Monthly Archives: March 2019

Letter to the Editor: A Lost America

Dear Editor:

America lost its love for God and lost its soul.

We forgot “the first and great commandment,” “Thou shalt love thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind.” And the second, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

We forgot, forgive or you won’t be forgiven.  And of course, “Love your enemy.’

Now half of America is so full of unrighteousness, and blinded by the Devil, that they fight for the right to murder unborn babies.

They have forgotten that there is nothing more precious than a new born baby!  Even children want to hold them!

They have forgotten that our Righteous God turned Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes because of the exceedingly wicked sin of homosexual acts by their men.  Now our women have joined in that sin!  America may tolerate all of that, BUT GOD WON’T!  And He has the power to destroy all of America.

Those who reject God, and Jesus sacrifice on the cross, will face eternal damnation in Hell and the Lake of Fire.  Repent, or face judgment.

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

January 22 Marked 46 Years of Abortion, 59 Million Lives Lost

Grand Rapids, Mich. -– Tuesday, January 22 marked the 46th year of legalized abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. The decisions allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy for any reason.

In the past 46 years, legalized abortion has ended the lives of an estimated 59 million children in the womb.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “This is an unthinkable number of deaths that continues to grow each year. We must stand firm in our opposition to this tragedy.”

Prolife people mourn the loss of life, but remain optimistic about the future. Last year saw several significant prolife victories.

President Donald Trump made another Supreme Court nomination after Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement. Justice Brett Kavanaugh is potentially the fifth vote on the Court needed to overturn or significantly weaken Roe v. Wade.

In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of prolife pregnancy centers in the case NIFLA v. Becerra , protecting their right to free speech.

The Centers for Disease Control released their annual report on the number of abortions in the U.S., showing the lowest recorded number of abortions since 1973. Abortions in the U.S. decreased 24 percent since 2006 and have been declining since 1990.

Listing said, “Now is a time to be encouraged by all the prolife movement has accomplished and to renew our determination to see an end to the millions of deaths brought about by abortion.”

On January 18, 2019, hundreds of thousands of prolife individuals traveled to the nation’s capital to show their support for the lives of unborn child in the annual March for Life. Right to Life of Michigan affiliates took 18 buses with more than 900 people to the March for Life, and hosted many local events to mark the 46th memorial of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton.

Background information:
Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton
Abortions Since Roe
NIFLA v. Becerra
CDC Abortion Report

Ask Dr. Universe – Clouds

Dr. Universe: What do clouds do? – Desi, 9, Maryland

Dear Desi,

If you’re anything like me, you like to watch the clouds go by in the sky. Even though some clouds might look like they are just floating around up there, they can do quite a lot for our planet.

The first thing to know about clouds is they are made up of tiny water droplets, ice crystals, or a mix of both—and there are many different kinds of clouds.

There are white and puffy cumulus clouds, thin and wispy cirrus clouds, and tall nimbostratus clouds that stretch high up in to the sky. Believe it or not, when you walk through fog, you are walking through a kind of cloud that’s touching the ground.
I learned about clouds from my friend Von P. Walden, an atmospheric researcher at Washington State University.

One thing clouds can do is move, Walden said. Some clouds move slow, while others— like the clouds of a spinning hurricane—can move about 100 mph. As clouds move, they transport water around our planet.

The clouds above North America are usually moving from the west to the east, Walden said. A lot of the water that makes up clouds comes from the Pacific Ocean.

As the water on the surface of the ocean warms up, tiny water molecules rise into the atmosphere to help form clouds. When the water particles that make up clouds get heavy enough, they will sometimes fall down to earth in the form of rain or snow. When that water falls, we can use it for various things.

We might use it to water plants for food. We can also use water to generate energy from dams for our homes and schools. We sometimes drink it or swim in it. Clouds can also cool us by reflecting sunlight back to space.

It had been raining the morning I went to visit Walden, but the sun was finally starting to shine. He noticed a small rainbow out the window.

We see rainbows when light moves through water droplets and the rays of light scatter around. It’s pretty rare, but sometimes we can spot a phenomenon called a rainbow cloud. These clouds occur very high in the atmosphere. Instead of being white or gray, the cloud is all the colors of the rainbow, or iridescent.

If you ever have a chance to visit the Palouse in Washington state, we have some great clouds. But really, you can watch clouds from anywhere on our planet.

What clouds do you see in your neighborhood? Can you draw their shapes? While investigating your question, I also learned that nephelococcygia is the act of seeking and finding shapes in the clouds. You can keep track of your observations with a pen and paper. Do you notice any patterns about the clouds? How fast do they move? Keep your eye to the sky and share what you discover at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Sheriff’s Office Seeking Victim Advocate Volunteers

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Unit is seeking volunteers to join their team.

The Victim Advocate Unit assists law enforcement officers in Ottawa County during traumatic incidents such as fatal traffic crashes and some death investigations. Victim Advocates act as liaisons between family members and law enforcement during initial scene investigation. They also provide emotional support to the families of victims and remain with the  family until their own support system arrives.

Advocates receive training from the Michigan Sheriff’s Association and from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. The Advocates work their shift with a partners covering 24 hours of service.

If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer Victim Advocate Unit, please contact Sergeant Christie Wendt at cwendt@miottawa.org.

Muskegon’s Parties in the Park Gears up for Big Changes in 2019

pitpNow entering the 35th season of bringing quality, affordable, family entertainment to downtown Muskegon on Friday nights in the summer, Parties in the Park is unveiling some big changes for the 2019 season. Guests can look forward to a new variety of musical entertainment, new non-profit partners, and additional party enhancements!

“We have a very energized and community driven board of directors that’s looking to expand on the success of the past few years and partner with local non-profits and area businesses to bring new offerings to parties in the park goers this upcoming season,” says Chanda Cregg, Parties in the Park President.

One of the biggest changes coming is in the entertainment offerings. Historically, the non-profit partners selected their band/entertainment from a pre-approved list of local applicants. This process doesn’t allow for ample lead time when booking more regional acts that schedule further out. This year, the Parties in the Park Board is already making offers to bands that will bring additional top notch entertainment to the 2019 lineup.

The Parties in the Park Board is also actively recruiting new non-profit partners. Each year, non-profits apply to host one of six available Parties in the Park Fridays. Non-profit partners have the opportunity to gain a great deal of exposure, engage and activate volunteers and supporters and most importantly financially reap the benefits of hosting a party in the park! An open house was held last month in which 30 non-profits gathered to learn more about partnering for the 2019 season. The application process is improved from last year featuring an online application, earlier party selection date and a board position dedicated to assisting non-profits make the most of their party experience.

“With a wider variety of musical entertainment and new non-profits joining some of our past partners , we’re very excited about the opportunity to grow and expand our footprint in West Michigan this upcoming season,” adds Cregg. “We’re continuing to expand children’s activities, craft beverage offerings, and opportunities for teenagers so that all generations continue to enjoy Parties in the Park.”

Other changes for the 35th season include new sponsorship opportunities, more ways for the community to get engaged with parties in the park, increased marketing and promotions, park layout enhancements and more.

To learn more about Parties in the Park, apply to be a non-profit partner or inquire about sponsorship, visit www.partiesinthepark.com.

The Mission of Parties in the Park is to create a sense of community and appreciation for Muskegon’s Downtown through a family-oriented social event. Sponsored by a variety of Muskegon County not-for-profit groups, the proceeds from the Parties either make physical enhancements or quality of life improvements for the whole community.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Names Additional Members of Leadership Team

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today announced several additional members of her team, who will help achieve her goals at the Department of State for the people of Michigan.

Notable among the appointees are Heaster Wheeler, former assistant county executive for Wayne County and executive director of the Detroit branch of the NAACP, to serve as assistant secretary of state; Jonathan Brater, former democracy counsel with New York University’s Brennan Center, to help advise the department’s work to modernize elections; and Winnie Liao, a national technology leader and renowned innovator, to serve as chief operations officer for the department.

“These exceptionally talented individuals bring a wealth of leadership experience to my administration and personal commitments to success,” Benson said. “The staff at the department has been very welcoming and are ready to work together with additional team members to achieve our ambitious goals on behalf of the citizens of Michigan.”

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 03/11/19

AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415

MARCH 11, 2019

6:30 P.M. WORK SESSION
7:00P.M. BOARDMEETING

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 2/25/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence /  reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Business Registration review and discussion
B. Planning Commission fee schedule revision
C. Annexation for City of Muskegon development
D. Second reading: Zone Text Amendment Ordinance for Solar Energy Regulation

08. New Business
A. 2019 / 2020 Budget review
B. Review of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance
C. Approval for Local Road Brine Program
D. Old Fashioned Days Agreement
E. Frontier Communications Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension
F. ACD (KEPS Technologies) Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension

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

Fruitport Calvary Christian Students on Robotic Team that Wins Robot Design Award

studentsCalvary Christian Schools of Fruitport  M.A.R.S. (Muskegon Area Robotic Students) Mini Rovers team members competed in the First Lego League Regional Competition in Grand Rapids December 1st.  Along with completing missions with the lego built robot contest, the team had to come up with a problem and solution related to long duration pace exploration. The team chose, “Slow Communication in Space Causing Social Issued for Astronauts .”  Coach Amy Richards stated “It was a wonderful experience for the whole team”. The team won the Trophy for “Mechanical Robot Design Award.” (See picture) Congratulations to the CCS Robotic Team members!

Fruitport Board of Education Special Board Meeting Minutes – 03/01/19

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
March 1, 2019
Board Room

I. The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:01 a.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 19-033. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Burgess to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0

Kris Cole and Jill Brott entered the meeting at 7:04 a.m.

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019.
Item 19-034. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Burgess to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

2. Submission of Security Grant.
Item 19-035. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Burgess to approve the recommendation to submit the Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant as presented with the understanding that Fruitport Community Schools would match 25% of the grant amount ($500,000), which would be about $166,000 coming from bond proceeds for security upgrades to district buildings.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. OTHER
Discussion was held regarding the potential for a tribal casino, and where it may be located.

VII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 19-036. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:28 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Maribeth Clarke, Recording Secretary

Continued Growth Along the Lakeshore

from the Watch Muskegon Market Report

Work

l3logoL3 Technologies Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS) is preparing to double its production of engines and transmissions, which means more jobs and investments in its

building

Photo Credit: L3 Technologies Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS)

facility, said CPS President Maria Hedden during a recent facility tour with MLive/Muskegon Chronicle.

“What we do matters to the safety of our nation,” Hedden said. “We power freedom.”

Continue Reading – MLive

Live

homeIn 1978, a group of parents, concerned about the future of their children diagnosed with a developmental disability, came together to seek a solution.

Since then, MOKA has built dozens of homes and currently supports over 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental ribboncutdisabilities, including autism. The mission of MOKA continues to expand, as they offer community jobs through supported employment, living supports, skill building programs, behavior analysis treatment options, and more.

The organization employs approximately 550 employees in roles such as Residential Support Staff, Skill Building Mentors and Youth Autism Specialists.

Learn More – MOKA

hgsbannerPlay

lugeGet outdoors! The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex features two acres of outdoor ice rink, a 1/4 mile ice skating trail, a luge track (one of only four in the United States!) and endless cross country skiing or snowshoe trails.

People were invited to join Watch Muskegon in enjoying the great coldtreesoutdoors on February 12 anytime from 4pm to 10pm. Those who pre-ordered activity passes received a special rate, and a portion of the proceeds went back to the campaign.

Village of Fruitport Budget Meeting Minutes – 02/18/19

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
BUDGET MEETING
February 18th, 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, Jay Bolt, Jeff Guiles, Carl Rothenberger and Bill Overkamp
Also present: Jeremy Statler DPW Supervisor

5. Approve the agenda for the February 18th budget meeting
Motion made by Bill to approve the February 18th agenda, supported by Donna. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Public Comment
None

7. 2019-2020 Budget Discussion
A budget items discussion list was reviewed by the council. The proposed new kayak launch was discussed in detail. Carl made a motion to accept concept #3 of the kayak launch quotes with the Village contribution of $75,000.00 over a 2 year period, supported by Bill.
AYES: Donna, Carl, Bill, Jay, Jeff and Roger.
NAYES: None.
A quote for a Storm Drain at Beech and 5th was discussed and the council requested that 2 more quotes be obtained before deciding.

Bill agreed to check on the item regarding flowers in front of the Pharmacy.

Roger gave a suggestion on the possible dredging from the Boat Launch to the Fishing Pier. He will check into and report back to council at the next budget meeting. Chip and Seal of 6th Ave from Pontaluna to Park was discussed. Jeremy agreed to check on the road rating.

A quote for a new marquee and possible reuse of the old marquee to be used as the new Pomona Park sign was discussed. Multiple items are under review by the council and will be discussed at the next budget meeting.

8. Public Comment
None

9. Adjourn
Motion made by Roger to adjourn at 6:55pm, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by, Ann LaCroix Clerk

Fruitport Board of Education Special Board Meeting Minutes – 02/25/19

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
February 25, 2019
Board Room

I. The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 19-027. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve the agenda with the addition of “Discussion Regarding Arvey vs. Fielstra Case” under VI-Other.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes.
Item 19-028. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2019.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. Updated Teacher Observation Deadline.
Item 19-029. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to move the teacher observation deadline from March 8th to March 13th.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

3. Overnight Trip Request.
Item 19-030. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Cole to approve the Senior Secret Getaway, May 29-30, 2019 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

4. Technology Bid.
Item 19-031. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Burgess to accept the bid from MOSS for $247,387.47 for the Audio/Video Tech project as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. OTHER
Discussion was held regarding the facilitated mediation process.

VII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 19-032. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kelly, Board Secretary

FCS – Special Board Meeting Agenda – 03/01/19

Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Friday, March 1, 2019 – 7:00 a.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Special Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019 (attachment IV-1)
2. Submission of the Security Grant (attachment IV-2)
3. Casino Update

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VI. OTHER

VII. ADJOURNMENT

~

*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 one opportunity for the public to comment during the meeting. Members of the audience may wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/04/19 – 03/11/19

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

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
March 4 @ 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 from February 25 – 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 4: The Manhattan Project presented by David Hoover, Curator and Collections Manager at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Team Trivia Game Show
March 4 @ 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.

Black History Month: Inspirational Choir & Poetry by Gemini daPoet
March 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library as they close out Black History Month with a performance from the Christ Temple Inspiration Gospel Choir and a poetry reading by Gemini daPoet!   Doll Cook directs this rousing performance that will get every heart singing.  This program is free to the public, and is brought to you through the generosity of Bess Commodore and our supporters.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

White Lake Classical Series: 4-Hand Jazz Piano
March 5 @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm, celebrate Mardis Gras at the Book Nook & Java Shop with the White Lake Classical Series featuring the Uecker-Thielman Duo performing Dixieland on the 4-hand piano! The cover charge is $5.  Come early for dinner at 6:15pm to enjoy Chicken Creole and all the Cajun fixin’s for only $13.  For more information or to RSVP, call 231-894-5333.

Comedy Night with Hen Sapp
March 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 7 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for Comedy Night with Hen Sapp! Wholesome laughter is like medicine for the heart, and Hen Sapp has been dubbed “The Doctor of Comedy.”  Bring the kids to this clean comedy show for a great, free night out!  For more information call 231-720-2570.

LUNAFEST
March 7 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, March 7 from 5:30pm – 9:00pm, come to The Block for LUNAFEST!  This is a ladies’ night out event to benefit Girls on the Run’s life-skills programming in Muskegon County!  Happy Hour will begin at 5:30pm, with the film screening starting at 6:15pm.  LUNAFEST is a festival of short films by, for, and about women.  This evening will celebrate women’s stories from around the world, tackling issues that women and girls are facing today.  Tickets are $18 for Early Bird admission.  General Admission is $22.  Admission includes heavy appetizers and a cash bar.  For more information call 616-204-4267.

Youth Luge Development Program
Thursdays @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursdays, January 10 – March 7 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, kids ages 8 – 16 can learn how to luge during the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex’s Youth Luge Development Program!  They will learn fundamentals of the sport and have an opportunity to visit the USA Luge training facility in Lake Placid.  For more information, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.

Girls Night Out: Caramels and Cocktails with Chef Char
March 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 7 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Girls Night Out: Caramels and Cocktails with Chef Char!” Gather your best girlfriends over 21 and get in this class!  Chef Char has an awesome recipe for making caramel pecan turtle candies.  You will make big batches of the caramel and coat the candies with quality dark and milk chocolate.  Sip on a caramel-flavored cocktail while you work and wait for your candy to set.  You must be 21 and provide valid ID.  The cost is $55.  To register or for more information, call 231-769-2202 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

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.

Breaking Bad’s Steven Michael Quezada
March 7 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday, March 7 from 8:00pm – 9:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Breaking Bad’s Steven Michael Quezada!
Steven Michael Quezada – Steven starred on the Emmy Award winning series “Breaking Bad” as DEA agent Gomez. Steven has won an Emmy for ‘outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series’ for his role in Breaking Bad!  Audiences will also recognize him from the movies “Wildfire”, “Crash”, “In Plain Sight”, and “Beerfest!”  Steven is not just an actor, he is a major touring comedian and has appeared on HBO and Showtime for his comedy specials.  He has opened for SNL and has performed on the new ‘Arsenio Hall show.’  Other recent credits include: The Mindy Project, Documentary Now!, The Night Before, and Girlfriend’s Day on Netflix.
Purchase tickets ahead of time at www.shermanbowlingcenter.com/back-alley-comedy-club or at the door for only $15.  For more information, call (616) 570-8765.

Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show
March 8 – March 9
The popular Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY show is returning to Fricano’s Event Center March 8 and 9! The 2019 show will feature over 50 exhibitors including everything from windows, siding, gutters, and painting to home décor, furniture, landscaping and much more! Back by popular demand, the Do It Yourself seminars will highlight floral design, furniture refurbishing, backsplash tiling, gardening and more!
In addition to exhibitors and seminars, the home show will provide fun kids’ activities, thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes and discounted Fricano’s Pizza with purchase of a $5 home show admission ticket. Kids 12 and under are free!  For sponsorships or additional information about the show, contact Kristin Knop at 231-724-3182 or KKnop@muskegon.org.

The Alley Door Club
March 8 @ 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 8 – Overnight Hero (Rock)
• 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.

Guinness Engraving
March 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, March 8 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Hennessy’s Pub for Guinness Engraving! Guinness will be doing glass engraving so you can get ready for St. Patrick’s Day in style.  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

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 the website below.

Spring Thaw Open House
March 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, come to Torresen Marine’s 39th Annual Spring Thaw Open House!  Visit with product representatives, enjoy refreshments, take advantage of great pricing, see new products, attend free seminars and speak with experts from both educational and governmental organizations doing marine research and making great strides in understanding and utilizing our lakes.
Register for the Grand Prize drawing to win a B & G Triton2 SDW (Wireless Wind) Pack!  Tickets to register to win will be handed out by attending seminars, participating in activities, taking photo booth pictures and tagging on social media and qualified purchases.  Entry is free!  For more information call (231) 759-8596.

Seminar Room Schedule:
• 10:00am – Seminar:  A Great American Voyage – Cruising 6,700 miles by Bob & Phyllis Jerstadt
• 11:30am – Activity:  Do You Know Your Sailboat?
• 1:00pm – Seminar:  Performance Recuts For Cruisers – How & Why by Reed Cleckler of Quantum Sails
• 2:30pm – Activity:  Do You Know Your Sailboat?
• 3:30pm – Activity:  Bowline Knot Competition

Who & What to Expect:
• America’s Boating Club – Don Matthews
• Annis Water Resources Institute GVSU – Tom Jackson & Jasmine Mancuso
• Bluffton Bay Sails – Jim Frisinger, Show Special: 10% off new sails March 9 – 19, 2019
• Clipper Cup Race 2019 – Robert Young, Tim Wallace & Gary Marchido
• Elite Custom Canvas – Josiah Luker, Show Special: 15% off all canvas repairs, maintenance (wash and waterproof) and all in house work not requiring travel
• Interlux Yacht Finishes – Bob Harris, Show Special: $5 per can mail in rebate on VC-17 extra
• Mack Boring – David Winskowicz, Introducing the new ePropulsion electric outboard
• Midwest Industrial Coating – Tim Walenga, Show Special: 15% off all AwlGrip orders placed day of open house
• Muskegon Yacht Club
• NOAA – Dennis Donahue
• Quantum Sails – Reed Cleckler, Show Special: Free Sail Evaluation, includes free pickup and delivery
• Raymarine – Jeff Marquard, Show Special: 5% off in stock and special orders placed day of open house
• S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc. – Mary Louise Plant

The Ride
March 9 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 from 9:00am – 2:00pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena for the 15th year of The Ride!  One of Mercy Health’s biggest events, The Ride is a unique indoor stationary bicycle race with 60 teams raising awareness of heart health through healthy physical activity.  Proceeds of this event will support Heart & Vascular Services at Mercy Health and Mercy Heart Center scholarships for cardiac rehab.  For more information call 231-672-6976 or visit https://www.mercyhealth.com/donate/the-office-of-philanthropy/events/the-ride

Puzzles Super Saturday
March 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
March 9 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, bring the kids to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Puzzles Super Saturday! This free family fun day will feature puzzles galore as you explore “In Pieces: The Art of Vintage Puzzles!”  For more information call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.
• 11:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film
• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Guided Look: Explore the galleries with an MMA Docent.
• 11:00am – 2:00pm Make & Take your own puzzle in their classroom

Kids Cooking – Mighty Mac & Cheese with Chef Char
March 9 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Kids Cooking – Mighty Mac & Cheese with Chef Char!” Forget the powdered cheese mixes from a box and learn how to make a variety of delicious, creamy roux-based cheese sauces to pour over an assortment of noodles.  You will add extra garnish for three healthy ways to serve the noodles and cheese as a complete meal.  The kids will make traditional mac’ n cheese, deluxe triple cheese and a chili mac’ n cheese.  There’ll be plenty for tasting in class and to take home.  This is for children 7 and up.  The cost is $40.  To register or for more information, call 231-769-2202 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Calling All Superheroes!
March 9 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, come to the Watermark 920 for a superheroes party for kids! The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch, crafts, a mini-superhero photo session, and more!  Costumes are highly encouraged!  This event is recommended for ages 4 and up.  Kids 2 and under are free. Tickets will be limited so don’t delay!  For questions, please contact Laurel at laurel@watermarkcenter.com.  For tickets, visit https://m.bpt.me/event/4095295 or The Coffee Factory (1402 Hudson St.).

Rebel Road Winter Burnout
March 9 @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 beginning at 6:00pm, come to the CIO Union Headquarters in downtown Muskegon for the Rebel Road Winter Burnout featuring live music from Coldville and Pop Fiction until midnight! The cost is only $5 per person and benefits the Child Abuse Council.  You must be 21 or older to attend.  For more information call (231) 327-5290.

Remix: Old Tunes, New Grooves
March 9 @ 7:30 pm
March 9 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater as the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra presents “Remix:  Old Tunes, New Grooves!”  Music that is hundreds of years old is made new again in modern versions.  The Shoreline Symphony plays masterworks back to back with contemporary arrangements of the same pieces.  A fresh interpretation of beloved classics brings them outside the box and into the 21st century.  Tickets are $10 and $2.  For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Black Man Film Screening
March 10 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
March 10 from 3:00pm – 4:30pm, the Muskegon Museum of Art will show the documentary film “Black Man” on the closing day of the exhibition SONS: Seeing the African American Male. Museum admission and film admission will be free that Sunday.
“Black Man,” a feature length documentary produced by Jon Covington in partnership with the Muskegon Museum of Art, tells the stories of the men behind the exhibition SONS: Seeing the African American Male. The film is a kaleidoscope of raw, riveting, and candid conversations with black men about their lives, their loves, their losses and their America.  Close to three dozen men share their perspectives of the everyday black man in ways we’ve not seen on film.  Muskegon is the backdrop for Black Man, but the stories are Any Town, USA.  For more information call 231-720-2570 or visit https://muskegonartmuseum.org/event/black-man-film-screening/

The Swan Series
March 10 @ 4:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society will present four dynamic lectures entitled “The Swan Series!” Join host Robert Swan as he shares many of his insights, experiences, and expertise gleaned from 36 years of performing in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under such famed conductors as George Solti, Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Leopoldo Stowkowski, Claudio Abbado, and many others. Each lecture will be held at the United Methodist Church at 4:00pm. The suggested donation is $7 at the door.

• March 10 – Wagner’s Tristan Undisolde

Ending the current Swan Series, Bob will discuss the Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner’s great opera “Tristan und Isolde” and how it is an incredible offering to music, beauty, and love. Looking closer at the inner workings of this enigmatic music will show us that it is both puzzling and yet pure.

The Swan Series is a program of the White Lake Music Society which produces world-class chamber music concerts, promotes and supports classical music learning opportunities for all ages, and creates awareness of the value and significance of fine music. More information may be found at www.whitelakemusic.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.

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.

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, then glaze it March 18 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Your bowl will be ready for pickup March 25.  For more information visit www.robinnidelcheffstudio.com/classes.html.

Lakeshore Garden Masters’ March, 2019, Meeting

Norton Shores –  Spring is here and the Lakeshore Garden Masters invites all gardeners, novice to seasoned, to join our first meeting of 2019!
March 25 beginning at 6 PM with an optional  pot luck (bring a dish to pass, table setting and your beverage)  or come for the meeting beginning at 6:30 PM.  Presenter is Matt Mellema speaking about Hydrangeas and Deer Resistant plants.  Meeting is held at AMG Developments building, 800 Ellis Road, Norton Shores (near the Muskegon Airport)  Guest fee is $5 or join for the year for only $15.  For more information contact Susan Thorpe at 248-310-2312 or holbox04@gmail.com

Franklin Graham Shares Gospel in Thailand

fgthailandFranklin Graham held his first evangelistic festival of 2019 on Jan. 19-20 called the Amazing Love Festival in Bangkok, Thailand. Spanning both days, more than 41,000 people filled the International Trade & Exhibition Center to hear Graham share the good news of Jesus Christ. Another 83,000 streamed the event online.

“There are many of you here tonight who are in danger of losing your soul,” Graham said on the last night. “Jesus is the only one in history to take all our sins. No [other] person or religion has ever done that.”

Graham’s next event was held on the 60th anniversary of his father’s historic tour of Australia. Graham shared the Gospel in six cities across the country from Feb. 9-24, making up the Graham Tour. His stops included Perth, Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.

For more information on upcoming events at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, visit billygraham.org.

Ask Dr. Universe – Earthquakes

Dr. Universe: How do earthquakes happen? -Aescli E., 10, Utah
 
Dear Aescli,

We’ve had a lot of earthquakes on our planet this year. Maybe you’ve learned about them from the news or felt one shaking up your own neighborhood. Earthquakes can happen in a few different ways.

First, it is important to know a bit about the Earth’s outer layer, or crust. The crust is made of seven big pieces called “plates.” They are about 60 miles thick and sort of float on the molten rock beneath them. That’s what I found out from my friend Sean Long, a geology professor at Washington State University who knows a lot about earthquakes.

These massive plates move very, very slowly—about one or two inches a year. But when plates slip over or under each other, collide or break away, an earthquake happens. Usually, they last just a few seconds but really big quakes can often last anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds.

After a big earthquake, we often feel a bunch of small earthquakes, or aftershocks. They happen as the crust adjusts to its new location, or settles into its new spot on the Earth’s surface. If one of the plates is under the ocean, sometimes an earthquake will trigger a wave called a tsunami. Depending on the earthquake strength, the wave can be massive or even just a few centimeters high.

According to the National Earthquake Information Center, more than a million large and small earthquakes shake the planet’s surface each year. We measure the strength and size of an earthquake on the Richter Scale, which goes from one to ten. Each number on the scale is 10 times as powerful as the number before it. The really destructive earthquakes are usually measured at a strength of around 5.5 and higher.

In the last year, more than 13,000 earthquakes above a 4.0 shook our planet. When a recent earthquake shook Anchorage, Alaska, it registered as a 7.0 on the Richter Scale. The big Pacific plate at the ocean floor slid under the North American plate that Alaska sits on. By the way, if you’re curious about where some of the recent earthquakes have happened, you can check out this cool map from the USGS

While earthquakes can cause a lot of damage, they can also help build up the face of our planet. My friend Sean Long studies the plates near places like the Andes Mountain Range in South America, which are about five miles tall, and the snowy Himalayas in Asia, which reach even higher.

Over millions of years, as the Earth’s plates collide again and again, long chains of mountains slowly but surely emerge on the surface. It often happens along fault lines, which are breaks in the Earth’s surface.  How many earthquakes do you think had to happen to create the tall mountains in the Himalayas and the Andes? Send us your ideas sometime at Dr.Unvierse@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe