Monthly Archives: December 2021

Historic Sign Returns to West Michigan Tourist Association

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A historic sign hanging in Grand Rapids bar One Trick Pony has recently been returned to its home at the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA).

WMTA has worked to support local businesses since the start of the organization in 1917, highlighting West Michigan’s best to travelers from around the world. WMTA was the precursor to Travel Michigan and the beloved Pure Michigan campaigns, and has been instrumental in the promotion of tourism to the West Michigan region for over 100 years.

The sign, seen below, is from the early 1930s and was distributed by WMTA to their partners to be displayed, and mark the business as a trusted travel destination, similar to the digital TripAdvisor badges that tourists rely on and trust today.

historic sign

From 1970-1995, WMTA’s offices were located in the building that currently houses One Trick Pony (136 Fulton, Grand Rapids). When the team from WMTA moved out of the space, the sign was left behind, and was decoratively hung inside of One Trick Pony for several years. Former One Trick Pony owner Dan Verhil actually worked for WMTA for two years prior to purchasing the bar’s building from his father in 1980. Dan sold One Trick Pony in early 2021 and is now moving into retirement.

Dan has returned the sign to the WMTA, handing it off to WMTA president Dan Sippel in a ceremony during WMTA’s October board meeting. The team at WMTA is grateful to have the sign returned to them, to hold a piece of their history once more.

For more information about the West Michigan Tourist Association and their partners, visit WMTA.org.

Muskegon Pregnancy Services is Launching a Legacy of Life for 2022

Thank you for a successful 2021!

newsletter
Click to enlarge image

Launch a Legacy of Life and become a partner to help MORE women men, youth, and save more babies! Donate today to MPS 501c3 for a tax deductible for 2021!

launch
Click to enlarge image

Donate NOW for the” BlastOff” donation or you can Pledge to give for the next three years!  Select “Capital Campaign”

locations
Click to enlarge image

Donate Now

Visit us on Facebook, or on our website.

Michigan State Senator Jon Bumstead’s Legislative Update

It’s my honor to serve you

bumstead

I would like to extend my family’s warmest wishes to everyone in the 34th Senate District during this holiday season. I hope you and yours had the merriest of Christmases and have a happy, healthy New Year. My thoughts are also with all the brave men and women who are unable to join their families this season while serving our country in uniform. Please keep them in your prayers.

Serving as your state senator is a job that I am honored to hold, and I encourage you to contact me with any questions or ideas you may have on state issues. You may call my office at 517-373-1635, send an email at SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov, or check out my Facebook or Twitter pages. Please let me know how I can be of service to you.

Gov. Whitmer requests six-month extension for Muskegon County casino project

For much of the past year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been presented with an opportunity to approve a major job-creating project in Muskegon County. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a bit longer, as the governor formally requested a six-month deadline extension.

The governor’s request for an extension is not the news I was hoping Muskegon County residents would receive. Every day she postpones this project, she is also delaying 1,500 construction jobs and 1,500 high-paying full-time jobs.

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians have been planning to build the casino in our county for many years. After a lengthy approval process, the federal government gave the go-ahead last December. Since the federal government’s approval, the decision on whether to proceed has been on Gov. Whitmer’s desk.

Many state and local officials, as well as countless residents, have previously joined together to support the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians casino project. The collective support speaks volumes about the shared belief in the project’s potential to positively impact our community.

The casino’s residual economic impact will also support additional jobs and businesses, as well as boost tourism in the region with an estimated 1.8 million visitors per year. It is also estimated that the casino will annually generate $15 million in tax revenue for the state and millions more for local governments.

I have been a constant supporter of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians casino project, and I have been encouraging the governor to quickly approve the plan so that construction of this major facility could promptly begin.

My thanks to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians for their commitment to Muskegon County, and to all local officials and residents who have been so vocal in their support. I strongly encourage West Michigan residents to continue contacting the governor’s office to let your voices be heard. You can reach the governor’s office by calling 517-335-7858.

You can also submit written comments that will be sent directly to Gov. Whitmer’s office. Please visit my website at SenatorJonBumstead.com/casino/ to share your thoughts with the governor and encourage her to support the casino in Muskegon County.

Bumstead supports increase to personal property tax exemption, opposes large corporate handout

Earlier this month I issued the following statement in response to legislation that passed in the Michigan Senate:

I voted in favor of House Bill 5351 to increase the true cash value, from $80,000 to $180,000, of industrial and commercial personal property for which a taxpayer may claim a personal property tax (PPT) exemption because of the positive economic benefit that property owners would receive.

I had initial concerns with this legislation and how the local tax collecting units would be reimbursed for the lost tax revenue. However, before casting my vote, I was assured that the state would hold our locals harmless.

Senate Bill 85 includes funding to hold locals harmless for the revenue shortfall they would see from the change in HB 5351. Unfortunately, this bill also contained $1 billion of unnecessary taxpayer handouts for large corporations, and I voted to oppose the supplemental for this reason. SB 85 ended up passing the Senate by a vote of 25 to 11.

I fully support the concept of increasing the exemption to provide much-needed tax relief to our small businesses and intended to vote to ensure our local governments would not experience a shortfall. However, I could not support a budget bill where the government creates winners and losers by giving away taxpayer dollars for large corporate handouts.

Snowmobile season is underway!

2021-2022 trail permits are now available!

The snowmobile program is 100% funded with your trail permit dollars. A $52 snowmobile trail permit is valid for one year and covers the cost of trail grooming and signage; bridges, culverts and grading; trailhead maintenance and more.

State-designated trails are open Dec. 1 through March 31 and will be groomed as enough snow accumulates.

Permits can be purchased:

▪ Online through eLicense.
▪ Online with the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association.
▪ In person at one of these DNR license agents and dealers.

Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 34th District

Forest Park Ice Skating
Friday, December 31
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Mercy Health Arena
470 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: Looking for something fun to do FREE? Kids, students and adults of all ages are welcome to join Forest Park Kids Ministry and Forest Park Covenant Church to ice skate at Mercy Health Arena. Skate rental is free but number and sizes are limited, if you have skates please bring them. More information can be found here.

Muskegon Economic Forecast
Friday, January 28
7:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Delta Hotels by Marriott
939 Third Street
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: Join us for breakfast and a view of the economic road ahead. Presented by Economist Dr. Paul Isely, of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. More information can also be found here.

Free Family Movie Days – Soul
Saturday, January 30
2:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Frauenthal Center
425 W Western Ave # 200
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Frauenthal Center invites everyone to attend this family-friendly entertainment series featuring 9 FREE family movies inside the Frauenthal Theater. This series aims to open doors for families in the community to experience the Frauenthal Center together or for those who are simply looking for a free and fun afternoon. More information can be found here.

The 34th State Senate District includes the counties of Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana.

LMCU Hires John Harpst as Vice President of Mortgage Strategy

Grand Rapids, MI – Lake Michigan Credit Union (“LMCU”) is pleased to announce the hiring of John Harpst as Vice President of Mortgage Strategy.

johnharpst

John attended the University of Dayton where he received his B.A. in Pre-Law/Political Science. He has over 30 years of experience managing sales and loan operation teams, including residental, commercial, and consumer.

LMCU’s Chief Lending Officer, Eric Burgoon, expects great things from John: “John has the talent and experience to really engage with our mortgage team and help us excel in new ways. I have no doubt he will soon be an invaluable asset to LMCU’s growth and strategy in the coming years.”

Vice President of Mortgage Strategy is a new position at LMCU. John will be responsible for strategic initiatives and special products within LMCU’s Mortgage division, with the goal of improving operational efficacy, ensure regulatory compliance and help to continually improve service to our members.

“It was clear early on that LMCU would be a great employment and cultural fit for me,” John said. “I consider myself a servant leader. I put the needs of the team first, while helping the company and individuals develop and optimize performance.”

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is the largest credit union in Michigan. Employing a staff of over 1,500, LMCU’s assets exceed $10.5 billion, with a mortgage servicing portfolio of over $12 billion and over 504,000 members. LMCU has 59 convenient branch locations overall, including 15 in southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 AllPoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, investments, and commercial banking.

To find out more, visit LMCU.org.

News from the Huizenga Huddle – December 21, 2021

Let’s Start with Some Great News
The Christian Missionaries who were being held captive in Haiti are back in the United States. This is the day we have been both hoping and praying for. I think more will come to light about their journey, captivity, and return home in the coming days, but their safe return marks a great day for families in Michigan and across the nation who have been worried about their loved ones.

parentsrights

Strengthening the Role Parents Play in Education
Parents play a critical role in making sure their children receive a quality education. We need more parental involvement not less. That is why earlier this month, I announced my support for the Parents Bill of Rights Act. This legislation will empower parents to help achieve the best outcome for their children. You can read the Parents Bill of Rights Act here.

Correct the Record: HR 550 is not a vaccine passport or federal database
There has been a lot of misinformation about a vote on HR 550 that I took earlier this month and I wanted to clarify what the bill does and does not do.

The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act HR 550 is in no way, shape, or form related to a federal vaccine database or vaccine passport. In fact, the data contained in these state run systems has had all personally identifiable information removed from it.

I have consistently opposed federal vaccine mandates and vaccine passports. In fact, I am an original cosponsor of H.J. Res 65, which would overturn OSHA’s vaccine mandate. I have also help lead efforts to overturn the CMS vaccine mandate as well as support legislation blocking mandates for federal employees and contractors.

This legislation is necessary because when President Biden’s first multi-trillion dollar proposal called the American Rescue Plan, which I voted against, was enacted it included funding to modernize IIS databases. However that bill lacked explicit legal definitions for what “modernization” meant. The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act actually limits what the Biden Administration can do using American Rescue Plan funding.

The state-level IIS databases have been in use for decades. This legislation actually bolsters their cyber defense, enhances the privacy of Americans, and prevents the Biden Administration from repurposing the IIS and using it to enforce vaccine mandates.

Protecting personal liberties and stopping an overbearing government are two of the main reasons I ran for Congress in the first place. I will continue to stand up for West Michigan workers, families, small business owners, and healthcare providers by fighting against these coercive mandates.

You may find this short 91 second video from Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw on H.R. 550 insightful as well.

Merry Christmas!
Last but certainly not least, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope the holidays are filled with laughter, joy, and new memories whether you chose to spend time with family or friends.

Taste of Muskegon’s Restaurant Bingo is Back, January 3-29, 2022

Muskegon, MI – Taste of Muskegon is kicking off 2022 with a game. To encourage continued support of Muskegon County’s locally-owned and operated restaurants, they are hosting another round of Restaurant Bingo. 

The Taste Bingo card is available at tasteofmuskegon.org/tastemkgbingo.To play, visit five participating restaurants, one from each column on the card, between January 3-29. Each set of five visits is another entry for a prize. Check-in by scanning the Taste QR code at each location. Winners of $25 gift cards to the restaurants will be announced on February 11, 2022, on the Taste of Muskegon Facebook page. 

bingocard

“Taste Bingo is a fun opportunity for people to discover restaurants and explore different areas in our beautiful community,” said Lisa Kraus, Marketing Director of Taste of Muskegon. “It’s such a great way to support our hometown businesses.”

Taste of Muskegon is produced by the Downtown Development Authority. To learn more about the restaurants and Taste of Muskegon Restaurant Bingo, visit their website at www.tasteofmuskegon.org

Play MiniARTure Golf at the Muskegon Museum of Art Beginning January 6

minigolf

MUSKEGON, MI — Come play mini-golf at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course that is filled with challenging obstacles, mazes, optical illusions, towering sculptures, and more!

Each hole is custom designed and inspired by artwork from the museum’s private collection. Take a trip to Venice, play “The Floor is Lava”, and get lost in the woods in this exciting and unique family-friendly exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art.

All ages are welcome, so bring your family, friends, and maybe even your co-workers. You can even reserve a private golf evening at the MMA for your business, organization, or private party. Contact the Muskegon Museum of Art for details.

Admission for MiniARTture Golf at the MMA is free for MMA members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for kids 17 and under.

MiniARTure Golf at the Muskegon Museum of Art. January 6 – May 22.

For more information or questions, contact Kristina Broughton at kbrought@muskegonartmuseum.org or call at (231) 720-2574.

Tis’ The Season For Books

PoWeR! Book Bags, a non-profit organization in Suttons Bay, provides language and literacy materials to underserved children in 20 northwestern lower Michigan counties. Their aim is to empower children to play, write, and read today for a better tomorrow. Executive Director and Founder, Kara Gregory, shared with volunteers that the Foundation of ITC had made a very generous gift of $10,000 to support PoWeR! Book Bags.

“We are so grateful to ITC for their generosity. It is the support of organizations like ITC that make it possible to provide these beautiful books and materials to children and their families. PoWeR! Book Bags and ITC share a commitment to support children and literacy. As we increase the opportunities for reading and writing at home, children are more likely to practice these behaviors, increase their skills, and develop positive attitudes towards literacy — expanding their opportunities for success in school and beyond!” said Gregory. ITC provides energy grid transmission services in Michigan. Its foundation focuses on supporting local communities in five key areas: education, the environment, health & wellness, social services, and arts & culture programs.

Throughout the last month, volunteers at PoWeR! Book Bags have been busy packing more than 15,000 books and 6,000 literacy bags filled with crayons, book marks, writing booklets, and a puppet for play. These were delivered to 28 northern Michigan schools. The materials went home with the children as they left for school breaks.

Gregory described, “PoWeR! Book Bags uses research-based practices to intentionally enhance the quantity and quality of print materials in the home. We want to offer children more opportunities for reading and writing at home and help them fall in love with it all! Literacy development begins at infancy. Children are never too young or too old to benefit from someone singing, talking, playing, writing, or reading a book with them! These interactions over time make a huge difference in kids’ lives. PoWeR! Book Bags partners with schools, health departments, Early Head Start, libraries, food and baby pantries, and other sites of assistance: places families already visit. We offer children and their families on-going access to language/literacy materials including brand-new books that they select to keep, read, and reread,” said Gregory. “It takes the power of our volunteers, generous community donations, and grants from partners like ITC to make this all happen. We couldn’t be more grateful!”

Lake Michigan Credit Union Announces 2021 Roots in Education Grant Winners

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Lake Michigan Credit Union (“LMCU”) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2021 Roots in Education grant. Each year, this program accepts nominations of teachers across Michigan and Florida who embody a specific word; this year’s word was innovation. Of the nominees, 25 winners are each awarded a $1,000 grant. The grant can be used to help teachers purchase classroom supplies, aid in online learning, or anything else that benefits the educational process.

Throughout September 2021, over 300 active pre-K through 12th grade classroom teachers in Michigan and Florida were nominated for the Roots in Education grant by students, parents, other teachers, community members, or administrators.

While this year’s nominated teachers were all deserving of this grant, the 25 selected recipients for the 2021 grants include:

Brad Anderson | Forest Hills Central High School | Grand Rapids, MI
Michael Ball | Galesburg-Augusta Primary School | Galesburg, MI
Katlyn Boomstra | J.A. Lanigan Elementary School | Farmington Hills, MI
Brynn Curry | Stepping Stones Montessori School | Grand Rapids, MI
Audrey Debri | Cedar Trails Elementary | Cedar Springs, MI
Steve Ford | Kalkaska High School | Kalkaska, MI
Mary Hall | Suttons Bay Public Schools | Suttons Bay, MI
Hannah Henrichsen | River Valley Elementary | Three Oaks, MI
Olivia Johnson | Lowell High school | Lowell, MI
Shannon Kemperman | Meadow Brook Elementary | Grand Rapids, MI
Sheri Manett | Buchanan Elementary School | Grand Rapids, MI
Christy Manker | Countryside Elementary School | Byron Center, MI
Patrick McKerr | East Kentwood Freshman Campus | Kentwood, MI
Beth Monaweck | Twin Lake Elementary | Twin Lake, MI
Patricia Reeder | Godwin Heights High School | Grand Rapids, MI
Rebecca Richardson | The Community School of Naples | Naples, FL
James Rose | Ray V. Pottorf Elementary | Fort Myers, FL
Heather Sherwood | Montcalm Area Career Center | Sidney, MI
Danielle Snoeyink | Rose Park Elementary School | Holland, MI
Emily Straub | McFall Elementary | Middleville, MI
Charity Troutt | Meadow Brook Elementary School | Rochester, MI
Julie VanderEnde | Mattawan Early Elementary | Mattawan, MI
Spencer Vanderheide | Kenowa Hills High School | Grand Rapids, MI
Jessica Vitale | Suttons Bay Public Schools | Suttons Bay, MI
Allison Westra | Muskegon Christian School | Muskegon, MI

LMCU’s Vice President of Community Relations, Matt Cook, extends his congratulations to this year’s winners: “I am so impressed with and inspired by the Roots in Education grant recipients this year. 2020 and 2021 brought new challenges to educators everywhere. These individuals used those challenges as a springboard to innovate how they teach and engage with their students. It’s a privilege for LMCU to help support the educators in our community. I want to thank every teacher who was nominated and everyone who nominated them for sharing their story with us.”

LMCU is proud to support and recognize our local teachers.

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is the largest credit union in Michigan. Employing a staff of over 1,500, LMCU’s assets exceed $10.5 billion, with a mortgage servicing portfolio of over $11 billion and over 504,000 members. LMCU has 57 convenient branch locations overall, including 12 in southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 AllPoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, investments, and commercial banking.

To find out more, visit LMCU.org.

Hackley Public Library – 2022 January Programs

hackleylibrary.org  |  facebook.com/HackleyPL/  |  231-722-8000  | 
askus@hackleylibrary.org  |  316 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI, 49440

NEW HOURS for Hackley Public Library
BEGINNING JANUARY 3

Beginning January 3, hours will be:

Main Hackley Library Building
Mon-Tues: 9-7pm
Wed-Sat: 9-5pm

Torrent House (Local History/Genealogy Department)
Tues-Sat: 10-5pm

Programs/Events:

Happy “Mew” Year – Youth and Teen Take and Make Crafts
Available Beginning January 3
Did you know that January 2 is Happy Mew Year for cats?!?  In honor of our furry four legged friends, we have put together two bookmark kits for mew to take and make at home.  Our paper and magnet kit is best for younger kids.  Our ribbon and button kit includes a needle for hand sewing and is better suited for older kids and teens.  You can pick up these kits from Hackley Library beginning January 3, and they will be available while supplies last!  Free.

Preschool Story Time
Friday mornings at 10:30am
In-Person, masks strongly preferred
Intended for ages 0-5, Hackley Library’s in-person Story Time is designed to teach early literacy skills to parents and caregivers while children enjoy a fun, interactive atmosphere.  Join us on Friday mornings at Hackley Library for stories, songs, and movement activities!  Free.

Understanding Your Divine Assignment
Saturday, January 8 from 12:00 – 2:00pm
In-Person
Deborah Project Muskegon will be there to hand out personal care items and toiletries to mothers in need.  Refreshments will also be available!  Items and refreshments available while supplies last.
Begin the New Year with a brand new perspective of empowerment!  If you or a woman you know is in need of encouragement in this New Year, join us for a time of empowerment with director of Deborah Project Muskegon, local faith-based author, and pastor’s wife Keysha McClanahan.  Keysha will guide participants through hands-on activities to help set goals and ignite a new kind of motivation, as well as talk about her book “Understanding Your Divine Assignment.”  Registration is preferred (space is limited), but not required for this program.  To register, visit HPL’s online events calendar at hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8000, or stop by the library.  Free.

Left to Write 
2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:30-4:30pm
In-person
If you enjoy creative writing, you’ll love Left to Write, HPL’s own creative writing group!  Here you can participate in writing exercises, share your own stories, and meet other creative writers.  This group provides a low-key atmosphere for writers of all experiences, everyone is welcome!  Remember to bring a pen and paper.

Left to Write at Night!
4th Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm
In-Person
Left to Write is coming to the night!  This repeating evening session of Left to Write will give everyone the opportunity to enjoy Left to Write again each month, at a later time!

LEGO WeDo 101
Monday, January 24 at 4:30pm
In-Person
This in-person program at Hackley Library is a good opportunity to get hands on with robots, coding, and LEGOs. It works best for 2nd grade students and up, and younger children will need adult assistance. This program is open to six families–each family will share a kit. Registration is required – call 231-722-8014 or visit the library to register.  Free.

LEGO WeDo 201
Monday, January 31 at 4:30pm
In-Person
This in-person program at Hackley Library is an opportunity to go a little more in depth with robots, coding, and LEGOs.  If you have already attended Lego We Do 101 and are in 3rd grade or above, this is the program for you!  This program is open to six families–each family will share a kit.  Registration is required – call 231-722-8014 or visit the library to register.  Free.

Chubby Bear Hibernating Shadow Box – Youth Take and Make Craft
Available Beginning January 17
What do chubby bears do in the middle of the winter?  They hibernate!  Grab our chubby bear kits starting on January 17.  They’ll be available as long as the chubby bears last!  Free.

Polar Bear Fleece Scarf – Teen Take and Make Craft
Available January 17
Get a snug from a polar bear with this super soft and easy to put together fleece scarf!  No sewing required.  This craft is intended for teens only and will be available on January 17.  Supplies are limited.

Visit hackleylibrary.org for more information and see what you can discover today!
Using your Hackley Library card, you can have access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more, all for FREE.
Link to HPL’s Digital Library: https://www.hackleylibrary.org/books-more/digital-library/
Website: hackleylibrary.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HackleyPL/
Instagram: @hackleypubliclibrary
HPL Teens Instagram: @hackleylibraryteens
Flickr: http://bit.ly/1DSbZ6E 

Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Basketball Classic is Back

submitted by Tim Lipan

One of West Michigan’s holiday basketball highlights makes its return after a one-year absence.

The Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Holiday Classic basketball showcase will be back at Reeths-Puffer High School on Tuesday, Dec. 28, after the 2020 event was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

This is the 19th edition of the Holiday Classic, again featuring three boys varsity games all for one admission price of $5. Tickets will be available only at the gate, and no passes will be accepted.

Orchard View and North Muskegon tip off the action at 5 p.m., followed by Reeths-Puffer vs. Holland West Ottawa at 6:45 p.m. and the grand finale of Muskegon vs. East Kentwood at 8:30 p.m.

Freshman and junior varsity boys games will be held earlier in the day at Reeths-Puffer.

The Holiday Classic is a fund-raising event that began in 2002. Since its inception, the event has returned more than $145,000 to area high school athletic programs thanks in large part to a generous group of donors and volunteers as well as the many attendees. Traditionally, the event is well-attended, often packing the house for the main event featuring the Big Reds.

Twenty-five different high schools have participated in the Classic over the years, mostly from the West Michigan area.

For more on the Hall of Fame and history of the Holiday Classic, visit the organization’s website at www.mashf.com.

MUSKEGON AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME HOLIDAY CLASSIC
At Reeths-Puffer High School
Tickets: $5 (available only at the door)
Tuesday, Dec. 28
5 p.m.: Orchard View vs. North Muskegon
6:45 p.m.: Reeths-Puffer vs. Holland West Ottawa
8:30 p.m.: Muskegon vs. East Kentwood

Fruitport Board of Education Monthly Meeting Minutes – 12/13/21

Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
December 13, 2021 7:00 p.m.
High School Media Center
357 N. Third Street, Fruitport

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

II. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

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

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 21-192. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to approve the agenda with the addition of XIII-2 Overnight Robotics’ Trip.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0

V. PRESENTATIONS
Dave Hazekamp presented Bruce DeVries with an Above and Beyond award for his beautiful Trojan artwork displayed in Central Office.

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
Steve Kelly read aloud a Christmas card from Senator Bumstead.

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Superintendent, Jason Kennedy spoke about a recent District Crisis Team Meeting. He gave an update on the threats received by the district and the discipline of the students involved. Jason also made the Board aware of a district fiber project that will happen the week of December 20th.

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 21-193. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Burgess to approve the Consent Agenda as listed below:

  1. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2021
  2. Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
  3. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
  4. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
  5. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report
  6. Approval of 2021 Bond Report
  7. Approval of the Personnel Report
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

  1. First Reading of New and Updated Board Policies.
    Item 21-194. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to approve the first reading of board policies: 2201, 2501, 2501A, 2505, 3102, 3107, 3118, 3119, 3208, 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 4101, 4102, 4106, 4108, 4112, 4205, 4225, 4226, 4302, 4403, 5101, 5104, 5201, 5202, 5206, 5206B, 5206D, 5309, 5402, 5403, 5405, 5406, 5409, 5411, 5416, 5704, 5708, and 5710 as presented.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Report of a committee meeting held December 6, 2021. Kris Cole reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held in the Superintendent’s Office on December 6, 2021. Dave Hazekamp, Kris Cole, Elroy Buckner, and Mark Mesbergen were present. The committee discussed: a tentative agreement with the Fruitport Clerical Association, Bond Bids, Summer Tax Collection and a Retirement Payment Incentive.
  2. Bid Pack 1.
    Item 21-195. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Franklin to adopt a resolution giving authorization to Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. to issue Letters of Intent, in the amount indicated, to contractors and suppliers, pending confirmation that all requirements of the Contract Documents have been met. Furthermore, that upon receipt by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. of the appropriate documentation, contracts be awarded to these contractors and suppliers by Fruitport Community Schools. Roll Call Vote: Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; and Kelly, Yes. Absent: Buckner and Meeuwenberg.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
  3. Summer Tax Collection Resolution.
    Item 21-196. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Franklin to adopt a resolution allowing Fruitport Community Schools to collect summer taxes. Roll Call Vote: Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; and Kelly, Yes. Absent: Buckner and Meeuwenberg.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Report of a committee meeting held December 6, 2021.
    Steve Kelly reported on a Personnel Committee meeting held in the Superintendent’s Office on December 6, 2021. Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg, Maribeth Clarke, and Jason Kennedy were present. The committee discussed: a tentative agreement with the Fruitport Clerical Association, New and Updated Board Policies, and a Retirement Payment Incentive.
  2. Tentative Agreement with the Fruitport Clerical Association.
    Item 21-197. MOTION by Kelly, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Tentative Agreement for a three-year contract with the Fruitport Clerical Association as presented.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
  3. Early Retirement Payment.
    Item 21-198. MOTION by Kelly, SECOND by Burgess to approve the recommendation to offer an early retirement payment as presented.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Report of a committee meeting held December 8, 2021.
    Susan Franklin reported on a Student Affairs Committee meeting held in the Superintendent’s Office on December 8, 2021. Dave Hazekamp, Susan Franklin, Tim Burgess, Maribeth Clarke, and Jason Kennedy were present. The committee discussed: Student Issues regarding threats made to the district, New and Updated Board Policies, and a Tentative Agreement with the Fruitport Clerical Association.
  2. Overnight Trip Requests.
    Item 21-199. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to approve the Michigan Youth in Government trip request February 17-20, 2022 as presented.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0

    Item 21-200. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Burgess to approve the Robotics trip request to Battle Creek December 16-18, 2021 as presented.
    MOTION CARRIED 5-0

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Kris Cole spoke about Fruitport’s Robotics Programs. He mentioned that Beach Elementary made it to State and both Middle School teams will be competing at State as well.

XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL
MEETINGS

  1. Business and Finance Committee will meet January 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.
  2. Personnel Committee will meet January 10, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
  3. Student Affairs Committee will meet January 12, 2022 at noon.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Media Clerk, Pam Gustafson expressed her appreciation for the way Jason handled threats against the district.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 21-201. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary

Historic Gathering of Christian Hispanic Leaders Meets in Charlotte

hispanicleaders

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse hosted the first ever Hispanic Leadership Encounter, bringing Christian Hispanic leaders together.
 
More than 20 evangelical leaders attended the meeting—including presidents of evangelical Hispanic church alliances and evangelistic associations. There were also leaders of various denominations, and directors of publishing houses and high-impact Christian ministries among the Hispanic community that took part in the event.
 
Those in attendance had the opportunity to speak about what they are doing in their own ministries and discuss the needs and challenges they are facing. Attendees also learned more about the Hispanic Initiatives Ministry at BGEA as the ministry looks to add bilingual chaplains for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and Internet Evangelism volunteers.

Consumers Energy, City of Muskegon Join to Provide City Tree Plantings

MUSKEGON, MI – Trees provide a city more than just a beautiful streetscape but also improved storm water runoff, reduction of urban heat and improvement in overall community health.

Those and other positive effects in several City of Muskegon neighborhoods will result from a recent Consumers Energy Forestry Department $2,500 grant to the city’s Department of Public Works in conjunction with the Michigan Forestry and Parks Association.

The Consumers Energy grant allowed city crews to plant 25 trees in various right-of-way terraces in the city including across from Hackley Park along the Muskegon Community College student lot in Downtown Muskegon. DPW maintenance worker Dave Bailey said the city also was able to plant trees in terraces throughout the city where individual residents requested plantings.

The city selected among seven varieties of trees from local nursery that grow to heights that will not disrupt overhead public utility lines, are hearty and drought and salt tolerant, Bailey said. The trees – among 300-400 the city plants each year – are long-term investments that can take 50 years to fully mature, he said.

The young plantings are nurtured with “water bags” at the tree roots to provide consistent water and nutrients the first year or so, Bailey said.

“Studies have shown that communities with plenty of trees add to the residents’ overall health,” Bailey said in addition to other advantages.

Consumers Energy’s funding through its Community Street and Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program is an important assistance to local municipalities in keeping their communities green, according to company forester Deborah Nichols. Grants are made by the public electric and natural gas utility to communities it serves.

“Consumers emphasizes appropriate tree planting locations, including consideration of overhead and underground utilities,” Nichols said. “We follow the ‘right tree, right place’ guidelines of the National Arbor Day Foundation.”

Consumers Energy—the electric utility for the City of Muskegon – funds the annual planting of 1,000 trees in communities throughout its service areas.

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022

by Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.

We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.

If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one by November 17, 2021, to receive the 2022 COLA notice online.

January 2022 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2022 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2022 and you can view that at www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2022.pdf.

Be among the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications.

You can find more information about the 2022 COLA at www.ssa.gov/cola.

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.

Muskegon Calendar of Events – 12/21 – 01/03, 2022

Events Happening in Muskegon County – December 21 – January 3, 2022
www.visitmuskegon.org

Don’t see YOUR event on the calendar? Visit this link to see how easy it is to get it submitted
bit.ly/VisitMuskegonSubmitEvent

Tuesday December 21:

Holiday Break Afternoon Roller Skating
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm 

Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate & Fun Center located at 1775 Evanston Ave., Get out of the house during the holidays! Bring mom, dad, brothers, sister, aunt uncle, cousins, neighbors for our holiday break skates! $8 per person

Truth In Jazz Live
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Join Watermark 920 located at 930 Washington Ave. for this long waited performance! We are returning to live performances at the Watermark 920

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Trivia Night with MADL
6:00 pm 

Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon Branch located at 1522 Ruddiman Dr., Are you a Wise Guy? A smarty pants? Go head-to-head against others and prove it. Test your knowledge, and exercise your mind. Open to anyone 16+. Register on the madl.org. This is a free event!

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail is located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Live Trivia Tuesdays at No Name Saloon
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

No Name Saloon 609 W Western Ave. Every Tuesday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to play!

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library

Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Wednesday December 22:

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Jazz: Aedan McCauley, piano
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St. Montague, enjoy Aedan McCauley will dazzle on the piano. There is a $5 charge

Wellness Wednesdays
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Looking for a midweek adventure? Join the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. They offer a different outdoor activity each Wednesday. Enjoy a hike of a different highlighted trail each week with staff. www.msports.org/support This is a free event. You do need a recreation pass.

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library

Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Thursday December 23:

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.

FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm

This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Friday December 24: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve at the Frauenthal
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 4:00pm-5:00pm

Come one, come all to the Frauenthal located at 425 W. Western Ave. at either 2:00pm to 3:00pm or 4:00pm to 5:00pm on Christmas Eve for this FREE opportunity to listen to holiday music and a short message.

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Saturday December 25:

Merry Christmas

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Sunday December 26:

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Monday December 27:

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds through New Year’s Eve. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Tuesday December 28:

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour
2:00pm-7:00pm

Experience the Houses this holiday season! Join the staff for your tour of the houses decorated for the season. $15 per person, $12 ages 65+ and $5 ages 3-12
www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Wednesday December 29:

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour
2:00pm-7:00pm

Experience the Houses this holiday season! Join the staff for your tour of the houses decorated for the season. $15 per person, $12 ages 65+ and $5 ages 3-12
www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Thursday December 30:

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Friday December 31:

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game -vs- Youngstown
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave. GO JACKS!

Irish New Year at Unruly Brewing Company
1:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave. Come celebrate the Irish New Year with your friends at Unruly Brewing! The New Years Eve Celebration will be simulcast live from Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland! This is FREE entry.

NuMetal NuYear Tribute Party
9:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave. Here’s what to expect at Unruly Brewing Company located at 360 Western Ave. Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog flavored water returns to the UBC stage and more. $10 per person

Forest Park Ice Skating
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Looking for something fun to do FREE? Kids, students and adults of all ages are welcome to ice skate at Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave

Back to the New Year
7:00 pm – 11:50 pm

Join Rake Beer located at 794 Pine St. in the Taproom Time Machine and go Back to the New Year and celebrate New Years Eve.

Gatsby New Years Eve Drag Show
7:00 pm – 11:50 pm

Northway Lanes 1751 Evanston Ave. Join The Doll House while ringing in the New Year. Tickets are $10. Ball drop, tarot reading, midnight toast and more

Celebrate the New Year with a NYE Hotel Room Package at Shoreline Inn!
12:00 am – 11:59 pm

Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., New Year’s Eve Hotel Package📣 Say Hello to 2022! For details and reservations call 231-727-8483 or https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/muskegon

Celebrate NYE – Farewell to 2021 Hotel Room Package
12:00 am – 11:59 pm

The New Year’s Eve Party Package at Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown located at 939 Third St. starts at $249 (plus tax) For details and reservations https://www.marriott.com/reservation or 231-722-0100

Chase Family Light Display
6:00pm-11:45pm

Lights at the Chase Family Home located at 276 E. Kenwood Rd., Twin Lake will be on every evening until New Year’s Eve. This is free to walk through but donations can be given and will go to Rolling Thunder Veterans organization.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Rd. Holiday Trail located at 4310 Fenner Rd. is open each night through New Year’s Eve unless high winds. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Saturday January 1, 2022:

Happy New Year

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game -vs- U17
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave. GO JACKS!

Bella Named Top Dog in the County

For the fifth year running, the name Bella retrieves the top spot as the most popular dog name in Ottawa County 

The Ottawa County Treasurer’s Office has the list you’ve been waiting fur all year:  the most popular dog names and breeds from October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021 based upon the licenses issued. 

The most common dog names for Ottawa County are:

  1. Bella
  2. Charlie
  3. Lucy
  4. Luna
  5. Cooper
  6. Buddy
  7. Max
  8. Tucker
  9. Bailey
  10. Sadie

One look around your neighborhood and it’s not far-fetched that Ottawa County’s leading breed is the Labrador Retriever. Next on the list are 2-Golden Retriever, 3- German Shepherd, 4-Goldendoodle and 5-Shih Tzu. The top five breeds licensed the 2019-2020 were 1-Labrador Retriever, 2-Golden Retriever, 3-German Shepherd, 4-Chihuahua and 5-Shih Tzu. 

If Santa delivers a new, furry friend to your family this year, be sure to stay on that nice list and have your dog licensed with the County.

Since the year 1919 Michigan law has required that dogs be licensed. Additionally, the law requires that to get a dog license, proof of a rabies vaccination by a veterinarian must be provided. Along with ensuring that pet owners keep rabies vaccinations up to date, dog licenses save time, money and emotional distress. If a dog is lost, the license will make the return of the pet simple. When a stray is picked-up by animal control (or a friendly neighbor), a dog wearing its license will be returned to its owner quickly for a tail-wagging, slobbery reunion. The stray’s license number can be entered online by anyone at miottawa.org/DogLicense and the corresponding owner information will be displayed. Unlicensed dogs risk being brought to the animal shelter. The owner may face fines, redemption fees, boarding costs and vet bills. Pets who remain unidentified could be put up for adoption.

Dogs must be licensed at four months of age. In Ottawa County, dog licenses can be purchased at any time but are issued to expire the month of the dogs’ rabies vaccination. New licenses are available for either one or three years and will expire in the month of the rabies vaccination. Owners can purchase licenses through participating veterinarians, some units of government or online at www.miottawa.org/DogLicense. More information about licensing dogs in Ottawa County is available online or by calling 616-994-4501.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Provides Emotional Support After Tragedies

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

rrt

With three deployments in the span of eight days, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains served a number of different communities after natural and man-made disasters, providing emotional and spiritual support to law enforcement officers, survivors and communities at large.
 
BG-RRT chaplains deployed to Wise County, Virginia, after Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler was shot and killed on his 29th birthday while performing a welfare check.
 
Four days later, BG-RRT chaplains deployed to the Pacific Northwest after historic flooding in Whatcom County, Washington, which damaged more than 550 homes. It was the 11th deployment of the year as a result of flooding.
 
When tragedy struck Waukesha, Wisconsin, as a man drove his SUV through the crowd at a Christmas parade, six BG-RRT chaplains deployed to the area to provide emotional and spiritual support to the community.
 
Most recently, BG-RRT chaplains deployed to Oxford Township, Michigan, after a sophomore student allegedly opened fire at a high school, killing four students and injuring seven other people.
 
Additional teams of chaplains continue to serve at three locations in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida hit in late August. 
 
The BG-RRT has deployed 46 times this year, sending out more than 1,000 chaplains across the United States. Chaplains have prayed with nearly 31,000 people this year alone.
 
For more information about the BG-RRT ministry, visit billygraham.org/RRT

The Cove Hosts Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreat

lawenforcement

Law enforcement officers and their spouses came from across the country to take part in the Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreat at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina.
 
Will Graham (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association), Edward Graham (Samaritan’s Purse), Skip Heitzig (Calvary Chapel) and MLB all-star Darryl Strawberry were among the speakers at the event.
 
The retreat is designed to be a safe space for officers and their spouses to step away from the pressing demands of life and career to focus on the truths found in God’s Word.
 
“I am thankful to the BGEA and Graham family for valuing police officers, investing in us, and sharing such a beautiful property with us,” said one attendee. “I am forever grateful to this ministry for getting my life and marriage back on track.”
 
For more information about the BG-RRT’s law enforcement ministry, visit billygraham.org/RRT.

Ask Dr. Universe – Solar Eclipse

Dear Dr. Universe: How do scientists know how to predict a solar eclipse? -Beau, 11 ½
 
Dear Beau,
 
Before humans even knew how to predict solar eclipses, they were fascinated with the phenomenon. To figure out how to predict an eclipse, astronomers asked lots of questions and made observations about the motion of our moon, sun and Earth.
 
My friend Jose Vazquez, an astronomer at Washington State University, told me all about it.
 
“It took centuries to figure it out,” he said. “It was a journey.”
 
A total solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and Earth are lined up just right and for a few minutes, the moon blocks the Earth’s view of the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon casts its shadow down to some places on Earth.
 
Vazquez told me about the Greek astronomer Hipparchus who was really curious about the moon. Using knowledge from early astronomers, he studied lunar eclipses—that is, when the moon passes into the Earth’s shadow. He watched the night sky and recorded his observations about the moon.
 
Maybe you can try this, too. Every day for a week, stand in the same spot outside your house. You may notice that the moon seems to move across the sky west to east.  
 
When Hipparchus was studying the moon, his models were based on an idea that the moon orbited Earth in a circle. About 400 years later, Claudius Ptolemy would use mathematics to show many objects in our solar system orbit in a circle. But today, we know that isn’t the case.
 
The astronomer Johannes Keppler created a more accurate model and showed us that the moon orbits Earth in a shape called an ellipse. You can imagine this shape by taking a hula hoop circle and squashing it on one side so it forms more of an oval.
 
Also, the moon doesn’t move in a perfectly straight path in its orbit. It sort of goes up and down as it moves along its path.
 
Through watching the sky and observing the patterns and orbits that the moon, sun and Earth follow, astronomers can help determine when the three objects will line up. They can make an educated guess about when the eclipse will happen. 
 
While many people, including in the ancient Mayan, Babylonian and Chinese civilizations, have observed solar eclipses and recorded their observations, it was the astronomer Edmond Halley who used mathematics to get some of the most accurate predictions in 1715. These days, we also use computers that make calculations to help predict eclipses.
 
Believe it or not, scientists at NASA are now able to predict eclipses for the next thousand years. We know that the last eclipse of 2021 will be on Dec. 4. While we won’t be able to see it in North America, it will be visible in places like South Africa, southern Australia, South America and Antarctica.
 
If you are curious about upcoming solar eclipses, you can also visit NASA’s database. They make it easy for anyone around the world to know when they can catch the next solar eclipse.  
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Muskegon Christmas Market Pops up in the Lakes Mall

calendar

Licensed Food and Merchandise vendors are showcasing their wares to last minute Christmas shoppers at the old Sears building in the Lakes Mall, December 18-22, at the Muskegon Christmas Market.

During shopping hours, shoppers can find their gifts, while also having the chance to participate in the Fill the Subaru Non-perishable Food Drive. Stop by Sunday morning, December 19th, for all-you-can-eat pancakes with Santa. Each day, children will be able to enjoy activities at the Kids Corner, like coloring, cookie-decorating, movies, and more.

Come enjoy the fun, the festivities, and the chance to find great gifts at the Muskegon Christmas Market!

pancakes
vendors

Ottawa County Releases the 2021 Healthy Ottawa Plan

Healthy Ottawa Council calls on residents to get involved in creating a healthier community

(OTTAWA COUNTY, MI) – A consortium of key health and human service leaders in Ottawa County, the Healthy Ottawa Advisory Council, announced the 2021 Healthy Ottawa Plan on November 15th, detailing the results of the 2020 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), and recommendations for how to create a healthier Ottawa County. The Council is calling on community organizations and individuals to get involved and be part of the solution.

More than 100 representatives from cross-sector industries, and more than 200 Ottawa County residents, participated in the 2021 Healthy Ottawa Plan to gauge the overall health climate of Ottawa County, and identify the top three health issues in the County. The top three areas of health concern for the County remained unchanged from 2018, and have likely been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic: access to care, mental health and healthy behaviors. The Healthy Ottawa Plan identifies these health concerns and their root causes, sets goals for each and provides recommended strategies for community agencies to use when developing programming. The plan also provides recommended strategies for individual community members to use as they make daily decisions impacting health. Implementation of the 2021 plan will begin in January 2022.

Some of the notable key findings in the 2020 CHNA include:

  • Access to Care
    1% of “underserved and vulnerable” adults had trouble meeting their healthcare needs in 2020. These same individuals identified high cost as the number one reason they had trouble meeting their healthcare needs in the last two years. Key informants also identified “the ability to afford out of pocket expenses like co-pays/deductibles” as the number one barrier to access to care.
  • Mental Health
    The 2020 CHNA showed that the pandemic had the greatest impact on Ottawa County residents’ mental health. Almost double the number of adults in Ottawa County identified being in “poor” mental health – 15.3% in 2020 compared to 8.8% in 2017. Three in 10 teens reported feeling sad and hopeless, and 4.9% of adults and 18.5% of youth thought about committing suicide.
  • Healthy Behaviors
    “Underserved and vulnerable” residents identify access to free or low-cost nutrition/healthy eating and access to free or low-cost fitness/exercise as top resources lacking in the community. Adults classified as obese increased from 29.9% in 2017 to 34.5% in 2020. The percentage of adults who consume less than one fruit per day increased to 43.6% and the percentage of adults who consume less than one vegetable per day increased to 31.8% in 2020.

In order to see the kind of positive change related to population health that the Council seeks in Ottawa County, many stakeholders are needed to actively engage in the work of addressing public health challenges. The Healthy Ottawa Council is asking for individual community members to take steps to better understand the greatest health challenges affecting themselves or their families and be involved in solutions. Recommended strategies can be found by reviewing the 2021 Healthy Ottawa Plan or by contacting Healthy Ottawa at healthyottawa.org/contact-us.

The priority health care concerns identified in past reports have guided strategies developed in previous Healthy Ottawa Plans, as well programming developed by local agencies and funding priorities by area foundations and organizations. Past successes include the development of the Suicide Prevention Coalition, Ottawa County Pathways to Better Health, Thrive Ottawa County and the expansion of the work of Ottawa Food. Funding from numerous agencies, such as those from the Healthy Ottawa Advisory Council, and grants from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for the Holland/Zeeland Area have enabled the continued progress of these strategies.

Healthy Ottawa
The vision of Healthy Ottawa is healthy people living in healthy communities. Its mission is to achieve positive health outcomes for Ottawa County residents by partnering to identify health issues, plan, and implement strategic actions for change. Its values are equity, collaboration, excellence and best practice. More information about community assessments and planning can be found here.

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – 11/22/21

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, November 22, 2021, in the township board room.

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: none

At 7:02pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 1- residents; 2- employees; 1- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Attorney Ron Bultje.

The motion by Knoll, seconded by Dillon was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of October 25, 2021 as presented.

The motion by Anderson, seconded by Dillon was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

  1. Brian Michelli shared that new roadway flags were purchased with donations and will be displayed for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Veterans Day; the Fire Department used a donated house for a training burn where everything went well; the Township had 2 past employees, Bernie DeGraves and Chuck Wilson, pass away in recent days; the part to repair engine 561 is in and should be installed soon; the new cruiser has been delivered to Emergency Services where it will be outfitted; the Fire Department has seen an increase in call volume by 300 calls in comparison to last year; Covid-19 cases are on the rise, if you are sick stay home.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

21-097 First Reading: Consumers Energy Company Revocable Electric Franchise Ordinance
This ordinance would be for granting Consumers Energy Company, its successors and assigns, the right, power, and authority to construct, maintain, and commercially use electric lines consisting of towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, braces, feeders, transmission and distribution wires, transformers, and other electrical appliances on, under, along, and across the highways, streets, alleys, bridges, waterways, and other public places, and to do a local electric business in the Charter Township of Fruitport, Muskegon County, Michigan, for a period of 30 years.

The ordinance was drafted in collaboration with the township’s attorney and Consumers Energy representatives.

Consumers Energy will reimburse the township for publication costs.

This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on December 13, 2021.

21-098 Adoption of Parks and Recreation 5 Year Plan
The Park’s Commission has taken the appropriate steps to develop and present their 5 year plan to have as a guide to future projects and improvements within the township.

Greg Hulka moved, seconded by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to approve the Parks and Rec 5 year plan.

Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf
Nays: Knoll

21-099 Reappointment of Brett Suchecki to Planning Commission
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the appointment of Brett Suchecki to the Planning Commission for a 3 year term to begin January 1, 2022 and end December 31, 2024.

21-100 Reappointment of Rose Dillon and Junella Rule to the Fruitport District Library Board
The Fruitport District Library Board recommends the reappointment of Rose Dillon and Junella Rule to the FDL Board for a two year term to expire on December 31, 2023.

The motion by Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to reappoint Rose Dillon and Junella Rule to the FDL Board for a two year term to expire on December 31, 2023.

21-101 Authorization to Donate Radios to the Lions Club
The Public Safety Director has asked permission to donate approximately 20-25 outdated radios to the Fruitport Lions Club. They are worth very little and the Lions have the need. It is asked that the Lions cover the cost of having the Township’s frequencies removed.

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to authorize the donation.

21-102 Payment of Bills
Terry Knoll moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $49,497.19; Public Safety $44,378.15; Water $276,474.74; Sewer $2,153.96; Trust & Agency $3,355.63; Street Lights $14,960.98
Totaling: $390,820.65

Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

  1. Terry Knoll shared that he spoke with Governor Whitmer regarding support for the casino project.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:46pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Deadline Approaches

submitted by Ottawa County
Deadline to apply for broadband internet credit is 12.30.2021; program becomes Affordable Connectivity Program on 12.31.2021

The temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), launched in 2021 to help households afford high-speed internet service during the pandemic, is being replaced by a permanent Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Just like the EBB, the ACP will continue to provide eligible households with a discount on broadband internet service and connected devices.

Here’s a breakdown of what benefits these programs provide and how they’re changing in a question-and-answer format:

When does the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program switch over to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The ACP officially supplants the EBB program beginning on Dec. 31, 2021.

What does the change mean for participants?

The discount drops from $50 to $30 per month. Currently under the EBB, eligible households receive discounts of up to $50 per month toward broadband service, and a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. After the transitionary period, beginning March 1, 2022, households enrolled in ACP (formerly EBB) will receive $30 per month to go toward broadband service.

What does the transitionary period mean?

The Infrastructure Act provides for a 60-day transition period for households that were enrolled in the EBB Program before Dec. 31, 2021. This means households participating in EBB will continue to receive a $50 per month discount toward internet service through March 1, 2022. If a household applies after Dec. 30, if deemed eligible, they will receive the $30 per month benefit. You can still apply for EBB until Dec. 30, 2021 – see ‘Can I still sign up for EBB?’ section below for more information.

Do I need to reapply for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Only if your household qualified for EBB due to loss of income because of a job loss or furlough beginning Feb. 29, 2020, or by meeting other eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID program.

Will there be more options from providers?

Yes! Participating providers must now provide the ACP discount on any internet service offering they provide.

Can I still sign up for EBB?

Yes! Eligible households can and are still encouraged to apply for the EBB program through 6 p.m. Dec. 30. Those who enroll by 6 p.m. Dec. 30 will be eligible for the EBB subsidy during the 60-day transition period to the ACP. Those who enroll after Dec. 30 will be eligible for the applicable ACP monthly benefit, not the EBB. Please note that applying on Dec. 30 may not guarantee your household enrollment in EBB. If a household has a pending EBB Program application after EBB Program enrollments cease, that household’s application will be used for eligibility determination and enrollment in the ACP.

Do I qualify for EBB or ACP?

Visit getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify to learn if your household qualifies for EBB. Once ACP is enacted, eligibility information will be posted on the Federal Communication Commission website. To learn more and watch for updates, please visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit periodically.

Van Allsburg Receives Prestigious Marilyn J. Kelly Award

The State Bar of Michigan recognized Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit Court Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg with the Marilyn J. Kelly Award for Outstanding Judicial Service in Family Law.

Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn J. Kelly was well respected for her keen knowledge of family law and her advocacy for youth and families engaged with the justice system. In 2015, the State Bar of Michigan established this Award in her honor, to recognize judges for significant contributions to family law in Michigan.

justice

Since his election to the 20th Circuit Court, Chief Judge Van Allsburg has handled a very busy Family Division docket and has been appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as Business Court Judge and Chief Judge. In addition to his scheduled courtroom cases, Judge Van Allsburg authors numerous family law opinions, is active with the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and is a frequent lecturer and presenter for judicial and attorney continuing education programs.

“Assisting families as they navigate complicated and often divisive legal situations is an extremely rewarding part of my service as a Circuit Court Judge,” said Judge Van Allsburg. “Promoting the rule of law with respect, compassion and patience for the litigants and attorneys appearing in Court is how we provide excellent public service while administering justice and resolving these often-complex court cases.”

Van Allsburg is an honors graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law and joined the Circuit Court in 2005 after a 25-year career in the practice of law, during which he served as chairman of the board of the Michigan West Coast (formerly Holland Area) Chamber of Commerce. He is Immediate Past-President of the Michigan Judges Association and will continue serving in the Family Division of the Circuit Court.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – December 15-December 20, 2021

www.visitmuskegon.org

Don’t see YOUR event on the calendar?
Visit this link to see how easy it is to get it submitted
bit.ly/VisitMuskegonSubmitEvent

Wednesday December 15:

Santa at the Dalton Branch Library
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Dalton Branch 3175 Fifth St, Twin Lake
Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children of all ages. Bring the whole family and your camera for photos! This is a FREE event.

Anything But Normal Art Show
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Normal Bob specializes in pen, ink and digital portraits. He’s best known for his dress-up style fridge magnet games sold in stores across the U.S. You can view this and talk with Normal Bob at Drip Drop Drink located at 926 Second St.,

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Wellness Wednesdays
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Looking for a midweek adventure? Join the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. They offer a different outdoor activity each Wednesday. Enjoy a hike of a different highlighted trail each week with staff. www.msports.org/support This is a free event. You do need a recreation pass.

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Movie Time with Ravenna Branch Library
3:00 pm

Watch a family friendly movie every Wednesday at the MADL Ravenna Branch located at 12278 Stafford St., Ravenna. This is a FREE event for all ages and snacks are provided by the Friends of the Ravenna Library.

Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Middle and High School students are invited to the Art Council of White Lake-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall for Open Studio sessions on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 5:00, p.m. Staff will be available to help students with both art and music projects. Art students are welcome to bring in projects. Register: https://www.artswhitelake.org/upcoming-classes

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library

Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Thursday December 16:

Santa at the Muskegon Township Library Branch
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Muskegon Township Branch 1910 East Apple Ave. Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children of all ages. Bring the whole family and camera for photos to this FREE event!

FREE Holiday Meal
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

AgeWell Services of West Michigan along with the DTE Energy Foundation, Senior Resources and C.A.L.L. 211 invites 60+ years of age people to a FREE holiday meal. the menu will be chicken breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, dinner roll and dessert. Reservations are needed except for Tangelwood Park. Here is a list of locations:
Tanglewood Park – Driftwood Cafe: 560 Seminole Rd.,Muskegon,
Serving Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm No reservations needed for the Driftwood Cafe. This site will be To-Go only and delivered curbside. Due to safety and space concerns within our parking lot, vehicles will be asked to not line up prior to 10:30 am. 
Questions: Call 211
Egelcraft Mobile Home Park: 2129 Arrowhead Dr., Muskegon
Serving Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Ravenna First Reformed Church: 3327 Mortimer St., Ravenna,
Serving Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
SHAWL Apartments: 225 South Hall St., Whitehall
Serving Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Pine Grove Manor: 1764 East Apple Ave., Muskegon,
Serving Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Orchard View Community Education Center: 1765 Ada Ave., Muskegon,
Serving Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Muskegon Jefferson Towers: 1077 Jefferson St., Muskegon,
Serving Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Holton United Methodist: 9530 Holton-Duck Lake Rd., Holton,
Serving Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bijan Taghavi Trio
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Bijan Taghavi is a pianist, composer, and educator who is “able to adapt to any musical setting”

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th. https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.

FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm

This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Friday December 17:

Genna & Jesse
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, defined by a unique alchemy born of the quirky chemistry, intricate vocal harmonies and ardent storytelling which infuse their songwriting and vibrant performances.

Ugly Sweater Party with Post Fontaine
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Brewer’s Lounge located at 895 Fourth St. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for pints and music with the Post Fontaine band! Swing by for your chance to win prizes!

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th. https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Karaoke Fridays at Full Moon Diner and Saloon
9:00 pm – 11:50 pm 

Join Full Moon Diner and Saloon located at 3408 Whitehall Rd. for a fun evening of Karaoke with DJ Noodle! This is a free event.

Live Music @ Pub 111
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Join Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, Live Music on Fridays & Saturdays 7pm-10pm. Check our website and fb events for schedule.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Saturday December 18:

A U’Neek Christmas
8:00 pm

This is hosted by U’Neek and Unruly Brewing located at 360 W. Western Ave. You are invited to enjoy an evening of classic Christmas tunes, enhanced with the sounds of Motown and today’s R&B favorites.

Tacky Sweaters and Tinsel
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Put on your worst sweater and join Wonderland Distilling Company located at 1989 Lakeshore Dr., for a rockin’ good time! They will have ugly sweaters, live music and festive cocktails.

The Nutcracker – West Michigan Youth Ballet
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. The West Michigan Youth Ballet proudly presents The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet first performed in 1892 set to Tchaikovsky’s now-famous score. www.frauenthal.org

S’mores with Santa FREE
11:00 am – 2:00 pm

There’s a visit from Santa at Smith-Ryerson Park located at 650 Wood St. for photos plus there are fire pits and s’mores kits for a sweet treat. Bring your camera

Santa at the Muskegon Heights Library Branch
11:00 am – 11:30 am

Muskegon Area District Library – Muskegon Heights Branch 2808 Sanford St.,
Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children of all ages. Bring the whole family and your camera to take lots of pictures.

Santa’s Secret Service Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

You can bring your gifts in to Heaven Can Wait Resale Store located at 1639 W. Sherman Blvd. and have them wrapped by Santa’s Secret Service Wrappers. Donations will go Heaven Can Wait.

December Saturdays: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave. Come visit the Museum to create a clothespin snowman. This snowman is perfect to decorate your house or tree with for the winter. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Acoustic Oasis
7:00 am – 9:00 pm

Visit The Book Nook & Java Shop located at  8744 Ferry St., Montague for a morning with Live acoustic music by Acoustic Oasis duo.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th. https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour
2:00pm-7:00pm

Experience the Houses this holiday season! Join the staff for your tour of the houses decorated for the season. $15 per person, $12 ages 65+ and $5 ages 3-12
Additional dates are walk-through tours where visitors can experience the houses decorated for the Holidays: December 4 from 2-7, December 11 from 2-7, December 18 from 2-7, December 28 from 2-7, December 29 from 2-7 www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Open Mic Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sing a song and/or play an instrument during Open Mic Night at the Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague

Live Music @ Pub 111
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Join Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, Live Music on Fridays & Saturdays 7pm-10pm. Check our website and fb events for schedule.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open indoors throughout the winter months. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Boomtown Market Craft Beer & Wine Tastings
10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Boomtown Market located at 351 W. Western Ave. in Downtown Muskegon invites you to free Draft, Craft Beer & Wine Tastings every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Sample unique Craft Beers on Tap from all around Michigan! 

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
10:00 am – 11:00 am

Sweetwater Local Foods Market located at 6401 Harvey St. will be offering a PREORDER ONLY market, out in the parking lot, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Get your order in here: https://tinyletter.com/SweetwaterLocalFoodsMkt or get the list from the website here: sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust!

Sunday December 19:

Free Family Movie Days – It’s a Wonderful Life
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm

The Frauenthal Center located at 425 W. Western Ave. invites everyone to attend this family-friendly movie. This is a FREE event for everyone!

Festive Holiday on Ice
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Hosted by the Lakeshore Skating Academy. Please join in watching their talented ice skaters of all ages perform routines to various music. Lakeshore Sports Centre is located at 4470 Airline Rd.  This is a free event and they do accept free will donations for the USS Silversides and the Wesley School. Masks are required for all attendees.

Fellowship Family Christmas Party
10:00 am – 11:00 am

Join Fellowship Church located at 4200 E. Apple for a joyful celebration of The Promise! There will be donuts and stars to decorate with your family and friends. This is a free event. www.fellowshipmuskegon.org

Santa’s Secret Service Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

You can bring your gifts in to Heaven Can Wait Resale Store located at 1639 W. Sherman Blvd. and have them wrapped by Santa’s Secret Service Wrappers. Donations will go Heaven Can Wait.

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th. https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Monday December 20 :

Holiday Trail Fenner Road
5:30pm-10:00pm

The annual Fenner Road Holiday Trail is open each night unless high winds. Enjoy the holiday lights and displays. For all ages looking for holiday cheer. Walk through the trail. There is a donation box if you are interested in donating.

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th. https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

14th Annual Christmas at the Library Kicks Off

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

christmas

A trip to the Billy Graham Library has become an annual Christmas tradition for many, as thousands from across the Carolinas and the Southeast visit the Christ-centered Christmas at the Library celebration each year. More than 468,000 have experienced this wonderful season at the Billy Graham Library since 2007. The 14th annual Christmas at the Library runs Monday through Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2021.
 
“The Good News of Christmas is a message that is offered to everyone,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). This is what Christmas is all about, and it is the message of hope that we are sharing at the Billy Graham Library. Jesus Christ came to this earth on a rescue mission to save us from our sins, and everyone who puts their faith in Him can be forgiven and have a right relationship with God.”
 
Those who come to Christmas at the Library at the Billy Graham Library each year experience the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ, complete with a live Nativity depicting the very first Christmas night. Guests can also enjoy holiday favorites including horse-drawn carriage rides; Christmas story time for children; live music from carolers; a beautiful light display; a large, ornamented Christmas tree; holiday shopping and more. Live Nativity animals for 2021 include a camel, a donkey, sheep, goats, a Zebu cow and a llama.
 
The Library’s operating hours during Christmas at the Library are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m. each evening. The Library is closed on Sundays. Admission and parking at the Library is free. Reservations are required for Christmas at the Library activities.

Visit billygrahamlibrary.org for more information.

Billy Graham Library Hosts Bikers with Boxes

gifts

More than 5,200 shoeboxes, filled with gifts for children, were delivered to the Billy Graham Library during the 14th annual Bikers with Boxes event on Oct. 16. The event kicked off Operation Christmas Child’s (OCC) collection season for 2021.
 
More than 1,200 bikers from across six states transported the shoeboxes. A group called “He Provides, We Pack” took the top prize for the group that collected the most shoeboxes.
 
Award-winning guitarist Dennis Agajanian entertained the crowd, and OCC shoebox recipient Irina Creek shared her personal testimony of how God use a simple shoebox gift to impact her life.
 
To learn more about upcoming events at the Billy Graham Library, visit billygrahamlibrary.org/events/.

Ask Dr. Universe – Fossils

Dr. Universe: Why do we find bones in rock? – Wyatt, 9, Washington state
 
Dear Wyatt,
 
When humans want to look into the past, they often dig into the ground. Under the soil, archeologists can find all kinds of things that help us learn about life long ago. 
 
That’s what I found out from my friend Rachel Horowitz, an archaeologist at Washington State University who is very curious about the lives of our human ancestors.   
 
She said part of the answer to your question lies in some important processes that happen above and below Earth’s surface.  
 
Let’s say a human ancestor passed away and was buried at the edge of a lake. Layer after layer, the soil, pebbles, sand and other earth materials start piling up on top of the burial site. 

Over thousands of years, the layers create a lot of pressure and heat which can eventually turns all those different materials into rock.
 
All of these layers create a lot of pressure and heat which eventually turns all those different materials into rock. Meanwhile, there’s another process at work that helps transform the human ancestor’s bones.     
 
Inside of a bone, there is a soft material called marrow. Over thousands of years, the marrow gets replaced with minerals. Maybe you’ve heard of minerals like calcium, zinc or sodium.
 
As water moves through the soil, it brings some important minerals to the bone. The minerals replace the marrow. When this happens, we get a fossil. Fossils might look a lot like bones, but they are now rock—and we can learn a lot from them.

Horowitz told me that we can also find other things besides traces of bones. For instance, some archeologists have found fossils of poop, which are called coprolites. They have also found fossils of teeth. These kinds of fossils can help scientists learn more about what animals and humans used to eat.  
 
Archeologists have even found fossils of human footprints that have been preserved in stone. We can also find things in the earth that don’t fossilize, including stone tools, scrolls, coins and pottery.
 
All of these different fossils and remains can help scientists put together a better picture of history on our planet. Of course, you never know what someone might dig up next. It might add a new chapter to the story or change the way humans think about life long ago. Who knows, maybe one day you can be an archeologist or a historian and help us discover something new about the past.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Access Health Announces Open Enrollment to Assist Area Small Businesses

MUSKEGON, Mich., December 8, 2021 – Access C3 Health, Muskegon County’s community health coverage program, announces an open enrollment period to help local small businesses and their eligible employees who are unable to access commercial health coverage due to cost. Access Health has provided comprehensive health coverage that is affordable for small businesses and their workers since 1999.

Health coverage is a critical tool to restarting our economy, especially as local small to mid-sized employers are struggling with COVID-related staff losses. Being able to offer access to an affordable health coverage plan with a strong benefit structure is instrumental to businesses working to attract new employees. The Access C3 Health plan was designed to ensure members can afford to access medical care – no deductible, $10 office visits, and $300 maximum for in-patient hospitalization – typically at a cost of $75 per month.

“We are excited to be able to open enrollment to companies who need a health coverage option that fits the small business budget. We know small businesses and their workers need help,” said Jeff Fortenbacher, Executive Director of Access Health. “Too many residents can’t afford commercial health insurance and are forced to go without coverage. Our community created Access Health to help residents access the medical care they need to address significant personal health concerns.”

Access Health provides a robust benefit coverage plan in cooperation with Mercy Health West Michigan. The plan incorporates a network of medical providers and resources to provide affordable primary care, hospitalization, and behavioral health.

Access Health’s unique model helps individuals actively engage in their health improvement. This approach focuses on identifying and resolving barriers that traditionally make it difficult for patients to improve their personal and community health.

For more information about the Access C3 Health plan and enrollment, please contact Access Health at (231) 728-5180 or coverage@access-health.org

Fruitport Board of Education Meeting Agenda – 12/13/21

Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
High School Media Center
357 N Third Street, Fruitport 49415
Monday, December 13, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.

I. CALL to ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

V. PRESENTATIONS

  1. Above and Beyond

VI. COMMUNICATIONS

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

IX. CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2021 (attachment IX-1)
  2. Approval of Bills (attachment IX-2)
    General Fund $157,693.10
    Other Funds:
    Early Childhood Center 305.34
    Food Service 101,708.25
    Coop Ed (ISD) Tech Millage 95,419.16
    Capital Projects (Bond) 2017 24,498.40
    Capital Projects (Bond) 2021 6,496.75
    Total Bill List $386,121.00
  3. Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report and ACH Transactions (attachment IX-3)
  4. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report (attachment IX-4)
  5. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report (attachment IX-5)
  6. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report (attachment IX-6)
  7. Approval of 2021 Bond Report (attachment IX-7)
  8. Approval of Personnel Report (includes confirmation of new hires, resignations, retirees, and transfers) (attachment IX-8)

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

  1. First Reading of New and Updated Board Policies (attachment X-1)

XI. BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Elroy Buckner, Chairperson

  1. Report of Committee Meeting held December 6, 2021 (attachment XI-1)
  2. Bid Pack 1 (attachment XI-2)
  3. Summer Tax Collection Resolution (attachment XI-3)

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve Kelly, Chairperson

  1. Report of Committee Meeting held December 6, 2021 (attachment XII-1)
  2. Tentative Agreement with Fruitport Clerical Association (attachment XII-2)
  3. Early Retirement Payment (attachment XII-3)

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Susan Franklin, Chairperson

  1. Report of Committee Meeting held December 8, 2021 (attachment XIII-1)
  2. Overnight Trip Requests (attachment XIII-3)

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS

XV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETINGS

  1. Business & Finance Committee will meet January 10, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  2. Personnel Committee Meeting will meet January 10, 2022 @ 4:30 p.m.
  3. Student Affairs Committee Meeting will meet January 12, 2022 @ noon
  4. Regular Board Meeting, January 18, 2022, Board Room @ 7:00 p.m.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

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

FCS – Student Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – 12/08/21

Student Affairs Committee
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
12:00 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Location:
Fruitport Community Schools Central Office
3255 E. Pontaluna Rd.
Fruitport, MI 49415

Attendance:
Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, Tim Burgess, Maribeth Clarke, and Jason Kennedy

  1. Student Issue – Jason gave an update on threats to the district, the investigation, and future educational opportunities for middle and high school students.
  2. Board Policy – Maribeth spoke about new and updated board policies that will be on the board agenda for a first reading.
  3. Other – the Clerical Tentative Agreement was discussed.
  4. Public Comment – none.

    Meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.

    Respectfully submitted by Jason Kennedy, Superintendent

FCS – Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes – 12/06/21

Personnel Committee
Monday, December 6, 2021
4:30 p.m., Superintendent’s Office
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg, Jason Kennedy, Maribeth Clarke, and Mark Mesbergen

  1. Clerical Tentative Agreement
    Mark presented the tentative agreement for the clerical union. If approved, the clerical union will receive steps each year and 2% increases in year two and three.
  2. Board Policy
    Maribeth gave an update on the recommended changes to our board policy. These changes are in light of the fingerprint audit that Central Office had a month ago.
  3. Other- Retirement Payment
    Mark gave an update on a recommendation that he presented to the business and finance committee. Due to the climate of not having a lot of candidates for our open teaching position, the district would like to offer a retirement payment if a teacher notifies the district by February 1, 2022 (one month earlier than what is in the contract).

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Mark Mesbergen

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – 12/06/21

Business and Finance Committee
Monday, December 6, 2021
11:30 a.m., Board Room
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, and Mark Mesbergen

  1. Clerical Tentative Agreement
    Mark presented the tentative agreement for the clerical union. If approved, the clerical union will receive steps each year and 2% increases in year two and three.
  2. Bond Bids
    Mark gave a recommendation from OAK to approve 7 bids for Bid Pack 1. This bid pack is for turf, track, tennis courts and a parking lot. The bids were vetted based on the process that we have done in the past.
  3. Summer Taxes
    Mark gave an update on a resolution to collect summer taxes for Fruitport and Spring Lake Townships next year. This is done annually and has to be done by the end of the calendar year.
  4. Other- Retirement Payment
    Mark gave an update on a recommendation that he is going to present to the personnel committee. Due to the climate of not having a lot of candidates for our open teaching position, the district would like to offer a retirement payment if a teacher notifies the district by February 1, 2022 (one month earlier than what is in the contract). This recommendation will be presented to the personnel committee.

Meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Mark Mesbergen

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 12/13/21

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

DECEMBER 13, 2021

6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION
AAMODT v FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP

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: 11/22/21
  4. Approve / amend agenda
  5. Correspondence / reports
  6. Public comments regarding agenda items
  7. Unfinished Business
    A. Second Reading: Consumers Energy Company Revocable Electric Franchise Ordinance
  8. New Business
    A. Approval of Annual Health Insurance Renewal
    B. Health Insurance Coverage for Dependents
    C. Appointment of Brandon Mendendorp to Planning Commission
    D. Senior Services Funds Allocation
  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

Hackley Public Library – 2021 Remaining December Programs

Hackley Library Main Building Hours:
Mon & Tues: 10-7pm  |  Wed & Thurs: 10-5pm  |  Fri & Sat: 10-2pm

Local History & Genealogy Department (Torrent House) Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 10-2pm

hackleylibrary.org  |  facebook.com/HackleyPL/  |  231-722-8000  | 
askus@hackleylibrary.org  |  316 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI, 49440

Holiday Luminary Youth Take and Make
Bring a little extra light into your home with a holiday-themed luminary from Hackley Library!  These Youth Take and Make craft kits will be available on staggered dates.
Supplies are limited.  Please choose a single holiday luminary (Christmas OR Kwanzaa) to pick up.  One per person, available while supplies last (free):
• The Christmas kit will be available from December 6-23.
• The Kwanzaa kit will be available December 6-30.

Preschool Story Time
December 17 at 10:30 am (No Story Time on December 24 or December 31)
In-Person at Hackley Library
Join us at Hackley Library for stories, songs, and movement activities!  Intended for ages 0-5, HPL’s in-person story time is designed to teach early literacy skills to parents and caregivers while children enjoy a fun, interactive atmosphere.  Free. 
Masks are recommended and are available for kids and caregivers.

Reindeer Hot Cocoa Take and Make
Saturday, December 11 from 10:00 – 2:00 pm
In-Person at Hackley Library
Reindeer Hot Cocoa Take and Make kits will be available to pick up from Hackley Library on Saturday, December 11 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, while supplies last.  Free!

LEGO WeDo 101
Tuesday, December 14 at 4:30 pm
In-Person at Hackley Library
This in-person program is a good opportunity to get hands on with robots, coding, and LEGOs!  LEGO WeDo works best for 2nd grade students and up.  Younger children will need adult assistance.  This program is open to six families–each family will share a kit. Registration is required – call 231-722-8014.  Free.

Advisory: Fruitport Police Investigate Shooting

from Fruitport Township Police Department – Thursday, December 9, 2021

At 2:54 a.m. Fruitport Police Department was dispatched to the area of Park St and South 3rd Ave in the Village of Fruitport for a reported person shot. Officers arrived and located an 18 yr old Norton Shores male inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. The victim died of his injuries. A 21 year old Fruitport male has been taken into custody and is lodged at the Muskegon County Jail. This incident is stemming from prior conflicts between the parties involved. There is no danger to the public.

No other information is available for release to the public or media at this time. The suspect is lodged pending arraignment.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – December 7-December 13, 2021

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

Tuesday December 7:

Steve Thielman, Piano
10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Enjoy breakfast and your favorite espresso drink while listening to master pianist Steve Thielman. Every Tuesday morning. This is free and open to the public

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library

Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Wednesday December 8:

Santa at the Holton Library Branch
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Holton Branch 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd., Holton, Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Muskegon Area District Library Branches to meet children of all ages. Bring the whole family

Evening By Candlelight
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club 280 W. Webster Ave., Join us for a catered dinner by Dave’s Kountry Katering at a festive table setting in our historic ballroom. Doors open to view tables at 5:30. Dinner at 6PM. Entertainment, silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club. $20 per person. Call Deb 231-744-1936 for reservation

2040 Documentary Film Screening & Discussion
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

White Lake Community Library 3900 White Lake Dr, Whitehall, Michigan
In the documentary film 2040, award-winning director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040

Solstice Science
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Norton Shores Branch 705 Seminole Road,
Every season is a good time for science — join us as we explore temperatures, light and other winter-based activities. Ages 6 to 12.

Wellness Wednesdays
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Looking for a midweek adventure? Join the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. They offer a different outdoor activity each Wednesday. Enjoy a hike of a different highlighted trail each week with staff. www.msports.org/support This is a free event. You do need a recreation pass.

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Movie Time with Ravenna Branch Library
3:00 pm

Watch a family friendly movie every Wednesday at the MADL Ravenna Branch located at 12278 Stafford St., Ravenna. This is a FREE event for all ages and snacks are provided by the Friends of the Ravenna Library.

Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Middle and High School students are invited to the Art Council of White Lake-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall for Open Studio sessions on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 5:00, p.m. Staff will be available to help students with both art and music projects. Art students are welcome to bring in projects. Register: https://www.artswhitelake.org/upcoming-classes

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library

Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Thursday December 9:

Santa at the Montague Branch
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Montague Branch 8778 Ferry St., Montague,
Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children of all ages.

Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn Fall Sessions (In-Person)
10:00 am – 11:00 am 

Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon, You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center! This program starts at 10am and will run for 50-60 minutes

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th.
https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.

Steve Talaga
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Pianist, composer and arranger Steve Talaga has been performing professionally for more than 40 years. He was chosen as the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2008 Jazz Musician of the Year,

FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm

This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Friday December 10:

Art Cats Gallery 22nd Anniversary Party
11:00am-5:00pm

Enjoy 20% off sales on jewelry, stocking stuffers and ornaments at Art Cats Gallery located at 1845 Lakeshore Dr. Sign up to win a Lakeside Center Gift Certificate bouquet and get some sweet treats to celebrate 22 years in business. This is a two day event. www.artcatsgallery.com

Home for the Holidays with the West Michigan Symphony
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave., Teresa Cheung, conductor Nathaniel Stampley, vocalist Peter Kurdziel, organ WMS Children’s Choir Joyful. Heartwarming. Pure family fun! Tickets are available https://westmichigansymphony.org/events/home-for-the-holidays/

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game -vs- U17
Puck Drops: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!

Cocktails and Candy Canes
5:30 pm

Burl & Sprig 500 West Western Ave. It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year! Celebrate the Season at a Festive Fundraiser Benefiting The Arc Muskegon. Enjoy the Holiday Social Season with a live auction, raffles and a wreath sale.

Silverado
7:00 am – 9:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Favorite Country Standards – a bit of dancing perhaps

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th.
https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Live Music @ Pub 111
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Join Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, Live Music on Fridays & Saturdays 7pm-10pm. Check our website and fb events for schedule.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Preschool Story Time with Hackley Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am

Join Hackley Library located at 316 W. Webster for stories, songs, and movement activities as we teach early literacy skills! When the weather permits, we will meet outside on the lawn of the Torrent House. Otherwise, we will meet inside, with masks preferred. Free for everyone!

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Saturday December 11:

Art Cats Gallery 22nd Anniversary Party
11:00am-5:00pm

Enjoy 20% off sales on jewelry, stocking stuffers and ornaments at Art Cats Gallery located at 1845 Lakeshore Dr. Sign up to win a Lakeside Center Gift Certificate bouquet and get some sweet treats to celebrate 22 years in business. This is a two day event. www.artcatsgallery.com

Muskegon Voyagers Home Hockey Game – vs – Gaylord
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Check out the Muskegon Voyagers for their home game -vs- Gaylord. Puck drops at 7:30pm at the Lakeshore Sports Centre located at 4470 Airline Rd. General admission tickets are $10

GVSU Guitar Ensemble
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Guitar majors and minors are a small but passionate group within the GVSU Music Department.

Santa at Norton Shores Branch Library
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Muskegon Area District Library – Norton Shores Branch 705 Seminole Rd., Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children of all ages. Bring the whole family and your camera to get lots of photos!

December Saturdays: Fur Hunt and Trade
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., Early settlers used fur for warmth in the winter months, as well as a trade good. Can you find enough pelts to make it through a tough Michigan winter? www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278

Acrylic Paint Pouring: Blown Flowers
5:00 am – 6:30 pm

McLaughlin Community Fellowship – 1198 Spring St., Learn to create these stunning layered flowers by using your own wind power and a straw. Students will learn about the materials, tools and techniques needed. $15 per person. Registration is due by Friday
https://slbenmark.wixsite.com/naturalcreations/store/Acrylic-Pour-Painting-Blown-Flowers-p360271461

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th.
https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Hackley & Hume Holiday Tour
2:00pm-7:00pm

Experience the Houses this holiday season! Join the staff for your tour of the houses decorated for the season. $15 per person, $12 ages 65+ and $5 ages 3-12
Additional dates are walk-through tours where visitors can experience the houses decorated for the Holidays: December 4 from 2-7, December 11 from 2-7, December 18 from 2-7, December 28 from 2-7, December 29 from 2-7 www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Open Mic Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sing a song and/or play an instrument during Open Mic Night at the Book Nook & Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague

Live Music @ Pub 111
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Join Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, Live Music on Fridays & Saturdays 7pm-10pm. Check our website and fb events for schedule.

Hike the Lights
6:30pm-10:00pm

Visit the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park where you can hike, run, or dog walk the trails. The ski trail lights will be on from sunset – 10:00pm until there’s enough snow to groom the trails for skiing. (a headlamp is suggested as a secondary light source) This is Thursday, Friday and Saturday! This is a FREE event but for those who want to donate please visit www.msports.org/support

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open indoors throughout the winter months. www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Boomtown Market Craft Beer & Wine Tastings
10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Boomtown Market located at 351 W. Western Ave. in Downtown Muskegon invites you to free Draft, Craft Beer & Wine Tastings every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Sample unique Craft Beers on Tap from all around Michigan! 

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
10:00 am – 11:00 am

Sweetwater Local Foods Market located at 6401 Harvey St. will be offering a PREORDER ONLY market, out in the parking lot, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Get your order in here: https://tinyletter.com/SweetwaterLocalFoodsMkt or get the list from the website here: sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust!

Sunday December 12:

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th.
https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Monday December 13:

Holiday Light Tour with Pioneer Resources
December 9 – December 20

A Holiday Light Tour for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive around Muskegon County to view these beautiful homes and holiday lights! How it works: Gather your family in your personal vehicle to travel to participating homes and businesses with holiday light displays. Use the event link to cast votes for your favorite displays! Each vote is $1 that benefits the mission of Pioneer Resources. Winning displays will be announced on December 20th.
https://www.betterunite.com/pioneerresources-2021holidaylighttour

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Deploys Twice in September

rrt

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) deployed twice during the month of September as other months-long deployments continue.
 
BG-RRT chaplains deployed to Capitol Heights, Maryland, to provide emotional and spiritual support after a shooting killed two employees at a senior living community. 
 
In Pelham, Alabama, a storm system dumped as much as 13 inches of rain resulting in severe flooding. Chaplains deployed, alongside Samaritan’s Purse, as the town began the recovery process.
 
Additional teams of chaplains continue to serve at three locations in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida hit in late August, and in Detroit, Michigan, after a flooding event in July. 
 
The BG-RRT has deployed 41 times this year, sending out more than 970 chaplains across the United States. Chaplains have prayed with more than 28,000 people this year alone.
 
For more information about the BG-RRT ministry, visit billygraham.org/RRT.