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Royal Park Place

A Story Still Being Written

For Daryl Zoerman, writing became a way to work through grief while preserving the memory of his wife and reflecting on the faith that has shaped his life.…

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Royal Park Place

A Warm Welcome, Stitched with Love

Grace has become a familiar face at Royal Park Place, often greeting residents and visitors from her spot near the entrance. Her warmth and kindness have made her the community’s unofficial greeter. …

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Royal Park Place

A Life Rooted in the Farm

For Andy Brink, farming was never just a job. Growing up as one of 13 children in a family that raised gladiolus bulbs, he learned early that everyone had a role to play. Summers were spent working in the fields, pulling weeds and helping wherever he was needed. …

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Royal Park Place

Christmas Came with Reindeer

Gordon and Jean Poest’s reindeer adventure began with a rescued fawn. When one of their daughters found an orphaned deer, Gordon’s interest in deer led the family to raise reindeer. Drawing on his dairy farm and 4-H background, Gordon became a respected source of reindeer knowledge and later wrote a book on reindeer care after retiring from teaching. …

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Royal Park Place

"You carry it with you"

Gus VanderVeen knows a thing or two about service. A Vietnam-era veteran, Gus’s life journey has been shaped by duty, devotion, and a deep-rooted faith. He speaks of his military service with quiet humility. “It changes you,” he says. “You carry it with you.” And that impact, while challenging to sum up in a single sentence, shows in the way Gus lives, with gratitude, reflection, and an enduring sense of purpose.…

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Royal Park Place

A Life of Learning

After a long career in education, including teaching in Michigan’s prison system and serving as an academic consultant, Jane Boeve found her next chapter in the library at Royal Park Place. What began as simply “filling a need” has become a meaningful way to serve her community. …