Shore Stories

 

Donna Bogle enjoys the little acts of kindness and small stores.

SHORE STORY: Small store, small acts, big impact

Donna Bogle sees the light that little acts of kindness bring to people's lives. In her Shore Story, she recounts two such beacons of hope.

The Warm Friend shown in 1968.
The Warm Friend Tavern — 300 years in the making and the man who built it

Former Holland City Manager Terry Hoffmeyer remembers The Warm Friend before it was The Warm Friend.  

For Les Tucker, playing Santa is about making people feel seen, heard, and loved in some small way, even for just a few minutes.
Shore Story: My journey as Santa Claus and bringing holiday magic to life

Les Tucker shares his experience at an iconic Santa Claus school and his love for bringing Santa's joy to children each Christmas.  

A slew of organizations and people came together to welcome the Rodriguez-Matos and help them succeed in their new home in Holland.
Shore Story: The Rodriguez-Matos success story showcases Holland at its best

How one community, several organizations and a whole lot of people with big hearts and open arms welcomed a refugee family to their new home and helped them succeed.

Jodi Schaap's debut collection of poetry is called "Notes to Self."
Shore Story: To be a writer, you must write

Jodi Schaap has always been a writer, ever since childhood. It defines her. And now, she has her debut collection of poetry "Notes to Self" available at local bookshops and online.

Breanna Lentz, center, was diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's Disease and died before she could attend high school. Her sister, Shelby,  has established a foundation and a scholarship in Breanna's honor.
Brave Like Breanna — new scholarship honors those who struggle against adversity

Breanna Lentz would have been a 2024 Plainwell High School senior. Diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's disease, Breanna died before that could happen. Her sister created a foundation in honor of Breanna and a scholarship to help others struggling to overcome adversity.

Harbor Lights Middle School students created a sound bath experience to help with relaxation and healing.
Shore Story: Teacher, students create sound baths for healing, relaxation

Carrie Ledet explains how she and her students immersed themselves in learning about sound baths, going through the instruments in the West Ottawa's Harbor Lights Middle School band room to create the most relaxing experience.  

Dr. Chris Petras holds up the flag of the 126th Infantry/Regiment, WWI.
Shore Story: Grand Haven man champions Company F, Purple Hearts awarded posthumously

Chris Petras relates how he came to document the actions of 20 men of the 126th Infantry/Regiment, 32nd “Red Arrow” Division WWI that earned them Purple Hearts. Petras was honored as the Tri-Cities Historical Museum's 2023 Historian of the Year for his efforts.

This photo is of me when I received the very first gift that I remember so well as a foster child! This gift represents love! And your gifts will represent love as well, thank you to all of you who have hearts full of love to give!
Shore Story: Foster kids need your support

As a former foster kid, Jennifer Becksvoort asks you for one minute to put yourselves in the shoes of foster parents. One day they have no kids, and the next they have kids who needed so much both physically and mentally. This month she is collecting clothing and other essentials for foster kids in West Michigan.

Penny Shuff works for Mediation Services, which allows her to show her true colors as a good listener and a peacemaker.
Shore Story: A resource for peaceful resolutions

Penny Shuff reflects on her work at Mediation Services, where her natural peacemaker tendencies combine with her skills as a communicator.

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