De Pree Gallery Featuring ‘Limnologies’ Through March 20

HOLLAND – The De Pree Art Center and Gallery at Hope College will feature “Limnologies,” a large-scale collaborative installation by Claudia O’Steen and Aly Ogasian that explores the interplay of water, weather and geology, now through Thursday, March 20.

O’Steen and Ogasian will deliver an artist talk tonight at 5:30 p.m., with an opening reception following at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to the exhibition, artist talk and opening reception.  Admission to each is free.

“Limnologies” is the culmination of two years of fieldwork on Rabbit Island in Lake Superior, where the artists lived and worked off grid for two subsequent summers, and combines their research and work on the island with countless hours of studio and material experiments. The title “Limnologies” refers to the artists’ varied and extensive attempts to observe and understand weather patterns occurring on the lake, ranging from systematic to absurd to poetic. Simultaneously, the project explores the effect of weather conditions and changing climate on human psychology.

The work utilizes documentation obsessively collected via a series of site-responsive, portable sculptures that function as observational mechanisms. The instruments poetically measure wind, waves, visibility, water level and temperature, exploring both the possibilities and limitations afforded by perceptual observation. The artists engaged with the sky as cinema, extensively documenting color and clouds, which revealed geographically distant wildfires. Through a series of interconnected systems, the work responds to weather conditions through the production of drawing and sound. It additionally exists as performance (via documentation), video, writing and installation.

Ogasian and O’Steen work collaboratively to produce multimedia, research-based installations. Their work incorporates sculpture, digital media, drawing, writing and photography. Their practice takes a flexible, idea-driven approach. Their projects always involve fieldwork, and installations incorporate artifacts and “data” collected from the landscape itself. The work focuses on their relationship with the changing environment, and uses methodologies borrowed from citizen science to critique traditional notions of exploration and conquest.

O’Steen received a BFA from Watkins College of Art and an MFA in Digital + Media at Rhode Island School of Design. She resides in South Carolina and is an associate professor at Winthrop University. Ogasian received a BFA from Queen’s University and an MFA in Digital + Media at Rhode Island School of Design. She is based in Los Angeles and is an assistant professor at Scripps College.

Rabbit Island is located near the Midcontinental Rift System, a 1,200-mile-long geological rift in the center of the North American continent, which formed 1.1 billion years ago when the continent began to split apart. The rift ultimately failed but left behind geologic evidence that points to a long history of global environmental change.

Scientific research into this region points to a series of entangled ecological systems whose complex interplay is difficult to comprehend and little is understood.  The project touches upon the lake as a “site of memory” by examining how weather patterns have manifested across long spans of time. The work posits that far from being static, geology is a dynamic, living entity that continues to shape and be shaped by changing climate.

The De Pree Art Center and Gallery is located at 275 Columbia Ave., between 10th and 13th streets. The gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Herrick Library Renovation Celebration Tonight


Herrick District Library in Holland will hold a community celebration tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. to mark the completion of its recent renovation.

The free event — jointly sponsored by Herrick District Library and Lakewood Construction — will include sweet treats, princesses, balloon animals, live jazz, photobooth fun and more.

“We are so proud to be able to partner with Herrick District Library on what was more than just a project, it was a passion,” said Kyle Engbers, executive vice president of Lakewood Construction. “It has been such a meaningful experience to serve the library over the last two years and design the new area to support literacy and community programming for generations to come. We can’t wait to see all the ways that our neighbors and staff members will use the redeveloped space to support their needs and engage in learning.”

The renovation of the 20-year-old main library building was undertaken with public input. The library did not seek bonds or ask for an increased millage, but rather used reserves from its operating budget to pay for the $5.7 million renovation that updated and expanded its children's area to include a two-story playhouse, its DIY space Groundworks, LEGO lab, study rooms and other areas.

The new space includes a more open concept as well as structural improvements including necessary roof and lighting repairs as well as replacement of worn carpets.

“We want the public to be able to explore the newly renovated spaces and dream with us about new possibilities at their library,” HDL Public Relations Manager Sara DeVries said.

This is the second recent renovation for the library, which also doubled the size of its north branch in Holland Township in a $4 million 2020 renovation project that also used operating budget reserves.


A Chance to Just Be: Beyond Patients, How Hospice Benefits Caregivers




Hospice can often take some caregiving and financial stress off of the family members who are caring for a loved one who is ill, in addition to providing grief support and other resources.

Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice

Grief support, respite and reduced costs: In Valerie Willock’s experience, too few people understand the ways hospice services extend beyond patients to their caregivers.

It’s something she’s trying to change in her role as a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice. One of her main goals is to break the stigma of hospice and get more people to take advantage of the many benefits sooner.

“There are so many different programs that help those caring for a seriously ill loved one,” she said. “One of my favorites is the respite program, which allows caregivers to rest and recover while their loved one receives care for up to five days at a skilled nursing facility at no additional cost.

“We will safely transport their loved one there, ensuring their medication and key belongings come with them. We’ll also ensure patients are well taken care of while their caregiver takes a much-needed break.”

Hospice social workers can also help caregivers make arrangements for when their loved one passes, working to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to funeral costs.

“Our social workers are great for identifying external resources to meet any need,” Willock said. “We won’t choose for you, but we’ll give you the information and connections to help you navigate the situation.”

Hospice can also provide emotional support to caregivers who may be experiencing a range of feelings.

“With our bereavement team, we provide support through the entire process,” Willock added. “Our care does not end when a loved one has passed. At Emmanuel Hospice, we continue to support the family for at least 13 months following their loss.”

Perhaps one of the most powerful benefits of hospice for caregivers, Willock says, is that it allows them to step out of that caregiving role, if even for a short time, so they can just be with their loved one and make positive memories during the time they have left together.

“We want to enable that daughter who is taking care of her dad the chance to just be a daughter,” Willock said. “Our goal is to do something special for every patient and their family – something that brings a little extra joy during a difficult time.”

By granting patient wishes and offering complementary services alongside expert medical care, Emmanuel helps makes hospice more about living than dying.

“Our patient wish program is phenomenal,” Willock said. “Wishes have ranged from simple activities, such as setting up a meal for a couple to inviting family and friends to enjoy an afternoon fishing or an evening concert.

“We also offer programs that create a unique piece of legacy for families involving their loved one’s finger prints, hand molds and heartbeat recordings.”

One of the keys to personalizing patient experiences is to be able to get to know patients and their loved ones over time, which can be possible when inquiring about hospice sooner than later. People who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live are eligible for hospice care, and there is usually no direct cost to patients and their loved ones.

“Generally, Medicare covers hospice 100% – no copays, no out-of-pocket costs,” Willock said. “That covers all visits from our team members, including those who are on-call 24/7, as well as any durable medical equipment and a lot of medications. All supplies get ordered and delivered for you. You can stay wherever you call home and focus on living life to the fullest extent possible.”

Emmanuel Hospice began serving its first patients in 2013. Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe launched the nonprofit provider of compassionate end-of-life care with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Sara now serves as CEO of Emmanuel Hospice.

For more information, call (616) 719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

GR Symphony Announces 2025-26 Season


The Grand Rapids Symphony has announced its 2025-2026 season, which will take audiences on a journey through a variety of globally inspired programs.

 The news was first shared during a free community concert to a packed house at DeVos Performance Hall. Season highlights include an opening with Beethoven’s boisterous Symphony No. 9, famous for its choral finale of “Ode to Joy,” a focus on French composers including Ravel, Debussy, Lalo and Dukas and family-favorite holiday pops. Additionally, live-to-picture presentations of "The Polar Express™ in Concert” and “The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” along with a new show curated by Dolly Parton featuring video and her music will offer a multi-media orchestral experience.

Coming into its 96th season, the Grand Rapids Symphony is one of only 50 full-time orchestras in the country and has received several accolades for its artistry over the years.

“We have a tremendous focus on storytelling on a global scale this year,” Music Director Marcelo Lehninger said. “From France and Italy to Russia, Germany, Spain and the Americas, our goal is to offer some familiar favorites while taking our audience on a journey of new and unexpected pieces we hope will become cherished works. Collaborating closely with our creative team, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and musicians, we have put together an exciting lineup so community members of all ages and interests will find a program they want to venture to.”

The season will conclude with Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and “Pines of Rome,” which were the pieces Lehninger conducted 10 years ago during an international search for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s new music director.

Programs will be offered through the Richard and Helen DeVos Masterworks Series, Fox Motors Pop Series, Coffee and Chamber Masterworks and Symphony Specials. In addition to Lehninger’s leadership, the Grand Rapids Symphony relies on the talents of Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, Associate Conductor Duo Shen and Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus Conductor Pearl Shangkuan.

A number of guest artists, many sponsored by the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund, will be featured over the upcoming year including Emmy-nominated Ben Folds, Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, violinist Guido Sant'Anna, pianist Garrick Ohlsson, soprano Mikaela Bennett and cellist Alban Gerhardt, among others. Additionally, guest conductors including Lina Gonzalez-Granados, Grammy award-winning Giancarlo Guerrero and Sylvain Cambreling will lead the orchestra.

“We invite our community to come see their Grand Rapids Symphony live,” CEO Keith C. Elder said. “We are fortunate to have a world-class orchestra right here in Grand Rapids and encourage everyone to experience the incredible artistry – and entertainment – they bring. A night at the Symphony is more than a concert; it is an opportunity to have a memorable experience with friends, family and loved ones.

“Whether you are a fan of classical, pop or R&B – or something in between – we have program for you. If you’ve never been to a live orchestral event, we would love to show you what a fun evening it can be.”

Season subscriptions and individual tickets will once again be available. Tickets can be purchased online or and by calling 616.454.9451. Tickets may also be purchased the day-of at DeVos Hall.

BBB Tips to Avoid Tax Season Scams


It is tax season, and scammers are pulling out their best tricks, posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to convince you to hand over money or personal information.  

The Better Business Bureau in Western Michigan wants consumers to watch for these types of scams this tax season:

Impersonation scams: Scam­mers pose as IRS “agents” saying you owe back taxes and pressure you to pay with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They also claim to be issuing you a refund and ask for personal information to complete that refund.  

Email Phishing Scams: Scam­mers send bogus emails posing as the IRS with links to fake websites requesting an update to your IRS e-file immediately. The emails sometimes mention USA.gov and IRSgov (without a dot between "IRS" and "gov"). Don’t get scammed.   

Mailing scams: In this scam, taxpayers receive an envelope from a delivery service, which includes a fake letter from the “IRS” about an unclaimed refund and asks for personal and financial information that scammers could use.  
Tips to avoid tax scams:  

• The best way to avoid tax identity theft is to file your taxes as early as possible. File before a scammer can use your information to file a fake return.

• Use an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS before you file your return. This six-digit number confirms your identity and Social Security number. Visit the IRS for more information about the program. Read BBB's tips about the IRS PIN.   

• Make sure you are on the REAL IRS website when filing your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.  

• The IRS will contact you by mail first, not by phone or email. Do not be deceived by caller ID, badge numbers, logos, or official-sounding language. Be wary if the caller is pushy.  The real IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for payment information over the phone.

• When in doubt, contact the IRS to confirm any contact you receive is legitimate. If you’re unsure whether you’re talking with a scammer, stop communication with the individual and contact the IRS independently. Tell them what the individual has claimed and is asking for, and they should be able to confirm whether you’re talking with the real IRS or a scammer.  

Other tips:  

• Only deal with trustworthy tax professionals and tax preparation services. Finding a trustworthy tax preparer may be a better option than filing yourself. But, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training.
See our tips for finding the right tax preparer for you and always look for the BBB Seal – it’s The Sign of a Better Business!

• If you are the victim of tax identity theft, contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC also offers a personalized identity theft recovery plan at identitytheft.gov.

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ABOUT BBB®: BBB in Western Michigan is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit BBB.org for more information.

Library Reports More Visitors, Increased Circulation


The Howard Miller Library experienced increases in both visits and circulation last year.

According to recent statistics, the library experienced a 10 percent increase in in-person visits during 2024, from 101,053 in 2023 to 111,099 last year.

The library also experienced a 4 percent increase in total circulation, from 400,627 in 2023 to 417,218 in 2024, Library Director Amanda Hanson said.

The primary reason for the increase in circulation was a 17 percent jump in digital circulation, from 67,278 two years ago to 78,606 last year, library statistics show.

Circulation of books and other physical materials showed a 2 percent increase from the previous year, from 333,349 in 2023 to 338,612 last year, statistics show.


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