Author Archives: editor

Melissa Horton Promoted to Executive Director of Lakeshore Museum

MUSKEGON, MI – “The Lakeshore Museum Center Board of Directors and staff are excited to announce the hiring of Melissa Horton as Executive Director,” says Rob Johnson, Board President.

Horton will maintain daily operations of the Museum, as well as overseeing its operating budget. Additionally, she will serve as a liaison between the Museum and its staff and the Board of Directors in developing any future goals and initiatives.

Johnson adds, “Melissa’s over 22 years working for the Lakeshore Museum Center, and wide range of experience within the organization during those years, made her an ideal candidate.” Previous to her promotion to Executive Director, Horton has served as the Interim Director, Vice President, Programming and Exhibits Director, and Program Director of Visitor Experiences, and Curator of Education, beginning her career at the Lakeshore Museum Center in 1998.

Horton was heavily involved in the decision making process of Michigan’s Heritage Park, as well as being instrumental in its construction. She worked directly with the architect to design the Visitors Center and Farm House, as well as researched and contracted the building of the Wigwam Village, Settlers Cabin, and Logging Shanty. Additionally, she developed the initiatives that made the visitor experience at Heritage Park a special one.

She is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, American Association of State and Local History, and Michigan Archeological Society. She has also been a long-standing member of the Michigan Museum Association, and has presented at their conferences since 2004.

She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Anthropology.

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

Ask Dr. Universe – Toothpaste

Dr. Universe: How does toothpaste clean your teeth? -Lucy, 10, Pullman, WA

Dear Lucy,

If you are anything like me, every day you squeeze a little toothpaste onto your toothbrush and brush your teeth. Toothpaste gets its cleaning power from a few different ingredients.

My friend Mark Leid was happy to tell us about how they work. Leid spent part of his career teaching future dentists. He is also dean of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

First, he told me the outer covering of a tooth is called enamel. It’s the hardest tissue in the whole human body—even harder than bone—and it helps with things like chewing your food.

Inside your mouth and on your teeth, there are lots of tiny living things called microorganisms. They are so small you’d probably need a microscope to see them, but they like to eat the leftover food bits that get stuck in your teeth.

As they eat those leftover bits, they also make acid. That acid can break down your enamel, which can lead to cavities or tooth decay.

“We can’t make new enamel,” Leid said. “Once our enamel is gone, it’s gone.”

That’s part of the reason it is so important to brush our teeth. When you brush your teeth with toothpaste, it helps get rid of that acid.

Leid said some ingredients that help get rid of the acid and leftover food in your teeth are called abrasives. These create scrubbing power and sometimes give the toothpaste a gritty texture. Abrasives are combinations of atoms, which are like building blocks, that come together to form something called a chemical compound.

One example is calcium carbonate, which is made up of carbon, oxygen and calcium atoms. Another is silica gel, which is made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. Some other compounds create scrubbing power, but these are two of the main ones.

Meanwhile, other toothpaste ingredients help create foaming action, such as sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate. These are the same compounds that give soaps their foamy qualities.

Take a look at the back of your toothpaste tube and see what ingredients you can find. Another ingredient you might notice is fluoride, which helps strengthen your enamel. You might also see other flavoring agents that give toothpaste its taste, like mint.

“Otherwise, it would taste pretty chalky and bitter,” Leid said.

When you brush your teeth, you are helping your mouth stay clean and healthy. In addition to brushing, flossing is also important. Floss helps remove any excess food between your teeth that might invite those acid-making bacteria.

It’s great to hear you are curious about toothpaste, Lucy. Who knows, maybe one day you will be a chemist, a dentist, a pharmacist or anything else you dream. Keep up the great brushing, keep asking great science questions and don’t forget to floss.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Know a kid with a science question?

With help from my friends at Washington State University, we’re investigating tough and smart questions from curious kids around the world.

Submit a question!

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2021

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

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: Jim Fichtel, excused

At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 2- residents; 3- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney, Ron Bultje.

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of March 8, 2021 as presented.

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Andrea Anderson was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following additions:
Item 8-J: First Reading: Zone Change Vacant Land on Hts. Ravenna
Item 8-K: 2021 MCRC Brine Program
Item 8-L: Enforcement of Noise Ordinance

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

Steve Biesiada reported that a contractor bored through a water line that caused low water pressure to that area, repairs have been made and pressure is back to normal.
Brian Michelli warned against burning as there have been many grass fires.
Heidi Tice shared that certain Old Fashioned Days events, such as the fireworks, have been cancelled, however the Lion’s Club is attempting to proceed with many of the events, such as the carnival, should gathering restrictions be lifted enough to allow for it. Heidi also had comments on the budget and the question of a road millage.
Andrea Anderson shared that the township Clean-Up Days event will be held on April 30th and May 1st. The tire event will likely be held on May 8th.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:

Dave Henry had comments regarding budget and part-time Police Officer pay.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

21-022 2021/2022 Budget Discussion
Discussion took place. Changes were made to the water/sewer budgets as requested during the last discussion.

NEW BUSINESS:

21-023 Approval of POLC Collective Bargaining Agreement
There were discrepancies found and changes are being made.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to TABLE the POLC agreement until the next meeting.

21-024 Resolution to Commit Public Safety Fund Balance
The Public Safety Departments have the need for large capital improvement expenditures over the next several years, including, but not limited to a new fire truck and police vehicles. They have requested that the Board commit any remaining Public Safety Fund Balance for future capital expenses.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to commit any remaining Public Safety Fund Balance for future capital expenses.
Ayes: Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None

21-025 Resolution to Commit Water and Sewer Funds
The Water & Sewer Departments have the need for large capital improvement expenditures over the next several years, including, but not limited to a new backhoe. The have requested that the Board commit any remaining balance of Water and Sewer capital outlay for future capital expenses.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to commit any remaining balance of Water and Sewer capital outlay for future capital expenses.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: None

21-026 Resolution to Commit Cemetery Funds
The Cemetery Department has the need for large capital improvement expenditures over the next several years, including, but not limited to a new roof on the mausoleum. They have requested that the Board commit the balance of Cemetery Capital Outlay for future capital expenses.
Rose Dillon moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to commit the balance of Cemetery Capital Outlay for future capital expenses.
Ayes: Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None

21-027 Resolution to Roll-Over Parks and Recreation Budget Balance
The Parks Commission has requested that remaining funds in their budget be rolled to the new fiscal year in order to complete or begin a necessary project.
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to roll over the balance of unused funds in the Parks budget to the new fiscal year.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: None

21-028 Budget Amendments
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the Treasurer to make end of fiscal year April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021 final budget amendments. The amendments will ensure that all department budgets have zero impact on the total of each budget.
Ayes: Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None

21-029 Budget Public Hearing
(a.) The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to open the Budget Public Hearing at 7:34pm.
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced the proposed millage rates as follows: General Fund at the millage rate of .9962 mills, Public Safety at 1.50 mills, Police at 1.00 mills, and Street Lights at .40 mills.

Comments:

Karen Johnson and Heidi Tice commented on the Parks budget. It was mentioned that the 2021/22 proposed budget was drafted by the Parks Director.

(c.) The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:36pm and return to open session.

21-030 Adopt 2021/2022 Budget
The budget was agreed upon as presented.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the April 1, 2021- March 31, 2022 budget as presented and to approve the millage rate and millage levies. Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees shall cause the listed millages to be levied and collected on all real and personal property within the township upon the 2021 general property tax roll an amount equal to the above shown mills as authorized under state law and approved by the electorate.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: None

21-031 Banking and Investing Resolution
TCF Bank will be transitioning to Huntington Bank within the coming fiscal year. Investment opportunities are not limited to those presented, but must comply with the township’s investment policy.
Rose Dillon moved, supported by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution approving the use of financial institutions and investments for the 2021-2022 FY.
Ayes: Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None

21-032 First Reading: Zone Change Amendment Ordinance- Hts. Ravenna
On March 16, 2021, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the Township Board to approve the zone change from B-2 General Business District to the R-2 Single Family Residential/Duplex District for parcel number #61-15-101-300-0013-60 or vacant land on Hts. Ravenna Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444. The change would be consistent with the Master Plan. This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on April 12, 2021.

21-033 2021 MCRC Brine Program
The cost for the local roads will be $19,536.66 and the cost for additional roads (Cline, Wolf Lake, and Mt Garfield) will be $1,437.48.
The total cost for the program will be $20,974.14 for 2021.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to participate in the 2021 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission and authorize the Supervisor to submit the agreement on behalf of the township.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: None

21-034 Noise Ordinance Enforcement
Complaints have been received over the last year regarding dirt bikes being ridden in a residential area near the corner of Sheridan and Shettler causing disturbances for hours at a time.
Terry Knoll moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to direct the Public Safety Director to enforce the current noise ordinance.
Ayes: Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
The township attorney agrees that the current ordinance allows the township to stop this disturbance.

21-035 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $15,625.37; Public Safety $2,448.45; Water $3,504.50; Sewer $1,779.81; Trust & Agency $657.00; Street Lights $15,213.54
Totaling: $39,228.67
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

Rose Dillon reported that federal officials have approved a large stimulus package that will provide Fruitport Township with 1.4 million, however criteria on utilizing those funds is forthcoming.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:55pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Fruitport Community Schools Special Board Meeting Agenda – 04/14/21

Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Board Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Workshop Minutes of March 22, 2021 (attachment IV-1)
Superintendent Search Firm Presentations
• 6:00 p.m. – MASB
• 6:45 p.m. – Hulings and Associates
• 7:30 p.m. – Michigan Leadership Institute
• 8:00 p.m. – Deliberations to select a firm
Selection of a Superintendent Search Firm (attachment IV-2)
Other

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

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.

Ottawa County Preliminary Unemployment Rate for February 2021

The preliminary unemployment rates for February 2021 were released recently by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Ottawa County’s unemployment rate has decreased from a high of 20.4% in April 2020 to 4.2% in February 2021. This is currently the fifth-lowest unemployment rate in Michigan, with rates ranging from 17.5% in Mackinac County to 3.1% in Livingston County.

Read more from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

MDHHS Begins Implementing Coronavirus Vaccine Fetal Tissue Informed Consent

In a surprise victory—a partial victory so far—the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has begun implementing a coronavirus vaccine informed consent provision. The provision requires that patients be given informed consent if the coronavirus vaccine they will take was developed using cell lines taken from aborted babies.

The provision is in a pandemic supplemental spending bill signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 9. That Governor Whitmer signed it with no fanfare or opposition is a surprise; she didn’t release a statement claiming the provision was unenforceable. This success shows why it’s important for prolife legislators to keep working in even hostile legislative environments.

The MDHHS frequently asked questions document regarding COVID-19 vaccines now has a section explaining the use of fetal cell lines. It’s unclear what else the MDHHS is doing yet to enforce the provision, or if they will do anything else.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen coronavirus vaccine utilizes a cell line created from the retina of a healthy baby aborted at 18 weeks in 1985. The vaccine requires use of the cell line to produce doses, and thus this new provision requires people be informed.

Moderna and Pfizer do not use cell lines taken from aborted babies to produce their vaccines’ doses. However, they did use cells lines taken from aborted babies to test their vaccines in the research stage.

In news coverage by the Detroit Free Press, one State Senator described this provision as “putting politics into the process to scare people.”

It’s morally repugnant to hide information from people who would otherwise ethically object to taking the vaccine if they knew these facts. It’s the health officials who are unwisely playing politics by hiding information from people to trick them—and it’s only hurting their efforts in the long run because people eventually will find out and wonder why such information was hidden.

If you are receiving the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine and you were not given proper informed consent involving the use of fetal tissue in vaccine development—either verbally or in written documentation—please e-mail us at info@rtl.org and let us know! Please also contact the MDHHS’s Division of Immunization at (517) 335-8159.

For more information about this topic and a list of all coronavirus vaccines that used fetal cell lines in either research or production, please visit the Right to Life of Michigan website: RTL.org/covid-19-vaccine-abortion/.

Community Events to Help Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Registration is now open for the 2021 Cheers & Chocolate Community Crawl, a month-long give-back event raising funds and awareness for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Muskegon County.

Every Woman’s Place (EWP) will host a special version of its beloved Cheers & Chocolate event, traditionally held in downtown Muskegon at the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM). In anticipation of a wider reopening of the economy in the spring, the Community Crawl invites businesses to support EWP by committing to giving back a portion of proceeds from featured items during the month of April.

MUSKEGON, MI – Toe up to the Starting Line for the 2021 Cheers & Chocolate Community Crawl! Every Woman’s Place (EWP) and the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) are again collaborating to create a unique version of the culinary classic that’s been hosted in downtown Muskegon since 2003.

Beginning April 1 and ongoing for the entire month, folks across Muskegon will be visiting local businesses to purchase featured items—from pizza to cannoli, to coney dogs, to pottery! Businesses will give back a portion of proceeds from these items to EWP to support services in the community that respond to and help survivors recover from domestic or sexual violence.

For a continually updated list of participating businesses, visit everywomansplace.org/cheers-and-chocolate, or use the shortlink bit.ly/cheerslist. Meijer is helping kick off this month-long community engagement as the Cheers Community Crawl Starting Line Sponsor.

Also part of this year’s event is a Pop-Up Wine Pull on April 17 at Smash Wine Bar in downtown Muskegon, sponsored by Webb Chemical Corporation. Scheduled from 11 am to 2 pm, the pop-up will offer 100 bottles of wine, each valued at least $15. For a donation of $20, attendees and passersby 21 and over (ID required) can pull a bottle to take home. Find more details and a few of the featured bottles on the Pop-Up Wine Pull Facebook event.

In the Cheers Crawl Social Media Challenge, a weekly winner will be drawn at random from all social media posts on Facebook that use the hashtag #cheerscommunitycrawl. Prizes include bottles of wine, floral arrangements, and salon gift certificates. An arrangement donated by Flowers by Ray and Sharon (North Muskegon location) is the featured prize for April 1-9.

EWP, the CIM, and Brena will join forces for a cap-off celebration on April 24—the Cheers Crawl Finish Line—on the Olthoff Stage in downtown Muskegon. The community is invited to eat, drink, and stroll the downtown Muskegon Social District all day. Downtown visitors can end their outing at Olthoff Stage, where Brena, West Michigan’s premier party band, will perform from 5pm to 8pm. Attendees can put on their party shoes and dance to the music in specially-marked dance circles along Third Street, which will be closed between Western Avenue and Clay Street. The dance circles will be spaced for social distancing between groups.

The CIM chefs will have been busy creating specialty chocolates for sale at the Finish Line. Pre-ordering is now open at everywomansplace.org/cheers-and-chocolate for these delectable treats, which will include flavors representing the CIM (hazelnut latte with coffee ganache) and EWP (blackberry with dark chocolate and a teal ribbon decoration). Pickup of pre-orders or day-of purchases can be made at the chocolate booth at the Finish Line, made possible by our Chocolate Sponsor, Beth and Jerry Evans.

The Cheers Community Crawl is just one of EWP’s awareness and fundraiser activities that align with national Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

In 2021, EWP is also hosting four Netflix Watch Parties. Using the free platform Scener, EWP staff and viewers will be able to engage in chat conversation throughout the film viewing, and join in a short discussion following the movie. Registration is free at bit.ly/ewpSAAM.

Denim Day is a national campaign that focuses on raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors and addressing the myths and misconceptions that surround this issue. To participate, donate and wear denim on April 28th to make a statement against sexual violence in all its forms.

The Muskegon Sexual Assault Response Team is collecting NEW bedding throughout the month of April for survivors of sexual assault. Drop-off locations include various police departments, the Prosecutor’s Office and EWP, or donors can order items on AmazonSmile (bit.ly/MSARTbedding) and ship directly to EWP.

About Every Woman’s Place

Every Woman’s Place provides residential crisis shelter and non-residential recovery services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. We provide a safe haven, complete with advocacy services, support groups, counseling and crisis response. All services are free of charge and are available and welcoming to anyone affected by abuse, assault, and violence.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – Monday April 12, – Sunday April 18, 2021

*Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events*
Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:
Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org
USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Monday April 12:

Cardio Drumming!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A fun workout for all ages, sizes and fitness levels! First timers can rent the needed equipment for $1 Lakeshore Sports Arena 4470 Airline Rd. Muskegon, MI 49444 The class is just $2 per person. Required equipment: Water bottle, available to rent for $1 each are: 17 gallon bucket, 65-75cm yoga ball, Drumsticks. Keep up to date with the Muskegon Drum Crew Facebook Group. Classes are Monday & Thursday. Social distance is required.

‘Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins? Piecing Together Her History’ Exhibit
In her lifetime, Rosie created over 100 quilts and unfortunately, her story was left unfinished. Along with highlighting some of her quilts—which are only a part of her legacy—visitors to the exhibit will get a behind the scenes look at how the museum staff worked to research and piece together the history of Rosie’s life. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278

2021 Cheers and Chocolate Community Crawl
April 1 – April 30
This event encourages the whole community to frequent area businesses to purchase the featured Cheers items in support of both the business and Every Woman’s Place. “Joining efforts with popular businesses in our community allows us to increase our messaging to survivors who may not otherwise reach out to for assistance.” This full month of community engagement will be capped off by the Community Crawl Finish Line. The Finish Line is an all-day “eat, drink and stroll” through the Muskegon downtown Social District, with live entertainment at the end of the evening, which will be broadcast on MuskegonChannel.com for those wishing to attend virtually. Community Crawl Finish Line (April 24, 5-8 pm)
The Finish Line will also feature the sale of boxed hand-made chocolates prepared especially for Cheers & Chocolate by the student chefs of the Culinary Institute of Michigan. In-person and virtual attendees of the Finish Line can reserve their choice of boxed chocolates, priced from $10 to $20 and in 4-count, 8-count, or 12-count sizes, for pickup either at EWP or the Finish Line. This event raises funds to support the work of Every Woman’s Place. For 45 years, Every Woman’s Place has provided support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. EWP provides safe shelter, a 24-Hour Crisis Line, counseling, a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), legal advocacy and services for men, women, and children who have been affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. For a complete list of businesses participating visit www.everywomansplace.org 231-759-7909

Tuesday April 13:

Friends of Art: 100 Years
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster is featuring a selection of almost 30 artworks donated by the Friends to the museum’s permanent collection over the decades. Including pieces by James Richmond Barthé and Paul Howard Manship and one of our signature paintings, Tunis Ponsen’s Yacht Club Pier.” A video, Friends of Art 100th Year Anniversary, tells the story of the history of the group through the years. The video and exhibition information can be found here: https://muskegonartmuseum.org/exhibition/friends-of-art-100-years/ Open with enhanced cleaning and social distancing protocols. Mask wearing is required. Open 11-4. Closed Mondays. 231-720-2570

Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite features 24 iconic images of Yosemite National Park, the location and pictures that defined Adams’s internationally celebrated career can be seen at the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster. Friends of Art members purchased the photographs for the museum collection in 1989. The exhibition provides a view into unforgettable scenes of America’s natural grandeur, first photographed by Adams in the 1940s. Open with enhanced cleaning and social distancing protocols. Mask wearing is required. Closed Mondays. 231-720-2570

‘Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins? Piecing Together Her History’ Exhibit
Quilts are made from an endless combination of patterns, colors, fabrics, and techniques. Along with highlighting some of her quilts—which are only a part of her legacy—visitors to the exhibit will get a behind the scenes look at how the museum staff worked to research and piece together the history of Rosie’s life. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278

Wednesday April 14:

Comedy Night at Burl and Sprig
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Come shake off those winter blues with some laughter and drinks.
Free Admission + Social Distancing located at 500 W. Western Ave.
Presented By: Fresh Ghost Comedy www.burlsprig.net

Disability Awareness Art Show
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event. Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday April 15:

Open Studio Session: Climate Art
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Community members are invited to drop-in to the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St. to create climate-related art! If you don’t have any ideas for inspiration, White Lake Area Climate Action Council volunteers will be on hand to share information about climate changes affecting our area. You will also have the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at area businesses as part of the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded! To be included in the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition, artists must submit either a 12″x12″ repurposed canvas or 12″x12″ cardboard square to the ACWL-Nuveen by April 19. ACWL-Nuveen will have both on hand, although repurposed canvases are limited. Registration is required: www.artswhitelake.org/open-studio-session. Questions: 231-893-2524

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursdays
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free museum admission all day every Thursdays at the Muskegon Art museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave., compliments of The Meijer Foundation. Please remember your mask.

Friday April 16:

Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Don’t miss the Lakeshore’s Premier Home, Garden + Boat Show!
• Featuring over 60 exhibitors from home improvement to landscapers to boat dealers • Check out the outdoor boat displays • Learn something new at one of our DIY or demonstration seminars including floral arranging, cooking demonstrations and boater safety • All this and more at the brand new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in downtown Muskegon located at 470 W. Western Ave. Advance tickets just $8 or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free! Each ticket includes 15% off Walker’s Restaurant at the Delta by Marriot Hotel. Buy Tickets: muskegonmicoc.wliinc16.com/events/Home-Garden-Boat-Show-2021-10135/register. List of vendors available at www.muskegonhgs.org

West Michigan Vintage Market: Spring Sale
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Offering 10,000+ sq. ft. of amazing curators, local food vendors, and artisans featuring shabby chic decor, vintage inspired crafts, mid-century modern & re-purposed furniture located at 1657 S. Getty St. Questions call 231-557-2378 www.westmichiganvintagemarket.com

Saturday April 17:

Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Don’t miss the Lakeshore’s Premier Home, Garden + Boat Show!
• Featuring over 60 exhibitors from home improvement to landscapers to boat dealers • Check out the outdoor boat displays • Learn something new at one of our DIY or demonstration seminars including floral arranging, cooking demonstrations and boater safety • All this and more at the brand new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in downtown Muskegon located at 470 W. Western Ave. Advance tickets just $8 or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free! Each ticket includes 15% off Walker’s Restaurant at the Delta by Marriot Hotel. Buy Tickets: muskegonmicoc.wliinc16.com/events/Home-Garden-Boat-Show-2021-10135/register. List of vendors available at www.muskegonhgs.org

Muskegon Farmers Indoor Winter Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open indoors Saturdays until May. For COVID19 safety measures, the market will have a different look and feel this year: Please wear your mask and walk within the direction arrows. Thank you

Sweetwater Local Foods Market Sweetwater Local Foods Market – OFFERING PREORDERS FOR PICKUP
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market, 6401 Harvey St.
Sweetwater Local Foods Market will be offering a PREORDER ONLY market, out in the parking lot, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Sign up for the newsletter to get your order in here: https://tinyletter.com/SweetwaterLocalFoodsMkt or get the list from the website here: sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round.

Boomtown Market Craft Beer & Wine Tastings
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
BoomTown Market, 351 W. Western Ave
Boomtown Market in Downtown Muskegon invites you to free Draft, Craft Beer & Wine Tastings every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Sample unique Craft Beers on Tap from all around Michigan! If you like it, we’ll can a 32 ounce-er for you right then and there!

Sunday April 18:

Latin Dance Lesson and Open Dance – Bachata
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Are you ready for partner dancing again? Located at 5571 E. Apple Ave. ,weekly Latin dance events every Sunday in April. The events will be a beginner’s lesson and open dancing. Take the lesson or just come and dance. Your choice. No partner or experience needed. We will not be switching partners. Bring a partner, meet a partner there or come dance solo. It’s all fun. We will accept gift donations to cover our costs, but that is not required. This is open to the community and we want your bodies there! Invite your friends and let’s make it a party! If you would like to extend your social network, get some very fun exercise, learn some new dance moves, or just want to dance, this is for you! Feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Casual attire and comfortable shoes (or dance in your socks). No street shoes on the dance floor. Get details on all of our dance events on our Facebook group page MADLOS. 231-736-3205

Disability Awareness Art Show
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event.Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Our Voice: Virtual Story Telling with Dads on Deck and Muskegon Museum of Art

Muskegon, MI — The Muskegon Museum of Art partnered with Dads on Deck, Great Start Muskegon, and Read Early, Read Often to produce three free virtual story times that premiere this month. The story telling sessions feature Muskegon Dads on Deck members reading children’s books illustrated with artwork featured in the MMA’s exhibition Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards.

The story telling videos will appear for the first time on the museum’s website and YouTube channel on the following days, but will continue to be available on the Muskegon Museum of Art YouTube channel after they premiere.

Thursday, April 15, 5:00 pm
Beautiful Blackbird with Andre Pierce
Dads on Deck member Andre Pierce reads Beautiful Blackbird, written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan.

Thursday, April 22, 5:00 pm
Josephine with Norman Young
Part 1
Part 2
Dads on Deck member Norman Young reads Josephine, written by Patricia Hruby and illustrated by Christian Robinson.

Video production is by Stories by CL.

Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards runs through May 23, 2021 at the Muskegon Museum of Art.The Coretta Scott King Award is presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to African American authors and illustrators of books for children and teens that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. Our Voice, organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and ALA, features original artworks by past award winners Jerry Pinkney, Ashley Bryan, Bryan Collier, Leo and Diane Dillon, Kadir Nelson, and many others. Our Voice celebrates this important award and explores the ways in which artists can educate and elevate, offering new perspectives and opening our eyes to the world and the experiences of our neighbors, inviting greater understanding and unity. The MMA presentation of Our Voice is underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation. Media support is provided by Blue Lake Public Radio.

Additional support is provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Humanities Council with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The museum is open 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays. Health and safety measures include limited occupancy in galleries and other public spaces, enhanced cleaning, and mask wearing is required for guests and staff.

Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for museum updates, visitor information, and exhibition information.

Spring “Birds and Coffee” Chats Online

Join the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary This Spring for Online Birds and Coffee Chats

AUGUSTA, MI – Join a group of fellow bird lovers to share your sightings, ask questions and learn about featured species during monthly Birds and Coffee chats with the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. All events begin at 10 a.m. on Zoom and are hosted by W.K. Kellogg Biological Station educators Lisa Duke, Kara Haas and Misty Klotz.

The Sanctuary’s popular Birds and Coffee Walk series will continue in an online format this spring. The next chat, on Wednesday, April 14, will focus on cavity-nesting birds, like Eastern Bluebirds and House Wrens.

The May chat, set for Wednesday, May 12, will look at warblers, including the Yellow Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and American Redstart, among others.

The June chat will take place Wednesday, June 9 and will examine grassland birds, including the Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlark, and Bobolink.

Birds and Coffee chats are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome, and registration is required to access information on how to join the events.

Questions? Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.

About the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.

The Sanctuary’s grounds and trails remain open to visitors who observe proper safety and distancing guidelines, The Auditorium restrooms are open, though other buildings—including the Resource Center and Gift Shop—are closed. A walk-up window is available for guests to pay admission and purchase souvenirs or corn to feed the waterfowl. Current hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Please consider supporting the Sanctuary by becoming a member.

About Kellogg Biological Station
As Michigan State University’s largest off-campus educational complex, KBS has put its land-grant values into practice for nearly a century, providing the public with examples of science’s crucial role in sustaining natural and managed communities. KBS students and faculty work to understand and solve real-world environmental problems for a better tomorrow. To learn more, visit kbs.msu.edu.

Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show

First Public Event at VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show will be the first public event held at the new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in downtown Muskegon. The VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center offers additional space to showcase local businesses and also add boating and water sports exhibitors to the show.

“It’s a historic moment for our organization to be the first event in Muskegon’s first convention center,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “We are looking forward to this becoming an annual event and a great way to celebrate the opening of seasonal related businesses along the lakeshore.”

The show will take place on Friday, April 16 from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show will feature over 60 exhibitors including everything from home improvement and landscaping to boat dealers and water sports.

Do-It-Yourself and demonstration seminars will be taught by local businesses on both Friday and Saturday. This year’s seminars include floral arranging by Skeeter Parkhouse of Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts, cooking demonstrations featuring Kaja Thornton-Hunter of Kaja’s Flavor and Corine Rose from Corine’s Cakes and Catering, a painting class from Create.a.frame ART Studio, tips for selling your home by Dirk Stone of Dirk Stone Real Estate Group, boater safety training by Freedom Boat Club, mold remediation by Complete Restoration & Cleaning Services, and how to make selling your home easy by Sherry Zuidema of Verge Realty.

In addition to exhibitors and seminars, the home show will have free flowers from Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts (while supplies last), plus a 15% off discount for Walker’s Restaurant with a purchase of a show ticket. Preshow tickets are available online now at muskegonhgs.org for $8. Tickets will also be available day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under are free!

The Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show will be taking all necessary precautions to follow COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines to ensure the safety of exhibitors and attendees.

Muskegon County Courts Required to Limit In-Person Access to Courthouse

Effective April 7th 2021, all Muskegon County Courts are required to return to Phase 1 of the Michigan Supreme Court’s 4 phased plan to return Michigan’s trial courts to full capacity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictive conditions limiting in-person access to court facilities is due to a continued increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests, as well as the overall percentage of positive tests currently reported in Muskegon County. Returning to Phase 1 will limit the ways in which the general public is able to interact with the court and court staff.

For the general public, this means:

Court offices will not be open to serve the general public on a ‘walk-in’ basis.
Nearly all court hearings will now be required to be conducted virtually via Zoom video conferencing technology until further order of the court. If you have received a notice to appear in person for a Muskegon County Court hearing please contact the court at the number listed on your notice to appear to determine if your in-person appearance is required or to receive instructions on how to appear virtually. If you have an attorney and you are uncertain about whether you should appear in person or to appear remotely, please contact your attorney immediately.
Individuals will be allowed into Muskegon County Hall of Justice only under very specific conditions. Other Muskegon County offices are not governed by the Michigan Supreme Court’s Return to Full Capacity Plan. You are encouraged to contact those respective offices directly regarding their hours of operation and accessibility to the general public.
Everyone entering the Hall of Justice will be required to complete a health screening and everyone accessing court services will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside the building.
Jury trials will be suspended until they can safely resume on a limited in-person basis. If you are called for jury service, please carefully follow the instructions on the summons that you receive and call the Jury Clerk at the number listed on your summons, if you have any questions.
Court offices will continue to be staffed during normal business hours and general court business will continue to the maximum extent possible. Court ordered payments of fines, costs, and restitution can be made over the phone, through the mail, online by going to the Muskegon County Website, or by depositing a check or money order (including a case number) in the court drop boxes located outside the Muskegon County Hall of Justice. Filings for the 60th District Court may also be submitted via the drop box. Filings for the 14th Circuit Court must be made via e-mail at CCR.Filings@muskegoncounty.net or through the U.S. Mail.

The Muskegon County Courts, along with their employees and judges, understand the hardship that these restrictions on access to court facilities create for citizens. However, our first obligation continues to be the health and safety of all we serve. Your continued patience and understanding is very much appreciated.

Muskegon’s YAC Partner with Love N Grace Healing Centers to Help Students Heal Emotionally.

LOVE N GRACE HEALING CENTERS RECEIVES $4675 GRANT TO CREATE A SERIES OF VIRTUAL PROJECTS THAT BUILD RESILIENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN STUDENTS

Muskegon, Michigan — Love N Grace Healing Centers has received a $4675 grant from Community Foundation for Muskegon County to support its Empowered Kids – Go Pro and Grow program. The award comes from the Youth Advisory Council Fund at the Community Foundation.

Rev. Debra Yonkers, executive director of Love N Grace Healing Centers, said the funds would be used to build resilience in students suffering from adverse childhood experiences and the extra trauma brought on from the pandemic. While meeting in schools was limited, this grant will allow students to receive tools and care virtually. Our websites, YouTube and via email.

“Now we can reach the students that desperately need care from any school whether they’re at school or at home,” Yonkers said.

About Love N Grace Healing Centers – Empowered Kids program
Love N Grace Healing Centers was started in 2017 by Rev. Debra Yonkers to teach students and adults the skills they need to Live Life Healed. Today, over 80% of students and adults that complete the program report they are Living Life Healed.
Students:
48% improvement in areas of depression
76% improvement in areas of education

For more information about Love N Grace Healing Centers and our Empowered Kids program, call 231-260-0193 or visit www.LoveNGrace.org.

About Community Foundation for Muskegon County
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County was created in 1961 by local residents to improve the quality of life in their community. A publicly supported community endowment, the Foundation works with donors, grantees, advisers, and residents to identify and support the issues that shape our area. For more information about the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, call 231.722.4538 or visit muskegonfoundation.org.

Local Agency Helps Remove Barriers for Home-bound Seniors to Get Vaccine

LifeCircles removes barriers and provides accessible transportation to help frail seniors receive COVID-19 Vaccine.

Holland/Muskegon, MI / Older adults are the most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. This same group of older adults may face barriers in getting the vaccine. Some do not have access to the internet to get on waiting lists, others may not have wheelchair accessible transportation to get to vaccine clinics. For nearly 300 seniors in Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan Counties, these barriers have been removed. LifeCircles PACE, an in-home senior wellness program, has been working hard to make sure the seniors they serve can access the highly sought-after vaccine. LifeCircles nurses, bus drivers, personal aides and more have stepped up to help seniors register for, use accessible transportation, and receive support needed to complete the vaccine series.

Though there has been a lot of effort to make sure seniors living in facilities have access to the vaccine, the picture is more complex for seniors with chronic health issues who live in their own homes. Each county has had a different approach to administering the vaccines. LifeCircles has taken the guess work out of getting the vaccine. It has been especially challenging for working adult children of frail seniors to make sure their parents receive the vaccine. The program works hard to take the pressure off family members who may have needed to take multiple days off of work to coordinate and escort their loved ones to the community vaccine clinics. Physical therapists, social workers and other team members met LifeCircles participants at the clinics to make sure persons living with dementia or mobility challenges had the support needed to navigate the unfamiliar community vaccine clinics.

Katie Mayberry, Director of Interdisciplinary Operations at LifeCircles Holland Location said “The incredible amount of energy and teamwork that has gone into getting our folks set-up with the vaccine highlights the strengths of our program. Everyday nurses, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists and more come together to make sure seniors living in the community do not fall through the cracks. It truly takes a village!” The program has worked closely with other community agencies like Mercy Health, HealthWest, Pioneer Resources, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan County Health Departments, to ensure those who want the vaccine, receive the vaccine. “Our ties to the community run deep, pulling together and sharing strengths in a time a crisis is what we do in West Michigan” said Luke Reynolds, Executive Director at LifeCircles.

About LifeCircles PACE:
LifeCircles is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It provides innovative in home health care to older adults who might otherwise need to move into traditional nursing facilities. A team of highly qualified geriatric professionals delivers a total package of medical and social services to help seniors live in their own homes with dignity and grace. LifeCircles has served over 1000 seniors who live in Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties. LifeCircles PACE is a non profit organization that was created through a joint venture between Porter Hills/UMRC, Mercy Health and Senior Resources in 2009. For more information about the program please visit www.lifecircles-pace.org. You can also follow us on Facebook.

Ask Dr. Universe – Touchscreens

Dr. Universe: How do touch screens work? -Nicholas, 11, Florida

Dear Nicholas,

When I got your question, I decided to do a little experiment. First, I tapped my paw on a tablet and sent a message to a friend. Next, I put on a pair of wool mittens and started typing, but the screen did not respond. Finally, I used a banana to see if I could use it to swipe the screen. It actually worked.

I wondered what exactly was going on here and decided to take our questions to my friend Praveen Sekhar. He’s an associate professor in the Washington State University School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Sekhar told me our touch screen devices use electricity to work and that different materials can impact how the electricity flows. Some materials called insulators keep electricity from flowing, such as the wool mittens. Then there are objects such as your finger or a banana that allow electricity to flow from one place to another. We call these conductors.

When your finger touches the screen, it creates a sort of pathway for electricity to flow from your finger to the device. You read that right: you have electricity in your body— from your toes to your fingers.

Sekhar said you can think of how these touch screens work sort of like a battery. If you look at a battery, you will see it has a positive charge end and a negative charge end. Electricity will start to flow if both ends are connected to your device.

A touch screen device on its own has a negative charge, he said. But once your finger connects with the touch screen it becomes positive. The electrical charges can work together to help your device work. This kind electrical ability is called capacitive technology and is found in many touch screen phones, tablets, and computers.

Sekhar also told me about another kind of touch screen. These are the kinds of touch screens we see at ATMs and in grocery stores. These screens aren’t quite as bright as your computer or phone. We call these resistive screens, and they are made of layers of glass and plastic with a chemical coating and a sheet of metal underneath them.

When you press these screens with your finger, you apply pressure to the material. Inside the material, the electrical charges start moving inside as they respond to pressure from your finger and allow the device to work.

Whether it is capacitive or resistive technology, touch screens have become part of many people’s daily lives.

With help from an adult, perhaps you can do a little investigation into touch screens, too. Collect a few small items from around the house to find out which ones are insulators and which ones are conductors.

Screens are quite fragile so you may want to use materials that will be gentle to your screen, like a cotton swab, an eraser or a banana. Touch the objects to the screen to see if they allow your device to respond. Make a list of which objects conduct, or allow electricity to pass through, and remember how electricity helps your phone do all kinds of amazing things.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Know a kid with a science question?

With help from my friends at Washington State University, we’re investigating tough and smart questions from curious kids around the world.

Submit a question!

Fruitport Village Council Work Session – 7th & Peach Ave. – 3/13/2021

COUNCIL WORK SESSION
SATURDAY MARCH 13TH 2PM
7TH & PEACH AVENUE

1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 2:04pm.

2. ROLL CALL
Present: Amy Haack, Carl Rothenberger, Bill Overkamp, Jeff Guiles, Roger Vanderstelt and Ann LaCroix

3. REVIEW SITE
Roger reviewed the site area and issues. The council and several residents walked through the two different areas and Roger pointed out the difficulty in finding a buried culvert. A packet with diagrams and quotes was reviewed.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Steve McKellips, 308 Pine Street stated that he would like for his pond to be saved during this process but is okay with losing it if that is what is necessary to prevent the water issues in the neighborhood.
Toni Kostamo, 297 Elm, questioned if there would be other meetings regarding the issues.
Tracy LeFaive, 281 Elm, she does not have issues with water in her basement, but many other neighbors have experience water issues. She would like to see it fixed.

5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Carl to adjourn the meeting at 2:40pm, supported by Bill. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Village of Fruitport Budget Council Meeting Minutes – 3/8/2021

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
BUDGET COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 8TH, 2021

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

2. Roll Call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Amy Haack, Carl Rothenberger, Bill Overkamp, Jeff Guiles and Ann LaCroix

3. Approval of March 8th Budget meeting Agenda
Motion made by Amy to approve the March 8th budget meeting agenda, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

4. Approval of February 15th budget and council meeting minutes
Motion made by Amy to approve the corrected budget meeting minutes that were sent out today and the council meeting minutes, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

5. Public Comment
None

6. 2021-2022 Budget (remaining items from previous budget meeting)

a. Boat Launch attendant and Porta Potty
Roger discussed increasing the boat launch attendant wages from $13.00 per hour (approved at last council meeting) to $14.00 per hour for the upcoming season. Wages are paid by the boat launch earnings. A discussion took place. Motion made by Carl to approve the increase in wage to $14.00 per hour, supported by Jeff. Roll Call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
An additional discussion took place about increasing the responsibilities of the boat launch attendant. Roger, Ann, and boat launch attendant Margo will work together on a schedule and the new responsibilities and present to council at a future meeting.
Porta Potty – Roger suggested putting a second porta potty in the changing room building. A discussion took place and Ann will check on the cost for having the original porta potty cleaned twice a week and the cost of adding a second porta potty for holiday weekend.

b. Council wages. Carl reviewed the document provided by the treasurer breaking down the cost of increasing the council wages. Due to the recent council reduction the cost would be minimal at approximately $500.00 a year. The current council wage was set in 1988.
Ann will check on the process of changing the ordinance and this will be on the next meeting agenda.

c. Review of current fiscal year budget items. Ann reviewed the carry over items from last years budget that will be included in next year’s budget.

d. Next fiscal year budget discussion. Ann reviewed the new items for consideration.
The DPW provided a wish list. A discussion took place, and it was determined that the council would like more information about the items and how they are prioritized. This is a multi-year wish list.

7. Public Comment
None

8. Adjournment
Motion made by Carl to adjourn the meeting at 7:09pm, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix
Clerk/Treasurer

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

APRIL 12, 2021

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

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
Roll call
Approval of board minutes: 3/22/21
Approve / amend agenda
Correspondence / reports
Public comments regarding agenda items
Unfinished Business
A. Approval of POLC Collective Bargaining Agreement
New Business
A. Discussion on County Commissioners’ Succession Attempt
B. Senior Services Revenue Discussion
C. Agreement to Share Tax Increment Financing Revenue from Muskegon County Millage
Approval of Bills
Reports
Public Comments
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

Ottawa County Preliminary Unemployment Rate for January 2021

The preliminary unemployment rates for January 2021 were released recently by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Ottawa County’s unemployment rate has decreased from a high of 20.4% in April 2020 to 4.8% in January 2021. This is currently the third-lowest unemployment rate in Michigan, with rates ranging from 19.5% in Mackinac County to 3.8% in Livingston County.

Read more from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

Coming soon: Tree House at Grand Ravines

This summer, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission plans to commence work to add another jewel to the crown of one its most scenic and beloved parks – Grand Ravines in Georgetown Township, just south of the Grand Valley State University Allendale Campus.

Through a significant gift to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation from an anonymous foundation, the Grand Ravines Tree House will be constructed just off the Idema Explorers Trail route.The Tree House, which will be located high above the edge of ravine that parallels the north boundary of the park, will be dedicated to Bea Aldrink Idema in recognition of her love for nature, education, and having fun. The north ravines property is deeply connected to Bea and her family.

“The Ottawa County Parks Foundation was established with the hope that we could help provide ‘the margin of excellence’ for our parks systems,” said Parks Foundation President, Bobbi Jones Sabine. “We are so thankful for this gift, which will make it possible to create an inspiring, enriching connection to nature and to these ravines.”

From the inception of the Ottawa County Parks Commission in 1987, the majestic ravines system that stretches from along the western bank of the Grand River from Ottawa Creek in Allendale Township to Willow Creek in Georgetown Township has been a priority for public access and preservation. Identified by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory as one of Ottawa County’s most significant natural features, the ravines are a geological wonder in an area that otherwise has limited terrain.

Following the acquisition of the north Grand Ravines property in 2011 and the completion of the Master Plan for the park in 2013, there has been an emphasis by Ottawa County Parks & Recreation on developing amenities which uniquely connect park users with the experience of the ravines. Through Parks Millage funding, state and federal grants, and the generosity of anonymous foundations and donors, several experiences have been created that provide special access to the beauty of the ravines system – these include:

• The Grand Ravines Lodge which sits atop a ravine crest and overlooks the Grand River and is available to be reserved for private events. Please note: this facility was temporarily closed for COVID; it will re-open for reservations on April 8, 2021.
• The Idema Explorers Trail which traverses the edge of a ravine and features a dramatic descent from the top of the ravine to the river (and will eventually connect to Grand Haven to the west and Grand Rapids to the east), named for a $2 million gift from the Bill & Bea Idema Foundation
• A Nature Overlook, dedicated to the brothers and sisters of the John and Anna Aldrink Family, which provides a full view of the forested north ravine
• The 275’ Grand Ravines Suspension Bridge, constructed with a generous donation from Bea Aldrink Idema and dedicated to Ray and Alma Statema, floats 70’ above a ravine bottom on the south side of the park and has become an iconic feature of the West Michigan’s many parks (even being recently featured in a Grand Rapids-themed coloring book)

In 2018, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) recognized the special natural features and amenities at Grand Ravines and awarded Ottawa County Parks & Recreation the Park Design award for that year.

The Tree House complements these amenities and builds on them – the Tree House will stand 40’ above ravine edge where it starts to descend steeply to the creek bottom. To reach the Tree House, users will walk along a winding 100’ long boardwalk nestled among the towering trees. The enclosed Tree House will feature a rustic design with multiple overlook locations providing a unique tree-top perspective of the descending ravine.

The Tree House concept was first developed and proposed several years ago. “The Tree House design came from sketches sitting in the drawer of our Coordinator of Park Planning and Development, Curt TerHaar, that he first worked on in 2013,” said Ottawa County Parks Commission President Kelly Rice. “We are so appreciative of our donor and our Parks Foundation for allowing us to take a fanciful paper sketch from dream to reality. Through this generosity, future generations will have a unique and magical experience in the ravines.”

Engineering design on the Tree House is expected to commence in the Spring with construction hoped to begin later this year. As part of the project, expanded parking and supporting amenities will be added to the Grand Ravines Overlook parking area along the north entrance drive for Grand Ravines off 42nd Avenue.

Additionally, work continues on the Idema Explorers Trail both east and west of Grand Ravines. Updates on the status of several segments of the trail could be provided over the course of spring and summer.

View photos of Grand Ravines here.

Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Welcomes New Director

MRWA Executive Director, Marty Holtgren hereby announces an additional Subject Matter Expert to the Board of Directors. According to Holtgren, “This appointment was confirmed at our regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting on Monday March 15, and is in keeping with our desire to attract a broad and inclusive range of interests, talents, and passions to our leadership team in order to best serve all the stakeholder communities throughout the watershed”.

The MRWA is pleased to welcome Melanie Manion, the Natural Resources Manager for Ottawa County Parks, where she manages over 7,000 acres of land, including numerous riparian areas. Previously, Ms. Manion worked as the Stewardship Coordinator for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) for 10 years as an environmental educator. At LCWM, she spearheaded the West Michigan Cluster of the Stewardship Network, which evolved to the current West Michigan Conservation Network. She is presently the Learning and Engagement lead for this regional conservation organization.

Earning both a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science, and an M.S. in Conservation Biology at Central Michigan University, Melanie is passionate about protecting and restoring Michigan’s beautiful natural features, and lives in Muskegon County.

Superhero Day is April 8th at John Ball Zoo

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superhero Day at John Ball Zoo! Come dressed as your favorite superhero and meet amazing superheroes in-person on Thursday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Zoo guests can meet the rotating group of superheroes including Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Star Lord, Thor, Black Widow and more.

Guests can also discover themed animal enrichment and signs at animal habitats showcasing animal superpowers. Plus, they can enjoy Superhero-themed concessions like Hulk Floss, Spidey Slush, and a Captain America Freezy.

Superhero Day meet-and-greet is included in regular admission. Along with meeting superheroes, guests can also see the Zoo’s BRICKLIVE Supersized! toy brick exhibition, along with the triplet red panda cubs, and the Canada lynx kitten.

John Ball Zoo notes that the superhero meet-and-greet will be different this year. Instead of individual photo opportunities with each character, guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with a group of superheroes on the beautiful Bissell Tree House deck. For the safety of the superheroes and guests, these magical interactions will be from a safe social distance.

There are a limited number of guest tickets available for Superhero Day. The Zoo highly recommends reserving timed entry tickets online prior to arrival. This will ensure a guest’s entry as the Zoo cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-up ticket purchases. This includes the special early entry for John Ball Zoo members who can meet the superheroes an hour before the Zoo opens to everyone.

Photos of each superhero, along with additional event details and a ticket link are available at www.jbzoo.org/superheroday. Spring Zoo admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children (3-12) and seniors, and children 2 and under are free.

John Ball Zoo notes they are following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that require masks from all guests over the age of 5, both indoors and outdoors.

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information www.jbzoo.org or (616)336-4301.

John Ball Zoo inspires people to be active participants in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – Tuesday April 6, – Sunday April 11, 2021

Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events
Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:
Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org
USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Tuesday April 6:

Spring Break Art Camp: Friendly Crochet
April 6-8 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ages 8-12 $10 for non-members $9 for ACWL-Nuveen members. Join Ro at Art Council of White Lake located at 106 E. Colby St. for this class to make your own crocheted bracelets! Over the course of three classes, students will learn basic crochet terminology and multiple crochet stitches. All supplies will be provided and students will leave with at least two, unique bracelets. Crochet is creative and fun! Keeping up with the trends is easy once you know the basic techniques. This class is designed for people who have little-to-no crochet experience. Ambitious beginners are Welcome! 231-893-2524 Register at www.artswhitelake.org

Spring Break Art Camp: Paper Mache Animal Sculptures
April 6-8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ages 6-12 $10 for non-members $9 for ACWL-Nuveen members Spend three sessions at the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St. engaging in creative art play making fantasy animal sculptures out of Paper Mâché. Students will be working with cardboard, glue, paper, yarn, felt, feathers, paint and more! This is a chance to let your imagination run wild and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Registration is required at www.artswhitelake.org 231-893-2524

Animal Encounters at Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo
April 2 – April 11
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo located at 4180 W M-20 may be closed for general visitation, but you can still get your fill of Animal Adventure with one of their Spring Break Animal Encounters! Select times available April 2 – 11. See website for details and reservations: www.visitlewisfarms.com. 231-861-5730

Wednesday April 7:

Thursday April 8:

Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game -vs- Dubuque Fighting Saints
Puck Drops @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are a U.S. Junior A hockey team based at the Mercy Health Arena! Going to a game you’ll hear things like “Great price for family fun” and “Always a fun atmosphere, people are great and the games are always fun”. This year social distancing and other precautions will be in effect so please bring your mask. Tonight’s game will be against Dubuque Fighting Saints. The puck drops at 7:00pm. #GOJACKS! For tickets call 231-726-2400 Mercy Health Arena is located at 470 W. Western Ave. https://www.muskegonlumberjacks.com/tickets

Open Studio Session: Climate Art
April 1 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Community members are invited to drop-in to the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St. to create climate-related art! If you don’t have any ideas for inspiration, White Lake Area Climate Action Council volunteers will be on hand to share information about climate changes affecting our area. You will also have the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at area businesses as part of the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded! To be included in the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition, artists must submit either a 12″x12″ repurposed canvas or 12″x12″ cardboard square to the ACWL-Nuveen by April 19. ACWL-Nuveen will have both on hand, although repurposed canvases are limited. Registration is required: www.artswhitelake.org/open-studio-session. Questions: 231-893-2524

Reservation for City Center Arts Show Reception
Sign up now. Limited Availability
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
City Center Arts Gallery and Artisan Shop located at 356 W. Western Ave. is a new upcoming gallery that has rotating theme exhibits featuring all local artists. It is a gallery of all styles, mediums and price points. Reserving a ticket for a reception is a chance to come out and see the exhibit shows with exclusive hours outside of our normal hours. It’s a great chance to meet with friends and family and other art lovers. Some receptions will offer a chance to speak with artists and hear about their work. It’s also a great way to shop for art and artisan hand crafted merchandise at a different pace and environment than when we are open for normal business hours. Staff on hand can help answer questions about purchasing art pieces too. With safety guidelines in place, our receptions are more of a docent feel, but our grand event receptions with food and beverages will return soon if we all do our part; so grab a mask and come join us for some of the best art in town! Also contact us to request a reception or for more details on our Eventbrite or at CityCenterArts.com 231-571-9101

Cardio Drumming!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A fun workout for all ages, sizes and fitness levels! First timers can rent the needed equipment for $1 Lakeshore Sports Arena 4470 Airline Rd. Muskegon, MI 49444 The class is just $2 per person. Required equipment: Water bottle, available to rent for $1 each are: 17 gallon bucket, 65-75cm yoga ball, Drumsticks. Keep up to date with the Muskegon Drum Crew Facebook Group . Classes are Monday & Thursday. Social distance is required.

Friday April 9:

Friday Night Cornhole
April 2 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sherman Bowling Center located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. invites everyone who is looking for something to do! The bar and restaurant will be open. Mask is required when not eating or drinking. Doors open at 6:00 to come in and practice, Blind draw (Random Partner) tournament starts at 6:30. THIS IS A VERY SOCIAL EVENT Meet new friends, bring your group, and just plan on having a great time. You do not have to be a serious player to come out and play. Cornhole is for everyone! Bring your own bags or use provided bags. $15 / player ($5 cover charge – $10 blind draw entry) Cash prizes to the top teams. 616-710-2318

Saturday April 10:

Downtown Muskegon Shop Hop
April 10
Adventure through Downtown Muskegon! Stop by any one of the shops below to pick up your passport! Get a stamp from all of the participating businesses, and turn in your completed passport at your last stop for a chance at winning a Gift Basket! Anything Sews!, City Center Arts, The Cheese Lady, The Front Porch, Harris & Willow, The Lemon Blossom, McDonald’s Candies, Minty Vintage, Morat’s Bakery, Nipote’s Italian Kitchen, The Pine Street Mercantile, Polka Dot Paisley, Vintage Redefined, Y-Knot Embroidery, Aldea Coffee and East of Eden Wellness Spa Center *Other businesses may also participate, but may not be on the printed passport.

Clean Comedy Time Show
7:30 pm – 9:00pm
Do you want to laugh without the risk of offensive language or topics? If so, join this diverse group of Clean Comedy Time comedians as we laugh together again, safely in person at The Playhouse at White Lake located at 304 S. Mears! Hosted by Aaron Sorrels, this will be a fun filled night of clean comedy intended for an adult audience. $15 Tickets. Automatic Social Distance seating buffers will be in effect when buying tickets, so be sure to BUY YOUR TICKETS TOGETHER with anyone who may be planning to join you for the show. 231-894-0119 www.theplayhouseatwhitelake.org

Second Saturdays: FREE
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay as they open their doors for guests to enjoy all the museum has to offer! Newest exhibit Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins: Piecing Together Her History is on display now. The STEM Center will be open by registration for 30-minute time slots, and the hands-on Science Center will be open throughout the afternoon. Scavenger hunt sheets will be available and kids will receive a take-and-make activity related to one of the exhibits to complete at home. Mask are required to enter the museum. Be sure to check back the day of your visit for any last minute safety updates or changes. 231-722-0278

Open Studio Session: Climate Art
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Community members are invited to drop-in to the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St., to create climate-related art! If you don’t have any ideas for inspiration, White Lake Area Climate Action Council volunteers will be on hand to share information about climate changes affecting our area. You will also have the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at area businesses as part of the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded! To be included in the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition, artists must submit either a 12″x12″ repurposed canvas or 12″x12″ cardboard square to the ACWL-Nuveen by April 19. ACWL-Nuveen will have both on hand, although repurposed canvases are limited. Registration is required. Register here: https://www.artswhitelake.org/…/open-studio-session…

Acrylic Paint Pouring: Dirty Flip Cup
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Create with Sabryna at the McLaughlin Community Fellowship (1198 Spring Street, Muskegon, Michigan). 25% of the proceeds from this workshop will go to the McLaughlin Community Center, where it is hosted. Acrylic Paint Pouring is fun, a bit messy, and a little unpredictable too. Students will learn about the materials, tools and techniques needed in this form of paint pouring and each participant will create their own 11″ x 14″ painting. Registration is $20 per person. Tools and materials provided. Seating is limited, so please register ahead of time.
https://slbenmark.wixsite.com/naturalcreations/store?fbclid=IwAR30bPk43tzks1sWcDDG5v2eeUL5lV2KhV7r-7YYLXx_kG-pvj9voBxH6zY
This class is for ages 8+ (8-14 with adult supervision) and materials and tools will be provided. Class size is limited, so please register ahead of time.

Beginner’s Wire Wrapping
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Students can choose to make either a wire wrapped gemstone pendant or a wire wrapped ring in this beginner level wire wrapping class. Learn the common tools, skills, and tips to wire wrapping a pre-drilled stone.$10 per person. Materials included. Tools will be available for use for all workshops, however you may bring your own if you have them. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1198 Spring St. is the location. https://slbenmark.wixsite.com/naturalcreations/store?fbclid=IwAR30bPk43tzks1sWcDDG5v2eeUL5lV2KhV7r-7YYLXx_kG-pvj9voBxH6zY

Beginner’s Chainmaille – Celtic Pattern Bracelet
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Learn the medieval art form of Chainmaille by creating a bracelet in the Celtic pattern style at 1198 Spring St. $20 Registration includes all of the materials used to create one bracelet as well as written instructions that you will be able to keep and two hours of instruction. Tools will be provided. Seating is limited, so please register ahead of time. To register go to this link: https://slbenmark.wixsite.com/naturalcreations/store?fbclid=IwAR30bPk43tzks1sWcDDG5v2eeUL5lV2KhV7r-7YYLXx_kG-pvj9voBxH6zY

Disability Awareness Art Show
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event. Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday April 11:

Latin Dance Lesson and Open Dance – Bachata
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Are you ready for partner dancing again? Located at 5571 E. Apple Ave. ,weekly Latin dance events every Sunday in March. The events will be a beginner’s lesson and open dancing. Take the lesson or just come and dance. Your choice. No partner or experience needed. We will not be switching partners. Bring a partner, meet a partner there or come dance solo. It’s all fun. We will accept gift donations to cover our costs, but that is not required. This is open to the community and we want your bodies there! Invite your friends and let’s make it a party! If you would like to extend your social network, get some very fun exercise, learn some new dance moves, or just want to dance, this is for you! Feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Casual attire and comfortable shoes (or dance in your socks). No street shoes on the dance floor. Get details on all of our dance events on our Facebook group page MADLOS. 231-736-3205

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Vandyk Mortgage Convention Center

City of Muskegon, County of Muskegon and Parkland Properties of Michigan Present the Grand Opening of the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center

Muskegon, MI – The City of Muskegon, County of Muskegon and Parkland Properties of Michigan present the Grand Opening of the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, on Monday, April 12th, 2021at 460 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI.

The 55,000 sq. ft. facility was constructed on the vacated 4th Street in downtown Muskegon and donated land from Parkland, between the newly renovated, 200-room Delta Hotels by Marriott and the Mercy Health Arena. The VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center offers 37,700 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art, functional meeting, convention and event space, with 16,550 sq. ft. of contiguous meeting space, 3,050 sq. ft. of adjacent meeting space, 8,100 sq. ft. of pre-function space, 10,000 sq. ft. of hotel meeting space, and up to 13 breakout rooms.

“We are excited to open this beautiful expansion onto our existing meeting facilities. We are confident our visitors will fall in love with the timeless design of the convention center, as well as our fully renovated Delta Hotel and our new, elevated dining experience at Walker’s An American Brasserie.” said Jon Rooks, President of Parkland Properties, operators of the new convention center.

Due to center’s unique and innovative design, and its connection to the Delta Hotel, it can host anywhere from 100 to 2,750 attendees, allowing any size group to shine as the main attraction in downtown Muskegon. The Convention Center is also conveniently located across the street from the Shoreline Inn Hotel, offering another 140-rooms to visitors.

All in, the Convention Center, Delta Hotel, and Mercy Health Arena upgrades represent a $35 million investment in the heart of Downtown Muskegon.

The birth of the Convention Center does not come without a huge team effort from Parkland Properties, City Officials, County Officials, State Government and the Design and Construction Development team organized by Construction Simplified as Owner’s Representative. Over the course of 20 months, their combined efforts were able to provide the Muskegon Community with a well-deserved, state of the art Convention Center.

“We are excited to be announcing the completion of this new catalyst project in Muskegon. We expect the Convention Center to continue to build on Muskegon’s existing momentum and make our community even more of a year-round destination for groups, businesses, and travelers,” said Frank Peterson, CEO of the Muskegon Municipal Corporation. “Thank you to Clark Construction (Construction Manager) and Progressive AE (Architect and Engineering) and the countless trade partners that helped bring this center to reality.”
– Frank Peterson, City Manager or City of Muskegon

The Convention Center will surely bring many eager visitors to the city of Muskegon, who will undoubtedly fall in love with the welcoming lakeshore community and its vibrant flare. “We are thrilled to bring state associations, organizations, groups, and events to Muskegon to enjoy this new convention space and experience our very walkable downtown,” said Bob Lukens, Director of Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau.

Due to current state mandates regarding COVID-19, the Grand Opening of the Convention Center will not be open to the public. However, the community will be able to watch the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by a RSVP to our Facebook event and tuning into our live stream of the ceremony at 2:30pm on 4/12 [https://fb.me/e/EraFrEWq]. This event will serve as an exciting kick-off as the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center hosts their first Convention, The Home Garden & Boat Show, on April 16th and 17th.

Muskegon Local Libraries Partner to Eliminate Fines

MUSKEGON, MI, — The Muskegon Area District Library system, Hackley Public Library and White Lake Community Library will eliminate overdue fines for all items effective today. During National Library Week, April 4-10, three local libraries are partnering to provide more essential services to the community.

Especially during the life-altering pandemic crisis, it is important to remove barriers for patrons who cannot afford the fines. By eliminating the fines, inactive library patrons will now be able to return to the library. Fines have been temporarily suspended for patrons since the start of the pandemic in 2020, and now the libraries have agreed to eliminate overdue fines entirely.

Card-holders who couldn’t check out materials due to unpaid late fines will now be able to check out materials. Fees for lost or damaged items will still be imposed.

Libraries around the country have eliminated late fines to provide a more accessible and welcoming experience for more people by removing all barriers. Now, more than ever, the community needs access to viable library services, free Wi-Fi, computers, downloadable digital resources, technology, movies and videos.

Libraries have continued to serve the community throughout this public health crisis with on-line digital resources, virtual programs for all and on-line reference services. In addition, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi access is available 24/7 outside of all library buildings. The Libraries’ mission is to provide free and equitable access to all and eliminating fines will provide improved access to library and information services.

More information about each library’s service are available on their websites. Please visit madl.org, wlclib.org, or hackleylibrary.org for details .

Healing West Michigan Conference – April 29th, 2021

LOVE N GRACE HEALING CENTERS WILL BE WELCOMING KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR. NEIL T ANDERSON TO MUSKEGON

Muskegon, Michigan — First time and possibly the only time you’ll be able to learn from Dr. Neil Anderson, live, in Muskegon. He’ll be here on Thursday, April 29th starting at 9:00 a.m. He is the keynote speaker for this free all day conference designed to teach more people how they can help those emotionally hurting. Reservations are required, see the attached flyer for more information or go to bit.ly/lovengraceheals. The event will be held at Fellowship Church, 4200 E Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.

The morning presentation is titled: Resolving personal and spiritual conflicts. This is a real eye opener for people that work directly with people whether it’s medical, in a school, in the workplace or in the church.

• How is God an integral part of the discipleship/counseling process?
• What are the unique roles and responsibilities of the encourager, inquirer, and Holy Spirit?
• How can believers be free from demonic influences?

Dr. Anderson often has been keynote speaker for national conferences with psychologists so the second part of his presentation is titled, Why integration of theology and psychology.

• Why is a biblical worldview essential for the integration of theology and psychology?
• Where do counseling, discipling, deliverance, and inner healing intersect?
• How does the spiritual world interplay with the natural world?

In each session guests will receive take-home tools they can use to help those hurting and be given an opportunity to engage in the work of healing through Love N Grace Healing Centers.

The big secret is there is never a cost to those receiving care, their job is to heal. Donors and grants are what make care for children and adults possible through any of Love N Grace’s programs.

Mark and Christine Fazakerley are sponsoring the lunch. They continue to be a long time sponsor of the non-profit because of the children suffering from adverse childhood experiences. The children have had so many family, loneliness and anxiety issues before the pandemic. Now things are even harder for them to learn and thrive. The Fazakerleys just want the students to have all the tools they can to be successful students and Love N Grace’s Empowered Kids school program is an important part of the students’ success.

About Love N Grace Healing Centers

It’s time to heal. Dr. Anderson’s work was the launching pad for the Love N Grace Healing Centers, a 501C3 non-profit, located right here in Muskegon. Along with program material put together by the founder, Rev. Debra Yonkers, clients report over 80% of the time that after going through the program they can now live life healed. Come learn from Dr. Neil T Anderson how and why this simple addition to a client’s existing care has such a positive impact.

Rev. Debra Yonkers, executive director of Love N Grace Healing Centers, said the increase in emotional and spiritual issues from 2020 and into 2021 have really impacted those we care for.

As you already know people are crying for help and stats show it:
An increase in:

• Overdoses and relapse
• Depression
• Students struggling in school
• Divorce
• Loneliness
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Suicide/Suicidal Ideation
• Emergency Room visits for emotional health of children
• Unhealthy Coping Choices

So many questions need answers, like:

• Where’s God
• Why would God…

Love N Grace Healing Centers can help will all of these issues by helping clients identify the root problem and bring truth into it.

About Dr. Neil T. Anderson

Neil was raised on a farm in Minnesota. He served his country for four years in the Navy. He worked for four years as an aerospace engineer before being called full time into the ministry. He has served the Lord as a high school campus pastor, and in the local church as a youth pastor, college pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. He taught for ten years at Talbot School of Theology and was the chairman of the Practical Theology Department. He is the Founder and President Emeritus of Freedom In Christ Ministries that has offices and representatives in forty countries, as well as hundreds of staff and ministry associates throughout the United States and Canada. He conducts conferences for Christian leaders around the world in addition to maintaining a heavy writing schedule. Neil stays involved with the academic community by teaching Doctor of Ministry classes. He stay fit by exercising regularly at the YMCA. Since 2014 he took care of his beloved Joanne who passed away October 2, 2018. He wrote about his experience in The Power of Presence.

Website: www.ficm.org & www.ficminternational.org

Ask Dr. Universe – Flying Squirrels

Dr. Universe: Do flying squirrels really fly? – Gwendolyn, 9

Dear Gwendolyn,

Flying squirrels may not really fly, but they do have flaps of skin on their bodies that act like parachutes and help them glide through the air.

My friend Todd Wilson told me all about it. He’s a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and graduate of Washington State University who researches Pacific Northwest ecosystems and the animals that call them home— including flying squirrels.

When flying squirrels are trying to avoid predators, like weasels, sometimes they will run to the top of a tree. The weasel might think the flying squirrel has nowhere else to run. That’s when the flying squirrel makes its move.

“The flying squirrel can just take off and glide,” Wilson said. “When they launch themselves from a tree, they can actually go quite a ways out, but they’re not actually flying.”

Depending on the tree, flying squirrels can sometimes glide for hundreds of feet. As they glide, they can use their tail to steer around and between other trees.

Flying squirrels are not only amazing to watch, but they also play an important part in forest ecosystems.

While other tree squirrels eat a lot of nuts or seeds from tree cones, a big part of a flying squirrel’s diet is something different. They eat an organism called fungi that live under the soil.

“Flying squirrels eat the fruits of the fungi in the forest—if the fruit is above ground, it is called a mushroom. If the fruit is below ground, we call it a truffle. Flying squirrels eat a lot of mushrooms and truffles, and then pass them through their digestive system,” Wilson said.

Flying squirrels help spread the fungi around the forest through their, well, poop. As new fungi grow, they suck up nutrients from the soil and pass on those nutrients to trees. In exchange, the trees give fungi some sugars that help the fungi grow.

While flying squirrels play a big part in our forests, we rarely see them during the day. They are nocturnal, or active at night. But sometimes we can hear them.

They are pretty quiet compared to other squirrels, but they occasionally make a chittering sound as they meet up with other flying squirrels. We sometimes hear a big slap when they land on a tree. After all, there’s a lot of power and speed in that glide.

When flying squirrels glide during the night, they may pass other nocturnal neighbors in the sky, like bats.

Of all the thousands of mammal species on our planets, bats are the only mammals that can truly fly.

You know, the living things in the forest are linked together in important ways. They need each other to live and grow. Humans also play a big part in our forest ecosystems.

Can you think of ways humans are connected to the forest? Maybe you can even find some connections between you and a flying squirrel. Share your answers and ideas with us some time at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Know a kid with a science question?

With help from my friends at Washington State University, we’re investigating tough and smart questions from curious kids around the world.

Submit a question!

Fruitport Board of Education Workshop Minutes – 3/22/21

Fruitport Board of Education
Board Workshop
March 22, 2021 5:30 p.m.
Board Room

I. The Workshop of the Board of Education was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

II. ROLL CALL: Present – Jill Brott, Elroy Buckner, Tim Burgess, Kris Cole, Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, and Steve Kelly.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 21-041. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Burgess to approve the agenda with the following additions: Roof Replacement Bid Packet #4, Bi-Polar Ionization.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
Item 21-042. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2021.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

Jill Brott entered the meeting at 5:45 p.m.

2. Proposed Secondary Special Ed Programming
Allison Camp spoke about Special Education performance and changes that will be implemented this coming year.

3. Roof Replacement Bid Packet
Mark Mesbergen shared details regarding Bid Packet #4 which includes roof replacement of portions of the High School, Beach and Shettler.
Item 21-043. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to approve Bid Packet #4 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

4. High School Bond Change Order
Item 21-044. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Buckner to approve the change order replacing brick veneer of the existing high school science pod as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

5. Bi-Polar Ionization
Item 21-045. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Cole to approve the purchase of Bi-Polar Ionization from Airtech Equipment as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

6. Response to the State of Michigan Budget Letter
Item 21-046. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to approve the response to MDE regarding noncompliance with the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

7. Other
Bob Szymoniak addressed the Board regarding his plans to retire this summer.

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
Item 21-047. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly, Board Secretary

Home, Garden + Boat Show Tickets on Sale Now

Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden + Boat Show
April 16 + 17, 2021

Friday, April 16 from 4-7pm | Saturday, April 17 from 9am-5pm
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center | 460 W. Western Muskegon, MI 49440

Don’t miss the Lakeshore’s premier home, garden + boat show!

Featuring over 60 exhibitors from home improvement to landscapers to boat dealers
Check out the outdoor boat displays
Learn something new at one of our DIY or demonstration seminars including floral arranging, cooking demonstrations and boater safety
All this and more at the brand new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in downtown Muskegon!

Advance tickets just $8 or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free! Each ticket includes 15% off Walker’s Restaurant at the Delta by Marriot Hotel.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Tulip Time Planning Continues – Additional Events Announced

HOLLAND, MI – Tulip Time Festival announces additional details for the 2021 Festival.

On March 2, 2021, the MDHHS announced an update in the COVID-19 guidelines allowing some additional flexibility for gatherings. As a result, Tulip Time is pleased to announce the addition of several new events.

Dutch Costume Exhibit & Dutch Market
Immerse yourself in the sight and sounds of historic Holland at this new event for 2021! Tulip Time Dutch Dancers wear costumes that represent eight of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands. This exhibit features these intricately designed, beautiful, handmade costumes as well as other Dutch Dance artifacts. Stroll through the History of Tulip Time Posters Exhibit. Since 1982, local artists have shared their artistic interpretation of the festival. The complete collection will be on display for your enjoyment. Browse educational displays presented by local museums, select and order your favorite tulip bulbs, and shop Dutch-inspired goods, as well as Tulip Time merchandise, at the Dutch market. This event will be held Sat., May 1 through Sat., May 8 from 10a-4p, at the Holland Civic Center Place. Timed tickets are required for this event and are available online for advance purchase.

Tulip Time Carnival Midway
Oh, how we’ve missed the excitement of whirling and twirling rides, the bright flashing lights, the music and the smell of festival food filling the air! Tulip Time is excited to announce the return of the Carnival Midway promising fun for all ages throughout the week. While the Midway has been scaled down a bit to allow for adjusted capacity and safe social distancing, all the crowd favorites will still be there! The Carnival Midway will be located in the north lot of the Holland Civic Center Place. For the carnival daily schedule, ticket information and complete details on the measures put in place to ensure a fun, safe return of the Carnival Midway, visit www.tuliptime.com/carnival.

VIP Walking Tours
Your costumed guide will share Holland’s history, points of interest, and more on this two-mile walking tour. Then, have a seat at one of Holland’s newest eateries to enjoy scrumptious edibles including a charcuterie tray, wine tasting and dessert. Your host for this 1-hour private reception will be our city’s Mayor and local Holland enthusiast, sharing entertaining stories about the festival and our city. Fun and informative for visitors and locals alike. Timed tickets are required for this event. Must be 21+ to participate.

Tulip Time Painting Event
Join us for an evening of fun and friendship as local artist Carolyn Stich guides you through the painting of your own beautiful masterpiece. Two classes are offered – paint a contemporary vase with a modern Delft or vibrant tulip design; or create a spring like painting on canvas of our favorite flower – tulips! No painting experience is necessary.

Yoga in the Tulips
This nature infused yoga session is lighthearted, growth-focused and will leave you totally relaxed. Held outdoors among beautiful tulip plantings, each of the 60-minute sessions incorporate an all-level, gentle yoga flow that is perfect for both beginners and experienced yogis. All sessions will be led by Back to Health Chiropractic. Three sessions are available – Sun., May 2, 10-11a; Mon., May 3, 7-8p; Tues., May 4, 7-8p. Online registration is required.

Pre-festival Tulip Sale
Bring a little Tulip Time magic home with your very own potted tulips. The tulip pot sale is a fundraiser for future Tulip Time programs and events. Tulip pots are on sale now through April 14. Each 10-inch pot contains 10 bulbs that will bloom this year and then can be replanted in your garden for next year! You get a lot of bloom for your buck! Sorry, no color choices or exchanges. All pots must be purchased online in advance for specific curbside pick-up day and time.

Tulip Time Scavenger Hunt
Experience the fun of discovery as you participate in the Tulip Time Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a Scavenger Hunt flyer at the Tulip Time Office, Holland Visitors Bureau, information booths, or download a copy at www.tuliptime.com/scavenger-hunt. This is a free event.

Tulip Time 2021 Quilt Raffle
Tickets for the annual Quilt Raffle will soon be available. Starting April 15 through May 9, you can purchase tickets for a chance to win this year’s beautiful handmade quilt “Happy Tulips.” Tickets will be sold at the Tulip Time Office, Holland Visitors Bureau, and Apothecary Gift Shop, where the quilt will also be on display the week of the festival. The drawing will take place on May 10. You need not be present to win.

Virtual Artisan Market
Beginning Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, May 9, enjoy shopping the Virtual Artisan Market online for a variety of handcrafted, original pieces brought to you by juried artisans from around the country! Unique offerings include paintings, art glass, pottery, metal sculpture and much more.

For information, tickets and complete festival details visit www.tuliptime.com or call 800-822-2770.

Statement about Service from Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security

“I want to update you about how things are going at the Social Security Administration.

About a year ago, I took the unprecedented step to close our offices to the public. I did this to keep our employees and you—the public we serve—safe. As we enter year two of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and other precautionary measures give us cause for hope. For now, we will continue our current safety measures as described in our COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan. This plan is iterative, and we will update it as we receive additional government-wide guidance and information from public health experts in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Like many businesses and organizations, the pandemic has forced us to adapt. I want to thank our employees for their willingness to embrace innovative ways of working while we continue to deliver our mission. As we examine our work in a new light, we are asking which lessons learned could improve service beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

We understand that the public wants to engage with us on some matters in person, and our local offices are integral to our communities. We also know that not everyone can conveniently come to us in person and that when you do visit, you want the process to be efficient. For example, we may need evidence from you, but we do not need to interview you in person. We are currently testing drop box and express appointment options for the public to bring in documentation.

Often, you only need to know your Social Security number and do not need a physical Social Security card. However, if you do need to replace your card, we are testing video appointments if you need a new Social Security card but do not need to change any of the information in our records. Although ideas like these began as solutions during COVID-19, we are considering how they could improve service in the future.

Some of these concepts also allow us to consider how we might continue to use telework, something that most organizations and companies have depended on during the COVID-19 pandemic, to drive longer-term operational efficiencies like reducing space. We could use those savings to provide you more online service options and hire more people to serve you more quickly as well as to retain outstanding employees. We will continue to engage our managers, employees, and unions on ways we could use telework to improve customer service and other issues.

We often note that Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Be assured that as we continue to evolve, we are committed to serving everyone including our most vulnerable populations who often require in person assistance. We are working with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, claimant advocates, and other organizations to ensure our services are accessible to people with low income, limited English proficiency, mental illness, or facing homelessness. We recently added online tools and information pages to our website including:

Online resources for People Helping Others access our services;
Online Outreach Materials for Partner Groups; and
Updated information for Faith-Based and Community Groups including a new toolkit.

As we contemplate the future, we are delivering now. To help improve deteriorating service, we have added over 6,000 frontline employees to help you. We decreased the average wait to talk to our 800 Number agents by one-third and reduced the agent busy rate by over 50 percent in the last two years, and our 800 Number agents handled 1.6 million more calls than they did a year ago.

During the pandemic, we shifted service to the telephone where local office employees answered 13 million more calls last year than they did in fiscal (FY) 2019. They answered your calls in under 3 minutes on average compared to an average wait of nearly 24 minutes in FY 2019.

For individuals who were denied benefits and requested an appeal, we quickly shifted to holding hearings by telephone at the start of the pandemic and then added online video hearings. During the pandemic, we have continued to reduce the number of people waiting for a hearing to 376,000 at the end of February 2021, the lowest level in nearly 20 years. We reduced the average wait for a hearing by over 9 months in the last two years. If you are still waiting for a hearing, please consider scheduling by telephone or video. You can find out more information about telephone hearings here and video hearings here.

The pandemic has significantly disrupted parts of our disability process, particularly at the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) that make disability determinations for us. We have provided the DDSs with additional hiring and overtime to help address a significant increase in pending initial disability cases. The DDSs have been able to reduce the number of people waiting for a decision on initial disability claims by about 100,000 cases since the height of the pending cases in August 2020. In order to make initial disability decisions as quickly as possible, and to reduce the burden on the medical community still stressed from the pandemic, we have focused our limited resources on completing initial requests for disability benefits and have reduced the number of continuing disability reviews we are conducting.

We have made some notable improvements to our online services:

Our redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal helps you prepare and apply for retirement benefits, with clearer, simplified information.
We improved our registration process for our online my Social Security account – more than one million people will register for an account this month.
Our Message Center allows people with a my Social Security account to access notices online instead of by mail.
We implemented an online payment option for people to repay debts to Social Security.
We expanded our online Social Security card replacement service to almost all states. If you need to replace your card, you can request a replacement through your my Social Security account if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address;
- Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card; and
- Have a driver’s license or a state-issued identification card from one of 45 participating states or the District of Columbia. If your state does not yet participate in this service, check back soon. More states are added regularly.

The entire team at Social Security is working hard to serve you. We thank you for your patience during the COVID-19 pandemic and we look forward to welcoming you back in our offices when it is safe to do so. We also look forward to continuing to improve all of our service channels to provide you with convenient options to do business with us.”

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission Purchases Key Property in Macatawa Greenway

This property makes future Macatawa Greenway Trail connectivity possible for a 4-mile stretch of the River across 824 acres of land east of I-196.

The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission purchased a 5.5-acre parcel on Black River Court directly adjacent to Holland Township’s Hawthorn Pond Park as well as to other Macatawa Greenway property that connects along the Macatawa River to 96th Avenue. The property includes nearly 500 feet of river frontage and about 2.5 acres of floodplain – including some wooded area.

“Though not a large property, this parcel is a critical and exciting addition for the long-term Macatawa Greenway project,” said Kelly Rice, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission President. “It provides the final connection needed from Hawthorn Pond to 96th Avenue, making any future trail connection much more feasible.”

purchasemap — Macatawa River Greenway property purchase

A group of partners including Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, Holland Charter Township, ODC Network, and other local municipalities have been working for several decades to protect and connect land along the Macatawa River to create the Macatawa Greenway. In 2019, a signed pedestrian/bicycle route the Macatawa Greenway Trail 1.0 was established, which stretches from Zeeland Township to Lake Michigan (with routes on the north and south side of Lake Macatawa). The route features several Ottawa County Parks properties, including the Historic Ottawa Beach Parks, Paw Paw Park, and the scenic 2-mile route from the north to the south end of the Upper Macatawa Natural Area, and connection to Kent County via the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail.

“We were able to identify connections for the initial route along existing multi-use pathways and sidewalks, but our long-term goal is to provide trail connectivity along as much of the Macatawa River as possible,” said Travis Williams, Chief Executive Officer of ODC Network. “This purchase locks up the land needed for the Greenway east of I-196 and provides important connectivity to our Middle Macatawa and Poppen Woods properties.”

Now that the core land acquisitions for this section of the Greenway are competed, the collaborative team is reviewing the best options for providing public access for this section, and some obstacles remain. “While we would like to construct a paved route from Upper Macatawa to Hawthorn Pond right away, that will take more time and resources,” said Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Director Jason Shamblin, “We are examining if there is a way to open access through this area in phases.”

The first phase could be a mostly natural surface pathway from Poppen Woods to Hawthorn Pond, though expensive infrastructure is still needed to make this a reality, including a bridge crossing over the Macatawa River. Once the acquisition of the Black River Court property is completed, additional planning will be initiated to determine the most suitable plan for the new property and the greenway as a whole.

The new purchase may also offer new opportunities for Hawthorn Pond. “This property provides expanded access along Black River Court from Hawthorn Pond and usable upland acreage. This may allow for locating park amenities that would otherwise be challenging to construct in the floodplain. We will be analyzing next steps, but this is an important acquisition for Holland Township and for the Macatawa Greenway,” added Holland Township Supervisor Terry Nienhuis.

Outreach to Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Advocates and Community Organizations Can Help Connect People with the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration has a long history of outreach and coordination with advocates and community-based organizations across the nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to work with advocates and community-based organizations is essential to reaching the country’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals with low income, limited English proficiency, mental illness, or those facing homelessness. The agency is fully committed to assisting people in gaining access to the information and services they need with a specific emphasis on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

“I made this issue a strategic agency priority and focused resources to reach vulnerable communities and help them access our services and receive their benefits. I ask leaders in every community to share information about our programs with people and help them connect with us to apply for benefits,” said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security. “Social Security is working on many initiatives to reach vulnerable populations and I am pleased to share information about our national outreach campaign, developed in collaboration with leaders in the community, to raise awareness of the SSI and SSDI programs.”

To ensure effective outreach to these vulnerable populations who need access to agency programs, and to the advocates and organizations who can help to connect people with Social Security, the agency launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the SSI and SSDI programs and encourage people to apply. Campaign efforts include:

· A new webpage, People Helping Others, at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty, for anyone who could assist another person with accessing Social Security’s programs and services;

· A new outreach website, at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/groups/vulnerable-populations.html where all partner groups can access informational materials to share through their networks, including resources tailored to specific vulnerable populations;

· An updated Faith-Based and Community Groups website at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/groups/faithandcommunity.html with a new outreach toolkit and SSI and SSDI fact sheets. The agency coordinated this effort with the White House, and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is helping to promote these resources; and

· An upcoming national advertising campaign to support all outreach efforts on TV, radio, and social media, with special emphasis on children with disabilities (see the recently redesigned website focused on SSI for children at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html). TV and radio PSAs highlighting SSI for children currently are being tested in the Dallas, TX area to determine their impact.

The agency is now completing training videos for community-based caseworkers to help their clients with the SSI application process.

People can apply for SSI benefits, and for other benefit programs, through a telephone appointment with the agency, even while local offices are not able to accept walk-in visitors. More people need to be made aware of the SSI program and reminded that they can call toll-free 1-800-772-1213, or their local Social Security office, to make a phone appointment to apply for SSI. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Welcomes New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) announces the appointment of Mr. Scott Faulkner of Newaygo Michigan as incoming Executive Director to the organization, effective April 1st, 2021. According to Board Chairman Ken Johnson of Muskegon, “Mr. Faulkner was selected from a substantial pool of highly qualified candidates by our Executive Search Committee. Mr. Faulkner received unanimous support from our Board on Monday March 15, 2021.”
_{pictured, Scott Faulkner}

Chairman Johnson added, “The MRWA is enthusiastic to more actively engage a broad range of stakeholders and accomplish important projects that benefit the entire watershed. We believe Scott’s lifelong experience as a business and social entrepreneur, a Senior Manager, and a non-profit supporter, along with his recent government experience makes him a terrific choice for our expanded mission at this time.”

Previous Executive Director Marty Holtgren, PhD, will now hold the positon of MRWA Principal Watershed Scientist, having led the expanded portfolio of MRWA research and field projects in recent years to include reforestation, Lake Sturgeon assessments, and shoreline bank stabilization, as well as furthering a range of educational, scientific, and conservation initiatives. These initiatives, along with a small series of targeted private dam removals, have had substantial positive impact throughout the watershed.

“The MRWA is a high-impact organization with a diverse Board of Directors from across environment, education, science, and business disciplines”, stated incoming Executive Director Scott Faulkner. “In order for the MRWA to thrive in a post-pandemic world and provide for future economic resiliency, we will need to not only embrace and showcase the critical environmental work that is our legacy, but also seek to collaborate with and strengthen communities and businesses throughout the watershed. We will do this together through a portfolio of innovative services and projects, recognizing that a healthy environment strengthens local economies and enhances property values.”

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is dedicated to the preservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Muskegon River, the land it drains, and the life it supports, through educational, scientific and conservation initiatives.

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is a Michigan 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – Monday March 29, – Sunday April 4, 2021

Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events
Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:
Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org
USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Monday March 29 :

Cardio Drumming!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A fun workout for all ages, sizes and fitness levels! First timers can rent the needed equipment for $1 Lakeshore Sports Arena 4470 Airline Rd. Muskegon, MI 49444 The class is just $2 per person. Required equipment: Water bottle, available to rent for $1 each are: 17 gallon bucket, 65-75cm yoga ball, Drumsticks. Keep up to date with the Muskegon Drum Crew Facebook Group . Classes are Monday & Thursday. Social distance is required.

Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins? Piecing Together Her History’ Exhibit
In her lifetime, Rosie created over 100 quilts and unfortunately, her story was left unfinished. Along with highlighting some of her quilts—which are only a part of her legacy—visitors to the exhibit will get a behind the scenes look at how the museum staff worked to research and piece together the history of Rosie’s life. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278

Tuesday March 30:

Friends of Art: 100 Years
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster is featuring a selection of almost 30 artworks donated by the Friends to the museum’s permanent collection over the decades. Including pieces by James Richmond Barthé and Paul Howard Manship and one of our signature paintings, Tunis Ponsen’s Yacht Club Pier.” A video, Friends of Art 100th Year Anniversary, tells the story of the history of the group through the years. The video and exhibition information can be found here: https://muskegonartmuseum.org/exhibition/friends-of-art-100-years/ Open with enhanced cleaning and social distancing protocols. Mask wearing is required. Open 11-4. Closed Mondays. 231-720-2570

Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite features 24 iconic images of Yosemite National Park, the location and pictures that defined Adams’s internationally celebrated career can be seen at the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster. Friends of Art members purchased the photographs for the museum collection in 1989. The exhibition provides a view into unforgettable scenes of America’s natural grandeur, first photographed by Adams in the 1940s. Open with enhanced cleaning and social distancing protocols. Mask wearing is required. Closed Mondays. 231-720-2570

Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins? Piecing Together Her History’ Exhibit
Quilts are made from an endless combination of patterns, colors, fabrics, and techniques. Along with highlighting some of her quilts—which are only a part of her legacy—visitors to the exhibit will get a behind the scenes look at how the museum staff worked to research and piece together the history of Rosie’s life. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278

Wednesday March 31:

Disability Awareness Art Show
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event. Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Nuveen Open Studio
2:00 am – 5:00 pm
Middle and High School students are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 5:00, p.m. ACWL-Nuveen staff will be available to help students with both art and music projects. Art students are welcome to bring in projects they are already working on or just an idea for something new. They will be able to use the numerous supplies we have on hand, as well as receive help from ACWL-Nuveen Assistant Director Susan Wink. Music students are invited to bring in the pieces they are currently studying and receive practice and musicality tips from ACWL-Nuveen Director Erin Peyer. Topics/Mediums we are able to assist students with: Art Drawing, Painting – acrylic, watercolor, Mixed Media, Small scale sculpture techniques,Fiber Arts, Music, Practice help, Music theory. About the Facilitators: COVID-19 Considerations: Although the Open Studio is FREE, students ARE required to register due to COVID-19 social distancing mandates and capacity restrictions. We can host up to 6 students in each of the two Art Open Studio Slots: 2:00-3:30 and 3:30-5:00. Students can sign up for both slots or just one, and you don’t have to be here the entire time. We can only host 1 music student in each of the 4, 45-minute slots, unless students are already working together in a duo or trio. Music slots are 2:00-2:45, 2:45-3:30, 3:30-4:15, 4:15-5:00. The ACWL-Nuveen has a keyboard on sight, but students studying other instruments will need to bring those with them. Call 231-893-2524 or Sandra@artswhitelake.org located at 106 E. Colby. St.

Thursday April 1:

2021 Cheers and Chocolate Community Crawl
April 1 – April 30
This event encourages the whole community to frequent area businesses to purchase the featured Cheers items in support of both the business and Every Woman’s Place. “Joining efforts with popular businesses in our community allows us to increase our messaging to survivors who may not otherwise reach out to for assistance.” This full month of community engagement will be capped off by the Community Crawl Finish Line. The Finish Line is an all-day “eat, drink and stroll” through the Muskegon downtown Social District, with live entertainment at the end of the evening, which will be broadcast on MuskegonChannel.com for those wishing to attend virtually. Community Crawl Finish Line (April 24, 5-8 pm)
The Finish Line will also feature the sale of boxed hand-made chocolates prepared especially for Cheers & Chocolate by the student chefs of the Culinary Institute of Michigan. In-person and virtual attendees of the Finish Line can reserve their choice of boxed chocolates, priced from $10 to $20 and in 4-count, 8-count, or 12-count sizes, for pickup either at EWP or the Finish Line. This event raises funds to support the work of Every Woman’s Place. For 45 years, Every Woman’s Place has provided support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. EWP provides safe shelter, a 24-Hour Crisis Line, counseling, a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), legal advocacy and services for men, women, and children who have been affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. For a complete list of businesses participating visit www.everywomansplace.org 231-759-7909

Open Studio Session: Climate Art
April 1 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Community members are invited to drop-in to the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St. to create climate-related art! If you don’t have any ideas for inspiration, White Lake Area Climate Action Council volunteers will be on hand to share information about climate changes affecting our area. You will also have the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at area businesses as part of the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded! To be included in the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition, artists must submit either a 12″x12″ repurposed canvas or 12″x12″ cardboard square to the ACWL-Nuveen by April 19. ACWL-Nuveen will have both on hand, although repurposed canvases are limited. Registration is required: www.artswhitelake.org/open-studio-session. Questions: 231-893-2524

Reservation for City Center Arts Show Reception
Sign up now. Limited Availability
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
City Center Arts Gallery and Artisan Shop located at 356 W. Western Ave. is a new upcoming gallery that has rotating theme exhibits featuring all local artists. It is a gallery of all styles, mediums and price points. Reserving a ticket for a reception is a chance to come out and see the exhibit shows with exclusive hours outside of our normal hours. It’s a great chance to meet with friends and family and other art lovers. Some receptions will offer a chance to speak with artists and hear about their work. It’s also a great way to shop for art and artisan hand crafted merchandise at a different pace and environment than when we are open for normal business hours. Staff on hand can help answer questions about purchasing art pieces too. With safety guidelines in place, our receptions are more of a docent feel, but our grand event receptions with food and beverages will return soon if we all do our part; so grab a mask and come join us for some of the best art in town! Also contact us to request a reception or for more details on our Eventbrite or at CityCenterArts.com 231-571-9101

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursdays
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free museum admission all day every Thursdays at the Muskegon Art museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave., compliments of The Meijer Foundation. Please remember your mask.

Friday April 2:

Friday Night Cornhole
April 2 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sherman Bowling Center located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. invites everyone who is looking for something to do! The bar and restaurant will be open. Mask is required when not eating or drinking.Doors open at 6:00 to come in and practice, Blind draw (Random Partner) tournament starts at 6:30. THIS IS A VERY SOCIAL EVENT Meet new friends, bring your group, and just plan on having a great time. You do not have to be a serious player to come out and play. Cornhole is for everyone! Bring your own bags or use provided bags. $15 / player ($5 cover charge – $10 blind draw entry) Cash prizes to the top teams. 616-710-2318

Saturday April 3:

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Bridge Bible Church located at 3777 Holton Rd. is calling all kid-tectives in K-6th grade! Put on your detective caps and join them for this fun twist on an Easter Egg scavenger hunt. Kids will sign up in teams of 4. Your mission is to search our field for eggs with clues. Find all 10 clues to solve the case! Sign up today! This is a FREE event. https://signup.com/go/wcPvaPN For questions please call 231-747-7189 or contact leigh@bridgebiblechurch.org www.bridgebiblechurch.org

Muskegon Risers Home Soccer Game vs Cleveland Crunch
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
One of the biggest names in arena soccer history is back! The Cleveland Crunch will visit Muskegon’s Mercy Health Arena on April 3 in an historic matchup with the Risers. The Crunch were active from 1989 through 2001 at the highest level of arena soccer and won three National Championships during that time. April 3 is guaranteed to be a monumental occasion for the sport! Tickets are available now at www.muskegonrisers.com/tickets and are just $7 a ticket. GO RISERS!

Sherman Bowling Center Cornhole Tournament
1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
West Michigan Cornhole will be running an indoor tournament at Sherman Bowling Center located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. This facility has been impacted by the pandemic restrictions over the past year. They have an awesome space for cornhole that has a bar inside it. Come out and support this venue and have some fun! This will include two different events. Competitive Tournament $40/team
32 teams limit Double Elimination 1pm Check-in / 2pm Start Bring your own bags and see how you do against the serious throwers in the area. Social Tournament
$40/team 32 team limit Double Elimination 5pm Check-in / 6pm Start. All players will use provided house bags for a social and fun event. Blind draw events TBD based on time and interest Due to capacity limits no spectators allowed. If capacity limits change before the event this could change. MASKS ARE REQUIRED AND CAN BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN EATING OR DRINKING Registration instructions posted in the comments for the events. No refunds unless the event gets canceled. The bar and restaurant will be open! Please no outside food or drinks. 616-710-2318

Open Studio Session: Climate Art
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Community members are invited to drop-in to the ACWL-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St., to create climate-related art! If you don’t have any ideas for inspiration, White Lake Area Climate Action Council volunteers will be on hand to share information about climate changes affecting our area. You will also have the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at area businesses as part of the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded! To be included in the Earth Day 2021 Exhibition, artists must submit either a 12″x12″ repurposed canvas or 12″x12″ cardboard square to the ACWL-Nuveen by April 19. ACWL-Nuveen will have both on hand, although repurposed canvases are limited. Registration is required. Register here: https://www.artswhitelake.org/…/open-studio-session…

Disability Awareness Art Show
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event. Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Muskegon Farmers Indoor Winter Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open indoors Saturdays until May. For COVID19 safety measures, the market will have a different look and feel this year: Please wear your mask and walk within the direction arrows. Thank you

Sweetwater Local Foods MarketSweetwater Local Foods Market – OFFERING PREORDERS FOR PICKUP
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market, 6401 Harvey St.
Sweetwater Local Foods Market will be offering a PREORDER ONLY market, out in the parking lot, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Sign up for the newsletter to get your order in here: https://tinyletter.com/SweetwaterLocalFoodsMkt or get the list from the website here: sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round.

Boomtown Market Craft Beer & Wine Tastings
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
BoomTown Market, 351 W. Western Ave
Boomtown Market in Downtown Muskegon invites you to free Draft, Craft Beer & Wine Tastings every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Sample unique Craft Beers on Tap from all around Michigan! If you like it, we’ll can a 32 ounce-er for you right then and there!

Sunday April 4:

Latin Dance Lesson and Open Dance – Bachata
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Are you ready for partner dancing again? Located at 5571 E. Apple Ave. ,weekly Latin dance events every Sunday in March. The events will be a beginner’s lesson and open dancing. Take the lesson or just come and dance. Your choice. No partner or experience needed. We will not be switching partners. Bring a partner, meet a partner there or come dance solo. It’s all fun. We will accept gift donations to cover our costs, but that is not required. This is open to the community and we want your bodies there! Invite your friends and let’s make it a party! If you would like to extend your social network, get some very fun exercise, learn some new dance moves, or just want to dance, this is for you! Feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Casual attire and comfortable shoes (or dance in your socks). No street shoes on the dance floor. Get details on all of our dance events on our Facebook group page MADLOS. 231-736-3205

Disability Awareness Art Show
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
City Center Arts located at 356 W. Western Ave. is hosting this event.Living in the world differently than most people can give different perspectives on many things especially when you don’t have a choice of the difference you have in your life. Many of us have disabilities which gives us this different perspective on living life. This show is for those in the art community that live with disabilities. CLOSED Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Village of Fruitport Council Meeting/Budget Hearing – 03/29/21

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
AGENDA
MARCH 29TH, 2021
COUNCIL MEETING & BUDGET HEARING

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of March 29th Council Meeting Agenda
4. Approval of February 15th council meeting, March 13 work session minutes and March 22nd public hearing minutes.
5. Public Comments (limited to 3 minutes each)
6. Correspondence
7. Reports from Officers

New Business

8. Budget Hearing

9. 2021-2022 Budget Adoption
10. Motto

Old Business
11. Temporary Local Watercraft Control Application/Resolution
12. 7th & Peach
13. Kayak Launch

14. Public Comment (Limited to 3 minutes each)
15. Warrants
16. Adjournment

Village of Fruitport Budget Meeting Agenda – 03/29/21

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
AGENDA
MARCH 29th, 2021
BUDGET COUNCIL MEETING

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of agenda for March 29th Budget Council meeting.
4. Public Comments (Public Comments limited to 3 minutes each)

5. 2021-2022 Budget
–a. Boat Launch-attendant
–b. Council wages
–c. DPW Wishlist
–d. Advance Pavement Marking Services
–e. Bridge Street Lights
–f. Budget Review

6. 2020-2021 Budget Amendments
7. Public Comments (Public Comments limited to 3 minutes each)
12. Adjourn

Ask Dr. Universe – Dogs’ and Cats’ Behavior

Dr. Universe: Why do dogs and cats spin around before they sit down? – Antonio, 10, Richmond, Va.

Dear Antonio,

That’s a great observation about cats and dogs. Even I wasn’t sure why cats spin around before they sit down, so I took your question to my friend Dr. Jessica Bell.

She is a veterinarian at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and has seen quite a few cats and dogs walk in a little circle before they sit down.

“It’s a common thing we observe as veterinarians, but we can’t talk to cats and dogs and ask them ‘why,’” she said. “From a behavioral standpoint, it probably stems back to their wild instinct.”

An instinct is a behavior that animals don’t have to learn. They are born with this behavior, and it often helps them survive in the world.

When cats and dogs spin in a full-circle, they have a chance to observe their environment. They might even spin in circles a few times to be certain the spot where they want to sit is safe.

They are likely keeping their eyes out for any danger, such as predators. This behavior was especially important when felines and canines lived in the wild. While a lot of cats and dogs may live in homes with humans these days, they never lost this instinct.

You may have also noticed that sometimes cats and dogs sniff around as they get ready to lie down. Both senses of sight and smell can help these animals make sure the coast is clear. Bell also told me that once the animal knows a space is safe, it will often return to the same spot.

“They often position themselves in the same place on their bed every time or face the same direction,” she said.

While that may be the more scientific answer to your question, she also offered another idea.

“I think many dogs and cats are just finding a good, comfy, fluffy spot to lay down with just the right depth and cushiness,” she said.

Finding a good place to rest can also be helpful for dogs who are getting a bit older. For instance, dogs that have arthritis, a condition where the joints get stiff or swollen, will often walk in a slow circle before they lie down.

If you keep your eye out, you may notice that other animals, such as horses or birds, walk in a circle before they sit, too. You might see birds getting comfortable in their nests or a birdhouse. They even flip around their feathers and move different parts of their nest to get everything just right before they settle in.

You know, a lot of veterinarians pay close attention to animal behavior and ask a lot of questions about it as they take care of our pets. If you keep up the great observations and continue to ask questions, you might just help us learn more about the amazing animals on our planet one day.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

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With help from my friends at Washington State University, we’re investigating tough and smart questions from curious kids around the world.

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Instructions for Participating in the March 29th, 2021 6pm Budget Meeting and 7pm Council Meeting_Budget Hearing

Village of Fruitport

Budget council meeting will be held on Monday March 29th at 6pm. Due to COVID-19 it will be done as a teleconference call. To participate you will need to call 1-844-474-0925 and use a passcode of 57182580 followed by the # sign. The meeting will start at 6pm but the phone line will be open at 5:45pm to allow for you to join prior to the opening of the council meeting. Just like a regular meeting the public will be given an opportunity to talk during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. If possible, please mute your phone if you participate and only unmute if you make a public comment. Thank you.

Council meeting and Budget hearing will start at 7pm. Same procedure as above.

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Registration is now open for the 2021 Cheers & Chocolate Community Crawl, a month-long give-back event raising funds and awareness for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Muskegon County.

About Every Woman’s Place

Monday April 12:

Tuesday April 13:

Wednesday April 14:

Thursday April 15:

Friday April 16:

Saturday April 17:

Sunday April 18:

First Public Event at VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center

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*Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events* Please check our website for virtual events happening www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public: Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Tuesday April 6:

Wednesday April 7:

Thursday April 8:

Friday April 9:

Saturday April 10:

Sunday April 11:

About Love N Grace Healing Centers

About Dr. Neil T. Anderson

Know a kid with a science question?

*Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events*Please check our website for virtual events happeningwww.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.orgMuskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.orgUSS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Monday March 29 :

Tuesday March 30:

Wednesday March 31:

Thursday April 1:

Friday April 2:

Saturday April 3:

Sunday April 4:

Know a kid with a science question?

Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events
Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:
Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org
USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org

Please call before attending for any changes. Remember to wear your mask to all events
Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Museums open to the public:
Lakeshore Museum Center: www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art: www.muskegonartmuseum.org
USS Silversides Submarine: www.silversidesmuseum.org