Monthly Archives: March 2022

Apply Now for the Citizen Police Academy (Ottawa County)

submitted by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office

If you cannot make it this year or the course is full, watch for future trainings and sign up to be notified.

The multi-session Citizen Police Academy offers 25 citizens an inside look at law enforcement. Sessions are from 6 to 9PM on Thursdays from May 5 through June 30. Potential candidates for the Citizen Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Live or work in Ottawa County
  • No misdemeanor arrests within one year of application
  • No prior felony arrests

Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pending a background check and eligibility, applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the academy near April 15.

Topics covered in the academy include Road Patrol, Corrections, 911 Central Dispatch, Undercover Investigations, Narcotics, Marine Patrol, Dive Team, K9 Unit, E-Unit, Criminal Scientific Support Unit, Crime Scene Investigation, Firearms, Range, Simulator, Special Operations, Legal System, Accident Investigations and Community Policing. Most sessions will be held at the West Olive Fillmore Complex 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. The location of the session may vary depending on the topic.

For more information on the Citizen Police Academy and the selection process please contact Sergeant Ryan DeVries at (616) 738-4038.

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 03/14/22

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

MARCH 14, 2022

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: 2/28/22
  4. Approve / amend agenda
  5. Correspondence / reports
  6. Public comments regarding agenda items
  7. Unfinished Business
    none
  8. New Business
    A. Approval of DDA Expenditures
    B. Everstream Metro Act Permit
    C. Budget Discussion
  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

A Thought for Today

by Connie Jarka

Wearing the same shoe
 day after day,
Watching the same old sunrise;
Renders one grateful
 for a steady soul,
And an occasional pink sky surprise.

Moolenaar Receives Michigan Right to Life Endorsement

Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar announced his endorsement by Michigan Right to Life. 

“Our way of life is based on the belief that every human life has value, that’s why my pro-life record goes hand-in-hand with my strong support of adoption as a way to provide loving and safe homes for children” Moolenaar said. “I believe we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable Right to Life. Life begins at conception, and we must protect all human life.” 

Congressman Moolenaar has maintained a 100% pro-life voting record as a member of the 117th Congress and has been a committed champion for life throughout his career.

Purse Party Auction to Benefit Camp Courage – April 24, 2022

Spring Purse Party sale and auction will help children who are grieving the death of someone they love

Have you been searching for the perfect new handbag?

You’ll find plenty to choose from during the 6th annual Purse Party April 24 at the Eagles in Whitehall, and every purchase you make will help fund Camp Courage for children in West Michigan who are grieving the death of someone close.

The Purse Party will feature both a live and silent auction with hundreds of new and gently used items, from casual clutches to high-end designer bags. And with prices starting at just $5, you can buy several!

New this year, local artists and designers are embellishing some of the purses that will be featured in the live auction.

Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. An Eagle membership is not needed to attend this fun event.

The Purse Party has raised more than $7,000 for Camp Courage, helping make it possible for each child who attends the three-day sleep-away camp to receive a full scholarship.

“Camp Courage provides such a valuable opportunity for children to learn to cope with the difficulties of grieving,” says Ashley Spencer, who co-created the Purse Party and organizes it with Ladies of the White Lake Community.

Donations of purses and handbags for the event are welcome. They can be dropped off before April 15 at many locations in Whitehall and Montague, and at Harbor Hospice and the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon.

Camp Courage is a program of the Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice, which provides hospice and palliative care and grief counseling to children and adults in Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Ottawa, and Newaygo Counties.

The event is free. An auction bidding paddle is $2, which enrolls the bidder in a door prize drawing.

For more information, or if you would like to embellish one of the handbags for the auction call 231-728-3442 or send an e-mail to info@HarborHospiceMI.org. Information is also posted on the Harbor Hospice website.

Fruitport Village Council Minutes – 01/17/22

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 17TH, 2022

  1. Call to Order
    President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6pm.
  2. Pledge
  3. Prayer
  4. Roll Call
    Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Carl Rothenberger, Amy Haack, Bill Overkamp, Jeff Guiles and Ann LaCroix.
  5. Approval of January 17th Meeting Agenda
    Motion made by Carl to approve the January 17th meeting agenda, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  6. Approval of the December 20th Council meeting minutes
    Motion made by Carl to approve the December 20th council meeting minutes, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  7. Public Comment
    Jamie and David Garzelloni, 329 Pine Street addressed council again on water drainage issue in their backyard. They provided pictures and possible solutions to the issue. President Vanderstelt agreed to visit their residence on January 18th to look at the property. Other council members will also go look at the situation.
  8. Correspondence
    Ann advised that she contacted Muskegon County Emergency Management regarding the council representative for the County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ann said that after discussing it that she should be the representative for the Village. Ann advised that she is working on a grant for electronic speed signs for three locations in the Village. A Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for January 27th regarding a variance request for 286 Lake Street. Ann brought up the Rental Inspections. She contacted the Township for guidance on administrating the inspections process. The Township inspections have been on hold since COVID. Ann suggested that the Village waits to send letters and start the program until the Township resumes their inspections. Council agreed.
  9. Reports from Officers
    Amy     advised no changes from the Playground Committee, to date we have raised $64.000.00.
    Amy has applied for the Senior Millage for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The funds have been designated for the new handicap parking lot at the park and Dancing into Sunset. Amy gave an update on the kayak launch and advised that West Michigan Dirtworks will start their portion of the project next spring.
    Jeff advised that the speed limit sign on Bridge Street blocks the welcome sign for the Village. Roger will refer the issue to the DPW Supervisor.
    Bill requested that we could change our own email passwords without going through our IT company. Ann will check with the IT representative.
    Carl met with Justin about yearly evaluations. The Personnel Committee will discuss yearly increases after the evaluations are completed.
    Roger had nothing to report.
  10. Abandoned portion of 5th Street
    Ann spoke with our attorney, and he suggested that we put up signs prohibiting vehicle traffic on the abandoned portion of 5th Street. Council agreed and Roger will refer it to the DPW Supervisor to manage.
  11. Handicap Parking Lot
    Roger distributed diagrams regarding the catch basin issue in the proposed parking lot. Council had multiple questions. Roger will invite the engineer to a future meeting.
  12. 7th & Peach
    Roger advised that a survey has been completed at the area. He will update again at a future meeting.
  13. Feeding of Waterfowl
    Amy advised that there are several signs in place about not feeding the waterfowl at the lake.
    No other action will be taken about feeding of waterfowl at this time.
  14. Public Comment
    None.
  15. Warrants
    Motion made by Carl to approve the warrants, supported by Bill.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
  16. Adjournment
    Motion made by Amy to adjourn the meeting at 7:09pm, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix Clerk/Treasurer

Fruitport Village Council Minutes – 12/20/21

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 20TH, 2021

  1. Call to Order
    President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6pm.
  2. Pledge
  3. Prayer
  4. Roll Call
    Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Carl Rothenberger, Amy Haack, Bill Overkamp and Ann LaCroix.
    Absent: Jeff Guiles (excused)
  5. Approval of December 20th Meeting Agenda
    Motion made by Amy to approve the December 20th meeting agenda, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  6. Approval of the November 15th Council meeting minutes
    Motion made by Amy to approve the November 15th council meeting minutes, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  7. Public Comment
    None
  8. Correspondence
    Ann reviewed a letter from Muskegon County Emergency Management. The current Muskegon County Hazard Mitigation Plan has expired. A Village representative will need to participate in the plan. Ann asked if any council member would like to be the representative. Amy asked for more information about the meetings. Ann will check into and report back to council.
  9. Reports from Officers
    Amy     gave an update on the kayak launch. Amy advised no changes from the Playground Committee. Will work on the removal of the current playground after the holidays.
    Bill the library is actively looking a new location within the Village.
    Carl met with Justin about yearly evaluations. The Personnel Committee will discuss yearly increases after the evaluations are completed.
    Roger had nothing to report.
  10. Reappointment to Library Board
    Council received a letter from Rose Dillon, Fruitport District Library President. The library board recommends the reappointment of William Overkamp to the Fruitport District Library Board for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2022, and to expire on December 31, 2023. Motion made by Roger to reappoint Bill Overkamp as recommended, supported by Amy Haack.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp and Vanderstelt.
    NAYS: None.
    Absent: Guiles.
  11. Handicap Parking Lot
    Roger advised council that there is an issue between two catch basins near the proposed parking lot. Bruce Callen from Callen Engineering discussed the need to fix the pipe between the catch basins before installing a new parking lot. He also gave a general overview of the lot.
  12. 7th & Peach
    Bruce Callen advised he will give an update of the 7th & Peach project at a future meeting.
  13. Abandoned portion of 5th Street
    Roger discussed an issue on the abandoned portion of 5th between Maple and Park. He recommends putting up a snow fence to block vehicles from driving on the abandoned road. Council discussed the issue. Amy suggested that we contact the party that is driving on the road first to see if that would resolve the issue. Ann agreed to contract the Village attorney regarding a letter.
  14. Bridge Street Project
    Ann reviewed the grant received for the Bridge Street Bridge. She advised that Brechting Bridge & Engineering has completed a Type, Size, & Location Study for the Preventative Maintenance project of the Bridge Street Bridge. MDOT now requires an asbestos survey. The survey is approximately $1000.00. The original proposal from Brechting Bridge included a load rating with a cost of $1500.00. Since the receiving the proposal, the Village found a copy of the load rating calculations and a new load rating is not required. The proposal without the load rating and adding the asbestos survey will come in under bid.
  15. Public Comment
    None.
  16. Warrants
    Motion made by Carl to approve the warrants, supported by Bill.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp and Vanderstelt.
    NAYS: None
    Absent: Guiles
  17. Adjournment
    Motion made by Carl to adjourn the meeting at 7:03pm, supported by Bill. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

    Respectfully submitted by,
    Ann LaCroix Clerk/Treasurer

Fruitport Village Council Minutes – 11/15/21

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2021

  1. Call to Order
    President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6pm.
  2. Pledge
  3. Prayer
  4. Roll Call
    Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Carl Rothenberger, Amy Haack, Jeff Guiles and Ann LaCroix. Absent: Bill Overkamp (excused).
  5. Approval of November 15th Meeting Agenda
    Motion made by Roger to approve the November 15th meeting agenda, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  6. Approval of the October 25th Council meeting minutes
    Motion made by Jeff to approve the October 25th council meeting minutes, supported by Roger. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
  7. Public Comment
    None
  8. Correspondence
    Ann reviewed a letter from a law office regarding an accident that took place on 3rd Avenue. She advised that we received our Senior Millage funding in the amount of 7,399.00. Ann reviewed a recent Michigan Municipal League appraisal of all Village buildings.
  9. Reports from Officers
    Jeff     had nothing to report.
    Amy will report under agenda items.
    Carl had nothing to report.
    Roger gave and update on work scheduled for Tiles Excavating and Michigan Dirtworks.
    Roger received a complaint about traffic on an abandoned portion of 5th Avenue. He will research possible solutions to present to council.
  10. Feeding of Waterfowl
    Roger discussed the waterfowl ordinance recently adopted in Spring Lake. A discussion took place, and better signage will be placed to discourage the feeding of waterfowl.
  11. Cell Phone Stipend
    Carl reviewed the request for a cell phone stipend for the President. Motion made by Carl to approve a monthly cell phone stipend of $50.00 for the Village President and to update the Personnel Policy to include the stipend, supported by Jeff.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger and Guiles.
    NAYS: None
    Abstained: Vanderstelt
  12. Banner project
    Amy directed council to the banner choices provided by Horizon Community Planning. Motion made by Amy to approved concept #1, supported by Jeff.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Guiles and Vanderstelt
    NAYS: None
  13. 7th & Peach
    Bruce Callen from Callen Engineering reviewed the engineering proposal for culvert repairs at 7th & Peach. After Bruce left the meeting, Amy made a motion to approve the proposal in the amount of $12,200.00, supported by Jeff.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Guiles and Vanderstelt
    NAYS: None
  14. Handicap Parking Lot
    Bruce Callen reviewed the engineering proposal for an ADA Parking Lot at the Park. After Bruce left the meeting, a motion was by Amy to approve the proposal in the amount of $4650.00, supported by Jeff.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Guiles and Vanderstelt
    NAYS: None
  15. Playground
    Amy gave an overview of Playground Committee’s activities. Grants and donations to date are $60,000.00. The new Community Build dates are June 16th, 17th and 18th if needed.
  16. Kayak Launch
    Amy referred council to the kayak launch budget/bid documents in the council packet. She reviewed the information with council.
  17. Public Comment
    None.
  18. Warrants
    Motion made by Roger to approve the warrants, supported by Carl.
    Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
    NAYS: None
  19. Adjournment
    Motion made by Amy to adjourn the meeting at 7:10pm, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

    Respectfully submitted by,
    Ann LaCroix Clerk/Treasurer

Former Harbor Hospice Nurse/Volunteer Recognized Nationally

Former Harbor Hospice nurse and volunteer recognized as a National Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Awardee

[March 8, 2022, West Michigan] – The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) will present its annual Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Awards during the 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Conference hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center (March 7 – 9) in Maryland.

Dan Poel, former Harbor Hospice Registered Nurse and volunteer has been awarded NHPCO’s Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award in the area of Organizational Support. Dan was nominated for volunteering during the pandemic to administer over 4,500 COVID-19 test to the hospice and palliative care staff.

The NHPCO Volunteer awards, presented at the conference keynotes sessions, recognize hospice volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest sense—serving as an inspiration to others. The honorees have made significant contributions to hospice programs in the areas of care delivery, organizational support, and teamwork and have stepped up to meet challenges that have been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan is one of five volunteers that will be honored at this year’s conference.

“Dan demonstrated courage and commitment in the throes of the pandemic to conduct COVID-19 testing for our staff on a weekly basis for months,” said Harbor Hospice President/CEO Susan Houseman. “We are grateful for Dan’s selfless act of service in the most challenging of times. His commitment was a vital and invaluable contribution to keep our staff safe and working.

danpoel

“Volunteers are an integral part of every hospice organization, and these selfless people truly represent the best of what we can be. That’s why we celebrate the volunteers who demonstrate remarkable service, compassion, and commitment in service of hospices in their communities. Their gift of caring has a profound impact on patients, families, and the communities they serve, and we cannot thank them enough for the support they provide,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach.

“Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling hospice and palliative care organizations to offer the highest-quality care and support possible for the people they serve. By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need,” added Banach.

These volunteer awards were created and are administered by NHPCO’s MyNHPCO Professional Community, a section of the organization’s membership that promotes the contributions and skills of the different professional disciplines that make up the hospice interdisciplinary team, including volunteer management. The awards are presented as part of the Leadership and Advocacy Conference, the premier conference for leaders and aspiring leaders working to advance the field of hospice and palliative care. Learn more about hospice and palliative care at NHPCO’s CaringInfo.org website.

For more information about the Harbor Hospice-Volunteer program, visit our website at HarborHospiceMI.org.
Click here to learn more about NHPCO.

Sign Up Now for Free “Step it Up” Walking Program

Parks & Public Health team up to offer Step it Up! Walking Program free in Ottawa & Allegan counties 

Get signed up for Step it Up!, a free, 8-week program created in partnership by Ottawa County’s Parks & Recreation and the Department of Public Health. Step it Up! was designed to help participants get active and visit new parks. All levels of fitness are welcome! 

Participants will be able to set activity goals and track their activity through the Step it Up! online platform. Each week, participants who track their activity are eligible for incentive prizes.

Participants can also look forward to:

  • Guided group walks with varying paces & guided group adventures
  • Discovering new parks in Ottawa and Allegan counties
  • Meeting new people
  • Motivation and accountability by logging activity and setting goals
  • Incentive prizes

The program begins April 11! To sign up, visit: miottawa.org/stepitup

>> Click here to sign for Step it Up! today << 

stepitup

Consumers Energy Gift to PoWeR! Book Bags

Consumers Energy Foundation provides $50,000 grant to PoWeR! Book Bags to support literacy efforts

The Consumers Energy Foundation has provided a $50,000 gift to PoWeR! Book Bags to help support PoWeR! Book Bags Little Learners Program, ensuring language and literacy materials are available to low income families with children ages 0-5 across 20 counties in northern Michigan.

PoWeR! Book Bags is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help children increase experiences with language, literacy, and human interactions through playing, writing, and reading. Guided by relevant research, PoWeR! Book Bags offers families and children an on-going supply of play and print materials to have at home. The program invites children to select new books to keep, along with book bags filled with age appropriate materials that support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. When children PLAY and WRITE and READ, they engage in crucial behaviors and practice skills necessary to build strong language and literacy abilities that will better equip them for life!

thankyou
Kara Gregory, Executive Director of PoWeR! Book Bags is surrounded by PoWeR! Book Bags volunteers thanking Consumers Energy Foundation for their generous support.

“Consumers Energy and our foundation have been serving Michiganders for decades, and we are grateful to be able to support this next generation of Michiganders by providing this funding to PoWeR! Book Bags,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We all know how important literacy is in a child’s first few years. PoWeR! Book Bags and its team of volunteers are doing wonderful work by providing thousands of books to children across Northern Michigan, and the Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support their efforts.”

“PoWeR! Book Bags’ goal – to increase opportunities for language and literacy development to give children a better life – is a great fit with the Consumers Energy Foundation’s goal to improve the lives of those families in Michigan who are working but simply cannot make financial ends meet,” PoWeR! Book Bags’ executive director Kara Gregory said. “The Foundation has done an incredible job identifying the challenges of the ALICE population – those households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed in Michigan. PoWeR! Book Bags works across 20 northern Michigan counties, each with a significant ALICE population.”

PoWeR! Book Bags collaborates with agencies including public health departments (WIC, MIHP, and Immunization Clinics), local food pantries, community sites of assistance, Early Head Start, and schools. PoWeR! Book Bags estimates it will distribute upwards of 100,000 books and 10,000 book bags filled with literacy materials to early learners and their families in 2022.

“The Foundation has identified early childhood education as a key element in building stronger communities. PoWeR! Book Bags provides opportunities for language and literacy development so our children are better prepared as they enter school and, as adults, have the opportunity for a better quality of life and the opportunity to participate positively in the entire community,” Gregory continued. “We are so grateful to the Consumers Energy Foundation for this opportunity to continue our work on behalf of northern Michigan families.” To learn more about the ALICE report, visit www.unitedforalice.org and for more information about PoWeR! Book Bags, visit www.powerbookbags.com or call 231-343-0255.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan — its people, our planet, and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

A Thought for Today

by Connie Jarka

A mountain or a molehill?
Both we probably have all seen;
One we may stumble over
 one we may still be climbing,
Or caught up in between.
We climb on …..

Events Happening in Muskegon County – March 7-13, 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

Monday March 7:

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!

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

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

Tuesday March 8:

Classical Night: Kyle Thompson, guitar
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Classical guitarist Kyle Thompson at 7pm Dinner at 6:15 RSVP to bryan@thebooknookjavashop.com

We Banjo 3
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Playhouse at White Lake 304 South Mears Ave., debuting in the U.S. in 2012, We Banjo 3 has emerged as fast-rising touring darlings in the country that two of the members now call home. $29-$34 For more in formation 231-894-0119 http://theplayhouseatwhitelake.org/spring22.php#Mar

Paint Like Monet
11:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Ages 13+ $50, $45 for ACWL Members WHSP Eligible French Impressionist painter Claude Monet is famous for painting the elaborate pond, Japanese bridge, water lilies, and gardens of his home. 231-893-2524 https://www.artswhitelake.org/events-1/paint-like-monet

Trivia Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon 1522 Ruddiman Dr.,
Are you a Wise Guy? A Smarty Pants? Go head to head against others and prove it! Come out, test your knowledge and mind! Open to anyone 16+. FREE event.

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

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

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. 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.

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 March 9:

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

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. 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

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

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.

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 March 10:

Book of Kells Presentation
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hackley Public Library 316 W. Webster Ave., Have you heard of the Book of Kells? This centuries-old illuminated manuscript has stood the test of time, with an incredible history. This is a FREE and open to the public event.

Make it @ Montague: Salt Painting
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Montague Branch 8778 Ferry St., Create a beautiful piece of art using 3 simple ingredients. Free event

Djangophonique
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Djangophonique is a virtuosic, instrumentally driven acoustic jazz quartet led by guitar.

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

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn
10:00 am – 11:00 am 
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., You’re 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

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

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 March 11:

Alley Door Club – Brena
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center is kicking off their 16th season! Every 2nd and 4th Friday from January to March, the Alley Door Club features live music. www.frauenthal.org

Christopher Dragone on Guitar
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Live and local music in cozy bookstore setting with open fireplace and full bar!

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-U18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Queen for a Night” night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

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

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.

Saturday March 12:

Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to downtown Muskegon. The route is along Western Ave. from Sixth Street to Second Street. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food goods. Collection bins will be located along the parade route. info@jcimuskegon.org/theparade

Green Eggs and Ham
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club 280 W. Webster Ave., Join us to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a breakfast of Green Eggs & Ham! The Cat in the Hat and his friends will join us to read a couple of stories. Call Nancy at 231-730-0887 $15 for an adult and $1 for child. $5 for each additional person nancy.f.b2020@gmai.com

Unruly St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave., come to Unruly Brewing to celebrate St. Paddy’s! The craic takes place inside and outside the taproom! Irish DJ and live music throughout the day. This is a FREE event with beverages and food available to purchase.

Go Green! Scavenger Hunt
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Muskegon 4-H invites all community members to join us for the second annual Go Green! scavenger hunt happening in downtown Muskegon. This is a FREE event.
To register your team: https://events.anr.msu.edu/gogreenhunt/ 231-724-4739

Free Outdoor Concert with CrossBow and Enda Reilly
12:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Olthoff Stage Western Ave. at Third St., Live Outdoor Celtic Music on the Olthoff Stage. Michigan Irish Music Festival presents Enda Reilly and CrossBow to the outdoor Olthoff performance stage FREE for all to enjoy!

Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty!
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty returns to Western Ave in Downtown Muskegon! Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day by reserving a spot for your “shanty”. Prizes awarded for Best Decorated Shanty! Tickets $15 ($5 goes to Mission for Area People). Shanties will be located on Western from 2nd to 5th, with the intersections of 3rd and 4th to remain open. Register here: http://bit.ly/ShamrockInShanty22

Michigan Makers Market
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center 470 W. Western, The Michigan Makers Market is an indoor shopping event featuring 80-100 craft and fine art exhibitors, highlighting products that are handcrafted in our magnificent state of Michigan. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite ($5)

Run Muskegon Shamrock Shuffle 5k
9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill 895 4th St., wear ALL the Green, get festive and enjoy downtown Muskegon in this community 5k! You will see everything from leprechauns chasing a pot of gold, to runners in kilts and green. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Muskegon/SSuffle5K 231-375-5184

Tim Froncek and TC Friends
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Block 360 W. Western Ave. 2nd Floor. Enjoy an evening of fantastic jazz. Tim will be joined by four great musicians from Traverse City. Tickets $10-$28https://theblockwestmichigan.org/events/tim-froncek-and-tc-friends/

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-U18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm St. Patty’s Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!

Spring Equinox
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Dalton Branch 3175 Fifth St, Twin Lake,
Create a piece of art that includes 12 things, in honor of the Spring Equinox on March 20, when we will have an equal amount of day and night time. FREE

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

Acoustic Oasis
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Phil Petersen and Glen Miller, AKA Acoustic Oasis, are two guys who love playing music. Inspired by the music of such artists as CSNY, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and more.

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
9:00am-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!

Sunday March 13

Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764

Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. 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

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!

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Minutes – 02/14/2022

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, 2022

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 14, 2022, 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 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 24, 2022.

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

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

  1. Steve Biesiada reported that the pump for the lift station on Pontaluna is fixed and functioning; Harmony Lake development is moving along with infrastructure; Odeno utilities are in.
  2. Brian Michelli reported that arrests have been made in connection to two recent homicides; Warrants have been issued in connection to local retail theft.
  3. Heidi Tice shared that 240 people attended the Lion’s pancake dinner that raised money for the Fruitport High School Honor Society testing.
  4. Todd Dunham reported that the funding for the annual tire collection event is being cut by Muskegon County.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

22-010 Fruitport Lions Old Fashioned Days Agreement
Heidi Tice shared that there are no changes from the last agreement.

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to enter into the Old Fashioned Days agreement with the Fruitport Lion’s Club.

22-011 Precinct 5 Polling Place Approval
Fruitport Christian Reformed Church, 3520 E. Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415, meets all of the guidelines for polling places and accessibility set forth by the State of Michigan and has agreed to allow the township to use their facility long term for election purposes. The use of this facility comes recommended by the Election Commission.

Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by David Markgraf, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution naming Fruitport Christian Reformed Church as polling place for precinct 5 voters.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none

22-012 Purchase of New Fire Apparatus
Engine 542 is approaching 20 years old and at that age will lose NFPA and ISO ratings. The total cost for the new apparatus is $604,789.00. A 5% price increase will happen March 1st, therefore the Public Safety Director requests that the purchase be approved with an initial purchase of the chassis for $225,000.00 before April 1, 2022 and the balance of $379,789.00 paid within 330 days per the purchase agreement. The new engine will require a production time of 330 days. The Public Safety Director reported that he has a large portion of the funds needed for the purchase of the truck saved in restricted funds and requests that the Board look at financial options for the remainder of funds needed.

Terry Knoll moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of the fire engine with initial payment made from restricted funds and payment of the back end of the invoice to be determined at a later date as recommended by the Public Safety Committee.

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

22-013 Election Equipment and Supplies Purchase
With the growth of the Election Department and the addition of a 5th voting precinct, the Clerk requests that ARPA funds be used to purchase equipment and supplies required for the operation of that precinct.

Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to allow the Clerk to order the necessary supplies and equipment using ARPA funds, not to exceed $12,550.00.

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

22-014 Payment of Bills
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $15,444.48; Public Safety $36,266.51; Water $78,870.86; Sewer $19,508.42; Trust & Agency $1,185.00; Street Lights $12,926.69
Totaling: $164,201.96

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

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

  1. There will be a location change for the carnival camp ground this year.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:21pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns For its 9th Year

Muskegon, MI – Put on your green and bring your family and friends to downtown Muskegon on Saturday, March 12 to the 9th annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Stepping off at 11 a.m. from 6th Street along Western Avenue to 2nd Street, the parade will celebrate Muskegon’s rich Irish Heritage. 

This family-oriented event is sponsored by JCI Greater Muskegon and Unruly Brewing Co. Jackie Green, Mrs. America and co-host of The Gray and Green Show on 105.3 HOT FM will be the Grand Marshal of the parade. All marchers and attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for Mission for Area People’s food pantry. 

“We are thrilled to welcome back the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19,” said Emily Morgenstern, President of JCI Greater Muskegon. “The parade has been a staple in Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and we are excited to expand the tradition with even more activities this year.”

Following the parade, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty will return to Western Avenue for its second year. Participants are invited to set up a shanty or tent and spend the day drinking and eating with friends from establishments in the Downtown Muskegon Social District. Live Irish music will be presented by the Michigan Irish Music Festival on the Olthoff Stage at Western Avenue and 3rd Street. Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty registration costs $15 per shanty with a portion of sales benefitting Mission For Area People. Registration is required, and the event link and information can be found at jcimuskegon.org/theparade.

Also happening in downtown Muskegon on Saturday, March 12 is the Shamrock Shuffle 5K organized by Run Muskegon, Go-Green! Scavenger Hunt organized by 4-H Muskegon, Michigan Makers Market at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, music and entertainment at Unruly Brewing Co. and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game at Mercy Health Arena. 

If your family, organization or group wants to march in the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sign up online at jcimuskegon.org/theparade or contact JCI Greater Muskegon at info@jcimuskegon.org. Registration forms are due back to JCI Greater Muskegon by March 8, 2022. 

Women’s History Month and Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Each March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of women. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for more than 85 years.

Women have longer average life expectancies than men, which means they live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement.

Our retirement pages at www.ssa.gov/retirement provide detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits. These events may include marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career changes.

Your earnings history will determine your future benefits, so we encourage you to verify that the information we have is correct. You can create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and review your earnings history. If you find an error in your earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so you receive the benefits you earned when you retire. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction. You also can view your Social Security Statement on your my Social Security account, for estimates of future benefits and other important planning information.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help women plan for retirement, check out our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know.You can find it at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf. Please share this information with family and friends.

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.

Lake Michigan Credit Union Announces the Annual LMCU’s Reading Adventure

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – To celebrate National Reading Month, every March Lake Michigan Credit Union (“LMCU”) challenges kids to participate in LMCU’s Reading Adventure.

Each child who participates is challenged to read five books in the month of March for a chance to win $100. Plus, every child who completes LMCU’s Reading Adventure will receive a bookmark and a sticker if dropped off at a local LMCU branch.

Entries can be submitted online at LMCU.org/Contests or entry forms can be picked up at your local LMCU branch and dropped off at the drive-thru or in person. Winners will be drawn on April 15, 2022.

Who’s eligible?

LMCU’s Reading Adventure is open to children 12 and under.

Deadline for entries: March 31, 2022

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan. Employing a staff of over 1,550 and serving over 516,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $11.5 billion, with a mortgage servicing portfolio of over $13 billion. LMCU has 66 convenient branch locations overall, including 19 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.

Ask Dr. Universe – Color-Blindness

Dr. Universe: How come some people can’t see color? – Pearl, 8, South Dakota

Dear Pearl,

Our brains have the amazing ability to gather information and interpret it. This ability to gather and interpret—or perceive— is a big part of what helps humans see colors.

Our eyes have tiny cones that receive light, turn it into chemical energy and activate nerves that can send information to the brain. You might see an apple and think to yourself, “That’s the color red.”

My friend Rachna Narula, an optometrist at Washington State University, told me all about it.

You may remember that the colors people see correspond with different wavelengths of light. Part of the reason someone can see red is because they have a type of cone that picks up on certain long wavelengths of light.

While red cones pick up on long wavelengths of light, blue cones pick up on short wavelengths. Green cones pick up on middle wavelengths. A person with full-color vision typically has three kinds of cones: red, blue and green.

But sometimes a person’s cones might be a little different. They may not have some of those main three cones, which means they can’t pick up on certain wavelengths of light. Or the cones might not work very well.

Narula told me the most common color deficiency is red-green. That means that the cones aren’t able to pick up on long wavelengths and middle wavelengths of light. People with this kind of color deficiency may have trouble spotting the differences between colors, the brightness of colors or the shades of colors.

Narula also showed me a book that optometrists use to test how people see color. It’s called the “Ishihara Test for Color Blindness” and it was designed by a professor at the University of Tokyo in 1917. Each page features different colored dots that make up a background and a number.

For instance, someone with full-color vision might see a background of green dots and the number “5” made up of red dots. But someone who has red-green color deficiency would see a completely different number.

If you’re like me, you might be curious to find out not only how people can perceive different colors but why.

Narula told me color vision deficiency is a kind of hereditary trait. This means it is something that can be passed from parents to their offspring. Most people who experience color vision deficiency were born with it. It’s in their genes.

She also told me there are some people who can see many more colors than most of the population. Narula said these people have a fourth cone. Some scientists are studying genetics to learn more about this kind of fourth cone and find out exactly how this kind of vision works.

Like humans, most cats also have the three main kinds of cones: red, blue and green. Dogs have just two kinds of cones. You know, it sure is interesting to think about what it might be like to see the world through different types of cones than my own. I bet it would provide a whole new perspective.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Ottawa County Parks Mourns the Loss of Bea Idema

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission and Ottawa County Parks Foundation mourn the loss of Bea Idema, who was a long-time supporter of the county parks system. Bea leaves Ottawa County Parks with a legacy of generosity that will touch the hearts and souls of our community for generations to come.

“Bea had an adventurous spirit, a kind, giving heart, and an infectious joy. We will miss her dearly. She grew up in Allendale Township and often spent her childhood exploring the Grand River. With her many gifts, so many will be able to grow in fondness and love for these special places as she did growing up,” said Monica Verplank, co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign.

“The gifts of Bea and her family had such a significant impact on the Grand River Greenway Project. I was lucky enough to see Bea at Connor Bayou this summer. She was smiling ear to ear witnessing the beauty of the park system and so excited for what’s to come! It is fitting that the trail – the Idema Explorers Trail – connecting the Greenway parks together will bear her name, but more importantly, preserve her memory,” said Samantha Verplank, who is also co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign.

The vision for the Grand River Greenway is to create a model ecological and cultural corridor along the Grand River. It will preserve significant natural, historical and cultural features as well as promote healthier, happier, and more vibrant communities. 

Bea grew up on the Aldrink family dairy farm in Allendale Township near Grand Ravines County Park (located just south of Grand Valley State University in Georgetown Township). One of the most scenic parks along the Greenway, Grand Ravines had deep family ties for Bea, her sister Joy, and the Aldrink family. Once the property became a park, the family stayed closely connected to Grand Ravines and, through their contributions, helped to create an enchanting and beloved experience. 

“We give Bea Idema full credit for helping to make the Grand Ravines one of our most popular parks.  People instantly fall in love with the wide-open views of the Grand River and all of the park’s hidden places. The park also has a unique personality with amenities that are unlike anywhere else in the park system – the Ravines Overlook, the Suspension Bridge, and soon, the Ravines Tree House. All of these things just delighted Bea and gave her a big smile. Grand Ravines is a reflection of Bea’s joy in helping to create such special places for everyone to enjoy,” said Bobbi Jones Sabine, President of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. “We’re really going to miss her.”

beaidema
Left-right: Parks Commissioner David VanGinhoven, Bea Idema, Parks Commissioner Ray Statema, Alma Statema, and County Commissioner Greg DeJong at a dedication event for Grand Ravines County Park.

Several transformative contributions have been made through the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation to Ottawa County Parks. While the Idema Explorers Trail is named in honor of the Idema family, there will be special recognition of Bill and Bea individually along two specific trail segments, which have been identified to give character and a sense of place along the trail. The Bill Idema Moraine Nature Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail is under construction and will connect Grand Ravines to Grand River County Park. The Bea Aldrink Eastmanville Legacy Segment is planned for construction in future years, and will be dedicated to Bea, who made “many wonderful childhood memories” there. 

Over the past several years, Bea has participated in many park and trail dedications for Ottawa County Parks including a trail dedication for the Versluis GVSU Campus Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail on the GVSU Allendale campus with her sister, family, and friends. This dedication included former Ambassador Peter Secchia, who recently passed away. Secchia was also a Greenway Campaign Co-Chair and would often speak fondly of Bea, who had helped him with so many of his endeavors. Last summer, Bea attended an event at Connor Bayou County Park in Robinson Township where Governor Gretchen Whitmer promoted a park funding plan.

“The whole Ottawa County Parks family will greatly miss Bea Idema, who was ‘a friend of nature, with a passion for fun and good times’ as it states on the dedication plaque for the Bea Aldrink Eastmanville Legacy Segment,” said Ottawa County Parks Director Jason Shamblin. “As is always the case with Bea, the plaque also invites others to share in the fun: ‘Now, it’s your time to make memories.’”

View Bea’s obituary here.

Annual Open House to Welcome Home Our Vietnam Veterans – March 29th

submitted by Richard Vanderputte-McPherson, Communications Specialist, Harbor Hospice

wecome

West Michigan – Harbor Hospice-We Honor Veterans, Chaplain Wes and Lil Spyke, and Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs are partnering to present an annual community event to honor and welcome home our Vietnam Veterans. All Vietnam veterans and their families, supporters, and veterans of all eras are invited to the 4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event on Tuesday, March 29 at Veterans Affairs, 97 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, Room 119.

“The We Honor Veterans program gives us the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices not only our veterans have made, but their families as well. It shows our community we are intentional about meeting our veterans’ specific needs while providing compassionate care,” Amber Wallace, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Harbor Hospice. “We are thrilled to partner with Chaplain Wes & Lil Spyke, and the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs for this event.”

An open house-style event 9:00 am – 11:00 am with fellowship, story sharing, recognition, and a variety of donuts and coffee.

“As part of individualizing our care here at Harbor our team assesses for military background to ensure to explore for potential needs and to explore available benefits to the individual or their family,” said Pamela Wingard, LMSW, Social Work & Counseling Services Manager, Harbor Hospice.

Event is free to attend for veterans, their families, and supporters; for questions, please call Chaplain Wes at 231.557.2502.

For more information about the Harbor Hospice-We Honor Veterans program, call 231.728.3442 / 1.800.497.9559 or email info@HarborHospiceMI.org or visit our website at HarborHospiceMI.org.

Muskegon Museum of Art’s Cups Exhibition Begins March 3

Get a Coffee Mug Worth Talking About at the Muskegon Museum of Art’s Cups Exhibition

cup

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Museum of Art presents a new invitational ceramic exhibition, called Cups, opening Thursday, March 3, and will go through Thursday, March 17. The exhibition brings together some of the top ceramic artists in the U.S. to showcase and sell their unique handmade cups and drinking vessels.

The Cups exhibition challenged artists to merge form and function in various sizes, shapes, and designs to create cups that the public can purchase for use or display as artwork in their homes. All cups will be available to purchase beginning Thursday, March 3 at 5:00 PM during the Opening Reception. An artist panel will follow at 6:30 PM to discuss the artwork with select artists whose work is in the Cups exhibition.

All cups in the exhibition will be available for purchase but will need to remain on display through March 17. Pick-up will be Friday, March 18. Shipping is also available.

For more information go to muskegonartmuseum.org/event/cups/ or contact Kristina Broughton at kbrought@muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2574.