Stories

Feature Story The Holland Symphony Orchestra Classics Discovery: “Dance into Spring” concert will bring Hope College’s H2 Dance Co. to the stage to join HSO for a staged version of Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.”

Dancing into spring with the Holland Symphony Orchestra and 'Rite of Spring'

The concert will include music from Arturo Marquez, Mexico’s most popular living composer, Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz” from “Sleeping Beauty,” two of Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, and one of Antonin Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances.

Feature Story Carl Dunker works from his home office in Holland, Michigan.

Building relationships is at the heart of great design

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

Feature Story Barry State Game Area's biologist Randy Hienze

How the White Oak initiative is protecting Michigan forests

Ben Savoie, the District Forester for Barry, Allegan, and Ottawa Conservation Districts, explains the resources available for Lakeshore residents to protect White Oaks. These native trees are an essential part of the forests of Michigan because they provide a bounty of food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and deer.

Feature Story Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys

How CFHZ is supporting nonprofits providing mental health services

The foundation distributes $150,000 in grants to five nonprofits working to increase access and availability of mental health services.

Feature Story Gordon Burnham has been with Comcast’s Xfinity Store in Muskegon for over 36 years.

8 frontline workers recognized for going above and beyond

Muskegon resident Gordon Burnham is one of eight area frontline workers recognized by West Michigan Works! with Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards. 

Feature Story Call-for-artists

#LAFRocks Public Art Project coming to Muskegon this summer

The artwork will incorporate a small boulder/rock that will be on display beginning June 24. All artists 18 years or older are invited to submit an application to participate in the project by March 22.

Feature Story The Holland Board of Public Works' new anaerobic digester earned an ENVISION Gold rating for sustainability.

BPW awarded for sustainability

When the Holland Board of Public Works' anaerobic digester begins operation in the fall, it will both reduce and treat waste from the wastewater reclamation facility while also creating some of the energy needed to run the plant.

Feature Story Randy Boileau, founder of Boileau Communications

Searching for Storytellers: Boileau family business establishes scholarship

There's a reason the role of “storyteller” is one passed down in the traditions in every culture. Data and statistics inform, but narratives transform details into something our brains know how to handle. Storytelling has the ability to bridge some of the gaps that most divide our culture today.

Feature Story North Country Community Mental Health ACT Team. Left to right, back row: Dr. John Gherman, Kelsey Fettig, Amy Carey, Laura Tanton. Front Row: Carla Miller, Dee Whittaker.

ACT helps adults living with serious mental illness maintain independence and community

ACT’s goal is to help those living with serious mental illness to live as independently as possible — and to achieve the same aspirations most everyone seeks.

Feature Story An early post card with a photograph shot from the docks of "Black Lake," what came to be known as Lake Macatawa, shows a family in traditional Dutch costume.

Holland history: "Black Lake" and the harbor

Without its harbor, Holland would not have grown as quickly or as much as it did, but getting that critical port was no easy task for the city's founder.

Feature Story DJDemers

Accessible humor takes the stage at Laughfest

D.J. Demers, who is hearing impaired, brings his unique stand-up style to LaughFest on March 8 at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids. His opening act will be local comedian Jon Cauchi, who is visually impaired. 

Feature Story The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs. (Canva)

More than half of people with disabilities in West Michigan struggle financially

The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs.

Feature Story More than $4.2 million was distributed to 49 employers in Ottawa County, $2.2 million to 17 employers in Allegan County, and nearly $1 million to 11 employers in Muskegon County. 

2023 Going PRO Talent Fund Awards top $7.4M to Lakeshore employers

The Lakeshore is benefitting from more than $7.4 million in statewide funding for job training that is being distributed to 77 employers across Allegan, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties.

Feature Story Benjamin's Hope founders Krista Mason (right) and Dave Mason pose with animal scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin.

Autism rights advocate Temple Grandin hails those who think differently

Although Temple Grandin is a widely sought-after professor for animal science and veterinary colleges, she couldn’t get into veterinary school when she failed the math portion of the SAT. The educational system is screening out visual thinkers such as herself, Grandin says.

Feature Story For 30 years, Spanish Brass has remained one of the most dynamic quintets on the international musical stage.

Things to do in March: St. Patrick’s Day, girlfriends weekend, music on the Lakeshore calendar

A polar plunge, theater, music, and a discussion of Michigan’s connection to mosquitoes and malaria. The Lakeshore has it all this March.

Longform Aisha Sanders, owner and creator of Wicksup Candle Co. in Oak Park, explains the candle making process to a Food and Friendship Connections group.

Program brings friendship, needed resources to older adults living with HIV in Detroit and Lansing

Seventy-five Detroit- and Lansing-area residents have benefited from a pilot program called Food and Friendship Connections, which offers meals, transportation, and community for older adults living with HIV.

Longform Summit Pointe’s First Step program operates out of their facility on College Street in Battle Creek.

First Step Psychiatric Urgent Care Center a stepping stone to mental wellness

First Step Psychiatric Urgent Care Center provides services when people need them most. The 24/7 facility treats patients of all ages, irrespective of insurance.

Feature Story Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid helps people experiencing symptoms and crises

Mental Health First Aid prepares people to assist somebody who's experiencing a mental health crisis or beginning to experience signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge.

Feature Story Aviation Camp at Muskegon County Airport aims to help make school relevant for kids, giving middle school students an opportunity to learn about various aviation career paths.

Aviation Camp inspires curiosity, helps Muskegon County students soar

Aviation Camp at Muskegon County Airport aims to help make school relevant for kids, giving middle school students an opportunity to learn about various aviation career paths. Leaders say it’s a great way to help kids connect their skills and dreams with their futures.

Feature Story When malls threatened downtown Holland's future, the city and the merchants got creative.

Holland history: The rise and fall (and rise) of shopping malls

Innovative “streetscape” enhancements kept Holland's Eighth Street viable. Support for the improvements came through joint partnership between City Hall and the business community.