Shanee Laurent enjoys a concert with friends in downtown Grand Rapids while under the care of Emmanuel Hospice. Emmanuel Hospice cared for Shanee for four months after a long battle with breast cancer.
Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice
A favorite meal. A visit with family. A day with enough energy to get out of bed and do something that feels normal. For someone living with advanced cancer, those moments can become harder to come by.
Even as the disease changes what daily life looks like, hospice care and support organizations can help people on a cancer journey stay connected to the moments, activities and relationships that matter most to them.
“We want you to be able to wake up, know your truth and still have something to look forward to,” said Valerie Willock, a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice. “We want to give you as many best days as possible.”
What that looks like varies person to person – and sometimes day to day. While people with advanced cancer may experience some similar symptoms such as fatigue, pain and weight loss, Willock says each journey is highly individual.
At Emmanuel Hospice, care is tailored around the unique medical, emotional and spiritual needs and wishes of each patient, and services can be adjusted as circumstances change. That includes medications, equipment, personal care, emotional support and more. For loved ones, the added layer of support has several benefits.
“We are there for the patient but also the rest of the family and friends who are going through this journey as well,” Willock said. “As the cancer progresses, we want there to be no surprises about what to expect, fewer tasks to manage and more time to be present.”
That broader focus is also central to Gilda’s Club, which provides social and emotional support for people with cancer and those who care about them, as well as anyone on a grief journey. The nonprofit offers support groups, educational programs and a range of social activities.
Beth Shepherd, a social worker at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, emphasized that cancer affects much more than the physical body.
“When a person has cancer, it can disrupt every aspect of their life,” Shepherd said. “There are so many changes that happen, changes to schedules, employment, relationships and others we can’t even imagine. It can be very isolating for the person with cancer and their caregiver. We provide a space where everyone can process those changes and challenges with others who are experiencing something similar.”
Without support, Shepherd said caregivers in particular can feel invisible as they manage appointments and medications for a person with cancer while continuing to work, care for children and support other family members. The juggling act can go unseen by others as it overwhelms the caregiver and their own needs fall to the wayside.
“Sometimes people get so focused on the person with the diagnosis that they don’t always notice that the caregiver who is supporting that person is really struggling, too,” Shepherd said. “Whether you are a person who’s been diagnosed with cancer or a loved one, I cannot put into words the value of knowing you don’t have to do this alone. There are people here to walk alongside you.”
No matter where someone is on their cancer journey, both Shepherd and Willock encourage people to ask questions about hospice early. The initial conversation can simply provide information, so families have a better understanding of their options if circumstances change and can take advantage of supportive services that support the whole person sooner.
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community.
Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information about hospice care, visit EmmanuelHos pice.org. To learn more about cancer and grief support through Gilda’s Club, visit GildasClubGR.org.
A favorite meal. A visit with family. A day with enough energy to get out of bed and do something that feels normal. For someone living with advanced cancer, those moments can become harder to come by.
Even as the disease changes what daily life looks like, hospice care and support organizations can help people on a cancer journey stay connected to the moments, activities and relationships that matter most to them.
“We want you to be able to wake up, know your truth and still have something to look forward to,” said Valerie Willock, a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice. “We want to give you as many best days as possible.”
What that looks like varies person to person – and sometimes day to day. While people with advanced cancer may experience some similar symptoms such as fatigue, pain and weight loss, Willock says each journey is highly individual.
At Emmanuel Hospice, care is tailored around the unique medical, emotional and spiritual needs and wishes of each patient, and services can be adjusted as circumstances change. That includes medications, equipment, personal care, emotional support and more. For loved ones, the added layer of support has several benefits.
“We are there for the patient but also the rest of the family and friends who are going through this journey as well,” Willock said. “As the cancer progresses, we want there to be no surprises about what to expect, fewer tasks to manage and more time to be present.”
That broader focus is also central to Gilda’s Club, which provides social and emotional support for people with cancer and those who care about them, as well as anyone on a grief journey. The nonprofit offers support groups, educational programs and a range of social activities.
Beth Shepherd, a social worker at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, emphasized that cancer affects much more than the physical body.
“When a person has cancer, it can disrupt every aspect of their life,” Shepherd said. “There are so many changes that happen, changes to schedules, employment, relationships and others we can’t even imagine. It can be very isolating for the person with cancer and their caregiver. We provide a space where everyone can process those changes and challenges with others who are experiencing something similar.”
Without support, Shepherd said caregivers in particular can feel invisible as they manage appointments and medications for a person with cancer while continuing to work, care for children and support other family members. The juggling act can go unseen by others as it overwhelms the caregiver and their own needs fall to the wayside.
“Sometimes people get so focused on the person with the diagnosis that they don’t always notice that the caregiver who is supporting that person is really struggling, too,” Shepherd said. “Whether you are a person who’s been diagnosed with cancer or a loved one, I cannot put into words the value of knowing you don’t have to do this alone. There are people here to walk alongside you.”
No matter where someone is on their cancer journey, both Shepherd and Willock encourage people to ask questions about hospice early. The initial conversation can simply provide information, so families have a better understanding of their options if circumstances change and can take advantage of supportive services that support the whole person sooner.
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community.
Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information about hospice care, visit EmmanuelHos pice.org. To learn more about cancer and grief support through Gilda’s Club, visit GildasClubGR.org.
Zeeland Rec Bringing Back Seniors Prom
Last year, Zeeland Recreation hosted its first Seniors Prom for older adults.
It was such a hit that the prom is being brought back again this year.
Designed for adults 55 and older, this year’s Seniors Prom will take place Nov. 7 at Zeeland Rec and Cityside Middle School. The dance will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The evening will feature timeless music, dancing, bingo, and light desserts in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you come solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, you’ll mingle with friendly faces, enjoy classic tunes, and make new friends. Dressing up is encouraging, as well as bringing your best dance moves.
Tickets are $25 per person. You can sign up online at zps.org/z-recreation/adult/seniors-prom-60-yrs-/ or call Zeeland Rec at (616) 748-3230.
It was such a hit that the prom is being brought back again this year.
Designed for adults 55 and older, this year’s Seniors Prom will take place Nov. 7 at Zeeland Rec and Cityside Middle School. The dance will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The evening will feature timeless music, dancing, bingo, and light desserts in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you come solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, you’ll mingle with friendly faces, enjoy classic tunes, and make new friends. Dressing up is encouraging, as well as bringing your best dance moves.
Tickets are $25 per person. You can sign up online at zps.org/z-recreation/adult/seniors-prom-60-yrs-/ or call Zeeland Rec at (616) 748-3230.
County Woman Named 4-H Volunteer of the Year
Ottawa County 4-H volunteer Lynn Olthof has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award.
The 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to outstanding 4-H volunteers who have 10 years of service or less. Winners are selected through a statewide nomination and review process.
The Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards highlight the important work of 4-H volunteers across the state who share their time, energy and commitment with 4-H every day to improve the lives of Michigan young people.
A resident of Ferrysburg, Olthof is a heavily involved and deeply committed volunteer with the Michigan 4-H dairy program. As a graduate student at Michigan State University, she routinely gives her time to campus-based events, including Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, the Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference and 4-H Career Quest.
Olthof helps to facilitate the state 4-H dairy quiz bowl contest, dairy management contest and dairy judging contest. She also frequently teaches sessions to 4-H’ers on animal science careers, dairy judging, dairy nutrition and dairy management.
“Lynn always goes above and beyond to help with whatever she can,” said Kendra Van Order, MSU Extension 4-H dairy educator, who nominated Olthof for the award. “She loves and supports the 4-H program because she grew up in it and she knows what it can do for others. She believes that showing up for others is an integral part of any program's success.”
Known for her unique ability to help each youth feel seen, valued and encouraged, Olthof’s impact on the Michigan 4-H dairy program is evident in both the youth and other 4-H volunteers with whom she works. As a former 4-H’er herself, Olthof is passionate about furthering that impact by bringing 4-H opportunities to more and more youth. She would like to expand 4-H dairy programming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and is eager to work with other underserved populations to help additional youth thrive and succeed.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a 4-H volunteer and being able to support youth as they learn, grow and establish a passion for agriculture,” Olthof said. “4-H is a program that has given me so many opportunities personally and professionally and I am fortunate to be able to give back to the organization and youth while also serving the dairy industry.”
Recipients of the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards receive a $400 monetary award donated in their name to the 4-H program, club or activity of their choice. Awardees will also receive a personalized recognition memento and have their name engraved on the Salute to Excellence brick path located at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardnes in East Lansing.
The 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to outstanding 4-H volunteers who have 10 years of service or less. Winners are selected through a statewide nomination and review process.
The Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards highlight the important work of 4-H volunteers across the state who share their time, energy and commitment with 4-H every day to improve the lives of Michigan young people.
A resident of Ferrysburg, Olthof is a heavily involved and deeply committed volunteer with the Michigan 4-H dairy program. As a graduate student at Michigan State University, she routinely gives her time to campus-based events, including Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, the Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference and 4-H Career Quest.
Olthof helps to facilitate the state 4-H dairy quiz bowl contest, dairy management contest and dairy judging contest. She also frequently teaches sessions to 4-H’ers on animal science careers, dairy judging, dairy nutrition and dairy management.
“Lynn always goes above and beyond to help with whatever she can,” said Kendra Van Order, MSU Extension 4-H dairy educator, who nominated Olthof for the award. “She loves and supports the 4-H program because she grew up in it and she knows what it can do for others. She believes that showing up for others is an integral part of any program's success.”
Known for her unique ability to help each youth feel seen, valued and encouraged, Olthof’s impact on the Michigan 4-H dairy program is evident in both the youth and other 4-H volunteers with whom she works. As a former 4-H’er herself, Olthof is passionate about furthering that impact by bringing 4-H opportunities to more and more youth. She would like to expand 4-H dairy programming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and is eager to work with other underserved populations to help additional youth thrive and succeed.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a 4-H volunteer and being able to support youth as they learn, grow and establish a passion for agriculture,” Olthof said. “4-H is a program that has given me so many opportunities personally and professionally and I am fortunate to be able to give back to the organization and youth while also serving the dairy industry.”
Recipients of the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards receive a $400 monetary award donated in their name to the 4-H program, club or activity of their choice. Awardees will also receive a personalized recognition memento and have their name engraved on the Salute to Excellence brick path located at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardnes in East Lansing.
Players Present Fall Play
The Zeeland High Players will present their fall play, “Cabin Chronicles,” tonight through Saturday, at the DeWitt Center for the Arts at Zeeland East High School.
Showtime tonight and Friday is 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. One note: the play is not recommended for young children.
In “Cabin Chronicles,” three best friends are alone in an empty cabin, at night, in the woods. It’s the perfect setting for a scary story competition. The three friends try to out-scare each other with tales of zombies, lab accidents and teenage slashers to distract each other from the pain of high school.
Emma Hanegraaff and Charlotte Ashley are the student directors for the play.
Following is the cast list:
The Baking Boys
Will: Seth Craner
Josh: Sylus Clarence Day
OC: Shayne Kayser
Penelope: Ellie Blanton
Cabin 261
Brad: Kory Rosenau*
Tommy: Mathias Hupcik
Cindy: Hannah DeBoer
Dana: Alexis VanderKooi
Megan: Lina Jonker
Adam: Sol Ball*
Jamison: Maxwell Buursma
Cabin 262
Jack: Cambree Gibbons*
Pest: Sol Ball*
Danielle: Arie Lacey
Jodie: Alivia Senabandith
Sam: Elsie Davis
Pete: Shea Westveer
Davey: Carter Haney
Vampire: Kai Plowman
Vampire: Kayla Jones
Teen w/Evil Book: Malina Garrison
Teen w/Evil Book: Ana McCoskey
Tarantula Tsunami: Morgan Ferguson
Cabin 263
Steph: Mia Borrego
Mikey: Graham Muilenburg
Malcolm: Kory Rosenau*
Tex: Jaylee Bunker
Brady: Cambree Gibbons*
Abigail: Alex Huerta Espinosa
Zombie: Oliver Elden Driesenga
* - starred actors perform multiple roles
Tickets for “Cabin Chronicles” are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for Zeeland Public Schools staff and students with ID. They can be purchased online at zpsarts.ludus.com.
Showtime tonight and Friday is 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. One note: the play is not recommended for young children.
In “Cabin Chronicles,” three best friends are alone in an empty cabin, at night, in the woods. It’s the perfect setting for a scary story competition. The three friends try to out-scare each other with tales of zombies, lab accidents and teenage slashers to distract each other from the pain of high school.
Emma Hanegraaff and Charlotte Ashley are the student directors for the play.
Following is the cast list:
The Baking Boys
Will: Seth Craner
Josh: Sylus Clarence Day
OC: Shayne Kayser
Penelope: Ellie Blanton
Cabin 261
Brad: Kory Rosenau*
Tommy: Mathias Hupcik
Cindy: Hannah DeBoer
Dana: Alexis VanderKooi
Megan: Lina Jonker
Adam: Sol Ball*
Jamison: Maxwell Buursma
Cabin 262
Jack: Cambree Gibbons*
Pest: Sol Ball*
Danielle: Arie Lacey
Jodie: Alivia Senabandith
Sam: Elsie Davis
Pete: Shea Westveer
Davey: Carter Haney
Vampire: Kai Plowman
Vampire: Kayla Jones
Teen w/Evil Book: Malina Garrison
Teen w/Evil Book: Ana McCoskey
Tarantula Tsunami: Morgan Ferguson
Cabin 263
Steph: Mia Borrego
Mikey: Graham Muilenburg
Malcolm: Kory Rosenau*
Tex: Jaylee Bunker
Brady: Cambree Gibbons*
Abigail: Alex Huerta Espinosa
Zombie: Oliver Elden Driesenga
* - starred actors perform multiple roles
Tickets for “Cabin Chronicles” are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for Zeeland Public Schools staff and students with ID. They can be purchased online at zpsarts.ludus.com.
