Shore Stories

 

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.

Traci Gonzales celebrates her International Weightlifting Federation championships win.
Zeeland teacher inspires with weightlifting championship

Full-time teacher, full-time mom, and part-time coach Traci Gonzales discovered a talent for weightlifting and took it all the way to a gold medal at the International Weightlifting Federation championships last month.

Cultural Immersion Experiences Across the Bridge brings together residents from Grand Haven and Muskegon to learn about each other’s communities.
Crossing the bridge into a cultural immersion experience

Rebecca Hopp, former Mayor of Ferrysburg, writes about her “life changing experience” taking part in the Across The Bridge Cultural Immersion Initiative.  

In Holland, we point with pride to the Tower Clock and several downtown buildings.
Treasuring the legacy of artisans in Holland and beyond

Dale Wyngarden, who for decades guided Holland’s development, takes a look at the structures that are standing the test of time.   

Lori Hastings
Lori’s Voice enriches lives of children with disabilities

Lori's Voice is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded to help young people with disabilities. Founder Lori Hastings remembers what it was like growing up a neurological disorder. Now, she's making sure other challenged youth have what they need.

Emily Polet-Monterosso was among 22 single-kidney climbers who tackled Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this month.
Climbing to new heights after kidney donation

In her own words, Holland native Emily Polet-Monterosso describes the experience of climbing the world's tallest free-standing mountain with a group of climbers who had one thing in common — each had donated a kidney to someone else.

John Shea has been donating blood for nearly 50 years.
Saving lives: Why John Shea has been donating his blood for nearly 50 years

As blood supply levels hit dangerously low levels, John Shea explains why he has made a habit of donating his blood for nearly 50 years. 

Kelli Nina Perkins and Bill Parrott on the road.
Creative Nomads: How letting go inspired our most creative year

Herrick District Library retired librarian Kelli Nina Perkins and husband Bill Parrott decided to hit the road during the pandemic. The Holland couple are now full-time nomads exploring the U.S. in their truck camper and sharing their stories on YouTube and Instagram as Outer Limits Open Road.

WHTC's morning news anchor Peg McNichol. Courtesy, Midwest Communications
In a world where people seem to be getting meaner, make a choice to be nice

WHTC Radio’s morning news anchor, Peg McNichol, shares why words matter and kindness matters.   

Ebony Roach
Promise Scholar headed to U-M shares her lifelong love of learning

It won’t be in a box with her other belongings, but Promise Scholar Ebony Roach will take a lifelong love of learning with her when she heads to the University of Michigan in the fall. She’s also carrying a tremendous sense of gratitude to her family, teachers, and friends who’ve helped her succeed.

Our Partners

Allegan County Community Foundation logo
Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
On Point Allegan

Don't miss out!

Everything West Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.