Becoming out loud: Reclaiming identity through pride and art
Jeffrey VanDyke shares how disability and queerness shaped their voice – and how creativity helps reclaim identity, community, and self-love.
Shore Stories
From local impact to global vision: My LAUP chapter ends, but the mission continues
In this Shore Story, Julian Lugo-Castañeda shares the impact LAUP has had on his life and what he accomplished during his three years with the organization as a youth leader.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
