Advocate works behind the scenes to create a more inclusive community
From affordable housing to accessible transportation, big-picture thinker Paul Ecklund works to make lasting changes by changing systems.
Kym Reinstadler's Latest Articles
Zeeland native Jim Kaat to be enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame — finally
Mythic. That’s how Zeeland-born-and-raised pitcher Jim Kaat describes his first wide-eyed visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jon Cauchi’s stand-up comedy shares humor of his experiences as a person with a vision impairment
Jon Cauchi, who became blind at age 12, performs a comedy routine called “The Real and Funny Side of Having a Disability” that brought down the house during Laughfest in March 2020.
Juneteenth Freedom Festival ‘beyond anything we imagined’
More than 1,000, people gathered in Holland on June 17-18 for the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. A national holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the end of legal slavery in the United States.
Former Ms. Wheelchair America leader advocates for inclusion
The Heart of an Advocate: From Ms. Wheelchair America leader to inclusion specialist and ride-share organizer, Stephanie Deible is rolling to a bright future.
Michigan native’s book details his effort to restore ancestors’ English manor
Hopwood DePree is celebrating the publication of his first book — “Downton Shabby: One American’s Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family’s English Castle” — with a June 1 book signing at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids.
Holland woman, and others with disabilities, faced enhanced challenges during COVID-19 pandemic
Even with masking and other precautions, Elizabeth Ferry said that she – like other people with disabilities she knows – lived in fear during the pandemic, afraid that her aides would quit, and she would be unable to replace them.
Retired teacher donates $1M to bring ‘pure joy’ to Michigan community
Retired teacher Frank Kraai is giving his life savings of $1 million to bring an ice skating rink to downtown Holland that he hopes will bring “pure joy” to the residents.
This Hudsonville native’s ticket to fame: Getting Cozy
Hudsonville native and interior designer Liz Marie Galvan is building a reputation and a following for her Cozy White Cottage home decor ideas.
Why Michigan’s top travel expert thinks tiny Norton Shores is best part of the Mitten
Dave Lorenz’s job has him crisscrossing the state to promote the Pure Michigan brand. And while he enjoys all of Michigan’s top tourist attractions, the Travel Michigan VP explains why Muskegon County is the place he loves to call home.
