by Connie Jarka
Green fields amidst sunny days
Will they come again;?
We gaze out over winters icy haze,And sometimes wonders, if ever? some days,
or when.
Believing comes in handy, one then whispers
This too might be much bigger then me;
But with one step at a time,
Letting it fall back in line,
Believing the ice will melt
We take what we are dealt,
And accept what we can foresee.
as we go.
Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room
MINUTES
I. CALL to ORDER
The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.
II. ROLL CALL
Present – Elroy Buckner, Tim Burgess, Kris Cole, Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg, and Steve Kelly
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 22-019. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
IV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.
V. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Organizational Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022
Item 22-020. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to approve the Organizational Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022, as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
B. Approval of Regular Board Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022
Item 22-021. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Buckner to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022, as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
C. Closed Session Student Discipline Hearing Pursuant to Michigan Open Meetings Act Section 8(b): Student 2022-02
Item 22-022. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Buckner to enter into closed session at 6:03 p.m. pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and upon the written request of the student’s parent, for the purpose of conducting a hearing to consider the discipline of a student whose identity is known to the Board as Student 2022-02.
Roll call: Buckner – yes, Burgess – yes, Cole – yes, Franklin – yes, Hazekamp – yes, Meeuwenberg – yes, Kelly – yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
D. Return to Open Session
Item 22-023. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to return to open session at 6:58 p.m.
Roll call: Buckner – yes, Burgess – yes, Cole – yes, Franklin – yes, Hazekamp – yes, Meeuwenberg – yes, Kelly – yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
E. Board Resolution for Student Discipline: Student 2022-02
Item 22-024. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to approve the Board resolution for student discipline for a student whose identity is known to the Board as Student 2022-02.
Roll call: Buckner – yes, Burgess – yes, Cole – yes, Franklin – yes, Hazekamp – yes, Meeuwenberg – yes, Kelly – yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
F. Other: The Board discussed a concern regarding a parent in the District.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Item 22-025. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kelly
Board Secretary
Jason Kennedy
Acting Recording Board Secretary
from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Excellence is always found in the most successful businesses and organizations. We are pleased to celebrate the “best of the best” at the upcoming Excellence Awards Luncheon.
Congratulations to the 2022 recipients:
Thank and support 211 call specialists who helped millions of people connect with essential services, especially during the pandemic.
submitted by United Way of the Lakeshore
MUSKEGON, NEWAYGO, & OCEANA COUNTIES, MI – When a crisis hits, having somewhere to turn is invaluable. For millions of people, that place is 211. Last year 211 call specialists fielded more than 20 million calls nationwide, connecting struggling people with essential resources to solve their health care, housing, and food problems. In fact, along the Lakeshore (Muskegon, Newaygo, & Oceana Counties), they served about 21,000 people. Across the country, the average number of calls per day rose as high as 54,000 during the pandemic. And 32 states, including Michigan, promoted 211 as the number to call for COVID-19 help and questions.
Day and night, the call specialists at 211 talk to people who are scared, frustrated, and confused. Throughout the pandemic, they have served as essential workers, answering calls around the clock and helping more people than ever before. Last year the economic fall-out of the pandemic continued to hit people in our community—particularly people of color and those without a college degree—211 was there. Handing out hope from the first hello.
Many people in crisis don’t know where to turn for help. 211 is here to help every person in every community find food, pay for housing and bills, and connect to other essential services. That includes connecting 5,145 people along the Lakeshore to housing resources including shelters, low-income housing, home repair programs, rent/mortgage assistance, landlord/tenant assistance, agencies, and other housing programs in 2021. Join United Way of the Lakeshore and our local 211 office continue to serve thousands of individuals each year. Read about the 7 reasons Michigan’s Lakeshore should use 211 and join us this February 11 as we approach national 211 day.
211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services. Our 211 is part of a national network, United to help as many people as possible. In fact, 211 is a critical part of the United Way of the Lakeshore’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
Here’s why you should use this vital service—and let others know about it, too.
1.) 211 provides connections to many kinds of resources and services, including:
• Crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
• Disaster assistance
• Food
• Financial assistance, literacy, and coaching
• Health care and insurance assistance
• Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
• Unemployment services
• Veteran services
• Child care and family services
2.) Our 211 call specialists are amazing listeners! 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions – from the first hello to the final connection to help.
Just see what one 211 call specialist had to say:
“211 is one of the few places where people can call and there is a real person on the other end – to provide information, patience, empathy, and empowering action steps.” -Bonnie
3.) 211 is simple and convenient to use. The service is free, confidential, and accessible 24/7/365. It’s also available in more than 180 languages.
4.) There’s more than one way to use 211. You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone and speak to a trained 211 specialist. Or you can browse local resources on 211.org. The service is also available by text, web chat, and email.
5.) 211 tackles problems at the roots. In fact, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
6.) 211 helps 20,000 people along the Lakeshore each year, many of them just like you. In 2021, calls to our local 211 averaged 58 calls per day. 211 is available to help anyone, no matter their situation, income level, gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
7.) 211 responds to new needs with innovative services. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the need to change the way many services operated – including community resources that provide food and other essential supplies.
211 is a lifeline for all those who have faced devastation since 2014 here in Muskegon County. You can support 211 today to make sure callers get the help they need with real people living in their communities at unitedwaylakeshore.org/donate. February 11th is national 211 Day! Join us in sharing 211’s info by joining us in conversation on social media at @UnitedWayLakeshore on ALL platforms. We will be highlighting 211’s impact, their team, and the critical work that needs to be done to ensure that these heroes can keep up the good work.
United Way of the Lakeshore is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Our Bold Goal – 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025. For more information, contact United Way of the Lakeshore at 231-332-4000.
from the West Michigan Tourist Association
West Michigan – Behind the Mitten, co-hosted by Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, recently made a return to the Michigan airwaves.
“We are thrilled to be back on the air,” said Sherman. The show took a brief hiatus but rejoined the airwaves both on traditional radio and as a podcast on January 9, 2022. “Behind the Mitten was always about telling those special local stories, uncovering hidden gems, and taking our listeners on incredible Michigan adventures. We are back on the road, and on your radio, taking you to every corner of our state.”
Behind the Mitten aired for over 400 episodes from 2015 to 2019. The duo was awarded “Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team” by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
The show is focused on Michigan travel, food and beverage, and events happening around the state. It consists of four separate segments, in an hour-long format. Highlighting the people and places around the state that make this a unique place to live, Behind the Mitten, is Michigan’s premier travel show.
The new version of Behind the Mitten is better than ever, with a few additions and changes. BTM has brought on radio legend Phil Tower as executive producer. He’s adding not just his expertise, but also his own love for Michigan to the show, with some creative segments that will be introduced over the next few months. Also on the team is producer William “Broadway” Bertschinger, who will be in charge of weekly production. Behind the Mitten is working with I Heart Media, as well as the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) on distribution and partnerships.
Also new to the show is a one-minute weekly segment called “Above the Bridge”, which is hosted by local U.P. resident and business owner, Jay Clancey. He’ll provide updates from the beloved Upper Peninsula. Another segment, “Taste of the Week” expands the focus to include all Michigan-made beverages and specialty foods.
“Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or new ways to experience popular destinations, we’re here for you,” said Gonzalez.
Inquiries about booking an episode of Behind the Mitten can be directed to the West Michigan Tourist Association. Episodes of the show can also be found on the WMTA website.
“Traveling is good for the soul, and we could all use a boost right now,” said Sherman. “Behind the Mitten is ready to spark your interest, introduce you to something new, or remind you of an old favorite. Join us as we learn about events you’ll only find here, things to do for every season, and of course, the very best food and drink. We love Michigan, and we know you do too.”
submitted by Ottawa County
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Kent and Ottawa Counties and the City of Grand Rapids are holding three virtual townhall meetings to gather stakeholder input on the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is a comprehensive analysis of our regional hazards and vulnerabilities and potential ways to decrease the effects of those hazards. The regional plan is a requirement to be eligible for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds for pre and post disasters.
Each of the three regional partners have a designated virtual townhall; however, the public is welcome to participate in any of the meetings.
• Ottawa County ∙ February 9, 2022 ∙ 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Kent County ∙ February 16, 2022 ∙ 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• City of Grand Rapids ∙ February 23, 2022 ∙ 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
These virtual meetings are a great opportunity for residents to learn about the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, ask questions and provide input, and to meet the emergency managers from Kent County, Ottawa County, and the City of Grand Rapids.
The meeting links and the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan can be found at https://kentottawahmp.com/. A Spanish translator will be available at the February 23 meeting.
Black History Month – Open Mic Poetry Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hackley Public Library 316 W. Webster Ave., Delight in an evening of compelling inspiration and sweet poetry during Open Mic Poetry Night. Step up to the mic for this fun and casual in-person event to share your favorite poetry, poems you have written, or examples from favorite Black History/Black Experience/African American poetry.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
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
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
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!
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.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.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
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Eric and Chris Acoustic Guitar
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy are a guitar duo, performing a mix of folk, pop, country, and standards. Longtime friends and musical partners who’ve performed in clubs and coffeehouses
Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, FREE for middle and high school students. You are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions. Bring your project and work on here with friends.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
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
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
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.
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
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
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Clue: On Stage
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Beardsley Theater 425 W. Western Ave. The classic board game and cult-classic film are brought to life in Clue: On Stage! Six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host. Tickets are $28.00 phone (231) 722-3852
Alley Door Club – Westside Soul Surfers
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. Features live music from popular West Michigan bands. Located in the Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Hilt Building, these unique concerts are complete with dancing and a full cash bar. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for happy hour ($1 off all drinks), with live music from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office, open Monday – Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting our events page here – https://frauenthal.org/shows-tickets/.
Serita’s Black Rose
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St. A self-professed “Funkateer”, Serita Crowley of Serita’s Black Rose from Grand Rapids, Michigan brings a raucous mix of FUNK, ROCK, BLUES, NEO-SOUL, and AMERICANA.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game – vs – Madison
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Police / Fire Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Valentine’s Friday Family Fun Night
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., Come to the museum to receive valentines from your favorite museum animals, such as the mastodon, in this fun, themed scavenger hunt of the museum. This is event is free for museum members and Muskegon County residents and $5 for non-residents. Register here: https://lakeshoremuseumgonewild2.eventbrite.com
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
Karaoke Fridays at Full Moon Diner and Saloon
9:00 pm – 11:50 pm
Full Moon Diner and Saloon 3408 Whitehall Rd., Come to the Full Moon Diner and Saloon for a fun evening of Karaoke with DJ Noodle.
Acoustic Oasis
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, BOOMER NIGHT IN MONTAGUE: Phil Petersen and Glen Miller, AKA Acoustic Oasis, love playing music. Inspired by the music of such artists as CSNY, Simon and Garfunkle
February Saturdays: Valentine’s Craft
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., In preparation for Valentine’s, we’ll be creating a few different types of flowers out of coffee filters and food coloring.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game – vs – Madison
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Mascot Mania Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Indoor Farmers Market
8:00am-2:00pm
Muskegon Farmers Market is the same location 242 W. Western Ave. for the winter months only they are inside the building so stop by!
Free Family Movie Days – Cruella
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave., invites everyone to attend this family-friendly movie. This is FREE for everyone. There will be concessions you can purchase. www.frauenthal.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Free Country Rock Dance Lessons with Chris Sanz!
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
5571 E Apple Ave., Do you like country music? Learn some new steps to make it even more fun! Chris will teach us beginner and intermediate moves, dancing to country music. All dance levels are welcome!
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
The Steamy History of Love Letters
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hackley Public Library 316 W. Webster Ave., Learn all about the history of love letters with Heather Love of Third Coast Calligraphy! Heather will share an abundance of love letter history, ranging from ancient Egypt to modern times.
Black History Month – Open Mic Poetry Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hackley Public Library 316 W. Webster Ave., Delight in an evening of compelling inspiration and sweet poetry during Open Mic Poetry Night. Step up to the mic for this fun and casual in-person event. This is a free event to everyone!
Romance Package
February 1 – February 28
Shoreline Inn 750 Terrace Point Rd., is excited to offer an overnight Romance Package available anytime in the month of February! This package is available to be added on to any room type. www.choicehotels.com 231-727-8483
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
10:00am-9:00pm
Snowshoeing, Luge, Ice Skating and Cross Country Skiing are available please check their website weather conditions page daily for changes and fees. The park is located at 462 Scenic Dr. www.msports.org
Dr. Universe: How does hail form? -Emilio, 11, San Diego, California
Dear Emilio,
During a thunderstorm, there are often lots of tiny water droplets in the clouds that form precipitation like water, snow or hail. But that precipitation doesn’t always fall right to the ground.
Sometimes a falling raindrop will get swept back up in a current of air. The air current can carry the raindrop to higher parts of the thunderstorm cloud where temperatures are below freezing.
Under these super cold temperatures, a raindrop will freeze. Then, other water droplets will start clinging to the frozen droplet. This is how hail, or a hailstone, begins to form.
That’s what I found out from my friend Jonathan Contezac, a field meteorologist with AgWeatherNet at Washington State University.
“As long as the updraft within the storm is strong enough to keep this hailstone suspended in the atmosphere, it’ll continue to grow. If it gets too heavy, it will fall to the earth, or if the updraft weakens, it will fall to the earth,” Contezac said.
While it may not hail very often in places like San Diego, there are some regions that experience really intense hailstorms.
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, Florida has the most thunderstorms, but Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming get the most hailstorms.
In the summer, when humidity and warmth fuels thunderstorms, the region can experience anywhere from seven to nine days of hail. It’s no wonder this part of the country has even been given the name “hail alley.”
Often hailstones are about the size of a pea, but sometimes they can grow to the size of grapefruit. Contezac told me that the size of a hailstone depends on how long it stays up in the storm. As the hailstone gets tossed around, new layers of ice can form around it.
In fact, if we look at a hailstone cut in half, we might just be able to observe some icy rings. They would look sort of similar to the rings you might find if you sawed open a tree trunk.
The way the icy rings look can tell us a bit about the hailstone’s journey through the storm. A white, cloudy ring of ice means the water droplets froze very quickly as they met the hailstone. The water froze so fast, some air bubbles were even left in the water which made it appear cloudy.
When we see a ring of clear ice, it tells us that droplets were freezing more slowly onto the hailstone. There was enough time for the air bubbles to escape before the water froze, so the ice looks clear.
While some hailstones make the journey to Earth’s surface, there are other hailstones that simply melt away on their journey down from the atmosphere.
Hail might make us take cover, but it sure makes me curious, too. Who knows, maybe one day you will become a meteorologist and help us learn more about our planet’s incredible weather.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON MUSKEGON COUNTY’S DUNE HARBOR PARK SET FOR FEBRUARY 16 AT LINCOLN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Public meeting will outline the park’s March 2022 opening
Muskegon, MI – An informational meeting for those interested in Muskegon County’s new Dune Harbor Park is set for Wednesday, February 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Park Elementary School, 2951 Leon Street in Norton Shores (corner of Lincoln Park Dr. and Leon St.).
Representatives from Muskegon County and the Parks Department will present information on preparations underway to open the park, recruit volunteers, and announce the official opening date for the park. The City of Norton Shores and Michigan Department of Natural Resources will also have representatives at the meeting.
“This meeting will give local residents and others the latest information on Muskegon County’s newest park,” said Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator. “Our goal is to create a park for residents and visitors alike. Your opinion and recommendations will help set the stage for county’s Master Planning process, expected to launch after the acquisition of north portion of the property.”
For additional information on the Wednesday, February 16 Dune Harbor Park public meeting at Lincoln Park Elementary School, contact Bob Lukens at 231-724-3103 or bob@visitmuskegon.org.
Muskegon, MI – Downtown Muskegon has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation over the past 20 years. To understand the magnitude of the change in this Lake Michigan coastal city, a video was produced to highlight the community development process.
“Seeing the progress of downtown through the lens of a videographer is impressive to say the least” says Cindy Larsen President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Larsen was involved in the research for the documentary and a key stakeholder in downtown development activities.
There have been hundreds of millions of dollars invested in infrastructure, business, housing developments and public spaces. This has resulted in new roads, a Farmer’s Market, a Convention Center, 75 new businesses and over 40 commissioned public art pieces.
It is the story of how a small community beat the odds and re-invented its city center with the help and support of local citizens. The 12 minute video was produced by videographer Jonathan Stepanski (Rowboat Media and Revel) who interviewed the downtown stakeholders and captured the physical transformation with photos and drone footage.
As major sponsor of the video, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce hopes this story will help other communities in their development efforts and serve as motivation for future leaders. The piece will be donated to the Muskegon Lakeshore Museum research library, and it is now available for viewing on YouTube.
Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday February 2, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room
AGENDA
I. CALL to ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
IV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
V. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Organizational Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022 (attachment V-1)
2. Regular Board Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022 (attachment V-2)
2. Student Discipline Hearing
3. Other
VI. 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 one opportunity for the public to comment during the meeting. Members of the audience may wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.
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 3:00pm with the doors opening at 2:15pm.
Cruella: A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil.
State of Michigan expands Children’s Special Health Care Services coverage to adults with sickle cell disease
submitted by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health
Michigan adults over age 21 are now eligible for health care coverage for sickle cell disease through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Under the fiscal year 2022 budget signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Children’s Special Health Care Services program has expanded to include sickle cell disease coverage for adults – with $6.7 million to cover treatment for a projected 400 adults with sickle cell who were not previously covered.
“One of MDHHS’s top priorities is expanding access to health care coverage through innovation,” said Kate Massey, senior deputy director for the department’s Health and Aging Services Administration. “Addressing the needs of adult patients has been a challenge for many years. Expanding eligibility for sickle cell disease coverage to adults over age 21 improves the quality of care provided in Michigan.”
The program now covers services directly related to sickle cell, including copays, deductibles, transportation, care coordination, access to Children’s Special Health Care Services clinics and case management.
Expansion of the eligibility was effective Oct. 1. There are approximately 2,800 adults in Michigan with sickle cell disease, with approximately 120 adults currently covered
For more information on the program or to apply for coverage, individuals should contact Brenda Kempf at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health at 616 393-4445 or 616 396-5266. Eligibility is based on medical circumstances and not on income.
For more information, visit Children’s Special Health Care Services.
submitted by Ottawa County, Michigan
(HOLLAND, MI.) – On Friday, February 4, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) will participate in Give Kids a Smile Day at the Holland Language Academy. Held annually on the first Friday of February during National Children’s Dental Health Month, Give Kids a Smile Day provides underserved children with free oral health care at events across the United States. The event also raises awareness about the number of children with unmet dental needs and the obstacles they face when seeking dental care.
In Ottawa County, Dr. Scott VanSlambrouck will volunteer his day and provide comprehensive dental services on the OCDPH Miles of Smiles mobile dental unit for Medicaid insured and financially qualifying uninsured children at the school. In addition, every child at the Holland Language Academy will receive an oral health gift bag complete with a toothbrush, toothpaste and oral health education materials to take home to parents.
Partners of the Miles of Smiles program working to improve the health of children include dentist and hygienist volunteers, school administrators, dental society members, community members and donors, Ottawa County Administration, and the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.
If your child is Medicaid-insured or without dental insurance and in need of dental care, please call 616 393-5694 to see if your child qualifies for Miles of Smiles dental services.
Learn more about Miles of Smiles here, or visit miottawa.org/dental.