Cal Langejans: The Music Man who shaped Holland’s sound
In this Shore Story, Bruce Hekman explores how Cal Langejans enriched Lakeshore communities through music, leadership, and a lasting legacy.
Holland
Located on the shores of little Lake Macatawa, just off the coast of expansive Lake Michigan, Holland is the epicenter of West Michigan’s Dutch history and culture. Not surprisingly, then, the city is perhaps best known for its annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But there’s much more to the Tulip City than, well, tulips. The city’s downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts as much retail activity as any urban core in the region. The community is flush with wildly popular waterfront beaches like Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. And Hope College lends the clean, conservative town a bit of youthful spirit.
Holland community helps Diamante Balcazar turn Harvard dream into reality
Family, teachers, mentors, and civic involvement helped Holland High graduate Diamante Balcazar go to Harvard and become his family's first college graduate.
Holland to Holland tour connects residents with Dutch heritage
Holland to Holland tour takes West Michigan residents to the Netherlands to explore local history, cultural ties, and community traditions.
Hope College, city of Holland collaborate on award-winning public tree database
Students and interns played a key role in mapping 15,000 trees across Holland and the Hope campus, expanding biodiversity, sustainability education, and canopy access.
Aviation Day shows how local airport connects the community
More than 800 people gathered at West Michigan Regional Airport, discovering how aviation connects families with education and medical care.
Lakeshore Advantage wins national award for downtown Holland’s Next Center
Lakeshore Advantage’s Next Center earned national recognition for supporting entrepreneurship, small businesses, and regional economic development through collaboration and innovation.
Jennifer Owens leaves Lakeshore Advantage with legacy of collaborative leadership
Outgoing Lakeshore Advantage President reflects on entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the long-term projects that transformed communities and strengthened the region.
‘A cultural exchange changed my life’: Why a music teacher is bringing a Polish choir to Michigan
In this Shore Stories column, Julia Colingsworth shares how her cultural exchange experience inspired her to bring a Polish choir to Michigan.
Professional organizer helps families declutter homes during difficult life transitions
Former banker Melissa Robitaille helps families declutter homes, manage grief, and regain usable living space during major transitions.
Holland Celtic Festival celebrates five years of music and community
The Holland Celtic Festival returns June 26-27, showcasing music, culture, volunteers, and community connections built over five years.
