Farewell from Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell

I have been with The Lakeshore for five years. Now, as I prepare to move on to a new adventure, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of my favorite stories that I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you.

So much has happened in five years. It wasn't easy to narrow down the list.

When I started in January of 2020, we couldn't possibly know COVID would soon land on our shores and change absolutely everything.

If one good thing came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was how people and organizations stood up to help their neighbors. From sewing cloth masks to mutual aid societies and little pantries springing up, West Michigan's heart was on full display.

As Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Over the past five years, countless individuals have shared their stories with me, each one stirring deep emotions within me. I have had the privilege of speaking to people raising up their neighborhoods, to a formerly homeless man who's life was changed through volunteering, to a man who survived a heart attack and the friend who saved him with what he learned in a CPR class he happened to take a few weeks earlier.

I've been able to tour some of the coolest trails in Allegan County and stood among thousands of people marching for racial justice.

I've spoken to historians fighting for Purple Hearts rightfully earned by soldiers decades ago and three (yes, THREE) state Youth of the Year honorees.

I hope these stories touched you too.

Each piece has been a labor of love and a true joy to bring to life. Though I’m excited for what’s ahead, I’ll always carry the memories of these stories with me. Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey — it has been an honor.



Andrea GoodellJohn Shea (left) and Jay Peters posed for a photo this week after Peters used CPR to save Shea from a "widow maker" heart attack. Peters is active in helping Holland achieve a Heart Safe Community designation.

Heart Safe: Surviving a heart attack through training and a little bit of luck

John Shea is a remarkable human, and the story of how every little thing fell into place for him to survive a massive heart attack is equally remarkable.

John being John, he didn't just accept the second chance and move on with his life. He is making sure others have that same chance by working tirelessly to transform Holland into a Heart Safe Community.



Courtesy Allegan Area Educational Services Agency Sisters Emily and Chelsy Millner drive school bus for Allegan Area Educational Services Agency.
Sisters know the rewards of driving a school bus

It was so much fun talking to sisters Chelsy and Emily Millner. Their joy for their job is contagious. I hope everyone finds a calling like they did.



Photo by Andrea GoodellNeighborhood Connector Lori Appeldoorn pauses at one of many welcoming stops along Central Avenue. This one, in front of JJ's on the corner of Central and 16th Street, includes yard games, lighting, and picnic benches for neighborhood gatherings.
Eastcore looks to artistic future with neighborhood improvements, mural festival

Walking through Holland's Eastcore neighborhood one sunny summer day with Lori Appeldoorn was a rare treat. She and he neighbors have transformed the place they call home.


CourtesyJason Cottrell and his daughter, Gracie Jo, 11, pose in front of the little free pantry their family created in front of their home, 1237 Marlene St. Holland.
Little pantry brings kindness, helping hand

These are the stories I loved the most. One person sees a problem — in this case, people who had lost their livelihoods and needed help with the essentials — and who just DOES something about it. Even better, Jason Cottrell brought his then-11-year-old daughter on board to help.


Courtesy Michigan Veterans Affairs AgencyMichigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director Brian Love awards Chris Petras with the Distinguished Service Medal on behalf of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for Petras' work to honor WWI veterans who did not receive their Purple Hearts.

Spring Lake historian surprised by trifecta of awards for his work to bring home Purple Hearts

Speaking with Spring Lake's Chris Petras is fascinating. He was rightly honored last year for his work to posthumously award Purple Hearts to veterans who had earned the honor, but not received the medal or recognition. Every time we've spoken, I've learned more about American military history. He even found documents about my own grandfather's service in World War I.



Courtesy Outdoor Discover Center NetworkAllegan County offers a plethora of outdoor trails and greenways to soak in the nature.
4 cool trails to explore in Allegan County

Honestly — any excuse to explore our area's amazing natural areas, I'll take. And Allegan has some hidden gems that should be on your list.


ScreenshotHolland Helpers is a Facebook group that connects those who need help and those who can offer it.

Finding the helpers: Holland Helpers connects helpers, those who need help

This was one of the first articles I wrote for The Lakeshore. Not everyone has a support network, and when COVID-19 hit, that became painfully clear. Holland Helpers is one of many mutual aid societies where people can ask for the things they need to get by or offer things they have that others might need. It's still going strong on Facebook.



Andrea GoodellThe Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness honored Gene Ekema, who until recently was homeless himself, as its 2020 Volunteer Champion.

How volunteering helped turn a homeless man’s life around

Gene Ekema's story inspired me — not necessarily because he pulled himself up and out of a bad situation, though that is true, but because when he was in a bad situation, he still thought of others. He often volunteered at organizations that gave him a hand up, selflessly helping others around him.


CourtesyHSO President and CEO Kay Walvoord
HSO founder, CEO to retire this summer after 33 years

It's always a joy to speak with Kay Walvoord. She's both cheery and knowledgeable, so it was a special privilege to learn more about all Kay has done to bring the Holland Symphony Orchestra to where it stands today.


CourtesyMichigan Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Jaqulin Barajas, right, poses with 2023 Michigan Youth of the Year Isabel Shepard at the state Capitol building.
Holland Boys & Girls Club cultivates leaders

Every time I speak with one of the amazing young people named Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Club of the Holland Area, it makes me feel hopeful for the future. The local club has helped create young people who are honored at the state and regional levels so often, I couldn't pick just one. I had to create a new story with links to all the past articles for each Youth of the Year. Don't believe the naysayers. There IS hope.


Matthew BickelProtesters carried signs about the African American victims of police brutality.

Thousands line Unity Bridge, ‘standing together’ for justice

One of the things that will hit me in the gut every single time is when people come together in the face of adversity. George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in June of 2020 was one such time. Thousands of people lined Holland's Unity Bridge, calling for unity, peace, and togetherness.