1. Priority Health is devoting $600,000 to build new workout areas at sites around the state.
The partnership with the National Fitness Campaign will build 15 outdoor easily accessible public spaces over the next 18 months in cities like Grand Rapids and Holland.
Starting next month, schools and other organizations can apply for grant money for a fitness court at their location.
For now, you can download the free Fitness Court App to access a series of seven-minute workouts and digital coaching.
To learn more, go to nationalfitnesscampaign.com.
2. Get gifts and support a good cause if you shop in the Gas Light District this week.
Now through December 15, if you buy a gift card at those businesses, 5 percent of the gift cards purchased will support the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation.
Plus, it's a great way to support local businesses.
3. The City of Holland approved a nearly $500,000 bid to help boost recycling and increase sustainability efforts. Right now, residents are using a yellow bag recycling system.
Next year the city will switch to a cart-based system. The council's bid pays for 10,000 of them, with grants covering all but $20,000 of the cost.
The 96-gallon carts will include information on what can, and cannot be recycled and it'll also have a small RDIF Chip on the handle that gives the city data on how much weight each person recycles.
Holland residents can expect to receive one of those carts next April.
4. There's a new Christmas movie out, and it has ties to Michigan. "Miracle on Christmas" was filmed in the
Brighton-Howell area this past winter, and it stars an 11-year-old boy from Ada.
Ethan Mathias is one of the lead roles, playing the character of Caleb. He's been in movies as an extra before, but this is the first time he's had lines.
Ethan isn't new to performing, his mom says he's been involved with theater as well as Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet.
"Miracle on Christmas" is streaming on Amazon and is available on DVD.
5. Forget the usual Christmas decorations, one homeowner in Missouri has rolled out a theme inspired by the pandemic.
Along with the twinkling lights, he has toilet paper rolls dangling from the trees, a gigantic roll dominating the front lawn, and a t-rex donning a face mask.
It took about a week to complete what he's calling "2020 Christmas: Ready to Wipe It Away!"
The homeowner says he hopes people will get a kick out of his decorations and says many people are stopping to take pictures.
