editor's letter

Do medical professionals finally get a break?

The past two-plus years have been incredibly difficult for everyone.

From the restaurant industry we love so dearly to the many Americans who’ve seen mental health struggles magnified as the stressors and social isolation took hold. But perhaps no industry and its workers has been more adversely affected than health care.

While it’s hard to constantly read about the pandemic everywhere we turn, the unfortunate truth is it’s been the dominant story in our world for the past 26 months. While there’s plenty of promise that it is finally starting to shed its prominence in the news cycle as other consequential events take shape, we couldn’t publish another health care issue without mentioning the coronavirus.

Thankfully, writer Sam Easter took a fascinating approach to the story of nurses and hospital support staff who have been living the nightmare for the past two-plus years. Whether COVID-19 is a serious issue to you or not, one thing is sure: It is very serious for those in the hospitals who deal with the virus on a day-in, day-out basis as they treat those afflicted with the illness. The raw stories Sam uncovered are well worth the read.

While the pandemic grabbed most of the headlines, plenty more was underway in the health care field. We turned Jesse O’Brien loose to see what the incredible medical research industry in Grand Rapids is up to now.

Outside of the health care pieces, which are scattered throughout the magazine, we also check on the food truck scene in West Michigan. These businesses on wheels have some really fun events scheduled throughout the summer. And downtown there’s a new retailer hoping to usher in an expanded era of shopping in the city’s center.

A new seafood option opened in Grand Rapids over the winter, so we paid a visit to Beacon Corner Bar, which also has some great happy hour deals. For the next hot date night, stop in at Knoop, a rooftop bar that has stylish vibes and great drinks.

And now that we’re into warmer weather, try a refreshing salad recipe that checks all the boxes and some of the margarita options I laid out in the back of the magazine.

Now, go enjoy that beautiful spring weather!

Pat Evans

Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: pevans@geminipub.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media: @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine

Next issue

We jump into the post-pandemic night life of Grand Rapids.

Jesse O'Brien

What do you enjoy most about West Michigan in the summer? Sometimes it feels like you can stretch 30 hours out of a West Michigan summer day. There aren't many places you can go hiking in the morning, spend the afternoon by the beach, catch a concert in the evening and swing by a bonfire at night. And there's always a chance you might get to experience fall, winter and spring in that same timeframe. Where are you eager to check out this summer in Grand Rapids? For one, I can't wait to get back out on a patio with a pint. But this will also be the first summer where my 1-year old golden retriever has developed some semblance of coordination and obedience, so I'm looking forward to taking him out in nature a bit more this year and maybe testing out his lake legs.

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