Monthly Archives: December 2021

A Home for the Holidays: Ottawa Celebrates Adoption Day

20th Circuit Court, Ottawa County, hosted Adoption Day Celebration on November 23

The holiday season is a time filled with joy and gratitude for family. Many Michigan children, however, spend the holidays without a family to call their own. On November 23, the 20th Circuit Court celebrated Adoption Day, giving several families more to be grateful for as they head into the Thanksgiving holiday.

The ceremony began at 9:00am followed by confirmation hearings with Chief Probate Court Judge, Mark A. Feyen. The in-person event was limited in capacity due to social distancing; however, the public was invited to celebrate alongside the families and county staff via live streamed Adoption Day events on YouTube.

  • In fiscal year 2021, more than over 1,600 Michigan children were adopted through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or private agencies.
  • At any given time, there are approximately 11,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system and of those, nearly 200 lack an identified adoptive family.
  • People can adopt whether they are single or married. They do not have to be wealthy or own their own home but must have adequate financial resources to provide for a family.
  • Children in the foster care system become eligible for adoption following termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. The goal for most children in the foster care system is reunification with their families.
  • There is support for families who want to adopt. In fact, approximately 95 percent of children who are available for adoption qualify for assistance to help families with some of the costs of bringing children into their homes. More information is available at the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange website: https://www.mare.org/.

Typically, adoptions are finalized in private, but on Adoption Day, more than 30 courts statewide were expected to host virtual or in-person events, inviting communities to join in celebrating the families who choose to open their hearts to these children and provide them with their forever home. Our hope is that some others might be inspired to consider foster care and adoption.

Hon. Gregory C. Pittman Appointed Chief Judge of 14th Circuit Court & Probate Court of Muskegon County

from the Muskegon County Circuit & Probate Courts

By order of the Michigan Supreme Court, Muskegon Probate Court Judge Gregory C. Pittman has been appointed to serve as Chief Judge of both the Circuit and Probate Courts of Muskegon County.

Judge Pittman’s appointment begins January 1, 2022 and continues through until December 31, 2023.

Judge Pittman has served in the local Probate and Circuit Court Family Division since his appointment to the bench by Governor John Engler in 1998.

Judge Pittman has, in the past, served on the Michigan Task Force for Children’s Justice, by appointment of both former Governors Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder.

In 1998, Judge Pittman founded the Muskegon Responsible Fathers Initiative in recognition of the need to help non-custodial Fathers to reduce and eliminate the systemic barriers that help separate children from meaningful relationships with their fathers.

In 2013, Judge Pittman was tasked by Governor Snyder with developing systemic solutions to stemming the “School to Prison Pipeline” in the County of Muskegon. That effort resulted in the development of the School Teams Assisting Youth Project (STAY Project). Local school districts have since adopted STAY principles in the effort to keep students connected to their educational program and present in school.

In 2016, under Judge Pittman’s leadership as Presiding Judge of the Family Division, the Family Court worked with the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute to revamp its juvenile justice system. After successfully implementing a new model over several years, it has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of youth in detention and out-of-home placements and a decrease in the number of days in care.

Judge Pittman currently serves on the Michigan Supreme Court’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Workgroup, that is tasked with making Michigan’s One Court of Justice mission accessible and accountable to all Michigan citizens.

Judge Pittman has been recognized as the 2001 recipient of the prestigious Michigan Family Forum “Champion of the Family” Award, and the 2018 Michigan CASA “Jurist of the Year” Award. In 2014, Judge Pittman was honored with the 103.7 The Beat “Living Legend” Award.

Judge Pittman has and continues to serve in leadership roles on local, state, national and international levels, outside of judiciary centered endeavors.

Judge Pittman is the proud husband of Theresa Kay, and father of Cherish and Jared.

“It has been my great fortune to have served under remarkable judicial leadership during my time on the bench here in Muskegon County. It is my sincere prayer that I will be blessed to humbly continue in like manner of those Chief Judges who’ve preceded me in this esteemed role.”

Ask Dr. Universe – Stomach Bugs

Dr. Universe: What bacteria make us get stomach bugs? – Austin, 9, Texas

Dear Austin, 
 
There are all kinds of tiny pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, in our world. Some of them are helpful and do things like keep the human gut healthy—but there are others that can make us quite sick.   
 
I talked to my friend Alan Goodman about it. He’s an associate professor at Washington State University who knows a lot about the pathogens that can cause illness in people and other animals.  
 
When we talk about stomach bugs, usually we think of pathogens that cause the stomach flu. If you wanted to call the infection by its official name, you could say “viral gastroenteritis.” But we’ll stick with stomach flu for now.   
 
The stomach flu isn’t influenza. Goodman said we might call influenza “the flu”, but influenza actually impacts the nose, throat and lungs. The stomach flu causes trouble in the stomach and intestines that make up the gastrointestinal system.   
 
The culprit behind the stomach flu is often norovirus. Norovirus is a sphere-shaped virus that is really good at spreading from person to person. 
 
This virus can sometimes spread through tiny particles of poop, which is part of the reason it’s really important to wash our hands after we go to the bathroom.  
 
When we wash our hands properly, it can help prevent all kinds of germs from getting into our bodies. It also keeps our germs from spreading to other people.   
 
If norovirus does get into the body, it can create some changes in the digestive system and intestines. It can make the body react in unpleasant ways, such as causing diarrhea or vomiting. Thankfully, that usually only lasts for a couple of days before a person starts feeling better. 
 
Meanwhile, there are also some bacteria called Salmonella and E. coli that can cause stomach troubles. These bacteria might be living on uncooked poultry, raw eggs or unwashed vegetables. That’s why it’s important to keep food safety in mind when cooking or eating certain foods.   
 
Unfortunately, there isn’t a perfect treatment for these kinds of “stomach bugs.” You just have to let your body’s immune system—which works to protect you— do its best to fight back.  
 
But the good news is there are also some things we can do to help illness from striking in the first place.  
 
If you haven’t already taken note by now, one thing we can do to avoid spreading around pathogens is to wash our hands after we use the bathroom, and before and after we prepare or eat food.   
 
A lot of pathogens can spread pretty quickly and easily, so if you are sick, it’s good to stay home from school if you can. That way the virus or bacteria doesn’t have as much of a chance to spread to other people.  
 
When we take these thoughtful measures, we can help ourselves, along with our family and friends, stay safe and healthy.  
 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Universe 

Supreme Court Must Overturn Roe v. Wade

submitted by Right to Life of Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI — On December 1st, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

The case involves Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. In accepting the case, the Supreme Court announced they will revisit the key holding of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which is that no state may ban abortion before the shifting point of when a child can survive outside the womb.

The following statement is from Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing:

The Supreme Court must do the right thing and overturn Roe v. Wade. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that mentions abortion. There is no good legal reason Mississippi can’t ban the brutal late-term abortions of children who have beating hearts and the capacity to feel pain. Thanks to advances like 3-D ultrasounds, today nobody can deny the identity of an unborn child in the womb: she is a human being, just like each of us. Roe v. Wade is one of the most unjust decisions in our nation’s history. Not only did it allow violence by taking away the human rights of 61 million unborn children and counting, but also wounded our democratic process and created decades of legal confusion and controversies. In America, voters vote and legislators legislate, but Roe v. Wade allows judges to disenfranchise voters and their elected officials, not because the U.S. Constitution says so, but because seven men in 1973 personally wanted unlimited abortions through all nine months of pregnancy. It is time for Roe to go. We hope the Supreme Court will take to heart the amicus brief we joined in this case.

In Michigan, overturning Roe v. Wade means our state’s law protecting the life of all unborn children will have an opportunity to be restored to full effect. The people of Michigan voted overwhelmingly to keep our law, just weeks before Roe v. Wade. Roe wrongly overturned that election. We look forward to the day that every unborn child in Michigan and America will once again have their equal right to life respected and protected.

Meals on Wheels Making an Urgent Call for Help

Meals on Wheels Holland Routes Risk Cuts Due to Shortage of Volunteer Drivers

Holland, Mich. – Mabel sits alone. Her children are grown and now live out of state. Her husband passed away a few years ago. It isn’t easy to get around anymore. There is one smiling face that she counts on, her Meals on Wheels driver. This is the story of hundreds of our aging neighbors in Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceania counties who rely on the Meals on Wheels program from AgeWell Services of West Michigan.

According to the National Older Americans Act Participants Survey, 58% of seniors say they live alone and for many, the only person they see that day is their Meals on Wheels delivery driver. But due to volunteer driver shortages, some routes may soon need to be cut in Holland.

AgeWell Services is looking for volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers in Holland. Multiple routes are open. Deliveries are made Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Meals are picked up by 10 am and delivered by 1 pm. Most days are a one and half to three hour commitment. Background checks are required and drivers must provide proof of a valid driver’s license. Drivers use their own vehicles but mileage is reimbursed.

If you can spare some time to help your aging neighbors, please contact AgeWell Services at agewellservices.org or by calling our Volunteer Coordinator at 231-559-0476.

About AgeWell Services
AgeWell Services of West Michigan was founded in 1973. AgeWell Services invites adults 60 and over to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep our most vulnerable population nourished, active, learning, and living independently. AgeWell Services is a private nonprofit. With support of a 3-county Board of Directors, a programming advisory committee, 90 staff members and 300 volunteers, we provide 6 different services to adults 60 and over in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties – Meals on Wheels, Lunch & Activity Centers, Wellness (55 and over), Senior Medical Transportation, Discount Dining Program, and SafeSeniors. For more information on AgeWell Services visit: www.agewellservices.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter: @AgeWellServices

Lake Michigan Credit Union Announces 2021-22 Hutt Scholarship Essay Contest

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Established in 1990 by Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), the annual Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship essay contest provides local high school seniors with the opportunity to win one of 20 individual $2,000 college scholarships. This scholarship program honors the legacy of LMCU founder and teacher, Lloyd F. Hutt, and his lifelong commitment to education and community involvement.

This year’s essay topic:
Tell us about the you of today, and what we can expect to see in the you of tomorrow.

Applicants are required to write an original 750-1,500 word essay exploring the topic. Essays will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. The scholarship committee’s principal determining factor in selecting award recipients is the applicant’s passion for the topic. Additionally, the committee will use the following criteria in judging responses to the topic: comprehension of subject, organization, language use, originality, clarity, spelling, and grammar.

Lake Michigan Credit Union is proud to support area students in their pursuit of academic and real-world success. Since 1991, LMCU’s Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship program has provided over $460,000 in scholarship dollars to 272 students. Last year, 1,346 essays were received for consideration.

Who’s eligible?
All applicants must be high school seniors (this includes home school students) who plan to enter a trade school, college or university in the next academic year. All applicants must be one or more of the following: a resident of Michigan or Florida, a member of Lake Michigan Credit Union, or the child of a Lake Michigan Credit Union member.

Interested high school seniors must complete an application online at LMCU.org/Hutt before the deadline of January 31, 2022.

Winners will be announced in LMCU’s May 2022 newsletter, on LMCU social media pages, and online at LMCU.org/Hutt.

About Lake Michigan Credit Union:
Lake Michigan Credit Union is the largest credit union in Michigan. Employing a staff of over 1,500, LMCU’s assets exceed $10 billion, with a mortgage serviced portfolio of over $12 billion and over 500,000 members. LMCU has 59 convenient branch locations overall, including 13 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.

December Events at the Frauenthal Center

December 1 – December 4, 2021
Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree
7:00pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $18.00 / $15 Obstructed View
Celebrating its 36th annual season, “America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree”, presented by the Mona Shores High School Choir and Orchestra, is the premier way to kick off your holiday season. The 67 foot tree is home to over 160 singers from the Mona Shores High School Choir, and is joined on stage by over 50 members of the Mona Shores High School Orchestra. It is estimated that over 3,000 singers have participated in the tree since its beginning in 1985.
Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

December 10, 2021
Home for the Holidays
7:30pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $10.00 / $27.00 / $33.00 / $52.00 / $66.00
West Michigan Symphony presents Home for the Holidays.
Joyful. Heartwarming. Pure family fun! Delight in the wonder of the season as your West Michigan Symphony brings you this festive collage of sights and sounds.
Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

December 11, 2021
A Christmas Celebration from Classics to Cartoons
7:00pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $10.00 / $5.00 / $8.00
The West Michigan Concert WINDS, in partnership with the Shoreline Community Orchestra, present a Christmas Celebration from Classics to Cartoons. Come and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes performed live, there will be something for everyone!
Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

December 15, 2021
Praytell: It’s Almost Christmas
7:00pm | Beardsley Theater
Tickets: $18.00
Praytell – the duo of Jon & Valerie Guerra – are back, bringing holiday cheer to all! From old familiar Christmas songs, to new songs telling heartfelt stories, Praytell hosts a warm evening celebrating the season together.
Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

December 18, 2021
The Nutcracker – West Michigan Youth Ballet
3:00pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $23.00 / $12.00
Join Clara and her magical friends as the West Michigan Youth Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater for a family holiday experience to remember!
It’s Christmas Eve, and Clara is thrilled to receive an intriguing present from her godfather – a nutcracker. Just as Clara’s nutcracker comes alive and transforms her night into a grand adventure that she will never forget, our dancers bring Clara’s vivid dreamscape to life on stage. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and make their way to the Land of Sweets.
Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

December 19, 2021
Free Family Movie Day: It’s a Wonderful Life
3:00pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: FREE (no ticket required)
Come to the Frauenthal Center for a free family movie! This is a great opportunity for families in the community to experience the Frauenthal Center together or for those who are simply looking for a free and fun afternoon. These events are FREE admission, no tickets required. All movies will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 2:15 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A banker learns what life would have been like without him in this holiday classic.
Click here to learn more!

December 24, 2021
Christmas Eve at the Frauenthal – Port City Church
2:00pm & 4:00pm | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: FREE (no ticket required)
Plans for Christmas Eve? Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a one hour Christmas Eve service at the historic Frauenthal Center. Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs led by some of the Lakeshore’s most inspirational musicians, and listen to the Christmas Story read by our lead pastor, Steve Derdowski.
Click here for more information!

AgeWell Services’ Annual Holiday Meal Set for December 16th

Muskegon, Mich. – It’s that time of year when families begin to gather, memories from the past are shared, and hopes for the New Year fill the air. For over a decade, AgeWell Services of West Michigan have partnered with the DTE Energy Foundation and Senior Resources of West Michigan to bring free holiday meals to those 60 and over in Oceana, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties.

“We are grateful for the continued support from the DTE Energy Foundation and Senior Resources of West Michigan to provide this special meal to our aging neighbors,” said Kris Collee, Executive Director of AgeWell Services. “Their support allows us to provide a little extra joy in people’s lives, especially for some who may have a hard time during the Holidays.”

This year the annual meal is Thursday, December 16 at eleven locations around Oceana, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. Due to COVID, meals will be offered as dine-in or to-go. Meals are limited so reservations are required. To reserve your meal or to find a location near you, call 211 (231-733-1155 by mobile phone). Please reserve your seat by December 9. Please note that reservations are not required at Tanglewood Park where all meals will be to-go, delivered curbside and first-come, first-serve.

This year’s menu is cranberry brie stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, chunky applesauce with cinnamon, Prince Charles veggies, dinner roll with butter, and dessert.

For more information, call 211 or visit agewellservices.org/dte-energy-holiday-meal.

About AgeWell Services
AgeWell Services of West Michigan was founded in 1973. AgeWell Services invites adults 60 and over to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep our most vulnerable population nourished, active, learning, and living independently. AgeWell Services is a private nonprofit. With support of a 3-county Board of Directors, a programming advisory committee, 90 staff members and 300 volunteers, we provide 6 different services to adults 60 and over in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties – Meals on Wheels, Lunch & Activity Centers, Wellness (55 and over), Senior Medical Transportation, Discount Dining Program, and SafeSeniors. For more information on AgeWell Services visit: www.agewellservices.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter: @AgeWellServices