Monthly Archives: October 2018

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 10/08/18

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

OCTOBER 8, 2018

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 9/24/18 & 9/28/18
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Motion Dynamics IFT request
B. OPEB discussion

08. New Business
A. Health insurance discussion
B. MCCR of Muskegon request for Charitable Gaming License
C. Yard sale discussion

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

Ottawa County Tackles Challenging Groundwater Issues with Proactive Planning

One of the last places you would expect to encounter a challenge with ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh groundwater is Ottawa County. Situated along 24 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, with the Grand River traversing its landscape and Lake Macatawa and Spring Lake within its borders, Ottawa County is a popular destination for recreation, business, and living. Access to water is perceivably abundant. However, the water that is located underground and out of view, which is used by thousands of residents as their primary source of fresh drinking water as well as by farmers to irrigate their crops, is at risk.

Originally alerted to groundwater concerns nearly a decade ago, Ottawa County hired Michigan State University (MSU) in 2011 to conduct a comprehensive study of the quality and sustainability of the County’s groundwater system. MSU’s scientific findings released in Spring 2018 confirmed the anecdotal evidence—water levels in the deep bedrock aquifer are declining, and chloride concentrations in the water are increasing. Moreover, the findings of this study support what we’ve known all along—water conservation is critical, even in our Great Lakes State.

MSU’s groundwater study points to unique geological features located underneath several communities in the central areas of Ottawa County as a contributing factor to the groundwater challenge. These areas are seeing declining groundwater levels due to thick layers of clay deposits that prevent water from re-entering the bedrock aquifer locally. As groundwater is continually pumped out of the aquifer, the system is not being “recharged” fast enough to keep up with demand. Furthermore, as the water levels continue to decline, naturally occurring brines (salt) found in the bedrock aquifer are mixing with the groundwater at an increasing rate, resulting in a higher concentration of chloride in the water.  Elevated levels of sodium chloride in water can corrode pipes, damage crops, and potentially exacerbate health concerns among individuals with high blood pressure. The Static Water Levels (SWLs), which is the level of water in a well when the pump is not operating, have actually been on the decline in this area since the 1960s. Extensive historical data shows that some areas of the County have seen a drop of as much as 40 feet over the last 50+ years. Estimates show that if water consumption continues on the current path without intervention, these areas will see another 10 to 15-foot decline in the next 20 years. A decline of this magnitude could result in wells that are inoperable due to reduced or minimally available water resources or unusable because of high chloride concentrations.

Effective water management and planning is key to reversing these issues. “The groundwater concern in Ottawa County is not unresolvable,” said John Yellich, Director of the Michigan Geological Survey. “Other areas of the country have faced similar challenges, and they’ve been able to develop successful strategies to ensure a sustainable water supply.” Another important factor in Ottawa County’s planning effort is to promote and reinforce the need for all residents and businesses to practice water conservation. Paul Sachs, Director of Ottawa County’s Planning and Performance Improvement Department, added, “As the County, West Michigan, and Michigan as a whole continue to prosper, the need for everyone to recognize and practice water conservation will become increasingly more important. Our fresh water supply is not unlimited.”

The County’s Plan for managing its groundwater resources into the future is a collaborative effort that involves multiple partners including, but not limited to, Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute, Michigan Geological Survey, Michigan Groundwater Association, the County Department of Public Health, and County Road Commission Public Utilities Department, among many other stakeholders, scientists, experts, and local decision-makers.

To learn more about how Ottawa County is proactively addressing this groundwater issue and what you can do to help, go to www.miOttawa.org/groundwater. Here you can watch a short video titled “Managing Our Groundwater,” read in-depth about the County’s Groundwater Study and the conceptual Groundwater Management Plan, utilize an interactive groundwater mapping tool, and learn ways to conserve water at your home or workplace.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Receives National Award for Promoting Organ Donation

Nearly 65 percent of Michigan adults have joined Organ Donor Registry

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Secretary of State Ruth Johnson receives award from Gift of Life Michigan CEO Dorrie Dils

The national organ donation advocacy group Donate Life America has awarded Secretary of State Ruth Johnson its DMV Innovation Award for her and her office’s efforts to promote organ donation and encourage people to join the state’s donor registry, she announced today.

Johnson praised and thanked Secretary of State staff today during the announcement at the Flint Area SUPER!Center for their tireless efforts that resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of people on the donor registry. The secretary was joined by Gift of Life Michigan CEO Dorrie Dils; John Gleason, the Genesee County clerk and a donation recipient; and representatives from Eversight, the state’s cornea and eye tissue recovery program.

“I’m so proud of our team and grateful for this honor,” Johnson said. “We’re seeing miracles happen every day with organ, tissue and cornea donation thanks to these great people. It’s been a privilege working with them.”

Johnson made huge changes in the way the Secretary of State’s Office approached organ donation when she took office in 2011. Working with her partners, she created an advisory task force, put organ donor reminders on widely-used forms, enlisted social media and directed employees to ask customers if they wanted to sign up, doubling the percentage of names on the list. About 85 percent of people who sign up do so through the Secretary of State’s Office.

Since that time, the registry has grown from 27 percent of Michigan adults in 2011 to more than 64 percent to date, with the registry now topping 5 million names. The Secretary of State’s Flint Super!Center, host site for today’s event, added more than 49,000 people to the registry during that timeframe, mostly from Oakland and Genesee counties.

Fruitport Board of Education Workshop Minutes – 09/24/18

Fruitport Board of Education
Board Workshop
September 24, 2018 6:00 p.m.
Board Room

I. The Workshop of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

II. ROLL CALL: Present – Jill Brott, Elroy Buckner, Tim Burgess, Kris Cole, Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, and Steve Kelly.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 18-124. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
Item 18-125. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Buckner to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2018.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. District Data Update
Curriculum Director, Allison Camp shared M-Step data.

3. Superintendent Evaluation
Dave Hazekamp and Steve Kelly shared superintendent evaluation information. They discussed a completion date and scheduled the next board workshop.

Item 18-126. Schedule a Board Workshop. MOTION by Hazekamp, SECOND by Kelly to schedule a board workshop for October 15, 2018 following the regular board meeting. Roll call vote: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

4. ACEs Update
Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak shared information on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and how the new Navigator is taking steps to inform staff and administration about building relationships.

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
Item 18-127. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/01/18 – 10/08/18

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

Fall Seniors’ Retreat
September 30 – October 3
September 30 – October 3 from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day, come to Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference for the Fall Seniors’ Retreat!  Enjoy several days of Bible teaching, worship, fellowship and fun with other adults aged 55 and older.  The featured speaker will be Knute Larson and the worship leader is Burt Kettinger.  Group discounts are available.  For more information, call 231-798-2161.

“Truth: Works by Brenda Beerhorst and Cathy Marashi”
October @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“Truth: Works By Brenda Beerhorst and Cathy Marashi” will be on exhibit in Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Art Gallery from September 24 – October 25.  Admission is free and the gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater.  On Thursday, October 4, a free public reception will take place from 4:00pm – 5:30pm.  The artists will discuss their artwork at 4:30pm.  For more information, contact the MCC Arts and Humanities Department at (231) 777-0324.

Silversides Submarine Museum: Fall 2018 Lecture Series
October 1 @ 6:00 pm
The USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites you to join them for their Fall 2018 Lecture Series!  The lectures will all be on Monday nights and begin at 6:00pm.  This year, the lectures will be held in their newly renovated theater on the first floor of the museum.  The cost to attend is $5.00 per person, per lecture.  If you are a member, your admission ticket to the lecture is included with your membership.  For more information, call (231) 755-1230.
•  October 1 – World War II Asia/Fred Johnson
•  October 8 – World War II Europe/Kurt Troutman and George Maniates
•  October 15 – Korean War/Ron Janowski
•  October 22 – Vietnam War/Jim Smither
•  October 29 – D-Day/Ed Gordon
•  November 5 – War Road Trip Summary/Bill Jacobks

Roll On Muskegon
Mondays @ 6:30 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.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show!  Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams!  Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge.  Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week.  For more information, call (231) 726-4007.

Muskegon Farmers’ Market & Flea Market
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market is more than a market, it’s an experience!  The summer market season for 2018 is May – November from 8:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays.  The Flea Market at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday, May – October from 8:00am – 2:00pm.  For more information, call (231)722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin Fall Activities
October @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
September 29 – October 27 on Saturdays from 10:00am – 5:00pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Weesies Brothers Garden Center & Landscaping invites you to join them for Spookley the Square Pumpkin Fall Activities!  Weesie’s is spreading Halloween cheer and bringing awareness to the issues of bullying and how to put an end to it!
Come join the fun at their Montague location featuring Spookley Trail Rides and Pumpkin Patch Wagon Rides where you can pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch!  Be sure to visit Spookley’s Playground with new attractions and activities.  It’s lots of fun for the whole family!
Rain may delay or cancel some activities so be sure to call ahead of time at 231-894-4742 if the weather is bad.  The last wagon to the pumpkin patch leaves at 4:30pm on Saturdays and 6:30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  The cost is 6 per person and includes all activities and a pumpkin.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin tells the story of a square pumpkin who lives in a round pumpkin patch.  Spookley initially faces ridicule from the other pumpkins for being different.  Then, one night during a terrible storm, Spookley saves the other pumpkins and they learn that what makes you different is what makes you special.  His story, available as both a book and DVD, delivers a message of tolerance and kindness in a fun format for kids.

Free Planetarium and Science Museum at Muskegon Community College
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
Carr-Fles Planetarium, room 135: “Oasis in Space” transports the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy, and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth. This 35-minute program will run August 28 – October 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm. No reservations are needed.
John Bartley Science Museum, room 141: (across the hall from the planetarium) has new exhibits on electricity and magnetism. Open 9:00am – 4:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9:00am – 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays so you can visit before the planetarium show.  Fridays are by appointment only.
For more information, or to schedule a free, private visit for your group, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

White Lake Classical Series: Gregory Maytan
October 2 @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the White Lake Classical Series featuring Gregory Maytan on violin playing the music of Mozart, Biber, and Sibelius!  The cover is $5.
Gregory Maytan has been praised for his ‘infectious vitality’ and for his ‘lyrical freshness’ by The Strad, who also awarded his CD of Scandinavian music with the distinction of CD of the Month.  The Nordsee Zeitung, Strings Magazine and the American Record Guide have also reviewed Maytan’s performances favorably.
Come early (6:15pm) for a delicious dinner of Italian garlic pork tenderloin, rosemary mashed potatoes, green beans with water chestnuts, glass of house wine and apple pie for only $17.  RSVP to The Book Nook & Java Shop at (231) 894-5333.

The Grape Escape
October 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, the Muskegon Rotary Club invites you to join them for The Grape Escape!  This annual fundraising event promotes goodwill in the community, supports community projects, and directly benefits a local charity.  It includes a night of food, wine and beer tasting as well as a silent auction.  For the 15th year, they are focusing on the many years of philanthropy and goodwill the event has provided and they hope to continue the tradition for many more years.  Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online at www.startickets.com or at the Frauenthal Center Box Office.  For more information, call 231-727-8001.

ahFest Film Fest: Doubt
October 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art to enjoy a free screening of the film “Doubt” as part of Muskegon Community College’s ahFest (Arts and Humanities Festival)!
“What do you do when you’re not sure?” So asks Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a progressive priest at the St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx, in his sermon.  It’s 1964, and things are changing, to the chagrin of rigid principal Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep).  However, when an accusation is leveled against the Father, Sister Aloysius realizes that the only way to get justice is to create it herself.  As for the truth of the matter, Father Flynn says, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.”  Director John Patrick Shanley’s characters balance on the thin line between truth and consequences.  Doubt: A Parable, will raise questions and answer none, leaving the audience to grapple with their uncertainties.
A Muskegon Community College instructor will introduce the film. Film admission, popcorn and cider are free.  Wine and beer will be available for purchase.  Auditorium doors close at 6:00pm.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Jason Quigno Sculpture Dedication, Reception & Lecture
October 4 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, October 4 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the unveiling of the newest addition to the Downtown Muskegon Public Art Collection, “Niikonii Kiinaa” or “All My Relations” by sculptor Jason Quigno.  The dedication of the sculpture takes place at 5:30pm at the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau located in the old Union Depot train station (610 W. Western Ave.).  Everyone will then gather at the Muskegon Museum of Art at 6:00pm for a reception and artist talk with Jason Quigno.  The dedication and reception are free and open to the public.  For more information, call 231-722-3751.
This project is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Downtown Arts Committee, Muskegon Museum of Art, City of Muskegon, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the County of Muskegon, and a generous cadre of individuals and businesses.

Swing Dance Lessons at SE4SONS
October 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join swing dance instructor, Becky Biesiada, at SE4SONS for a series of 3 classes in March!  This is a fun opportunity to learn something new!  Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour deals!  Classes are limited to the first 30 participants.  Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a Muskegon CC Member to participate.  Call 231-755-3737 for reservations today!
Variety of Swing
Class Dates:  October 4, 11, 18
Class Time:  6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $85 per couple/ $60 per single

Dr. Alveda King:  Redeeming the Dream
October 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 4 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for “ Redeeming the Dream” as part of Muskegon Community College’s ahFest!  This is a community-wide educational event to benefit Muskegon Pregnancy Services featuring Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Alveda King, the daughter of the late civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King and his wife Naomi Barber King, grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Her family home in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed, as was her father’s church office in Louisville, Kentucky.  She was jailed during the Open Housing movement.  Dr. Alveda King sees the pro-life movement as a continuation of the civil rights struggle.
Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for those under 21.  For tickets or more information, call 231-727-8001.
ahFest 2018:
The Muskegon Area Arts & Humanities Festival joins hundreds of arts and humanities organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October. The Festival brings awareness of the arts and humanities to the people of our community through activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyday life.
In October 2018, various arts, humanities, and community groups will collaborate on Muskegon’s 18th Annual Muskegon Area Arts & Humanities Festival.  The festival’s mission is to celebrate, acknowledge and examine the world of ideas as they are expressed in the arts and humanities.  The festival encourages the entire community to explore cultural, artistic and educational events centered on a central theme.
The theme for 2018 will be Truth.

Haunted Hall 2018
Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Haunted Hall 2018 is excited to be at the Lakes Mall again!  Open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, the cost is $15 for FOUR haunts!  If you bring in non-perishable food goods for Love, Inc. you will receive a $1 discount per item, with a limit of three items.
They HIGHLY recommend people follow them on Facebook to receive notifications of special deals and ticket give-aways!  FAQ’s can be found on their website at www.hauntedhall.com.
This year’s theme is the Old State Hospital Complex:
Not necessarily for the criminally insane – more like for TB patients, special need folks, or those society wanted to forget.  Have underground tunnels (old campuses used to have them to connect to areas). They also tended to have some sort of industrial area or workshop that patients could work in, with ours being a meat-packing plant.  The tunnels and meat-packing plant had a torture area.  They were also used to dispose of patients who died.  On a lighter note, in order to prevent the patients from rebelling, the hospital made sure to provide entertainment, this year in the form of a 3D Circus!

Dallas String Quartet “DSQ Electric”
October 5 @ 7:30 pm
October 5 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for a free performance by DSQ Electric!  This international music sensation offers a fusion of classical and contemporary music on both traditional and electric strings.  With the 2016 release of their fourth album “DSQ,” they continue to expand their passionate following on Pandora, Spotify, and Sirius XM radio.  DSQ performs as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar.
The Wall Street Journal, A & E, WFAA- ABC, and ESPN have all featured Dallas String Quartet Electric.  In addition to performing Internationally, DSQ has performed “at home” for Presidents Obama and Bush, The College Football Playoff, NBA and NFL Organizations.  DSQ has sold out venues like the House of Blues and Symphony Halls alike.  They have played alongside Josh Groban, Chicago and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Comprised of composer and violinist Ion Zanca, violinists Eleanor Dunbar and Melissa Priller, bassist Young Heo, guitarist Anthony Plant and percussionist/drummer Efren Guzman, DSQ takes you on a journey to the nexus of classical music and modern pop where artists like Beethoven and Bono collide.
To learn more about DSQ, visit www.robinklingerentertainment.com/project/dallas-string-quartet.  The show is free, but you do need tickets which will be available through the box office beginning September 5 at 11:00am.  For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Buster Keaton Film: The Great Buster
October 6
One Night Only!  October 6 at 8:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for the Buster Keaton feature film The Great Buster by Peter Bogdanovich. This film starts in select theaters October 5 and Muskegon will show it One Night Only October 6, as well as the short film “THE LOVE NEST” (20 min.). Both are silent films starring Buster Keaton.  Tickets are $8. This is certain to please Buster Keaton aficionados and newcomers alike! To become a member of the Keaton Society visit www.busterstuff.com.

Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour
October 6 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant Fall colors at the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour! This free self-guided tour happens October 6, 13 and 20 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. “Color Tourers” can pick up a map at either the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau located in the historic Union Depot at 610 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon or at the White Lake Area Chamber/CVB at the Whitehall Depot 124 W. Hanson St. in downtown Whitehall. Using the map as a guide you’ll have the opportunity to visit stops along the way to win great prizes! Refreshments will be served at both the Muskegon and Whitehall Depots and kids will receive a free pumpkin that they can decorate on-the-spot. For more information call 231-724-3100.

Pasta Making with Chef Char
October 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, October 6, from 10:00am – 12:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Pasta Making with Chef Char!”
Homemade pasta is easy and delicious.  In this class, learn to make traditional egg pasta, spinach pasta and tomato pasta from scratch.  Take the pasta a step further and fill homemade ravioli with a delicious cheese and herb filling before cooking to perfection.  You will also make a big batch of homemade marinara sauce to try in class and take some home for later.  All culinary skills are welcome for ages 10 up through adults.  You will be using Kitchenaid attachments and old fashioned pasta rollers including a rolling pin!  For more information, call (231) 769-2202 or visit Eventbrite.com to sign up.

Free Historic Sites Tours to Muskegon County Residents
October 6 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays in October, from 10:00am – 4:00pm, Muskegon County residents can tour our historic sites for free!  Tours include the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era.  This is the museum’s way to say “thank you” to the residents of Muskegon County for supporting our millage each year!  For more information, call 231-722-0278 or visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.

White Lake Area Nature Walks
October 6 @ 10:30 am
Discover the beauty of the White Lake area!  Local naturalists will lead guided tours of local natural areas and cover a variety of topics relating to native plants and wildlife.  The walks are appropriate for adults and families; no children allowed without parents.  Walks will take place the first Saturday of the month, beginning in June 2 and continuing through October 6.  Walks begin at 10:30am sharp and last until approximately noon.
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.  Bring water and snacks if needed.  Other optional items include:  sunscreen, hat, umbrella, binoculars, sketchpad, and pencils or pens.  Walks will take place regardless of weather, unless conditions are unsafe.  Please call 231-893-4585 to confirm or if you have questions.

Knowsmoke Zombie Walk
October 6 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Calling All Zombies!  Saturday, October 6 from 12:00pm – 3:30pm, join the Knowsmoke Zombie Walk and declare yourself part of the smoke and vape free generation!  The Knowsmoke Zombie Walk starts with check-in at the Heritage Landing at 12:00pm.  Get tobacco zombie-fied and learn to do the zombie walk and then take to the Lakeshore Trail.  After the zombies have terrorized the trail, you will head back to Heritage Landing for tobacco reduction related festivities.  From 2:00pm – 3:30pm there will be light treats, fun activities, a monster dance, and more.  Prizes will be up for grabs for the best costume that displays the health hazards of tobacco use.  Every walker will receive a FREE Knowsmoke Zombie Walk collectible medal.  Youth age 13 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.  No pets, roller blades, bicycles, smoking or weapons are allowed for the safety of all participants.  For more information call (231) 724-1263.

Lighthouse Tours
October 6 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in October from 3:30pm – 6:00pm.  The cost is $2 for kids under 12, $3 for veterans and active duty military, and $4 for adults.  Private tours can be arranged for $50 per person.  For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Aquastar Cruises
October 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Aquastar is the new name of the Muskegon Lake-based cruise boat formerly known as the Port City Princess!  Hop aboard and get away from the world for an hour and a half as you explore beautiful Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake on an afternoon or sunset cruise.   As always, a cash bar and light snacks will be available.  The ticket price is $20.  Kids under 10 are admitted free with adults.  For more information or tickets, visit their website at https://aquastarcruises.com/ or call 231-903-0669.

Performances @ The Block: Organissimo
October 6 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 6 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for Organissimo, a jazz organ trio with a unique sound which combines jazz, blues, funk, soul and Latin Music.  Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.  Doors and bar open at 6:45pm.

Back Alley Comedy Club: T.J. Miller
October 8 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Monday, October 8 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for stand-up comedy from T.J. Miller!
Miller is one of the most sought after comedians in the comedy world, but not in the drama world, or the finance world.  He was named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” and EW’s “Next Big Things in Comedy”.  Miller’s voice stars in Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, BIG HERO 6.  You may recognize his non-animated face and body from his roles in FOX’s big screen comic book adaptation of DEADPOOL, the highest grossing R-rated film of all time, 2014’s surprise indie hit TRANSFORMERS 4, and Mike Judge’s HBO comedy series SILICON VALLEY, now in its third season.
Tickets are $27 in advance.  For more information, call (231) 755-1258