Monthly Archives: March 2019

Missing Women’s History

Women’s history month was instituted to celebrate the important role women have had in building history. This month celebrates women who have made famous impacts in fighting for justice and equality like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, as well as the many unrecognized efforts of women throughout history whose names are unknown.

During this month, we cannot forget the group of women who have been by far the most unrecognized and undervalued in all of history: the nearly 30 million women in America whose lives were taken from them in the womb since 1973.

Many speak about abortion as if it liberates women. In truth, abortion is a tool for discriminating against women. According to one estimate, more than 160 million women around the globe were denied the chance to impact the world because of sex-selection abortions and infanticides in recent decades. Women’s organizations should be outraged; it’s alarmingly unjust that tens of millions of women’s lives ended simply because they were female instead of male.

Sadly, this is not new. For many years before abortion became widely available, baby girls would often be tragically left to die by many parents who decided they wanted a boy instead. This still occurs in some countries today with alarming regularity. The problem has become so stark it’s a crime in some nations to use an ultrasound to learn the sex of your unborn child.

Some may see infanticide as more horrifying than having an abortion, but both options end the child’s life.

In recent weeks, many U.S. politicians including 44 U.S. Senators have sent the message that they see no difference between ending a child’s life in the womb or after birth. If the child is unwanted by the birth parents and targeted for abortion—as is the case for many millions of baby girls around the world—they would ignore infanticide through neglect if the abortion fails and results in a live birth instead.

So many politicians, celebrities—and of course, Planned Parenthood—widely praise abortion as the foundation of women’s rights, but by doing so they ignore the stories of hundreds of millions of women who were denied the most basic right to life. Abortion is a tool used over and over for discrimination and targeting of vulnerable lives deemed “unwanted.” So much more women’s history would be made if we simply valued the life of every little girl.

Trending Towards Life

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released their annual report on abortion statistics, showing that abortion rates are lower than ever. Though it is unacceptable that abortion should claim the lives of any number of children, it is encouraging to see this improving trend.

Looking at the CDC report is helpful for understanding the dynamics driving the abortion issue. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of the CDC data is not perfect. For example, California, Maryland, and New Hampshire all fail to report annual abortion data to the CDC.

The total number of abortions reported to the CDC in the U.S. decreased 2% from 652,639 in 2014 to 638,169 in 2015. According to the Guttmacher Institute—which polls abortion facilities directly—the total national figure for all 50 states was an estimated 926,200 in 2014. Both sources agree abortion is in decline.

Women in their 20s remain the largest demographic of those who have abortions. However, the average age of a woman having an abortion has been slowly increasing. Teen abortions continue to plummet, with their abortion rate decreasing by 54% since 2006.

The abortion ratio decreased from 2007 to 2015 for the three largest race/ethnicity groups. The ratio is the number of abortions compared to live births, meaning more women are choosing life. There are still large disparities between these groups. The ratio for non-Hispanic white women is 108 abortions per 1,000 live births, 152 for Hispanic women, and 403 for non-Hispanic black women.

A majority of women having abortions already have a child. The repeat abortion rate is high, with 43.6% of abortions being performed on women who have already had at least one prior abortion.

The steady decrease in abortions is encouraging; the hard work of the prolife movement is paying off and more women are choosing life. However, the numbers paint a tragic picture of many 20-something urban minorities who already have one child and believe abortion is their only viable option. Perhaps they are at the abortion facility for the second or third time.

While the prolife movement continues to enhance legal protection for unborn children, we will continue to reach women in desperate situations or trapped in a downward spiral. In order to see a day in which abortion is both illegal and unthinkable, we must educate more people about our supreme value that every human life is valuable.

Chris Gast
Director of Communication/Education
cgast@rtl.org

Active Shooter. What Would You Do?

Though we hope you are never faced with the situation, would you know what to do in the case of an active shooter? Hide? Evacuate?

Doing the right things can increase your odds of getting through alive. Nearly 1,000 residents have attended a “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” class held by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. This thought-provoking and engaging class provides strategies, guidance, and a plan for surviving an active shooter event.

Sessions are available on:

April 12  | Register | Share Facebook Event

May 8 | Register | Share Facebook Event

June 15 | Register | Share Facebook Event 

There is no cost for the class, but registration is required. Time of the sessions vary. See the registration page for details. All classes are held at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore, West Olive.

Secretary Benson Shares Ideas on Restoring Public Trust in State Government

More announcements planned for Sunshine Week

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today shared her ideas on how to make Michigan a leader in transparency and accountability and restore public trust in state government.

According to the Center for Public Integrity, the state has the weakest transparency and ethics laws in the nation.

“It’s important for citizens to simply have all the information they need and deserve so they can hold all of their elected officials accountable,” Benson said.

Benson announced her ideas (see overview document) on improving transparency while speaking at the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Nonprofit Legislative Day in Lansing. She then provided testimony including those proposals to the House Committee on Elections and Ethics.

Benson wants to work with members of the Legislature toward full disclosure of all money in politics through stronger reporting requirements and by closing loopholes and exceptions. Among her other ideas, she is interested in expanding the Freedom of Information Act so it applies to the governor and Legislature, requiring personal financial disclosures from elected officials and instituting a two-year “cooling off” period between leaving office as a legislator and working as a lobbyist. Benson plans to have conversations with residents at town hall meetings across the state to hear their feedback on transparency and other issues.

Muskegon Area CTC HOSA students compete to save and heal lives

Students from Muskegon Area CTC competed in the first-ever Gift of Life HOSA Challenge, a statewide competition to register organ and tissue donors. Through the challenge, Michigan HOSA students helped to add 793 new donors to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. There are currently more than 3,000 Michigan residents on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant.

4th Annual Pooches & People Picnic April 13 to Benefit The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center

pandp[Muskegon, MI] Do you love dogs? You don’t want to miss this furry-festive event!

The much-anticipated fourth annual Pooches & People Picnic will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 beginning at 10:00 AM on the grounds of Fricanos Place on Muskegon Lake.  Proceeds will help fund the community programs of The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center, the only grief and loss center in Muskegon county. The center provides group or individual grief support to family and care givers, so they can celebrate the life of their loved one while they learn how to cope with heartache and loss.  Grief support services are free of charge and available to anyone in the communities of Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Ottawa, and Newaygo counties.

The picnic fundraiser features an auction, raffle, yummy themed food, and four-legged fun!  Past years have included a dog walk on the ruff ruff route, on-site nail clipping and micro-chipping, doggie cake walk, and paw-print painting booth.  In addition, this year you can also enjoy a canine costume parade, smooches with pooches kissing booth, and so much more!

“The Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice serves on average over 1,000 children, teens and adults who have experienced many types of losses including deaths due to health issues, violence, suicide, drug or alcohol dependency, accidental and pet-related losses,” says Beth Bolthouse, Grief Counselor at Harbor Hospice.  “Most families suffer some type of financial hardship because of one or more of these losses, making it difficult to obtain the professional help needed to begin healing and finding their way in life again.  The Pooches & People Picnic is a fun event for people and their dogs (or just people who love dogs!) that raises funds to help defray some of the costs of continuing to offer grief support to our West Michigan community at no charge.”

Pawsome level sponsorships/vendors and auction donations are welcome now through April 5.

For more information on grief support services, contact Beth Bolthouse or Laura Ecker at 231.728.3442 or 1.800.497.9559 or email info@HarborHospiceMI.org.  The Harbor Hospice website is www.harborhospicemi.org.

Village of Fruitport Regular Council Meeting Minutes – 03/25/19

vilmin

Click the image above for the Village of Fruitport’s March 25, 2019, Regular Council Meeting minutes‒recently released with its attachments (PDF format).

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 25, 2019

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 7:05pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Amy Haack, Jeff Guiles, Carl Rothenberger and Bill Overkamp.
Absent: Jay Bolt
Also, present Dave Bossenbroek, Village attorney and Matt Hulst, Engineer from Prein & Newhof

5. Approve the agenda for the March 25th Council meeting
Motion made by Jeff to approve the March 25th agenda, supported by Amy.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Public Comment
Eli Cooper, 142 N 3rd, questioned the sewer project status he was advised it will be discussed later in the meeting.

7. Correspondence (Ann)
None

8.  Reports from Officers (Each Council Member)
Donna advised the library is doing well.

Jeff will start working on reviewing the sidewalk and trees with our DPW Staff

Amy has been working on the road project and kayak launch project that will be discussed later in the meeting.

Bill had nothing to report.

Carl gave an update on the hiring of the DPW Supervisor.  The interviews took place last week.  Carl, Bill, Roger and Matt Farrar, Muskegon County DPW Director interviewed the candidates.  The Personnel Committee is recommending the hiring of current employee Justin Clish to the position of DPW Supervisor.  The recommended salary is $19.00 per hour to start and after a 120-day probation period will be raised to $19.50 per hour.  He will receive a stipend of $50.00 per month for his cell phone.  Carl made a motion to hire Justin at the rates suggested, supported by Bill.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
Carl made an additional motion to post a DPW Worker job on Indeed and the MML web-site with a pay range of $13.00 to $16.00 per hour, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None

Roger had nothing to report.

9. 2020 3rd Avenue Project
a. Sewer petition
Dave Bossenbroek, Village attorney discussed the petition received in favor of sewers for the 2020 3rd Ave Project.  The numbers show that there is not enough support in favor of the sewers.  Motion made by Amy to continue the road project without sewers, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
Amy and Carl both thanked Jim Pancy for his efforts in the sewer petition.

b. Engineering Cost Projection
Amy directed the council to review the new probable costs sheets for both the road restructuring and resurfacing.  She also went over a breakdown of current Village funds allocated for the project and potential additional Village funds in the upcoming fiscal years.
Amy asked Matt Hulst, Engineer from Prein and Newhof to discuss the options. Matt explained why it would be beneficial to the Village to make a decision within the next month so that Prein & Newhof could start the process.   Matt discussed both options.  The council asked multiple questions and a discussion took place.  A discussion took place about the application for Cat B funding.  At a previous meeting a resolution was passed to apply for Cat B funding for the total reconstruction with sewers.  Motion made by Amy to amend the Category B funding resolution to authorize Prein & Newhof to make a grant application for the Category B funding up to $250,000.00 for road resurfacing on Third Avenue and to authorize Roger Vanderstelt and Ann LaCroix to sign the application, supported by Carl.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
(See attached revised Resolution 2019-2)

10.  Lions Club Old Fashioned Days Fireworks permit, Street Closure and Traffic Order
Roger reviewed the 3 requests from the Lions Club.  A discussion took place about Street Closure dates.  The council agreed to hold off on approving Street Closures and the Traffic Order until the next meeting and discussing with the Lions’ Club.  Motion made by Roger to approve the Lions’ Club Request for a Fireworks permit, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

11.  Resolution for Decertification of a portion of Lake Street
Roger explained that 225 feet of Lake Street needs to be decertified.  Resolution offered by Roger, supported by Jeff.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
(See attached copy of resolution.)

12. Pomona Park Kayak Launch & Parking Concept Public Hearing
Motion made by Carl to close the regular meeting at 7:40pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Motion made by Carl to open the Pomona Park Kayak Launch & Parking Concept Public Hearing at 7:41pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Matt Hulst gave a presentation of the approved concept for the Pomona Park Kayak Launch & Parking Concept.  It is part of the Water Trail Network.  The total cost is 200,000.00.  The Village contribution is $75,000.00.

Public Comment made by Eli Cooper, 142 N 3rd, who questioned if the new entrance will be closer to the Bridge.  He was directed to the diagram and said it looks good.

Motion made by Bill to close the hearing at 7:52pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Motion made by Carl to open the regular meeting at 7:52pm, supported by Bill.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

13. Resolution for the MNTRF Trust Fund Grant
Resolution made by Carl for the MNTRF Grant (See attached), supported by Bill.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None

14. Budget Hearing
Motion made by Carl to close the regular meeting at 7:57pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Motion made by Carl to open the Budget Hearing at 7:58pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Roger asked council if there were any questions about the 2019-2020 budget that was discussed in the budget meeting.  There were none.  He asked if there is any Public Comment.  There was none.

Motion made by Jeff to close the Budget Hearing at 8:04pm, supported by Bill. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Motion made by Jeff to open the regular meeting at 8:05pm, supported by Carl.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

15. 2019-2020 Budget Adoption
Motion made by Roger to approve the budget as presented, supported by Carl.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None

Budget resolution offered by Roger (See attached), supported by Carl.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None

16. Public Comment
Jerry Lundberg, 88 S. 3rd, questioned the sewer petition changing from one vote per parcel to square footage of the property being a determining factor.  The council and attorney responded to the question.  Jerry thanked the Council.

17. Warrants
Motion made by Amy to approve the warrants with the exception of the Fruitport Township attorney bill, supported by Donna.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None

18. Adjournment
Donna made a motion to adjourn at 8:16pm, supported by Jeff.  With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Ask Dr. Universe – Fish Pee

Dr. Universe: Do fish pee? – J.P., 9 ½ , Texas

Dear J.P.,

Not only do fish pee, but their pee gives other animals in the ocean what they need to survive.

That’s what I found out from my friend, Cori Kane, a marine biologist at Oregon State University who got her Ph.D. at Washington State University. She knows a lot about coral reefs in our oceans. Coral reefs look like a ridge made of rock, but they are actually made up of living things.

Corals need a few things to survive. They need clear, warm water, sunlight, and nutrients, a kind of food that helps them grow. There aren’t usually a lot of nutrients in water near coral reefs. Luckily, there are a lot of nutrients in fish pee—and a lot of fish in the reef.

Like you, fish have kidneys. Kidneys help the body make urine. The shape and size of kidneys can be different depending on the species. Some kidneys are really long, like those in eels. Others are shorter and closer together like in an anglerfish.

A lot of fish get rid of the pee through an tiny opening, called a pore, that’s near their rear ends—and in some fish, waste also goes out through the skin or the gills.

When a fish pees in a coral reef, the corals wave their tentacles around like tiny arms to grab nutrients from the pee and absorb them.

Pretty much all living things—from plants to mushrooms to humans to cats—need nutrients to grow and survive. Humans get a lot of nutrients like minerals, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates from their food.

Corals get nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the pee. It turns out, fish pee is pretty important to some marine ecosystems.

The nutrients will help the coral grow— slowly, but surely. In a year, the reef will grow anywhere from less than an inch to 8 inches. It will bloom in beautiful colors like red, purple, and blue.

Scientists have discovered thousands of fish that live in coral reefs. One of them is the clownfish. When clownfish pee, they can also help anemones— which look kind of like flowers but are actually animals closely related to jellyfish— grow.

Another organism called algae also lives in anemones. The algae take in nutrients from clownfish pee. The algae can then make sugars that feed the anemone. They are pretty good at helping each other out.

While we’re on the subject, fish also poop. Believe it or not, some of the corals will even grab onto fish poop to get some nutrients.

Kane also told me about the neon-colored parrotfish. It’s a fish that lives in tropical reefs around the world and has a mouth that looks like a parrot’s beak.

“Parrotfish are really famous for their pooping abilities because they eat dead coral and other things,” she said. “When they munch it up, they poop out sand.”

>From sardines to sharks, pretty much all of the animals in the ocean have to go to the bathroom.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 11, 2019, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jeff Jacobs, Terry Knoll, Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Andrea Anderson & Greg Hulka, excused

At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer by Pastor Bob Davies.

Also Present: 3- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 25, 2019 as presented, with the following addition:

It shall be noted that Jeff Jacobs requested the Supervisor to seek comparisons for the Non-union, Boards, and administrative wages spread sheet.

The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Pastor Bob Davies discussed the relocation of Calvary Church into the former Bethel Baptist Church building across the street from Fruitport High School.
2. Brian Michelli shared that the Public Safety Departments will again be participating in the charity basketball event with No More Sidelines at Calvary Christian School on March 26th at 6:00pm; Central Dispatch’s request for a 911 surcharge has been updated with a 13 year sundown clause.
3. Ron Langlois shared that the Motion Dynamics expansion project is expected to be complete June 1st and a new lift station will be placed at the corner of Dangl and Mt Garfield.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-029 Business Registration review and discussion
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously to TABLE this topic.

19-030 Planning Commission fee schedule revision
Terry Knoll moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution for land use fees with the requested changes.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

19-031 Annexation for City of Muskegon Development
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously to approve Supervisor Tice’s request for Jeff Jacobs be included in future meetings with the City of Muskegon regarding the proposed annexation.

19-032 Second Reading: Zone Text Amendment Ordinance for Solar Energy Regulation
Jeff Jacobs moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the Solar Energy Regulation Ordinance as written. Said ordinance will outline the allowance of and regulations for solar energy production in particular zoning districts.

This constitutes the second and final reading of Amendment Ordinance No. 806.

Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

NEW BUSINESS:

19-033 2019/2020 Budget Review
Budget discussion occurred. Regarding the Parks Department budget, the Board discussed beginning their budget at $120,000 for fiscal year 4/1/19 – 3/31/20 and potentially allowing them to carry unused monies from the previous year (determined after the audit).

19-034 Review of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance
Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to send the zoning text amendment ordinance through the Planning Commission.

Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

The regulatory ordinance will be put on the next agenda for a first reading.

19-035 Approval for Local Road Brine Program
The cost for the local roads will be $18,837.00 and the cost for additional roads (Cline, Wolf Lake, and Mt Garfield) will be $1,386.00.

The total cost for the program will be $20,223.00 for 2019.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to participate in the 2019 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission.

Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

19-036 Old Fashioned Days Agreement
Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the Fruitport Lions Old Fashioned Days agreement.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

19-037 Frontier Communications Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension
Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve a 5 (five) year unilateral Metro Act Permit with Frontier Communications. The purpose for the permit is for access to and on-going use of public rights-of-way within the Township of Fruitport for the purpose of providing telecommunication services to its customers.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

19-038 ACD (KEPS Technologies) Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension
Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve a 5 (five) year unilateral Metro Act Permit with ACD (KEPS Technologies). The purpose for the permit is for access to and on-going use of public rights-of-way within the Township of Fruitport for the purpose of providing telecommunication services to its customers.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

19-039 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $25,070.52; Public Safety $33,066.00; Water $40,513.45; Sewer $19,862.13; T&A $1,295.00
Totaling: $119,807.10
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Jeff Jacobs, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:42pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Ottawa County Searching for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director

The search is on for Ottawa County’s first ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director.  The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners established the office on December 11, 2018, and approved the staffing plan on February 26, 2019.

The County began its Cultural Intelligence initiative in 2013 with the formation of an internal committee tasked with educating employees, hosting an annual forum and getting more involved in community diversity initiatives.

After five years, Ottawa County leaders knew it was time to do more.

“Some of our largest employers in West Michigan expressed to us that attracting global talent is critical to their success. While they can get them here, those who are different from the cultural norm are leaving after a short time on the job,” said Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator.

The DEI office will lead the development of an equity plan for the entire range of human differences. A key initiative will be identifying implicit bias in internal policies, procedures, practices, and in external service delivery. In addition, the County intends to extend assistance to local units of government that desire to tackle similar objectives.

Funding for the office is a combination of public, private and non-profit dollars. The cost to Ottawa County for the first five years is approximately $630,000.

More information on this position and the skills needed is available in the Recruitment Profile.  To apply, visit http://www.miottawa.org/careers.  The County is accepting applications until March 29, 2019.

“DIBS! On Resale” Retail Store Relocates to Muskegon

Benefitting WMCS, the Lakeshore Region’s 5-School Christian School System

Muskegon, Michigan – DIBS! On Resale, a non-profit resale store benefitting the West Michigan Christian Schools (WMCS) system in the Lakeshore region, has moved to Muskegon. Formerly in Norton Shores since 2012, the retail store celebrated its grand opening January 17, 2019, at noon with a community prayer blessing. DIBS! Is located on 1279 East Apple Avenue in the former Blockbuster building.

“We are so thankful for the increased efficiencies that this new location provides for our store. This will help DIBS! greatly increase the funding it provides to our schools and thereby facilitate the continual improvement in our programming and delivery of Christ-centered education, impacting hundreds of children and their families in our area,” said Dan DeKam, West Michigan Christian Schools Collaborative Director and Principal of Muskegon Christian School.

“It’s exciting to have the space needed to showcase the many donations we receive,” said Mary Workman, DIBS! Store Manager. “The welcome from the Muskegon neighborhood has been amazing! ‘Good Things are Happening at DIBS!’”

About DIBS! On Resale
DIBS! On Resale is a non-profit resale clothing, shoes, sports gear, jewelry, home goods, and more store. DIBS! accepts donations and provides tax deduction receipts. The volunteer team is comprised of parents, grandparents, and alumni of all five PK-12 West Michigan Christian Schools (WMCS) as well as community members. DIBS! opened its doors in 2012 and benefits all five West Michigan Christian Schools including Fremont Christian (PK-8) , Muskegon Christian (PK-6) , Grand Haven Christian (PK-8) , New Era Christian (PK-8) and Western Michigan Christian (7-12) . DIBS! proceeds assist with WMCS programming and in keeping tuition affordable for families. To learn more about DIBS! go to ShopDibsOnResale.com .

Secretary Benson, League of Women Voters Reach Agreement to Settle Redistricting Case

Plaintiffs agree to drop all claims challenging U.S. Congressional, state Senate districts as part of agreement

January 25, 2019 – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today reached an agreement with the League of Women Voters regarding their claims challenging the constitutionality of the 2011 redistricting of Michigan’s state legislative and U.S. Congressional districts.

As part of the agreement, the plaintiffs agreed to drop all claims challenging the constitutionality of the Michigan state Senate and U.S. Congressional districts, as well as claims against four state House districts. The proposed settlement concludes that 11 of the 110 state House districts were drawn in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The agreement gives the current state Legislature the opportunity to redraw the districts for submission to the court.

“As the state’s chief election officer, I have a responsibility to ensure our elections operate in a manner that is fair, accessible and in compliance with the constitutional mandate of one person, one vote.” Benson said. “I believe today’s settlement strikes a balance between recognizing the unconstitutionality of the 2011 districting maps while reaching a remedy that is limited in scope and impact given the length of time these districts have been in place. Because the Congressional and state Senate maps will not be changed, and the state House map only minimally changed, the remedy we have proposed to the court is one that is likely more limited in scope than that which could have emerged from a trial that the state could likely lose. It strikes an important balance between limiting disruption to the current maps while acknowledging the harm done to voters through attempts to rig the outcomes of elections through partisan gerrymandering.”

Judges Eric Clay, Denise Page Hood and Gordon Quist of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division will rule on the consent decree.

The 11 state House districts that would be redrawn under the agreement are 24th, 32nd, 51st, 55th, 60th, 63rd, 76th, 91st, 92nd, 94th and 95th. The new districts would use the same population data relied upon in the maps drawn in 2011, which remain the most recent complete Census data. They will be in place only for the 2020 elections, after which new districts will be drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission that voters enacted into law via ballot petition in November 2018.

The League of Women Voters sued the state of Michigan on Dec. 22, 2017, challenging the constitutionality of the 2011 redistricting process, saying the districts had been drawn with partisan intent in violation of the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment of the Constitution. On Jan. 2, Benson, as the new secretary of state, became the named defendant in the lawsuit.

“I am very glad that moving forward we will have in place an independent citizen redistricting commission to draw future Congressional and legislative maps following the 2021 census,” Benson said. “As a longtime advocate of citizen involvement in redistricting as a solution to end efforts to rig districts to encourage particular partisan outcomes, I will now turn to implementing the commission in a way that is transparent, nonpartisan and effectively engages citizens across the state in the important task of drawing legislative districts that comply with state and federal law.”

Connecting the Idema Explorers Trail to Kent County

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation announced two key property transactions for the Grand River Greenway Initiative.

These properties are crucial to connect the Idema Explorers Trail to Kent County.

“More work still needs to be done, but we are two steps closer to achieving one of the major goals of the Grand River Greenway Initiative, which is to connect existing Kent Trails in Grandville to the future Idema Explorers Trail,” said Parks Director John Scholtz. “With this connection, users would be able to bike and hike from Jenison to Kent Trails, Millennium Park, and downtown Grand Rapids.”

The property transactions include:

• A purchase agreement to acquire 16.5 acres of land on the Grand River with 651’ of riverfront in Georgetown Township for $100,000; the acquisition is expected to be complete by the end of January.
• Acquisition of a 1,000’-long easement that will connect a parks property on Cottonwood Drive to the riverfront for $10,000.

These purchases would not be possible without assistance from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, which is providing all the funding for the purchases through the Grand River Greenway Campaign. The Greenway Campaign is co-chaired by Peter Secchia, Monica Verplank, and Samantha Verplank.

“This is not only a win for the development of the Idema Explorers Trail, but also for land preservation,  which is a primary focus of the Parks Foundation,” said Foundation President Bobbi Jones Sabine. “This will protect ecologically important and scenic floodplains and wetlands while also possibly helping to create a future park right in the heart of the Jenison business district.”

East of the Kent County border, there are nearly six miles of publicly owned riverfront on the south side of the Grand River. A multi-use pathway extends through this public land and then connects to Millennium Park on the north side of the River, where separated and on-road pathways lead to downtown Grand Rapids.

At the border with Ottawa County, the City of Grandville owns land where Rush and Buck Creeks flow into the Grand River at the site of the Grandville Clean Water Plant. Ottawa County Parks, in collaboration with Georgetown Township, has worked for years to assemble properties and easements west of the plant (near the Cottonwood Drive/Baldwin Street intersection) with the goal of linking to the public land in Kent County.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/25/19 – 04/01/19

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

Barbers Hair Care Clinic and Books
March 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, March 25 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, you’re invited to Hackley Public Library for the Barbers Hair Care Clinic and Books event in honor of Black History Month!  Put your best foot forward with the freshest cut as experts Kenny Terrell of Ken’s Anointed Hands and Yancey Harris of Fancy Yancey’s Barber Shop share their expertise on hair care for men and boys.  They’ll also demonstrate proper cutting techniques.  At this program, the library will be making an exciting announcement about a new library service to be offered at both barbershops locations!  This event is free and open to the public and recommended for all ages.  Brought to you through the generosity of Bess Commodore and library supporters.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
Mondays @ 6:00 pm
The “Arsenal of Democracy” was a slogan used by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a radio broadcast delivered on December 29, 1940. The phrase was used to arouse popular support for aiding nations in the war prior to the US entry into WWII and continued until the end of the war. During that time, the US provided the Allies with millions of rounds of ammunition, as well as weapons, trucks, tanks and ships. The Americans who worked in countless factories throughout the country truly helped the US manufacture victory in WWII.  Join the USS Silversides Submarine Museum most Mondays through May 13 for the lecture series, “Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy!”

All lectures begin at 6:00pm at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. The cost is $5.00 per person or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

• March 25: Patent Secrecy Act of 1940 presented by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• April 1: The real topic is Combat Propulsion presented by L-3 Engineering Specialists.

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.

Pajama Night Family Storytime
March 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, March 25 at 6:30pm, don your pj’s and bring the family to Norton Shores Library for “Pajama Night!”  Miss Gillian will share books, music, crafts, and fun with their Storytime families.  This event is free and open to families with children ages 0-5.  No registration is required.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

Feeding the Soul of the City: Campbell’s Clarinet Collage
March 26 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, March 26 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for the “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring Campbell’s Clarinet Collage!  The Collage is made up of clarinet students who have studied extensively under Dr. Arthur Campbell at Grand Valley State University.  Musical selections will range from classical to modern.  For more information, call 231-722-2112.
The Sanctuary will be open for prayer and personal meditation from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  At noon, there will be a gathering for a 10 minute inter-faith celebration of prayer.  This is open to all faiths.  The concerts are free and open to the public.  A soup and sandwich lunch is available for a small price or you may bring your own lunch.  To join their mailing list for Feeding the Soul of the City, contact Elizabeth at ebsnflows@gmail.com.

Henna Tattoo Workshop
March 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a Henna Tattoo Workshop!  This is an informational and hands-on workshop that will provide instruction on the use and history of Henna.  Each person will receive a small Henna cone to work with!  Registration is required by calling 231-722-8011 or visit HPL’s online events calendar to register.  Registration opens 1 month before the class date.  This workshop is free and recommended for ages 16 and up.

For the Lover of Italy with Sofia
March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “For the Lover of Italy with Sofia!” A perfect Sunday in Italy:  porcini mushrooms risotto, meatballs, baked rosemary potato, and something sweet…and of course wine!  The cost is $45.  To register or for more information, call 231-769-2202 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Planetarium Show: Edge of Darkness
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium!  Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Edge of Darkness,” January 15 – March 28 (no shows on March 5 and 7) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Using groundbreaking discoveries from recent space missions, this program will take viewers to the dark depths of space across comets, Pluto, and its moons.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2019 Lecture Series
March 26 @ 7:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2019 Lecture Series will feature three engaging and stimulating presentations! The last Tuesday of the month, from January through March, will showcase a wide variety of expertise and talent.

On March 26, Kirk Hallman, Executive Director of the Muskegon Art Museum, will speak on “The Muskegon Museum of Art: Past, Present and Future.”  Mr. Hallman is a native of Muskegon who moved away in the late 1980s only to return in 2013 to take the position of Development Officer at the Muskegon Museum of Art.  He attended Michigan State University and before joining the Muskegon Museum of Art, served 20 years as Executive Director of a non-profit musical arts organization in Lafayette, Indiana.  He is now leading this great organization, the Muskegon Museum of Art, with great vision, impacting the West Michigan community!

All presentations will take place at 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop. The suggested donation is $7 at the door.  For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit them online at www.whitelakemusic.org.

Whiskey School: Irish Pot Still Whiskies
March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, March 26 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm, come to Hennessey’s Pub for “Whiskey School: Irish Pot Still Whiskies!”  March is Hennessey’s favorite month of the year and they’re celebrating.  You’ll taste some glorious pot still whiskies, three of which are over $100 and one that is a $200 bottle of whiskey.  Chef David Grey is also going to be going the extra mile on the food.  Come learn from Fr. Jared Cramer, their whiskey expert.
Tasting List:
• Powers Signature – $45
• Knappogue Castle – $48
• Green Spot – $65
• Yellow Spot – $110
• Redbreast 15 Year – $120
• Midleton Very Rare – $200
Please note: Whiskey School is always a sell-out, so if you want to be sure to get a spot, please reserve your tickets in advance by visiting www.hennessyspub.com.  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

WLMS Lecture Series: Kirk Hallman
March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, March 26 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the WLMS Lecture Series featuring Kirk Hallman.  Kirk is Executive Director of the Muskegon Art Museum and will speak on “The Muskegon Museum of Art: Past, Present and Future.”  Mr. Hallman is a native of Muskegon who moved away in the late 1980s only to return in 2013 to take the position of Development Officer at the Muskegon Museum of Art.  He attended Michigan State University and before joining the Muskegon Museum of Art, served 20 years as Executive Director of a non-profit musical arts organization in Lafayette, Indiana.  He is now leading this great organization with great vision, impacting the West Michigan community!  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Kids Fun with Fondue with Chef Char
March 27 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday, April 27 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Kids Fun with Fondue with Chef Char!” Mini Chefs will have lots of fun mixing, melting and cooking in tiny pots!  Dunk delicious goodies in oil or broth and coat favorite foods in fabulous cheese sauces or chocolate ganache.  The cost is $45.  For more information or to register visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Muskegon Farmers Market or you can see a full list of classes on the Kitchen 242 Facebook Event Page.  For more information call (231) 769-2202.

Muskegon’s Blue Economy Panel
March 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Historically, Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan have played a major role in Muskegon’s industry and economy, but just because lumbering ended over 100 years ago does not mean the lakes are no longer important!  Wednesday, March 27 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Dr. Al Steinman of Grand Valley State University, Bob Lukens of the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dave Alexander of Downtown Muskegon Now and Chuck Canestraight of Sand Products Corp. will share how their varied sectors are tied to one of Muskegon’s most valuable natural resources; water!  Join them to discover how the lakes are playing an important role in Muskegon’s rebirth.  This is the last in a series of lectures bringing their Collection by Color exhibit to life with various social and science topics.  This event is free for Muskegon County residents and museum members and only $3 for non-residents.  Reserve your seat by calling 231-722-0278 or e-mailing jackie@lakeshoremuseum.org.

That 70’s Mystery
March 28 – March 30
Thursday, March 28 – Friday, March 29 at 7:00pm and Saturday, March 30 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater as West Michigan Home School Theatre presents “That 70’s Mystery!”  Match wits with the 1970’s finest detectives to determine who stole George Lucky’s famous Space Script!  Could it be that rising superstar, Julia C. Tsar, whose scarf is found at the scene of the crime by those streetwise detectives, Husky and Starch?  Or could it be the group of burglars who were caught sneaking out the window of Italian director Antonio Mark’s office in the Watergate Building?  Or Antonio himself, who is found to have a ransom note in his pocket?  Perhaps it is one of Julia’s friends: the conniving Cassidy Casca, the beautiful Bru Tuski, or angelic threesome Debra, Carla and Bunny?  Join in on the interrogation process with the witty, well-dressed Jacko, the relaxed and rumpled Columsey, and the slick and savvy Barette.  Can Ellery King or Smith Wesson, PI, discover the identity of the thief ahead of those determined detectives?  Or will it be YOU who will solve the mystery first by discovering the clues left behind in the crime scene?  Be an eyewitness to this fantastical, farcical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” set in that zaniest of decades.  Tickets are $10.  For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Happy Hour Discussion with Lundell Farms
March 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday, March 28 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for a Happy Hour discussion featuring Lori Lundell of Lundell Farms.  Local farmer and certified health coach, Lori Lundell, will discuss the benefits of eating local, naturally raised, whole foods.  Learn about the convenient option of a CSA farm share and how it can impact your health and the economic health of your community.  If you love to try new things, cook at home and put the best ingredients into your food, then this is a talk you don’t want to miss!  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Tipsy Comedy at the Tipsy Toad
March 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, March 28 at 7:00pm, it’s Tipsy Comedy at the Tipsy Toad!  This is a night of cold drinks, excellent food and deep belly laughs!  Scott Zank is your host for the evening and he is known to “make people want to laugh” as he keeps the night rolling smoothly between all of these great comics!  They have a couple of guests coming, you could get local comics working on their craft or touring comics that are in the area!

Special Guest:  Adam Cameron – His time in the Navy and his bachelor lifestyle has given him a very unique take on life!

Headliner:  Brian Atkinson – Semi-Finalist in the 2019 Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest.  Brian is a comedian, voice actor and speaker.  A former radio personality, he’s happy to work in front of an audience instead of sitting in a tiny room talking to himself.  Brian’s sharp, smart comedic style has been a hit at clubs, corporate events and festivals across the country.  Brian’s confident and engaging storytelling welcomes everyone to “gather ’round the fire.”

Come out what is sure to be a great night of comedy!  The cover charge is $10.  For more information call (231) 725-7181.

Singer/Songwriter Jordi Baizan
March 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, March 28 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for music from Jordi Baizan, a singer/songwriter from Houston!  Born in Houston to Spanish and Cuban parents, and married to Carmen who hails from Mexico, Jordi is also a multi-tasker, writing songs and managing his flourishing music career in the same home-office where he runs his small business, which helped he and Carmen raise their two girls and two boys.  Now that the kids are away at college and beyond, the empty nest at home has provided Jordi the opportunity to take his music on the road.  In May of 2017, he released his first record as a solo artist. This record is appropriately named “Like the First Time,” and some of the songs on it have enabled Jordi to be recognized by two prestigious Texas songwriting competitions, the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition (Regional Ballad Tree performer) and the Songwriter Serenade Competition (Semifinalist).  With the support of dedicated fans, Jordi is taking to the road to humbly bring to each listener a sense of joy, adventure, gratitude, and respect for our common humanity.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Fish Fry Fridays
March 29 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Every Friday during Lent, the Ravenna community invites you to join them at St. Catherine’s Hall for delicious fish fry dinners! All dinners are from 5:00pm – 7:30pm and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5 – 12.  Kids 5 and under are free!  Your meal includes your choice of a baked potato or fries, green beans, cole slaw, pike perch, garlic bread and dessert.  Get an extra 2 filets for only $1.  Proceeds will benefit the organizations hosting each week including St. Catherine’s, the American Legion and the Ravenna Fire Department.  For more information call (231) 853-6743.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
March 29 @ 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.
Friday, March 29 at 7:15pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena for a Lumberjacks’ home game as they take on the Waterloo Blackhawks!  For ticket information, contact asponaas@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225, ext. 259.

Live Music:  February Sky
March 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, March 29 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from February Sky!  Traditional singer and Celtic guitarist Phil Cooper and songwriter and singer Susan Urban create their own arrangements of traditional songs and tunes on six string guitar and cittern, and also interpret a number of carefully chosen songs from the best of modern folk song writers, as well as backing Susan up on her songs.  Susan Urban is a writer of story songs and humorous “slice of life” songs.  She accompanies her songs, plus Phil’s songs and tunes, on six and 12-string guitar, six string banjo, mountain dulcimer, hand percussion instruments and Native American Style flute.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon!  Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s!  You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village.  For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
November 24 – April 27, visit the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call (231)722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Women of Accomplishment Awards Brunch
March 30 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, March 30 from 9:00am – 11:00am, you’re invited to the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for the “Women of Accomplishment Awards Brunch!”  Join them as they honor three women in the community for their volunteer work that makes our area a great place to live.  You’ll also enjoy a wonderful brunch for only $20.  For more information call (231) 725-9220.

Live Music: Second Chance
March 30 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 30 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Second Chance!  This is a three man band of retired educators who play a wide variety of rock ballads and blues tunes on guitar, bass, keyboard and harmonica.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Back Alley Comedy Club: Dave Dyer wsg Paul Piziks
March 30 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 30 from 8:00pm – 9:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for comedian Dave Dyer with special guest Paul Piziks! Tickets available at the door for only $10!  Call (616) 570-8765 for more information.

David Dyer has done comedy around the Midwest for 8 years and opened for Drew Carey, Louie Anderson, and Louis Black. He has written material for television, contributing monologue material for ABC’s Politically Incorrect.  David’s humor exposes the everyday happenings that we all experience, but rarely take note of.  Throw in some perspective on current events and a little bit of edge and you come up with a brand of humor that has made him a popular act in clubs and American Legion Halls everywhere.

Catch an acidly funny performance by Paul Piziks! A Detroit original, Paul fearlessly skewers the absurd with twisted precision.  His scathing commentary combined with an affable personality appeals to audiences from all walks of life.  Paul is rapidly creating raving fans at comedy clubs, country clubs, corporate events, and charity benefits around the Midwest.

Music Exchange Gear Swap
March 31 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday, March 31 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, everyone is invited to Unruly Brewing Co. in downtown Muskegon for the Music Exchange Gear Swap! Musicians and everyone in the community are invited for another round of gear fun, good conversation and networking.  Buy, sell or trade some sweet gear while making new friends and enjoying great beverages.  Vendors will participate and are yet to be announced.  For more information call (231) 288-1068 or visit www.unrulybrewing.com.

Meatball Madness Competition
March 31 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunday, March 31 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing for the Meatball Madness Competition to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association! They’re taking a break from March Madness and focusing attention on Alzheimer’s Research at their first annual meatball competition!  Nine talented chefs will compete for a custom made, oak Pigeon Hill cutting Board.
To help them determine who made the best meatball, they’re looking for lots of hungry and thirsty voters. A $10 donation gets tasters the opportunity to taste each meatball and vote for the best!  Chefs! The competition is limited to 9 entries so call the taproom at (231)375-5184 to sign up today!

Free Latin Dance Party
March 31 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Every other Sunday, March 3 – May 13 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Unruly Brewing Co. in downtown Muskegon for bi-monthly, free Latin Dance Classes offered by the Facebook group MADLOS!  They will cover simple steps, turns and spins that are easy to learn and fun to do.  No partner or experience are needed to participate.  The lesson is from 5:00pm – 6:00pm with music continuing until 7:00pm so you can practice what you’ve learned or show off what you know.  If you don’t need a lesson and just want to dance, join them at 6:00pm.  There is no cost for the lesson, but they are accepting donations that will go to support the Child Abuse Counsel of Muskegon County.  MADLOS offers different dance styles, including Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and more.  Keep an eye on their Facebook page to see what they’re up to next.

Buzzed Bard
March 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
18th Amendment Spirits Co. and The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company present, “Buzzed Bard!” Sunday, March 31 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company returns to 18th Amendment Spirit Company with its Buzzed Bard series.  This irreverent look at Shakespeare features performance of scenes from multiple Shakespearean plays combined with improv, audience-interactive games, and a Shakespearean drinking game.  This event may not be suitable for patrons under 21. Tickets are $5 and available through Eventbrite and only cover the performance.  Food and drinks (both adult beverages and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase from 18th Amendment’s menu.  For more information call (231) 375-5064.

Spring Break Escape Camp
April 1 @ 9:00 am – April 5 @ 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday, April 1 – 5 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, kids in grades K – 6 are invited to attend the Spring Break Escape Camp at Camp Pendalouan!  Transportation and before/after care are also available.  For more information or to register, visit www.pendalouan.org or call 231-894-4538.

Culinary Class: Retro and Classic Casserole Night with Chef Char
April 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, April 1 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Retro and Classic Casserole Night with Chef Char!” Do you wish you could recreate some of your favorite casseroles from childhood?  Want to know how your mom and grandma made their “one dish wonder” that fed the whole family?  Join Kitchen 242 for this special class that puts together all your favorite taste bud memories into classic dishes.  If you have a favorite vintage/retro casserole dish/jello mold, bring it to class.  It will be a fun evening that will serve up some wine to go with your creations!  The cost is $50.  For more information or to register visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Muskegon Farmers Market or you can see a full list of classes on the Kitchen 242 Facebook Event Page.  For more information call (231) 769-2202.

Fruitport Township Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes – 02/27/19

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP
5865 AIRLINE RD
FRUITPORT, MI 49415

February 27, 2019
8:00 AM BOARD MEETING

BOARD MEETING: Call to order at 0800

01. Roll Call: Kyle Osterhart, Matthew Farrar, Brett Suchecki, & Geoff Newmyer.
Staff Present Kim Morse, & Jacob Mason.

02. Approve / Amend Agenda: Vice Chair Osterhart accepted the agenda as presented.

03. Public Comments pertaining to agenda topics: None

New Business

06. Site Plan Modification– Motion Dynamics Special Use/Public Hearing
Parcel:              15-124-300-0011-00
∙                         15-124-300-0016-00
Purpose:          Amend site plan for expansion

Chris Witham and Mr. Milanowski stated they added office space and break area by 5,000 square feet; added 40 parking spots south of the entry drive off Dangl. Water main was re-routed and permitted by DEQ. Public Safety Director explained his requests and stated all were accommodated on the amended site plan.

1. The motion is made by Newmyer to grant the site plan request for parcel number(s) 15-124-300-0011-00 & 15-124-300-0016-00.

2. The motion is based upon specific findings by the Township relative to the factors specified in Section 42-224 of the Zoning Chapter.
–a. All elements of the site plan are harmoniously and efficiently organized in relation to topography, the size and type of lot, the character of adjoining property and the type and size of buildings. The site will not impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of surrounding property for permitted uses. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): updated site plan.
–b. The landscape will be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and by topographic modifications which result in maximum harmony with adjacent areas. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): site plan
–c. Special attention has been given to proper site surface drainage. Removal of stormwaters will not adversely affect neighboring properties. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): Drain Commission has approved the site drainage.
–d. The site plan will provide reasonable visual and sound privacy for all dwelling units located therein. Fences, walks, barriers, and landscaping [will/will not] provide appropriate protection and enhancement of property and privacy of its occupants. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): Site plan
–e. Buildings or groups of buildings are arranged as to permit emergency vehicle access. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): Site complies with requirements of the Fruitport Fire Department.
–f. Every structure or dwelling unit does have access to a public street, walkway, or other area dedicated to common use. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): Site plan
–i. Exterior lighting is arranged so that it is deflected away from adjacent properties and will not impede the vision of traffic along adjacent streets. This finding is based upon the following fact(s): Site Plan

3. If the motion is to grant approval, the following conditions are established.
–a. The development must comply with the site plan, dated February 7, 2019, submitted to the Township, as well as any written material submitted by the applicant to the Township.
–b. The development must comply with all federal, state, and Muskegon County laws, rules, regulations, and requirements.
–c. The development must be acquired, developed, and completed in conformance with the Zoning Chapter, as amended, and the rest of the Fruitport Charter Township Code of Ordinances.
–d. The development must be completed within 2 years. This deadline may be extended by the Township, without going through the entire application process, upon request by the applicant and evidence showing that the applicant is proceeding in good faith toward completion.
–e. If the site plan approval is contingent upon public water service or public sanitary sewer service or both being provided, then no construction of the development may begin until all required easements are in place, all required forms have been completed, and all approvals for service have been obtained.
–f. A digital copy of the site plan as approved shall be provided to the Fire Inspector at brian.michelli@mcd911.net, or such other e-mail address as the Fire Inspector may designate.
–g. Any other conditions placed by the Township upon the site plan approval: Completion of the maintenance agreement approved by the Fire Department. Night lights to be compliant and remain on property.

Motion Supported by Suchecki. Roll call vote unanimous.

05. Public Comments: None.

06. Discussion – PC documents: No discussion

07. Adjournment: 0820

~

The township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals with disabilities by writing or telephoning the Township Clerk:
Andrea Anderson
Fruitport Charter Township
5865 Airline Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415
(231) 865-3151.

Fruitport Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes – 03/18/19

Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
March 18, 2019 7:00 p.m.
Fruitport Middle School

I. The Regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

II. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

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

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 19-037. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Buckner to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

V. PRESENTATIONS
Middle School Principal, Tim Tiefenbach welcomed the Board and staff to the middle school. Tim described what middle school delayed starts look like. He mentioned that middle school delayed starts are broken down into three primary categories: PLCs, department meetings, and committee meetings. Assistant Principal, Derek Dillon presented information on vaping and PBIS. He spoke about various incentives the middle school currently has in place to encourage good behavior. These initiatives have helped decrease the suspension rate by 83% over the past two years!

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
None.

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Bob Szymoniak gave an update on the food service director.

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 19-038. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Consent Agenda as listed below:
1. Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2019
2. Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
3. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
4. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
5. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report
6. Approval of the Personnel Report
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. School of Choice Resolution.
Item 19-039. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adopt the resolution to participate in the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Collaborative Schools of Choice Plan for the 2019-20 school year as presented. Roll call vote: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held March 11, 2019.
Elroy Buckner reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held March 11, 2019. Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, and Mark Mesbergen were present. The committee discussed adding a 457 plan to Fruitport employee’s retirement investment choices and the MAISD special education transportation consortium.

2. 457 Plan.
Item 19-040. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to adopt the resolution allowing Fruitport Community Schools to offer 457 plans to their employees as presented. Roll Call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

3. Special Education Transportation Consortium with MAISD.
Item 19-041. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve opting out of the MAISD Special Education Transportation Consortium effective for the 2019 fiscal year as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Nothing to report.

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Overnight Trip Request.
Item 19-042. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Franklin to approve the High School DECA trip to Orlando, Florida April 26-May 1, 2019 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Tim Burgess was selected to represent the Fruitport Board of Education at the Annual MAISD Budget Review on April 24, 2019.

Jill Brott spoke about Shettler’s PBIS program, 4th grade book report event, Instructional Council outcomes and the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kris Cole commented on recent High School Robotics competitions in Toronto and at Orchard View. He mentioned the successful pancake breakfast hosted by the High School Musical students and the upcoming musical.

Steve Kelly mentioned 7th and 8th grade band competition successes, winterguard and winter drumline; all are doing a great job under good leadership.

Dave Hazekamp spoke about the Hall of Fame, the Athletic Foundation’s Main Event and he shared a therapy dog incident.

XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Business and Finance Committee will meet April 8, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.
2. Personnel Committee will meet April 10, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
3. Student Affairs Committee will meet April 10, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
4. A Board Workshop has been scheduled for April 22, 2019 @ 6:00 p.m. to discuss district data.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 19-043. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary

Village of Fruitport Budget Meeting Minutes – 03/11/19

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
BUDGET MEETING
March 11, 2019

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6:00pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Jeff Guiles and Bill Overkamp
Absent: Jay Bolt and Carl Rothenberger
Also present: Amy Haack

5. Approval of March 11th budget meeting minutes
Motion made by Bill to approve the February 18th minutes, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Approval of agenda for March 11th budget meeting
Motion made by Bill to approve the March 11th agenda, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

7. Public Comment
None

8. Appointment of Personnel Committee member
Roger made a motion to appoint Bill Overkamp to the Personnel Committee, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None

9. Appointment of Council member
Roger made a motion to reappoint Amy Haack to the council, supported by Bill.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
Amy took her oath of office.

10. Reappointment of Clerk/Treasurer
Roger made a motion to reappoint Ann LaCroix, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
Ann took her oath of office.

11. DPW Job posting update
Bill explained a change in the Personnel Policy is required to add others to the interviewing process. Motion made by Bill to change the wording under the Selection Process from: Applicants are screened by the Personnel Committee which is comprised of two board appointed council members and the President. To: Applicants are screened by the Personnel Committee which is comprised of two board appointed council members, the President and additional representatives as determined by the Personnel Committee Chairperson, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
Roger gave an update on the selection process and interviews are scheduled for next week.

12. 2019 Pomona Park Rental Rates
Amy made a motion to keep the rental rates the same as last year, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None

13. 2019 Boat Launch Permit Rates
Roger suggested adding a rate for commercial user of the boat launch. Motion made by Donna to keep the rates the same and to add a new rate of $100 per permit for commercial customers, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None

14. 6-1-2019 to 5-31-2020 Garbage Collection Fees
Ann advised that RMS has increased their rates. The new fee for garbage/recycling for the upcoming cycle is $130.06 if paid by July 31, 2019 and $162.58 if paid after July 31, 2019. Motion made by Roger to increase the rates as outlined by the Clerk, supported by Bill.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None

15. MDOT Additional funds distribution
Ann explained we have received $29686.06 in additional MDOT funding. Ann suggested that this money be split between Major and Local Streets equally. Amy made a motion to distribute $14,843.03 to both the Local and Major Street funds, supported by Donna.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Overkamp, Guiles, Haack and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None

16. 2019-2020 Budget discussion
The Budget discussion items were discussed. Roger is continuing to check on the Storm Drain at Beech and 5th. Bill gave an update on the flowers in from of the pharmacy. Roger agreed to check on the new sign for Pomona Park. Roger also agreed to check on the cost to repair the drain crossing at oak and 4th. Multiple items were discussed, and it was agreed that a contingency fund be built into the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Items will be discussed on importance throughout the year and the budget will be adjusted accordingly if necessary. Items submitted by Jay (who was absent) were discussed including hiring a Community Development Planner/Coordinator. Amy will work with Ann on putting together additional information for that position and bring to the next budget meeting.
A discussion took place about the sewer/road project including the petition. It was determined that the petition needed to be turned in by March 20, 2019 in order to meet the engineering deadlines for the project.

17. Public Comment
None

18. Adjourn
Motion made by Donna to adjourn at 7:47pm, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 03/25/19

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

MARCH 25, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 3/11/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. 2019/2020 Budget review
B. Business Registration review and discussion
C. Annexation for City of Muskegon development
D. First Reading: Marihuana Establishments & Sale & Consumption in Public Places Ordinance

08. New Business
A. Budget Public Hearing
B. Adopt 2019/2020 Budget
C. FY 2018/2019 Budget Amendments
D. Banking and Investing Resolution
E. Nonpartisan Offices Resolution
F. Casino support 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

Ask Dr. Universe – Volcanic Eruptions

Dr. Universe: How do volcanoes erupt? –Miles, 10, Tampa, FL

Dear Miles,

Wherever we find a volcano on the surface of our planet, we can find the source of an eruption beneath it. That’s what I found out from my friend John Wolff, a volcanologist at Washington State University.

Our planet is home to all kinds of volcanoes that erupt in different ways. Some eruptions are quiet and continuous, with a slow flow of lava. Other volcanoes erupt explosively and can spew ash and lava hundreds of feet up into the sky. All of this lava has its start underground in the form of something called magma.

Wolff said that scientists used to think there were large pools of hot liquid beneath volcanoes. Now we know it isn’t quite that simple. Magma is not really a liquid, but rather a kind of sludge or slurry. It helps to think of it kind of like honey.

“If you put honey in the cupboard for a long time it will solidify,” Wolff said. “But if you set it in a pan of hot water, you can return that honey to a more liquid state.”

Wolff is very curious about volcanoes and told me about super volcanoes like the Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming. The pools of magma under the Yellowstone super volcano are anywhere from three to 12 miles deep.

When a volcanic eruption is about to happen, magma near the surface of the earth gets heated up by even hotter magma from below. The hot magma deep in the earth starts to melt the crystals in that magma above and the magma becomes more liquid-like. When this happens, the system is in a dangerous state, said Wolff. The volcano could erupt at any time.

The eruption also has something to do with density. When we talk about density we are talking about how tightly packed together the particles are in an object. For example, if you put an object in water and that object floats, the object is less dense than the water.

Magma from the earth is actually lighter, or less dense, than the rock around it. As the magma starts to rise, bubbles of gas start to form inside the magma and they can’t escape. That also makes the pressure build up in the volcano, makes the magma rise even more, and eventually erupt.

In fact this pressure is one of the things that is a major difference between volcanoes on land and volcanos under the sea. Yep, there are also submarine volcanoes deep in the ocean. In fact, about 75 to 80 percent of volcanic eruptions on our planet occur underwater.

Water pressure can prevent those gassy bubbles from forming in lava, so the explosions under the sea aren’t quite as huge as eruptions on land. Because it is so dark on the ocean floor, it’s harder to see these eruptions. But whether at land or at sea, there’s likely some volcanic activity happening somewhere on our planet at this very moment.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Second Annual Hats and Horses Fundraising Event

Pioneer Resources Goes for Another Win!

hatsandhorsesMuskegon, MI: Back by popular demand, Pioneer Resources presents the 2nd annual “Hats and Horses” fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Attendees are encouraged to get tickets early and dress in derby attire/hats for this Kentucky Derby-themed party held at the Frauenthal Ballroom in downtown Muskegon. The event is from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and will feature the Kentucky Derby Race live on extra-large screens. Additional activities include a silent and live auction, betting games, cash bar, and hors-d’oeuvres throughout the evening.

This year’s proceeds will be used to help fund Day Camp at Pioneer Trails. Day Camp is a program dedicated to serving children and young adults, ages 6 to 26, with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and autism. Campers enjoy games, arts and crafts, nature education, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Day Camp includes care provided by uniquely trained staff and transportation from Muskegon. Due to funding changes, nearly a third of the funding necessary to run Day Camp needs to come from external sources.

Pioneer Resources began as an unincorporated association of parents and educators in the late 1940s, operating as Pioneer School and providing special education and therapy. 63 years later the agency offers a diverse array of individualized supports and services for persons with disabilities as well as seniors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.pioneerresources.org/events/hats-and-horses/

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 25, 2019, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Greg Hulka, Jeff Jacobs, Terry Knoll, Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none

At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 1- residents; 4- employees; 1- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; Attorney Ron Bultje

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 11, 2019 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Ron Langlois reported that a water main at Sheringer Rd. had to be lowered under the Kuis Drain due to elevation changes.
2. The West Michigan Regional Water Authority budget was shared; A tour of the new Fruitport High School project will be March 4th at 7:00pm; the Clerk shared appreciation for a $200 flag fund donation from the Fruitport Lioness Club; Senator Bumstead held office hours at Fruitport Town Hall this week and it went well.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18-175 Business Registration review and discussion
Information on the concept was reviewed. The Fire Department will be responsible for the administrative duties of the business registration. The Board asked the Attorney to develop the ordinance with the presented information.

NEW BUSINESS:

18-176 Discussion: annexation for City of Muskegon development
Frank Peterson from the City of Muskegon presented a proposed development plan for the former site of the correctional facility. The property is split between the city of Muskegon and Fruitport Township. The City of Muskegon is asking that Fruitport Township annex the property to them. The Board requested that the City of Muskegon bring back ideas for a 425 agreement.

18-177 Fire Department vacation time payout
The Public Safety Director has requested that a maximum of 54 hours of PTO time be paid out for fire personnel due to scheduling conflicts and a shortage of available staff. The fulfillment of this request is recommended by the Public Safety Committee.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to proceed with negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the IAFF union to accomplish the request.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

18-178 First Reading: Zone Text Amendment Ordinance for Solar Energy Regulation
On February 19, 2019, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the Township Board to approve the Zone Text Amendment Ordinance for Solar Energy Regulation. The ordinance would allow for and regulate the production of Solar Energy in Fruitport Township.
This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on March 11, 2019.

18-179 Planning Commission fee schedule revision
Supervisor Tice recommends adding a PUD Pre-application meeting and PUD workshop meeting to the Planning Commission fee schedule. It is suggested that the ability to add a Planning Commissioner to a meeting be added. The Board requested the Supervisor to get comparable fee schedules and reevaluate our current schedule. This topic will return to the next meeting.

18-180 Board of Review Resolution
Add to the presented resolution that the letter must be received before the close of the Board of Review.

Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the revised resolution granting residents the opportunity to file an appeal with the Board of Review by mail.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

18-181 Adoption of the Schedule of Public Meetings
Change the presented schedule to list Public Safety meetings on the 4th Monday of each month at 5:30pm.

Heidi Tice moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the revised Schedule of Public Meetings for fiscal year 2019/2020.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

18-182 Payment of bills
Andrea Anderson moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $3,599.73; Public Safety $3,065.17; Water $602.01; Sewer $1,325.78; T&A $648.00; Street Lights $14,726.69
Totaling: $23,967.38

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The Township’s free dump day will be May 4th during Spring Clean-up.
2. Jeff Jacobs requested that the Supervisor seek comparisons for non-union, Boards, and Administrative wages spread sheet.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:52pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Tim Parker Chairs ACRE AgTech, Plans Accelerator Program for 2019

Ottawa County, MI – Over the past decade, accelerators have become an essential part of the new business startup and scale up journey. Michigan is home to several of these accelerators, and later in 2019, ACRE AgTech will become the only Michigan business accelerator dedicated to serving the State’s second largest industry – agriculture.  ACRE AgTech has two key ingredients for success in this new endeavor.  First, Tim Parker, president of the Grand Angels venture group, was elected ACRE AgTech’s Board Chair this month. Parker has tremendous expertise in venture deals and evaluating startups. Under his leadership, ACRE will be well positioned to select the most talented innovators to participate in the new accelerator program. Second, becoming a launch member of GAN will help pave the way for the ACRE AgTech Accelerator to bring innovative solutions from across the country to Michigan’s agriculture industry. GAN is a highly curated community of independent accelerators, partners, and investors. They create opportunities around the world for startups to access the human and financial capital they need to create and grow their businesses, wherever they are.

Over the last ten years, more than 9,400 startups have gone through a GAN accelerator, and GAN data shows that 85% of those startups are still in business today. Among GAN corporate partners are Amazon, Cisco, American Airlines, IBM, Land Rover, Microsoft, Michelin, Mastercard, Universal Music Group, and others. Parker is confident that being a GAN accelerator will be very beneficial. “With this kind of networking and turnkey access to best practices observed globally by accelerators, we will be able to give our innovators a very competitive edge,” Parker commented.

Being a part of the GAN community offers great opportunities for its startups. Being GAN means having access to nearly 30 corporate partners that are excited to engage with startups, and engagement with investors interested in hearing ideas from authentic startup founders – and this is just what the agriculture industry in Michigan needs. The goal of the ACRE AgTech Accelerator program is to accurately and efficiently scout for the right agtechnology to meet today’s challenges in agriculture, then help the innovators behind the technologies launch their businesses.

ACRE AgTech has been providing connections and resources to agtech entrepreneurs across Michigan since December 2014. ACRE, a non-profit entrepreneurial support organization, receives support from GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Watson IP, BizStream, Rehmann, Next Creative, Ottawa County, and the State of Michigan. For more information about ACRE AgTech and the launch of the ACRE AgTech Accelerator, please visit the website at www.acreagtech.com, follow on twitter @ACREAgTech, or contact them at info@acreagtech.com or 616.994.4745.

Ottawa County Courts Receive High Marks from Public

Over the Past Six Years, People are Very Satisfied with  the 20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts

For several years, the 20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts have received high marks from the public regarding their experiences with the court. Using a survey that was administered in courts statewide, the local Circuit and Probate Courts asked court users questions about whether Circuit and Probate Courts were accessible, timely, and fair, and if they were treated with courtesy and respect by judges and court staff.

“Our court serves the people, so their views are critically important in helping us make decisions on how to improve court operations,” said Chief Circuit Judge Jon A. Van Allsburg.  Chief Probate Judge Mark A. Feyen also noted, “I am very proud of the hard work put in by our Probate Court employees, and we are committed to being even more efficient and focused on improving service to the public.”

Highlights from the 2018 survey include:

92% of court users said they were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff.
88% of court users said the way the judge or attorney referee handled their case was fair.
84% of court users were able to get their business done in a reasonable amount of time.

“We use the data from this survey to make management decisions that help better serve the public,” said Court Administrator Kevin J. Bowling. “Our goal is for every person who comes through the courthouse doors to be satisfied and treated fairly.”

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/18/19 – 03/25/19

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

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
March 18 @ 6:00 pm
The “Arsenal of Democracy” was a slogan used by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a radio broadcast delivered on December 29, 1940. The phrase was used to arouse popular support for aiding nations in the war prior to the US entry into WWII and continued until the end of the war. During that time, the US provided the Allies with millions of rounds of ammunition, as well as weapons, trucks, tanks and ships. The Americans who worked in countless factories throughout the country truly helped the US manufacture victory in WWII.  Join the USS Silversides Submarine Museum most Mondays through May 13 for the lecture series, “Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy!”

All lectures begin at 6:00pm at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. The cost is $5.00 per person or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

• March 18: Rosie the Riveter presented by Bob Hynes, Executive Director at the Yankee Air Museum.
• March 25: Patent Secrecy Act of 1940 presented by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• April 1: The real topic is Combat Propulsion presented by L-3 Engineering Specialists.

Crazy about Curry with Chef Char
March 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
April 18 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Crazy About Curry with Chef Char!” Are you ready to spice up your dinner time and incorporate more vegetables and seasonings into your dishes? Learn to make an Indian Butter Chicken Curry, a Thai Coconut Chicken Curry and a Vegetarian Chickpea curry for healthy, hearty meals you can easily make at home.  The cost is $45.  For more information or to register visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Muskegon Farmers Market or you can see a full list of classes on the Kitchen 242 Facebook Event Page.  For more information call (231) 769-2202.

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.

Paint Your Pet!
March 19, 20 & 21 @ 5:30 pm – March 21 @ 8:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 19 – 21 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market and Paint You Pet! Enjoy drinks and friends while you paint a custom piece of your pet.  After you register, please email a picture of your pet by March 1 to jacqui.erny@shorelinecity.com.  Your photo will be pre-drawn onto a canvas ready for finishing touches the day of the event.  There are only 30 spaces available so time is of the essence! Cost is $40 and will include heavy snacks.  Beverages will be available for purchase.  Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com, Muskegon Farmers Market, and City Clerk’s Office.  For more information visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Music at the Library: Uneven Ground
March 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for live music from Uneven Ground!  This vibrant, four-piece traditional Celtic band blends vocals and instrumentals, giving their audience a unique yet traditional sound to delight in.  This program is free and is brought through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Planetarium Show: Edge of Darkness
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium!  Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Edge of Darkness,” January 15 – March 28 (no shows on March 5 and 7) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Using groundbreaking discoveries from recent space missions, this program will take viewers to the dark depths of space across comets, Pluto, and its moons.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Jazz Night: Checkers Morton
March 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, March 19 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Jazz Night featuring Checkers Morton.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Jazz at the Watermark
March 19 @ 7:30 pm
The Watermark 920 and the Truth in Jazz Orchestra invite you to Jazz at the Watermark! Tuesdays at 7:30pm, March 19, April 16 and May 21 there’ll be dancing, a cash bar and good food from Fatty Lumpkins.  The Truth in Jazz Orchestra is led by Muskegon legend and drummer Tim Froncek and has been a Muskegon institution for the past 12 years.  The cover is only $5 or $2 for students.  For more information call (231) 578-0469.

Instant Pot Cooking with Chef Char
March 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March 21 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Instant Pot Cooking with Chef Char!” Are you thinking about buying an electric cooker (Instant Pot) but are not sure if this cooking gadget will be a good investment?  Do you already have one and are not sure how to use it?  Or are you an Instant Pot pro and would just like new recipe ideas?  In this two-hour class, Chef Char will show you the various ways to use an electric pressure cooker and make five different recipes for your tasting.  Recipes will be shared and lots of tips on using a pressure cooker.  These appliances will help you get dinner on the table faster and they are a major upgrade from the pressure cookers that we might know from our past.  Come to class hungry!
For more information or to register visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Muskegon Farmers Market or you can see a full list of classes on the Kitchen 242 Facebook Event Page. The cost is $45.  For more information call (231) 769-2202.

Lecture Series: Great Depression
March 21 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
January 17, February 21 and March 21 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era for a three-part lecture series highlighting the economic struggle across the United States known as the Great Depression!  Learn more about why the stock market crashed, how people used their resources to the fullest extent, and the hobos, hitchhikers, and Hooverville’s in Muskegon.  Light refreshments will be served using 1930s recipes!  This event is free for museum members and only $3 for non-members.  Please RSVP to Aaron Mace at 231-724-5534.

Comedy Open Mic Night
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Come out to the Tipsy Toad Tavern every Thursday at 7:00pm for Comedy Open Mic Night featuring live comedy from some of the funniest stand-ups currently working and touring! The cost is only $3 at the door unless you are performing!  It’s a great time with good food and cold drinks!  For more information call (231) 725-7181.

Thursday Night Music Club: Uneven Ground
March 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, March 21 at 7:00pm, you’re invited to the Norton Shores Library for a free concert featuring the four-piece traditional Celtic band, Uneven Ground!  This group blends vocals with instrumentals to bring their listeners on a unique musical journey.  Grounded in the roots of traditional Irish music, Uneven Ground presents a blend of songs molded from hundreds of pub tunes from around the Celtic region.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

Pigeon Hill’s Fifth Anniversary
March 22 – March 23
March 22 and 23, join Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. for their Fifth Anniversary Celebration! They’re shutting down Western Ave., putting up the biggest heated tent ever, and throwing a party to celebrate!  They’ll be tapping special beers throughout the weekend and promise that multiple generations of French Toast will make an appearance.  The cover is $5 each night beginning at 4:00pm on Friday and 3:00pm on Saturday.  Club Members can show your membership card for free admission!  This is a 21+ event and everyone must show ID to enter.  For more information call (231) 375-5184.

Friday Entertainment schedule:
• 4:30pm – Plain Jane Glory
• 8:00pm – Yard Sale Underwear

Saturday Entertainment schedule:
• 3:00pm – Jason & Derek
• 5:30pm – Flexadecibel
• 9:00pm – Paddlebots

Fish Fry Fridays
March 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Every Friday during Lent, the Ravenna community invites you to join them at St. Catherine’s Hall for delicious fish fry dinners! All dinners are from 5:00pm – 7:30pm and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5 – 12.  Kids 5 and under are free!  Your meal includes your choice of a baked potato or fries, green beans, cole slaw, pike perch, garlic bread and dessert.  Get an extra 2 filets for only $1.  Proceeds will benefit the organizations hosting each week including St. Catherine’s, the American Legion and the Ravenna Fire Department.  For more information call (231) 853-6743.

The Alley Door Club
March 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrating its’ 14th season, The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center  kicks off January 11, 2019 with live performances from an array of local bands!  Performing on select Friday nights through April, The Alley Door Club features live music from popular West Michigan bands in a fun environment which includes a cash bar and dancing in the Ballroom located on the 3rd Floor of the Hilt Building.  The doors open at 6:00pm for Happy Hour ($1 off all drinks), with live music from 7:00pm – 10:00pm.

The 2019 Alley Door Club performance schedule is as follows:
• March 22 – Brena (Rock)
• April 12 – Swinging Stem Cells (Rock)
• April 26 – Yard Sale Underwear (The Self-proclaimed King of Polyester, Pop & Soul)

Tickets are $10 per person.  Tables may be reserved at $75.00 for a 4-top or $115.00 for an 8-top.   For more information, call the Box Office at 231-727-8001.

Flanagan’s Wake
March 22 @ 6:30 pm – March 23 @ 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday, March 22 – 23 at 6:30pm, come to Clock Funeral Home for “Flanagan’s Wake,” a fundraiser for a new roof for the Muskegon Civic Theatre’s scene shop. Join the villagers of the beautiful fictional village of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, as they tell tales, sing songs and mourn the passing of one of their own, Flanagan.
The cost is $25 before the show, $30 at the door for general admission tickets in the pews, or $150 for 4-person VIP tables which include a round of drinks and snacks!  Doors open at 6:30pm for mingling, mourning, a silent auction and cash bar featuring your favorite Irish whiskey, beer, wine and soda. The wake begins promptly at 7:30pm.  For more information call 231-722-3852.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
March 22 @ 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.
Friday, March 22 at 7:15pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena for a Lumberjacks’ home game as they take on the Youngstown Phantoms!  For ticket information, contact asponaas@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225, ext. 259.

Live Music: Black Rose
March 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, March 22 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Black Rose!  Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Serita Crowley, also known as “Black Rose” is the very essence of funk, rock, blues and soul.  This West Michigan Native has performed hundreds of shows across the U.S. sharing the stage with notable artists including Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, James Brown, Koko Taylor, and the legendary Smokey Robinson.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
November 24 – April 27, visit the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call (231)722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

ASD Sensory Saturday at the Lakeshore Museum Center
March 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
March 23 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, families whose children have ASD, or sensory disorders, are invited to attend a special Sensory Saturday event at the Lakeshore Museum Center!  This is a free event featuring a variety of accommodations that have been put in place to create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe place for the children and families.  Families can visit the museum’s exhibits, work on a craft, and have the option to visit the quiet area to relax and unwind.  Sensory bags with items like noise-canceling headphones, visors, and fidget toys will also be available for families to check out.  Families can also download a “Sensory Story” to read with their child before their visit.  To register, call Jackie at 231-724-5526 or visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.

Sensory Friendly Movies: Where “Shhhhh!” isn’t allowed!
March 23 @ 10:30 am
Family Hope Foundation and Cinema Carousel present a unique movie experience for individuals with special needs and their families. Select Saturdays, enjoy a disability-friendly environment where everyone is welcome to be who they are!  For more information, call Family Hope Foundation at 616-729-8833.

With an audience of your peers, special families can enjoy something fun together that you might not typically be able to do. Brighter lights, lower sound, limited previews and a group of people who understand your child’s disability will make this family outing enjoyable for everyone!

These special event films feature:
• 10:30am showings
• Regular Matinee Pricing
• All movies in 2D and Open Caption
• Seating questions can be directed to the box office at 231-798-3959.

Films:
• March 23 – “Wonder Park”
• April 6 – “Dumbo”
• April 20 – “Missing Link”
• May 11 – “Ugly Dolls”
• May 18 “Polemon: Detective Pikachu”
• June 1 – “Aladdin”
• June 15 – “The Secret Life of Pets”
• June 29 – “Toy Story 4”
• July 27 – “The Lion King”

19th Century Style Floral Arrangements
March 23 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, March 23 from 11:00am – 12:30pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a workshop on 19th Century Style Floral Arrangements! Florist and designer Skeeter Parkhouse will lead this floral arrangement class inspired by 19th century American floral still lifes!  The arrangements you make will also be works of art!  Your masterpiece, of course, is yours to take home.  Fresh flowers and lovely vases are included in the cost which is $50 for non-members or $45 for members.  For more information or to register, call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

Colorful Wool Dyeing Workshop
March 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Saturday, March 23 at 1:00pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a Colorful Wool Dyeing Workshop!  This is a fun and interactive program about the historical wool dyeing process.  Learn about and help create a natural dye, dye a piece of wool to take home, and use some modern dyes such as Cool Aid for more color fun!  The cost is $10 per child (parent/guardian free of charge, but are required to stay for the program).  Please register by calling 231-722-0278.

Ancestry Basics
March 23 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Saturday, March 23 at 2:00pm, join Norton Shores Library for the workshop Ancestry Basics!  This is an introduction to two essential genealogy record groups: US census and vital records (birth, death, marriage).  Discover the rich family detail these sources can contain and get hands-on experience using the Muskegon Area District Library’s newest online genealogy resource: Ancestry.com.  While the questions in U.S. census records varied from year to year, you can find information like names of other household members, ages, birthplaces, residence, occupation, immigration and citizenship details, marriage information, military service and more.  Vital records can provide details about important milestones in your ancestors’ lives.  They can include information like the event date and place, parents’ names, occupation and residence.  The cause of death is also included in many death records.  Vital records are a cornerstone of family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more likely to be accurate.  Bring family names and dates to help you get started.  There will be some laptops available or you may bring your own laptop or tablet.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

Blues & Barbeque
March 23 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, March 23 from 5:00pm – 11:00pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market to experience the Muskegon area’s best Blues & Barbeque!  Food and drink tickets are available for $1 each and prices will vary from vendor to vendor.  Food Vendors and the bar will open at 5:00pm.  There is a competition among vendors in the categories of Pork, Chicken, and People’s Choice.  The winners will be announced at 8:45pm.  Music begins at 6:30pm featuring Vincent Hayes and the Cadillac Kelly Blues Band!  For more information call (231) 722-3251.

March Celebration: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 23 @ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 23 from 5:30pm – 10:00pm, come to Christopher Columbus Hall for the March Celebration in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!  This will be a wonderful evening of music, live & silent auctions and great food including Prime Rib French Dip Sandwiches, fries, coleslaw and dessert.  A cash bar will also be available.  The cost is only $10 per person.  Call 231-777-2006 for tickets or just buy them at the door.  All proceeds benefit The Arc Muskegon.

Red Wings Night at the Muskegon Lumberjacks
March 23 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 23 from 7:15pm – 9:45pm, the Muskegon Lumberjacks take on the Lincoln Stars and celebrate Red Wings Night at the L.C. Walker Arena! The concourse will feature multiple historical displays of trophies and memorabilia for you and your family to get photos with!  Some of these items are on display for the first time ever in Muskegon, including the Prince of Wales Trophy (won 13 times), Conn Smythe Trophy (won 5 times), James Norris Memorial Trophy (won 9 times) along with other historical displays.  For more information call the box office at 231-726-2400.

Performances @The Block: Harpeth Rising
March 23 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 23 at 7:30pm, come to The Block to hear Harpeth Rising, an unapologetic, genre-bending trio that fuses folk, newgrass, rock and classical into a sound that is organically unique.  Hallmarks of their music include expansive three-part harmonies, consummate musicianship and a deft yet soulful lyrical aspect.  Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets or more information.  Doors and bar open at 6:45pm.  The concert begins at 7:30pm.

Barbers Hair Care Clinic and Books
March 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, March 25 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, you’re invited to Hackley Public Library for the Barbers Hair Care Clinic and Books event in honor of Black History Month!  Put your best foot forward with the freshest cut as experts Kenny Terrell of Ken’s Anointed Hands and Yancey Harris of Fancy Yancey’s Barber Shop share their expertise on hair care for men and boys.  They’ll also demonstrate proper cutting techniques.  This event is free and open to the public and recommended for all ages.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Pajama Night Family Storytime
March 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, March 25 at 6:30pm, don your pj’s and bring the family to Norton Shores Library for “Pajama Night!”  Miss Gillian will share books, music, crafts, and fun with their Storytime families.  This event is free and open to families with children ages 0-5.  No registration is required.  For more information call (231) 780-8844.

Total Passenger Activity at MKG Increased 12% in CY2018

The number of passengers choosing Muskegon County Airport (MKG) for air travel continues to climb with the total number of passengers flying on United Airlines, the Laughlin, NV and Atlantic City, NJ casino charter trips, and corporate aviation passengers increased twelve percent (12%) in calendar year 2018 (41,509 total passengers) over 2017 (37,200 total passengers).

chartMuskegon County Airport is your gateway to the world on United Airlines with daily round trip flights through Chicago O’Hare providing passengers with convenient connections to almost any destination served by United. United’s new travel-friendly schedule makes it easy to fly from Muskegon for business or pleasure.

The improved flight schedule allows customers to depart MKG early in the morning and early afternoon to make connections through Chicago and return to MKG in the early afternoon and late evening. The late evening arrival allows maximum opportunities for return flights from most domestic and international locations such as the West Coast, Mexico, Jamaica and Europe. More connections help provide lower prices.

Fly locally with a short commute to/from the airport, parking just steps from the terminal, check-in and security lines guaranteed to be no more than 50 passengers per flight, and get your bags quickly at the end of your flight to get home faster. Whether flying for business or pleasure, it pays to always Check MKG First at UNITED.COM.”

Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube Celebrates 50 Years

vanslogoVan’s Car Wash & Quick Lube has been locally owned and managed, serving the community for 50 years. In 1969, the first car wash opened on Sherman Blvd. This location is one of the few that prep and spot clean your car before the automated wash. Also, with an oil change or auto service purchased, customers receive a free car wash.

Core services remain car washes and quick lube/oil change services. Standard oil changes include up to six quarts of Quaker State Synthetic Blend. The oil change service includes checking tire pressure, lights and resetting the oil reminder function. Repairs and other maintenance is offered at the Sherman location. Services include brakes, A/C, engine work, starters, alternators, and radiators/cooling systems.

jandsvan

John & Sharon Vanderstelt

Van’s story began on October 15, 1930, when Gerritt Vanderstelt and his son Henry opened Van’s full-service gas station at 1087 W. Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. Their franchise would eventually expand to five locations. Henry Vanderstelt took over the company after his father’s passing. In 1979, Henry retired and his sons, Gary and John, took over the reins of the family business, which included a car wash and gas station on Sherman Boulevard. In 1987, Gary decided to retire from the business and sold the original location on Laketon Avenue, while his brother John continued to own and operate the full-service Sherman location. Two of their sons, Mike and Jerry, remained as the co-owners and operators of the company. Today, the family legacy continues under current owner, Jerry Vanderstelt.

Currently, Jerry owns and manages seven locations in the Muskegon, Fruitport, and Fremont area. As the 50th anniversary occurred on January 24, 2019, Jerry had this to say, “I am extremely proud to carry on four generations of service to our community and our entire team is looking forward to continuing the tradition of customer service.”

Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube
Jerry Vanderstelt
1230 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
231-759-7777

Right to Life of Michigan Calls on Peters, Stabenow to Protect Born Alive Infants

February 5, 2019, Grand Rapids, Mich. -– Right to Life of Michigan is calling on U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow to support S.130, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Last night, an effort to give S.130 unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate was blocked by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).

The legislation would require that a child born alive after a botched abortion be treated with the same level of care as a premature infant born at the same stage of pregnancy, and that the child be transported to a hospital for proper care.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “It should be easy for everyone to agree that once a child is born, they deserve the same treatment as any other child. Why would anyone disagree? This isn’t about abortion, but about treating newborns with the care they deserve.”

S.130 would add protections to the existing federal Born Alive Infant Protection Act of 2002. The 2002 law defines a child born alive following a botched abortion as a person under existing federal laws. The 2002 law passed the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent.

Listing said, “Senator Debbie Stabenow was in the U.S. Senate in 2002, so we hope she won’t object to making sure the law is being properly enforced today.”

The legislation was introduced by Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) in the wake of a new abortion law in New York and legislation in Virginia. The New York law recently signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo repealed legal protection in the state for children born alive following botched abortions.

Similar legislation in Virginia was defeated after the bill sponsor publicly admitted the legislation would allow abortions through all nine months of pregnancy, even during the process of labor.

Embattled Virginia Governor Ralph Northam defended the legislation and third trimester abortions in a radio show where he said, “The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.”

Listing said, “There are examples of children just left to die following a late-term abortion. It’s clear our country’s laws need to be improved to ensure infanticide or passive euthanasia of children is not occurring. This shouldn’t be a controversial issue and we expect our Michigan Senators to stand for basic, humane treatment.”

Ask Dr. Universe – Molecules

Dr. Universe: What are molecules? – Jolin, 9, Maryland

Dear Jolin,

A glass of water has more molecules than there are stars in the night sky. That’s what I found out from my friend Jack (Qiang) Zhang, an assistant professor of chemistry at Washington State University.

“Everything around us is made up of molecules,” he said. “And while these molecules may be different, they are all made of the same things.”

Those things are called atoms. Zhang told me we can think about atoms kind of like Lego blocks. Imagine that you have a pile of red Legos, yellow Legos, and blue Legos. Maybe you use them to build a tiny house, or you can use this same set of Legos to build something else like an airplane or a robot.

Just as you can arrange blocks in different ways, atoms arranged in different ways can make up different objects. There are a lot of atoms, but let’s talk about three of them. We can find their names on a big chart called the Periodic Table of Elements.

First, there is hydrogen, the smallest atom and the most abundant element in the universe. Then there’s carbon. Animals, like us, get carbon by eating plants or meat. And then there’s oxygen, which you might be familiar with because we all breathe oxygen molecules.

These atoms can do things individually, but when we combine them in different ways, they form all kinds of things.

You could make sugar, a sweet molecule that gives plants and animals energy. You could also use those same building blocks to make vinegar, a sour molecule and type of acid that we use in cooking.

One of the most abundant molecules on our planet is water. It can make trees grow tall, but through a process called erosion it can also break down the biggest mountains. It is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which is why some people will call it
H₂O.

Water and other molecules will undergo changes under different temperatures. When water gets cold it becomes a solid, called ice, but those very basic molecules still keep the same shape. Molecules are also always moving, said Zhang. Even in the wood that makes up your school desk, the wood molecules are vibrating ever so slightly.

Zhang said different molecules will sometimes interact with each other, too. For example, if you mix vinegar and baking soda together you are bound to see some bubbles start spouting. Here, the molecules that make up baking soda and vinegar start to re-arrange in a chemical reaction. In a way, it’s kind of like breaking apart your Lego creation to make something else. You can learn more about chemical reactions in this activity from the American Museum of Science and Energy. Tell me how it goes at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Fruitport Township Planning Commission Meeting Agenda – 03/19/19

AGENDA

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP
5865 AIRLINE RD
FRUITPORT, MI 49415

March 19, 2019
6:30 PM WORK SESSION
7:00 PM BOARD MEETING

WORK SESSION
Continue review of ordinances
-Start at 42-250

BOARD MEETING
01. Roll Call
02. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes: February 19, 2019
03. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes: Special Meeting February 27, 2019
04. Approve / Amend Agenda
05. Correspondence / Reports
06. Public Comments pertaining to agenda topics
07. Discussion: Proposed ordinance amendment prohibiting marihuana establishments

New Business

Old Business
08. Zone Change- North Ottawa Community Hospital
Parcel/s:       15-134-100-0001-00
∙                     15-134-100-0002-00
∙                     15-134-100-0004-00
Purpose:      Re-zone to match Fruitport Township’s master plan: Commercial/B-2

09. Site Plan Review– Township of Fruitport/Sheringer Park
Parcel:          15-112-100-0040-00
Purpose:      Approval for improvements

10. Site Plan Review Modification – Chandy Acres East 2239 Mt. Garfield Rd.
Parcel:            61-15-127-2000-0007-40
Purpose:        Modification of approved site plan under section 42-226

11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment

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The township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals with disabilities by writing or telephoning the Township Clerk:
Andrea Anderson
Fruitport Charter Township
5865 Airline Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415
(231) 865-3151.

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – 03/11/19

Business and Finance Committee
Monday, March 11, 2019
11:30 a.m., Superintendent’s Office
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, and Mark Mesbergen

1. 457 Plan
Fruitport’s employee retirement consortium, Michigan Retirement Investment Consortium, now allows districts to offer 457 plans. Currently, Fruitport employees are only able to put additional retirement money into a 403b and cannot draw money out of account (without penalty) until age 60. The 457 plan is like the 403b but will allow the employee to draw money out at age 55. There is no cost to the district to offer this benefit for the employees.

2. Special Education Transportation Consortium
Over the past 5 years, Fruitport has been in and out of the MAISD special education transportation consortium depending on whether there was a financial benefit to the district. The calculation for special education transportation is a reimbursement rate based on how much Fruitport spends, along with depreciation of any special education buses and other factors. The only operation difference is where Fruitport reports the special education costs and that determines how the money is flowed to the district. With that all being said, in the upcoming years, it will be better financially if Fruitport is no longer in the MAISD consortium so the district can maximize our special education transportation reimbursement.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Mark Mesbergen

Fruitport Board of Education Meeting Agenda – 03/18/19

Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Fruitport Middle School
Monday, March 18, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.

I. CALL to ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
V. PRESENTATIONS
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2019 (attachment IX-1)
2. Approval of Bills (attachment IX-2)
General Fund                            $181,503.49
Other Funds:
Early Childhood Center                 1,384.20
Food Service                                  66,181.23
Coop Ed (ISD) Tech Millage               397.61
Capital Projects (Bond)                   7,461.50   
Total Bill List                            $256,928.03

3. Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report and ACH Transactions (attachment IX-3)
4. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report (attachment IX-4)
5. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report (attachment IX-5)
6. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report (attachment IX-6)
7. Approval of Personnel Report (includes confirmation of new hires, resignations, retirees, and transfers) (attachment IX-7)

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Schools of Choice Resolution (attachment X-1)

XI. BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Elroy Buckner, Chairperson
1. Report of Committee Meeting held March11, 2019 (attachment XI-1)
2. 457 Plan (attachment XI-2)
3. Special Education Transportation Consortium with MAISD (attachment XI-3)

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve Kelly, Chairperson

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Jill Brott, Chairperson
1. Overnight Trip Request (attachment XIII-1)

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
1. Select a board member to attend the MAISD Annual Budget Review

XV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
1.Schedule Business & Finance Committee Meeting
2.Schedule Personnel Committee Meeting
3.Schedule Student Affairs Committee Meeting
4.Schedule a Board Workshop
5.MAISD Annual Budget Review Wednesday, April 24, 2019 @ 5:30 p.m.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

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*Time is provided for members of the audience to address the Board of Education regarding any topic including items on the agenda. The board is providing two opportunities for the public to comment during the meeting. The first is for people who wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. At the end of the meeting the board will provide a brief opportunity for community members to comment on activities and/or discussion that took place during the board meeting. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.

It’s About America, Not You

Many in the House and Senate need to realize this is ABOUT AMERICA, NOT ABOUT THEM, and their morally corrupt political parties. They are paid high wages to work for America in a fair, sensible, and godly way.

That is not what we are getting for our money now!

The safety of America should be the most important thing to our legislators.

Is there any common sense left in city Mayors and state Governors?  What has happened to the education systems across America that turns out such irresponsible leaders?

These leaders cannot take care of their own, yet most offer sanctuary to illegals, even if they are known criminals.  By doing so, they are encouraging the world to migrate to America, against our immigration laws.

Any one who encourages others to break our laws is, or should be consider a criminal themselves.

Those who claim it is immoral to use barriers to stop illegals from entering our country happen to be the most immoral people around.

The most recent example is the ungodly state of New York, which passed a new Bill, and their proud Governor signed into law, allowing that state to legally murder babies “UP TO THE DUE DATE.”  Unless they REPENT and TURN BACK TO GOD, America WILL GET SICKER THAN THAT!

The guilt rests on unbelievers, and on believers too.

On believers, because we failed to stand on God’s Word.  That Word of God tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness.”  Yet we remained silent!

A murderous heart requires REPENTANCE, or Hell will be the judgment.  Saying the Wall/or Barrier is immoral does not cancel the horrible immoralities you support.

Manuel Ybarra, Jr.
Coalgate, OK
Ph.#  580-428-3242

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.

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Editor’s Comment:
The problem could be solved by reducing the water use by farmers and commercial. All residential reduction combined will have little effect.

Silent Observer Keeping Our Community Safe

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon County Silent Observer program made rewards of $10,650 for crimes solved in 2018.  “This is one of our largest payout years in recent history” says Tom Schultz, Chairman of the Silent Observer volunteer committee and Chairman of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  The payouts for 2018 involved 6 cases related to retail theft, 4 cases related to fugitive arrests, and one high profile murder case.

There was also a payout this year for the “Party Patrol” program.  The Party Patrol’s focus is on underage drinking and drug parties.  Just one call to help break up parties where underage drinking or illegal drug use are occurring can prevent serious harm and save the lives of many.

“Silent Observer is a fantastic tool that allows community members to assist law enforcement in keeping our community safe”, says Schultz.  The high tech program allows individuals to report crimes anonymously by calling in tips with total confidentiality.  Computer software blocks cell phone numbers and computer addresses by replacing that information with confidential code numbers.  The Silent Observer administrators cannot see the identity of who is calling or emailing tips.  When information results in an arrest or breaks up an illegal party, the code number can release the reward payout that can then be cashed anonymously.

The Silent Observer committee is made up of a number of non-profit organizations in the community.  They work in partnership with local law enforcement professionals.  The funds raised for the program, the software and the rewards are held in an account managed separately by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber Foundation.  “New technology and community engagement are making a difference in the safety of Muskegon County”, said Schultz.

To find out more about the program or make a donation go to www.silentobservermuskegon.com

Acclaimed Folk Duo Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert to Perform at Muskegon Museum of Art

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Photo Credit: Molly Secours

Muskegon, MI – Acclaimed folk musicians Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert will perform at the Muskegon Museum of Art’s Frey Foundation Auditorium on Saturday, April 27, at 7:00 pm.

Kieran Kane has been referred to as “the godfather of Americana music” for good reason. His seminal work in The O’Kanes and Kane Welch Kaplin, as well as co-founding the independent label Dead Reckoning Records, laid the foundation for the contemporary world of Americana music. A successful solo artist, collaborator, and songwriter (with songs recorded by Alan Jackson, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and many more), Kieran is a musician’s musician: his playing is always understated, always groove-oriented, and always serving the song.

If Rayna Gellert seems a preternaturally gifted songwriter, it’s because she’s seen farther into the old songs than most. Growing up in a musical family, she turned to Appalachian old-time music at a young age, becoming a prodigious fiddler, and leading a new revival of American stringband music through her work with the acclaimed roots band Uncle Earl. An in-demand collaborator, she has toured and recorded with artists such as Scott Miller, Abigail Washburn, Toubab Krewe, and Robyn Hitchcock.

Kieran and Rayna met at San Francisco’s celebrated Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, which led to co-writing songs for Kieran’s recent album, Unguarded Moments (Dead Reckoning).They joined forces again for Rayna’s 2017 release, Workin’s Too Hard (StorySound Records). Their first duo album, The Ledges, was released in February on Dead Reckoning Records.

Fans of either artist will recognize musical kindred-spiritedness in their restrained and roots-oriented approach to both songs and arrangements.

Concert tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance and $15 for members of the museum. They may be purchased at the MMA Museum Store or by phone at 231-720-2580.  Doors open at 6:30. Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar prior to the concert and at intermission.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave., in downtown Muskegon, MI. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for visitor information.

Made possible through generous support from Art Bridges

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MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITIONS
Through March 10, 2019 | SONS: Seeing the African American Male
Through March 10, 2019 | Ad Man: Joseph Grey II
January 31 through May 12, 2019 | A+ for Educators: Illustrations by Patricia Polacco
February 14 through April 21, 2019 | In Pieces: The Art of Vintage Puzzles

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/11/19 – 03/18/19

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

Marketing Monday: Facebook Advertising
March 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Monday, March 11 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, come to the Muskegon Innovation Hub for the workshop, “Facebook Advertising for Business!”  Learn the ins and outs of how to best use Facebook as a paid platform.  Discover all the opportunities for targeting users and gain valuable insight on first steps in the platform.  This training will touch on data issues, what to do moving forward, warn about ‘boosting’ posts and talk about the mass opportunity for leads, reach, and traffic from targeted audiences.  For more information call 616-331-6900.

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
March 11 & 18 @ 6:00 pm
The “Arsenal of Democracy” was a slogan used by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a radio broadcast delivered on December 29, 1940. The phrase was used to arouse popular support for aiding nations in the war prior to the US entry into WWII and continued until the end of the war. During that time, the US provided the Allies with millions of rounds of ammunition, as well as weapons, trucks, tanks and ships. The Americans who worked in countless factories throughout the country truly helped the US manufacture victory in WWII.  Join the USS Silversides Submarine Museum most Mondays through May 13 for the lecture series, “Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy!”

All lectures begin at 6:00pm at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. The cost is $5.00 per person or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

• March 11: Muskegon – Arsenal of Democracy presented by Professor Dan Yakes.
• March 18: Rosie the Riveter presented by Bob Hynes, Executive Director at the Yankee Air Museum.
• March 25: Patent Secrecy Act of 1940 presented by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• April 1: The real topic is Combat Propulsion presented by L-3 Engineering Specialists.

Ardan Academy of Irish Dance
March 11 @ 6:00 pm
Monday, March 11 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a fabulous free performance by the Ardan Academy of Dance, a staple in Irish dance instruction which boasts several national and world qualifying dancers. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

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.

Adult Pottery Class, Make a Pet Dish
March 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday, March 11 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to Northside Clay & Canvas to make a dog or cat bowl!  Make the bowl March 11, and then glaze it March 18 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Your bowl will be ready for pickup March 25.  For more information visit http://www.robinnidelcheffstudio.com/classes.html

True Crime in Michigan: Historic Presentation with Tobin T. Buhk
March 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 12 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the program “True Crime in Michigan!”  Are you fascinated with true crime stories?  You’ll hear details about the most notable crimes in our Great Lakes state!  Tobin T. Buhk, author of “Poisoning the Pecks of Grand Rapids,” will give a historic presentation on true crime in Michigan.  Mark your calendar for this riveting, free program, and get ready for an evening of intrigue and insight!  For more information call 231-722-8000.

Planetarium Show: Edge of Darkness
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium!  Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Edge of Darkness,” January 15 – March 28 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Using groundbreaking discoveries from recent space missions, this program will take viewers to the dark depths of space across comets, Pluto, and its moons.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

M.A.R.S. Regional Competition: Destination Deep Space
March 14 – March 16
M.A.R.S (Muskegon Area Robotics Students) Rovers is a non-profit FIRST Robotics organization based in Muskegon. Their teams consists of students grades 4-12. Each season, they learn concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math, put their skills to use in constructing a robot designed to complete specific tasks, and compete with other robots around the state.
In partnership with L3 Technologies, the M.A.R.S. Rovers are pleased to be hosting a regional FRC competition for the first time ever in Muskegon! The competition will take place at Orchard View High School March 14-16.  With 40 teams already applied to attend, over 400 students, and over 2000 spectators, it’s sure to be an exciting event you won’t want to miss!  For more information call 231-286-4957.

Lakeshore Innovator of the Year Award Reception
March 14 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, March 14 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Grand Valley State University’s Muskegon Innovation Hub as they launch a new award program that will recognize and celebrate the most innovative ideas on the lakeshore.  This new award will recognize the most outstanding innovative idea and can be given to an individual or a team of people from any business, nonprofit, organization or association in the Lakeshore area using innovation to improve their business or organization to better achieve their mission.  Join them as they honor the top 5 finalists and celebrate the announcement of the first Lakeshore Innovator of the Year!  Enjoy light refreshments and good company.  This event is free and open to the public.  RSVP by March 7 by calling 616-331-6900.

Comedy Open Mic Night
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Come out to the Tipsy Toad Tavern every Thursday at 7:00pm for Comedy Open Mic Night featuring live comedy from some of the funniest stand-ups currently working and touring! The cost is only $3 at the door unless you are performing!  It’s a great time with good food and cold drinks!  For more information call (231) 725-7181.

St. Patrick’s Party
March 15 – March 16
The Michigan Irish Music Festival is excited to announce its annual St. Patrick’s Party March 15 and 16 at Bella Maria’s Ristorante & Event Center!  The party will feature live entertainment both nights.  West Michigan-native band CrossBow can be heard at Irish and Scottish music festivals across the Midwest. Apparent from the moment they hit the stage, these high-energy musicians naturally feed off of one another, creating a dynamic, wholly unique performance that shouldn’t be missed.

Other highlights of the event include performances by Brother Crowe, a Detroit-based duo that plays Indie folk music in a traditional Celtic style, and traditional Irish dance performances from the Ardan Academy of Dance. Additionally, the silent auction returns both nights with several new exciting formats and ways to bid on the variety of items.  Back by popular demand is McGovern’s Corned Beef and Irish fare, plus Irish soda bread and soft pretzels from the Village Baker. Pigeon Hill Brewing Company’s MI Irish Stout, Magner’s Irish Cider, Irish cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Budweiser products will also be served. Doors open at 5:30pm both nights with music starting at 6:00pm.  Tickets are available at the door for $8, and kids 12 and under get in for free!

The mission of the Michigan Irish Music Festival is to produce a quality Midwest Irish Music Festival that promotes Irish culture and heritage while enhancing the community through entertainment, tourism, education and philanthropy. The festival is proud to support Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Kids’ Food Basket with gifts of non-perishable food items and cash donations.  Since 2008, due to the success of the St. Pat’s Party and the Festival, the Michigan Irish Music Festival has donated over $266,000 in cash and 21,000 pounds of food back to the community.  The Michigan Irish Music Festival will return this fall, September 12-15, 2019, at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon.  The festival kicks off with a Pub Party on Thursday, September 12.  For more information call (231) 683-2065 or visit www.michiganirish.org.

Fish Fry Fridays
March 15 – April 12 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Every Friday during Lent, the Ravenna community invites you to join them at St. Catherine’s Hall for delicious fish fry dinners! All dinners are from 5:00pm – 7:30pm and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5 – 12.  Kids 5 and under are free!  Your meal includes your choice of a baked potato or fries, green beans, cole slaw, pike perch, garlic bread and dessert.  Get an extra 2 filets for only $1.  Proceeds will benefit the organizations hosting each week including St. Catherine’s, the American Legion and the Ravenna Fire Department.  For more information call (231) 853-6743.

Friday Family Fun Night: Flashlight Night at the Museum
March 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 15 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the Friday family fun night, “Flashlight Night at the Museum!” See the museum in a different light by experiencing a guided tour of the museum’s lower level by flashlight!  Learn about prehistoric creatures, nocturnal animals, and phosphorescence. Before or after your tour, explore the museum’s main level and take part in a fun flashlight activity!  This event is open house style, but tours will be timed and on a first-come-first-served basis.  For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Games
March 15 & 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.
Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 at 7:15pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena for Lumberjacks’ home games as they take on the Des Moines Buccaneers!  For ticket information, contact asponaas@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225, ext. 259.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Classic Broadway
March 15 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, March 15 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents “Classic Broadway!”  Two dynamic Broadway artists join your WMS for an extraordinary evening of classic songs from Broadway’s Golden Age and beyond.  With unforgettable melodies and lyrics by Porter, Gershwin, Berlin, Hamlisch, Lloyd Webber and more, these incredible vocal talents will make this a night to remember.
Single ticket prices are $28-$64.  Student tickets are $10.  Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.
• Scott Speck, conductor
• Lisa Vroman, soprano
• Doug LaBrecque, tenor

Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration Day 1: The Leprecons
March 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Friday, March 15, 2019 from 9:00pm – midnight, it’s a “Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration” featuring live music from The Leprecons! The Leprecons are a wee little band that seriously has fun or funnily is serious about playing traditional Irish music.  Their trademark is having a rousingly good time with the audience who are encouraged to sing along as best they can and with all their might.  Singing the correct words is also encourage but not strictly enforced since they are, after all, Irish, Scottish, and English folk songs.  The group consists of J.D. Gonzales (vocals & guitar), Kirk Griffes (vocals, mandolin, whistle & bodhran), Derek Detman (background vocals, percussion & banjo), and Owen Sharpe (vocals & bass).  For more information call (231) 288-1068.

White Lake Business Expo
March 16 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, March 16 from 8:00am – 12:30pm, come to Whitehall High School for a first-hand look at the diverse products and services offered by White Lake Area businesses at the 7th Annual White Lake Community Business Expo! The Expo, presented by the White Lake Area Chamber, is free to the public and held in conjunction with the popular Montague-Whitehall Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

This is a high-energy and fun event with a DJ and over $3000 in prizes! Enjoy a pancake breakfast and stroll through over 50 exhibitors set up in the gymnasium.  Expect one-on-one interaction with local business owners and get to know all they have to offer!

• Gold Sponsor: Scheid Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.
• Silver Sponsors: Boardwell Mechanical Services Inc. and Durga Insurance Group – Farm Bureau Insurance
• Bronze Sponsors: MasterTag, White Lake Assisted Living, White Lake Beacon, & Ina Ray – Caliber Home Loans, Inc.

For additional information, including sponsorship opportunities or to request an application, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-893-4585, info@whitelake.org or visit www.whitelake.org.

Unruly St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pre-Party
March 16 @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, March 16 from 8:30am – 11:00am, Unruly Brewing Co. is hosting an Unruly St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pre-Party! Whether you’re in the parade or attending the parade, you’re invited to hang out in the taproom to enjoy beer, coffee and snacks.  For more information call (231) 288-1068.

Run Muskegon’s 5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k
March 16 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Run Muskegon’s 5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k is happening Saturday, March 16 from 9:00am – 11:00am on the Lakeshore Trail behind Fricano Place!  Register for this fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day race to benefit Run Muskegon’s snow removal efforts that keep the trail clear during the winter months.

Get festive and wear green, a kilt or dress up like a leprechaun for a chance to win prizes!  The Shamrock Shuffle will be chip-timed courtesy of Runner’s Edge Timing with awards given to:

• Overall Top Male & Female Finishers
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age group (male and female)
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the best costume

All ages are welcome for this family friendly event.  Packet pick-up will be Friday, March 15 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and March 16 from 8:00am – 8:55am at Fricano Place.  The cost is $20 without a t-shirt or $25 with a t-shirt.  You must register by March 6 to get the shirt.  After that, they’ll be available for purchase $5 at the race in very limited quantities.  The Family Rate (3 or 4 people at same address) is $15 each without a t-shirt or $20 each with a Short Sleeve Tech T-shirt.

For more information, e-mail runmuskegon@gmail.com.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon!  Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s!  You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village.  For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
November 24 – April 27, visit the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call (231)722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast
March 16 @ 10:00 am
Saturday, March 16 at 10:00am, come to the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for a breakfast of Green Eggs & Ham!  The ladies are celebrating Reading Month and Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a delicious breakfast including free Dr. Seuss books and a visit from one of his marvelous characters!  The requested donation is $15 for 1 adult + 1 child.  Add $5 for each additional person in the family.  Call Nancy Bierenga to make your reservation at 231-730-0887 or e-mail nancy@housesbynancy.com.

All Things Green and Lucky Hike
March 16 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Saturday, March 16 from 10:30am – 11:30am, bring the kids to the Gillette Nature Center at Hoffmaster State Park for the “All Things Green and Lucky Hike!” Look for signs of spring, learn about residents of the Hoffmaster woodland and see if you can spy the leprechaun!  This hike is for children and their families.  It is about 1 mile total walking distance and is appropriate for young children. There is a special surprise waiting at the end of the trail. For more information call (231) 798-3573.

Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16 @ 11:00 am
Saturday, March 16, the Annual Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is stepping off at 11:00am from 4th St. and Clay Ave. and marching east along Clay to Jefferson St.  Families, organizations, fraternal groups, businesses, marching bands, churches and schools are invited to join in the fun and march in this exciting event! Sponsor your “clan” and walk the parade route or design a float and ride through downtown Muskegon along “O’Clay Street!”  The only cost to march in the parade or sponsor a float is a non-perishable food donation.  The Greater Muskegon Jaycees “Cart Corps” will perform along the parade route, accepting food donations from the parade crowd and entertaining the assembled masses with their synchronized grocery cart maneuvers!  If your family, organization or group wants to march in the inaugural Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, please contact the Greater Muskegon Jaycees at parade@muskegonjaycees.org for a complete registration packet.  For more information, call 231-412-0705.

St. Patrick’s Weekend at Hennessey’s
March 16 @ 12:00 pm – March 17 @ 12:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17 from noon until midnight, come to Hennessey’s Irish Pub and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy Irish fare and beers as well as a great music line up.  For more information call (231) 728-3333.
• 12:00pm – 3:00pm Gypsy Circus
• 4:30pm – 7:30pm Colton Snuffer
• 9:30pm – 12:30am The Conklin Ceili Band

Delicious Demise
March 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
From October – May, Amanda’s Bequest, a heritage farm-stay bed & breakfast, and Bygone Basics, a heritage farm to fork cooking school and bakery, offer special “Murder Mystery” events! Participants learn about cultural food differences and experience dishes that are authentic to the country or place the theme is based on.  You get food discovery, dinner, and “DEMISE!”

This is so much fun!  You will be emailed more detailed information about the event prior to arrival, including your role assignment and costume suggestions. The activities last from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturdays, with dinner served in courses.  These are themed murder mysteries based on the season, month and number of guests.  All are different, so keep coming back for the next one!  A minimum of 6 people are required.  Murder mystery dinners are adult themed and not suitable for those under 17 years of age.  (Not fully suitable for special diets.  Some foods are naturally gluten free or vegetarian and these are present, but no separate dishes can be prepared.) For more information, please call (231) 740-4065 or e-mail ICan@bygonebasics.com.  You can request no role, or small role if you are a little shy. Conversely, do request a big role if you are excited about doing this!

They reserve the right to change the posted theme to adjust to group sizes.  Please call or e-mail to register or visit the website below.  The cost is $45 or $35 if you’re staying at Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast.

Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration: Day 2
March 16 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, March 16 from 8:00pm – 11:00pm, come to Unruly Brewing Co. for their Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration Day 2! Enjoy downtown Muskegon’s awesome St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then spend the evening enjoying awesome Irish entertainment!  For more information call (231) 288-1068.

Beer Releases:
• Fat Guy Little Kilt– Scotch Ale
• Wailing Banshee – Irish Red Ale with Ginger
• Tirim – Dry Irish Stout

Entertainment:
• 11:30am – 12:30pm Muskegon Police Pipes and Drums
• 12:30pm – 1:00pm Irish DJ
• 1:00pm – 1:30pm Irish Costume Contest
• 2:00pm – 2:30pm Mona Shores Fiddlers (First Set)
• 2:30pm – 3:00pm Irish DJ
• 3:00pm – 3:30pm Mona Shores Fiddlers (Second Set)
• 3:30pm – 5:00pm Irish DJ
• 5:00pm – 6:00pm Ardan Academy of Dance (Irish Dancers)
• 5:30pm – 8:30pm Irish DJ
• 8:30pm The Barley Saints: The Barley Saints are a five-piece Celtic rock band from the Muskegon/Grand Rapids area of West Michigan. They specialize in a mix of Irish pub tunes, up-tempo Irish folk songs, and fast-paced traditional dance tunes, supported by driving rock beats.

Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration: Day 3
March 17 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 17 from 11:00am – 9:00pm, you’re invited to Unruly Brewing Co. to a Most Unruly St. Paddy’s Celebration: Day 3!  Just in case you didn’t have enough fun on Days 1 & 2, or if you just need a little “hair of the dog,” come celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Unruly.  They will have more of the Ardan Academy of Dance (Irish Dancers) performing two sets, one at 2:00pm and another at 4:00pm.  Enjoy Irish beers, music, dancers and more!  For more information call (231) 288-1068.

Free Latin Dance Party
March 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Every other Sunday, March 3 – May 13 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Unruly Brewing Co. in downtown Muskegon for bi-monthly, free Latin Dance Classes offered by the Facebook group MADLOS!  They will cover simple steps, turns and spins that are easy to learn and fun to do.  No partner or experience are needed to participate.  The lesson is from 5:00pm – 6:00pm with music continuing until 7:00pm so you can practice what you’ve learned or show off what you know.  If you don’t need a lesson and just want to dance, join them at 6:00pm.  There is no cost for the lesson, but they are accepting donations that will go to support the Child Abuse Counsel of Muskegon County.  MADLOS offers different dance styles, including Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and more.  Keep an eye on their Facebook page to see what they’re up to next.
Instructor:  Florencia Manon Colella from Argentina

Community: Honoring Our Fallen Police K9s of 2018

In 2018, 27 K9 Officers gave their lives in the line of duty from across the country.  We wanted to create a ‘walking’ tribute to honor these fallen K9 heroes.  We also want to take advantage of this opportunity to protect as many of our K9 Officers as resources will allow.  Proceeds from your t-shirt memorial purchases will be used to outfit as many of our four-legged warriors as possible.

The T-shirt design contains the NAME of all 27 K9s lost in the line of duty during 2018.

Blue Alert Foundation serves to honor ALL our fallen heroes and those who continue to serve to keep our communities safe.  This is Blue Alert’s 5th year honoring fallen K9s with a tribute t-shirt and have vested numerous of our four-legged heroes as the result of your generosity. Please consider helping us again this year!

Ordering Link:
https://relentlessdefender.com/shop/2018-k9-heroes/

Justin Pelham Joins Muskegon Chamber Staff

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce announces the addition of Justin Pelham to the chamber staff.  Pelham joins the chamber as the Communications Specialist. His responsibilities will include managing e-communications, chamber brand publications, and media relations.  “We are excited to have Justin on the team as he brings new skills in technology that will help expand the capabilities of the chamber”, says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

Pelham, a disabled veteran and recent graduate from Grand Valley State University, has experience in many forms of multimedia communications.  He will work directly with business owners and managers when they are trying to promote their products and services through the chamber website and social media.  “I look forward to working with local businesses and hope my skills will bring value to the chamber and to the community”, says Pelham.  Justin can be contacted at jpelham@muskegon.org.

38% Increase in Airline Passenger Activity in December 2018

The number of passengers choosing Muskegon County Airport (MKG) for air travel continues to climb with the total number of passengers flying United Airlines increasing thirty-eight percent (38%) for December 2018 (3,065) compared to December 2017 (2,216). This significant increase is attributed primarily to the new travel-friendly schedule which commenced in October.

The improved flight schedule allows customers to depart MKG early in the morning and early afternoon to make connections through Chicago and return to MKG in the early afternoon and late evening to maximize return flight options. The late evening arrival allows maximum opportunities for return flights from most domestic and international locations such as the West Coast, Mexico, Jamaica and Europe. More connections help provide lower prices.

Fly locally with a short commute to/from the airport, parking just steps from the terminal, check-in and security lines guaranteed to be no more than 50 passengers per flight, and get your bags quickly at the end of your flight to get home faster. Why would you not fly from MKG?

“We are extremely pleased to see more travelers choosing to fly locally on United,” said Jeffrey Tripp, Muskegon County Airport Manager. “The various schedule changes are providing the West Michigan Lakeshore region with the travel friendly schedule our customers have been asking for. Whether flying for business or pleasure, it pays to always Check MKG First at UNITED.COM.”

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Senior Volunteers

The Ottawa County Sheriff Office is seeking applicants for the Senior Volunteer Program. Senior volunteers provide important services for Ottawa County:

• conducting home security checks
• enforcing handicapped parking rules
• processing abandoned vehicles
• transferring police vehicles for maintenance
• community events and parades
• and other needed services.

Last year, the volunteers logged 3690 hours of service in Ottawa County.

Senior volunteers should be age 50 or older, must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check. Those interested in the Senior Volunteer Program should contact Captain Bob Tease at 616-738-4010 or rtease@miottawa.org.