Monthly Archives: April 2019

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Takes Steps to Strengthen Voter File Accuracy

Chief election officer requests membership in ERIC

As chief election officer, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today announced she has taken steps to ensure the accuracy of Michigan’s voter file by formally requesting membership in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).

“In November, Michigan voters made it clear: Like me, they believe it should be easier to vote and harder to cheat,” Benson said today. “We’re taking the first step toward achieving that goal by ensuring the accuracy of our voter registration file.”

Benson said once Michigan is a member of ERIC – a self-governing, multistate partnership dedicated to the accuracy of the nation’s voter files – the state will have unprecedented insight into the integrity of its voter rolls thanks to the collaboration of participating states, key federal databases and the use of sophisticated and secure data-matching technology.

“In terms of election security, this is an important first step,” she said.

Established in 2012, ERIC uses encrypted voter information from partnering states along with death records from the Social Security Administration to red flag deceased voters, duplicate voter registrations, voters who move and eligible voters not yet registered so states can reach out to them. ERIC also provides resources previously unavailable to the state of Michigan for maintaining the accuracy of its voter list, including the availability of encrypted driver information from other states and data from the National Change of Address database maintained by the U.S. Postal Service.

States already participating in ERIC are Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Also participating is the District of Columbia.

Benson, who has a long track record of supporting Michigan’s membership in ERIC, reiterated her support in June. The partnership’s effectiveness is well documented. Between 2013 and 2017, ERIC identified nearly 10 million out-of-date voter records for its members. Currently, Michigan has no system in place to verify the accuracy of its voter file against those of other states.

Muskegon News

from Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce’s Newsletter, “The Insider eNEWS”
March 2019

Biggest Show Yet!

hgsNearly 1,800 guests made their way through 51 exhibitor booths at the 2019 Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + DIY Show.

This year brought a new gallery level and more elaborate displays than ever before! Highlights included 14 heavily attended DIY seminars, a special decor space designed by Blended Furniture and Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts, and craft beer and wine tastings courtesy of Tyler Sales.

The event was held at the Fricano Place Event Center and resulted in an extremely high level of exhibitor and guest satisfaction. One exhibitor mentioned it was the best show they have ever attended in their 30+ year career!

“We are happy to feature local businesses and provide new ideas for our guests! We look forward to offering even more in 2020!” says Kristin Knop, Event Director.

~

Run for Office!

peopleAre you interesting in helping your community grow? Positive people can make a difference.

During these transformative West Michigan times, you may want to consider running for city commission. There will be multiple open seats in various cities for the upcoming election period. Contact your local city clerk for candidate information and more details.

Village of Fruitport Budget Meeting Minutes – 03/25/19

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
BUDGET MEETING
March 25, 2019

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 5:56pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Jeff Guiles, Carl Rothenberger, Amy Haack, Bill Overkamp and Ann LaCroix

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

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

7. Public Comment
None

8. 2019-2020 Budget Discussion
a. Community Development Planner/Coordinator Position
Amy referred the council to the job description for the Community Development Planner/ Coordinator position that Jay created. Amy proposes that the position is for up to 20 hours per week at a rate of $20.00 – $25.00 per hour. Motion made by Amy to hire the contract person at the hours and rate discussed, supported by Carl.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES None
Amy advised will work with Ann to get the position posted the first week in April then defer to the Personnel Committee for the hiring process.

b. Advanced Pavement Markings
Roger advised that APM has offered to do the yearly paving prior to Old Fashioned Days at the 2018 rate if notified by April 1, 2019. Motion made by Roger to contract APM to do the markings at a cost not to exceed $5100.00 to do the paving, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES None
A discussion took place about asking APM to mark the basketball court as a contribution to the Village. Ann agreed to contact them to confirm the paving for 2019 and to ask about marking the basketball court as a contribution.
Ann went over the 2019-2020 Budget and council was satisfied with the budget as presented.

9. 2018-2019 Budget Amendments
Ann reviewed the 2018-2019 budget. Motion made by Carl regarding the General Fund budget to add $17050.00 to General Government from the extra money included with the park donation to reimburse the GF for fees associated with the acquisition of the park property ($13050.00) also adding the Clerk/Treasurer computer ($2000.00) and the Public Safety trailer donation ($2000.00). Add $3850.00 to Parks Special Projects (this is remainder of the parks donation to be used on the new property). Add $31,300 to Public Works for the additional charge for the tractor ($8300.00), the new doors ($7000.00) at the park and DPW and Street Lights (15,000.00). Add the following revenue 22,400.00 to Other revenue. Lastly, to amend the Major Street budget to decrease the transfer to other funds from $75,000.00 to $25,000.00 and to change Capital Outlay from $76,000.00 to $26000.00. This is to leave projected 2020 3rd Ave Road project funds in the MS account. Supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES None

10. Public Comment
None

11. Adjourn
Motion made by Donna to adjourn at 6:57pm, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix Clerk

Muskegon County Calendar of Events April 8 – 15, 2019

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

Visit with the Easter Bunny
April 8 -21
Saturday, April 6th – Easter Sunday, April 21, bring the kids to The Lakes Mall to meet the Easter Bunny!  Cherry Hill photography will be there to take photos.  The hours are Monday – Saturday, 11:00am – 8:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm-6:00pm.  For more information call 231-798-7104.

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
April 8 & 15 @ 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.

• April 8: Ford Buildup in WWI; a precursor to WWII presented by author Timothy O’Callaghan.  His book is available for purchase in the Gift Store.
• April 15: The History of Willow Run presented by the Yankee Air Museum.
• April 22: Shipbuilding in WWII presented by Karen Duvalle, Submarine Curator at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
• April 29: The Future of Military Manufacturing presented by Fred Johnson.
• May 6: The Cost of Manufacturing for WWII presented by George Maniates.

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.

Bird House Painting for Kids
April 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, April 9 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm, bring the kids (ages 6 – 11) to the Arts Council of White Lake’s Nuveen Center to paint a birdhouse! Welcome the birds home with a beautiful bird house.  All materials will be provided and students will take their bird houses home at the end of class.  For more information call (231) 893-2524.

Group Bicycle Tour
Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company every Tuesday at 6:00pm for a 90 minute group bike ride!  There are five different groups to fit your biking needs and abilities and helmets are strongly encouraged.  Loaner helmets are always available at City Hub Cyclery (585 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon).  Unruly Brewing Co. is offering $1 off your first post-ride beer!  For more information call Raymond at 231-206-6182.

Family Fun Night: Harry Potter
April 9 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00pm, bring the kids to the Holton Library for a Family Fun Night with Harry Potter!  Join them for a magical evening of Harry Potter trivia, games, crafts and food while learning about British culture.  Come dressed as your favorite character and enter the costume contest.  For more information call 231-821-0268.

Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
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 “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

West Michigan Student Showcase 2019
April 10 & 11 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11 at 7:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for the West Michigan Student Showcase!  Celebrate the best high school talent that West Michigan has to offer in the areas of Academics, Athletics, Digital Media, Literary, Performing, and Visual Arts.  Tickets are $8 for adults or $5 for students.  All tickets are $10 at the door.  For more information call the Muskegon Area ISD at (231) 777-2637.

Introduction to Loose Tea and Health
April 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, April 10 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Norton Shores Library for an Introduction to Loose Tea and Health!  The staff from Banana Dog Tea in Muskegon will share their expertise in their craft, including the origin and types of tea, benefits of loose tea, proper brewing and steeping techniques and a tasting sample.  Visit the Norton Shores Library, call 231-780-8844 or email apurgiel@madl.org for more information or to register.

Friends of Hackley Public Library Used Book Sale
April 11 – April 14
The 2019 Friends of Hackley Public Library Used Book Sale is on April 11 – 14!  There are thousands of books of all genres to choose from in both hardbound and paperback editions as well as, CD’s, DVD’s, audio books, and a selection of antique, rare and collectible books!  Prices range from $0.50 to $2.00 for most items; rare and special collectors’ items may have special pricing as marked. You won’t want to miss this fantastic sale where you’ll find so many treasures!  All proceeds help to fund projects that benefit Hackley Public Library!

Do you have items to donate?  Donations are welcome all year round at Hackley Public Library.  If you have lots of books, please call the library at 231-722-8000 for special drop-off instructions.

MEMBERS ONLY PRE-SALE: 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Thursday, April 11 (Not a member? You can join at the door!)

PUBLIC SALE: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13

SUNDAY “BAG” SALE: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Sunday, April 14 (Fill a bag for $3! They provide the bags!)

Tag…You’re It: Outside Art Moves In
April 11 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
“Tag…You’re It: Outside Art Moves In,” a travelling exhibit of 21 panels, each 4 × 7 feet in size and painted in 2017 by street artists from the Detroit/Dearborn area, will be on exhibit in Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Galley from March 18 through April 19. The title references the idea that graffiti artists are often referred to as “taggers.”
On Thursday, April 11, a public reception will take place from 3:30pm – 5:00pm in the Overbrook Gallery. Refreshments will be served.  At 4:00pm, in Stevenson Center Room 1100, Steven Glazer, an instructor of art at Henry Ford College since 2004, will discuss the process of putting the exhibition together.  This event and the gallery are free and open to the public.
The Overbrook Art Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, from 9:00am – 4:00pm, with special weekend and evening hours during performances in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. For more information, call (231) 777-0324.

Sunset Wine
April 11 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 11 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, come to Oceana Winery in downtown Muskegon for the wine & canvas event, “Sunset Wine!” Create this “Sunset Wine” masterpiece for only $25 per artist.  Wine tasting is available for an addition $5.  Pricing includes an 11×14 canvas, all necessary supplies, and step-by-step instruction from a professional artist.  Payment is collected at the event.  Space is limited, so reserve your easel today with an e-mail to createaframeshows@yahoo.com.

Culinary Class: Girls Night – Out Cupcakes & Cocktails
April 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
April 11 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Girls Night – Out Cupcakes & Cocktails!” Gather your favorite lady friends 21 years and over for a fun night of sweet treat making.  Fill cupcakes with a tempting ganache and decorate with buttercream frosting from scratch while experimenting with different professional piping tips and techniques.  Pair the cupcakes with a boozy coffee combination or a creamy layered martini.  You must be 21 with valid ID to participate.  The cost is $55.  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.

Family Fun Night: Harry Potter
April 11 @ 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 11 at 6:00pm, bring the kids to the Montague Library for a Family Fun Night with Harry Potter!  Join them for a magical evening of Harry Potter trivia, games, crafts and food while learning about British culture.  Come dressed as your favorite character and enter the costume contest.  For more information call 231-893-2675.

Beer & Cheese Pairing: The Cheese Lady at Pigeon Hill Brewing
April 11 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday, April 11 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. and get ready for some handcrafted and hand selected beer and cheese pairings! They’re welcoming the Cheese Lady to their taproom to host a Beer & Cheese Tasting!  Tickets are $25 a seat and include 5 beer pairings with a total of 10 different cheeses.  The Cheese Lady will be there to educate you on the craft of cheese-making and how easy (and delicious) it is to pair cheese and beer!  Call the taproom at (231)375-5184 to reserve your seat today!  Seats are limited!

Pine Street Mercantile Spring Vintage Sale
April 12 – April 13
Friday, April 12 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Pine Street Mercantile’s Spring Sale!  This event features reimagined, vintage and antique pieces at this “occasional junk collective.”  You’ll also find plenty of rusty, crusty and found items to complement your spring/summer décor or perhaps the perfect thing for a wedding or graduation.  For more information call (231) 830-4255.

Fish Fry Fridays
Fridays @ 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
April 12 @ 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:
• 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.

On Tap & Uncorked
April 12 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, April 12 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, you’re invited to the beautiful Muskegon Museum of Art for their annual event, On Tap & Uncorked! Enjoy beer from craft breweries up and down the coast of West Michigan, wine tasting, and food pairing samples from our fine area restaurants, all while experiencing art in the Muskegon Museum of Art galleries.
Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. Tickets are on sale in the MMA Store.  Each ticket is $35 in advance ($30 for members) or $40 at the door and includes five 4–oz. beverage tasting tickets and food.  Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event.  For ticket information call 231-720-2580.

Muskegon Dance Movement Performance
April 12 @ 7:30 pm – April 13 @ 9:00 pm
Muskegon Dance Movement, the Muskegon Community College resident dance company under the artistic direction of Melissa Brunsting, will perform at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, in Overbrook Theater!  The shows will feature guest performances by Deavondrea Jones, founder of DanceSpire.

“We will be presenting both new and revisited works this year,” said Brunsting, a native of western New York who received her Bachelor’s in Dance from Hope College “The dance works range from socially conscious to musically driven.”

“This year we will be including a Talk-Back session between the company and our audience following each performance. I strive to make dance a part of the culture in our city, and center my choreography around that goal as much as possible.”

Tickets, which go on sale April 8, are $10 for the general public and $5 for MCC students and children ages 12 and under.  For more information, contact the Overbrook Box Office at (231) 777-0324.

This year’s Muskegon Dance Movement members, all MCC students, are: Brea Beckley, Briona Bower, Taylor DePouw, Taylor Freed, Melanie Lamrock, Erika Larson, and Makenzie Nordstrom

Guest artist Deavondre Jones has touched thousands of lives as a speaker, performer and instructor throughout the Midwest. In Michigan, he is best known for his commitment and consistency behind the weekly drop-in class: #DropInWednesdays. A Benton Harbor Promise student, he earned degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and Columbia College in Illinois.

Hennessy’s Comedy Night
April 12 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Select Fridays from 8:30pm – 10:00pm, come to Hennessey’s Irish Pub for live stand-up Comedy!  Hosted by Tim Locke, Hennessey’s features various stand-up comedians from all over Michigan!  The cover is free!  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Craft-Life Concert Series: Original Music Rock Show
April 12 @ 8:30 pm
Friday, April 12 from 8:30pm – midnight, come to Unruly Brewing Co. for the Craft – Life Concert series featuring The Loose Nukes, The Shift and THE JETTS! This is an Original Music Rock Show with some of the top acts from the Original Music Showcase.  Come down and support local original music!  For more information call Unruly at (231) 288-1068.

Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Through 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.

2019 Marching into Spring Craft & Vendor Show
April 13 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Moss Ridge Golf Club & Wedding Venue for 2019 Marching into Spring Craft & Vendor Show!  There will be over 50 vendors & crafters and raffle drawings, too!  Proceeds will benefit the MARS food pantry.  For more information call (231) 853-5665.

Record Store Day 2019 at Third Coast Vinyl
April 13 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am – 7:00pm, join Third Coast Vinyl as they celebrate the independent record store and vinyl culture with Record Store Day 2019!  They will have RSD exclusive titles, a great selection of other new and used items, giveaways, a bunch of stuff on sale, and a whole lot more!  For more information call (231) 288-1871.
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally.  The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008.  Today there are Record Store Day participating stores on every continent except Antarctica.  https://recordstoreday.com

Full Service Saturday
April 13 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
The Muskegon County Clerk’s Office and the 60th District Court will open their doors from 9:30am – 1:30pm on Saturday, April 13!  Both offices are located on the first floor of the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice, also known as the Muskegon County Building, with parking available on Pine St.  Most services require a photo ID.  To schedule a wedding ceremony with the County Clerk, call 231-724-6221.

4th Annual Pooches & People Picnic
April 13 @ 10:00 am
Saturday, April 13 beginning at 10:00am, you’re invited to Fricano Place for the 4th Annual Pooches & People Picnic! This is a furry and festive event raising funds and awareness for the Harbor Hospice Foundation.  Pet parents and their fur-babies will enjoy a picnic, raffles, “barks & crafts,” the Pooch Costume Parade, auction and more!  Pound Buddies of Muskegon will be having adoptions so you can rescue a new family member!  Follow the Scolnik Healing Center on Facebook for more information.  Tickets are $15 – $20 and available through www.eventbrite.com.

The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice is the only grief and loss center in Muskegon County which offers free grief support (groups and counseling services) to children, teens and adults who are dealing with a loss of any kind. If there is a way they can serve you, please contact them at 231-728-3442, 1-800-497-9559 or email info@HarborHospiceMI.org.

Teachers Super Saturday
April 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
April 13 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, bring the kids to a Teachers Super Saturday at the Muskegon Museum of Art! This event celebrating teachers is absolutely free!  For more information call 231-720-2580 or visit the website below.
• 11:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film
• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Guided Look: Walk with a docent through Patricia Polacco’s “A+ for Educators” exhibition
• 11:00am – 2:00pm – Make & Take: Paint a rock paperweight for your favorite teacher

Pad Thai & Spring Rolls with Chef Char
April 13 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class “Pad Thai & Spring Rolls with Chef Char!” Enjoy rice noodles and rice wraps with your choice of spicy or mild sauces and a variety of vegetables.  Enjoy shrimp, chicken or tofu.  Since you will be making your own dishes, the recipes can accommodate special dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian diets.  The cost is $45.  Sign up at Eventbrite.com or call (231) 769-2202 for more information.

Annual Egg-Stravaganza
April 13 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, it’s the Annual Egg-Stravaganza in the parking lot of Muskegon Family Care!  The kids will enjoy free Easter egg hunts grouped by age as well as lots of other fun, activities and prizes!  For more information call 231-739-9315.

Get Up and Dance: A Figure Skating Show to Bring People Together
April 13 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 3:00pm – 4:00pm, come to the L. C. Walker Arena for Get Up and Dance:  A Figure Skating Show to Bring People Together, performed by the Muskegon Lakeshore Figure Skating Club! Watch local skaters perform to dance music such as Conga (Miami Sound Machine), September (Earth Wind & Fire), Dancing Queen (ABBA) You Can’t Stop the Beat (Ariana Grande), the Cha Cha Slide (DJ Casper) and more!  A suggested donation of $5 helps cover show production costs and put money back into the community, but please join them regardless of ability to pay. For more information e-mail sk8mlfsc@gmail.com.

Cheers & Chocolate
April 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Cheers & Chocolate at the Michigan Culinary Institute! April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and an ideal time to come together in support of services to survivors.   Attendees must be 21 or older to attend, and photo ID is required for admittance.  Tickets are on sale now.  For more information call Every Woman’s Place at 231-759-7909.

Cheers and Chocolate is an event pairing sweet and savory culinary delights with fine wines and beers at the state-of-the-art Culinary Institute of Michigan.  Each year, student chefs create the entire menu featuring incredible chocolates, desserts and hors d’oeuvres.  Students also research and present wines from all over the world. Michigan Wines will be featured in the Michigan Room located on the third floor. Michigan micro brews will also be presented in the Beer Garden located in Courses Restaurant.  Silent Auction items will be displayed on several floors of the event and raffle tickets will be sold for a variety of gifts including a wine refrigerator filled with wine donated by the board of directors of Every Woman’s Place!

Heels for Meals
April 13 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 6:00pm – 11:00pm, come to Bella Maria’s Event Center for Heels for Meals!  This is AgeWell Services of West Michigan’s 6th annual fundraiser to raise money for the Meals on Wheels program in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties.  Enjoy an excellent dinner and various auctions.  For more information call (231) 755-0434.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
April 13 @ 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.
Saturday, April 13 at 7:15pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena for a Lumberjacks’ home game as they take on the Chicago Steel!  For ticket information, contact asponaas@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225, ext. 259.

MCC Wind & Jazz Ensemble with Whoopee Kat
April 13 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 13 at 7:30pm, the new Downtown Live Concert Series at the Frauenthal Center will feature the MCC Wind & Jazz Ensemble with Whoopee Kat!

This concert series features every Muskegon Community College music ensemble, as well as the Shoreline Symphony and West Michigan Concert WINDS which are affiliated with MCC. The 14-concert series, which includes two groups that have performed at Carnegie Hall in recent years, continues through May 2019.

Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and children.  For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Back Alley Comedy Club: DJ Dangler wsg Chelsea Hood
April 13 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 13 from 8:00pm – 9:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for comedian DJ Dangler with special guest Chelsea Hood! Tickets are available at the door for only $10.  For more information call (616) 570-8765.

DJ Dangler’s show is a balance of energy and intellect. Equally comfortable in barrooms and classrooms; DJ firmly believes that humor is universal, and nothing is off limits so long as it’s funny. DJ is the Head Writer for The Comedy Circus, and an accomplished stand-up comedian.  A Midwestern transplant to NYC, DJ blends East Coast cynicism with genuine Midwestern charm to create an approachable and hilarious take on humans and other idiot species.  DJ understands that people are pretty much the same everywhere, and if you can get enough of those people to laugh, you don’t have to get a real job.

Chelsea Hood is a stand-up comedian living in Chicago by way of the comedy scenes in both Dallas, TX and Brooklyn, NY. You may have seen her on The CW Network’s Eye Opener, or CW33’s Nightcap.  She was also featured on Stand Up Records’ “Texas Mess” album recorded at SXSW.  Chelsea’s style of humor is observational, feminist, and pleasantly self-deprecating.  Some of the comics she has been delighted to open for include; Jay Mohr, Donnell Rawlings, Maria Bamford, Ralphie May, Richard Lewis, Pauly Shore, JB Smoove, Paul Rodriguez, Tom Green, Michael Winslow, Bobby Lee and many more.

Out of this World
April 14 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday, April 14 at 3:00pm, the new Downtown Live Concert Series at the Frauenthal Center will feature the MCC Wind & Jazz Ensemble’s presentation of Out of this World!

This concert series features every Muskegon Community College music ensemble, as well as the Shoreline Symphony and West Michigan Concert WINDS which are affiliated with MCC. The 14-concert series, which includes two groups that have performed at Carnegie Hall in recent years, continues through May 2019.

Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and children. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Free Latin Dance Party
April 14 @ 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 is 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

Back Alley Comedy Club: Chris Kattan & Friends
April 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Monday, April 15 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Chris Kattan & Friends! Tickets are only $25 plus a $2 service charge if purchased online at www.backalleycomedyclub.com.  For more information call (616) 570-8765.

Chris Kattan is best known as one of the longest serving cast members on NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live.’ In the 8 years Chris starred in the landmark late night program, he became best known for his characters ‘Mango,’ ‘Mr. Peepers,’ and one of the ‘Butabi Brothers’ opposite Will Ferrell which was such a hit that the sketch was adapted into the 1998 cult classic, “Night at the Roxbury.”  Kattan went on to star in Corky Romano where he plays the black sheep son in a family of mobsters and played the villain in the Malcolm D. Lee film, “Undercover Brother,” opposite Eddie Griffin.  Kattan also starred as a series regular in the ABC hit series, “The Middle,” and recently had some memorable appearances in the Adam Sandler films “Hotel Transylvania” and “The Ridiculous 6.” Kattan trained at Los Angeles’ The Groundlings Theater and is one of its most famous alumni. He currently tours the country with his extremely popular stand-up act.

Chris Kattan will be here and bringing a few friends with him. Come out and join them!

Grand Valley State University’s Fall 2018 Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester concluding in December. The list includes those students who have maintained a  3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits.

Fruitport: Emily M. Kubasiak; Alyson J. Rosema; Gabrielle A. Schaub; Rachel M. Weiland; Kyle J. Yates

Muskegon (49444): Kay Leigh M. Bates Snippe; Collin R. Cribley; Brandy M. Cumbee; Stephanie R. Eslick; Megan L. Harken; Madelynn F. Kelly; Nicklas W. Koeller; Stephanie A. Langlois; Lauren L. Maus; Carrie A. Ross; Cade B. Snuffer; Nathan A. Strand; Logan R. Vanderlaan

Nunica: Annemieke K. Engelsma; Morgynn M. Reedy; Taylor J. Stanton; Jenna M. Visniski

Ravenna: Marissa Aney; Erica J. Austin; Alicia R. Cole; Lillian R. Lieffers; Gabrielle B. Postema; Brooke M. Potes

Spring Lake: Brandon M. Aho; Carley E. Bench; Carsen D. Boyink; Alexander C. Brower; Lance L. Burt; Hannah M. Cabala; Seth S. Carrier; Matthew D. Cassar; Arden M. Clark; Sophia A. Conroy; Aylissa M. Curry; Bradley D. Debien; Hannah M. Dursema; Michael T. Farwig; Eli L. Flores; Madeline J. Foster; Megan K. Galligan; Clare E. Galloway; Jillian F. Garzelloni; Karlee N. Hale; Madison S. Harloff; Christopher M. Hillman; Anna M. Huizenga; Jillian C. Huizenga; Jacob D. Kugler; Kyle C. Layson; Jeremiah B. Masvero; Lori A. Mitchell; Rylan L. Peets; Christian L. Pelke; Matthew A. Schmidt; Veronica M. Schoemer; Ryan S. Strandberg; Dylan D. Styburski; Madison R. Terpstra; Abby K. VanOtteren; Hannah J. Walling; Jacob T. Weesies; Leah J. Wilcox; Paige N. Wilds

Crisis-trained Chaplains on the Ground in Alabama Following Deadly Tornados

bgrttOn March 4, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed to Lee County, Ala., where at least 23 lives were taken by a powerful tornado that tore through the area.

“Tornadoes are unique in that they will strike with very little notice, changing your whole world in a matter of minutes. The trauma being experienced throughout this area—especially with the families who lost loved ones—is intense and heartbreaking,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “Our goal is to come alongside them, bringing the hope and comfort of Jesus.”

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.

For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit billygraham.org/rrt.

New Honesty From Abortion Supporters

On January 22, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a horrific bill into law. On the 46th memorial of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, Governor Cuomo made several changes to state abortion law, including formally legalizing abortion through all nine months of pregnancy for any reason.

This new law has prolife people everywhere heartbroken. On the very same day of mourning for the 59 million lives lost over tragic U.S. Supreme Court decisions 46 years ago, New York embraced abortion-on-demand with open arms. Days later, a similar bill failed to pass in Virginia. In defense of the bill’s sponsor, embattled Virginia Governor Ralph Northam made a statement condoning infanticide, saying that disabled babies can be born alive and left to die.

Other states with pro-abortion majorities are following suit. Governor Gretchen Whitmer promised to do the same in Michigan, but our prolife majorities in the Legislature prevent that—for now.

These opinions are nothing new. Abortion through all nine months of pregnancy—until the day of birth—is what Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton originally legalized. Roe v. Wade stated that abortions in the third trimester could be banned as long as an exception existed if the woman’s health was in danger, but Doe v. Bolton defined “health” to mean whatever reasons the woman or abortionist wanted: “physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman’s age—relevant to the well-being of the patient.”

Put simply, the Supreme Court legalized abortion at any time and for any reason; states can ban late-term abortions as long as they allow them for any reason.

The purpose of the New York’s new law was simply to ensure that unlimited abortions will continue to be legal in New York when Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton are finally overturned. These laws are simply a defense of the barbaric status quo.

Poor media coverage, elected officials in both parties unwilling to broadly engage the abortion debate, and the refusal of most pro-abortion advocates to plainly state their radical beliefs have blinded many Americans to the gravity of the abortion issue and the extent of its grip on our culture.

How will abortion’s grip be loosened? Only when people look clearly at this life and death issue. Perhaps the silver lining in the recent events in Virginia, New York, and elsewhere is that abortion supporters now must be somewhat more honest than usual.

Ask Dr. Universe – Sheep’s Brains

Dr. Universe: What’s inside a sheep’s brain? – Aiden, 11

Dear Aiden,

A sheep brain is about the size of a human fist and is squishy like Jell-O. In some ways, a sheep brain is very similar to a human brain. In other ways, it is quite different.

I learned about sheep brains from my friend Craig McConnel, a researcher at Washington State University who is very curious about ruminants, a group of animals that includes cattle, giraffes, deer, antelopes, and of course, sheep.

Like a lot of mammal brains, a sheep brain is made up of grey and white matter. It has folds and grooves, but not quite as many as a human brain. It’s also a little smoother.

A human brain is about ten times as heavy as a sheep brain. Of course, just because an animal has a bigger brain doesn’t mean it is necessarily smarter. A sperm whale, for example, has a brain that is about five times heavier than a human brain.

Just like you and many other mammals, sheep have a part of the brain called the cerebrum. It is important for controlling movement, the senses, and thinking. Even though sheep might seem like they just stare off into space and chew grass all day, they do use their brains to think, just not on the same level as humans, McConnel said.

You and a sheep also have a brain stem which helps control the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. There is also a cerebellum, which mainly helps with muscle functions and more movement—including the ability to move around with your flock.

Like us, sheep are social animals. When they graze together, they often eat in groups of five or so and keep an eye on each other. One sheep usually leads the way and the rest follow. It’s an instinct or a behavior that an animal has from birth.

One major difference between sheep and human brains has to do with the sense of smell. In sheep, the brain’s olfactory bulb is two or three times the size of the human olfactory bulb. It provides the sheep with a strong sense of smell which is key for survival.

A mother can use her sense of smell to find her baby in a flock. A baby can smell its way back to its mother if it gets lost. The leader of the herd can sniff out a predator like a wolf and that sense of smell will allow it to warn the other sheep.

Some sheep, like bighorn sheep, even have strong horns and thick skulls that help protect their heads and soft brains. Some scientists are studying them to learn about concussions. While a lot of mammals have similar things going on in their brains, each brain is little different, and sometimes it’s those differences that can help an animal survive, whether they are out on a farm or out in the wild.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Submit a question!

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 04/08/19

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

APRIL 8, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 3/25/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. First Reading: Business Registration Ordinance
B. Second Reading: Marihuana Establishments & Sale & Consumption in Public Places Ordinance
C. Annexation for City of Muskegon development

08. New Business
A. Bob Szymoniak with a School Resource Officer report
B. Patrick Finnegan to present a new online civil infraction mediation platform
C. Local Road Project Contract

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

Secretary Benson Convenes Election Modernization Advisory Committee to Advance Election Reforms

Consortium of local election officials, voting rights advocates, experts to provide counsel on Proposal 3 voter reforms

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced today an Election Modernization Advisory Committee to advise her administration and the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections on the implementation of Proposal 3 and further election reforms.

Members of the committee include county, city and township clerks from across the state, Michigan-based voting rights advocates, and local and national election experts.

“The results of last November’s election are clear: Michigan voters want to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat,” Benson said. “I am grateful to the local and national experts who have agreed to come together to ensure we do just that, modernizing our elections, applying best practices and making Michigan a national model for clean, efficient and secure elections.”

Passed overwhelmingly by voters in November, Proposal 3 involves significant changes to Michigan’s election laws, including the institution of absentee voting for any reason, automatic voter registration and the ability to register up to and on Election Day.

The advisory committee will provide input, suggestions and feedback on the execution of these reforms. Other topics slated for consultation by the committee include the launch of online voter registration passed by the Legislature last year along with poll worker recruitment training, as well as solutions to current challenges involving elections.

Benson has named former Michigan Director of Elections Christopher Thomas to lead the newly formed advisory committee. The committee will be staffed and facilitated by the Michigan Bureau of Elections and other staff from the Secretary of State’s office.

Noah Webster

submitted by Arline Helms

nwebsterNoah Webster, the Father of American Education, was a revolutionary soldier, judge, legislator, American Founder, and the creator of Webster’s Dictionary. He served served nine terms in the Connecticut General Assembly, three terms in the Massachusetts Legislature, and four years as a judge.

One of the first Founding Fathers to call for a Constitutional Convention, he was also one of the most active in the ratification of the Constitution.   He  was  responsible for the  copyright  and patent protection clause of the Constitution and wrote textbooks.

He strongly believed that all Americans should speak the same language, and he was quite concerned about spelling and pronunciation. Hence, he compiled the first American dictionary. His first edition was published in 1806 with 37,000 words. He published two more the following year.

webstersignHe spent the rest of his life cataloguing words. In 1828, he completed his final dictionary, one with 70,000 words. He used words like “color” instead of “colour,” and “magic” instead of “magick” and added uniquely American words such as “skunk,” “hickory,” and “chowder.”

dictionaryIn December, 1808,  he wrote in a letter to Thomas Dawes:
“About a year ago, an unusual revival of religion took place in New Haven…and I was led by a spontaneous impulse of repentance, prayer, and entire submission of myself to  my  Maker and Redeemer.    In the month of April last,  I made a profession of faith.”. This unusual revival was a part of the Great Awakening that shook America in the early 19th Century.”

As evidenced in his textbook, “History of the United States, published in 1832, he believed that Christianity and government could not and should not be separated:
“The  religion  which  has  introduced  civil  liberty  is the religion of Christ  and  His apostles, which enjoins humility, piety, and benevolence;  which  acknowledges  in  every person, a brother or a sister, and a citizen with equal rights.    This is genuine Christianity, and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.”

“Every civil government is based upon some religion or philosophy of life.  Education in a nation will propagate the religion of that nation.    In America, the foundational religion was Christianity. And it was sown in the hearts of Americans through the home and private and  public  schools  for  centuries.  Our liberty,  growth,  and  prosperity was the result of a Biblical stampphilosophy of life.   Our continued freedom and success is  dependent  on  our  educating the youth of  America  in the principles of Christianity.”

Whether or not you believe in Noah’s philosophy of government,  one thing can’t be argued;   he was man of deep, abiding faith in God and appeared to be a Christian.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events April 1-8, 2019

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

Happy Spring Break Kiddos!

Monday April 1:

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 1
The Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch.
• Monday, April 1 at 10:30am – Norton Shores Branch 231-790-8844
• Monday, April 1 at 2:00pm – Muskegon Township Branch 231-760-4329

Spring Break Escape Camp
April 1 @ 9:00 am – April 5 @ 5:00 pm
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.

STEM Mini Camp
April 1 @ 9:00 am – April 2 @ 12:00 pm
Monday and Tuesday, April 1 – 2 from 9:00am – 12:00pm, kids ages 8 – 13 can come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the STEM Mini Camp! This mini-camp will give children the opportunity to get the first look at the brand new STEM Center and experience what it has to offer!  Over the 2-day camp, children will make airfoils, modify matchbox cars and race them, puzzle through mazes with a robot, and construct structures like bridges. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com and are $20 or $15 for museum members.  For more information call 231-722-0278.

Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy
April 1 @ 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.April 1: The real topic is Combat Propulsion presented by L-3 Engineering Specialists. Information on further lectures will be provided as it becomes available!

Culinary Class: Retro and Classic Casserole Night
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.

Team Trivia Game Show
April 1 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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.

Tuesday April 2:

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 2
The Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch.
• Tuesday, April 2 at 1:00pm – Dalton Branch 231-828-4188
• Tuesday April 2 at 4:30pm – Muskegon Heights Branch 231-739-6075

Gillette Nature Center: Spring Break Programs
April 2 @ 10:30 am – April 6 @ 10:30 am
Tuesday, April 2 – Saturday, April 6, the Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is offering spring break programs for children.  A state park passport is required to enter the park.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  For more information about programs at Gillette, call 231-798-3573.10:30am  Cottontails and Other Hoppers – Learn about the lagomorph group and rodents that move in a hopping pattern.  Take a hike to find tracks!

STEM Mini Camp
April 1 @ 9:00 am – April 2 @ 12:00 pm
Monday and Tuesday, April 1 – 2 from 9:00am – 12:00pm, kids ages 8 – 13 can come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the STEM Mini Camp! This mini-camp will give children the opportunity to get the first look at the brand new STEM Center and experience what it has to offer!  Over the 2-day camp, children will make airfoils, modify matchbox cars and race them, puzzle through mazes with a robot, and construct structures like bridges. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com and are $20 or $15 for museum members.  For more information call 231-722-0278.

Spring Break Art Camp: Stone Stories
April 2 @ 1:00 pm – April 4 @ 2:00 pm
Be part of Spring Break Art Camp at the Nuveen Center! You will make 6 picture stones using paint, markers and decoupage that will help tell a story of your choice.  You will also make a fabric bag to hold your stones.  Stones will be provided, but students are asked to bring in smooth flat stones to paint on for extra if you have them.  The cost is $10. For more information e-mail Nuveen@artswhitelake.org or call 231-893-2524.

Spring Break Art Camp: Design from Nature
April 2 @ 3:00 pm – April 4 @ 4:30 pm
Come to the Nuveen Center for the Spring Break Art Camp Program, “Design from Nature!” Sixth through twelfth graders can welcome spring by starting their artwork with a plant, bird or insect, and then explore abstraction as you experiment with materials and layers to create a contemporary artwork.  This class will focus on simplification of form, creating a background, layering through collage, drawing, and more.  The cost is $10.  For more information e-mail Nuveen@artswhitelake.org or call 231-893-2524.

Culinary Class: Not the Usual Pasta With Sofia
April 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class,You’ll make four different tasty sauces and four different shapes of pasta.  Dishes include Spaghetti with Walnuts, Fusilli with Gorgonzola Cheese and Sun Dried Tomato, Tagliatelle Bell Peppers and Mascarpone and Penne alla Vodka.  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.

Group Bicycle Tour
April 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company every Tuesday at 6:00pm for a 90 minute group bike ride!  There are five different groups to fit your biking needs and abilities and helmets are strongly encouraged.  Loaner helmets are always available at City Hub Cyclery (585 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon).  Unruly Brewing Co. is offering $1 off your first post-ride beer!  For more information call Raymond at 231-206-6182.

Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
April 2 @ 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 “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

White Lake Classical Series: David Rogers on Guitar
April 2 @ 7:00 pm
Come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for David Rogers on guitar as part of the White Lake Classical Series! Recently termed ‘a prominent guitarist’ by the New York Times, David Rogers fuses classical, jazz, early, and world music elements into powerful, moving and virtuosic performances based on both original and traditional repertoires.  The cover is $5. Come early for dinner at 6:15pm to enjoy Lemon Rosemary Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast, roasted sweet potatoes, spring vegetable sauté, glass of house wine and rhubarb custard bars for only $17. For more information or to RSVP, call 231-894-5333.

Open Irish Jam Session
April 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, all musicians are welcome at Hennessey’s Irish Pub for their open Irish Jam session!  Whether participating or just watching it is always a fun time and admission is free.  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Wednesday April 3:

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 1 – April 6
April 1 – 6, the Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch. Wednesday, April 3 at 2:00pm – Montague Branch 231-893-2675

Spring Break Nerf Battle
April 3 @ 11:00 am
Wednesday, April 3 at 11:00am, players ages 8-16 will try to out-wit and out-blast the competition during this epic battle at the Egelston Branch of the Muskegon District Library!  They provide all the equipment including blasters, darts, vests, safety goggles and obstacles along with a friendly referee for all the exciting Nerf action at this free event.  Snacks will be provided and registration required. 11:00am Egelston Branch 231-788-6477, 3:00pm Norton Shores branch call 231-780-8844 to register. April 4 North Muskegon @ 11:00am, call 231-744-6080 to register and 3:00pm at Dalton Branch call 231-828-4188 to register. Space is limited, so call today at 231-828-4188.

Gillette Nature Center: Spring Break Programs
April 3 @ 10:30 am – April 6 @ 10:30 am
Tuesday, April 3 – Saturday, April 6, the Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is offering spring break programs for children.  A state park passport is required to enter the park.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  For more information about programs at Gillette, call 231-798-3573. 10:30am  Signs of Spring Hike – Take a short hike and explore spring signs. 2:00pm  Peeps of Spring – A closer look at frogs and toads.

Free Family Movie Day: Mary Poppins Returns
April 3 @ 3:00 pm
Wednesday, April 3 at 3:00pm, bring the kids to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater for a Free Family Movie Day featuring “Mary Poppins Returns!”  No tickets are required.  For more information call 231-727-8001.

Thursday April 4:

Gillette Nature Center: Spring Break Programs
April 4 @ 10:30am
Tuesday, April 2 – Saturday, April 6, the Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is offering spring break programs for children.  A state park passport is required to enter the park.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  For more information about programs at Gillette, call 231-798-3573.10:30am  Nests: Nature’s Egg Cartons – Hands on program to explore the different nest styles. 11:30am  Bird Beak Buffet – A complete look at how birds eat.  Hands-on activities and a snack included.

Spring Break Nerf Battle
April 4 @ 11:00 am
Players ages 8-16 will try to out-wit and out-blast the competition during this epic battle at branches of the Muskegon District Library!  They provide all the equipment including blasters, darts, vests, safety goggles and obstacles along with a friendly referee for all the exciting Nerf action at this free event.  Snacks will be provided and registration required. April 4 North Muskegon @ 11:00am, call 231-744-6080 to register and 3:00pm at Dalton Branch call 231-828-4188 to register. Space is limited, so call today at 231-828-4188.

Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
April 4 @ 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 “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm.  Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us.  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 4
April 1 – 6, the Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch. Thursday, April 4 at 1:00pm – Ravenna Branch 231-893-6975

Pajama Party at the Muskegon Museum of Art: FREE
April 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Pajama Party!  Show up in your jammies (slippers optional) for some fun at the museum!  Enjoy storytime in the “A+ for Educators: The Illustrations of Patricia Polacco” exhibition gallery, creative snack making in the classroom, a hot cocoa station and a family film in the auditorium!  Bring your favorite stuffed animal and friend for a pajama party at the art museum! This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 231-720-2570 or visit the website. 6:00pm – Craft Activity 6:15pm – Story Time 6:30pm – Family Film 8:00pm – Closing

Culinary Class: Chef Char Kitchen Skills 101 – The Basics
April 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class. Be nervous with a knife no more and learn how to properly utilize your staple kitchen tools. You will cover various knife cuts with different vegetables and fruits and talk about the right knife for the right job and which knives to use for specific culinary duties in the kitchen.  You will cook up whatever you cut up, so a simple lesson on sauté and a recipe for pan tossed veggies will follow all cutting, dicing and chopping done in class.  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.  For more information call (231) 769-2202.

Friday April 5:

STEM Center: Sneak Peek
April 5 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join the Lakeshore Museum Center over Spring Break to get a sneak peek of the new STEM Center they have been working on. This interactive room will be a creative space to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  Hands-on activities will include building bridges, constructing hoop gliders, racing hot wheels and much more!  Admission is $3.  Kids 2 and under, members and Muskegon residents are free.  For more information call 231-722-0278.

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 5 11:00am and 2:00pm
The Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch.
• Friday, April 5 at 11:00am – Egelston Branch 231-788-6477
• Friday, April 5 at 2:00pm – Holton Branch 231-821-0268

Gillette Nature Center: Spring Break Programs
April 5 @ 10:30 am
April 5, the Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is offering spring break programs for children.  A state park passport is required to enter the park.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  For more information about programs at Gillette, call 231-798-3573. 10:30am A Good Home is Hard to Find – Puppet show!

Fish Fry Fridays
April 5 @ 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.  (231) 853-6743.

Concert: Pegboard Nerds wsg Flexadecibel
April 5 @ 6:30 pm
Come to the L.C. Walker Arena for Danish-Norwegian electronic music group, Pegboard Nerds with special guest Flexadecibel!  This will be the first concert held at the arena since their 1.7 million dollar renovation.  You must be 18 or older to attend.  For more information call (231) 726-2939 or visit the website below.

Main Street Dueling Pianos
April 5 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Buy tickets for the Watermark 920 Main Street Dueling Pianos! The entertainers have an impressive repertoire of 1,000+ songs, giving the audience an unforgettable experience and night of singing, hand-clapping and dancing!  Please be advised this show may contain adult content, mature subject matter and strong language.  This show is for those 21+ (no exceptions).  Tickets are $15 and available online or at The Coffee Factory.  If you would like to reserve a table, reservations must be made via e-mail at laurel@watermarkcenter.com.  Table placement is not guaranteed. There will be a full service bar featuring Michigan beer and wine options as well as coffee and food from Fatty Lumpkins. For more information call (231) 578-0469

Hennessy’s Comedy Night
April 5 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Select Fridays from 8:30pm – 10:00pm, come to Hennessey’s Irish Pub for live stand-up Comedy!  Hosted by Tim Locke, Hennessey’s features various stand-up comedians from all over Michigan!  The cover is free!  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Saturday, April 6:

So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box
April 6
The Muskegon Area District Library invites kids 8 – 16 to be part of the “So You Want to Be an Astronaut: Spring Break Escape Box!”  Search for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the box and win a prize.  This program is free, but you do need to register by calling your preferred library branch. Saturday, April 6 at 12:00pm – North Muskegon Branch 231-744-6080

Spring Birding Tour
April 6 @ 9:00 am
Nothing says spring like the “conk-a-ree” call of a red-winged blackbird or the raucous sounds of a Sandhill Crane. Celebrate spring and explore Muskegon’s wetlands with a birding tour at the Muskegon County Wastewater System, Saturday, April 6 at 9:00am!  Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists and technicians, Audubon Great Lakes staffers, and volunteers from Ducks Unlimited and local Audubon Clubs will lead the tour.  Meet at the Muskegon State Game Area Office (7600 E. Messinger Rd., Twin Lake). Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Spotting scopes also are helpful for long-range viewing.  The ground may be quite muddy and wet, so plan to wear boots.  For more information call the Muskegon County Wastewater System at 231-788-5055

Gillette Nature Center: Spring Break Programs
April 6 @ 10:30 am
The Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is offering spring break programs for children.  A state park passport is required to enter the park.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.  For more information about programs at Gillette, call 231-798-3573. 10:30 am Wiggly Worms – Learn all about worms and dissect a gummy worm.

Winter Farmers’ Market
April 6 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Visit the downtown  indoor winter Muskegon Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call (231)722-3251

Sensory Friendly Movies: Where “Shhhhh!” isn’t allowed!
April 6 @ 10:30 am  April 6 – “Dumbo”
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: Regular Matinee Pricing, All movies in 2D and Open Caption,Seating questions can be directed to the box office

Culinary Class: Sous Vide Cooking with Chef Char
April 6 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, April 6 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmer’s Market for the culinary class, “Sous Vide Cooking with Chef Char!” Sous Vide is a French culinary term meaning “under vacuum” and is a method of cooking in which food is placed in a plastic bag or glass jar and cooked under carefully controlled water or steam temperatures.  The intent is to cook the food items evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked while retaining moisture and without overcooking the outside.  Four different recipes will be explained, demonstrated, sampled and enjoyed in the class. Sample various sous vide vegetables, chicken and steak.   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.

Back Alley Comedy Club: Cliff Cash wsg Michael Greeter
April 6 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30pm
Come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for comedian Cliff Cash with special guest Michael Geeter! Tickets are available at the door for only $10!  Call (616) 570-8765 for more information.

KOP 64 Presented By KnockOut Promotions
April 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
$25 – $35
It’s Live MMA at the LC Walker Arena!  This will be KnockOut Promotions 64th show featuring Pro-Am Mixed Martial Arts action.  The cost is $25 – $35.  For more information call the arena box office at (231) 726-2400.

Delicious Demise
April 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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!” 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.

Cheerio Bird Feeders
April 6 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bring the kids to Hackley Public Library to make Cheerio Bird Feeders! Keep your feathered friends happy with this easy to assemble bird feeder.  Just take a few pipe cleaners, Cheerios, and some string to hang up your masterpiece outdoors.  This program is free and recommended for all ages.  For more information call 231-822-8000.

Science of Colors
April 6 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the “Science of Colors!” Did you know that there is science behind your favorite colors?  Find out why you like certain colors and dislike others.  This will be your last chance to see the Collections by Color exhibit before it comes down!  Admission is $3.  Kids 2 and under, museum members and Muskegon residents are free.  For more information call 231-722-0278.

Seeing Your Environment through Drawing: FREE
April 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Visit the Hackley Public Library for this FREE class.  Are you ready for an enriching and artistic experience? This class invites participants to use sketching as a tool to help shape their perception of the world, enhance self-awareness and guide themselves to more positive experiences. Join Corinne Roberts for this excellent practice in art therapy. This event is free to public and all materials are provided. No prior drawing experience is needed. No registration needed. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Sunday, April 7

Reminder: Easter is Sunday April 21st

Monday, April 8:

Marketing Monday: Bold Branding
April 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Come the Muskegon Innovation Hub for “Marketing Monday:  Bold Branding!”  Creating a strong brand is just as much about knowing who you aren’t as who you are.  This session, presented by Velarde Marketing, will review strategies to prioritize messaging and create a brand that will make your business stand out from your competition.  The cost is $10 and tickets are available through Eventbrite.  For more information call 616-331-7370.