Monthly Archives: July 2021

“The Heart Remembers”, a Community Remembrance Day at Clock Funeral Home, August 18th

Healing Center and Clock Funeral Home bring ‘The Heart Remembers’ to remember and honor loved ones lost to COVID.

Harbor Hospice and Clock Funeral Home are partnering to present a special community remembrance to honor those lives lost during the pandemic. “The Heart Remembers” will be an open house-style event, Wednesday, August 18th, with a special time at 5:30 pm for Pause, Reflection and Gratitude.

“Families have shared with us that the inability to both be present with their loved ones in their final hours, and not being able to honor their life lived with friends and family has left an indelible ache in their heart,” said Dale and Jodi Clock, owners of Clock Funeral Home. “For this reason, we joined forces with the Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice to help families celebrate a life lived, with others who have experienced the same pain. It’s important to know that this is for ‘anyone’ who experienced a loss. This is not limited to “where” the death occurred, if hospice was involved, or what death care provider was chosen. It’s about coming together to help heal the heart.”

Keepsakes will be provided to the first 150 attendees. Live music and refreshments will round out the event. The community is encouraged to bring leashed, well-mannered pets with them.

“Our communities have been affected in so many ways by COVID and many who have lost loved ones to this horrible virus have not been able to have services or get together with others for comfort and meaningful support.  This is an opportunity for anyone who is grieving any loved one, including a pet, who died during COVID to come together and honor them and remember them,” said Beth Bolthouse, grief counselor, Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice.

Event is free to attend; please RSVP at weblink.donorperfect.com/TheHeartRemembers2021

For questions or more information please call 231.728.3442. All those registered can send a photo of a loved one/s or pet, including their name, to: 231-722-3721 (text) or email jodi@clockfuneralhome.com.

Ask Dr. Universe – Finger Snaps

Dr. Universe: Why does it make noise when you snap your fingers? – Amelia, Michigan, 12

Dear Amelia,
 
When I got your question, I snapped my fingers a few times to try and find the exact source of the sound. After a few tries, I decided to ask my friend Troy Bennefield, the director of Athletic Bands at Washington State University.
 
While we may start a snap with the top of our thumb and middle finger touching, he said that the snapping sound actually happens when the middle finger hits the palm area at the base of the thumb.
 
As the middle finger hits the base of the palm, you actually send some vibrations out into the air. Vibrations are a big part of the reason we can hear all kinds of things—from snaps to claps to a variety of musical instruments. 
 
When an object vibrates, it creates waves of energy that travel to a listener’s ears. The outer part of the ears collect those waves and the ear canals channel them inside of the ears. Meanwhile, the brain helps interpret the incoming information and allows you to put a name to the sound you hear.
 
You know, there are so many different sounds to hear in our world. Part of the reason a snap sounds different from a clap or a musical instrument like a violin or drum is that the objects are made up of different materials. The materials vibrate in slightly different ways, giving us all kinds of sounds to hear and music to make.  
 
Bennefield is really interested in how we can use snapping in making music. One famous scene with a lot of snapping comes from the musical “West Side Story.” Maybe you know a song or two that incorporates a lot of snapping, too. Think about how that sound can bring a certain emotion or feeling to the song.
 
Maybe you can even try some snapping experiments of your own. Try a snap in your right hand. Now try the left. Did you notice any differences? Now, try playing with some different rhythms. Snap at a nice, slow steady pace or pick up the pace for a quicker rhythm.
 
If you are up for the challenge, see how many snaps you can do in a minute. Record your results. Just a couple of months ago, Guinness World Records announced that the new world record for most snaps in a minute is 437 snaps.
 
Perhaps you can also experiment with the volume of your snaps. The loudest snap on record was recorded at 108 decibels. For comparison, a motorcycle makes sounds that are recorded at about 100 decibels.
 
Try a super loud snap or try to make the quietest snap you possibly can. Observe how the volume changes depending on how much force you create between your finger and your thumb.
 
Whether your snaps are quiet or loud, slow and steady, or super-fast, remember that the sound all comes back to those vibrations in the air.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

doc

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Ticks Spread Diseases – How to Prevent Tick Bites

submitted by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health

In Michigan, there’s a significant increase in the number of ticks this year. Several reports of Lyme disease have been detected. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease. It is spread by an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs that feed during the spring and summer months. Nymphs can be difficult to see since they are approximately the size of a poppy seed. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. “Prompt removal of ticks is the best method to decrease the chance of Lyme disease,” said Dr. Paul Heidel, the medical director of the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. “Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, a rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis, or joint pain within 30 days of being bitten by a tick.” 

 The most important way to protect against Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites.

ticks

Avoid direct contact with ticks

  • Walk in the center of trails.
  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
  • Create tick-safe zones in your yard. Keep patios and play areas away from vegetation, regularly remove leaves, clear tall grasses and brush around home, place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, and use a chemical control agent.

 Use insect repellent

  • Apply repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent) or Picaridin on exposed skin.
  • Treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any repellents.

 Find and remove ticks

  • Bathe or shower after being outside in tick-infested areas (preferably within two hours).
  • Conduct a full-body tick check (under arms, in and around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waist and especially in hair).
  • Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, and then attach to a person later. Use tick prevention products on your pets.
  • Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat after being outside to kill ticks.
  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.
tickremoval

 “Tick checks are recommended after any outdoor activities in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Check your clothing, body and pets for ticks when you return home,” said Adeline Hambley, the Environmental Health Manager at Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

For more tick and Lyme disease information, please visit www.cdc.gov/lyme or see the CDC Hikers/Campers Lyme Disease Fact Sheet. Please also visit www.michigan.gov/lyme or view the MDHHS Guide to Preventing Tick-Borne Illness.

United Way of the Lakeshore is Asking for Project Nominations for Day of Caring

MUSKEGON, MI – United Way of the Lakeshore is asking the community to nominate projects for Day of Caring, which will be held Saturday, September 10th, 2021.

caring

“This year will be the 28th annual Day of Caring,” says UWL Community Engagement Director, Dominique Bunker. “To get ready, we need people in the community to start nominating projects. Then, on September 10th, we will have a morning meet-up, assign volunteers to each project and get started! We are looking for all kinds of project ideas. In the past we have fixed up playgrounds, a baseball field, helped disabled veterans with house projects that they are unable to do themselves. We are open to all kinds of project ideas, but we need people in the community to speak up for their neighbors, their families, and their community spaces.”

Project nominations should be sent to Dominique via email. People can sign up to volunteer, or learn more about Day of Caring on the United way of the Lakeshore website.

In previous years, United Way of the Lakeshore has worked with volunteers to complete a variety of projects. This year we also plan to host an art contest, and we are asking young artists, aged between 5 and 18, to design this year’s logo for Day of Caring. Submissions for the logo can be sent to Dominique, and there will be a special prize for the winner.

caring

“There is something so special about Day of Caring. It is a chance for the entire community to come together. We all have that moment when we are driving around our community and we see a park or a house that needs some care, and we think ‘somebody should help fix that’ and that’s exactly what happens on Day of Caring. So if you’ve seen one of those spots, and had that thought, be sure to let us know.”

United Way of the Lakeshore is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities.
Our Bold Goal – 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025.
For more information, contact United Way of the Lakeshore at 231-332-4047 or visit www.unitedwaylakeshore.org.

Fruitport Township Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – 04/27/21

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION
5865 Airline Road
Fruitport, MI 49415
231-865-3151

Minutes of the April 27, 2021 meeting.

Present: Ross Spyke (commissioner), Ryan O’Neal (commissioner), Richard Riekse (commissioner) and Karen Johnson (commissioner), Ken Hulka (director.)

Absent: Travis Nadeau (commissioner)

The meeting was called to order at 6:07PM.

No public in attendance for comment on agenda items.

Financials: Carryover will be approximately $12,000 and will be listed in Park Improvements.

Attendance at Township Board Meetings:
April 12th –Ryan O’Neal- was asked if we had anything to report
April 26th – Richard Riekse-did not attend. Meeting was cancelled for lack of agenda items.

Last Meeting Follow-up:
Five year rec plan update. An agreement has been signed. They will do an inventory of the parks and an accessibility assessment. The restrooms are compliant. Accessibility to the fields needs some work. Looking at an Eagle Scout to put in a concrete pad near the fields. Surveys will go in the July property tax billing.

New Business:
The electrical repairs needed to the Soccer Park have been completed.
At Pine Park the Hot Dog Machine tripped the GFI breaker. It will be fixed to a 20 amp circuit.
Baseball has filled out the use form.

Old Business:
Sealcoating & restriping the parking lots: $4155 at Pine Park and $6506 at Sheringer Park. It was suggested to chip seal with stone. It will last 10 years.
Next Township Board Meetings are May 10th & May 24th. Items to mention: Birdhouses put in by Eagle Scout, path to fields & clean-up day.

Discussion Items:
Township funds from COVID bill.
Reminder to Rose to send out April financials after month end. (By May 10th?)
Need to put major improvements into the rec plan.

Staffing:
Part timer will start on May 10th.
Farr Park – The back gate will not be unlocked until there is a request to use the park.

Actions items:

Richard Riekse moved and Ryan O’Neal – seconded to approve last month’s minutes.
Travis Nadeau – Absent
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Minutes approved.

Karen Johnson moved and Richard Rieske – seconded to approve financials.
Travis Nadeau – Absent
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Financials approved.

Ryan O’Neal moved and Ross Spyke seconded to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Next meeting Tuesday May 25, 2021 at 6:00PM at Township Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Johnson

Fruitport Township Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – 03/30/21

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION
5865 Airline Road
Fruitport, MI 49415
231-865-3151

Minutes of the March 30, 2021 meeting.

Present: Ross Spyke (commissioner), Ryan O’Neal (commissioner), Travis Nadeau (commissioner), Richard Riekse (commissioner) and Karen Johnson (commissioner), Ken Hulka (director.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:08PM.

No public in attendance for comment on agenda items.

The quote for the five year rec plan will be $6800 instead of $6400 to include minimal work on Phases I & II. Travis moved to have Prein and Newhoff to produce our five year rec plan. Ryan O’Neal seconded.
Roll Call:
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Absent for vote
Karen Johnson – Yes
Passed.

Ask Rose to send financial numbers right after year end. Is it possible to have a separate line item on our financials for the carry over amount.

Attendance at Township Board Meetings:
April 12th – Travis Nadeau & Ryan O’Neal
April 26th – Richard Riekse

New Business-
Staffing- Dean is back to work.
Parks:
Farr Park – The back gate will not be unlocked until there is a request to use the park.

Pine Park – The gates are open. Ross asked to have the bases put in place. Practice starts on April 5th. Clean up day is the 17th with a rain date of the 24th. A 30 yard dumpster was requested. The Parks Commission will be provide drinks & hot dogs.

Soccer Park-Karen to call for Portajohns.

Discussion of COVID plan.
Little League (Baseball) has provided no guidance. They are to follow the guidance of the school or Township. The Soccer Club is to follow MSYSA guidelines. Football is to follow MSHAA.

Per Ron Bultje – put on the field request that park use is subject to the Michigan Department of Health. It is the obligation of the Youth Clubs to comply.

Ken was asked to get basic signs about social distancing to put up at all parks.

Actions items:

Ryan O’Neal moved and Travis Nadeau -seconded to approve financials.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Financials approved.

Ryan O’Neal moved and Travis Nadeau -seconded to approve last month’s minutes.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Minutes approved.

Discussion to seal coat & paint lines at parks. Ken still has an estimate. Tabled until next meeting.

Karen Johnson moved and Ross Spyke seconded to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.

Next meeting Tuesday April 27, 2021 at 6:00PM at Township Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Johnson

Fruitport Township Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – 02/23/21

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION
5865 Airline Road
Fruitport, MI 49415
231-865-3151

Minutes of the February 23, 2021 meeting.

Present: Ross Spyke (commissioner), Ryan O’Neal (commissioner), Travis Nadeau (commissioner), Richard Riekse (commissioner) and Karen Johnson (commissioner), Ken Hulka (director.)
Guest: Rose Dillon (Township Treasurer)

The meeting was called to order at 6:05PM. This meeting was held via Zoom call.

Roll call:
Travis Nadeau – here-in home in Cloverville, Fruitport Township
Ken Hulka – here at house in Fruitport Township
Ryan O’Neal – here in home in Fruitport
Richard Riekse – here in home in Fruitport
Ross Spyke – here in home in Fruitport Township
Karen Johnson – here in home in Fruitport Township

No public in attendance for comment on agenda items.

Rose gave a financial report. In February only utilities and payroll. The available balance is $23,000 less approximately $8,000 for unemployment. She will move negative line items to other lines so no items will be negative. There was a question on the electric for Farr Park.

New Business-
Budget Items discussed– Salary Staff-Dean will receive a 3% increase and Life Insurance while working. Fertilizer & seeds should be $4500 to $6000. Should ask for a small increase in operations for the three parks. Rose was checking to see how much was rolled over from prior years. A budget is due to Todd tomorrow.

It was moved by Karen Johnson and seconded by Travis Nadeau to direct Ken Hulka to ask for $130,000 budget. Increase for fertilizer $1500, Porta-jons for the Soccer Park $1200, wage increase 3% and unemployment.
Roll call:
Karen Johnson – Yes
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – No
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Passed.

It was moved by Travis Nadeau and seconded by Richard Riekse to request to have our budget surplus rolled over.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Passed.

Five year rec plan discussion & next steps. Discussion of two quotes. Ken is to email Prein and Newhoff and ask them to remove Phase I from their quote. Travis Nadeau moved and Karen Johnson seconded to agree to pay $6400 for Phases II, III & IV for the new five year rec plan.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – Yes
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Passed.

Agenda item 6 tabled until next month.

Old Business:
Karen & Ken to attend the next Township meeting on March 8th. Plans to report to the Township Board.
1. Concession and bathrooms for the Soccer Park.
2. Upgrades to vehicles & equipment (lawn mowers.)
3. Roll over of excess budget to be used for possible grant match.

Discussion of our COVID plan.
Little League (Baseball) has provided no guidance. They are to follow the guidance of the school or Township. The Soccer Club is to follow MSYSA guidelines. Football is to follow MSHAA. Ross was looking for guidance for our Township Parks. Ken is to reach out to the Township Attorney for his opinion. The Parks Commission will follow the guidance of the attorney.

Ryan O’Neal moved and Travis Nadeau -seconded to approve last month’s minutes.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – No response
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Minutes approved.

Karen Johnson moved and Ross Spyke seconded to approve financials.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – No Response
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes
Passed.

Karen Johnson moved and Ryan O’Neal seconded to adjourn.
Travis Nadeau – Yes
Richard Riekse – No response.
Ross Spyke – Yes
Ryan O’Neal – Yes
Karen Johnson – Yes

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.

Next meeting Tuesday March 23, 2021 at 6:00PM at Township Hall or ZOOM if required.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Johnson

Fruitport Township Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – 01/26/21

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION
5865 Airline Road
Fruitport, MI 49415
231-865-3151

Minutes of the January 26, 2021 meeting.

Present: Ross Spyke (commissioner), Ryan O’Neal (commissioner), Travis Nadeau (commissioner), Richard Riekse (commissioner) and Karen Johnson (commissioner)

Abesent: Ken Hulka (director.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:12PM. This meeting was held via Zoom call.

Roll call:
Travis Nadeau – here in home in Cloverville
Richard Riekse – here in home in Fruitport
Ross Spyke – here in home in Cloverville
Ryan O’Neal – here in home in Fruitport
Karen Johnson – here in home in Fruitport Township

No public in attendance for comment on agenda items.

Five year rec plan discussion & next steps. Ken is to reach out to West Michigan Regional Development and have them attend February meeting. Board is to come up with ideas to include in the survey.

Ask Rose to attend the February meeting. Would like to have financials emailed to us one week after our regular monthly meeting.

Plan to workshop our budget at our March meeting to adjust line items on the budget.

Plan to ask to have surplus rolled over.

Plan to attend Township Board meeting the 2nd Monday of every month. Karen volunteered for February. Ask Ken to attend meetings also.

Discussion items:
Workshop budget to increase salary.
Set up Google drive to share documents. Agenda items, minutes, financials. Google School in February.

Ross Spyke moved and Ryan O’Neal-seconded to approve last month’s minutes. Roll Call: Ryan O’Neal-yes. Richard Riekse-yes. Travis Nadeau-yes. Ross Spyke-yes, Karen Johnson-yes.
Minutes approved.

Travis Nadeau moved and Ross Spyke seconded to approve Karen Johnson as secretary. Ryan O’Neal-yes. Richard Riekse-yes. Travis Nadeau-yes. Ross Spyke-yes, Karen Johnson-yes.
Motion passed.

Karen Johnson moved and Ryan O’Neal seconded to adjourn. Roll Call: Ryan O’Neal-yes. Richard Riekse-yes. Travis Nadeau-yes. Ross Spyke-yes, Karen Johnson-yes.

Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Next meeting Tuesday February 23, 2021 at 6:00PM at Township Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Johnson

Fruitport Township Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – 10/27/20

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION
5865 Airline Road
Fruitport, MI 49415
231-865-3151

Minutes of the October 27, 2020 meeting.

Present: Ross Spyke (commissioner), Karen Johnson (commissioner), Travis Nadeau (commissioner) and Ken Hulka (director.)

Absent: Jeff Widmayer (commissioner) and Margie Nash (commissioner)

The meeting was called to order at 6:09PM.

Travis moved and Karen seconded to approve last month’s minutes. Minutes approved.

Looked at budget for parking lot at Sheringer Soccer Park. The front lot and driveway at (22 ft. wide) was quoted at $43,000. Can make driveway a little shorter to keep price under $40,000. Travis moved and Karen seconded to approve the asphalt project.
Roll call. Travis-yes. Karen-yes. Ross-yes. Motion passed.

Soccer is almost done. No more line painting. Porta-Johns will be pulled next week. There is a dead spot that will be taken care of when soccer is done.

Next spring projects:
Sheringer parking lot – sealcoat and parking lot lines.
Pine Park – sealcoat.

Ken to get quotes for next spring.

The expiration date of the five year rec plan was brought up.

Moved by Ross and seconded by Travis. Meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Next meeting Tuesday November 24, 2020 at 6:00PM at Township Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Johnson

Lakeshore Museum Center Hosts Walking Tours of Downtown Muskegon This Summer

MUSKEGON, MI – This summer, the Lakeshore Museum Center will be hosting walking tours of downtown that will explore Muskegon’s rich history as well as its exciting present.

Tours are broken down into two categories – Historic Tour and the Art and Architecture Tour. On the Historic Walking Tour, participants will learn about the past and current uses and occupants of many of Muskegon’s historic businesses and residences. Learn about the McCraken house, Charles Hackley’s father, what life was like for the Spaniola family as they operated the market on Western Ave., and other interesting stories about historic downtown Muskegon.

The Art and Architecture Tour will focus on the public art installations, murals, and architectural styles of downtown Muskegon. Stops on the tour will include the statues in Hackley Park, Richardsonian Romanesque buildings, and the recent summer art additions to downtown.

The 90-minute walking tours are scheduled for alternating Mondays and Thursdays through September 2, 2021, with historic tours at 10 am and Art & Architecture Tours at 2 pm. Tours begin and end at the Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay Ave. Tours are scheduled for July 8, 12, 22, and 26; Aug. 5, 9, 19, and 23; and Sept. 2.

Tickets for all tours are $13 for Lakeshore Museum Center members and $15 for non-members. A two-ticket minimum purchase is required. Register for the Historic Walking Tour at historicdowntownmuskegontour.eventbrite.com/, and register for the Art and Architecture Tour at historyandarttour.eventbrite.com/, or register by visiting the Museum Store. Once at least two tickets have been purchased, single tickets can be purchased through the Museum Store or by calling 231-722-0278. Groups of six or more can contact the Lakeshore Museum Center at 231-724-5543 to schedule an alternate tour date or time.

For more information and to view the weather policy for these events, visit the Lakeshore Museum Center online at lakeshoremuseum.org/

About Lakeshore Museum Center
Since 1937, the Lakeshore Museum Center has explored, preserved, and interpreted the history of Muskegon County through historic exhibits, education and cultural-based programs, and special events and presentations for all ages. The Center is comprised of multiple sites and buildings including the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era and the Muskegon Heritage Museum.

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 07/12/21

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

JULY 12, 2021

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

  1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
  2. Roll call
  3. Approval of board minutes: 6/14/21
  4. Approve / amend agenda
  5. Correspondence / reports
  6. Public comments regarding agenda items
  7. Unfinished Business
    none
  8. New Business
    A. Purchase of Foreclosure Property
    B. Board of Review Appointment
    C. Purchase of New Police Cruiser
    D. Purchase of New Medical Response Apparatus
  9. 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

Women’s Right to Know Act Introduced in Michigan

Lansing, MI — The Women’s Right to Know Act was introduced in the Michigan House on June 22nd.

Sponsored by Rep. Sue Allor, HB 5086 addresses three areas of informed consent for women seeking abortions: abortion pill reversal, heartbeat/miscarriage awareness, and prenatal diagnosis of a disability.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Abortion businesses try hard to keep women in the dark. They don’t want women to understand the reality of abortion and its effects on them and their children. This legislation would address several areas where women are not being given proper informed consent before abortions.”

The abortion pill reversal provision requires the abortionist to let women taking the abortion pill know there is a treatment which may reverse the effects of the first pill of the two-drug regimen. Even though that treatment, progesterone, is commonly prescribed to prevent miscarriages, abortion supporters have claimed the treatment is “unproven,” “dangerous,” and wrongly suggest the child might be disabled if they survive the abortion pill’s effects.

Listing said, “These concerns are based on talking points, not reality and research. Practicing doctors have studied and used this common treatment to increase the chances of saving the child’s life. What bothers abortion businesses the most is that a woman might change her mind and choose life.”

The heartbeat/miscarriage awareness provision requires the abortionist to check for a fetal heartbeat and allow the woman the opportunity to hear or see the heartbeat. If no heartbeat is detected, the abortionist must give the woman the opportunity to return later if the gestational age is too young to detect a heartbeat, tell her of the likelihood of a miscarriage based on the absence of a fetal heartbeat, or offer to use a different technology to detect the heartbeat. The abortionist must also let her know that treatment for a missed miscarriage is not considered an abortion for insurance purposes.

Listing said, “From what we know of miscarriage rates, abortion businesses over the years have undoubtedly sold many abortions to women who no longer had viable pregnancies. How many women have anguished over their abortion decision even though their child’s life ended before they walked through the abortion facility’s doors? How many abortionists have profited from this unnecessary medical intervention?”

The prenatal disability provision requires the doctor making a diagnosis of a serious prenatal condition to give the woman a referral for more information. The state will be required to create a website with medically accurate information about prenatal conditions, support group information, and perinatal hospice programs.

Listing said, “Sadly, so many women who received a troubling prenatal diagnosis had it immediately followed with suggestions or even pressure to have an abortion. Women have a right to medically-accurate information about their developing child, access to support groups, and a medical profession which walks alongside her instead of pushing for eugenic abortions.”

Happy Birthday, Medicare! What happens When You Turn 65

by Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

This July marks the 56th anniversary of Medicare. Did you know you can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits? Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and we usually require no additional documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information.

Knowing when to apply for Medicare is very important. You have a limited initial enrollment period to apply. If you miss the initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday. Visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to apply for Medicare and find other important information.

Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Read our publication Understanding the Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for more information at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10508.pdf.

The official Medicare website at Medicare.gov offers many online services where you can find answers to these questions:

Feel free to share these helpful resources with friends and family today.

Vonda Van Til 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.

Franklin Graham Announces Route 66 God Loves You Tour

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s June 4th Newsletter

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Franklin Graham has announced the dates and cities for the Route 66 God Loves You Tour—an eight-city evangelistic tour that begins Sept. 19 in Joliet, Illinois, and travels along historic Route 66.

“There are a lot of people out there who are afraid,” explained Graham. “Businesses have failed. People have lost their jobs. A lot of people have just been sick, loved ones have been lost. And I think as a result of that, there’s a question in people’s mind: ‘Does God love me?’”

The Route 66 God Loves You Tour will include stops in: Joliet, Illinois (Sept. 19); St. Louis, Missouri (Sept. 21); Springfield, Missouri (Sept. 23); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Sept. 25); Amarillo, Texas (Sept. 26), Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sept. 28); Flagstaff, Arizona (Sept. 30); and San Bernardino, California (Oct. 2).

Before the tour, each community will hold prayer gatherings and offer evangelistic training, including the Christian Life and Witness Course. This three-session class from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association helps believers deepen their faith and learn practical ways to share it with others.

Visit the BGEA website to learn more about the ministry’s evangelism and outreach plans.

Ask Dr. Universe – Poisonous Berries

Dr. Universe: Why are some berries poisonous? Where does the poison come from and how does it get in the berries? – Bianca, 4 1/2, California  
  
Dear Bianca,  
 
A lot of living things on our planet have defenses they use in the wild to help them survive. For some plants, being poisonous may help keep them from becoming someone’s dinner. 
 
That’s what I found out from my friend Wendy Hoashi-Erhardt, a scientist who directs the Small Fruit Plant Breeding program at Washington State University.  
 
Berries like deadly nightshade, holly berries, and snowberries—just to name a few— are not safe for humans to eat. These kinds of plants naturally produce poisonous compounds in their berries.  
 
You may remember that everything in our universe, including berries, is made up of atoms. When the atoms come together, they form compounds. Those compounds can sometimes form in a way that interfere with the work your body’s cells are doing to try and keep you healthy.  
 
In fact, the poison from some berries may make insects, birds, animals, and even humans really sick. That sends a kind of message or reminder to those creatures to avoid the plant and its berries in the future—or else they’ll likely get sick again.  
 
Humans have even discovered different types of compounds in different berries that can make us sick. For instance, there are the toxic compounds in snowberries and holly berries called saponins. Meanwhile, deadly nightshade contains compounds named trophine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine.  
 
Throughout history, humans have actually learned quite a lot about which plants are dangerous to eat versus which ones are good to eat.  
 
For the nutritious and delicious plants, humans have been able to take those plants and make them even more useful through a process called plant breeding, Hoashi-Erhardt said.  
 
For example, we can take a raspberry and blackberry and cross them to create an entirely new berry called a tayberry. 
 
Hoashi-Erhardt does a lot of work helping us breed raspberries and said scientists have different categories for what we call “berries.” Part of what makes a berry a true berry has to do with an organ in the plant called an ovary.  
 
A raspberry, for instance, grows from a single raspberry flower. But that flower has many ovaries and they become all the little segments, which are called drupelets, that make up raspberry. It turns out a raspberry is not a true berry even though we call it a berry. 
 
Meanwhile, a blueberry comes from a single flower with just one ovary. Scientists call these berries that come from just one plant ovary “botanical berries.” True berries grow from a single flower with just one ovary. I was surprised that means bananas and cucumbers are technically true berries, too. 
 
It’s great to hear you are curious about berries, Bianca. They are truly an interesting part of the plant to observe. It’s also important to learn which types of berries are safe to eat and which are not. You can’t tell just by sight; becoming familiar with edible species of berry plants happens by talking to a botanist or carefully studying a field guide to wild edible plants.      
 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Universe

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Help Keep the Muskegon County Community Safe

Submitted by Emily Morgenstern, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Muskegon County, MI – The warm weather months typically see an uptick in crime across the country. This year is no different. The Muskegon County Silent Observer committee wants to remind residents that they have the power to help keep the community safe.

If you have information about people involved in local crimes, take advantage of the Silent Observer program. All tips shared are one hundred percent anonymous and could be rewarded with cash.

This high-tech program allows individuals to report crimes anonymously by calling in tips with total confidentiality. Computer software blocks cell phone numbers and computer addresses by replacing that information with confidential code numbers. When information results in an arrest, the code number can release the reward payout that can then be cashed anonymously. Silent Observer rewards range from $50 for misdemeanors up to $2,500 for more serious crimes like homicide.

The Silent Observer committee is made up of a number of non-profit organizations in the community that work in partnership with law enforcement professionals. “This privately managed system works,” says Silent Observer Committee Chair, Tom Schultz. “Over the years law enforcement has arrested serious criminals thanks to anonymous citizen participation,” states Schultz.

For more information on how you can help go to www.silentobservermuskegon.com.

2021 West Michigan Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries Through July 28th

submitted by the West Michigan Tourist Association

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the launch of their 2021 West Michigan Photo Contest. With so much beauty found in West Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association wants travelers to show off what they love most about this beautiful side of the state, and win some great West Michigan prizes! The contest is looking for traveler photo submissions from all around West Michigan. This region covers the entire west half of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.

“Being able to share all of these great photos from around West Michigan is truly a highlight of each year!” said Courtney Sheffer, WMTA’s Marketing Director. “We love seeing the community involvement with this contest, and the unique perspectives that each individual shares with their photos.” 

Sheffer also noted that photos do not need to be taken this month in order to submit them to the photo contest. “If you have West Michigan photos from your past visits to the area, we encourage you to enter those as well! West Michigan is photogenic all seasons of the year, so don’t feel that you’re only limited to submitting summer photos.”

All photo entries must be received by July 28th, 2021. Judges will be awarding prizes in the categories of “Nature,” “People,” and “Beach/Lake/Lighthouse,” with an additional prize awarded via public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. In addition to receiving a West Michigan prize pack, all winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January of 2022. 

Photo submissions should include first & last name of photographer, city where the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo.

The accepted photo formats are high resolution (300 dpi+) jpeg/jpg or tiff. CMYK is preferred. Please visit the Photo Contest Page for full rule and entry requirements.

Thank you to the 2021 West Michigan Photo Contest sponsors who make this contest possible:

Public Invited to Muskegon Area District Library Open House July 7th

MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon Area District Library, (MADL) will hold system-wide Open Houses at all ten community branches, Wednesday, July 7, 11 am – 7:00 pm. The public is invited to see major, new library renovations that took place during the pandemic, including the build of a new Muskegon Township Branch at a new high visibility location. Other renovations are in progress.

The public is welcome to visit any of these branch locations during the Open House; Dalton, Egelston, Holton, Montague, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon Township, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Ravenna, and the Library for the Visually & Physically Disabled. Refreshments and giveaways will be available.

“We are now fully open and are offering many new enhanced services to give our community more conveniences and choices,” says Kelly Richards, Director of MADL. “Our dedicated staff is committed to providing great customer service and look forward to seeing you again,” says Richards.

Muskegon Storyville will also officially open with a Ribbon-cutting ceremony on the same day. Storyville Villages are early literacy, child-sized villages where children ages 0-5 and their parents/caregivers can let their imagination run wild. Villages are located in the Montague, Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores library branches. “There has been tremendous excitement and support for this new early literacy initiative”, says Doug Hughes, Chair of the MADL Board. “It’s a one-of-a-kind learning place in Muskegon County that supports school readiness,” says Hughes.

Since the pandemic, MADL has eliminated overdue fines, and now offers free wireless printing, curbside pickup and a new Library app which makes it easy to access your account and the catalog to order books. MADL is offering more digital resources, such as BrainFuse, a one-on-one tutoring service and Tumblebooks, animated talking picture books for kids, and extensive 24/7 Wi-Fi service.

Thank You, VIRTUAL RUN AND RIDE TO REMEMBER

thankyou

5K and leisure bike ride held virtually to remember, and honor loved ones.

The community in Muskegon County and beyond took to the streets and trails to run, jog, walk or bike – and support a great cause, May 22nd – 29th. To everyone who participated and shared in our Annual Run and Ride to Remember, THANK YOU!

Due to CDC and Michigan guidelines and regulations, we were not physically able to hold large gatherings for these events. Many participants still took part in the virtual formats enjoying some fresh air while practicing safe social distancing during the week.

Proceeds from the virtual 5k and bike ride events help sustain the Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence, a program of Harbor Hospice. Located in Fruitport Township, the fourteen private patient room residence has been a welcoming home with compassionate and expert care for over 3,000 terminally ill patients since it opened in 2005.

Thanks to all our participants and donors, the staff and volunteers at the Poppen Residence will welcome patients into a home where every detail has been thoughtfully provided and no one is turned away regardless of ability to pay.

It is through the help and generosity of our community that we can continue providing compassionate and expert care to people who are terminally ill and in the final stages of life, when providing care at home is no longer the best option. The Poppen Hospice Residence exemplifies the unique vision of Harbor Hospice providing people with the opportunity to live out their journey – on their terms – with the help of our expertise.

“Although our event looked different this year, The Run and Ride to Remember continues to help sustain the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. The event is successful because of the participants, Fruitport Lions Club, Fruitport Chiropractic, and X-Cell Integrated Health. Thank You!!,” said Ammy Seymour, Director of Development for the Harbor Hospice Foundation.

5K, crowdfunding, and more details can be read by visiting HarborHospiceMI.org/runrideremember. We look forward to holding in-person events for the annual 5K and bike ride in 2022! Save the date for Saturday, May 28!

Free Hearing and Vision Screenings for Kindergartners This Summer

Schedule now before the back-to-school rush!

screening

Free hearing and vision screenings are now available at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2021 are eligible for appointments and will be prioritized in accordance with school entry requirements.

Screenings are by appointment only. Please call (616) 394-5266 to schedule your child’s free screening today. The department’s technicians meet the State of Michigan Hearing and Vision Technician Certification criteria and will provide a comprehensive screening with each appointment.

“An undiagnosed hearing and vision problem may interfere with a child’s development,” said Leslie Ver Duin, child health team supervisor with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. “Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school.”

To uphold COVID-19 safety precautions, only one parent/guardian may accompany a child. Masks are required per the MDHHS guidance for healthcare settings. Learn more about the screenings at miOttawa.org/HearingVision.

The ability to hear and see–the ability to learn–is the key to a child’s success.

Michigan’s Public Health Code requires screening during pre-school (ages 3 to 5) and again prior to kindergarten entry. Once a child begins elementary school, free screenings continue on a regular basis.

10% of children screened for vision and 5% of children screened for hearing are referred to specialists