Monthly Archives: August 2016

Do You Know What Your Children Are Doing Online?

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop ask: ‘Do you know what your children are doing online?’

sos and bishop and kids

Officials promote child protection registry to block unsuitable online ads

CLARKSTON, Mich. ‒ It’s summertime, which means more free time for kids to play with their smart phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop want parents to know that there is an effective way to keep kids safe from adult-oriented online ads, even during those times when mom and dad can’t be present to supervise their child’s online activities.

It’s called the Michigan Child Protection Registry and Johnson and Bishop held a news conference today at the media center of Clarkston’s Renaissance High School to promote this valuable resource. The registry is a free and secure program housed on the Secretary of State website that families and schools can use to block adult-oriented ads for products like alcohol, tobacco, pornography and online gambling from reaching their children’s email inboxes, tablets, cell phones or instant messenger IDs.

“As much as we’d all like to, it is not possible to watch a child every minute of the day,” said Johnson, who has a teenage daughter. “It can be a struggle just to keep up with the new social media sites and online games our kids use. The ‘Protect MiChild’ website offers parents and caregivers a secure and simple way to put some controls in place regarding the Internet content their children see.”

Concerned parents or schools may register the electronic addresses for any devices children use at ProtectMiChild.com. The registry will block adult Internet ads for all registered contact points (such as an email address, smart phone number or instant messenger ID) for three years or until the youngest child with access to the contact point reaches the age of 18. Once the information has been entered into the registry, companies that send messages that advertise or link to prohibited products or services are required to remove the registered contact email, phone number or IM within 30 days from their mailing lists. Protect MiChild registrations may be renewed at any time for an additional three-year period.

Bishop originally sponsored the legislation that created the registry, introducing it when he was the Senate majority leader. He remains a strong advocate for greater Internet safety provisions for children, having introduced similar efforts in Congress.

“I’m the father of three, and like any parent, I can see the many ways children today rely on the Internet – for schoolwork, social media, mobile apps – you name it. That’s why it’s so important for all levels of leadership to ensure our kids are protected from inappropriate content when they go online,” Bishop said. “I was proud to introduce the Michigan Child Protection Registry during my time in the Michigan Senate, and I applaud Secretary of State Johnson for continuing to get the word out about this important tool. In Congress, I’ve remained focused on keeping kids safe, and I urge my colleagues in Lansing to continue and strengthen these efforts.”

June is the ideal month to promote the child protection registry because it is celebrated nationally as Internet Safety Month. Joining Johnson and Bishop at the news conference was Clarkston resident and mother Tonya Cunningham, who is the community organizer for the nonprofit Clarkston Coalition for Youth.

U.S Census figures from 2014 show that youth under the age of 18 comprise about 22 percent of the state’s population. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens spend an average of 2.3 hours per day engaged in electronic communication and recreation (surfing the Internet, playing video games, texting with friends, and viewing TV) and nearly twice as much time on the weekends. There are a number of Internet games, devices and services produced just for preschoolers.

“We are living in a digital age,” Johnson said. “To keep our children safe from influences and products that are not age appropriate requires action. The Protect MiChild Registry provides parents with the tools they need to help control the Internet content to which their children are exposed. It’s a great resource and I encourage parents and schools to use it to protect their kids.”

Visit the registry at ProtectMiChild.com.

A video message from Secretary Johnson about the Protect MiChild Registry is available on the Secretary of State website.

conference
www.michigan.gov/sos

Customers Should be Wary of ‘Phishy’ Phone Calls

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson cautions customers to be wary of ‘phishy’ phone calls. 
Callers claiming to be state employees asking for credit card info

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson urges customers to take care when giving out information over the phone to anyone they do not know personally.

The Secretary of State’s Office is aware of instances in which a person claiming to be a state employee has called asking for credit card and Social Security information. Callers may use a technique known as “caller ID spoofing” so a phone’s caller ID displays a valid number of a Secretary of State office or another state agency. Scammers pretending to be a legitimate business or government agency is often referred to as “phishing.”

Johnson emphasized that the Secretary of State’s Office does not make unsolicited calls to customers asking for personal or financial information.

“Although alarming as this activity is, there are steps Michigan residents can take to protect themselves,” Johnson said. “Any legitimate agency welcomes the chance to verify whether a contact, either in person or by phone, was appropriate.”

In one case, a customer received a call from someone purporting to be an employee of the Alpena Secretary of State office. The caller ID showed a valid state number. The customer correctly hung up the phone and called to verify whether the call was legitimate.

Johnson offered the following tips to help prevent fraud and protect personal information:

  • If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the caller’s claim to be a Secretary of State employee, hang up and call the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424.

The Secretary of State’s Office will not:

  • Call and ask for PINs, passwords or access to your bank account or credit card numbers
  • Threaten to suspend your driver’s license or vehicle registration if you refuse to divulge personal or financial information
  • Demand immediate payment to resolve a problem

If you suspect that the caller ID information displayed on your phone has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your telephone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC. You have multiple options for filing a complaint with the FCC:

  • File a complaint online
  • By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (835-5322); ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
  • By mail (please include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible) to the Federal Communications Commission; Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau; Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division; 445 12th Street, S.W.; Washington, DC 20554

For more about the Secretary of State’s Office:

To find Secretary of State office locations and services, visit www.michigan.gov/sos. Sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/michsos and Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/michigansos. Online services are available at www.expresssos.com.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Grand Valley State University Graduate List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were graduated at the conclusion of the Winter 2016 semester in April. Thank you for helping us recognize the achievements of our talented students. It means a great deal to both our students and their families.

More than 3,300 Grand Valley State University students participated in commencement ceremonies on April 30 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. A list of the names of Grand Valley’s most recent graduates follows.

Grand Valley is dedicated to providing a rich learning environment for students, offering a wide range of majors and hands-on research opportunities. Highly credentialed and responsive faculty and individual advisors and mentors promote a liberal arts emphasis that teaches students critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Students who graduated at the conclusion of the Winter 2016 semester in April include:

Fruitport: Cameron A. Costa, BS; Kelly L. Ferrier, MED; Jordan L. Sayles, BBA; Jessica R. Shelton, BS

Muskegon (49444): Caitlin M. Alviar, BSW; Samantha L. Crowell, BS; Brooke E. Engle, BS; Christopher L. Grover, BBA; Tracey C. Howell, BFA; Kailee M. Jackomino, BS; Lamontae L. Jackson, BS; Heather S. MacDonald, MED; Kaylee M. McWilliams, BS; Alexis J. Ogborn, BS; Mary J. Robinson, BS; Justine M. Turner, MSW

Nunica: Hope E. Brouwer, BSN; Erik J. Erhorn, BS; Jeremy P. Smant, BBA

Ravenna: Kyle J. Mathieu, BS; Kyle S. VanderWoude, BS

Spring Lake: Krystal R. Bronnekant, BSN; Amy L. Buxton, BSW; Samantha M. Chittenden, MSW; Lucas J. Crandle, BS; Emily A. Dalman, BSW; Benjamin Esh-Nauta, MSW; Emily J. Gardner, BA; Ashley C. Harvey, BS; Evan T. Heath, BA; Molly C. Labeff, BA; Audra A. Lucas, BS; Andrew R. McDonough, BA; Christian R. Mohrhardt, BS; Kayleigh A. Randall, BS; Victoria L. Royce, BS; Margaret L. Smith, BA; Sarah E. Tibbe, BA; Alexander J. Ward, BS; Tyler J. Weavers, BBA; Hanna M. Windberg, BBA

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 08/29/16 – 09/05/16

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Muskegon Dog Park Kick Off
August 30 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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This is for pups and their families to raise money for Muskegon’s new Dog Park! Join the Coffee Factory on Tuesday, August 30 from 4:00-8:00pm at 930 Washington Ave. There will be Watch Us Go items for sale, hot dogs and yummy treats for the friendly canines present! Also a photo booth to get that special photo. Proceeds benefit the new Dog Park in downtown Muskegon. Dogs must be kept on leash at this event. https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeefactorymuskegon

We Are Stars
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
There’s a new show at the Carr-Fles Planetarium!  “We Are Stars” is a 35-minute, family-friendly adventure that that spans the billions of years between the Big Bang and modern day, and follows the thread that connects us all to those early times through the atoms from which our bodies are formed.  Where did they come from?  How did they get here?  And is it true that we really are all made of stars?  The science content is most appropriate for ages 11 and up; however, the entrancing animation and award-winning soundtrack will draw all ages into the magical universe created within this incredible show.  No reservations are needed for this FREE program, which runs August 23 – October 27 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm (doors open by 6:45), and includes a brief demonstration of the current night sky.  The planetarium is in room 135 of Muskegon Community College (221 S. Quarterline Rd, Muskegon).  For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15-44, please call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

“As She Is” – Film & Discussion
August 30 @ 7:00 pm
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Tuesday, August 30 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for a screening and discussion of “As She Is” with director Megan McFeely.  The film teaches that reclaiming our instinctive way of knowing, our insight, our native certainty is not beyond reach.  With lush imagery, a moving soundtrack and candid interviews, this timely documentary explores the radical and undeniable truth that our individual happiness and our very chances at human survival depend upon receptive, connective, life-giving feminine strengths.

Come early for dinner, featuring Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Side Salad and Dinner Roll with Herb Butter for only $7.95.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place
August 31 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place are back every Wednesday starting May 4 (weather permitting) from 5:00-8:30pm.  Antiques, customs, classics and novelty vehicles are all welcome.  Enjoy oldies music and door prizes, too!  Come on down and check out some unique cars and enjoy some Fricano’s pizza and Sweet Treats from Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe!  All Cruise-In participants will be given a coupon for $3 off a dine-in or take-out Fricano’s Pizza purchase.  For more information, call 231-722-7775.

Art & a Glass: Thursday Happy Hour at the MMA
September 1 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Art & a Glass!” Bring your friends to a museum-style happy hour! Take a break and enjoy the art with a glass of wine or a great craft brew. General admission is free Thursday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 pm so take advantage of the opportunity to discover your Museum at no cost. There will be a cash bar. You must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For more information call 231-720-2570.

Tales Untold
September 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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Featured as an Emerging Artist August 30 to October 15 at the Arts Council of White Lake’s Nuveen Center is Kat VanderWeele of East Grand Rapids.  “Tales Untold” underlies the limner’s stage of life and foretells plans for the art work on display.  An opening reception will be 5:00 to 7:00pm, September 1.

VanderWeele began making art as a child, inventing characters, creatures and complementary stories.  Her passion led to a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, with a major in Illustration, from Kendall College of Art and Design.  Media that bring her characters to life include acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils, pen and ink, graphite and gouache. Her work has been exhibited at numerous venues in Grand Rapids, including ArtPrize, and she has won several art scholarships and awards.

The Arts Council of White Lake is a 30-year old Non-Profit.  We provide numerous opportunities for the White Lake community and surrounding cities to view, listen to, create and learn from the arts, and we give support and encouragement to artists and arts organizations. The Nuveen Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 231-893-2524 or find us online at www.artswhitelake.org and on Facebook.

Sailor Salute!
September 1 @ 7:00 pm
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Thursday, September 1 at Mona Shores High School during the football game with Zeeland West High School, there will be a community-wide salute to pay tribute to those who serve our country and community.  The event honors active duty military, veterans and first responders including police, fire and emergency personnel.  Anyone dressed in military, police, fire and first responders will be admitted free.  Veterans should have their veteran identification card. Family members will be charged the regular admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for students.

With area police, fire, emergency responders and Veterans present to be honored, the aim is for thousands of Muskegon area residents to lift their voices as one  singing “God Bless America” and our “National Anthem,” accompanied by the Mona Shores Marching Band.  Festivities and static displays of military and first responder vehicles will happen prior to the game.  The pre-game patriotic sing-along, a military fly-over, a parade of motorcyclists surrounding the field and plenty of other activities are planned.

Donations will be collected for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.  For more information, call 231-780-4711, ext. 8312.

Polish Festival
September 2 – September 4
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The first annual Muskegon Polish Festival will take place over Labor Day weekend September 2-4 at historic Hackley Park in Downtown Muskegon! This 3-day festival will offer Polish food polka music dancing cultural activities a children’s tent a Catholic mass and much more. Everyone is invited for an authentic Polish experience at a unique venue in the heart of Muskegon. For more information call Ellen at 231-750-4970.

Friday, September 2

  • Stan Mroz Polka Band 12:00-4:00pm
  • Box On Polka Band 5:00-9:00pm

Saturday, September 3

  • Dyna Brass Polka Band and The New Brass Express 12:00-4:00pm
  • Box On Polka Band 5:00-9:00pm

Scenic Cruises
September 2 & 3 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3 from 2:00-3:30pm, spend an hour and a half aboard the Port City Princess experiencing a water’s view of Muskegon while learning about our county’s history in the process.  The cost is $25 per person.  Call 231-728-8387 for reservations or more information.

First Fridays Street Performer Series
September 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Muskegon’s new Street Performer Series will take over the sidewalks, street corners and stages of downtown Muskegon on the First Friday of every month!  On each night, dozens of performers will be positioned along Western Avenue from 6:00-8:00pm. Performers include puppeteers, magicians, face-painters, fire-performers, chalk artists, belly dancers, barbershop quartets and more. Guests can also enjoy ice cream, shaved ice and balloon animals.  For more information, “Like” the First Friday and Street Performer Series Facebook pages.

Dinner/Dance Aboard the Port City Princess
September 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday, September 2 from 7:00-9:30pm, unwind after a busy week with a Dinner/Dance aboard the Port City Princess!  The cost is $55 and there will be a cash bar. For reservations or more information, call 231-728-8387.

11th Annual Run for Sight
September 3 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am
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Saturday, September 3, you’re invited to participate in the 11th Annual Run for Sight!  100% of the proceeds from this 5K Run and 5K Walk will be donated to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  Run For Sight is a 5K Run/Walk along beautiful Lake Michigan at Pere Marquette Park.  There’ll be first, second and third place medals in 14 different age categories for 9 years old and up in the 5K Run.  This visually stunning race path will be shared with friends who are visually impaired, who will walk the route after the runners begin.  Run For Sight 5K Run/Walk begins at with registration at 7:00am in the parking lot between the Coast Guard Festival and Margaret Drake Elliot Park.  The 5K Run is competitive and the 5K Walk is family, stroller and dog friendly, but remember; dogs must be on a leash and picked up after.  The 5K Run starts at 8:30am with the 5K Walk starting just a few minutes after.  5K Run awards will take place around 9:30am. For more information, visit www.run4sight.com.

Artisan Market
September 3 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Arts Council of White Lake is hosting an Artisan Market, on the first Saturday of the summer months, right across the street from the Farmers Market in Montague. On July 2, August 6, and September 3 from 9:00am- 1:00pm, a variety of vendors will be selling their handmade items., including soap, jewelry, and other art items. Come support local artists and find unique gifts for yourself or a loved one. For more information call 231-893-2524 or visit www.artswhitelake.org.

End of Summer Sunset Smorgasbord
September 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, September 3 from 7:00-9:00pm, come aboard the Port City Princess for the “End of Summer Sunset Smorgasbord!”  Don’t miss out on one of the final opportunities to enjoy dinner and dancing while enjoying a breathtaking sunset on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.  The cost is $55 per person.  Call 231-728-8387 for more information or reservations.

Maranatha Summer Concert Series: Captivating Keyboards
September 3 @ 9:00 pm
In conjunction with Kids Alive International, Alan Tripp and Scott Griffin perform as the Captivating Keyboards duo, striving to serve the Lord through their music. Their fun, creative interactive musical production will engage and inspire audiences as they perform at the Tabernacle on the grounds of Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference on Saturday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET.

Admission is FREE and open to the public; however, priority seating may be purchased with a meal ticket. The meal will start at 5 p.m. ET.

Dinner Buffet Pricing:

Adults 14+: $ 16.30 + tax
10-14yr olds: $ 10.30 + tax
5-9yr olds: $ 8.30 + tax
4 and Under: Free
To reserve your dinner tickets, please call the front desk at 231-798-2161.

12th Annual Labor Day Cars For Cancer
September 4 @ 7:00 am – September 5 @ 4:00 pm
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Sunday and Monday, September 4-5, come to the Mercy Health Lakes Village as the Different Strokes Car Club presents the 12th Annual Labor Day Cars for Cancer event!  100% of the proceeds go to Mercy Health Johnsons Family Cancer Care.  In the first 11 years of this car show and cruise, they have raised over $ 150,000 for this worthy cause.  Enter to win a 1963 Serro Scotty Gaucho 13 ft. trailer!  Search on Facebook for Muskegon’s Labor Day Cars For Cancer or e-mail tradrod51@aol.com for more information.

10th Annual Labor Day Walk/ Fun Run
September 5 @ 8:00 am
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This annual Muskegon County community event is to celebrate the beauty of our environment and promote the health of our community. Check in / onsite registration is at 8:00am. Event is not a chip-timed, but a start/end clock will be on site. Commemorate your day with a t-shirt! www.shorelinecity.com

Annual Labor Day Breakfast
September 5 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Monday, September 5 from 8:00am-12:00pm, come to the Margaret Drake Elliott Park at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach for the Muskegon Lions’ Annual Labor Day Breakfast!  The cost is $7 for people 13 and over, $3 for kids 3-12 and kids under 3 are free.  Enjoy a great pancake breakfast on Lake Michigan while helping to support the Lions in their effort to make a brighter day for someone else.  For more information, call 231-744-1904.

West Michigan United Labor Day Parade
September 5 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Labor Day is the holiday in which we recognize and celebrate the contribution of all America’s workers to the growth and continued vitality of our Nation. Everybody loves a parade! This is an all-inclusive community parade through the streets of downtown Muskegon. The parade will start 11:00am on Monday September 5 and will end approximately around 12:30pm. They are planning a fun filled FREE post parade celebration following the parade that will go until 4:00pm. They will have food by Greek Tony’s, refreshments, cotton candy, games, prizes, face painting, bounce houses, arts n’ crafts and much more! For more information or an application to be in the Labor Day Parade, please contact Jana at 231-638-2741 or Jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

The parade starts at the intersection of 4th street and Western Avenue. It will progress down Western Avenue to Jefferson Street (turning right) and heading towards Clay Avenue. The march will continue down Clay Avenue and end at Hackley Park for a post parade celebration!

ISM Greater Grand Rapids Affiliate Dinner Meeting

ISM Greater Grand Rapids
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Affiliate Dinner Meeting

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN – ISM the Greater Grand Rapids Affiliate is pleased to announce their first 2016-17 affiliate dinner meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the GVSU Eberhard Center, 301 West Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. Mr. Tony J. Conant, Chief Operating Officer at the Institute for Supply Management® will present ISM Business Update and 21st Century Supply Management Organization.

The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Noon. Reservations can be made online by email at ISMGGR@aol.com or by credit card at www.ismggr.org. The non-member cost for the dinner meeting is $35.00.

Training on Marijuana Trends

officer gallowayCommunity Mental Health of Ottawa County is hosting the upcoming training on Marijuana Trends which will be taught by Officer Jermaine Galloway on Friday, September 2, 2016.  Officer Galloway is a nationally and internationally recognized instructor and is well known for his countless hours of research on alcohol and drug trends.  He has been an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997 and has more than 15 years’ experience in underage drinking, drug, and alcohol enforcement.

Officer Galloway will be discussing Marijuana Trends: Huffing, Dabbing, Doping, Stashing, Clothing and Legalization influences.  This training is for people who are involved in prevention, education, treatment, or enforcement to provide them with a better understanding of the sweeping changes happening in the drug cultures.  This training will cover a variety of topics, including:

• Marijuana concentrates, edibles, wax, and oil
• New drug clothing
• Updates on marijuana legalization
• A look into identification in your community, schools, jails, and traffic stops
• Designer drugs and new designer drug identifiers
• Understanding the popularity of butane honey oil/dabbing
• Various ways of extracting high potency drugs
• E-devices and portable vaporizers
• Hash oil labs, identifiers, explosions and the dangers

The training will be located in the Main Conference Room at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex (12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460).   It will be held on September 2, 2016 from 8am-12pm.  Coffee and a light snack will be provided.  If you are interested in registering please complete the attached registration form and email it to cmhtrainingcenter@miottawa.org.  If you have questions about the training contact Vanessa Werle at 616-393-4480.  Visit Officer Galloway’s website to learn more about him and the training’s he offers.

View the flyer and resistration form here.

Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits and Training

People overdosing on opioids is a growing problem in Ottawa County, as well as across the country.  Opioids are substances, or chemically resemble substances, originally derived from the opium poppy.  Opioids can include medications prescribed by a doctor to treat chronic or acute pain but also illegal drugs like heroin used for their euphoric effects.  When a person overdoses on opioids, their breathing shuts down – leading to death.  Overdose deaths are on the rise, so we need to work to address the problem.  There is a medication that can temporarily reverse the overdose effects and provide time to get the victim medical attention.  The medication is called Naloxone.  There is a nationwide effort to make Naloxone available to individuals who use opioids.

Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) is working with the Red Project to provide training to individuals on the use of Naloxone and distributing reversal kits.  The kit consists of a hypodermic needle, two doses of Naloxone,  and related supplies.  If you or someone you know:

• has a history of substance abuse (whether actively using or not)
• has a prescription for opioid based pain medications
• takes opioids recreationally
• has ever overdosed before

You should be trained and receive a Naloxone rescue kit!  Any of these factors can put someone at risk for overdose.  We need to give ourselves and the people we love the opportunity to live a healthy life.  No matter where someone is on their journey they do not deserve to die from a drug overdose, and they do not have to!   The Red Project staff is providing a FREE 15 minute training to people who want to learn how to use the rescue kit.

Second Friday of Every Month
Drop in from 11am – 2pm

CMHOC – Conference Room 1
12265 James Street
Holland, Michigan 49424

Once the training has been completed you will be provided with a free rescue kit.  Get trained and save a life!  If you would like to learn more contact the Red Project at 616-456-9063 or visit www.redproject.org.

kit

U.S. Supreme Court Hellerstedt Decision

U.S. Supreme Court enables future Gosnells in Hellerstedt decision

Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-3 against abortion clinic health and safety regulations in Texas. Justice Stephen Breyer’s opinion in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt will continue to allow substandard and dangerous abortion clinics to operate throughout the country.

The majority opinion cited reasonable health regulations as an “undue burden” on women’s health because many Texas abortion clinics will close after failing to meet basic health and safety standards.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Today’s decision is disappointing, but unsurprising. Abortion advocates routinely talk about women’s health, but repeated evidence shows how they will look the other way when it comes to dirty and dangerous abortion businesses.”

In question were two provisions of Texas state law. The first requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. The second regulates Texas abortion clinics as ambulatory surgical centers.

Hospital admitting privileges are necessary to provide a continuum of care for women who experience botched abortions. The abortion industry objects to the rule because some hospitals refuse to grant privileges to abortionists with a history of substandard and unprofessional care.

Ambulatory surgical centers are defined in Texas law as facilities that operate primarily to provide surgical services to patients who do not require overnight hospital care. Surgical abortion clinics plainly meet that definition and should not receive special treatment because of their political status.

Listing said, “These are simple rules, like having hallways wide enough to fit a stretcher through and making sure surgical rooms are properly sterilized.”

The practical effect of Justice Breyer’s opinion is that dangerous and unsanitary clinics must be allowed to continue operating if there are no other abortion clinics nearby.

Listing said, “If a fast food restaurant is the only one in town, should it get to stay open even if it gives people food poisoning?”

Numerous cases in recent memory show how a lack of regulatory oversight puts the health of women in danger. In the case of abortionist and convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell, Pennsylvania authorities allowed Gosnell to operate on women in filthy conditions for years. This negligent atmosphere directly led to the death of one of Gosnell’s patients, Karnamaya Mongar. Emergency medical technicians were unable to navigate her stretcher through Gosnell’s clinic following a botched abortion.

Many states have experienced similar problems, including Michigan. City of Muskegon officials closed Women’s Medical Services in 2012 after discovering unsterilized medical equipment, improper disposal of syringes, numerous leaks in the roof and widespread general filth.

Listing said, “If veterinary clinics were allowed to engage in abuses like abortion clinics do in many states, there would be public outrage. Why do abortion clinics get special treatment?”

Michigan’s Bureau of Health Systems (BHS) conducted only three onsite surveys of abortion clinics from 2007 to 2009. BHS cited all three for noncompliance with state surgical facility requirements regarding equipment sterilization, maintenance of a sterile environment, and sterile pre-op handwashing. All three continued operating despite unsafe conditions.

Justice Breyer’s decision relied heavily on statistics from abortion clinics to substitute his own judgement for that of state regulators. In Michigan, however, abortion clinics routinely fail to report patients’ complications, including even patient deaths.

Right to Life of Michigan compiled an in-depth report at the beginning of 2012 showing multiple abuses by the abortion industry in the state, as well as state regulatory failures. Michigan began reform efforts to address these serious problems on December 28, 2012 with passage of the Prolife Omnibus Act.

Listing said, “How many more women have to be subjected to unsafe and unsanitary conditions in abortion clinics before pro-abortion officials will do something about it?”

U.S. Supreme Court Enabled Future Gosnells

On June 27, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-3 against abortion clinic health and safety regulations in Texas.

Justice Stephen Breyer’s opinion in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt defined Texas’ ambulatory surgical center regulations as an “undue burden” on women’s health. It also struck down Texas’ requirement that abortionists having admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.

Numerous cases in recent memory show how a lack of regulatory oversight puts women’s health in danger. In the case of abortionist and convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell, Pennsylvania authorities allowed Gosnell to operate on women in filthy conditions for years.

This negligent atmosphere directly led to the death of one of Gosnell’s patients, Karnamaya Mongar. Emergency medical technicians were unable to navigate Karnamaya’s stretcher through the clinic following a botched abortion. Having hallways wide enough to fit a stretcher through can make the difference between life and death, but this common-sense regulation is often cited as an attack on women’s health by abortion supporters.

Many states have experienced similar problems, including Michigan. The City of Muskegon—not state health officials—closed Women’s Medical Services in 2012 after discovering unsterilized equipment, numerous leaks in the roof and widespread general filth.

Right to Life of Michigan compiled an in-depth report at the beginning of 2012 showing multiple abuses by the abortion industry in the state, as well as state regulatory failures. Michigan began to address these serious problems on December 28, 2012 with passage of the Prolife Omnibus Act. The Act’s most important provision closed a loophole which had been allowing abortion clinics to dodge state health officials since regulations were updated in 1999.

Planned Parenthood recently announced they may take Michigan’s regulations to court. Michigan’s law is different from Texas in a couple of key ways, however.

Michigan requires abortionists to have transfer agreements with hospitals, not admitting privileges. Transfer agreements are easier to get, yet are another way to ensure a continuum of care for women who experience botched abortions.

Compared with Texas, Michigan’s regulation of abortion clinics has historically been bad. It wasn’t until the Prolife Omnibus Act that most Michigan abortion clinics were even licensed or inspected.

Requiring top-flight care at abortion clinics is now apparently unconstitutional. Despite that, the abortion industry in Michigan will have a difficult time explaining how abortion clinics shouldn’t even have to be licensed and inspected, a standard that places like fast food joints and tattoo shops manage to survive with.

Ask Dr. Universe – Soda

Why does soda fizz? –Emily, 9, Florida

Dear Emily,

If you’ve ever had flat soda, you know a sip isn’t the same without some fizzy bubbles. We can hear them pop and feel them burst on our tongue.

I wondered if there was some secret ingredient that made soda bubbly. My friend Kenny McMahon, who researches food science here at Washington State University, and I decided to investigate.

We grabbed a balloon, a bottle of soda, and salt. We filled the balloon with about a teaspoon of salt. Then, we twisted the cap off the bottle and stretched the balloon over it’s top. When the balloon was secure, we tipped in the salt.

Right before our eyes, the balloon started to inflate. I was tempted to pop it with my claws, but resisted.

The salt caused the soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. This was no surprise to McMahon. His research is all about the bubbles and fizziness made from carbon dioxide gas.

You may be familiar with this gas, too. It’s the one we all breathe out and plants use to make food. It’s also what makes the bubbles in soda—and makes us burp when we drink it.

At soda bottling plants, carbon dioxide from tanks is pumped into the liquid, where it dissolves and later forms bubbles.

Liquids like soda can change under different temperatures and pressures. Liquid at a higher temperature can hold more sugar in a solution, for example. And liquid at a higher pressure can hold more gas in a solution.

A whole bunch of gas gets crammed into a pretty small space and creates a lot of pressure inside a soda can.
There probably wouldn’t be a whole lot of bubbles in the can since the gas is in equilibrium—a balance between gas dissolved in the liquid and the gas in the space at the top of the can.

But when you open the can, the pressure lowers and the gas escapes. You can actually hear this happening as the soda fizzes. Bubbles quickly form in the liquid, rise to the surface, and pop to release carbon dioxide into the air.

The carbon dioxide can escape in all different directions. And of course some of it lands on the tongue’s taste bud receptors when you sip your soda.

Your brain translates this into “fizziness” and it just might make your face twinge.

Soda isn’t the only place we find carbonation, though. We can also find it in nature.

While researching your question, I stumbled upon a group of carbonated springs in Idaho. They are fittingly named, Soda Springs. Just like in a can of soda, there’s a lot of pressure in the ground beneath the springs. The carbonation originates from natural reactions deep within the Earth.

Science is all around us. McMahon has a few things for you to keep in mind as you continue to explore.

“Remain observant,” he said. “Keep asking questions and don’t let anyone burst your bubble.”

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

What do you call soft drinks? Soda? Pop? Cola? Vote in the reader poll at askDrUniverse.wsu.edu.

Abortion Advocates Block Funding to Combat Zika Virus

The Zika virus has been all over the news lately as Olympic athletes in Brazil discuss how they plan to prevent contracting it. Some athletes decided not to compete in the Olympics based on the risks. Recently 15 people in a Miami neighborhood have been infected by Zika, while others in the U.S. have contracted the disease after traveling in South America.

The Zika virus often causes only mild symptoms: rash, fever, red eyes, and joint pain among others. Unfortunately, unborn children whose mothers are infected with Zika can develop birth defects, most notably microcephaly. Zika is transmitted mainly by mosquito bites but can also be sexually transmitted.

For the past couple of months Congress has been debating an effort to prevent the spread of Zika and speed up vaccine development. Senate Democrats have filibustered the bill, preventing it from getting the 60 votes it needs to pass.

Why would Senate Democrats work to stop a bill which funds research into a disease that can cause birth defects? The bill doesn’t single out Planned Parenthood—America’s largest abortion provider—for more funding. The legislation doesn’t touch the half a billion dollars Planned Parenthood already gets in government grants every year.

In a press conference led by the leadership of the Senate Democrats, Planned Parenthood Vice President Dawn Laguens condemned the bill because it didn’t provide her organization with more money. Planned Parenthood even sent a letter to U.S. Senators claiming that “a vote against this bill will be seen as a vote for women’s health care.”

In Planned Parenthood’s bizarre world, “women’s health care” really only means Planned Parenthood providing more condoms and more abortions, not vaccine development or a public health campaign to stop the virus’ primary vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Planned Parenthood doesn’t just perform more than 300,000 abortions a year, they are actively fighting against legislation which could help prevent birth defects and the spread of a disease simply because they don’t get another seat on the federal gravy train.

In addition, Planned Parenthood’s position on late-term abortions for children with disabilities is quite clear. The unfortunate response from many to children in the womb diagnosed with disabilities is not providing the child, her mother and family with the love and support they deserve, but taking the child’s life away from her.

Learn more about Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda at www.RTL.org.

Meet Ottawa County’s Juvenile Justice Institute Class of 2016

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Karas Bayko, 2016 graduate

The 20th Circuit Court-Family Division-Juvenile Court proudly announces the first graduates from the Juvenile Justice Institute. Mr. Johnny Nguyen (Holland Public Schools) and Mr. Karas Bayko (Hudsonville Public Schools) earned their high school diplomas via the Institute. Both students have plans to attend college this fall.

At-risk youth need options in order to keep them engaged in their education and prevent them from dropping out of school. These students are smart, creative and capable young people. The extended opportunity for students to receive a high school diploma from their local school through attendance at the Juvenile Justice Institute is a critical step in the students’ success. Completing their educations allows them to contribute their knowledge, skills and abilities to the Ottawa County community, making it a better place for all to live. The Ottawa County Juvenile Court contracts with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District to provide this unique educational program.

judge

Mark A. Feyen, Chief Probate Judge

Although the intent of the Juvenile Justice Institute is to reintegrate students into their local school following a successful period at the Institute, a smooth transition back to their local school can be difficult for some students. This years’ students graduated with the support of Holland Public School Superintendent, Dr. Brian Davis, and Hudsonville Public School Superintendent, Dr. Nicholas Ceglarek.

A Ninth Letter to America

Hillary, the president, and many others, very often say “our American values”, and then show their intolerance when they call the opposition radicals and bigots.

The fact is that our original American values are not what these folks represent.  You see, the original American values, were based on a Judeo-Christian foundation.   That foundation recognized God as the ruler of the universe, and His word, the Word Of God, the way we are to live by.

Our founding fathers deeply believed in God and wanted to practice their Christian beliefs freely without interference from the newly formed federal government.  The “Freedom of Religion” clause did not mean religions who worshipped idols were allowed in their respective states.  They knew God called those man-made things “devils”, and that God, except for remnants, had almost destroyed Israel several times because they abandoned him and worshipped idols.

So what are now these things they call “our American values”, and how depraved and ungodly are they? Very!!

By many reports, their cohorts are apparently trying to cleanse our military of Christians.  And they call others bigots?  Can you imagine our future military not able to call on God for help because they are not allowed to pray?  Because it may offend somebody?

During the eight days that the party conventions took place approximately 24,000 small unborn humans being were deprived of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  For those who don’t remember, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were precious American values.

Now the Democratic Party values the life of the murderer rather than the unborn human baby.  They want to ban the execution of murderers, but support the murder of innocent unborn babies.  And you vote for them!!  May God have mercy on your soul and America.

This is what happens when the Legislative Branch fails to do their job.  When one branch goes against God’s laws you are to hold them accountable just like you are to hold your own members accountable.  When justices go against God’s Laws they are not “holding their offices in good behavior.”  Impeach those judges who vote against God’s Law.

Immediately, because of God’s Law (Thou shall not kill), pass a bill banning the killing of unborn babies.  If the President vetoes the bill, impeach him.  Show the guts to stand on God’s Word.  Sorry, but it is not enough to say I am Pro-Life.  Act and God will be with you!

Manuel Ybarra, Jr.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Coalgate, OK

One of the Best in the Country!

Your Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is one of the top three chambers in the United States of America!

Chamber President, Cindy Larsen and Communications Director, Cece Riley spent this week in Savannah, GA representing Muskegon at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Convention. Cindy and Cece both completed the final task of a Chamber of Year Finalist, being interviewed by a panel of judges. They also attended multiple training sessions, learning valuable information to bring back and implement in Muskegon.

awardTo be named a Chamber of the Year Finalist and be considered one of the best three chambers in the country is something to be very proud of. Board Chair Larry Hines said, “We have an extremely dedicated group of employees that work at the chamber, but what really makes the chamber work, like a lot of non-profits is all the volunteers.”

The winner was announced on August 10 at about 7:30 PM. Your Chamber was competing against Vail Valley Partnership, who won 2016 Chamber of the Year, and The Greater Springfield (OH) Chamber of Commerce.

Pokémon Go Sites at the Muskegon County Airport

The Muskegon County Airport has been identified as one of the top-three “Pokémon Go” sites in the Muskegon area. There are several known sites located in the Muskegon Airport Terminal building and in or near the airport property.

“While we support those playing the game, we would ask all players to please be mindful this is a commercial service airport with an established security program,” said Jeffrey Tripp, Muskegon Airport Manager.

“We have been made aware that one location in particular may be located past the security checkpoint.  If this is true, players cannot access this restricted area.  I would also caution players that if there are additional site(s) located within the airport perimeter fence, entering onto airport grounds beyond the fence is prohibited.”

Some general requests for players arriving at the Muskegon County Airport:
1. Please park in short-term terminal parking. The first 30 minutes of parking are free.
2. Please be aware of automobile and bus traffic in the terminal area.
3. The “Gym” is located near the airline ticket counters.  Please do not impede passengers trying to catch their flights.

Ottawa County Parks Barn Receives Award

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Ottawa County Parks was pleased to win the 2016 Barn of the Year Award in the category of Non-Profit or Adaptive Use for the restored barn at Eastmanville Farm. The award was given by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network at their annual event on May 7.

Currently, the West Michigan Agricultural Education Center leases property on the “farm-park” and plans to turn more than 80 acres of the 229-acre site into a working farm and education center so generations to come will understand where their food comes from.

 

The barn was rebuilt in 1928 after a fire destroyed the original barn and eventually housed the farm’s dairy herd. The Eastmanville Farm barn was likely built after a plan from the James Manufacturing Company (Jamesway) and features over 10,000 square feet of covered space in a “T”-shaped, gambrel-roofed, plank frame building. The milk house, located on the southwest corner, was added in the 1950s and the silo, silo shed, and large east shed were added in the 1970s. The site became a park in 2005 and more repairs to the barn were made in 2009.

The property is located in Coopersville and was once the Ottawa County Poor Farm and Community Haven. Although most of the buildings and other structures have deteriorated over time and were eventually removed, some physical remnants of this site’s long history are still visible. It is hoped that these features, preserved as part of the Eastmanville Farm County Park, will serve to keep alive the memories of a unique part of Ottawa County’s past. The Ottawa County Poor Farm and Community Haven celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2016. Save the date for a celebration of this anniversary on October 1, 2016 at the park.

Eastmanville Farm includes a breathtaking array of rolling open fields, steeply sloped stream corridors, and 1,367 feet of Grand River shoreline. Also on the property is a historic cemetery. In addition to the historic remnants at the site, park visitors can enjoy hiking trails, equestrian trails, and picnic areas.

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Eastmanville Farm by Ed Post

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Eastmanville Farm by Ed Post

 

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of June27, 2016

The regular meeting of the Fruitport Charter Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Brian Werschem at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2016, in the township board room.

Supervisor Werschem opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

Members Present:  Brian Werschem, Supervisor; Carol Hulka, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Becklin, Dave Markgraf, Marjorie Nash, and Chuck Whitlow.  Members Absent:  Trustee Dave Markgraf–excused

Also Present:  3 – residents, 1 – employee, 2 – guests, Public Safety Director, Michelli and DPW Director, Farrar.

The board meeting minutes of June 13, 2016, regular meeting, were approved as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Marjorie Nash, was carried unanimously to approve the meeting agenda of June 27, 2016, with following addition: Village Tax Collection Agreement

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS     
1) Michigan Townships Association legislative updates

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Collene Lamonte, candidate for State Representative, introduced herself and announced that she is running for office again.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

NEW BUSINESS:
16-058  Street Light Millage Rate
The Township previously established a streetlight special assessment district to cover the costs of various street lights in the Township, which authorizes the township to levy up to .5 mill.  The township has levied a millage rate of .45 mill to cover the costs of various street lights.  Because of the corrected inventory and installation of high efficiency lighting, the Township currently does not need to levy .45 mill in order to cover the costs of the various street lights.

Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Ron Becklin, MOTION CARRIED, for the adoption of a Resolution to reduce the street light millage rate from .45 to .40 mill effective with the property tax bills sent out in December 2016.

Ayes: Dillon, Becklin, Nash, Hulka, Whitlow, Werschem
Nays: None

16-059  Lead Level Test Results for Fruitport Schools
DPW Director Matt Farrar and Mike G , Superintendent of the City of Muskegon Filtration Plant, related the lead level testing that was done for Fruitport Schools resulted in being 100% safe. Fruitport DPW Utility Foreman Ron Langlois, was involved in the testing.

16-060  Village Tax Collection
Ron Becklin moved, Chuck Whitlow seconded, MOTION CARRIED, for the adoption of an Agreement, pending the township attorney’s review, between the Village of Fruitport and the Township of Fruitport, for the Township, by and through its Treasure to collect the Village’s property taxes.

Ayes: Becklin, Whitlow, Hulka, Dillon, Nash, Werschem
Nays: None

16-061   Payment of Bills
Carol Hulka moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills for payment in the following amounts: General Fund & Parks $23,912.11; Public Safety $39,162.07; Water $43,908.51; Sewer $4,416.45 Totaling: $111,399.14

Ayes: Hulka, Becklin, Dillon, Nash, Whitlow, Werschem
Nays: None

REPORTS –
Public Safety Director, Michelli, presented a 2015 year end event activity summary that resulted in 11,125 services responded to by police officers in Fruitport Township.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – PART II
Sam Cramblet, 3075 West Fruitport Road, commented on ordinance violations.

The motion by Chuck Whitlow, supported by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
CAROL HULKA, CLERK

BRIAN WERSCHEM, SUPERVISOR

Michigan Abortionist in Trouble for Not Disclosing Numerous Convictions

Grand Rapids-based abortionist Thomas Gordon runs Heritage Clinic for Women, the main abortion clinic in Grand Rapids, and has performed tens of thousands of abortions over the last 30 years. In January of 2016, he was arrested for being a disorderly person and fighting/jostling and he spent four days in jail. Local sidewalk counselors (who attempt to help women with unplanned pregnancies) noticed Gordon’s absence and eventually discovered the arrest.

This arrest led Right to Life of Michigan and others to look into Gordon’s publicly available legal history. It was soon discovered that Gordon has had numerous run-ins with the law dating back to the 1990s with arrests and charges for drunk driving, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and possessing a firearm under the influence.

Gordon is now facing possible sanctions from the state of Michigan for failing to disclose his criminal record as required by state law. In Michigan, physicians are required to disclose criminal convictions to Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The local Grand Rapids television station WZZM did further research and unearthed paperwork including a personal protection order filed by his wife in 2010 in which she describes how Gordon beat her “several times in the past 3 years, he has even put his 45 mm pistol to my head when I was sleeping.”

According to WZZM, Gordon had until early June to respond to the complaint against him.  If he failed to respond, he could be disciplined with having his license suspended, probation and/or a fine.

While abortion advocates portray themselves as protectors of women, neither Planned Parenthood of Michigan (which has referred women seeking abortions to Gordon for decades) nor NARAL (which lists Gordon’s abortion clinic on their web site) have spoken out against a clearly unstable man whose history includes gun violence against women.

Gordon is just the latest in a long line of abortion industry abuses in Michigan. In March of 2012, Right to Life of Michigan released a comprehensive report which chronicled how numerous abortionists in Michigan had been breaking the law and Michigan’s regulatory agencies had often failed to punish them.

Prolife legislation has led to increased scrutiny of some of these abortion providers, as well as several abortion clinic closures in the last few years.

Learn more about attempts to end the illegal and unethical practices of abortion clinics at www.RTL.org.

WIC Income Guidelines Increase

Muskegon, MI – New income guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) WIC office allow more families to receive benefits from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. WIC currently serves over 6,000 families in Muskegon County.
WIC is a supplemental  nutrition program for eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and child development through nutrition education as well as increasing breastfeeding rates. WIC provides nutritious foods such as low fat milk and yogurt, whole grains, cheese, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter or legumes, and cereal.
The updated Michigan WIC Program Income Guidelines are for gross income (before taxes) and cannot exceed the following amounts:

chart

*For additional family members, please contact the WIC office.

For information on signing up for WIC and nearest office locations, visit www.muskegonhealth.net, visit WIC Muskegon County on Facebook, or call (231) 724-1391. The WIC Program is a federally funded nutrition program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an equal opportunity provider.

Fruitport Township Board Meeting Agenda – 8/8/16

AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415

8/8/2016

6:30 WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING

01.   Pledge of Allegiance
02.   Roll Call
03.   Approval of Board Minutes: 7/25/16 Regular Meeting
04.   Approve / Amend Agenda
05.   Correspondence / Reports
06.   Public Comments
07.  Unfinished Business
A. Greenway Crossings PUD Zoning Map Amendment Ordinance – Second Reading / Consideration
B.  Greenway Crossings Preliminary Development Plan
C. Metal Arc Contract Zoning Map Amendment Ordinance – Second Reading / Consideration
D. Metal Arc Amendment to Contract Zoning Agreement

08.  New Business
A. Rezoning Parcels 61-15-126-300-0001-00 & 61-15-126-100-0003-00   from R4 to R1 – First Reading
B.

09.  Approval of Bills
10.  Reports
11.  Public Comments
12.  Adjournment

The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals
with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk:  Carol Hulka, Fruitport
Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 – (231) 865-3151

Beach Wheel Chair Now Available at North Beach Park

Accessible beach wheel chair now available for use at North Beach Park

Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, there is now a Mobi Chair, an accessible beach wheel chair available for the public to use free-of-charge at North Beach Park in Ferrysburg. The wheel chair was designed to navigate the sand and can also float in the water!

beach chair

Parks employee demonstrates the Mobi Chair on land

“Friends of Ottawa County Parks is pleased to help provide this type of equipment to Parks users. Opportunities to increase accessibility or encourage park experiences for all ages and abilities are priorities for this us,” said Alice Hoban, President of Friends of Ottawa County Parks. “Support from memberships, donations, and fundraising activities allows this all-volunteer organization to respond quickly when a need arises. We hope we’ll see some pictures of the chair in use!”

While stunning, the West Michigan dune system creates an accessibility challenge. North Beach Park is currently the most accessible beach park in the county park system, as visitors can reach the beach without climbing stairs. Parks staff have made other improvements as well. Every summer since 1998, a temporary decking surface is laid down to create a path for users who are in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking in the sand. At that time, a new playground with an accessible mat, two ADA-standard picnic tables, and a concrete walkway along the west side of the parking lot were also added. This summer, the temporary path was extended by 40′ so users can travel closer to Lake Michigan.

“We are pleased to continue to make accessibility improvements at North Beach Park and many of our other parks,” said Ottawa County Parks Director, John Scholtz. “The Parks Commission is committed to continually improving park facilities to meet and exceed ADA guidelines. We appreciate the Friends of Ottawa County Parks’ donation and help making this beach friendly to visitors of all abilities.”

The Mobi Chair is available during park hours. Anyone interested in using it should speak to the Park Attendant on duty.

beach chair placement

Friends of Ottawa County Parks is an organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, recreation and community by partnering with the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission. Organized in 2005, the Friends sponsors programs to build public awareness of the Ottawa County park system by hosting events and providing information about Ottawa County parks and open spaces.

Run for Sight

RUN FOR SIGHT | 5K RUN | 5K WALK

Helping people with blindness or severe low vision thrive in a sighted world.

Think about your day and all that you do… checking your alarm in the morning, reading your mail, preparing meals. The list goes on. Now, picture doing these activities with limited or no vision.

On Saturday, September 3, the West Michigan community is invited to participate in the 11th Annual Run For Sight. The Run for Sight is a 5K Run/Walk along beautiful Lake Michigan with the goal of raising funds to support vision rehabilitation services for individuals living with severe vision impairment.

Shoreline Vision is partnering with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) to create this fun event.  Our unique 5K run/walk takes place, along beautiful Lake Michigan at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon. The visually stunning course will be shared with friends who are visually impaired.

Last year ABVI assisted over 1,000 family members, friends, and neighbours who live with blindness or visual impairment.  And for over 100 years, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been helping people with severe vision live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.

The 11th Annual Run for Sight takes place on Saturday, September 3.  Registration begins at 7:00 AM in the parking lot between the Coast Guard building and Margaret Drake Elliot Park. The run and walk start at 8:30 AM. The 5K Run is competitive. The 5K Walk is family and dog friendly, but please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after your pet. Parking is available near the Coast Guard Station. 

Entry fees are $25 for the 5K Run and $20 for the 5K Walk. These are non-refundable and sincerely appreciated.  Commemorative shirts will be given on a first come first served basis to the first 300 people who register.  You can register online at www.goracego.com

For more information contact Jennifer Scofield by phone at 231.737.4717 or by email at jscofield@shorelinevision.com

Muskegon Museum of Art August Calander

AUGUST CALENDAR
This month we focus on hot glass with a cool Super Saturday free family day and open two new exhibitions: an original contemporary quilt show that we organized with legendary fiber artist Nancy Crow, and an exhibition built around the colors of beer, just for the fun of creativity.

Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 pm
Thursday Tours
Drop in for guided exhibition tours every Thursday afternoon. Paid admission is required for exhibition gallery entry.

Thursday, August 11, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Films
Ken Burns: The National Parks, America’s Best Idea
Episode: Great Nature (1933-1945)
MMA Summer Brown Bag Films celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Parks system. Each episode runs 120 minutes. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Brown Bag Film admission is free. Paid admission is required for exhibition gallery entry. Brown Bag Films are underwritten by MMA Education Partner Alcoa Foundation/Whitehall Operations.

Thursday, August 11
Exhibition Opening
Studio Brew: The Colors of Beer
5:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Brew Talk
Enjoy a cold beverage and appetizers and meet Pigeon Hill Brewing Company artisans Chad Doane and Ryan “Rhino” Wasson, who will discuss their craft during this fun event. Event is free and open to the public.

August 13, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Hot Glass Super Saturday
Free Family Fun Day
Whew! It’s hot outside! Cool off at the MMA and learn all about our cool studio glass, such as Cobalt Blue Persian Set, by Dale Chihuly, a visitor favorite!
11:00 am & 1:00 pm Film
Watch a few short films about some of our favorite studio glass artists, including Dale Chihuly and Stephen Rolfe Powell.
11:00 am–1:00 pm Guided Look
Discover the wonderful studio glass that is part of the MMA’s permanent collection.
11:00 am–2:00 pm Make & Take
Create your very own bright and colorful Chihuly-inspired work of art.
Super Saturday admission and activities are free. Underwritten by MMA Education Partner, Alcoa Foundation/Whitehall Operations.

Thursday, August 18, 6:00 pm
Quick Art Crash Course
Forged
Early Autumn is a mysterious painting by Ralph Albert Blakelock that is part of the MMA’s permanent collection. Join us as we reveal some the mystery behind the artwork of Blakelock and the uncertainty that plagued his life. He was a very prolific artist, but became a target for forgery and was dogged with mental illness in the later part of his life. His life has remained somewhat of a puzzle. Event is free and open to the public. Cash bar available.

Thursday, August 25, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Films
Ken Burns: The National Parks, America’s Best Idea
Episode: The Morning of Creation (1946-1980)
MMA Summer Brown Bag Films celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Parks system. Each episode runs 120 minutes. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Brown Bag Film admission is free. Paid admission is required for exhibition gallery entry. Brown Bag Films are underwritten by MMA Education Partner Alcoa Foundation/Whitehall Operations.

Thursday, August 25
Exhibition Grand Opening
Circular Abstractions: Bull’s Eye Quilts
5:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Gallery Walk with the Artists
Enjoy refreshments and meet the artists of the exhibition. The artists will talk about their craft as we tour the galleries together. Event is free and open to the public.
EXHIBITIONS

Through August 3, 2016
MICHIGAN REGIONAL: 88th REGIONAL: EXHIBITION
The MMA continues to celebrate Michigan artists with this large, juried selection of 2-D and 3-D works created by artists from throughout the state. Sponsored by Warner, Norcross & Judd, LLP and Shape Corp. Awards sponsored by Swanson Pickle Co., Inc. Media Sponsor is WGVU Public Broadcasting.

Through August 28, 2016
CHRISTINA BOTHWELL: SHAPING THE UNSEEN
Bothwell works in cast glass and paint. She states, “In my work I am drawn to the processes of birth, death, and renewal. What lies below the surface fascinates me and I try to capture the qualities of the “unseen” that express the sense of wonder that I feel in my daily existence. I am attracted to glass because it can do everything that other sculptural media can; in addition, it offers an inner space and transmits light.” Underwritten by Hooker DeJong Architects & Engineers and the Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation.

August 11 – October 30, 2016
STUDIO BREW: THE COLORS OF BEER
26 Michigan artists have been invited to produce an artwork that replicates a hue from the Standard Reference Method (SRM) scale for measuring the color of beer. From pale amber ales to dark stouts, the SRM encompasses a range of rich oranges, yellows, reds, and browns. Working a medium of their own choosing, including painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, and sculpture, the artists will lead the viewer through the colors of beer. The show is a reminder of the fun and joy of creating, be it art or a microbrew.

August 25 – November 6, 2016
CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYE QUILTS
The Muskegon Museum of Art, in partnership with Guest Curator Nancy Crow, is proud to present this touring exhibition that showcases some of the best machine-piecing and quilting being done today. The juried, invitational exhibition features 51 quilts by an array of artists that improvise around the Bull’s Eye pattern: a four quadrant design with a bull’s eye at the center of each quarter. Color and design become the focus of a dazzling array of quilts inspired by the innovations of legendary fine art quilt maker Nancy Crow. The artists were challenged to create artworks that stretched the possibilities of the machine-pieced quilt and conveyed a sense of energy and excitement. Participating artists come from across the U.S. and abroad, with represented countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Switzerland. Sponsored by Bayer CropScience and Larry and Roxanna Herder. Media Sponsor—WGVU Public Media.

Hunting Lottery Now Open – Ottawa County

Ottawa County Parks deer hunting lottery is open through September 1.

Deer hunting plays a crucial role in conservation and ecosystem management. Deer are prey species and without predators they can become overabundant can degrade the diversity of our natural areas. Humans have long been an important predator of deer, keeping our ecosystems balanced.

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 3,340 acres of selected properties with some restrictions intended to protect hunters and park visitors alike. Of the 16 properties where hunting is allowed, three properties require special permits each year: Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area and North Ottawa Dunes. Lottery drawings are held prior to the hunting periods at each of these sites.

Properties with Hunting Available

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Applications for Crockery Creek Natural Area and Upper Macatawa Natural Area are now open until noon on September 1. The North Ottawa Dunes application is not yet available.

Hunters may only apply for only one lottery, not both. Hunters whose names are on more than one application will be disqualified from the lottery.

•    Apply for the lottery at Crockery Creek Natural Area
•    Apply for the lottery at Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Hunters selected to receive a special permit via the drawing will be notified whether they are selected by September 16 and must pay a $20 fee to participate in the hunt. Selected hunters must complete a survey at the end of the season in order to be eligible to apply for future hunts.

Those who wish to apply should review the 2016 Lottery Rules & Hunting Maps.

Muskegon Labor Day Parade

by Jana Routt

Labor Day is the holiday in which we recognize and celebrate the contribution of all America’s workers to the growth and continued vitality of our Nation.  You could spend the last weekend of your kid’s summer vacation shopping for backpacks and pencils, or you could enjoy one last fun-filled family weekend at the one and only Labor Day Parade and celebration in West Michigan!

Everybody loves a parade!  This is an all-inclusive community parade through the streets of downtown Muskegon. The parade will start 11:00 am on Monday September 5th, 2016, and will end approximately around 12:30pm.  We are planning a fun filled FREE post parade celebration following the parade that will go until 4:00pm at Hackley Park in Muskegon (350 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI).  We will have food provided by Greek Tony’s, music by Plain Jane Glory, refreshments, cotton candy, snow cones, games, prizes, face painting, bounce houses, and much more!!  For more information or an application to be in the Labor Day Parade, please contact Jana at 231-638-2741 or Jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org

*The parade starts at the intersection of 4th street and Western Avenue. It will progress down Western Avenue to Jefferson Street (turning right) and heading towards Clay Avenue.  The march will continue down Clay Avenue and end at Hackley Park for the post parade celebration!

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Public Comment Sought at Transportation Committee Meeting on August 17, 2016

The Muskegon and Northern Ottawa County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which is responsible for transportation planning in the area, is seeking public comment on the transportation planning process. The planning process includes the  2040 Long Range Transportation Plan, the Fiscal Year 2014 – 2017 and 2017 – 2020 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Program of Projects (POP), corresponding amendments, and other agenda items.

The TIP is developed in a cooperative effort between federal, state, and local officials and serves as the final link in the transportation planning process. Its primary purpose is to identify transportation programs and projects to be funded with federal aid in accordance with federal law and regulations. This plan is an outline of the transportation needs of Muskegon County and Northern Ottawa County for the next four years. The 2014 -2017 TIP (without the project lists) is available here. The 2014 – 2017 TIP project lists are available here. The draft 2017 – 2020 TIP has gone through public review and is in the final approval stages at the state and federal level. The FTA POP includes 5307 and 5308 funds for the Muskegon Area Transit System and Harbor Transit. Recommendations for new construction, safety improvements, congestion (traffic) management, air quality, non-motorized, transit, planning, etc. will be accepted.

A public comment period is scheduled at the Policy Committee Meeting on August 17, 2016 at 1:30  p.m. at the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, 316 Morris Avenue, Suite 340, Muskegon, Michigan 49443.  Meeting materials are available at www.wmsrdc.org.

You are receiving this correspondence because you, your agency, and/or organization are considered important in the transportation planning process. For more information or to view a hard copy of the meeting materials, contact Amy Haack, Program Manager, WMSRDC, 316 Morris Avenue Suite 340, P.O. Box 387, Muskegon Michigan 49443-0387, (231) 722-7878 ext. 19, or by email at ahaack@wmsrdc.org.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 08/15/17 – 08/22/16

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau

McGraft Park Summer Concert Series
August 16 @ 7:00 pm

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Don’t miss this summer’s free 2016 McGraft Park Summer Concert Series in the bandshell at Wickham Dr. near Glen Ave.  All concerts begin at 7:00pm.  Tuesday, August 16, it’s the Scottville Clown Band playing marches, big band, novelty and rock.  For more information, call the City’s Parks Department at 231-724-6991.

Arts Council FREE Summer Concert
August 16 @ 7:00 pm

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Arts Council of White Lake has a great line-up this year for their Free summer concerts! The band shell is located next to the Montague Boat Launch at 8450 Launch Ramp Road. (Inclement weather, concerts will be held at Montague High School, 4900 Stanton Blvd. This Tuesday welcome the Square Pegz and be entertained with some great 80’s tribute music! The concert begins at 7:00pm. Bring your family and a chair and enjoy the atmosphere in Montague!

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place
August 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place are back every Wednesday starting May 4 (weather permitting) from 5:00-8:30pm.  Antiques, customs, classics and novelty vehicles are all welcome.  Enjoy oldies music and door prizes, too!  Come on down and check out some unique cars and enjoy some Fricano’s pizza and Sweet Treats from Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe!  All Cruise-In participants will be given a coupon for $3 off a dine-in or take-out Fricano’s Pizza purchase.  For more information, call 231-722-7775.

Health & Wellness Day
August 18 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

In Hackley Park from 12:00-2:30pm on Thursday August 18 there is a FREE Health & Wellness event with resource booths, live music, children’s activities and more. The first 1,000 guests will receive a FREE lunch.

Art & a Glass: Thursday Happy Hour at the MMA
August 18 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Every Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Art & a Glass!” Bring your friends to a museum-style happy hour! Take a break and enjoy the art with a glass of wine or a great craft brew. General admission is free Thursday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 pm so take advantage of the opportunity to discover your Museum at no cost. There will be a cash bar. You must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For more information call 231-720-2570.

Salt Block Cooking with Chef Char
August 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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Thursday, August 18th – Salt Block Cooking with Chef Char 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Healthy eating is easier and tastier when a Himalayan salt block is involved in the cooking.  Learn to sear, cool, pickle or serve dynamic meals on these salty stones.  Class recipes include lean meats and marinades, fresh vegetables and fruits in season to make satisfying dishes that will keep you in line with a healthy diet.    Older Teens and Adults. Cost $40.

Go to www.eventbrite.com and search on Muskegon Farmers Market and all currently scheduled classes will pop up. Also subscribe to our Kitchen 242 Facebook Events Page to receive notification when new culinary events are added.

Downtown Dancing
August 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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Thursday, August 18 from 6:00-9:00pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Downtown Dancing” featuring live music from Yard Sale Underwear!  Bring your own lawn chairs and appetites because there’ll be food vendors on site.  This is a free event hosted by the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, call Sue at 231-740-0496 or Jackie at 231-740-2270.

Dinner/Dance Aboard the Port City Princess
August 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Thursday, August 18 from 7:00-9:30pm, come aboard the Port City Princess for a Dinner/Dance!  It’s the perfect way to spend an evening in West Michigan.  The cost is $52.  For reservation or more information, call 231-728-8387.

2016 Summer Theatre Festival: On Golden Pond
August 18 – August 20

As part of the 2016 Summer Theatre Festival, Howmet Playhouse presents ‘On Golden Pond’ August 18-20 at 7:30pm! This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. He is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory—but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years younger, and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the “grandchild” the elderly couple have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness—and slang—in return. In the end, as the summer wanes, so does their brief idyll, and in the final, deeply moving moments of the play. Time, they know, is now against them, but the years have been good and, perhaps, another summer on Golden Pond still awaits. For more information, call 231-894-4048.

Michigan Maritime Celebration
August 19 – August 21

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Join Lake Effect Boating as they celebrate the maritime wonders of Michigan. From great beaches and boating, to awesome restaurants, breweries, and community events, you won’t want to miss the fun. The Michigan Maritime Celebration, held August 19 -21 along the Shores of Muskegon, is maritime fun for everyone!  For more information, visit www.michiganmaritimecelebration.weebly.com.

Friday, August 19

  • The Deck – An awesome Michigan Sunset, music, great food. Live Entertainment 7-11pm
  • Port City Princess Cruise 7:30- 10:30pm
  • Pigeon Hill Brewery Taproom -Always a great brew at PHB
  • Dockers Fish House –   Live Entertainment 7:00-11:00pm
  • Parties in the Park – A Muskegon Friday Night Tradition.
  • Movie on the Deck of the LST 393

Saturday, August 20

  • Muskegon Farmers Market –
  • Community Celebration Paddle – Muskegon Beach at Harbor Towne Marina 9:30am
  • Tours of the Milwaukee Clipper
  • Boat Parade of Lights
  • Dockers Fish House – Entertainment 7:00-11:00pm
  • The Deck – Live music, food and fun. All afternoon and evening.

Sunday, August 21

  • Boat Jam / Celebration 2:00-6:00pm – Muskegon Boaters Dune Area (Docking the Dune)
  • Dockers Fish House – Sunday Funday, Entertainment – Westside Soul Servers 3:00-7:00pm
  • The Deck – Live music, food and fun. All afternoon

Pokémon Go at the Lakeshore Museum Center
August 19 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

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Take part in “Pokémon Go” at the Lakeshore Museum Center, August 19 from 12:00-3:00pm!  There will be Pokémon lures in the Museum during this special event.  Visitors will be challenged by museum staff to find all of the Pokémon inspired animals in the Museum exhibits.  This is a free walk-in program and registration is not required.  For more information, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Parties in the Park: The After Effect
August 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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For more than 30 year’s Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere! Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. There are five local Muskegon food vendors at every party, there’s something for everyone to purchase.  You’ll never go home hungry. This week the Muskegon County Fair Association will host The After Effect. Happy hour is from 5:00pm-6:00pm with the night ending at 9:00pm. www.partiesinthepark.com

Bluegrass & Brats
August 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Friday, August 19 from 7:00-9:30pm, come aboard the Port City Princess for “Bluegrass & Brats!”  Enjoy live bluegrass music while cruising the Muskegon Channel.  You’ll also receive a brat and a beer with the cost of admission which is $42.  Call (231) 728-8387 for more information or to make reservations.

Movies on Deck: People’s Choice
August 19 @ 9:30 pm

Sunsets, sea breezes and superstars…they’re all on deck at USS LST 393 Veterans Museum for the popular “Movies on Deck,” most Friday nights this summer on Muskegon’s downtown waterfront.  The films are shown on LST 393’s huge screen on the top deck starting right after sunset, around 10:00pm.  In August, films start about 9:30pm.  There is no charge to attend “Movies on Deck” screenings, although donations to help support the ship’s restoration and veterans museum are always welcome. Moviegoers should bring their own chairs and weather-appropriate clothing.  Popcorn, soda and snacks are available for sale.

Inclement weather will mean a move down inside the giant tank deck of the ship for an indoor showing at 10:00pm.

LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing County Park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Tour hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm seven days a week with the last tour starting at 4:00pm. For more information, call 231-730-1477 or visit www.lst393.org.

The film August 19 will be E.T. The Extra Terrestrial.

Full Moon Float
August 19 @ 11:55 pm

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Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service is offering “Full Moon Floats” down the Muskegon River at midnight during each full moon from May thru September 2016. They begin at the Creston Rd. launch and end at Veterans’ Memorial Park. Only $10 per person includes a kayak paddle life jacket and a glow stick. The dates are May 21, June 18, July 16, August 19 and September 16. Call Guy to reserve a kayak today at 231-740-0227. All the floats depend on clear skies and take about an hour. As each date sells out he will add another float on the night before or after the dates listed above. Call 231-740-0227 for details.

Arts & Drafts Festival
August 20

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Ross Park in Norton Shores plays host to its 40th Annual Art Fair, Saturday, August 20 from 10:00am-5:00pm.  There’ll be wonderful displays of hand crafted goods available for purchase as well as an Arts & Dash 5K Run, food vendors and a beverage tent with a live music stage!  For more information call 231-799-6802 or visit www.shoresartsanddrafts.com.

“Free Ride” Weekend
August 20 – August 21

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging off-road enthusiasts to ride license-free the weekend of August 20-21!  Residents and nonresidents can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.  The licenses normally cost $26.25 – $36.25 for riders that use state-designated trails.  All rules found in the ORV Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws will continue to apply.  ORV maps are available at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.

Moose Fest 2016
August 20

Country radio station, WMUS (107.9FM) invites you to join them at beautiful Heritage Landing for Moose Fest 2016.  This FREE day of music features Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, Runaway June, Drew Baldridge, David Ray and Brett Young.  Listen in or check their website for information on locations where you can pick up your tickets to this great day of music on Muskegon Lake.

Lake Effect Lights Boat Parade
August 20

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Saturday, August 20, gather in the South Breakwater Cove around dusk for the Lake Effect Lights Boat Parade!  The parade will begin about 20 minutes after sunset.  The route will take the boats through the Channel into Muskegon Lake, into Harbour Towne Marina, by Dockers, back past Muskegon Yacht Club, and to Balcom’s Cove, and then finishing at Great Lakes Marina.  For more information, visit www.lakeeffectboating.weebly.com.

In Season Impromptu with Chef Char
August 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

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Saturday, August 20th – In Season Impromptu with Chef Char 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Shop the market with Chef Char to pick out ingredients that are in season. Come back to the kitchen with fresh, local ingredients and then combine the market finds with basic pantry items to make creative, tasty dishes. Shop, prepare and eat locally sourced, fresh food. Older Teens and Adults. Cost $30.

Go to www.eventbrite.com and search on Muskegon Farmers Market and all currently scheduled classes will pop up. Also subscribe to our Kitchen 242 Facebook Events Page to receive notification when new culinary events are added.

A Taste of History
August 20 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

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August 20 from 10:00am-4:00pm, come to Michigan’s Heritage Park for “A Taste of History!”  Learn how people from the past acquired their food, cooked it, and even what they used to eat it with. The day includes cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, speakers and a chance to taste test. Tasting tickets will be sold for $1 each and samples will range from one to three tickets.  For more information, call 231-894-0342.

Creative Saturday
August 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join Muskegon Center for the Arts members in creative idea exchanges, inspiration and camaraderie as you work on your own project the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Red Lotus Gallery.  “Creative Saturdays” are for ages 12 and up and are free to the public, but donations are always welcomed. Bring a new or current working project and your own supplies for your artwork; whether it be sewing, drawing or painting projects.  Artists’ trading cards are also available.  For more information visit www.muskegonca.org.

Maranatha Summer Concert Series: Ginny Owens
August 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

In a career that has spanned fifteen years, contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Ginny Owens’s seven studio recordings have amassed nearly one million records in sales and spawned career-defining number ones like “If You Want Me To” and “Free.” She will perform these and many more at the Tabernacle on the grounds of Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference on Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. ET.

Admission is FREE and open to the public; however, priority seating may be purchased with a meal ticket. The meal will start at 5 p.m. ET.
Dinner Buffet Pricing:

Adults 14+: $ 16.30 + tax
10-14yr olds: $ 10.30 + tax
5-9yr olds: $ 8.30 + tax
4 and Under: Free
To reserve your dinner tickets, please call the front desk at 231-798-2161.

The MCA – Red Lotus Gallery Open Mic Night
August 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Muskegon Community Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery, located in the Century Building, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, anything theatrical, poetry or readings, you may want to express it here or just show up to watch the show.  There is always something new and unique to enjoy.  This event happens on the third Saturday of every month and is for persons 18 years and older.  This is a free event.  For more information, call (231) 206-0426.

Parade of Light on the Port City Princess
August 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Saturday, August 20 from 7:30-10:00pm, cruise with the Port City Princess as they lead the annual “Lake Effect Lights Boat Parade” from the South Breakwater Cove all the way to Heritage Landing. They will have a buffet and The Pacific Island Dancers.  The cost is $55 and reservations can be made by calling 231-728-8387.

Movies on the Beach: The Croods
August 20 @ 8:00 pm

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Movies on the Beach have become a Muskegon tradition you won’t want to miss! If you love watching a movie while enjoying the breeze of Lake Michigan in the air. Tonight the movie is The Croods and begins at dusk. Bring blankets, picnic basket or purchase food on location. Enjoy a night of cinema under the stars!

Nancy Crow Quilting Workshop
August 22 – August 26

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August 22-26 from 9:00am-noon and 2:00-5:00pm, intermediate to advanced sewers are invited to the Century Club Ballroom to participate in the Nancy Crow Quilting Workshop!  Class fee is $675, $500 of which is non-refundable.  If you’re a good machine-piercer and are able to cut free-hand, call to register at 231-720-2587.  For more information, visit the museum website at muskegonartmuseum.org.