Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Love Your Neighbor’s Spanish-language life skills program in Hudsonville is growing—now serving six households and needing more bilingual volunteers to offer financial education and build stronger community ties.

The nonprofit partners with Georgetown Christian Reformed Church to create extra opportunities for connection.

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan welcomed community visitors back to its remodeled building after operating out of a temporary location.

A free open house was held on Friday, Oct. 9 at 1204 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW (supported by a $1 million state grant) while unveiling new branding and a website before its upcoming capital campaign.

Carlos Sanchez, a longtime Latino community leader with over 14 years in higher education and advocacy (including roles at Davenport University and Ferris State), joins Start Garden as co-executive director to lead fundraising and partnerships that support Latino entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids.

MSU Federal Credit Union broke ground on two new branches at Knapp’s Corner and Gaines Marketplace on Friday in Grand Rapids — the expansion aims to create 20 local jobs and improve access for members.

Celebrity Anna Kendrick joined her brother's wedding during the ArtPrize weekend while Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch donated memorabilia to the Public Museum in tribute to her hometown.

Both actions highlight strong women with enduring ties to our community.

WMTA lists fall events such as Off Map Fall Fest in South Haven running Oct 23 to 25 with bonfires, movies + Downtown St. Joseph Spooktacular on Oct 17 and Oct 30, Grand Rapids ghost hunt tours and special cottage deals at Bay Pointe Inn.

Grandville High School’s marching band wins MLive’s third Band of the Week poll from over 15,000 votes and is set to perform its new show ‘Beneath The Floorboards’ at a weekend invitational + the group, with a legacy dating back to 1967, prepares for upcoming competitions in Rockford and Portage Northern.

The Allegan High School marching band will compete at Grand Nationals for the first time in 36 years and is rehearsing a new show called Let it Bee (with bee-themed props and a senior backflip) ahead of the national championship at Lucas Oil Stadium from Nov.

12 to 14.

The Safe Alliances for Everyone Task Force asks local nonprofits and residents to submit proposals by 5 p.m. Oct.

23 for violence reduction projects aimed at youth 15 to 24; five winners will pitch their ideas at MLK Park Community Center on Oct. 28 — a chance to shape safety.