland Street, from 96th Avenue to 104th Avenue, was closed on Wednesday and will remain in effect “for the foreseeable future,” according to Prein & Newhof, the contractor for the water line project.
Meanwhile, Van Buren Street closed on Monday, also from 96th to 104th, because of the project. The closing will remain in effect until Dec. 12.
The detour during for the New Holland closure is 96th Avenue to Quincy Street to 104th Avenue, according to the Ottawa County Road Commission. No detours were given for the Van Buren closure.
Van Buren Street also remains closed from U.S. 31 to 128th Avenue for the water line project. That closure is expected to remain in effect until early January.
Holland Kerstmarkt Begins 28th Season Soon
Just in time for the holidays, the Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt is getting ready for its 28th season.
Starting in 1997 with just 10 booths, the Kerstmarkt has now grown to 27 booths to shop from. The 2025 Kerstmarkt season will begin Friday, Nov. 21 and run on weekends only with varying hours through Saturday, Dec. 20 at the 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St., just outside of the Holland Civic Center Place.
This outdoor European-style Christmas market allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from various vendors each weekend. In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday gluhwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
Every weekend is sure to be a new experience with several rotating vendors, special events, special guests, and more. Enjoy dog sled demonstrations, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, listen to holiday carolers, enjoy the sounds of traditional handbell concerts, and even meet Sinterklaas (the Dutch Santa Claus) all while shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
The Kerstmarkt and special events are free to attend with free on-site parking, and is located right at the end of downtown Holland’s beautiful 8th street.
Kerstmarkt shoppers have voted the Holland Kerstmarkt into the top 10 winners of the USA Today Readers Choice Poll of the 10 Best Holiday Markets in all of the United States.
For more details on the 2025 Kerstmarkt season, hours, and other upcoming special events, visit kerstmarktholland.org and follow the market on Facebook at Kerstmarkt-Holland, and on Instagram at kerstmarktholland.
Starting in 1997 with just 10 booths, the Kerstmarkt has now grown to 27 booths to shop from. The 2025 Kerstmarkt season will begin Friday, Nov. 21 and run on weekends only with varying hours through Saturday, Dec. 20 at the 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St., just outside of the Holland Civic Center Place.
This outdoor European-style Christmas market allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from various vendors each weekend. In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday gluhwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
Every weekend is sure to be a new experience with several rotating vendors, special events, special guests, and more. Enjoy dog sled demonstrations, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, listen to holiday carolers, enjoy the sounds of traditional handbell concerts, and even meet Sinterklaas (the Dutch Santa Claus) all while shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
The Kerstmarkt and special events are free to attend with free on-site parking, and is located right at the end of downtown Holland’s beautiful 8th street.
Kerstmarkt shoppers have voted the Holland Kerstmarkt into the top 10 winners of the USA Today Readers Choice Poll of the 10 Best Holiday Markets in all of the United States.
For more details on the 2025 Kerstmarkt season, hours, and other upcoming special events, visit kerstmarktholland.org and follow the market on Facebook at Kerstmarkt-Holland, and on Instagram at kerstmarktholland.
Cooney Reappointed to BPW Board
The Zeeland City Council has reappointed Mark Cooney to serve on the Board of Public Works board of directors for the next five years.
The council on Nov. 4 reappointed Cooney to a term that will expire June 30, 2030.
Cooney has served on the BPW board since June 2010.
ZYDC to Present Wizard of Oz Ballet
The Zeeland Youth Dance Company will perform “The Wizard of Oz” ballet this weekend at Zeeland East High School’s DeWitt Auditorium.
Performances are 7 p.m. Friday night and 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon at DeWitt. This will be the 15th full-length performance for the Zeeland Youth Dance Company.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at zpsarts.ludus.com/index.php.
