Monthly Archives: November 2017

Kuis Drain News

In 2014, the County Drain Commissioner held a board of determination (BOD) for the Kuis drain. Over 200 people attended the meeting, although many were opposed the BOD decided to approve the drain project. The county did take the drain commission to court, not wanting to incur any cost for that drain and lost, they appealed and lost there as well. Fruitport Township chose not to file suit against the Drain Commission. One resident filed, however dropped the suit before going to court. The minutes to the Board of determination meeting, as well as the engineering findings, are on the County Drain Commission website. Fruitport attended, with its attorney, a public meeting with the DEQ & Drain Commission concerning the drain. The DEQ did not find a need to alter the drain project.

The township’s attorney gave his opinion that we would need to spend a great deal of Public funds to hire an engineering firm to re-evaluate the drain and bring a different conclusion to an appeal court regarding the condition of the drain and the boundary. This would need to be compelling enough to have the court of appeals agree with a different opinion. He stated this would be very difficult, as well as costly, if we could even find an engineering firm with a different opinion. The Drain Commission has, by law, the authority to establish and assess drain projects. The township has no authority to create or halt a drain project that is deemed necessary and conducive to public health, convenience and welfare.

The township’s current administration has worked with the Drain Commissioner to help with some of the cost of the cleanout contract. The Commission’s engineer has gone line by line and has reduced some of the bid amount. MDOT is contributing over $200,000 for the work being done next to the highway, the township water department is paying for some of the work that is being done with regards to their water main, and the board removed a culvert replacement from the bid that Muskegon County Road Commission determined to have 25 years of life left in it. With no way to stop this process, (which could only have been done in 2014 at the Board of Determination and 10 days after with an appeal), the township is concentrating on reducing costs.

At the Fruitport Township Board meeting held on September 11, 2017, the Drain Commissioner was held up at another meeting; due to her arrival time being undetermined the board moved on to the next agenda items. The last item on the agenda was to go into closed session regarding a matter under the open meetings act, unrelated to the Kuis Drain. The Supervisor called the Drain Commissioners cell phone at that time and was unable to contact her. It was decided to move to the next agenda item and go into closed session. It was unfortunate the Drain Commissioner came shortly after that and the board was not there to hear comments from the audience. After the closed session the Drain Commissioner did update the board and the township board expressed its concerns regarding the necessity, scope and cost of the project.

2017 Festival of Trees opens November 22 at Muskegon Museum of Art

treesThe Muskegon Museum of Art Festival of Trees returns in 2017 for its 13th year as a community holiday tradition. The 2017 Festival of Trees will be open Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, December 3, daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, noon to 5:00 pm on Sundays, and closed on Thanksgiving. Holiday traditions of different countries inspire this year’s festival theme and displays. Professionally designed themed trees and décor will be available for purchase through silent auction over the 11 days of the Festival. Raffles, music, seasonal and holiday shopping, and special events will add to the fun.

Purchase Festival admission tickets at the door: $10 Adult, $5 MMA Member, $3 child 3-17 yrs. (under 3 free), $15 All Festival Pass

Special events include:

•  November 11 Pre-Festival Free Family Fun Day: Origami Super Saturday
•  November 22 First Day Food Drive
•  November 24 Meijer Family Day
•  November 25 Teddy Bear Breakfast
•  November 26 Deck Your Halls centerpiece design workshop
•  November 28 Senior Day
•  December 1 Muffins & Mimosas Fashion Show
•  December 1 & 3 A Christmas Carol as presented by Tom Harryman
•  November 24, 25, and December 2 Visits with Santatreefest

Purchase advance tickets for Teddy Bear Breakfast, Deck Your Halls, and A Christmas Carol performance by calling (231) 720-2580.

Festival Title Sponsor is Arconic/Whitehall Operations. Nichols is Festival Co-Sponsor.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday, November 11, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Origami Super Saturday
Pre-Festival Free Family Fun Day
Ms. Ronace will lead our youngest team to flip and fold unique origami ornaments for the Super Saturday Holiday Tree, which will be part of the Festival of Trees event. Youth participants will get a free Festival of Trees admission ticket. Activities also include guided tours and a family film. Admission and activities are free. Underwritten by Arconic/Whitehall Operations.

Wednesday, November 22
First Day Food Drive
Half off adult admission price with a food donation for Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Regular adult admission: $10

Friday, November 24, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family Day
Santa and kids’ activities. Special Family Day adult ticket price: $5. Kids get in free on Family Day. Visit with Santa 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Sponsored by Meijer

Saturday, November 25, 8:30 – 10:30 am
Teddy Bear Breakfast
Especially fun for kids ages 3-8 years old. Breakfast, Santa, teddy bear checkup, and more! $12 per adult, $7 per child ages 17 and under. Includes Festival admission. Reserve tickets early. This event always sells out. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase.
Sponsored by Hines Corp.

Sunday, November 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Holiday Centerpiece Make & Take Workshop
With Deb Moon, Le Fleur Shoppe, and Skeeter Parkhouse, Wasserman’s Floral and Gifts. Space is limited. Tickets: $30 per person/$25 MMA member/$35 at the door. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase. Includes refreshments and Festival admission. Cash bar. Sponsored by Floyd & Caron Farmer

Tuesday, November 28, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Festival of Trees Senior Day
Special Senior Day half-off ticket price: $5 for ages 65+. Free coffee and cookies, vendor samples, door prizes, and more! For large groups, call 231.720.2571. Sponsored by Sonus Hearing Care Professionals

Friday, December 1, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Muffins and Mimosas Fashion Show
MMA volunteers will model the new line of fashion clothing from the MMA gift shop. Free with Festival of Trees admission. Refreshments provided. Cash bar. Call 231.720.2587 for more information.

Friday, December 1 and Sunday, December 3
A Christmas Carol
As presented by Tom Harryman
Friday Evening, December 1, 7:30 pm
Sunday Matinee, December 3, 2:00 pm
$15 adult, $10 MMA member, $5 15 years & under
Tom Harryman’s masterful one-man performance of the Christmas classic. Friday night performance will be preceded by a cocktail hour starting at 6:30 pm.

Visit with Santa!
Bring your camera!
Friday, November 24, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 25, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 2, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Fruitport Charter Township Board Meeting Agenda – 11/13/17

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

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 10/23/2017
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence/reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Retirement celebration for Randy Lee
B. Second Reading: Rental Unit Registration Restatement Amendment Ordinance
C. Public Hearing: Police Special Assessment Roll

08. New Business
A. Discussion: Quarterline Rd. (between Pontaluna-Judson)
B. Discussion: Resolution for land use fees
C. Budget amendments

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: Andrea Anderson, Fruitport Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 (231) 865-3151

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 11/06/17 – 11/13/17

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


Movies at the Library: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
November 7 @ 5:30 pm  –  7:30 pm

Come to Hackley Public Library to see free movies on the first Tuesday of the month!   November 7 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy as they screen “Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them.” (PG-13)

In 1926, Newt Scamander just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures.   Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.   The movie runs 133 minutes.   Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.   www.hackleylibrary.org


Planetarium Christmas Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 pm  –  7:35 pm

November 2 – December 14, come to Carr-Fless Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the Christmas show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star!”   This modern look at the Christmas story is an annual favorite.   As we look at significant astronomical events visible in the sky in the time of Jesus’ birth, we’ll see which of the “sky signs” was remarkable enough to have caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem, and investigate possible dates for the sighting of the “star” which lead them to Jesus.   This is a 35-minute presentation. (No show on Thanksgiving Day, November 23).   For more information, call  (231) 777-0289.


White Lake Classical Series: Marty Gabert on Marimba
November 7 @ 7:00 pm

Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the “White Lake Classical Series” featuring Marty Gabert on Marimba!   The cover charge is $5.   Come early (6:15pm) for dinner featuring Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast, mushroom risotto, vegetable, glass of house wine and dessert for only $17.   For more information, or to RSVP, call 231-894-5333.

About the performance:   The word marimba, Guatemalan in origin, means the wood that sings.   It has a sound that most audiences have never heard before.   The marimba has its roots in prehistory when man first struck pieces of rock on wood and heard a musical sound.   In concert, Marty shows that the marimba has now evolved to be as powerful as an orchestra.   His program, Music for a Small Room, is the perfect introduction for all audiences to the marimba and to new music.


Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 8 @ 10:30 am

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 a home game Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30am as the Jacks take on the Bloomington Thunder at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.


MCC Veterans Salute
November 8 @ 11:00 am

Because Veterans Day falls on a weekend this year, a Veterans Salute will take place mid-week at Muskegon Community College on Wednesday, November 8, at 11:00am by the flagpole located near the main building entrance.    MCC student veterans will raise the flag and post the colors.   U.S. Army veteran Jerry Conrad, an MCC adjunct instructor and local businessman, will serve as the emcee and will lead the pledge of allegiance.   Rev. William Anderson, an Air Force veteran and pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Muskegon, will deliver the invocation.

MCC Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. John Selmon will welcome those in attendance.   SPC Andrew Worcester, an MCC student and U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, will provide remarks.

Following a moment of silence, the VFW Muskegon County Council will deliver a 21-gun salute and, following the playing of “Taps” by MCC student Bri Holtrop, will retire the colors.   The ceremony will close with a Benediction by Rev. Anderson.


Artists’ Reception: “In Between Here and Gone: Works by Cara O’Brien and Diane Zoellmer”
November 8 @ 3:30 pm  –  5:00 pm

The Muskegon Community College Overbrook Art Gallery will feature the color photography of Diane Zoellmer and the mixed media sculptures of Cara O’Brien in an exhibit titled “In Between Here and Gone: Works by Cara O’Brien and Diane Zoellmer” from November 6 – December 14.   This exhibit is free and open to the public.   Overbrook Gallery hours are from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater.   A free public artists’ reception will be held Wednesday, November 8, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm with a gallery talk by the artists at 4:00pm.   Call (231)777-0324 for more information.


Thursday Night Music Club: Max & Ruth Bloomquist
November 9 @ 7:00 pm

The Norton Shores Library hosts Ruth & Max Bloomquist on Thursday, November 9 at 7:00pm as part of the Thursday Night Music Club!   One of Muskegon’s most beloved musical groups, Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been performing together for over forty years!   Ruth’s award winning abilities as a songwriter and singer are accented by Max’s harmony and touch on the upright bass.   With influences of folk, bluegrass, and country, they have created a heart touching, audience pleasing acoustic Americana that is all their own.   Ruth’s trademark rich alto is unmistakable, and her songs evoke images and emotions common to us all.   This event is free and open to the public.    For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .


Justin Moore: Hell on a Highway Tour
November 10 @ 8:00 am  –  5:00 pm

Justine Moore’s “Hell on a Highway Tour” is coming to  the LC Walker Arena Friday, November 10!   His special guest will be Dylan Scott.   Tickets go on sale Friday, October 6 and will be available at the LC Walker Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-585-3737, and online at  www.startickets.com.

“Hell On A Highway Tour” is Moore’s fourth headlining tour, having just wrapped up his “American Made Tour” with Lee Brice back in April and will span seven months, taking the Arkansas native from coast to coast.


Holiday Wine Tasting at SE4SONS
November 10 @ 5:30 pm  –  8:30 pm

Friday, November 10 at 5:30pm, come to SE4SONS Gastro Pub for a fun evening of wine tasting, delicious food and friends!   It is a great opportunity to stock up on libations for the holiday season.   The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes tasting and appetizers.   Please call 231-755-3737 to let  them know you are attending.


West Michigan Symphony Presents: Enigma Variations
November 10 @ 7:30 pm  –  10:00 pm

Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the  West Michigan Symphony presents Enigma Variations!

Bohuslav Rattay, conductor
Guest Artist – Andrew Spencer, Timpani

Debussy – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Daugherty – Raise the Roof
Andrew Spencer, Timpani
Elgar – Enigma Variations

Claude Debussy’s revolutionary Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun opens this program.   Former WMS principal timpanist Andrew Spencer returns for Michael Daugherty’s timpani concerto, Raise the Roof.   Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations pay musical tributes to the composer’s illustrious and fascinating friends.   The works ends triumphantly with allusions to the earlier variations.   For more information, call  231-726-3231.


Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 11  –  November 12

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 two home games, Saturday, November 11 at 7:15pm and Sunday, November 12 at 3:15pm as the Jacks take on the Youngstown Phantoms at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.


Origami Super Saturday
November 11 @ 10:00 am  –  3:00 pm

November 11 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for an Origami Super Saturday!   This free family fun day features instruction for kids on how to flip and fold their own unique origami ornaments for the 6th Super Saturday Holiday Tree, which will be part of the Festival of Trees event that starts November 22.   Youth participants will get a free Festival of Trees admission ticket.   Admission and activities are free on 2nd Saturdays of the month.   For more information, call 231-720-2570.

10:00am & 1:00pm
Film:   “Origami Fun For Kids, Too!” (92 mins.)   This film will show the basic techniques to successfully make various origami pieces. Beginners of all ages can watch and learn how to create a Masu Box, with lid and divider, a Chaos Cube, a Trick Sailboat, a Basketball Hoop, a Makoto Koma (spinning top), a Jumping Frog, and a Handbag/Gift bag

11:00am – 1:00pm
Guided Look:   Find the geometric shapes in the artwork located upstairs in the galleries.   Can you fold paper to mimic those shapes?   How are those shapes alike or different from origami pieces you created?

11:00am – 2:00pm
Make & Take:   Flip and fold your own origami ornament to decorate the Super Saturday Tree that will be a part of the Festival of Trees.


Holiday Canvas Painting Class
November 11 @ 10:00 am  –  12:00 pm

Saturday, November 11 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, you’re invited to an art class at First Presbyterian Church where you’ll paint your very own Christmas Tree on canvas under the instruction of art teacher, Robin Civis.   $20 covers all materials and instruction.   You’ll be amazed at what you can do!   For more information, call 231-759-1275.


Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 @ 11:00 am

A Veterans Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00am at the Causeway Veterans Memorial Park.    The guest speaker will be Lupe Alviar Jr., a founding member of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 31 in Muskegon, a national VVA committee member, and a member of the Muskegon County Veteran Affairs Advisory Board.    The Reeths-Puffer Middle School Band will perform under the direction of Rich Erne.   The posting of the colors and a 21-gun rifle salute will be conducted by Don Rea VFW Post #8846 of North Muskegon.   The Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution will lay wreaths.


Pasta, Passion and Pistols Murder Mystery Event
November 11 @ 5:00 pm  –  8:00 pm

October through May, Bygone Basics Cooking School and Amanda’s Bequest B & B offer a Murder Mystery Dinner on occasional Saturdays.   Participants act out the roles with scripts and as much hilarity as they wish!   “Pasta, Passion & Pistols” is the murder mystery Saturday, November 11.   The mystery activities and dinner last from 5:00pm until around 8:00pm.   Registered attendees will be assigned their roles in advance so they can arrive in character.   You do not have to be a lodging guest at Amanda’s Bequest to participate, but why not!   It will enhance the fun and remove night time driving.

Hurry, seating is limited!   To register, click the “Book Now” link on the website, e-mail relax@amandasbequest.com or call 231-740-4065.

B&B Guest – $38
Non-Lodging – $48
Adult themed.   No one under 18 years old please.

“Pasta, Passion & Pistols”
Will you be Rocco Scarfazzi, or perhaps you will attend as Father Al Fredo?   You’ll find out once you register to attend this drop dead fun Murder Mystery!
Here’s the Scene:   The succulent aroma of home cooked pasta is drifting from New York City’s most popular Italian eatery, La Speranza, but something else is heating up in the kitchen…Cold-blooded murder!   Restauranteur Pepi Roni has been shot in the back with his own pistol.   Tonight his family and friends will gather to pay their respects to poor Pepi, but one of the guests won’t be shedding any tears.


Performances @The Block: Andrew Spencer – Percussionist
November 11 @ 7:30 pm  –  10:00 pm

Saturday, November 11 at 7:30pm, come to The Block as former West Michigan Symphony principal timpanist Andrew Spencer performs music featuring compelling percussion sounds.   An active recitalist and clinician, Spencer has performed as a soloist in the United States, Poland, Japan, Canada and Costa Rica. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.   Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.


Girls Night: The Musical
November 11 @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 11 at 7:30pm, come to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater to see the Off-Broadway sensation that audiences can’t get enough of from coast to coast, “Girls Night: The Musical!!   Share the fun and laughter in this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends re-live their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild night out!   Featuring the most famous female empowerment hits of the last four decades including “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” “I Will Survive” and many more!

Tickets are $51, $41 and $26.   For more information, call 231-727-8001.


Hawks and Owls String Band
November 13 @ 6:00 pm  –  7:00 pm

Monday, November 13 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the Hawks and Owls String Band!   Bruce Ling, leader of Hawks and Owls and one of Michigan’s finest musical treasures, is a River-side mystic, eloquent storyteller and passionate caretaker of America’s collection of traditional music.   With stage performances that combine the expressive style of Garrison Keillor or Will Rogers, he paints musical portraits celebrating the colorful history of rural America with a broad repertoire of both original and time-savored traditional folk songs.   As a collector of tunes and songs, Bruce understands the importance of keeping the history of this timeless musical genre alive and well.   He shares his keen knowledge with caring and passion, and his inspiration has propelled a legion of young musicians to continue playing these songs,a true testament to Ling’s talents as a teacher and mentor.   www.hackleylibrary.org


Michigan Underground: A Writer’s Journey
November 13 @ 7:00 pm

On Monday, November 13 at 7:00pm, the Norton Shores Library hosts “Michigan Underground: A Writer’s Journey” with local author R.C. Robotham.    November is National Novel Writing Month!   Join local author R. C. Robotham  as he shares how his interest and research into the abolitionist movement along the western shore of Lake Michigan introduced him to the likes of Jonathan Walker, Rev. William Ferry and Chief Cobmoosa and led to the writing of his novel,  In Sight of Freedom.   This program is free and open to the public ages 18 and up.   For additional information contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .

Shoreline Symphony Performs “The Power of Destiny” Concert

The Shoreline Symphony will present a concert entitled “The Power of Destiny” on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at the Frauenthal Center, 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan.

Fate is “knocking at the door” as the Shoreline Symphony plays its first concert in the Frauenthal Center. The central work on the program is Beethoven’s well-known Symphony No.5. Additional selections include the overture to Verdi’s opera, La forza del destino (The Power of Destiny), and Schicksalslied (Song of Fate) by Brahms, featuring the Muskegon Chamber Choir.

Admission is $8 for adults and free for students and for children under 18. Tickets are only available through the Frauenthal Center. To purchase them, you may:
• Call the Frauenthal box office at 231-727-8001.
• Visit www.frauenthal.org. Tickets are sold online up until two hours before each concert.
• On the night of the concert, tickets may be purchased at the Frauenthal box office, 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan.

Preceding the concert, Shoreline Symphony Director Annette Jurcevic will host a brief discussion about the ideas of fate and destiny, the music, and the composers who wrote it. Audience members are invited to ask questions and participate in a dialogue. The pre-concert discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.

This is the first performance in Shoreline Symphony’s 2017-2018 season, Magic and Mystery.

Established in September 2012, the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra is celebrating its sixth season of creating quality classical music for Muskegon area audiences. Led by founding director Annette Jurcevic, the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra brings together professional and amateur musicians who play alongside students and faculty from several area colleges and universities. The non-profit organization is the only all-volunteer orchestra in the Muskegon area to include woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.

For more event information, contact Annette Jurcevic at 512-914-8628 or sajurcevic@gmail.com.