Nicole DiDonato
FOX 17
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Past articles by Nicole:
Food pantry sees nearly triple the numbers during pandemic
WYOMING, Mich. — The Family Network of Wyoming is seeing double, even triple, the number of people in need of food during this pandemic. The pantry holds a golf outing every year to raise money to stock their shelves. While they have all their tee times for Friday, there is still a way you can help support their cause. The organization provides many services for those in need, the primary need… → Read More
West Michigan real estate market remaining steady through pandemic
GRAND RAPIDS — Adam Paarlberg, president and associate broker with Greenridge Realty, says this time of year is popular for home buyers or sellers as interest rates are still low. “Those are going to continue to stay low and provide good purchasing power for buyers. and then for sellers to, we came into this time with low inventory. we think that that's going to persist. there are buyers for… → Read More
Yoga in Your Park raises funds for Huntington's disease
MICHIGAN — Yoga in Your Park is an all-day global yoga session focused on finding a cure for Huntington's disease. Yoga has shown to be very therapeutic for those with Huntington's disease, even muscular sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Huntington's disease is a fatal genetic disorder that affects a person's nerve cells in the brain and can worsen over a 10 to 25-year period. In fact, the symptoms of… → Read More
Restaurant with inspiring backstory joins Taste of Muskegon
MUSKEGON — As with many festivals this year, the annual Taste of Muskegon is going virtual. Close to 40 restaurants and food trucks will be part of the event June 19-28, including a newcomer this year with a very special backstory. Lott and Big Weezy's Kitchen and its partner restaurant, Lott on the Lakeshore are rookies to this year's festival. But the passion for serving their community… → Read More
Grand Rapids police to host digital town hall on future of policing
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If you're interested in learning and discussing ways to improve policing in Grand Rapids, the city wants to hear from you. The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids police will be hosting a Digital Town Hall from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday. You can stream the meeting on the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability’s Facebook page and the City’s YouTube page and will be… → Read More
Ada cafe that employs people with disabilities to reopen June 1
The cafe is famous for its handmade espresso drinks, smoothies, hot and iced coffees, and tea. → Read More
The pandemic is shifting consumer hobbies and spending, study says
As Americans have spent more time at home the last few months, it's apparently showing in our purchases and hobbies. In fact, a new study revealed nearly 90 percent of Americans are taking up new hobbies during this pandemic. Ware2Go, a company that streamlines delivery to customers, surveyed more than 1,000 people to see how they've spent their time during the COVID 19 outbreak. Among some of… → Read More
GRCC offers 10 free classes to build career skills
GRAND RAPIDS — While our time at home may have resulted in some improvement projects around the house, Grand Rapids Community College hopes people can build onto their skill set with free online classes. The pandemic has been devastating in so many ways, especially for those who were laid off, furloughed or forced to find new jobs. GRCC hopes to make that transition as easy as possible, offering… → Read More
Grand Rapids sisters design COVID-19 coloring book
The purpose is to explain it in a way that is less scary or negative. → Read More
Community organizations create fund for undocumented families in Kent County
A community-wide effort is making sure undocumented families in Kent county have what they need to protect themselves in this pandemic. It’s called “la Lucha Fund." La Lucha means struggle. → Read More
"He still had joy in his days." Loved ones celebrate the life of young teen
KENT — A community is mourning the loss of a boy who passed away this month. Parker Carden's friends and family are remembering a boy who made a huge impact in his short 13 years. "Everybody knew who he was," said Parker's mom, Jennifer Ryan. He was a boy who loved being surrounded by brothers Austin and Jackson. Who loved to sing and talk about his faith. And, who Thomas the Train. Parker was a… → Read More
Fruit Farm now offers Celebration Grams for special occasions
KENT COUNTY — The pandemic is changing the way we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, but it's not stopping a local fruit farm from spreading happiness. Depending on the occasion, you can send doughnuts, pies, growlers of beer, or wine to that special someone. Deliveries can even be customized for a child. The farm said it's just their unique way of spreading joy right now. "It's just a nice… → Read More
Firefighters help welcome newborn as mom gives birth on the way to the hospital
OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — A local fire department helped welcome new life this week when a mother gave birth to a baby girl en route to the hospital. Oshtemo Township firefighters got the call from dispatchers Wednesday, April 15th, that a couple was trying to make it to the hospital as mom was in labor. However, a few moments later, the couple arrived at the fire station saying their baby girl was… → Read More
Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue works to place adoptable dogs
GRAND RAPIDS — As people remain home for the next few weeks, it might seem like the perfect time to adopt a pet and get them acclimated to a new house. However, several aspects of the adoption process, like spaying and neutering the animal, have not been deemed essential, which means it is taking longer for animals to get into loving homes. Fortunately, Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue in Grand Rapids… → Read More
Local chef teaches us to cook during quarantine
GRAND RAPIDS — There's nothing like a good meal to bring people together. No one understands that more than one local chef. But even as the coronavirus pandemic forces us away from each other at the moment, he is still finding a way to serve his community. Chef Nick Robinson is a natural in the kitchen. Before the coronavirus outbreak changed life as we know it, Robinson brought his passion for… → Read More
Eating healthy during quarantine
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — People may find themselves more inclined to eat emotionally during these unprecedented times. While we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves right now, we also don't want to throw all the rules out the window, because this is the time to stay as healthy as possible. Jesse Holden, a registered dietitian with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, urges clients… → Read More
"Don't cut your bangs at home," stylists say about salon closures
GRAND RAPIDS — Much of our everyday lives are impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic in some way or another. While some issues require more immediate attention, others aren't noticeable right away, that is until it comes time for a haircut. With hair salons shut down through mid-April, some people may wonder how to control their mane until Michigan's stay-home order is lifted. While it may be… → Read More
'Owning Forties' reveals what women secretly Google
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Women in their 40s are part of a generation that grew up without the luxury of being able to Google questions they had when it came to puberty, beauty or relationships. Even if the internet doesn't have the best or most accurate answers, many women in their 40s can't imagine life without Google now. AARP surveyed a handful of women over the age of 40 about what they… → Read More
How to keep 'mom guilt' from taking over your life
It’s a fairly new term, but many mothers claim they feel like they fall short of expectations when it comes to raising their kids. → Read More
Being mindful of those overcoming addictions during the holidays
The holidays are a time to remember what we're thankful for. But for those recovering from an addiction, the most wonderful time of the year can feel daunting. More often than not, holiday get-togethers involve alcohol, which isn't easy for someone working on staying sober. Fortunately, we have a resource in West Michigan to help people successfully overcome their addictions. Rae Green is the… → Read More