Ways to celebrate your hometown

Good Goods mums
Elena Maher tends to the mums at Good Goods, Saugatuck, which is open year-round.

It’s easy to sink roots in West Michigan. Like-minded neighbors, co-workers, businesses and associations have realized how simple it is to say, “I like it here.”

Celebrating the communities that we call home isn’t complicated either. Showing pride in your home and yard is a subtle, but sincere way to celebrate your neighborhood. Shopping local, sharing skills, and supporting local events and the community do, too.

Love local

Loving where you live can give you a sense of purpose and impact your relationships in the community.

“Saugatuck has been one of the great blessings in my life,” said Sandra Randolph, owner of Good Goods, located in downtown Saugatuck. “Working locally has allowed me to be an active participant in our schools, the arts and the government.

“I love having a business here. We always offer a special sale the last day of the year as a thank-you to all of our wonderful customers.”

Attend events

Area residents can find any number of special events that engage local talent. The Zeeland community puts on dozens of events a year and each celebrates the talents and interests of West Michigan residents. The Zeeland calendar is filled with music, a little mayhem and even a three-day event in December called “Feel the Zeel of Giving.”

Beautify surroundings

Brightening dull spots — or preventing them altogether — starts with a plan. Holland’s Parks & Cemeteries Department does a stellar job in supporting quality of life through landscaping on public streets. Its efforts helped win the International Challenge (Large Communities) category in the Communities in Bloom International Competition.

Share talents

Community Relations Director Amy Millard says volunteers give time and talent at The Commons of Evergreen in Holland.

“Not only does volunteering enrich the life of the recipient, or in this case our Community Center, but it also encourages purpose by offering the volunteer an opportunity to have fun, stay active, learn a new skill, make new friends and be an agent of change.”

Zeeland volunteers
Volunteers man Zeeland booth.

The Commons at Evergreen
evergreencommons.org

City of Holland
cityofHolland.com

Feel the Zeel
feelthezeel.com

Good Goods
goodgoods.com