Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/11/17 – 09/18/17

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org


A Call to Artists: Dias de los Muertos
Through September 26

The Muskegon Center for the Arts and the Red Lotus Gallery are taking submissions for the next Gallery Presentation of Dias de los Muertos, to honor those who have passed.  “Day of the Dead” (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States.  It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures.  The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died and help support their spiritual journey.

Submit your creation of artwork or bring in pictures of your loved ones who have passed.  A wall will be created to pay homage to these people in your life who have inspired you.  The art submissions deadline is September 26 by 5:30pm.  To obtain a submission form for this event, visit muskegonca.org.  There is a small fee of $5 if your piece of artwork is not for sale when you submit it.  See the submission form for more information.


9/11 Tribute and Memorial Service
September 11 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

American Legion Post #28’s Legion Riders invite you to join them as they honor current and fallen law enforcement, first responders and military from both Ottawa and Muskegon during their 9/11 Tribute and Memorial Service, Monday, September 11, 2017.  A motorcade that includes the Legion Riders and many first responders will depart Post #28 in Grand Haven at 10:30am and arrive at the Mart Dock, home of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, at 11:30am.  At that time there will be speakers, a reading of the names of our fallen heroes and a military salute featuring a band, a bagpiper, taps and a 21-gun salute.  For more information, call Freddy Smith at 616-847-6426.


Matthew Ball – The Boogie Woogie Kid
September 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Monday, September 11 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a live performance from Matthew Ball, “The Boogie Woogie Kid!”

Ball’s start in Jazz only began in 2001 after he attended a hometown boogie-woogie festival.  He was so awestruck by the performances he saw that night, he left his career as an attorney to become a blues & boogie-woogie performing artist.  With a lot of time, work, and effort over the next few years, Ball would reach a breakthrough in 2005 with a career launching performance at the exclusive Arches Piano Stage in Cincinnati where he shared the stage with some of the same musicians that first inspired him to play back in 2001.  For more information, call 231-722-8000.


Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
September 11 – October 30 @ 6:00 pm
All lectures are on Monday evenings at 6:00pm at the Museum.  For more information, call 231-755-1230.

September 11:  Recognition of First Responders in Commemoration of 9/11
Sheriff Michael Poulin, who supervises the Muskegon County Department of Emergency Services, will moderate a discussion among first responders concerning their training and experiences in their respective jobs. Various emergency scenarios will be discussed by the first responders. Emergency vehicles will be present for the public to see before the program begins.

September 18: Defeat is an Orphan – Kennedy and the Bay of Pigs
One of our most popular presenters, US Army Colonel Ronald Janowski (Ret.), returns to speak on this topic, which he studied intensely in his advanced military education and career. We will learn many surprising things that we had not known before about this defeat and what followed.

September 25:  75th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. THE DESPERATE DEFENSE OF “OPERATION SHOESTRING”. THE DECISIVE FIRST DAYS ON GUADALCANAL THAT SAVED AMERICA’S FIRST OFFENSIVE OF WORLD WAR II FROM COLLAPSE
David Kolb for many years was the Editorial Editor of the Muskegon Chronicle. He is also a published independent historian and scholar, with special expertise concerning the Battle of Guadalcanal. He will relate to us the complexities and exceptional sacrifices of this historic battle. Several Muskegon area veterans fought at the Battle of Guadalcanal.

October 2:  From the Dugouts to the Trenches – Baseball in the Great War
From Columbus, Ohio, our speaker, James Leeke, is a Navy veteran and writer and editor. He is a former journalist who covered Major League Baseball as a reporter and author. He has written several books, including Manila and Santiago:The New Steel Navy in the Spanish-American War, and his latest book just published by the University of Nebraska press, From the Dugouts to the Trenches: Baseball during the Great War. This is a story that has many unexpected twists and turns, and will especially be enjoyed by all baseball fans.  Many of us do not realize how many of the great stars of America’s pastime served in World War I. This book will be available for purchase and for signing by Jim.

October 9: World War II Muskegon
Richard Mullally continues to share with us compelling  information about the thousands of World War II veterans who served from Muskegon County. His speech will focus on approximately 32 World War II veterans, whose stories may be humorous or may be tragic, but all of which are captivating. These veterans served in various branches of the military, and in different theaters of the war. Special note: all World War II veterans and their family members, including family members of deceased veterans, have free admission to this lecture.

October 16:  America’s First Actual World War
Donald Johnston is the Chief Circuit Court Judge of Kent County, and his ancestry dates back to colonial times. He is an independent historian and scholar with a special interest in pre-revolutionary American history. He is an authority on what we call the French and Indian War (1754-60), which was the North American phase of the world-wide Seven Years War (1756-62) that was fought on several continents.  The French and Indian War was the crucible in which many colonists first experienced war, and was the training ground for many of our military leaders in the following Revolutionary War. From a viewpoint that will be new for many of us, Judge Johnston will speak on the involvement of the great powers of those times and the global impact of that earlier war on our soil that still reverberates today.

October 23: The Movies Go to War
Bill Iddings is the most respected movie critic, scholar, and film history instructor in Western Michigan. He also has appeared on stage and screen himself, as well as having written scripts. From the time film was invented, movies always have played a major role during wars, especially in the nations involved in those conflicts. Bill will be showing film clips to illustrate the impact of movies upon society and the real truth during times of war, and we will be learning much unexpected information from his presentation.

October 30:  Flight 93- The Story, the Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11
Tom McMillan has spent a lifetime in media and communications – as a newspaper sportswriter, columnist, radio talk show host and for the past 21 years, as Vice President of Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. And history is another of his passions. He serves on the board of trustees of Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center, on the board of directors of the Friends of Flight 93, on the marketing committee of the Gettysburg Foundation, and as a tour guide at the Civil War room at Carnegie Library. He also is a co-director of the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing at Point Park University, his alma mater. He is the author of the book entitled Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers.  He will present this lecture based upon his best-selling history of the tragedy of Flight 93 on 9/11 and its aftermath. His Flight 93 book will be available for purchase and signing. All sale proceeds are donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial.  And, yes, Tom may predict the Penguins will win yet another Stanley Cup this season, and in all humility he may mention his 3 Stanley Cup rings.


Roll On Muskegon
September 11 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

“Roll on Muskegon” is a fun, community, bicycle ride through the neighborhoods of Muskegon.  Bikers meet every Monday at the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market.  This easy 8 mph, family friendly ride begins at 6:30pm.  For more information, find them on Facebook.


A Slice of History
September 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

September 12 from 5:30pm – 8:00 pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center for “A Slice of History!”  Pizza and history will make for a fun evening in downtown Muskegon as you and the staff enjoy a historic walking tour of the city with stops for pizza at Top Shelf Pizza and Pub, Rebel Pies, Whistle Punk Pizza and Naan Pizza.  The fee for the program is $25 which includes a slice of pizza at each restaurant.  The tour begins at the corner of Western Ave. and Fifth St.  Buy tickets at www.lakeshoremuseum.org/events/a-slice-of-history.


Eric Yager – The Mystic Prince
September 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, September 12 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a night of magic with Eric Yager, “The Mystic Prince!”  Mr. Yager has been the opening act for many celebrities, performed at Little River Casino, St. Cecelia’s Music Hall, and many private parties.  See him for FREE at the library as he dazzles you with his prestidigitation.  For more information, call 231-722-7276.


Summer Ain’t Over Yet!
Tuesdays in September @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesdays in September from 6:30-8:00pm, come to the Goodrich Park gazebo for the “Summer Ain’t Over Yet!” free concert series.  Bring your folding chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the show.  Entry is free, but donations will be accepted for the White Lake Food Pantry.  For more information, call 231-894-4048.


Healthier You: Make It and Take It with Chef Jamie
September 12 @ 6:30 pm

Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30pm, come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Healthier You: Make It and Take It with Chef Jamie!”  Spend a little time, one day a week making several servings of meat to be used in different make ahead meals for the upcoming week.  Not everyone likes “leftovers,” with these make-ahead meals, but no one will know they are “leftovers.”  You will practice this with and entree and a dessert to take with you.  This class is for older teens and adults and class size is limited to 15.  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251.


“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm

Now that the eclipse is over, let’s learn more about the sun with “Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium!  This groundbreaking, 35-minute presentation will lead you into solar tornadoes, magnetic fields, super-hot plasma, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections.  Free, public shows are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug 29-Oct 31, at Muskegon Community College.  No reservations are needed.  For more information, or to schedule a private show at other times for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.


Michigan Irish Music Festival
September 14 – September 17

The Michigan Irish Music Festival returns to Heritage Landing September 14-17!  Back for the 18th year, this festival features continuous music on four covered stages.  You’ll also love the Celtic Kitchen and Bob and Bernie’s Pub for authentic Irish food and beverages including Irish Fest Stout Irish Cream and others. There’s also the Irish Marketplace children’s activities a cultural center a session tent and tea room.  A popular highlight on Saturday is the Michigan FEIS an Irish dance competition held at Muskegon Catholic Central.  Sunday morning a Catholic Mass will be held at 9:00am followed by a traditional Irish breakfast. The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday from 5:00 to 6:00pm.  3-Day passes are also available.  For more information, visit www.michiganirish.org.


Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center Open House
September 14 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The purpose of the center is to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned raptors and return them to the wild in a healthy condition. The center is open to the public from June through October two days per month, the 2nd Thursday and 2nd Sunday of each month from 1:00pm-4:00pm for tours. No admission fee. When you visit the center you will see a number of different species of raptors, including eagles, owls and falcons. In addition to the birds, they have hands on activities to learn more about raptors. They are handicap accessible. Please call 231-821-9125 in advance to be sure they are open.


Girls Night Out – Wine and Chocolate with Chef Char
September 14 @ 6:00 pm

Thursday, September 14 at 6:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Girls Night Out – Wine and Chocolate with Chef Char!”  Learn the art and science of working with chocolate, including dipped tuxedo strawberries, cute chocolate bowls and even chocolate bark.  Pair the chocolate creations with your favorite wine or try a wine slushie recipe for fun.  Must be 21 to attend.  Class size is limted to 15 and the cost is $45.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.


My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
September 15 – September 30

September 15 – 30, the Muskegon Civic Theatre performs “My Way” in the Beardsley Theater!  This tribute to Frank Sinatra includes 57 pop, jazz and swing standards of the man whose storied career spanned nearly 60 years and during which he earned the nicknames “Chairman of the Board” and “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”  For more information, call 231-727-8001.  For Civic Theatre season tickets, visit http://www.muskegoncivictheatre.org/component/content/article/12.


Wild Side of the Museum
September 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

September 15 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a Friday Family Fun Night!  This time, it’s the “Wild Side of the Museum!” It’s date night for the whole family with a live animal presentation from Blandford Nature Center, the Sensory Safari Mobile Wildlife Education Center from the Michigan Chapter of Safari Club International, and wildlife themed stations throughout the museum.  For more information, call 231-724-5524.


SJO Supercross Event
September 16 @ 5:00 pm – September 17 @ 5:00 pm

Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 at 5:00pm, come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for the SJO Supercross Event featuring motorcycle and quad racing.  Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth 11 and under.  For more information, call 231-788-4568.


Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery: Open Mic Night

The Muskegon Center for the Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery the third Saturday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, theater, poetry, etc., come and express is on stage or just enjoy the show!  This free event is for persons 18 years and older.  Donations are always welcome and help to keep the gallery open.  For more information, find them on Facebook.

The gallery is located downtown at 356 W. Western Ave. in the basement of Century Building.


Muskegon Lumberjacks Pre-Season Home Game
September 16 @ 7:00 pm

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch their first pre-season game Saturday, September 16 at 7:15pm as they take on the Bloomington Thunder at the L.C. Walker Arena.  Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.


Star Gazing Open House
September 16 @ 7:30 pm

The Muskegon Astronomical Society is a 501(C3) non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to enjoy and promote amateur astronomy.  The activities of the society give amateur astronomers opportunities to meet and share experiences with others interested in amateur astronomy.  The Society was founded in 1972, incorporated in 1978, and given 501(C3) non-profit status in 1987.  They have gone from a small dome in town to a multi-building complex at the Muskegon Wastewater System.  Today the society continues to flourish thanks to the hard work and dedication of its members.

You are invited to a Star Gazing Open House Saturday, September 16 at 7:53pm (sunset) to view the solar eclipse at their observatory.  There is no charge.  They will be viewing the night sky with telescopes.  As you wait for night, you might get a tour of the facility or a presentation.  They’ll introduce you to amateur astronomy and have plenty of handouts on how to get started.  If an open house is cloudy, it’s cancelled.  If weather conditions are questionable, call (231) 777-1013 to find out the status of a particular event.

Come equipped!  Flashlights can be helpful for finding your way around in the dark, but should be kept directed toward the ground so as not to interfere with observing activities.  Insect repellent and warm clothing (particularly for feet, head and hands) are strongly encouraged during appropriate seasons.  While the clubhouse has heat and A/C, the rest of the facility is open to the night air.

If you wish to visit the facility at another date and time, wish to bring a group to an open house or wish to schedule a special open house, please contact them via email at mas@wmich-astro.org before the next regular meeting so they can schedule the manpower needed.


Chef Prize
September 17 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, September 17 from 11:00am – 4:00pm, come to Hampton Green Farm for Chef Prize!  Enjoy the tastes, sights and smells of chefs from local restaurants in Muskegon, Spring Lake, Holland, Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, as well as food-related vendors and beverage vendors.  Watch featured chefs and judges:  Martial Noguier from Bistronomic in Chicago and Chef Boyer from France, as they perform a live cooking demonstration.  Enjoy music and vintage cars, as well as touring Hampton Green’s Dressage barns throughout the event.

Judges will choose the top winners in these categories;  Best Gourmet Food, Best Pub Food, Best Dessert.

All proceeds from this event will benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan and its mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in an effort to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

For more information contact Claudia at Hampton Green Farms at (231) 206-2534 or cfbryant53@gmail.com, or Susie at the Make-A-Wish Foundation at (616) 363-4607 or sziegler@michigan.wish.org.