Clint and Lynn Cherney along with their three kids, Russell (15), Hazel (13), and James (10) were a fun, accommodating crew.  These are two working parents, and we are thrilled they were able to work this into their busy schedules.   Could not have asked for a better outcome. Here is their story!

Eldest son, Russell, is a total ham and joked around with his dad and siblings throughout the photoshoot. He’s a 3-sport athlete involved with JV football, Varsity swim team, and JV track. He also participates in the ski club. Daughter Hazel is literally Lynn’s ‘mini me’; gorgeous and poised like her mother.  She runs cross country/track, plays Spring Lake, and travel lacrosse. She also participates in the ski club.   All three Cherney kids love to hit the slopes so a lot of time is spent at Mulligan’s Hollow in the winter months.  Hazel is testing the waters with the middle school swim team as well this year.  Youngest James melts everyone’s heart with his adorable grin and ‘go with the flow’ attitude.  This little animal lover is involved with a local run club, Chariots of Fire, Grand Haven. He is also on the swim teams at SLCC and Grand Haven Swim Club and participates in the Freestyle Club at Mulligans Hollow. James can also carry a tune and sings in the SLIS Honors Choir.  We can’t forget about the youngest member of the family, Miss Mabel!  She’s a 2-year-old redbone coonhound. The family loves taking Mabel for dune hikes and visiting the local dog parks.

“Clint and I are proud of our kids every day for the people they are becoming,” Lynn tells Stroll Spring Lake. “They demonstrate leadership, good sportsmanship, and kindness towards others. I admire the dedication and hard work they put into their schoolwork and athletics. The successes they achieve is a by-product of that; it is all about the process and the journey, and how you treat people along the way!”

Clint and Lynn have been married for 17 years. They were introduced through mutual friends after undergrad at Michigan State University. “What I admire most about Clint is his strong work ethic and integrity; he is a man of his word and generosity /selflessness; he is always thinking of and doing for others,” Lynn says. Clint reciprocates equal admiration for his wife.  “Lynn and I hit it off from the start,” He tells us.  “She is intelligent and funny. I enjoy her company every day. We joke around constantly. She is a devoted spouse and parent who enjoys good conversation. Irish Goodbyes don't exist in her world, she would feel disappointed if she didn't get a chance to catch up with everyone. Lynn gets along with everyone.”

The couple both attended Michigan State University. This family bleeds green! Lynn works for a global company, Fortrea, in clinical research/drug development. Clint is a commodities trader and COO of a Michigan-based company, Harvey's Commodities.  “We get involved with the community primarily through the schools and athletics and volunteer our time whenever possible,” says Lynn.  “We love to support local events, festivals, and fundraisers; and shop local at all of the awesome small businesses that make our community unique!”

 The Cherneys love hiking, biking, checking out local farmers markets and festivals, and exploring museums and art exhibits. “Clint and I are also huge live music fans and attend as many concerts as we can,” says Lynn.  “We are big-time ‘Foodies’- checking out new restaurants, especially ethnic ones. We do a lot of cooking together; everyone enjoys it and gets involved. No matter how busy our schedules, sitting down together for family dinners has always been a priority.”   

Taking ski trips out west is a non-negotiable for the Cherney family every year- Colorado, Whistler, Utah, and Lake Tahoe are some of their favorite spots to take on the slopes. “We enjoy traveling; in particular, to destinations where we can learn more about a culture and its history,” Clint tells us.  Previous family favorite trips include London, England, and Puerto Rico. “Around the house, besides cooking and baking, we engage in family movie nights, and we play a lot of ping pong, which has gotten quite competitive!” laughs Lynn. “We also watch a lot of sports. (favorite teams- Spartans and Lions!) We love attending sporting events together; Spartan football and basketball games in particular. Lions are another favorite! Truth be told, the best spectator sports are on sidelines and in stands watching our kids compete on the field, pool, track, slopes, etc.!”

Clint and Lynn are both originally east-siders, from Metro Detroit. Clint grew up in Rochester Hills and Lynn grew up in Birmingham. Married life and family started in Royal Oak before moving to West Michigan in 2010 and Spring Lake in 2011. Work opportunities led the Cherneys to explore relocating to West Michigan.

“We had always enjoyed Grand Rapids and what the city had to offer, as well as the Lake Michigan lakeshore!” Lynn says. The proximity to the big lake, in all seasons, as well as the variety of parks and trail systems most of all. Coming from a larger metropolitan area, moving to Spring Lake was an adjustment of sorts but we enjoy the small-town feel and the sense of community that brings. We get to live where people vacation and feel blessed to call this lakeshore community home!”