Compassionate Heart Ministries founder and executive director Donna Bunce is pictured with her family. From left are son-in-law Eric Phillips, daughter Courtney Phillips, Donna Bunce, son Jacob Bunce (kneeling), husband Craig Bunce, daughter Caitlyn Kroll, son-in-law Tyler Kroll, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Bunce and son Jonah Bunce.
Photo courtesy Compassionate Heart Ministries
Photo courtesy Compassionate Heart Ministries
After two decades of faithful leadership, service, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families, Donna Bunce, founder and executive director of Zeeland-based Compassionate Heart Ministries, has announced her plans to retire effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Founded in 2005, the vision of Compassionate Heart is to create a welcoming drop-in center and community for teens and young adults with mild to moderate disabilities. Bunce was inspired by her son Jacob, who is cognitively impaired with autism. What started as a calling on Bunce’s heart has grown into a respected organization that has impacted hundreds of families throughout the community.
“When God first placed this vision on my heart 20 years ago, I had no roadmap and no certainty about what the future would hold,” Bunce said. “I have always simply seen myself as Jacob’s mom, not an expert, but I have learned that when God calls you to something, He equips you for it.”
Over the course of her leadership, Bunce has led Compassionate Heart through seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation. She credited the organization’s success to the dedication of staff, board members, volunteers, community leaders, and families who supported the mission along the way.
“Leading this ministry has been the honor and privilege of my life,” Bunce said. “I have witnessed incredible joy, answered prayers, miracles, and the unwavering faithfulness of God through every season.”
In recent years, she said a growing desire to spend more time with family, care for aging parents, and support her son Jacob’s independent living journey led her to begin considering retirement.
“It is with both sadness and peace that I know the time is coming to pass the baton to the next leader of Compassionate Heart,” Bunce said. “My hope is to finish strong and help ensure a smooth transition for the future of this organization.”
Bunce will remain actively involved through the leadership transition process and plans to assist in selecting and mentoring her successor.
Compassionate Heart’s board leadership expressed gratitude for Bunce’s vision and years of dedication. Current board president Tyler Mesman said, “her leadership has shaped not only the organization, but countless lives throughout the community. As a board, we are committed to honoring the vision of Compassionate Heart Ministries.”
Additional details regarding succession planning and future leadership announcements will be shared in the coming months.
Compassionate Heart’s mission is to build inclusive relationships in Christ for families and individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. For more information about the organization, visit comp heart.org.
Founded in 2005, the vision of Compassionate Heart is to create a welcoming drop-in center and community for teens and young adults with mild to moderate disabilities. Bunce was inspired by her son Jacob, who is cognitively impaired with autism. What started as a calling on Bunce’s heart has grown into a respected organization that has impacted hundreds of families throughout the community.
“When God first placed this vision on my heart 20 years ago, I had no roadmap and no certainty about what the future would hold,” Bunce said. “I have always simply seen myself as Jacob’s mom, not an expert, but I have learned that when God calls you to something, He equips you for it.”
Over the course of her leadership, Bunce has led Compassionate Heart through seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation. She credited the organization’s success to the dedication of staff, board members, volunteers, community leaders, and families who supported the mission along the way.
“Leading this ministry has been the honor and privilege of my life,” Bunce said. “I have witnessed incredible joy, answered prayers, miracles, and the unwavering faithfulness of God through every season.”
In recent years, she said a growing desire to spend more time with family, care for aging parents, and support her son Jacob’s independent living journey led her to begin considering retirement.
“It is with both sadness and peace that I know the time is coming to pass the baton to the next leader of Compassionate Heart,” Bunce said. “My hope is to finish strong and help ensure a smooth transition for the future of this organization.”
Bunce will remain actively involved through the leadership transition process and plans to assist in selecting and mentoring her successor.
Compassionate Heart’s board leadership expressed gratitude for Bunce’s vision and years of dedication. Current board president Tyler Mesman said, “her leadership has shaped not only the organization, but countless lives throughout the community. As a board, we are committed to honoring the vision of Compassionate Heart Ministries.”
Additional details regarding succession planning and future leadership announcements will be shared in the coming months.
Compassionate Heart’s mission is to build inclusive relationships in Christ for families and individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. For more information about the organization, visit comp heart.org.
Zeeland’s Music on Main Concert Series Returns Tonight
Downtown Zeeland’s popular "Music on Main" series returns for another year starting tonight.
The summer series offers a recurring lineup of open-air live concerts, food trucks, and family activities on select Thursday evenings throughout June, July, and August. Admission to all concerts is free.
The events will run from 6 to 9 p.m. within Zeeland’s established social district. To accommodate the festivities, Main Avenue will be closed to traffic between Elm and Church streets, opening the roadway to picnic tables, community yard games, and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnics, or enjoy food and refreshments purchased on-site.
The full summer concert lineup features a diverse mix of regional bands:
June 4: Trapped on Mars (Rock, Funk, Pop, Punk and new wave from the 70s through today)
June 11: Bakker Hanegraaff Band (rock, country and blues - held in conjunction with the Zeeland Chalk Festival)
June 18: Borrowed Time (classic rock, 80s and new country)
June 25: Pretty Rage (classic rock)
July 9: Klay N’ The Mud (hits from the 70s to now)
July 23: Funkle Jesse (Hits from the ’60s to today - party favorites, deep cuts, mashups, and medleys)
Aug. 6: Rock Shop (Classic rock, reggae, and great classic ballads)
Aug. 20: Pop2K (Pop/rock from the 2000s)
Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the street but must be purchased from a licensed business inside the boundaries of Zeeland’s Social District. For specific rules and a map of participating establishments, visit cityofzeeland.com/socialdistrict.
Music on Main is supported by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council alongside local business sponsors. Gold Sponsors include Zeeland ACE Hardware, VanDerKolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, Diverse Dimensions, Zeeland Family Dentistry, Lake Michigan Credit Union, and Mead Johnson Nutrition.
Silver Sponsors include Integrity Cabinetry, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, and Drip Coffee.
For more information visit feelthezeel.com/events or facebook.com/feelthezeel.
The summer series offers a recurring lineup of open-air live concerts, food trucks, and family activities on select Thursday evenings throughout June, July, and August. Admission to all concerts is free.
The events will run from 6 to 9 p.m. within Zeeland’s established social district. To accommodate the festivities, Main Avenue will be closed to traffic between Elm and Church streets, opening the roadway to picnic tables, community yard games, and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnics, or enjoy food and refreshments purchased on-site.
The full summer concert lineup features a diverse mix of regional bands:
June 4: Trapped on Mars (Rock, Funk, Pop, Punk and new wave from the 70s through today)
June 11: Bakker Hanegraaff Band (rock, country and blues - held in conjunction with the Zeeland Chalk Festival)
June 18: Borrowed Time (classic rock, 80s and new country)
June 25: Pretty Rage (classic rock)
July 9: Klay N’ The Mud (hits from the 70s to now)
July 23: Funkle Jesse (Hits from the ’60s to today - party favorites, deep cuts, mashups, and medleys)
Aug. 6: Rock Shop (Classic rock, reggae, and great classic ballads)
Aug. 20: Pop2K (Pop/rock from the 2000s)
Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the street but must be purchased from a licensed business inside the boundaries of Zeeland’s Social District. For specific rules and a map of participating establishments, visit cityofzeeland.com/socialdistrict.
Music on Main is supported by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council alongside local business sponsors. Gold Sponsors include Zeeland ACE Hardware, VanDerKolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, Diverse Dimensions, Zeeland Family Dentistry, Lake Michigan Credit Union, and Mead Johnson Nutrition.
Silver Sponsors include Integrity Cabinetry, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, and Drip Coffee.
For more information visit feelthezeel.com/events or facebook.com/feelthezeel.
Submissions Sought for Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition
Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council has announced the dates for the 2026 Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition.
The juried art show is open to artists who live or work in Ottawa County. Artists are invited to submit work that reflects the cultural traditions, activities, or natural features that represent life in spectacular Ottawa County. Submission guidelines
and the entry form are available at miOtta wa.org/art.
"The Ottawa County Art Trust demonstrates the importance of creativity to Ottawa County while preserving a collection from local artists for generations to enjoy," county communications director Shannon Felgner said.
Artwork be dropped off June 15-17, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Cedar Conference Room of the county Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive.
The Art Trust Exhibition will open with a reception and awards ceremony June 23 at 4 p.m. in the Hickory Room of the county Administration Building.
Purchase Awards will be presented to the top works selected by this year’s juror, Jami Mika. Mika is a West Michigan-based ceramicist who has exhibited several times at the Holland Area Arts Council. The selected pieces earn a place in the Ottawa County Art Trust's permanent collection.
After the reception and awards ceremony, the Art Trust Exhibition will be open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 3.
Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council joined forces in 2018 to establish the Ottawa County Art Trust. To build the collection, Ottawa County and The Holland Area Arts Council collaborate for the annual Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition each summer. Additionally, Ottawa County purchases pieces from local artists when budgets permit.
Artists with questions should email exhibits@hollandarts.org or sfelgner@miO ttawa.org.
The juried art show is open to artists who live or work in Ottawa County. Artists are invited to submit work that reflects the cultural traditions, activities, or natural features that represent life in spectacular Ottawa County. Submission guidelines
and the entry form are available at miOtta wa.org/art.
"The Ottawa County Art Trust demonstrates the importance of creativity to Ottawa County while preserving a collection from local artists for generations to enjoy," county communications director Shannon Felgner said.
Artwork be dropped off June 15-17, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Cedar Conference Room of the county Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive.
The Art Trust Exhibition will open with a reception and awards ceremony June 23 at 4 p.m. in the Hickory Room of the county Administration Building.
Purchase Awards will be presented to the top works selected by this year’s juror, Jami Mika. Mika is a West Michigan-based ceramicist who has exhibited several times at the Holland Area Arts Council. The selected pieces earn a place in the Ottawa County Art Trust's permanent collection.
After the reception and awards ceremony, the Art Trust Exhibition will be open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 3.
Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council joined forces in 2018 to establish the Ottawa County Art Trust. To build the collection, Ottawa County and The Holland Area Arts Council collaborate for the annual Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition each summer. Additionally, Ottawa County purchases pieces from local artists when budgets permit.
Artists with questions should email exhibits@hollandarts.org or sfelgner@miO ttawa.org.
Roundabout Construction Underway at 120th and Port Sheldon
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
A major intersection in Olive Township is getting a roundabout.
Construction got underway Monday on the project at 120th Avenue and Port Sheldon Street. As a result of the project, both 120th and Port Sheldon will be closed in the area for at least the next month.
The Ottawa County Road Commission has contracted D.J. McQuestion & Sons Inc. to undertake the project, which is being largely paid for with federal transportation funds. The contract amount for the project is $1.46 million, of which 82 percent is being paid for with federal funds, and the Road Commission making up the remainder, Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
The project will consist of removing the existing roadway approximately 500-700 feet in all directions from the center of the intersection, excavating and constructing the new roadway alignment in each approach of the intersection, installing storm sewer drainage pipes, pouring concrete curb and the center island of the roundabout, paving a new asphalt surface, driveway approaches, and placing permanent signing and pavement markings, Doty said.
The Road Commission has created detour routes while construction is in progress. The detour rote for Port Sheldon is 136th Avenue to Tyler Street to 112th Avenue, while the detour route for 120th is New Holland Street to 112th to Tyler, Doty said.
Access to Crisp Country Acres can be made by heading north on 120th Avenue from the south, while access to South Olive Christian Reformed Church can be made by heading east on Port Sheldon or south on 120th.
The project is slated for complete on or around July 10, but Doty said that all dates are tentative and work is weather-dependent.
Zeeland Record
A major intersection in Olive Township is getting a roundabout.
Construction got underway Monday on the project at 120th Avenue and Port Sheldon Street. As a result of the project, both 120th and Port Sheldon will be closed in the area for at least the next month.
The Ottawa County Road Commission has contracted D.J. McQuestion & Sons Inc. to undertake the project, which is being largely paid for with federal transportation funds. The contract amount for the project is $1.46 million, of which 82 percent is being paid for with federal funds, and the Road Commission making up the remainder, Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
The project will consist of removing the existing roadway approximately 500-700 feet in all directions from the center of the intersection, excavating and constructing the new roadway alignment in each approach of the intersection, installing storm sewer drainage pipes, pouring concrete curb and the center island of the roundabout, paving a new asphalt surface, driveway approaches, and placing permanent signing and pavement markings, Doty said.
The Road Commission has created detour routes while construction is in progress. The detour rote for Port Sheldon is 136th Avenue to Tyler Street to 112th Avenue, while the detour route for 120th is New Holland Street to 112th to Tyler, Doty said.
Access to Crisp Country Acres can be made by heading north on 120th Avenue from the south, while access to South Olive Christian Reformed Church can be made by heading east on Port Sheldon or south on 120th.
The project is slated for complete on or around July 10, but Doty said that all dates are tentative and work is weather-dependent.
Chalk Festival Set for Next Thursday
Downtown Zeeland will transform into a vibrant outdoor gallery and concert venue next Thursday as the city hosts its sixth annual Chalk Festival, concurrently partnering with Music on Main for the third consecutive year.
From 6 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to experience live music, interactive entertainment, local food trucks, and large-scale street art. Admission is free and entertainment is available for all ages.
During the event, a variety of regional artists will use concrete as a canvas to create massive 6-foot-by-6-foot chalk masterpieces along Elm Street. The featured participants showcase a diverse range of talent, spanning from emerging student artists to seasoned professionals, providing an inspiring environment for families to appreciate art in a unique, accessible form.
The festivities will span two primary downtown locations:
• Chalk Fest: Located on Elm Street (between Main and Cherry avenues), featuring live street art creations and music by The 6 Pak.
• Music on Main: Located on Main Street (between Elm and Church streets), featuring a live performance by the Bakker Hanegraaff Band, alongside food trucks and yard games.
Attendees can stroll the streets, observe the creative process, and cast votes for a favorite artwork on Thursday night. The official winner will be announced Friday on the city's social media channels.
This community event is made possible through the support of local sponsors.
Chalk Fest is presented by Zeeland Ace Hardware, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Blaine Malochleb Agency-Farm Bureau Insurance.
Music on Main is supported by Gold Sponsors: Zeeland Ace Hardware, Van Der Kolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Zeeland Family Dentistry, and Diverse Dimension.
Silver Sponsors: IC Designs, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, and Drip Coffee. The event is also supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
In the event of inclement weather, schedule updates will be posted online at feelthezeel.com.
From 6 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to experience live music, interactive entertainment, local food trucks, and large-scale street art. Admission is free and entertainment is available for all ages.
During the event, a variety of regional artists will use concrete as a canvas to create massive 6-foot-by-6-foot chalk masterpieces along Elm Street. The featured participants showcase a diverse range of talent, spanning from emerging student artists to seasoned professionals, providing an inspiring environment for families to appreciate art in a unique, accessible form.
The festivities will span two primary downtown locations:
• Chalk Fest: Located on Elm Street (between Main and Cherry avenues), featuring live street art creations and music by The 6 Pak.
• Music on Main: Located on Main Street (between Elm and Church streets), featuring a live performance by the Bakker Hanegraaff Band, alongside food trucks and yard games.
Attendees can stroll the streets, observe the creative process, and cast votes for a favorite artwork on Thursday night. The official winner will be announced Friday on the city's social media channels.
This community event is made possible through the support of local sponsors.
Chalk Fest is presented by Zeeland Ace Hardware, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Blaine Malochleb Agency-Farm Bureau Insurance.
Music on Main is supported by Gold Sponsors: Zeeland Ace Hardware, Van Der Kolk Plumbing, Geenen Dekock Properties, JR Automation, Centennial Coatings, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Zeeland Family Dentistry, and Diverse Dimension.
Silver Sponsors: IC Designs, Zeeland Board of Public Works, Koele Godfrey Investment Group, and Drip Coffee. The event is also supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
In the event of inclement weather, schedule updates will be posted online at feelthezeel.com.
