1. Jolly St. Nick is on his way to Woodland Mall!
This year he won't be giving out hugs, or high-fives due to the pandemic. Children will actually have to sit on the bench next to him to share their Christmas wishes.
Families will also need to book their visit with Santa in advance, but you can see him in-person or virtually this year.
Also, masks are required, but kids will be allowed to take theirs off for a quick photo.
2. Kent County is adding paper cups to its recycling program.
The Public Works Department is making a formal announcement Wednesday morning at Sparrows Coffee in Grand Rapids.
Residents are encouraged to empty and rinse their cups before recycling them. This is part of the department's goal of reducing waste going to landfill by 90 percent over the next 10 years.
3. Mel Trotter Ministries is unveiling its Moblie Shower Unit this week.
It'll be in the main parking lot of The Other Way Ministries on Wednesday morning, located off West Fulton in Grand Rapids.
The mobile shower unit has three stalls that'll allow those experiencing homelessness to receive a hot shower and an opportunity to clean up and feel good ahead of a job interview.
Mel Trotter will be moving the until strategic locations throughout the city where hygiene services are most needed.
4. The holidays are right around the corner, which means lots of food and endless hours spent cooking in the kitchen.
So take breakfast to-go with a meal kit from the International House of Pancakes.
It comes with everything you need to make the first meal of the day merry and bright: hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and toppings to make the pancakes extra sweet and festive.
The $27.99 feast is ideal for a group of four and is available for pick-up or delivery.
5. Chili peppers may be the spice of life! According to new research from the American Heart Association, eating these red-hots might help you live longer.
Preliminary findings show chili peppers have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, reducing the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer.
Researchers looked at more than 4,700 studies related to chili peppers and illness.
They found those who ate the hot peppers regularly had about 25 percent less chance of dying prematurely from any cause.
