Monthly Archives: November 2019

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

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

Ongoing Events:

Planetarium Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
November 5 – December 12 at 7:00pm, a holiday tradition returns to the Carr-Fles Planetarium with “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” No reservations are needed for this free, 30-minute show in room 1072 at Muskegon Community College.  Be sure to come early and visit the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium.  The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes.  For more information, or to schedule a private planetarium show for groups of 15 or more, call 231-777-0289.

Team Trivia Game Show
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.

Special Events:

Honor Your Veteran with a Tribute Flag from the USS Silversides
November 11
From Monday, November 11 – New Year’s Day, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum is offering Tribute Flags to memorialize your Veteran for the Holiday Season. For more information call 231-755-1230.

Veterans Day at the CIM
November 11 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, November 11 from 8:00am – 4:00pm, celebrate “Veterans Day at the CIM!” The Culinary Institute of Michigan invites veterans and military members to join them on Veterans Day at the Culinary Institute of Michigan’s Sweet Spot Cafe.  Show them your military ID, and receive a free coffee and “challenge coin” chocolate.
While you are in, please help them fill their military shadow box with small military memorabilia. Unit, squadron, or command patches are great sizes.  These items would all be considered donations and will stay on display in the shadow box located in The Sweet Spot.

Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 @ 11:00 am
Veterans Day, Monday, November 11 at 11:00am, there will be a commemoration at Causeway Veterans Memorial Park. The traditional ceremony will be held outdoors and feature guest speaker Francis Gerrit Veldman, a World War II veteran and former commander of American Legion Post 9.  The 98-year old received the Purple Heart while serving with the 70th Infantry Division, known as the “Trailblazers,” who spearheaded the Seventh United State Army’s drive into Germany.
Jason Whitman, commander of Muskegon County Council Veterans of Foreign Wars, will offer opening remarks. The posting of the colors and a 21-gun rifle salute will be conducted by the VFW Post 8846 Honor Guard.  Mike Baauw, director of the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  Bob Hall, chaplain of American Legion Post 9, will deliver the opening prayer.
The event includes patriotic music by the Reeths-Puffer Middle School band, under the direction of Rich Erne. Flo Predko will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America. The Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution will present wreaths.

Veterans Day Salute
November 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Monday, November 11 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, there will be a Veterans Day Salute at Muskegon Community College, honoring all who have served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Please join them for this special 100 Years (1919-2019) celebration on Veterans’ Day in the Bartels-Rode Gymnasium at MCC.  All veterans in attendance will receive a commemorative gift.  For more information call (231) 773-9131.

Those Who Cared for Those Who Served
November 11 @ 7:00 pm
Monday, November 11 at 7:00pm, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for the opening of their new exhibit, “Those Who Cared for Those Who Served.” The museum will honor those corpsman, chaplains and the medical services in all branches of the military that provided support to those served.  This is a group which often goes unrecognized.  The USS Silversides Museum is honored to highlight those who cared for those who served.  For more information call 231-755-1230.

Paint Your Pet
November 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
November 12 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers Market to Paint Your Pet! Enjoy drinks and friends while you paint a custom piece of your pet.  After you register, please e-mail a picture of your pet by October 27 to ryan.cummins@shorelinecity.com.  Tips for submitting the best photo of our pet can be found at www.artswhitelake.org/pet-painting-photo-suggestions.  Please include the date you are attending the event as well.  Your photo will be pre-drawn onto a canvas and ready for finishing touches the day of the event.  There are only 25 spaces available so time is of the essence!  The cost is $40 and will include heavy snacks.  Beverages will be available for purchase beginning at 5:30pm.

Live @ the Library: Two High Strung
November 12 @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30pm, come to North Muskegon Library for “Live @ the Library: Two High Strung!”  Hannah and Rebekah Krohl on fiddle and guitar present an evening of toe-tapping bluegrass and Americana music.  Light refreshments will be provided.  For more information call 231-744-6080.

Faculty Art Exhibit: Looking Back and Forward
November 13 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Celebrating the new Art and Music Building, home to its visual arts program, while honoring the memory of two longtime art faculty members, Muskegon Community College presents “Looking Back and Forward: Works by Past and Present MCC Art Faculty” from November 11 – December 12 in Overbrook Gallery.
Gallery visitors will experience a wide range of artwork reflective of the art faculty’s diverse practices and interests. These include found object sculpture, glass, jewelry, ceramics, photography, printmaking, mixed-media, and painting.
The exhibit features the work of 11 former and current art instructors spanning 50 years of teaching at MCC. Included will be works by two revered former instructors, John Walson and Lee Collet, who died a month apart in November and December of 2018, respectively. The other faculty artists are Sue Boehme, Keith Downie, Ken Foster, Lee Ann Frame, Erin Hoffman, Corene Kufta, Tim Norris, Patti Opel and Chip Vanderwier.
A free public reception will be held on Wednesday, November 13, from 3:30pm – 5:00pm in the Overbrook lobby with a panel discussion by the artists at 4:00pm in the Overbrook Gallery.
The Overbrook Gallery hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.

Hats with History
November 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 13 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Muskegon Heights Library as the Lakeshore Museum Center presents, “Hats with History!” Do you have a cool hat with a hot story?  Join the LSMC for this opportunity to have your hat’s story told in their upcoming community curated exhibit:  Hats Off to Muskegon!
The Museum is looking for unique hats worn by people with ties to Muskegon County. Hats will be loaned to the museum and appear in the exhibit in the spring of 2020.  Have a hat?  Bring it to the event for consideration, and then stay for a presentation by museum staff at 6:00pm about hats from the Lakeshore Museum Center’s collection.  This event is free.  For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Make It @ Montague: Decorative Votive Candle
November 13 @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, November 13 at 6:00pm, come to the Montague Library for “Make It @ Montague: Decorative Votive Candle!”  Create a glittering glass votive perfect for the holidays or anytime.  This event is for ages 18 and up.  For more information call 231-893-2675.

Building an Inclusive & Equitable Community for Local Prosperity
November 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, November 13 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Center to join the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for an important conversation about “Building an Inclusive & Equitable Community for Local Prosperity!”  Nationally acclaimed speakers, Dr. Jamie Bracey-Green and Mike Green, will focus on fostering a local economy where all can thrive.  The speakers will share their collective backgrounds in urban health, economic vitality and STEM education.  This is a free community event, but tickets are required and may be picked up at the Frauenthal Center Box Office, Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 5:30pm.  For more information call 231-722-4538.

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
November 14 @ 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 14 at 4:00pm, come to the Ravenna Library for the Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family. Call 231-853-6975 to register for this free event.

2019 Holiday Dazzle
November 14 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, November 14 from 5:30pm – 9:00pm, the Muskegon Child Abuse Council invites you to the 2019 Holiday Dazzle event happening at the beautiful new Delta Hotel by Marriott in downtown Muskegon! Bring your friends and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and shopping.  The cost is $50 per person and includes dinner, dessert, one glass of complimentary drink (house wine, beer, or a carbonated beverage), the style show and shopping for your holiday gift giving needs.  There’ll be fantastic items provided by local businesses, all gathered in one location for your convenience.  For more information, call 231-728-6410.

Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room
November 15 – November 16
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the “Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room!” The mad minds at the LSMC are at it again, and this time they are testing your skills to see if you can escape the mad scientist lab in 60 minutes.  This escape room will challenge your teamwork and problem solving as you try to get out before it is too late!  Register at Eventbrite.com. The cost is $20.  For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Holiday Wine Tasting
November 15 @ 6:00 pm
Friday, November 15 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, come to SE4SONS for a Holiday Wine Tasting! It’s a great opportunity to stock up for the holidays with wines from Alliance Beverage, Imperial Beverage, Republic National Dist., Henry Fox, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, I-Lixir and A.H.D. Vinters.  The cost is $30 per person and includes tasting and light appetizers. Stop in and purchase your tickets at the SE4SONS Bar any time during restaurant hours.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  For more information call (231) 759-3405.

Cocktails & Canvas
November 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday, November 15 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm, it’s Cocktails & Canvas, hosted by Watermark 920 and Create.a.frame ART studio! Don’t miss out on this unique “floral antler” masterpiece with a metallic background finish.  The cost of this class will be $25 per person.  Pricing includes: One 12×16 canvas, all necessary supplies, and step-by-step instructions and techniques on how to create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.  This is an 18+ event.  A cash bar will be available.  Make your reservations by e-mailing liz@watermarkcenter.com.

Muskegon Civic Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol
November 15 – December 1
Come to the Beardsley Theater as the Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “A Christmas Carol!” The Academy Award-winning composer Michel Legrand has teamed with Sheldon Harnick, one of the theatre’s most celebrated Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning librettists, and the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s prophetic Christmas Eve is reborn.  From the pages of Dickens comes this scintillating musical adaptation of the Yuletide classic that continues to touch hearts and minds the world over.  Tickets are $26.50.  For more information call 231-727-8001.
• November 15: 7:30pm
• November 16: 7:30pm
• November 17: 3:00pm
• November 21: 7:30pm (Please note, there was an error published in the marketing materials. The show on November 28 is scheduled for November 21.)
• November 22: 7:30pm
• November 23: 7:30pm
• November 24: 3:00pm
• November 29: 7:30pm
• November 30: 7:30pm
• December 1: 3:00pm

Big Game Tailgate
November 16 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 16 from 11:30am – 5:00pm, come to Norton Pines Athletic Center for the Big Game Tailgate!  Come root on your favorite team with great people, food, raffles, silent auction, cash bar and a family fun atmosphere. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore.  Sponsors include Boars Belly, Hennessey’s, Click for Kids, I Heart Radio, Van Dyk Mortgage, Trans-Nation Title, Hot Rod Harley Davidson, Hazecamp Meats and Office Machine Company.  The cost is $35.  For more information call (231) 798-1391.

Stories, Songs, and Dances of the Voyageur with Genot Picor
November 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Free
Saturday, November 16 at 1:00pm, bring the family to Hackley Public Library for “Stories, Songs, and Dances of the Voyageur” with Genot Picor!  Learn about frontier history with an interactive performance from professional storyteller Ginot “Winter Elk” Picor.  Follow the tale of an orphan from St. Denis, France who is recruited to work in the fur trade as an indentured servant and then departs on his adventure to the land of “Mitchigaamii.”  This program is free to the public and recommended for all ages!  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Lakeshore Camera Club Photography Show & Competition
November 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 16 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, the Norton Shores Branch Library is pleased to host the Lakeshore Camera Club of Muskegon’s Bi-annual Show and Competition!  Discover local photographic talent, meet the photographers and vote for your favorite to win. There will be refreshments to enjoy, a photo booth, prints to purchase for holiday gift giving and more.  For more information call 231-780-8844.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 16 @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. Catch a home game Saturday, November 16 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Des Moines Buccaneers.  It’s Hockey ‘N Heels Night!  Tickets range from $10 – $17.  For more information call (231) 724-5225.

Downtown Live Concert Series
November 17 @ 3:00 pm
The Downtown Live Concert Series at the Frauenthal Center begins its second season in October 2019 and will feature every Muskegon Community College music ensemble, as well as the West Michigan Concert WINDS which is affiliated with MCC. The 10-concert series continues through April 2020.  Some of the musical selections this season are based upon the 2019 Arts and Humanities Festival (ahFest) theme of “Hope.”  Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and $10 each for groups of 6 or more.  For more information call 231-727-8001.  November 17, it’s the MCC Honors Orchestra performing “Music of the Russian Composers” at 3:00pm in the Frauenthal Theater.

NaNoWriMo: Family Stories into Fiction
November 18 @ 7:00 pm
Monday, November 18 at 7:00pm, come to Norton Shores Library for “NaNoWriMo: Family Stories into Fiction!”  To celebrate National Novel Writing Month, local writer Fred Sanderlin, author of ‘Journey to Little Rock,’ shares how turning family memories into fiction can be the spark that gets you started on your creative writing journey. No registration is required.  For more information call 231-780-8844.

Crafts & Drafts: Holiday Banner & Sign
November 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday, November 18 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. for “Crafts & Drafts: Holiday Banner & Sign!” Thanksgiving is around the corner and it’s time to get together with friends and family.  $15 gets you a fun crafty night with all the materials and instructions PLUS any Tier I or Tier 2 beer!
You’ll be making a burlap banner with stencils. You can customize the banner to say anything but few ideas would be… grateful, thankful, your family name, happy thanksgiving…or how about BEER?  Get crafty and pre-register now. Please call the taproom at (231)375-5184 to reserve your seat!  Stay tuned for more crafts & drafts sessions this fall/winter.

Social Security Can Help You Get Back to Work

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

ssiHaving a job means different things to different people, but it can give you a sense of self, a community to rely on, and much-needed structure. Some people define themselves through their work. Others may enjoy the social aspect of their jobs. If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits and want to start working or return to work, Social Security can help.

A plan for achieving self-support (PASS) is a plan for your future. This plan lets you use your income or the resources you own to help you reach your work goals. You could set aside money to go to school and get specialized training for a job or to start a business. PASS is for both SSI and SSDI. The job that you want should allow you to earn enough to reduce or eliminate the SSI or SSDI benefits you currently receive.

You should use the PASS if all of these apply to you:
• You want to work.
• You get SSI (or can qualify for SSI by having this plan) because you have a disability or are blind.
• You have income, other than SSI, or resources above the resource limit, to use to get a job or start a business.

In some cases, someone on SSDI can use a PASS and become eligible for SSI while pursuing the plan.  Your employment income may reduce or eliminate your SSDI benefits. Under SSI rules, any income that you have may reduce your SSI payment. However, if you have an approved plan, you can use most of that income to pay for the items you need to reach your work goal.

We don’t count money set aside under the PASS when we decide your SSI payment amount. This means you may get a higher SSI payment. However, you can’t get more than the maximum SSI payment for the state where you live. With an approved plan, you can set aside money to pay expenses needed to reach your work goal.

The plan must be in writing, and Social Security must approve it beforehand. To start, contact your local Social Security office for an application (Form SSA-545-BK). You can access this form at www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-545.html.

If you need help, there are many people who can help you write a PASS, including a Ticket to Work service provider, vocational counselor or a relative. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. The Ticket program helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. To learn more about the Ticket program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Vonda VanTil is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan.  You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.

‘I’ve Never Lost my Joy’: Anne Graham Lotz Teaches for First Time Since Cancer Battle

annegrahamlotzAfter 10 months of cancer treatments, Anne Graham Lotz shared insights from God’s Word at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove on Aug. 23-25, marking her first time teaching since her health battle began last fall.

“I’ve never trusted [God] more. I’ve never believed Him more,” Billy Graham’s daughter declared to the audience after receiving a standing ovation while others listened online. For decades, she’s traveled around the globe sharing the Gospel.

Anne Graham Lotz hosted this conference called “Leaving a Godly Legacy in an Ungodly World” in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, alongside her daughter, Rachel-Ruth Wright.

Lotz spoke from personal experience when calling believers to stand up for the Gospel during life’s trials.

“I’ve never lost my joy. I’ve been aware every day of blessing after blessing after blessing. I love the Lord today more than I did yesterday, more tomorrow than I did today,” Lotz said with a grateful heart.

Ask Dr. Universe – How Trees Help the Air

Dr. Universe: How do trees help the air? – Ella, 12

Dear Ella,

Take a big, deep breath. As you inhale and exhale, you can probably feel the air taking up space in your lungs.

The air we breathe is made up of a few different things. It includes gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide—just to name a few. Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. But in the plant world, it’s the opposite.

Trees, plants, and even algae in the ocean, take in carbon dioxide from the air and, using the energy of the sun, transform it into the oxygen we all breathe. That’s what I found out from my friend Kevin Zobrist, a forestry professor at Washington State University.

Zobrist told me that process is called photosynthesis. It’s the way plants recycle carbon dioxide while also making their own food and energy.

Sometimes particles get mixed into the air that aren’t very good for us. They are so small we can’t see them, but they can sometimes irritate people’s airways or create health problems.

The good news: Trees are really good at helping catch and filter out these particles from the air.

Scientists have also found that trees with leaves that have tiny hairs on them are especially good at grabbing onto some of those particles and removing them from the air. I also discovered that some trees also capture particles in their bark, so animals like us don’t have to breathe them in.

It’s really important to have clean air to breathe. After all, the average human will inhale and exhale about 7 or 8 liters of air every minute or so. That adds up to each person breathing about 11,000 liters—or about 2,905 gallons, think milk jugs—of air each day.

Trees can also help cool the air. When it warms up outside and water from the surface of the leaves evaporates, it can take some heat out of the air. Meanwhile, trees can help capture dust and even smoke from wildfires.

While trees help store a lot of carbon within themselves, that doesn’t mean they can store it forever. When trees burn during wildfires, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, along with lots of harmful smoke particles. Trees help the air, except when they are on fire, Zobrist said. Carbon dioxide also comes from burning fossil fuels, such as the gasoline we put in cars.

For the most part, trees do their best to help the air stay cool and clean. They also make a great shady place to take a nap. You know, I think I’ll go find a nice spot to relax under a big tree. Thanks to your question, I will be reminded how important it is to take care of the trees that also take care of us all.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

MPS Ultrasound Fundraising Drive!

Ultrasound Image of babyby Brian Zwart
Muskegon Pregnancy Services in Muskegon, Michigan has been providing women with alternatives to abortion for nearly 35 years. They were established as a faith-based 501(c)(3) in1985 and have empowered hundreds of young men and women to choose Life!

In the last 12 years, MPS has performed over 2,000 ultrasounds in the Muskegon community at no cost to the patient. Studies have shown that when an abortion-minded woman sees her baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound, she is 80% more likely to have the baby; and men are 90% more likely! Muskegon Pregnancy Services also witnesses to their patients by sharing the love of Christ and provides counseling services for both men and women.

Ultrasounds may be one of the biggest threats to the abortion industry, because it shows truth of life and human development in the womb, and we’d like to see as many free ultrasounds be completed as possible. Calvary Bible Church in Muskegon, Michigan is partnering with MPS to raise money to support the ultrasound program, which includes the purchase of a new ultrasound machine and the supplies and operational costs that go with it. The average cost to perform an ultrasound is $300.

Our goal is to raise $55,000 to help support the MPS Ultrasound Program that has saved thousands of lives over the years.

Abortion is an absolute travesty and must be stopped, please prayerfully consider how you can financially help support this program and help end abortion in our community.

This fundraiser was organized on behalf of Muskegon Pregnancy Services. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/mps-ultrasound-drive to donate, or call MPS at (231) 726-2677.

Ultrasound image of a baby's face

Ultrasound image of a baby’s face.

Ottawa County Parks – Volunteer Spotlight

Linda Anderson

lindaandersonThe Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission is lucky to have a dedicated volunteer base. This quarter we are recognizing Linda Anderson for her excellent work at the Nature Center.

Linda is a skilled master naturalist and master gardener who helped park staff do some necessary maintenance on the overgrown garden areas in front of the facility. Linda began planning in December 2018 and since has:

• Mulched and composted
• Identified the plants that were growing in the area
• Removed weeds and over-aggressive plants
• Re-arranged for aesthetics (i.e. taller plants in the back)
• Selected and planted new species
• Created a catalog of native plants
• Created signage for the garden

”What is most special to me about working on the native gardens is seeing the plants thrive and all the insects and critters among them. I also enjoy trying to figure out what is what since I didn’t plant the gardens.”

Her advice to those looking to start their own native garden (and we hope you do!) is to remember that like all gardens, native ones need maintenance. Here are some of her tips:

• Dead-head early flowers to limit plants the next year
• Leave plants standing over winter to provide insects homes to survive, but clean up debris in the spring (when the temperature is over 50°)
• Don’t be upset if something dies—some plants do well, others won’t. Don’t be afraid to pull and/or move plants.
• Plant the right plant in the right spot: sunny versus shade, dry versus wet conditions, sand versus clay soil.

Secretary Benson Announces Steps to Promote College-age Voter Participation, Initiatives to Resolve Lawsuit

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, in June, announced steps to promote participation among college-age voters. The steps are part of a broader voter engagement initiative and will help bring a mutually agreeable resolution to a lawsuit brought on behalf of student voting groups last year.

“Going away to school shouldn’t complicate a student’s ability to vote,” Benson said. “Michigan has made great strides recently in improving access for all voters, and this is just the beginning of our work to ensure college-age voters have the information and opportunities they need to vote as engaged citizens.”

“Young voters are the future of our state and our democracy, and we need their voices at the table,” Benson said. “I’m committed to removing barriers and also encouraging college-age voter participation with several additional initiatives that we will be announcing in the months and years ahead.”

The Department of State and Bureau of Elections will be rolling out a broad voter engagement initiative prior to the 2020 election. The initial steps announced today are focused on student and college-age voters and include:
• Creating a website dedicated to providing voting information and tools for college students and first-time voters and promoting the resource on social media.
• Encouraging local clerks in communities with colleges and universities to engage in student outreach through voter registration drives and other activities.
• Updating department manuals and training materials to reflect a new emphasis on college student voters.
• Sending letters each September to the Michigan Association of State Universities and non-member colleges and universities with helpful information for students.
• Deploying the Secretary of State’s Mobile Office, as in past years but with greater frequency, to provide opportunities for voter registration on college and university campuses and encouraging friendly competition among institutions related to voter registration efforts.

These steps help resolve a lawsuit filed by College Democrats at the University of Michigan and other student organizations. The groups filed a lawsuit against the previous secretary of state in August 2018, challenging the requirement that a Michigan voter with a Michigan driver’s license have the same address for both registration and licensing, and another requirement that first-time voters must vote in person if they registered through the mail or a third party registration drive.

After the lawsuit was filed, Michigan voters adopted Proposal 3 in 2018. Among other changes, the proposal guaranteed all registered Michigan voters the right to vote absentee without giving a reason. Earlier this year, the secretary of state determined that the “must vote in person” requirement is no longer enforceable under the constitutional amendment. This change, in addition to other new voting options such as same-day registration, lessen the burden on student voters. The secretary of state will be emphasizing these new options as part of her efforts to promote student voting engagement.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events November 4-11, 2019

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

Monday November 4:

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Township Library located at 1765 Ada Ave. for Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family.  Call 231-760-4329 to register for this free event.

Hackley Crafts: Book Folding
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library for Hackley Crafts featuring Book Folding!  The art of book folding isn’t as tricky as it looks.  In this basic book folding class, with the book and pattern included, you’ll be on your way to creating your own fun masterpiece.  To register for this free event, call HPL at 231-722-8011 or visit hackleylibrary.org.

Christian Music Skate Night
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate & Fun Center located at 1775 Evanston Ave. for an evening filled with Christian and Gospel music. A variety of artists will be featured.  Join them for some family fun and fellowship at this all event for all ages! Admission is $3, or $1 when you bring a can of food to benefit food pantries in our area.  Regular skate rental is $3, roller blades are $5 and premium rental is $6.  For more information call (231) 773-5538.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 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.

Roll On Muskegon
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.Casual, 8-10 mph for Approx. 90 minutes to get outside and wave to our neighbors.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
6:00 pm
The cost is $5.00 per person per lecture or FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  In addition to the lectures, for one week prior to each lecture, they will be showing a film on a related subject. Movies will be shown daily at 1:00pm.  The cost to attend the movie is included with your $6 admission ticket to the museum.  Admission to the museum is also FREE with your membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

Tuesday November 5:

Classical Night Steve Thielman on Piano
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Steve Thielman, piano. Music of MacDowell, Chopin, Kabalevsky, Poulenc, Gershwin/Wilde, Beethoven. Dinner at 6:15: Pot roast, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, glass of house wine, pumpkin mousse $17. Book Nook and Java Shop is located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague 231-894-5333

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Township Library located at 1765 Ada Ave. for Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family.  Call 231-760-4329 to register for this free event.

Open Irish Jam Session
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
All musicians are welcome at Hennessey’s Irish Pub located at 885 Jefferson St., 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.

Planetarium Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This is a free, 30-minute planetarium show. See it Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm through October 31 at Muskegon Community College, room 1072.  No reservations are needed; this is walk-in only.  Be sure to come early and check out the new “World of Water” exhibit before the show, at the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium.  The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes.  For more info, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15. call 231-777-0289.

Wednesday November 6:

Lunch n’ Learn: Beethoven and Blue Jeans
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join The Block for “Lunch n’ Learn: Beethoven and Blue Jeans! ‘  Doors open at 11:45am for this free event.  The West Michigan Symphony presents a brown bag lunch and conversation about Masterworks.2:  Beethoven and Blue Jeans.  Bring your own lunch and enjoy an hour of lively discussion with Music Director Scott Speck and a special guest. Those who have tickets to attend the associated West Michigan Symphony masterworks concert on Friday, November 8 will get a primer to the works that will be presented, and for those who don’t, tickets will be available to purchase. For more information call 231-726-3231.

Thursday November 7:

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Township Library located at 1765 Ada Ave. for Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family.  Call 231-760-4329 to register for this free event.

Planetarium Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This is a free, 30-minute planetarium show.  See it Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm through October 31 at Muskegon Community College, room 1072.  No reservations are needed; this is walk-in only.  Be sure to come early and check out the new “World of Water” exhibit before the show, at the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium.  The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes. For more info, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15. call 231-777-0289.

Friday November 8:

West Michigan Symphony: Beethoven & Blue Jeans
7:30 pm
Come to the Frauenthal Center located at 425 W. Western Ave. as the West Michigan Symphony presents “Beethoven & Blue Jeans!” One of classical music’s brightest young stars, Charlie Albright, returns to perform the stormy third piano concerto of Beethoven. This is paired with two of Beethoven’s most beloved works, including the famous fifth symphony. Tickets are $12 for students and $25-$62 for adults. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Night with Brian Oberlin Mandolin Player
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Visit the Book Nook and Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague to enjoy Brian Oberlin an internationally acclaimed mandolin player and educator. During his decades long professional career, Brian has been playing swing, bluegrass, and Italian classical as a solo mandolinist and vocalist. When he is not performing, Brian teaches music to children and adults at art centers, cultural events, festivals, camps, music schools and academies.

Paint n Pour with Laurie Zweck
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us for a fun night when we will paint this ever popular vintage pickup truck hauling the family Christmas tree! This is a 3 hour project so we will be starting promptly at 6pm!RSVP REQUIRED (616) 970-1451 $30/person Cash/Debit/CC accepted. Book Nook and Java Shop is located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague 231-894-5333

Fresh Coast Comedy Presents: Ricarlo Winston & David Dyer
7:00 pm
SE4SONS Banquet Center located at 2801 Lakeshore Dr. and Fresh Coast Comedy welcome Ricarlo Winston and David Dyer for a fun night of live comedy.  Tickets are $20 and include the show and pre-show appetizers from 7:00 – 8:00pm. All tickets must be purchased in advance at SE4SONS bar during restaurant hours.  For more information call (231) 759-3405.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game Military Night!
Puck drops @7:05 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. Catch a home game Friday, November 8 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Green Bay Gamblers.  It’s Military Night!  Tickets range from $10 – $17.  For more information call (231) 724-5225.

Perfect Presents Preview Party
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join Art Cats Gallery located at 1845 Lakeshore Dr. for the official holiday kick-off event. Enjoy fabulous new artwork by local and national artists, browse their great collection of ornaments, holiday décor and, of course, gifts.  Everything is handmade!  Featured artists include Louise Hopson, Karen Nichols, Christi Dreese, Rick Eastham, Jennifer Gould, Leandra Drumm, John Herron, Maggie Bandstra and many, many more.  You’ll also delight in their fabulous selection of holiday bling and adornment for all the jewelry lovers on your list!  Enjoy sweets and treats as you get your holiday shopping off to a fabulous start.  There’ll be giveaways, goody bags, treats and good cheer for all!  For more information call (231) 755-7606.

Hackley Attic Escape Room
5:00 pm
Experience the Hackley House as no one has before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors, now, it’s up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks and riddles!  Brush up on your Muskegon history and escape the attic in 80 minutes!  Space is limited to 10 people per session, so be sure to order your tickets through Eventbrite.com!  The cost is $15 for museum members or $20 for non-members.  For more information call 231-722-7578.

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Township Library located at 1765 Ada Ave. for Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family.  Call 231-760-4329 to register for this free event.

Saturday November 9:

Sugar Sweet Super Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bring the kids to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Sugar Sweet Super Saturday! This free family fun day will have you making the sweetest ornaments you ever did see!  For more information call 231-720-2580. 10:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film, 11:00am – 1:00pm – Guided Look: Explore the galleries with an MMA docent. 11:00am – 2:00pm – Make Candy Wrapper Ornaments.  The ornaments you make will be featured on the 8th Annual Super Saturday Holiday Tree, which will be part of this year’s Festival of Trees! Youth participants who create an ornament to donate to the MMA will receive one free Festival of Trees admission ticket.

Turkey Trail Run 5K
10:00 am
Join the Gillette Nature Association at Hoffmaster for the Turkey Trail Run 5K!  Please arrive 45 minutes prior to race start time of 10:00am in order to ensure that you obtain your t-shirt, race bib/chip and race packet. Please stick around after the race for additional family fun events!  The Little Turkey 1 Mile Trot registration will be at 11:00am at the Visitors Center and is free!  Please be there at 11:00am to sign forms and get a turkey bib for your child.  An adult must accompany the child on the trail.  Transportation will be provided from the beach parking lot to the Visitor Center for runners and visitors via trolley.  Everyone MUST park at the beach parking lot…spectators, little trot participants and runners.Get more Information at www.gillettenature.org.

Flag Retirement Ceremony
11:00 am
The USS Silversides Submarine Museum located at 1346 Bluff St. will be having a Flag Retirement Ceremony in honor of Veterans Day, November 11. Flags to be retired may be dropped off at the Museum during normal operating hours.  231-755-1230.

Perfect Presents Preview Party
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join Art Cats Gallery located at 1845 Lakeshore Dr. for the official holiday kick-off event. Enjoy fabulous new artwork by local and national artists, browse their great collection of ornaments, holiday décor and, of course, gifts.  Everything is handmade!  Featured artists include Louise Hopson, Karen Nichols, Christi Dreese, Rick Eastham, Jennifer Gould, Leandra Drumm, John Herron, Maggie Bandstra and many, many more.  You’ll also delight in their fabulous selection of holiday bling and adornment for all the jewelry lovers on your list!  Enjoy sweets and treats as you get your holiday shopping off to a fabulous start.  There’ll be giveaways, goody bags, treats and good cheer for all!  For more information call (231) 755-7606.

Back Alley Comedy Club Presents: Spencer James
8:00pm
Check out the Back Alley Comedy Club located 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. for Spencer James! Spencer’s comedy career started very early on, namely as an eleven year old fat kid getting picked on by school bullies while also being ignored by seemingly every girl in his vicinity.  Spencer holds the 2014 Winner title of The World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He has gritted his comedy teeth on bars and comedy clubs across America, including performances for the fisherman of Dutch Harbor, AK, made famous by the hit TV show “Deadliest Catch”, Laughs TV features on Fox TV, and also for American troops stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI.  Tickets are $7 in advance + $1 convenience charge or $10 at the door.  For more information call (616) 570-8765.

4th Annual International Games Day at MCC
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Celebrate International Games Day with Muskegon Community College located 221 Quarterline.  Board games, video games and card games are planned in MCC’s Hendrik Meijer Library.  The event, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Meijer store on S. Harvey St. in Muskegon.  Gamers of all ages (those under 16 years will need a responsible adult with them) are invited to take part in the games and contests being staged in and around the MCC Library. Gamers are encouraged to bring their own remote controls, game systems, and games.  Virtual reality headsets will be available on a first come, first served basis.For more information, contact Emily Busch at (231) 777-0493 or at emily.busch@muskegoncc.edu or Lisa Anderson at (231) 777-0274 or at lisa.anderson@muskegoncc.edu.

Once Upon a Princess
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Snow Queen is coming to Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster and you are cordially invited to meet her!  Born with magical powers, the Snow Queen comes from a land far away where ice, snow, and sun are plentiful.  She loves to share stories and crafts with any that come to meet her. This is a ticketed event and will incorporate a meet-and-greet as well as pictures with the Snow Queen. Tickets are free and will be available for pick up in the Youth Services Department starting October 24.  Party dress is definitely encouraged!  This free event is recommended for ages 0-14.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game 80’s Night!
Puck drops @7:05 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. Catch a home game Friday, November 8 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Green Bay Gamblers.  It’s Military Night!  Tickets range from $10 – $17.  For more information call (231) 724-5225.

Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Township Library located at 1765 Ada Ave. for Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!  Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered.  As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season?  It’s perfect fun for the entire family.  Call 231-760-4329 to register for this free event.

Charlie Albright: Classical Piano
7:30 pm
Come to The Block located at 360 W. Western Ave. for Charlie Albright playing classical piano! Doors and bar open at 7:00pm.  Hailed by The New York Times for his “jaw-dropping technique,” young American pianist Charlie Albright is also a facile improviser known for literally composing a piece on the spot from three or four notes suggested by the audience.  Tickets are $25 – $35 or $10 for students.  For more information call 231-726-3231.

Catbird Seat Harmony Singing
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Catbird Seat features the harmony singing of Wanda Degen & Kay Rinker-O’Neil combined with Wanda’s autoharp & dulcimers and Kay’s flute & guitar. Their repertoire is a mix of traditional & contemporary Celtic, Folk, Great Lakes & vintage Pop. This takes place at the Book Nook and Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague 231-894-5333

Hackley Attic Escape Room
5:00 pm
Experience the Hackley House as no one has before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors, now, it’s up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks and riddles!  Brush up on your Muskegon history and escape the attic in 80 minutes!  Space is limited to 10 people per session, so be sure to order your tickets through Eventbrite.com!  The cost is $15 for museum members or $20 for non-members.  For more information call 231-722-7578.

Back Alley Comedy Club: Billy Ray Bauer
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Check out the Back Alley Comedy Club located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. for Billy Ray Bauer! Some off-the-wall impersonations and dialects and observations on living in America today and you have very funny and engaging entertainment that is sure to hit home with audiences of all ages.  Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door + $1 convenience charge.  For more information call (616) 570-8765.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby.  For more information visit the website www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org

Sunday November 10:

Music and Mimosas Sunday Brunch
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join the Book Nook and Java Shop for music and mimosas Sunday brunch with Blueberry Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Fruit, Mimosa, Coffee or OJ $10.00 located at 8744 Ferry Street Montague. RSVP (231) 894 – 5333. The time is from 10 am – noon

The Swan Series
4:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society is pleased to offer two upcoming lectures featuring retired Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s violist Robert Swan. These 4:00pm lectures will take place on Sunday, November 10 and Sunday, December 8, 2019 at the Praise Center of the United Methodist Church in Whitehall.  Admission is $7 at the door.  For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit www.whitelakemusic.org.

Monday November 11:
In Honor of Veterans Day our office is closed today

Honor Your Veteran with a Tribute Flag from the USS Silversides
November 11
From Monday, November 11 – New Year’s Day, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum is offering Tribute Flags to memorialize your Veteran for the Holiday Season. For more information call 231-755-1230

Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11
The traditional ceremony will be held outdoors at the Causeway Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Francis Gerrit Veldman, a WWII veteran and former commander of American Legion Post 9. The 98-year old received the Purple Heart while serving with the 70th Infantry Division, known as the “Trailblazers,” who spearheaded the Seventh United State Army’s drive into Germany. Jason Whitman, commander of Muskegon County Council Veterans of Foreign Wars, will offer opening remarks. The posting of the colors and a 21-gun rifle salute will be conducted by the VFW Post 8846 Honor Guard. Mike Baauw, director of the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Hall, chaplain of American Legion Post 9, will deliver the opening prayer. The event includes patriotic music by the Reeths-Puffer Middle School band, under the direction of Rich Erne. Flo Predko will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America. The Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution will present wreaths.

Veterans Day Salute
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
There will be a Veterans Day Salute at Muskegon Community College, honoring all who have served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Please join them for this special 100 Years (1919-2019) celebration on Veterans’ Day in the Bartels-Rode Gymnasium at MCC.  All veterans in attendance will receive a commemorative gift.  For more information call (231) 773-9131.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 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.

Those Who Cared for Those Who Served
7:00 pm
Come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum located at 1346 Bluff St. for the opening of their new exhibit, “Those Who Cared for Those Who Served.” The museum will honor corpsman, chaplains and the medical services in all branches of the military who provided support to those served.  This is a group which often goes unrecognized.  The USS Silversides Museum is honored to highlight those who cared for those who served.  For more information call 231-755-1230

Ask Dr. Universe – Different Accents

Dr. Universe: Why do people have different accents? Why do we have them and need them? -Florrie P., 9, UK

Dear Florrie,

Whether you say hello, ‘ello, hey ya’ll, toe-may-toe or toe-ma-toe, we all have a kind of accent that often comes from where we live or who lives around us.

That’s what I found out from my friend Nancy Bell, a Washington State University professor who is really curious about the way language works. She told me more about why we have accents and why we need them.

There are a lot of different accents. You might have friends who speak English but have a Scottish, Irish, Australian, or French accent.

Even in the U.S., there are many accents from the east to the west to the mid-west to the south. In those regions, people also speak many types of English such as Chicano English, African American English, or Indian English.

A lot of times when you see a difference in the way people talk, there is also some kind of physical barrier between them. This might be something like a mountain, a river, or the Atlantic Ocean that separates you and me. When groups of people are isolated from each other, they develop unique ways of speaking, including accents and whole new languages.

We also have social barriers, Bell said. We sometimes see differences in the way people talk when groups are segregated from each other. These social barriers still persist today.

You might wonder why there are still accents if people can travel more easily over mountains and oceans and since there isn’t as much segregation as there has been in the past.

“Why don’t different accents disappear?” Nancy asked me. “It’s part of identity. The way we speak instructs and signals to other people who we are.”

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself being a bit of a copycat when I hear someone with an accent different than mine. I start speaking with their accent, too.

Bell said this is a phenomenon called speech accommodation. It usually happens when you like the other person and want to find common ground. The opposite can also happen. You can find yourself trying to steer far away from someone’s accent if you don’t really get along.

We can also learn new accents—just think about actors who have to use an accent different than their own. We can also lose our accents after we’ve lived in a different place for a long time, too.

While a lot of people have accents depending on where they live or the way people around them speak, they also have their own personal way of speaking. It’s called an idiolect—and our accents are just one part of it.

The different ways we pronounce things, the sentences we string together, and the vocabulary we have can help us express ourselves, our identities, and feel connected to our culture. All that diversity is a good thing, so don’t let the cat get your tongue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

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Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, October 14, 2019, in the township board room.

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

At 7:05pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 1- residents; 2- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 23, 2019 as presented.

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

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada reported that hydrant flushing is complete; the Smiley water tower will be going out of service for repair soon.
2. Brian Michelli reported that 3 new part-time Firefighters are going through the Fire Academy; the police cruiser that was ordered is on backorder; Firefighter Adam Morse is away at the State Police Arson Training.
3. Heidi Tice shared that there will be a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 29th from 5-6:30pm at Morea Chiropractic; Trick-or-Treat at the Township Hall will be on October 31st; the Village of Fruitport Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on October 24th regarding the rezoning of 3 parcels; the State of Michigan shared a certificate of proclamation to honor Michigan Manufacturing Week; there will be an anti-bullying workshop coming soon.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-117 Approval to hire selected candidate for Assistant Assessor
Supervisor Tice came seeking permission to hire Angela Walachovic to fill the Assistant Assessor vacancy. Angela was one of three applicants interviewed for the position. Her wages will begin as outlined in the SEIU labor agreement, with a review after 6 months.

Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to hire Angela Walachovic to fill the Assistant Assessor vacancy.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-118 Approval of Merle Boes agreement
The township’s Attorney has reviewed the agreement and adjustments have been made.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize execution of the presented contract.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

NEW BUSINESS:

19-119 Appeal from resident regarding attorney invoice
Discussion was requested to continue at the next meeting with the township’s Attorney present.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to table this topic until the next meeting.

19-120 Streetlight request: Kersting Dr/Danglwood Ct
A request was received from Michael Cody, 2986 Danglwood Ct, to place a streetlight on the corner opposite of his property, at Kersting Dr/Danglwood Ct.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to request that the clerk contact Consumers Energy for a quote for the placement of a light at the requested location and bring the information back to the board for approval.

19-121 DPW vehicle and equipment purchase
The DPW Director has requested approval to purchase a Boss 8 foot steel straight blade snowplow. Low bid was received from Monroe Truck at $5,200.00.
Also requested is approval to replace the Township’s 2005 Chevy 2500 with a 2020 GMC outfitted with a service box. Todd Wenzel Buick quoted the truck under the Oakland County Michigan Cooperative Purchasing Program at $43,041.00 for the outfitted truck.
Requesting permission to sell the Township’s 2005 Chevy 2500 service truck and 2003 Chevy 2500 truck and plow.
The discussed purchases and sales are recommended by the DPW Committee. Funds from capital outlay will cover the purchases.

Terry Knoll moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of a plow and outfitted truck and to sell the two trucks as discussed.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-122 Consideration of petitions for Mt. Garfield road improvement
Residents along the portion of East Mt. Garfield Road located west of Maple Island Road, between Maple Island Road and continuing west to the dead end have signed petitions requesting a gravel upgrade.

Andrea Anderson moved, Greg Hulka supported, MOTION CARRIED, that the petitions for road improvement on Mt. Garfield Road be received by the Township Board and move forward to schedule a public hearing to create an assessment district.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-123 Consideration of a Truck Route Ordinance
Supervisor Tice has taken complaints from residents regarding trucking on certain roads. She asked for discussion on creating a truck route ordinance and provided a sample ordinance from the Muskegon County Road Commission. The roads discussed were the following:

Ellis from Airline to Brooks
Stringer from Sternberg to Farr
Kendra from Farr to Sheridan
Cooley from Sternberg to Cline

This topic will come back for further discussion at the next meeting.

19-124 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $25,240.55; Public Safety $15,113.39; Water $4,268.26; Sewer $43,867.35; street lights $14,908.65; Trust & Agency $1,285.00
Totaling: $104,683.20
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Emma and Liam Repeat as Social Security’s Top Baby Names for 2018

Jacob and Abigail Fall Out of Top 10

Liam and Emma are once again America’s most popular baby names in 2018.  This is the second time Liam is atop the boys list and the fifth year in a row for Emma.  Two long timers on the list, Jacob and Abigail, toppled out of the top 10 for the first time since 1992 and 2000.  There are two new names in this year’s top 10—Lucas for the first time ever, and Harper makes her way back on the list.

Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2018:

Boys:
1) Liam
2) Noah
3) William
4) James
5) Oliver
6) Benjamin
7) Elijah
8) Lucas
9) Mason
10) Logan

Girls:
1) Emma
2) Olivia
3) Ava
4) Isabella
5) Sophia
6) Charlotte
7) Mia
8) Amelia
9) Harper
10) Evelyn

For all of the top baby names of 2018, and to see where your name ranks, go to Social Security’s website, www.socialsecurity.gov.