Author Archives: editor

Ask Dr. Universe – How to Help Stop Ocean Pollution

Dr. Universe: What can I do to help stop ocean pollution? -Hailey, 10

Dear Hailey,

It’s great to hear you want to help our oceans. After all, they do a lot for us. Life in the ocean provides much of the oxygen we breathe and is also a source of food for many animals, including humans.

One of the most important things we can do to prevent more pollution is to keep our garbage, especially plastic, out of the ocean. That’s what I found out from my friend Richelle Tanner, a marine biologist and researcher at Washington State University.

While a lot of plastic ends up in the ocean, it actually started under the Earth’s surface in the form of oil, leftovers of plants and animals that died long ago. Humans can take oil and combine it with other chemical ingredients to make plastics.

We can shape plastic into most anything, from caps to straws to bottles to bags. Let’s follow the trail of a plastic bag.

After a bag is made in a factory, it is shipped out to stores. Humans use the bag to carry different things that they buy. Afterwards, they might throw it in the trash. They might take it back to the store to be recycled with other bags or they might re-use it. They might even just toss it on the ground.

When this plastic bag gets loose in the environment, it might blow to a stream or river and flow to the ocean. That’s why it is important to keep all our waterways clean, even if we don’t live close to a beach.

If this plastic bag gets into the ocean, an animal like a turtle or shark might mistake it for a jellyfish they want to eat and the bag will get tangled in their stomachs.

Plastic has a really strong structure, which makes it a useful material, but it takes time to break down. A plastic bag can take about 20 years to break down. A plastic bottle takes about 400 years.

Tanner said it’s a lot easier to keep plastic out of the ocean than to get it out of the water. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the amount of garbage humans put into the ocean every year is equal to about 90 aircraft carriers, those big ships at sea where planes take off and land.

Tanner said you might work with your class to pick up trash near waterways in your community. You might also share what you’ve learned and talk about it with family and friends.

One other thing you can do is try to reduce your own plastic use. For a week, keep track of all the plastic you use. Then, track another week and see if you’ve improved. Ocean pollution is a big problem, but we can all take small steps to help make a big difference.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Sidebar: What are microplastics? Microplastics are the tiny particles leftover from plastic breaking down. They are so small, we might even need a microscope to see them. Fish might mistake these pieces for food like plankton and end up swallowing them. Scientists have even found that when people eat these fish, the plastic ends up in their bodies, too.

Fruitport Board of Education Annual Organizational Meeting Agenda – 06/24/19

Fruitport Board of Education
Annual Organizational Meeting
June 24, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Roll Call
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Re-adoption of all Existing Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Education (attachment #1)
VI. Designation of Banking Institution (attachment #2)
VII. Resolution for Investment Authority (attachment #3)
VIII. Designation of Legal Firms (attachment #4)
IX. Establishment of Board Compensation (attachment #5)
X. Approval of District Memberships and Affiliations (attachment #6)
XI. Designation of Board Member Liaison to MASB (attachment #7)
XII. Adoption of Schedule of Regular Monthly Meetings (attachment #8)
XIII. Designation of Authorized Signatures (attachment #9)
XIV. Administration Designation of Treasurer Responsibilities (attachment #10)
XV. Safe Deposit Box Authority (attachment #11)
XVI. Fee for Board Meeting Request (attachment #12)
XVII. Adjournment

– Recess –

Fruitport Schools Truth and Taxation Public Hearing Agenda – 06/24/19

Fruitport Community Schools
TRUTH AND TAXATION
PUBLIC HEARING
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Monday, June 24, 2019 – 6:30 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
IV. BUDGET HEARING PRESENTATION
V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
VI. OTHER
VII. 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.

Fruitport Board of Education Meeting Agenda – 06/24/19

Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Board Meeting Room
Monday, June 24, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. PRESENTATIONS

V. COMMUNICATIONS

VI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2019 (attachment VIII-1)
2. Approval of Bills (attachment VIII-2)
General Fund                         $166,986.44
Other Funds:
Early Childhood Center               1,654.38
Food Service                             128,449.68
Coop Ed (ISD) Tech Millage            556.41
Capital Projects (bond)              12,770.71
Total Bill List                         $310,417.62

3. Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report and ACH Transactions (attachment VIII-3)
4. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report (attachment VIII-4)
5. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report (attachment VIII-5)
6. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report (attachment VIII-6)
7. Approval of Personnel Report (includes confirmation of new hires, resignations, retirees, and transfers) (attachment VIII-7)

IX. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

X. BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Elroy Buckner, Chairperson
1. Report of Committee Meeting held June 11, 2019 (attachment X-1)
2. General Fund Budget Amendment for 2018-2019 (attachment X-2)
3. School Service Fund Budget Amendment for 2018-2019 (attachment X-3)
4. Budget Appropriations Act of the 2019-20 General Fund (attachment X-4)
5. Budget Appropriations Act of the 2019-20 School Svc Fund (attachment X-5)
6. Change to Vehicle Replacement Schedule (attachment X-6)
7. Football Helmet Lease (attachment X-7)

XI. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve Kelly, Chairperson

XII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Jill Brott, Chairperson
1. Report of Committee Meeting held June 10, 2019 (attachment XII-1)
2. Middle School Sports (attachment XII-2)
3. 3rd – 5th Grade ELA Program (attachment XII-3)
4. Overnight Trip Request (attachment XII-4)

XIII. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS

XIV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Schedule Business & Finance Committee Meeting
2. Schedule Personnel Committee Meeting
3. Schedule Student Affairs Committee Meeting

XV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

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

Fruitport Township Board Meeting Agenda – 06/24/19

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

JUNE 24, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 6/10/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Approval to purchase turnout gear
B. Adoption: Zoning map amendment ordinance
C. Police SAD discussion

08. New Business
A. Land contract time extension for Porter Rd property
B. Discussion of possible on-site fuel
C. Approval of copper water service material supplier
D. Approval of new Metro Act permit for Zayo Group

09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment

The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk: Andrea Anderson, Fruitport Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 (231) 865-3151

Ottawa County Ranks #2

Ottawa County ranks second in Michigan in Health Outcomes according to the 2019 County Health Rankings (CHR). The rankings show us where we live matters to our health and good health is influenced by many factors beyond medical care including jobs, housing, education, poverty and more. This is the tenth year of the County Health Rankings. Ottawa County has ranked either first or second in those 10 years. This year is the fourth time Ottawa has ranked second, and three of those four times Leelanau was the county with the number one ranking. The 2018 Health Rankings among states put Michigan at 34 of 50.

35 health measures make up the 2019 CHR:
• Of those, two are new or revised so there is no earlier baseline to compare to: Flu Vaccinations (new) and Mammography Screening (revised to include a larger age group of females).
• In 82% (27) of the remaining 33 measures of health, Ottawa improved or remained the same.
• Ottawa did as well or better than Michigan in 89% (31) of measures.
• Compared to top U.S. performers, Ottawa met or exceeded 25% of the benchmark measures.

“It is sobering that while Ottawa’s measures meet or exceed almost all those for Michigan, we fail to meet three fourths of the healthiest counties in the U.S.,” said Marcia Mansaray, senior epidemiologist with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

Ottawa does NOT compare favorably to Michigan or top performing counties for:
• Access to primary care (medical, dental and mental health providers). Though Ottawa has consistently under performed in these provider access measures by comparison, its people maintain a high level of overall health as reflected in top rankings for Length of Life (first) and Quality of Life (third). These two areas reflect the current health of a community. The Ottawa County community has taken deliberate action through its Community Health Improvement Plan to help residents navigate the often complicated health care system and to create solutions that fill gaps. These concerted efforts are reflected in the improved ratios for dental and mental health providers.
• The other four areas measured by the CHR look at items that predict how healthy our community can be in the future. In those areas, our ranking ranges from a high of three to a low of 66. Air quality concerns, due to the geographic position we share with other counties along the lake shore in southwest Michigan, are captured by one of the measures in an area called Physical Environment where Ottawa has consistently ranked in the bottom quarter, though the measure is stable.

Other areas where Ottawa has a clear opportunity for improvement involve addressing social determinants of health such as:
• Violent crime
• Injury deaths
• Children living in single-parent households (has not increased since 2018, but has increased 29% since 2011)
• Excessive drinking has held at 21% of the adult population for the past four CHRs, up from 16% in 2010.

Ottawa strengths remain much as they have ever been:
• Longer life span
• Fewer teen births
• Few babies born preterm
• Fewer children in poverty and improving every year since 2013
• Very low unemployment

Items to celebrate:
• After four years of increases, adult obesity dropped two percentage points from 29% to 27%
• After nearly a decade of increases, sexually transmitted infections dropped slightly.
• Teen birth rate has either decreased or been stable every year in the past decade.

Why did Ottawa County drop from #1 to #2?
The rankings scores between the top few counties are very close together and nearly indistinguishable. The rankings do not suggest that they represent statistically significant differences from county to county. That is, the top ranked county in a state (#1) is not necessarily significantly healthier than the second ranked county (#2). What is evident is that the people of Leelanau are doing a great job at being a healthy county, which is intertwined with being economically vibrant and socially supportive. Ottawa County can surely learn from its partner to the north.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, May 13, 2019, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustee Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Greg Hulka, Jeff Jacobs, and Terry Knoll, excused

At 7:01pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 3- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of April 22, 2019 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:

Item 8-C: Resolution for Ron Langlois

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli shared that the 911 surcharge passed in last week’s election and will help eliminate many dead radio areas in Fruitport; The Public Safety departments are gearing up for Fruitport Old Fashioned Days.
2. Ron Langlois shared that the Smiley water tower is scheduled to be cleaned between May 18 and 21, weather dependent; The new DPW Director will begin training on May 20th.
3. Heidi Tice shared events that are coming soon to Fruitport, including Dancing into the Sunset and Fruitport Old Fashioned Days; Central Dispatch Director, Shawn Grabinski will be retiring in July; periodicles regarding state and local topics are available at Town Hall that have been provided by Senator Jon Bumstead and Representative Greg VanWoerkom; 2-1-1 would like to use the Township’s webpage to assist in providing services.
4. Andrea Anderson reported a dividend of $1,619.16 received from Michigan Township Participating Plan; Election turnout was low with an average of 16.35%.
5. Rose Dillon shared that Fruitport’s 50 year time capsule has been opened and artifacts will be on display at the Village Pharmacy and on the Fruitport Historical Society website; On June 22, 2019 the public is invited to witness the placement of the new 50 year capsule that will be unearthed in 2069.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-067 Approve appointment of Russell Stressman to the ZBA
At the end of his term, John Winskas stepped down as a member of the ZBA.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the Supervisor’s appoint of Russell Stressman to a three year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. His term will end January 1, 2022.

19-068 Police Special Assessment discussion
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this topic until the June 24th meeting.

19-069 Discussion of foreclosure property
Discussion occurred. The Township chooses to have no interest in the Hts. Ravenna property.

NEW BUSINESS:

19-070 Public Hearing: Special Assessment Roll for Spruce St road maintenance

(a.) Andrea Anderson moved, supported by Rose Dillon MOTION CARRIED, to open the Public Hearing at 7:22pm.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

Brenda and Wayne Ferrier, property owners at 3509 S. Sheridan Dr. (corner of Sheridan and Spruce) have requested that the roll be split per parcel rather than by percentage of road frontage. The property was vacant when the assessment was created to pay for road maintenance on Spruce Street. The property owners have built a home that is solely accessed from Sheridan Dr.

Comments:
1. Brenda Ferrier presented a petition signed by 100% of property owners in the above mentioned Special Assessment District in favor of a per parcel split.
2. Dave Sims, White St, inquired if the White St Special Assessment District could become strictly snow plowing without the grading and brining services.

(b.) The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:32pm and return to open session.

Andrea Anderson moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the proposed roll for Spruce St. road maintenance Special Assessment District, splitting the costs by parcel.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

19-071 Discussion regarding letter from Bureau of Indian Affairs
Discussion of the impacts a casino would have on the community. The Supervisor asked to send any other opinions to her in the next week.

19-072 Resolution for Ron Langlois
Rose Dillon read a resolution to honor the public service of Ron Langlois in his 18 years with Fruitport Township.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adopt the presented resolution.

19-073 Payment of bills
Andrea Anderson moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $31,711.79; Public Safety $35,881.97; Water $109,080.39; Sewer $17,640.84; T&A $1,535.00; Street Lights $15,147.93
Totaling: $210,997.92
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Brian Michelli has an upcoming meeting to evaluate potential cost savings of having an on-site fueling station, he will bring information back to the Board.
2. Heidi tice shared that the June Community Day will be June 7th from 3:30-5:30pm at Town Hall.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:56pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Muskegon County Calendar of Events June 17-24, 2019

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Monday June 17:

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Kids Storytime: 2:00pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.Docent-led Tower Tours Admission: $2 – Kids 11 and under $3 – Military and veterans $4 – 12 and up Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Fly Me to the Moon: Kalamazoo Air Zoo Visits Hackley Public Library
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Everyone is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo moon mission with the Kalamazoo Air Zoo at Hackley Public Library! Investigate how gravity keeps the moon in orbit around the Earth and what it takes to escape Earth’s gravity to get to the Moon. Experience the creation of moon craters and the challenges involved in landing safely on the varied surface of the Moon. Learn about current and future missions to other moons and planets in our solar system. This event is free to the public. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

MADLOS Presents: Street Dance
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Mondays, June 3 – August 27 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon’s Olthoff Stage for free Latin or Swing dance lessons from MADLOS! Start with a lesson, then try your moves on the sidewalk at these free events. No partner or experience is needed. While the cost is free, donations are appreciated. Keep an eye on the MADLOS Facebook page to see what style of dance will be offered each week.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.

Pigeon Hill Brewing Co: Monday Night Bike Ride
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Beginning at 6:00pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. to join in a group bicycle ride! The goal is for everyone to start and finish together for a total ride time of 90 minutes. Please arrive early. The ride begins promptly at 6:00pm. You’ll travel from Pigeon Hill to Pere Marquette Beach via the Lakeshore Bike Trail (10-11 miles). For more information call (231) 375-5184.

Ragnar: Chase the Moon
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Join Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. and Run Muskegon for a challenge of interstellar proportions! Runners all over the country will team up to accomplish something that could never be done alone – run enough miles to circle the moon 20 times! For every lap made around the moon, Ragnar will donate to the 100 Mile Club. So grab some friends, run a few miles, and do some good. To join, register for the Chase the Moon at: https://challenges.runragnar.com/2019/chase-the-moon-2019/#challenge. The event is free to pledge to run! Participants can kick it up a notch and reward themselves and register for the virtual run and receive a glow in the dark medal and Chase the Moon T-shirt! A Ragnar ambassador will be at the event with some giveaways! Sunset is scheduled for 9:27pm, so you’ll catch an awesome sunset over the lake and finish the run in the dark! For more information, e-mail runmuskegon@gmail.com .

Tuesday June 18:

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Game -VS- Steam!
7:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm as the Clippers take on the STEAM. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com.

Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library to meet author, Pamela Cameron! Sit back and enjoy listening to Pamela read her picture book, “Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes!” Based on true events, the book follows the story of Sport, a puppy rescued by the crew of the Hyacinth. He became an instant crew-member and takes readers on a journey through America’s inland seas. Copies of the book will be available for $15 and a book signing will be available after the program. All ages are welcome. This event is free to the public. Come explore the universe of Lake Michigan with the story of Sport at HPL! For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Muskegon Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market, owned and operated by the City of Muskegon, is dedicated to showcasing the best in locally-grown foods, flowers, nursery stock, handicrafts and baked goods.
Farmers’ Market hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call 231-722-3251 or visit their website www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Group Bicycle Tour
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company every Tuesday at 6:00pm for a 90 minute group bike ride! There are five different groups to fit your biking needs and abilities and helmets are strongly encouraged. Loaner helmets are always available at City Hub Cyclery (585 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon). Unruly Brewing Co. is offering $1 off your first post-ride beer! For more information call Raymond at 231-206-6182.

City for All – New Urbanism Film Festival
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “City for All – New Urbanism Film Festival!” View award-winning short films as part of the New Urbanism Film Festival. The films highlight diverse urban experiences in North America through authentic, timely storytelling. From the poetic confession of “Urban Lament” (2017) to the hard-hitting stories of displacement in the feature film, “Priced Out” (2017), the films tackle issues that are increasingly relevant to Muskegon. During the event’s intermission, a panel of Muskegon-area community members will be sharing their perspective about issues of housing, beautification, and hope for the city’s urban fabric. There’ll also be a free hotdog dinner. Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite.com. For more information call (231) 720-2570.

Summer Concert Series: Westside Soul Surfers
7:00 pm
Add delightful music to your summer season with free outdoor concerts at the Montague Band Shell. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a lovely summer evening listening to a variety of genres of music. The rain site is Montague High School. This concert series is generously supported by the Arts Council of White Lake. For more information on the concert series, call 231-893-2524.

Wednesday June 19:

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Game VS Steam!
7:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm as the Clippers take on the STEAM. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com.

Western Market Chalets
June 5
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gift, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art,
Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave and Village Baker.

Muskegon Flea Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Flea Market is where everything imaginable is sold.
The Flea Market is Wednesdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call 231-722-3251 or visit their website www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com

Serene Yoga Beach Series: Muskegon State Park
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Classes will be held Wednesday mornings from 10:00am -11:00am. The drop-in rate is $10. Join Diana and enjoy the serenity of the great lakes as she guides participants through stretching and balancing poses while focusing on breath work and relaxation. Participants should bring a towel or sheet and sunglasses. Meet at the Channel Beach Pavilion. All new participants should arrive early and children under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com. Bad weather? Call 231-343-8381 for cancellation information. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.

Thursday June 20:

Maranda Park Party 2019
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Bring the kids to Smith Ryerson Park for a Maranda Park Party! There’ll be a free lunch at 11:30am for kids 18 and under while supplies last. Enjoy games, rides, entertainment, prizes and, of course, Maranda for free! For more information call 231-724-6991.

Jazz on the Patio
6:00 pm
Beginning at 6:00pm, come to Bella Maria’s Event Center at Oakridge Golf Course for “Jazz on the Patio!” Sit outside on their beautiful patio and enjoy great drink specials, a fabulous dinner menu and live jazz music as you view the sunset. Doors open at 6:00pm and the music begins at 6:30pm. Reservations are recommended for a table outside by calling 231-563-6914.

Western Market Chalets
June 6
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gift, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art, Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave and Village Baker.

After Hours Tours at Hackley Public Library
June 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dive into history and learn details about Hackley Public Library during an ‘After-Hours’ guided tour! Tours will be held on Thursdays in June. Visitors are asked to arrive at 4:45pm to gather in HPL’s lower level meeting rooms. Call (231) 722-8000 with any questions, or for more information. These tours are free to the public and recommended for all ages.

Dancing into Sunset Free Weekly Dance Party
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Season 3 of the “Dancing into Sunset“ free outdoor concert series. Tonight The Silverado Band (Celebrating the Lions Club 102nd Birthday) New this season, enjoy vendors on site each week including Aloha Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Pizza Parliament. These free weekly concerts happen every Thursday, May 30 – August 22 in beautiful Pomona Park overlooking Spring Lake. For more information e-mail dancingintosunset@aol.com or visit their Facebook page below.

Friday June 21:

Back Alley Comedy Summer Showcase: Episode I
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Check out the Back Alley Comedy Club for Episode I of the Back Alley Comedy Summer Showcase! This bi-weekly showcase features some of the region’s best up & coming and established comedians. It’s basically a comedy party! Enjoy comedians Aaron Putnam, Zako Ryan, James Jump and Megan Wirtz with your co-hosts, Ricarlo Winston and Justin Chup. The cost is only $5. For more information call (616) 570-8765.

Mercy Health Seaway Run & Expo
June 21 – June 22
The courses for the different distances all offer views of Muskegon Lake, with the 10K and Half Marathon courses also showcasing our beautiful Lake Michigan beach. With a Community 5K Walk, and three timed distances – 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, the Mercy Health Seaway Run has an event for everyone! All courses are barrier free and accessible to those with physical challenges, and volunteers will be available for assistance on race day. Register online at www.seawayrun.com. The Mercy Health Seaway Expo, on the Friday before the races, is offered at the L.C. Walker Arena at no cost to the community, so everyone can explore healthy options and learn how to optimize their health. Visit the expo for health screenings, food, music, kids’ activities, prizes, demonstrations and more. Healthy choices lead to a healthier life and a healthier community! Also 6-9 pm is the pre- race party at Pigeon Hill Friday night!

FREE Movies on Deck: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)
10:00 pm
The 13th annual Movies on Deck film series features great movies showing at dusk on Friday evenings on the USS LST 393! Each showing is free to the public, but donations are welcome. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and weather appropriate clothing. Popcorn, soda and snacks will be available at the event. In the event of inclement weather, showings will be moved inside the ship, and will begin at 10:00pm. The museum is open for regular tours from 10:00am – 5:00pm seven days a week with the last daily tour starting at 4:00pm. More information is available at www.lst393.org.

Yoga at the Light
9:30 am
It’s “Yoga at the Light!” Bring your yoga mats or large towels and water to drink and join SPLKA for Yoga. In case of rain this event will be moved to June 28. For further information call Mitch Coleman at White River Yoga 231-740-6662. Summer days are for unwinding, and what better way to enjoy a summer’s evening than relaxing along the water on the lawn of the White River Light Station! Their family-friendly events are free to the public. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy time together watching a movie, or listening to folk inspired music while visiting and exploring the White River Light Station. The museum and tower will be open for the standard admission charge of $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.Docent-led Tower Tours Admission: $2 – Kids 11 and under $3 – Military and veterans $4 – 12 and up Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Western Market Chalets
June 7
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gift, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art, Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave and Village Baker.

Parties in the Park: Jan James & Bri Baron: Rock!
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. They feature great food and adult beverage vendors! For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com. Tonight benefits: not for profit: MOCAP

Hackley & Hume Historic Site: All Access Tours
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
You can go where no visitor has gone before on All Access Tours of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site! Explore behind closed doors including attics, porches, and basements of both houses. Enjoy different themed topics such as restoration, preservation, family stories, new discoveries in the research, the Hackley House during the Red Cross years, the Hume home as a Daycare Center, as well as future projects. Please RSVP by calling 231-722-7578. The cost is $20 or $15 for members.

Pre-Party at the Museum: Wild Weather!
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Headed to Parties in the Park with the family? Stop by the Lakeshore Museum Center beforehand for a fun, hands-on activity, and beat the crowds for a prime parking spot too! The cost is $5 for ages 3 and older. Muskegon residents and museum members are free. For more information call 231) 722-0278.

Saturday June 22:

Melvin Elijah Presents: A Spectacular Tribute to Motown Live
7:00 pm
Visit the Frauenthal Center for “A Spectacular Tribute to Motown Live” presented by Melvin Elijah! Back by popular demand, this is a tribute to the fabulous 4-Tops, Temptations, Diana Ross and MORE! This high energy production show captivates audiences from its opening act to its exhilarating finale! Tickets are $30 or $50 for VIP seating which includes an after party dance with Hor d’oeuvres. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Maranatha Summer Concert Series: Dámaris Carbaugh
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference offers free concerts every Saturday night during the summer! Doors open at 6:45pm to the public, or you can receive preferred concert seating by purchasing tickets to their Saturday evening pre-concert dinner buffet in the dining room. Dinner begins at 5:00pm. All dinner guests receive early entry into the concert venue beginning at 6:30pm. Visit the website below for more information or call (231) 798-2161.
June 22 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, it’s Dámaris Carbaugh! Her depth of love and devotion for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is so evident through her special gift of song and powerful speaking ministry. “Walk with Me” is the latest of her fifteen albums.

Hackley Library Concert: The Whiskey Charmers
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library for The Whiskey Charmers as part of the Sound of Summer Series! Do you enjoy music that reminds you of “riding through the desert with the top down?” This award-winning duo is back with their unique style of alt-country music. This event is free to the public and all ages welcome! For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Sweet Saturdays at the Lakeside Emporium
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join the Lakeside Emporium on Saturday afternoons from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, May through October, to enjoy food, entertainment, and “Treasure Alley” – a collection of vendors ranging from artists and authors to crafters, collectors, and even pottery demonstrations, all conveniently located on-site at the Lakeside Emporium. It’s family fun and enjoyment for all ages, and an opportunity to find just the perfect treat or gift for yourself or someone else. Enjoy the experience, delicious products, and great customer service at the Lakeside Emporium, and check out all the other wonderful businesses in Lakeside. For more information call 231-755-9933.

Western Market Chalets
June 8
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gift, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art, Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave and Village Baker.

“The Future + The Features” All Ages Poetry Show
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
“The Future + The Features” is an all ages poetry show that will take place at Hackley Public Library. The Diatribe Inc. has been working in Muskegon the last two years, and this year they are taking students off of their campus and into their community! Students from their Orchard View High School program will be showcasing work they are proud of alongside some of the brightest spoken word all-stars in Muskegon. This event is ALL AGES friendly, and also FREE.
Photo Credit: The Diatribe Inc.

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Game VS JAZZ!
7:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm as the Clippers take on the JAZZ. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com.

2019 Business & Craft Fair
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come to Hackley Park for the 2019 Business & Craft Fair! Small businesses from all over West Michigan will display and sell their products including art, food, clothes, hand crafted items, unique fun stuff for the kids and so much more. There’ll also be music and entertainment on the main stage all day! Be sure to get in on the raffles, drawings and giveaways, too! For more information, call 616-836-8756

Montague Farmers’ Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Montague Farmers’ Market opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through October. Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 893-1155 ext. 1757

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby. For more information visit the website www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org

Muskegon Risers Home Game vs Livonia City FC
7:00 pm
National Premier Soccer League team, the Muskegon Risers, invite you to enjoy home games at Muskegon Catholic Central School. All games are at 7:15pm. For more information e-mail hello@muskegonrisers.com or visit www.muskegonrisers.com.

Star Party
9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Star Party at their observatory! All visitors are welcome to come and learn about amateur astronomy and view the night sky through the society’s telescopes. You may also bring your own telescope. They will help you get started and show you how to make adjustments. They will also provide printed materials. If weather conditions are questionable, contact Dennis Allen at 231-777-1013 to find out the status of the event. If it’s cloudy, they may give you a tour of the facility or do a presentation. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Sunday June 23:

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Game VS JAZZ!
5:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 5:05pm as the Clippers take on the JAZZ. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com.

Rootdown’s Yoga on Deck
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Sunday of the summer from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, join Rootdown Yoga aboard Muskegon’s World War II landing ship tank, the USS LST 393, for their popular donation based yoga class! This class is designed for all levels. Rent a mat for $2. For more info call (231) 722-9642.

Western Market Chalets
June 9
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.Retailers Include: Abeshi, Bodhi Tree Market, B Unique, Dune & Sky Gallery, Gems Near the Lakeshore, Halaula, Happy Hands Woodworking, Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gift, Muskegon Inspired, Port City Dry Goods, Pound Buddies, Seaway Tours, Shane Rodarte Art, Skee Tee’s, Tarrerweave and Village Baker.

Brave the Wave: Adaptive Wakesurf Tour 2019
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Visit Mona Lake Boat Club for Brave the Wave: Adaptive Wakesurf Tour 2019! Hanger Clinic and Tommy’s Boats & Watersports Professionals are bringing this FREE Adaptive Wakesurf Tour to a new stop at Mona Lake! This is a day filled with wakesurfing! This event was created to encompass individuals with a range of physical disabilities. All ages and levels are welcome from first time wakesurfers to experts! Come learn how to wakesurf from adaptive wakesurfer and 2019 Adaptive Surfing World Champion gold medal team member Lexi Youngberg and her friends! When Lexi was 16 she lost her leg from a boating accident, but has never lost her love for water sports. Lexi is a below-knee amputee herself and passionate about sharing her love of wakesurfing with others who have a range of physical disabilities. Space is limited! Register ASAP to reserve your spot at Eventbrite.com. Registration is required for individuals with physical disabilities participating in the clinic. Family and friends coming to participate in lunch will need to register. Lunch is provided for anyone attending! All participants will be required to sign a waiver. If the participant is under 18, a legal guardian or parent must be present to ride on the boat and sign the waiver. For questions, contact Sussan Riccio at SRiccio@hanger.com.

Monday June 24:

Ask Dr. Universe – Plankton

Dear Dr. Universe: How many different types of plankton are there? Are there freshwater plankton? – Arielle, 11

Dear Arielle,

We can find millions and millions of plankton in bodies of water all over the world—from oceans, rivers, and lakes to ponds and mud puddles.

That’s what I found out from my friend Julie Zimmerman, a scientist with the Aquatic Ecology Lab at Washington State University. In the lab, researchers can use powerful microscopes to get an up-close look at these tiny creatures.

There are three main types of plankton, said Zimmerman. One of the groups is phytoplankton. They convert sunlight into energy through a process called photosynthesis, which helps them grow. Phytoplankton are actually quite similar to land plants, but are much smaller, and are the main producers of the oxygen we all breathe.

In fact, scientists estimate phytoplankton produce more oxygen than all the land plants, including the big oxygen producers in the rainforests. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, Zimmerman said. Under a microscope, we can see how some look like the Eiffel tower, a string of pearls, railroad tracks, zig-zags, corkscrews, and stars.

Zimmerman also told me about another group called zooplankton. These animal plankton eat the phytoplankton and other animal plankton. Copepods, a cousin of crabs and the most abundant zooplankton, may be one of the most abundant animals on Earth.

Daphnia are Zimmerman’s favorite plankton. They are related to copepods and are found in freshwater lakes and rivers. They have the amazing ability to grow large, pointy helmets, tail spines, and even neck teeth if they sense predators. She says they are adaptable and also pretty cute.

The third group of plankton are bacterioplankton. These are the recyclers, said Zimmerman. They break down organisms and other animal waste to make nutrients, or food, for some of the plant plankton.

While the plankton within each of these groups have their differences, they also have some similarities. Zimmerman explained that plankton can’t swim against the current like fish do. Instead these organisms drift wherever the current takes them.

“Plant or animal, single celled or multi-celled, big or small, plankton all have one thing in common,” Zimmerman said. “They go with the flow.”

In fact, the world plankton actually comes from the Greek word “planktos,” which means to wander or drift.

When Zimmerman dips her plankton net from a research boat into Willapa Bay, she is curious to learn more about the plankton communities. Back at the lab, the team can look at what the plankton eat, how they grow, and see what species might be moving around to new places.

Zimmerman also studies plankton that live in the Columbia River and Vancouver Lake. She reminded me that the amount of plankton we find can change depending on the season or the place. When she goes out to the lake in summer, she can sometimes find a million tiny plankton in just a single teaspoon of water.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Ottawa County Population Growth Continues

If the latest population estimates are any indication, Ottawa County is indeed where you belong. The estimates were released by the US Census Bureau naming Ottawa County the fastest growing in the state between 2010 and 2018 with an 10.12% increase. Ottawa County was also the fasting growing last year in Michigan among the ten largest counties in the state. The county’s population is now an estimated 290,494–up 3,572 new residents since 2017 numbers were tabulated last March. Ottawa County remains the 8th most populated in Michigan.

“The fact that once again, Ottawa County leads Michigan population growth is yet another indicator of the quality of life we enjoy here: bountiful natural resources and parks, strong employment base with innovative business, great K-12 and higher educational opportunities, low crime and access to health care make Ottawa County THE place to be,” said Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator.

Tunnel Park – Ottawa County. Photo Credit: Mike Lozon

Other Ottawa County highlights:
• Ottawa County was the second fastest growing county in the State between 2017 and 2018, behind Kalkaska County (1.2% growth for Ottawa and 1.3% growth for Kalkaska)
• 48% of Ottawa’s population growth between 2010 and 2018 was the result of a natural increase, meaning there were more births than deaths in the county (natural increase of 12,826 people)
• 52% of Ottawa’s population growth between 2010 and 2018 was the result of a positive net migration, meaning more people moved into the county than moved out of the county (net migration of 14,031 people)

Kent and Allegan Counties have also grown at considerable rates since 2010 at 8.49% and 5.31% respectively.

For more details, visit miOttawa.org or the US Census Bureau.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 06/10/19 – 06/17/19

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Ongoing Events:

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.
Docent-led Tower Tours Admission: $2 – Kids 11 and under, $3 – Military and veterans, $4 – 12 and up.
Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Pigeon Hill Brewing Co: Monday Night Bike Ride
Mondays @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday evenings, beginning at 6:00pm, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. to join in a group bicycle ride! The goal is for everyone to start and finish together for a total ride time of 90 minutes. Please arrive early. The ride begins promptly at 6:00pm. You’ll travel from Pigeon Hill to Pere Marquette Beach via the Lakeshore Bike Trail (10-11 miles). For more information call (231) 375-5184.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.

MADLOS Presents: Street Dance
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Mondays, June 3 – August 27 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon’s Olthoff Stage for free Latin or Swing dance lessons from MADLOS! Start with a lesson, then try your moves on the sidewalk at these free events. No partner or experience is needed. While the cost is free, donations are appreciated. Keep an eye on the MADLOS Facebook page to see what style of dance will be offered each week.

Muskegon Farmers’ Market & Flea Market
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market, owned and operated by the City of Muskegon, is dedicated to showcasing the best in locally-grown foods, flowers, nursery stock, handicrafts and baked goods. The Market also hosts The Flea where everything imaginable is sold.
Farmers’ Market summer hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. The Flea Market is Wednesdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call 231-722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Group Bicycle Tour
Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company every Tuesday at 6:00pm for a 90 minute group bike ride! There are five different groups to fit your biking needs and abilities and helmets are strongly encouraged. Loaner helmets are always available at City Hub Cyclery (585 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon). Unruly Brewing Co. is offering $1 off your first post-ride beer! For more information call Raymond at 231-206-6182.

Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium! Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm. Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Western Market Chalets
Downtown Muskegon’s Western Market Chalets, located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, feature seventeen local pop-up retailers with wonderful and unique items! Summer hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ann Meisch at 231-724-6705.

Serene Yoga Beach Series: Muskegon State Park
Wednesdays @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Serene Yoga will host a Beach Yoga Series June 5 – August 28 at Muskegon State Park. Classes will be held Wednesday mornings from 10:00am -11:00am. The drop-in rate is $10. Join Diana and enjoy the serenity of the great lakes as she guides participants through stretching and balancing poses while focusing on breath work and relaxation. Participants should bring a towel or sheet and sunglasses. Meet at the Channel Beach Pavilion. All new participants should arrive early and children under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com. Bad weather? Call 231-343-8381 for cancellation information.
PLEASE NOTE: Classes will not be held August 7. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. To make a camping reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-447-2757.

After Hours Tours at Hackley Public Library
Thursdays @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dive into history and learn details about Hackley Public Library during an ‘After-Hours’ guided tour! Tours will be held on Thursdays in June and will begin at 5:00pm. Visitors are asked to arrive at 4:45pm to gather in HPL’s lower level meeting rooms. Call (231) 722-8000 with any questions, or for more information. These tours are free to the public and recommended for all ages.

Jazz on the Patio
Thursdays @ 6:00 pm
Thursdays, June 13 – August 29 beginning at 6:00pm, come to Bella Maria’s Event Center at Oakridge Golf Course for “Jazz on the Patio!” Sit outside on their beautiful patio and enjoy great drink specials, a fabulous dinner menu and live jazz music as you view the sunset. Doors open at 6:00pm and the music begins at 6:30pm. Reservations are recommended for a table outside by calling 231-563-6914.

Dancing into Sunset Free Weekly Dance Party
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Season 3 of the “Dancing into Sunset“ free outdoor concert series kicks off on Thursday, May 30 from 7:00pm – 9:30pm with the night’s music provided by The Sea Cruisers, playing 50’s 60’s and 70’s rock and roll! New this season, enjoy vendors on site each week including Aloha Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Pizza Parliament. These free weekly concerts happen every Thursday, May 30 – August 22 in beautiful Pomona Park overlooking Spring Lake. For more information e-mail dancingintosunset@aol.com or visit their Facebook page. June 13 it’s The 6-PAK Band.

Montague Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Montague Farmers’ Market opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through October. The Market is also open on Wednesdays in July, August, and September. Market hours are from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 893-1155 ext. 1757 to check if any booths are available.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round, Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby. For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady
Mondays @ 2:00 pm
Bring the kids to Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady every Monday at 2:00pm beginning June 17 – September 2! You can also tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS. Docent-led Tower Tours Admission: $2 – Kids 11 and under, $3 – Military and veterans, $4 – 12 and up.
Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Special Events

Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments
June 9 – June 10
The Midwest Professional Volleyball Association presents Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach! For more information call (231) 739-3911.
June 8 & 9
• Saturday: M&W 2’s AA/Pro, A, B, High School 12’s,14’s, 16’s,18’s
• Sunday: Co-ed 2’s AA, A, B, High School

Muskegon Heights Festival
June 10 – June 15
The Muskegon Heights Festival 2019 is June 10-15! This community celebration features games, arts & crafts, concerts and food vendors in Rowan Park! For more information call Mimi at 231-578-2099.
Schedule:
Monday, June 10
• 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Movie In The Park
Tuesday, June 11
• 5:00pm – Gospel in the Park
Wednesday, June 12
• 5:00pm – Poetry in the Tent
Thursday, June 13
• 5:00pm – Comedy in the Tent
Friday, June 14
• 6:30pm – 11:30pm – Hip-hop Artist TWISTA
Saturday, June 15
• 10:00am – City Parade
• 7:00pm – 11:00pm – R&B/funk band SWITCH Featuring Raydio

Michigan’s Adventure American Heroes Week
June 10 – June 16
Michigan’s Adventure’s first responder discounts program during the week of June 10-16, 2019 honors our amazing heroes by offering admission for an exceptionally discounted rate of only $27 per person. Personnel who qualify include firefighters, police officers, EMTs and any member of the armed forces. To receive your special offer, just present a valid public safety employee ID, active or retired military ID, or DD214 papers.
What’s more, they know that first responders’ and military families also need a play day, so the discounts for public safety employees extend to them, too. First responders and service members can purchase tickets for their spouses and children during American Heroes Week for only $27 each, with a limit of six. For more information call 231-766-3377. www.miadventure.com

2019 Detroit Lions Summer Football Camp
June 10 – 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Monday – Thursday, June 10 – 13, it’s the 2019 Detroit Lions Fundamentals Camp! This is a 4-day event for boys & girls ages 6-14, happening at Montague High School. The cost is $149 and includes the 4 day camp, a Lions camp t-shirt, an appearance by a current or former Detroit Lions player, (2) tickets to a 2019 home pre-season Lions game, and more! For more information, visit Detroitlions.com/footballeducation.

Operation Rumination: Reading & Book Signing
June 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, June 10 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum as author and radio host, Rick Vuyst, signs his new book, “Operation Rumination!” For more information call 231-755-1230.

Discover the GVSU Veterans History Project
June 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, June 10 at 7:00pm, come to the Norton Shores Library as join Dr. James Smither, Project Director of the GVSU Veterans History Project, shares how the project records oral history interviews with veterans of the wars and conflicts that Americans have participated in over the last century with the purpose of creating a complete a record as possible of the American experience in wartime. Norton Shores Vietnam veteran Mike Robinson will share his experience in participating with the project and his resulting newly published memoir. No registration is required. For more information call 231-780-8844.

Feeding the Soul of the City: Ruth and Max Bloomquist
June 11 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, June 11 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for the “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring Ruth and Max Bloomquist! Muskegon’s own Ruth and Max Bloomquist will enchant us with their warm and irresistible brand of folk and bluegrass music in this season’s final performance. For more information, call 231-722-2112.

Astronomy 101: Enjoy the Night Sky
June 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the free program, “Astronomy 101: Learn to enjoy the night sky with little or no equipment!! Learn about the starry sky when Michael Galvin of the Muskegon Astronomical Society gives a presentation on how to enjoy the night sky with little or no equipment. Learn about how to use a star chart, spot satellites, and interesting things to look at this month. All ages are welcome. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Henna & Hops
June 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, June 12 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Fetch Brewing Co. for “Henna & Hops!” Grab a friend and join the Arts Council of White Lake to adorn yourself with henna! Henna is a dye that creates a temporary tattoo and can be applied to your skin. You’ll be able to create your own design, grab some ideas from the instructor, or use a stencil. You’ll be on the Fetch patio or in the back room if the weather doesn’t cooperate! This event is for ages 15+ and registration is required. The cost is $20. For more information call the Arts Council of White Lake at (231) 893-2524, or visit www.artswhitelake.org.

Taste of Muskegon
June 14 – June 15
Taste of Muskegon will take place on June 14 – 15 in Hackley Park. Enjoy a “Taste” of the best Muskegon has to offer. We are showing off our great restaurants, craft brews, boats, music and more! As Muskegon’s culinary scene grows, so does Taste of Muskegon. With 34 food vendors, it will be the biggest Restaurant Row they have hosted in the festival’s 13 years.
Taste of Muskegon is going big for 2019, bigger portions that is. In addition to offering up to four taste-size items for 1 to 4 tickets each, food vendors may offer up to two full-size items that are up to 14 tickets each. The thirty-four food vendors, the most ever in Taste, will also have new Taste of Muskegon Plate Awards to compete for including Best New Bite, Best Lite Bite and Kids’ Choice. Voting for the Kids’ Choice award will be in the Kids’ Zone.
The drink menu is also growing with a list that brings back an old Muskegon festival tradition, the slushy drink to the Tequila. Muskeg-a-ritas will also be added to the menu in lemonade, mango lemonade and strawberry lemonade. To make domestic beer purchases easier, there will be a line to buy with a credit card for those saving their Taste Tickets for food.
Taste Tickets are available for early purchase June 4-14 at the City Treasurer’s office, 933 Terrace St. The tickets can also be purchased at the festival using a credit card at all ticket booths and the merchandise tent. The merchandise tent will also have tickets and passes to Muskegon’s 150th Celebration. If you purchase your 150th Celebration pass at Taste you will be entered to win a meet and greet with one of the performing bands at the 150th.
Chef Char will offer three cooking demonstrations, each featuring five recipes, in our new Taste Kitchen Tent. As Chef Char introduces new techniques in the full-size kitchen she will be giving out prizes and tastes as Andy O’Riley emcees. On Saturday from Noon-1:30pm the recipes will be specially tailored to young chefs as she works with kids in a hands-on session. All demonstrations are free to attend.
Other new features to Taste include extended hours, the festival will continue to 11:00pm both nights. An entrance will be added at the corner of 4th and Webster. The Kids’ Zone will offer Extreme Games including a 30-foot rock wall, bungee races, an inflatable obstacle course and more that even those who are only kids at heart can try. The concert stage will showcase more music than ever before, featuring Noah Smith on Friday and Psychotic Paradise, the world’s only female-fronted Tesla tribute band, on Saturday along with five other bands during the event. www.tasteofmuskegon.org

Muskegon Power Boat Weekend
June 14 – June 16
Friday – Sunday, June 14 – 16, it’s the Muskegon Powerboat Weekend! West Michigan’s premier boating event will showcase the Port of Muskegon. West Michigan Offshore invites you to an awesome weekend of boating fun. Get started Friday night at the Taste of Muskegon for the WMO Boater’s Street Party. There’ll be over a dozen of the biggest and baddest boats on display you’ve ever seen! Saturday events include the offshore Poker Run, Boat Raft-Up, Boaters’ Hang-Out and the awards party. Sunday features Muskegon fun venues for Sunday Funday. For more information, visit www.lakeeffectboating.com.
Friday, June 14 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, come to Chase Hammond Golf Course for the Bill Saylor Open, a memorial golf outing and fundraiser! The entry fee is $75.00 per person or $300.00 per four person team. Registration begins 8:00am, with a shotgun start at 9:00am. Please call 231-724-6351 (Sheriff Administration) for registration and sponsorship opportunities.
Your day includes:
• 18 holes of golf w/ cart
• Breakfast (donuts & pastries)
• Lunch (hamburgers, hot-dogs, chips)
• Dinner (steak w/mushrooms & onions, potato, baked Beans)
• Beer, water & soda provided
• Cash bar available at club house & beverage carts
• Prizes for 1st, 2nd & Blind Draw

Pre-Party at the Museum
June 14 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Headed to Parties in the Park with the family? Stop by the Lakeshore Museum Center from 3:00pm – 5:00pm beforehand for a fun, hands-on activity, and beat the crowds for a prime parking spot too! The cost is $5 for ages 3 and older. Muskegon residents and museum members are free. June 14 it’s a Lego Challenge in the STEM Center. For more information call 231) 722-0278.

Parties in the Park
June 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 years, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. Parties are 5:00pm – 9:00pm and feature great food and adult beverage vendors! June 14 it’s Plain Jane Glory, Whiskey Rebels and Noah Smith sponsored by Taste of Muskegon. For more information, e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.

Muskegon Clippers Home Game
June 14, 15 & 16 @ 7:00 pm
Come to historic Marsh Field for Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League baseball with the Muskegon Clippers! Come on out and have some great family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers at home!
This season will feature a few returning players, (Nolan Bryant, Micah Allen, Bryce Davis, Jacob Gilhaus, Sean Casey) as well as some great new ones! You don’t want to miss all the action this summer at Marsh Field. For more information, visit the website below or e-mail info@muskegonclippers.com.
Home Game Schedule:
• Friday, June 14 at 7:05pm – Graders
• Saturday, June 15 at 7:05pm – Graders
• Sunday, June 16 at 5:05pm – Graders

Laurence Juber in Concert
June 14 @ 7:00 pm
Friday, June 14 at 7:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for Laurence Juber in Concert! Fusing folk, jazz and pop styles, two-time Grammy-winner Laurence Juber creates a multifaceted performance that belies the use of only one acoustic guitar. Laurence was first recognized internationally as lead guitarist in Beatle Paul McCartney’s band Wings, and has since established himself as world-renowned guitar virtuoso, composer, arranger, and concert performer. Doors open at 6:30pm and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at the MMA Store or by phone at 231-720-2580.

Movies on Deck
June 14 @ 10:00 pm
The 13th annual Movies on Deck film series features great movies showing at dusk on Friday evenings on the USS LST 393! Each showing is free to the public, but donations are welcome. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and weather appropriate clothing. Popcorn, soda and snacks will be available at the event. In the event of inclement weather, showings will be moved inside the ship, and will begin at 10:00pm.
The museum is open for regular tours from 10:00am – 5:00pm seven days a week with the last daily tour starting at 4:00pm. June 14 it’s Big (1988)! More information is available at www.lst393.org.

White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival
June 15 – June 16
The 41st annual White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival is happening at Goodrich Park Annex, June 15-16! This juried arts and crafts festival features continuous entertainment, a food court and over 75 booths. Saturday from 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, birdhouses, ceramics, items for the garden, clothing, paintings and prints, folk art, leather goods, floral designs, stained glass, signs, children’s toys, and bath items. A great line-up of musicians will entertain the crowds throughout the weekend with a wide array of music! There’ll be inflatables for the kids and a variety of carnival type food vendors.
For more information on the Arts and Crafts Festival events, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (231) 893-4585 or visit www.whitelake.org. Interested in being a vendor? Call their office at 231-893-4585 or email them at info@whitelake.org.

Ride United
June 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
United Way of the Lakeshore’s 7th Annual Ride United bike event will take place Saturday, June 15 from 8:00am – 5:00pm! DTE Energy first brought the event to the lakeshore in 2012 to promote and support United Way’s health programs. According to Christine Robere, CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, “Ride United is growing each year, with more and more riders from outside of the area joining us to enjoy our beautiful lakeshore routes.”
Riders bike 6, 25, 50, and 100-mile routes that begin and end at the corner of Third St. and Clay Ave. in downtown Muskegon, which is also the site of the annual Taste of Muskegon event. “We are delighted to partner with Taste of Muskegon for our finish line party. Ride United participants can enjoy the festival vibe added by the combined events. The food, music and festivities will just be getting started in Hackley Park as 25-mile riders start to reach the finish line and will continue throughout the day until our last 100-mile rider returns”, shared Donielle Routt, Volunteer Committee Chair. “As a century rider, it is really encouraging to have a community celebration waiting at the finish.” For more information call 231-722-3134 or visit www.ridemi.org

16th Annual L.E.A.P. (Lakeside Emporium Anniversary Party)
June 15 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come one, come all, as Lakeside Emporium says “Thank You” to all of their customers and the community for another year in business! Saturday, June 15 from 9:00am – 4:00pm, join them for Zumba, Face Painting, Games, Give-Aways, Discounts, Prizes and delicious food. And, do not miss the incredible performances of these “must-see” bands: Legal Rehab (10:00am – 12:30pm) from Muskegon and Full Circle Band (1:00pm – 4:00pm) from East Jordan! All events take place right on site at the Lakeside Emporium. Bring a lawn chair and stay for the day! Be sure to check out all the wonderful surrounding Lakeside businesses. They look forward to seeing you at this fun, family-friendly, annual event! For more information call 231-755-9933.

Sensory Friendly Movies: Where “Shhhhh!” isn’t allowed!
June 15 @ 10:30 am
Family Hope Foundation and Cinema Carousel present a unique movie experience for individuals with special needs and their families. Select Saturdays, enjoy a disability-friendly environment where everyone is welcome to be who they are! For more information, call Family Hope Foundation at 616-729-8833.
With an audience of your peers, special families can enjoy something fun together that you might not typically be able to do. Brighter lights, lower sound, limited previews and a group of people who understand your child’s disability will make this family outing enjoyable for everyone! These special event films feature:
• 10:30am showings
• Regular Matinee Pricing
• All movies in 2D and Open Caption
• Seating questions can be directed to the box office
June 15 the film is “The Secret Life of Pets!”

Victorian Tea
June 15 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 15 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, come to the Hackley & Hume Historic Site for a Victorian afternoon tea! Tea, lemonade, and coffee will be served as well as sandwiches and treats provided by Ryke’s Bakery. Guests are encouraged to bring their fanciest hats to enter a contest to win a prize! This year’s tea will include a historic fashion show in the Hume House courtesy of Wendy Batchelder, a historical interpreter and expert on Victorian culture and fashion. For more information call 231-722-7578.

SJO Supercross
June 15 @ 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 15 at 5:00pm, come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for the SJO Supercross presented by SJO Productions! Admission is $10 per person or $5 for kids under 11 years old. For more information call the fairgrounds at 231-788-4568 or visit www.sjoproductions.com.
Time Details:
• 1:00pm – Signups
• 3:00pm – Practice
• 5:00pm – Race

Father’s Day at Michigan’s Adventure
June 16
It’s time to add some adventure to your Father’s Day activities with a visit to Michigan’s Adventure! Season Passholders may purchase up to 4 Bring-a-Friend tickets for $19.99 each at the front gate. Tickets can be purchased by showing your valid season pass at any ticket booth. The ultimate Father’s Day Event for regular and platinum season pass holders is only valid on June 16, 2019. For more information call 231-766-3377. www.miadventure.com

Father’s Day at Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo
June 16 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 16 from 10:00am – 6:00pm, enjoy Father’s Day at Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo! Spend some quality time with Dad at the farm with free admission for fathers, plus, a complimentary Apple Cinnamon Donut, cup Of coffee, and most importantly, time to spend with the ones who adore him! For more information call 231-861-5730.

RUN-A-MUCK!
June 16 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday, June 16 from 10:00am – 1:00pm, come to Scholl Farms for the 20th Running of the RUN-A-MUCK! This is a European style 5k cross country race. No pavement! The course goes through farmland and woods and features obstacles such as water (mud), jumps, hay bales, logs, and more! Get off the road and challenge yourself! For more information call 231-893-1311 or visit https://eastsideracing.enmotive.com/events/register/run-a-muck.
Schedule of events:
• 9:15am: Splash and Dash, a special 1k course for kids 10 and under.
• 10:00am: The Run-a-Muck 5K. Walkers and dogs on leashes are welcome.
• 11:15am: 4 legged Sack Race for kids 10 and older.
• 11:45am: Awards Ceremony
• 12:30pm: Post race homemade pot luck in the barn.

Rootdown’s Yoga on Deck: Father’s Day Edition
June 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 16 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, join Rootdown Yoga aboard Muskegon’s World War II landing ship tank, the USS LST 393, for their popular donation based yoga class! This class is designed for all levels. No mat? Rent one for $2. For more information call (231) 722-9642.
This is a special Father’s Day edition and proceeds will benefit Read Muskegon’s “Project Fatherhood” Program which provides weekly conversations for urban men about doing better for the next generation.

Fly Me to the Moon: Kalamazoo Air Zoo Visits Hackley Public Library
June 17 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30pm, everyone is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo moon mission with the Kalamazoo Air Zoo at Hackley Public Library! Investigate how gravity keeps the moon in orbit around the Earth and what it takes to escape Earth’s gravity to get to the Moon. Experience the creation of moon craters and the challenges involved in landing safely on the varied surface of the Moon. Learn about current and future missions to other moons and planets in our solar system. Up, up and away! This event is free to the public. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Ragnar: Chase the Moon
June 17 @ 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Monday, June 17 from 8:30pm – 11:00pm, join Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. and Run Muskegon for a challenge of interstellar proportions! Runners all over the country will team up to accomplish something that could never be done alone – run enough miles to circle the moon 20 times! For every lap made around the moon, Ragnar will donate to the 100 Mile Club. So grab some friends, run a few miles, and do some good. To join, register for the Chase the Moon at: https://challenges.runragnar.com/2019/chase-the-moon-2019/#challenge .
The event is free to pledge to run! Participants can kick it up a notch and reward themselves and register for the virtual run and receive a glow in the dark medal and Chase the Moon T-shirt! A Ragnar ambassador will be at the event with some giveaways! Sunset is scheduled for 9:27pm, so you’ll catch an awesome sunset over the lake and finish the run in the dark! For more information, e-mail runmuskegon@gmail.com.

FCS – Student Affairs Committee Meeting Agenda – 06/10/2019

Student Affairs Committee
Monday, June 10, 2019
12:00 p.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
MEETING AGENDA

1. Middle School Sports – Ken Erny

2. 3rd – 5th Grade Proposed Reading Program – Allison Camp

3. Other

4. Public Comment

5. Adjournment

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – 06/11/2019

Business/Finance Committee
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
11:30 a.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
MEETING AGENDA

1. Budget

2. Other

3. Public Comment

4. Adjournment

Fruitport Board of Education – Special Meeting Agenda – 06/10/2019

Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Monday, June 10, 2019 – 5:30 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Regular Meeting Minutes of May 20, 2019 (attachment IV-1)
2. L-4029 (IV-2)
3. Bond Change Order (attachment IV-3)

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VI. OTHER

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Ask Dr. Universe – How Many Peas Would Fit in the Sun?

Dr. Universe: How many peas would fit in the sun? -Keegan, 8

Dear Keegan,

Our sun is so massive, you could fit more than one million earths inside of it. To find out how many peas would fit inside the biggest object in our solar system, I decided to ask my friend and mathematician Kimberly Vincent at Washington State University.

Vincent and her students said that to figure out how much of something can fit inside the sun, we need to know the volume of the sun. The volume is how much space something takes up.

One group of Vincent’s students worked to solve your question by estimating the volume of a pea is about 1 cubic centimeter. That’s the volume of a cube measuring 1 centimeter on each side.

We also need to know the volume of the sun. We can calculate this in kilometers. The Pacific Ocean, for example, has a volume of about 700,000,000 cubic kilometers.

The volume of the sun is about 1,410,000,000,000,000 cubic kilometers, or more than 2 million Pacific Oceans.

It’s also important to know there are 100,000 centimeters in a kilometer, and 1,000,000,000,000,000 cubic centimeters in a cubic kilometer. That means we can also say the volume of the sun is about 141,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 cubic centimeters.

To find out how many times a pea can fit in the sun, we divide the volume of the sun by the volume of a pea.

Here’s a quick challenge on a smaller scale. If the volume of a tennis ball is 148 cubic centimeters and a pea is 1 cubic centimeters, how many peas could fit inside a tennis ball? Hint: You can use a calculator to type in 148 ÷ 1.

Using a similar calculation, students estimated you could fit about 141,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 peas in the sun. To me, it sounded close to a zillion peas. But it turns out a zillion isn’t a real number.

A number with two groups of three zeroes is a million. A number with three groups of three zeroes is what we call a billion. Then there’s trillion, quadrillion, quintillion, and finally sextillion (seven groups of three zeroes). We could estimate 141 sextillion peas could fit in the sun.

After sextillion comes septillion, octillion, nonillion, decillion, and it goes on and on. These big numbers are useful when we want to make estimates or measure the size of the universe, the space between stars, or finding out how much water fills up a lake or ocean.

Vincent’s students also reminded me that sometimes we can approach an answer to a question in different ways. Maybe you have a different sized pea or you want to use inches or feet in your calculations. A few of the students were also thinking outside the box with your question. One of the students said that no peas would fit in the sun because the sun is a nuclear reactor and would make the peas disintegrate. Another student said it depends on how you hold the pea—if you hold it close to your eye, it might just take one to fill up, or cover, the whole sun.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 06/10/19

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

JUNE 10, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 5/13/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Review response to letter from Tribe

08. New Business
A. Approval to purchase turnout gear
B. First reading: Zoning map amendment ordinance
C. Michigan Township Services ordinance violation/citation discussion
D. Resolution for inclusion in time capsule

09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment

Mike Simcik – Border Wall

An old man told me the best reason for the border wall.
“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”
I think his name is Robert Frost.

Submitted by Mike Simcik

Secretary Benson Launches RedistrictingMichigan.org Web Portal for Citizens Redistricting Commission

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has launched RedistrictingMichigan.org, a new web portal to provide citizens with information and resources on the voter-approved ballot initiative that changes how Michigan’s legislative and congressional districts are drawn.

Last November, Michigan voters approved changes to the state’s constitution to establish a 13-member commission of citizens who will have exclusive authority to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and U.S. Congress every 10 years.

“In establishing an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, the people of Michigan sent a clear message: They want citizens in charge of drawing our state’s legislative districts,” Benson said. “For the commission to succeed, continued citizen involvement, engagement and education is critical. This web page will provide one reliable source of information for citizens and, later this year, will provide a portal for citizens to apply to serve on the commission.”

The web page provides resources, including answers to frequently asked questions, a guide for citizens and a timeline for implementation. Registered voters interested in serving on the commission will be able to apply through the web page later this year. That application will be available in multiple formats and will be developed through an open and transparent process to be launched later this year.

Under the new constitutional provision, voters assigned the secretary of state the responsibility of administering the application and selection process of commissioners, as well as providing administrative support to the commission once formed.

District lines for political offices in Michigan, as in other states, must be redrawn every 10 years following the U.S. Census. The deadline for the commission to adopt a redistricting plan for Michigan’s districts is Nov. 1, 2021.

USDA Decides to Paws Kitten Research

from the Family Research Council – www.frc.org
Click here to read the whole article.

April 03, 2019 – Democrats might not lift a finger to help a newborn, but when it comes to kittens? They pounce. Just two weeks after Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) party started crusading to end cat abuse, the USDA had good news. A policy of humane treatment is now in full effect — just not, unfortunately, for children.

While Democrats cheered the announcement, 197 Republicans were marching down the House floor to try to get Pelosi’s party to give the same protection to human infants. Even Tuesday, after 25 tries, only two Democrats — Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Ben McAdams (D-Utah) — had the moral clarity and courage to sign on to the discharge petition that would force the House to go on the record about the practice of killing innocent babies. Honestly, you can’t make this stuff up!

Even the Democrats’ statements were shockingly tone-deaf. While the GOP scrambled to find liberals with the decency to fight infanticide, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) praised the government for ending the brutality against cats. “I commend the USDA for their decision to end this type of testing on kittens,” he said with absolutely no sense of irony. “They listened to the people and responded appropriately to our concerns. This is how our institutions, our government, and our democracy should work.”

Just replace the word “kittens” with “newborns,” and you’ll see how indefensible the Left’s position on infanticide sounds. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the Senate sponsor of the bill, argued, “The KITTEN Act will protect these innocent animals from being needlessly euthanized… and make sure that they can be adopted by loving families instead.” Now imagine him saying, “The [Born-alive Survivors Protection Act] will protect these innocent [infants] from being needlessly [killed]… and make sure they can be adopted by loving families instead.”

Unfortunately, that’s the duplicity of the Left. They worry about the humane treatment of pets only to turn around and lobby for newborns to be killed on a table. At least KITTEN cosponsor Brian Mast (R-Fla.) has the dignity to oppose all kinds of violence. He may have championed the cats, but he also signed the discharge petition.

Making the story even more incredible, the USDA points out in its statement that it’s in the process of adopting “these 14 cats.” Democrats complain that there aren’t enough abortion survivors to worry about, but they started a national campaign based on a handful of animals? There are literally hundreds of infants being thrown out like garbage every year — a fact we know thanks to eye witnesses like Jill Stanek. When the CDC says there were 143 cases of babies born alive between 2002-14, the agency is only basing that number on the reports from six states! Factor in the other 44 — and the hundreds of undocumented “snippings” by monsters like Kermit Gosnell and Douglas Karpen — and we’re talking about entire schools of born children disappearing because Democrats won’t act. Maybe if they started meowing, liberals would care.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events June 3-10, 2019

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Monday June 3:

Hackley Crafts: Astrology Bubble Necklace
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library for their monthly craft night. This month design a necklace featuring your astrological sign! This program is free, and all supplies will be provided. Registration is required by calling 231-722-8011 or visiting www.hackleylibrary.org. Registration opens one month before the class date. This program is recommended for ages 16 and up.

Tuesday June 4:

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Opener!
7:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm as the Clippers take on the Monarchs. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com. Magnet schedules given out tonight.

Open Irish Jam Session
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, all musicians are welcome at Hennessey’s Irish Pub for their open Irish Jam session! Whether participating or just watching it is always a fun time and admission is free. For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Planetarium Show: The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium! Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm. Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Open Mic Night at Hackley Public Library
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
It’s Open Mic Night at Hackley Public Library! It’s your night to be a star! All types of performances are welcome; poetry reading, music and comedy. Share the talents you love! If you are interested in showcasing your art, please register at www.hackleylibrary.org or call the HPL reference desk at 231-722-8011 (registration will open 1 month before program date). Walk-ins are also welcome. If you don’t want the spotlight, just come and listen!

Wednesday June 5:

Muskegon Clippers Baseball Home Game VS Monarchs!
7:05 pm First Pitch
Check out Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field for the home opener for the Muskegon Clippers! Gates open at 6:00pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm as the Clippers take on the Monarchs. Come out for some great baseball and family fun! Grab a hot dog, some popcorn, and cold drink while you cheer on the Clippers! Kids of all ages run the bases at Marsh field after every home game! Adults $5, Seniors & Students $3, kids 5-12 $2 under 5 – FREE
www.muskegonclippers.com.

Aquastar: Midweek Afternoon Cruise
11:00 am
The first Wednesday of the month at 11:00am, board the Aquastar for an afternoon on the water as you tour Muskegon Lake and into the channel to see Lake Michigan! These lunchtime cruises will cater to those interested in Muskegon’s history. Visit their website at www.aquastarcruises.com for more information or to book your spot!

Thursday June 6:

Antique Tractor and Engine Show
June 6 – June 8
Come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for their annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show, featuring Ford tractors & equipment, Ford lawn & garden tractors, Michigan made gas engines, Farm Tractors, Trucks, Garden Tractors and Gas Engines! Events include the 10th Annual Ford Model A’s Swap Meet, Tractor and Truck Pulls, Pony Pull, Daily Antique Tractor and Truck Parades, Daily Early Days Equipment Demonstrations and Exhibits, Threshing, Baling, Broom Making, Corn Shelling, Quilting, Butter Churning, Wood Carving, Candle Making, Weaving and Spinning, Flea Market, Kids’ Games and Valve Cover Car Races. Overnight camping is available. Entry is $5. For more information, call (616) 293-1961.

Friday June 7:

Parties in the Park:Flexadecibel sponsored by JCI Muskegon
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 year’s, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. They feature great food and adult beverage vendors! For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.

Opening Reception: Coffee, Food, and Wine Art Exhibit
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Please join the Red Lotus Center for the Arts and its artists for the opening reception of their newest art exhibit. This show is designed to celebrate their favorite food and beverages and they’ve timed it to coincide with the annual Taste of Muskegon event. Please stop by to meet the artists, see the new art, and enjoy some coffee, food, and wine on them. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, visit the website www.redlotusmuskegon.com.

Hackley Attic Escape Room
June 7 & June 8: 5:00pm & 7:00pm
Experience the Hackley House as no one has before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors, now, it’s up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks and riddles! Brush up on your Muskegon history and escape the attic in 80 minutes! Space is limited to 10 people per session, so be sure to order your tickets through Eventbrite.com! The cost is $15 for museum members or $20 for non-members. For more information call 231-722-7578.

Lake Sch-Nepp-A-Ho Family Campground Grand Re-Opening Celebration
June 7 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Everyone is invited to Lake Sch-Nepp-A-Ho Family Campground for a Grand Re-Opening Celebration! They’re under new ownership and excited to share all the great changes at the campground. Enjoy complimentary hotdogs and burgers, play some games and take a tour. For more information call (231) 766-2209.

11th Annual Taste of White Lake
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Don’t miss the 11th Annual Taste of White Lake, a Michigan-themed street fair to be held at Whitehall’s Goodrich Park. An eclectic mix of local businesses will again join forces to provide an evening of fun, offering great food, Michigan beers and wines, live music, and 50/50 raffle, all benefitting Howmet Playhouse. www.tasteofwhitelake.com

Every Womans Place: Comedy Fundraiser
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for a night of stand-up with some of Michigan’s brightest up and coming comedians! It’s all to benefit the Every Woman’s Place organization. Tickets are just $15.00 each. For more information, call (231) 759-7909.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Slavic Fire
7:30 pm
Come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents “Slavic Fire!” Moscow-born Natasha Paremski reveals astounding virtuosity and interpretive abilities. Her rendering of the ultra-Romantic Chopin concerto will take your breath away. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, written during the height of Stalinist Russia, spans the gamut from sorrow to anger to triumph. Single ticket prices are $24-$60. Student tickets are $10. Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.

Saturday June 8:

Free Fishing Weekend
June 8 – June 9
Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premiere outdoor activities, Michigan Fishing, for FREE! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. So grab a rod and your family and friends and let’s go fishing!

26th Annual Arc Open
8:30 am
Calling all golfers! It’s the 26th Annual Arc Open! Come to Stonegate Golf Club, shotgun start to this 4-person scramble event featuring 18 holes with cart, continental breakfast, driving range, prizes, contests, beverages, golf goody bags and a delicious lunch! All golfers registered by May 16 will be eligible to win a prize. The cost is $380.00 per team. For more information, contact Janis at (231) 777-2006 or e-mail jmilliron@arcmuskegon.org.

Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments
June 8 – June 9
The Midwest Professional Volleyball Association presents Inside Out Beach Volleyball Tournaments at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach! For more information call (231) 739-3911.
June 8 & 9
• Saturday: M&W 2’s AA/Pro, A, B, High School 12’s,14’s, 16’s,18’s
• Sunday: Co-ed 2’s AA, A, B, High School

Comedian Joe Derosa
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saul” and “Inside Amy Schumer” is coming to Back Alley Comedy Club to entertain the crowd, Saturday, June 8 at 8:00pm! Tickets are $20 – $40 and available through Eventbrite.com. For more information call the club at (616) 570-8765.

Scout Days at Michigan’s Adventure
June 8 – June 9
Come to Michigan’s Adventure for “Scout Days!” Discounts tickets to members of various scouting groups are being offered. Scout Days are available to members of scouting programs and their families or troops only. Tickets purchased at the Scout Days rate are non-refundable and are only valid only on the event dates. Tickets are $26.00 and must be purchased at the park on the day of your outing. Lunch is available for $7.00 per person in their catering area from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Wear your uniforms and show your pride in your organization! For more information call 231-766-3377.

14th Annual Run for Wings 5k Run/Walk
8:00 am
The 14th Annual Run for Wings 5k Run/Walk is happening Saturday, June 8 beginning at 8:00am! This fundraiser for Wings of Mercy happens at the Muskegon Airport Executive Air Transport Hangar 2 and features:
• Pancake breakfast after the race
• A flat & fast course, great for your first 5K or to get a personal best time
• Chip timing
• A sweat wicking or standard cotton t-shirt at time of registration
• Many family-friendly, fun events following the race
The cost to participate is $30, or $35 if you want the sweat wicking t-shirt. For more information, find Wings of Mercy on Facebook or visit the website www.wingsofmercy.org

West Michigan Walk from Obesity
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
The ASMBS Foundation has teamed up with Life Without Limits to bring the Walk from Obesity to West Michigan on Saturday, June 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm. Join them as they take steps to raise awareness of obesity. Local sponsors and vendors will be on site to share helpful information on healthy living and resources for obesity preventions and treatment. Tickets are $25 for adults and children under 12 are free. Early bird rates are available. Proceeds raised from this event go towards obesity research, educational programs, and access to quality care initiatives. For more information call 231-246-1114.

Performances @The Block: Natasha Paremski
7:30 pm
Come to The Block for Natasha Paremski! With her consistently striking and dynamic performances. She continues to generate excitement with her musical sensibility and flawless technique. Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm.

Pigeon Hill Sampling at The Cheese Lady
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Join Pigeon Hill Brewing Company for a brew sampling at The Cheese Lady! The good folks from Pigeon Hill are sure that there are few things in life that pair as well as beer and cheese! They will have free beer samples to help you decide what to bring to your next event, even if that event is eating a plate full of cheese and drinking a pint while sitting on the couch and watching GoT! For more information call (231) 375-5184.

Muskegon Summer Wine Up Festival
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Hackley Park for the unofficial summer kick-off event, the Muskegon Summer Wine Up Festival! This is a brand new festival for adults to celebrate the real start of summer, created by Cumulus Radio/Muskegon. It will be a get-together, a celebration, a day of music and fun and a learning opportunity for wine novices and pros alike to try and taste the different varieties of wines created in Michigan and the U.S. The cost is $15 and includes 4 tastings. The first 800 people will receive a souvenir wine glass for tasting. You must be 21 to attend this event. All patrons will have to bring identification proving they are 21 or older. For more information, call Cumulus Media at (231) 903-0401.

Muskegon Museum of Art’s 107th Anniversary Gala
5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers, a silent auction, dinner and dessert by the Hearthstone, music and dancing and a live auction featuring a $10,000 giveaway! Tickets are $160 per person or $140 for MMA members. Black Tie is optional. Call 231-720-2571 for ticket information.

Muskegon Risers Home Game vs Fort Wayne Sport Club
7:00 pm
National Premier Soccer League team, the Muskegon Risers, invite you to enjoy home games at Muskegon Catholic Central School. All games are at 7:15pm. For more information e-mail hello@muskegonrisers.com or visit www.muskegonrisers.com.

Sunday June 9:

Monday June 10:

2019 Miss Michigan Pageant Meet & Greet
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Every year, the Miss Michigan Competition and Miss Michigan’s Outstanding Teen Pageant takes place in downtown Muskegon! Don’t miss your chance to ‘Meet & Greet’ these lovely contestants at the Hackley Public Library. Kids are invited to decorate a make & take crown of their own at this free event! For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Operation Rumination: Reading & Book Signing
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Visit the USS Silversides Submarine Museum as author and radio host, Rick Vuyst, signs his new book, “Operation Rumination!” For more information call 231-755-1230.

2019 Detroit Lions Summer Football Camp
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Monday – Thursday, June 10 – 13, it’s the 2019 Detroit Lions Fundamentals Camp! This is a 4-day event for boys & girls ages 6-14, happening at Montague High School. The cost is $149 and includes the 4 day camp, a Lions camp t-shirt, an appearance by a current or former Detroit Lions player, (2) tickets to a 2019 home pre-season Lions game, and more! For more information, visit the website www.detroitlions.com/football-education/football-education

Muskegon Heights Festival
June 10 – June 15
The Muskegon Heights Festival 2019 is June 10-15! This community celebration features games, arts & crafts, concerts and food vendors in Rowan Park! For more information call Mimi at 231-578-2099. Schedule: Monday, June 10: 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Movie In The Park, Tuesday, June 11: 5:00pm – Gospel in the Park, Wednesday, June 12: 5:00pm – Poetry in the Tent, Thursday, June 13: 5:00pm – Comedy in the Tent, Friday, June 14: 6:30pm – 11:30pm – Hip-hop Artist TWISTA, Saturday, June 15:10:00am – City Parade, 7:00pm – 11:00pm – R&B/funk band SWITCH Featuring Raydio

Mental Health Funding Gaps Foreshadow Crises in Michigan

Summary report predicts homelessness, poverty, increased incarceration and deaths

March 29,2019 – The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM) today released a new analysis, “Systemic Underfunding of Michigan’s Public Mental Health System,” which studies the longstanding underfunding of Michigan’s public mental healthcare system. The study cites a $150 million gap between the cost of health care and the funding provided to Michigan’s public mental health system. The need and cost for services provided by HealthWest (the Community Mental Health for Muskegon County) has been increasing each year. HealthWest is serving an average of 15% more people each year, over the past five years. The intellectually and developmentally disabled population served by HealthWest grows by an average of 7% each year. This population requires the highest-cost services. Despite extensive growth in the demand for services, revenue over the past five years has only grown by an average of 1.67% per year. In addition to the growing population served by HealthWest, expenses per person served have also increased by an average of 2.75% annually.

CMHAM’s analysis makes five concrete recommendations to address the current crises in unmet mental health and substance use disorder needs – recommendations that, if followed, will stem homelessness, poverty, incarceration and the premature death of Michiganders with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

“Michiganders do not face the same mental health and substance use disorder needs that they had 20 years ago,” said Robert Sheehan, the CEO of the CMHAM (formerly the Michigan Association of Mental Health Boards). “There are new demands, new crises and new conditions in every community throughout Michigan, which the original financing structure did not account for. These include the opioid crisis, incarceration of those with mental health needs, the recognition of the prevalence of autism, increased homelessness and more—yet the system is still operating from a decades old funding structure. This is the reality that the public mental health system in Michigan has faced for decades. Without moving toward the ambitious vision outlined by the Association and addressing this outdated funding structure, Michiganders will continue to live without the mental health care that they need and expect.”

“HealthWest is doing more with less. We have reduced expenditures by increasing caseload size and cutting administrative costs.” said Julia Rupp, HealthWest Executive Director. “Our staff are working hard to provide the best quality care to everyone who comes through our doors.” HealthWest spent an average of $14,372 per consumer in FY2015. That decreased 26% to $10,576 in FY2018. HealthWest has seen significant increases in service requests for Muskegon County youth as well as individuals with substance use disorders. Muskegon County is home to 13% of the region’s population, but accounted for 38% of the region’s Substance Use Disorder admissions last year.

For more information on the reports mentioned, visit https://cmham.org/systemic-underfunding-of-michigans-public-mental-health-system/ . To get involved in your local community visit www.healthwest.net

Calvary Christian School in Fruitport Alumnus Erica Mitchell Wins National Chemistry Award

from a Taylor University newspaper article

Congratulations to Class of 2016 Calvary Christian School graduate Erica Mitchell, who was one of 10 college students nationwide to receive the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) Eli Lilly Travel Award. Mitchell, a Chemistry Major with minors in Physics and Mathematics at Taylor University, traveled to Orlando, Florida to present her research at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Erica commented, “I am thankful for the people who encouraged and influenced me throughout my time at Calvary. I am truly thankful for all the positive support I have gotten for this.” She was the 2016 CCS Salutatorian and was also a member of the 2015 and 2016 girls basketball conference and district championship teams.

Mitchell was chosen based on the “scientific merit of (her) research” according to the American Chemical Society’s website. She was the first Taylor University student to ever receive the award, and has also competed research at the University of Mississippi. As part of her research, Mitchell studied the binding of a drug to a protein in human blood.

Congratulations, Erica!

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 05/28/19 – 06/03/19

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

LOOK!
May 21 – June 1
Tuesday, May 21 – Saturday, June 1, Art Cats Gallery reminds you that it is sometimes enlightening to view the world through a different lens. See the world of Leslie Lundquist-Victor, Ruth Achterhoff-Aust and Tim Bonnette in their photos. Also introducing fused glass by Karen Nichols. For more information call (231) 755-7606.

Call to Artists: Coffee, Food, and Wine Art Exhibit
May 22 @ 11:00 am – May 29 @ 11:00 am
The Red Lotus Center for the Arts is looking for new art with a coffee, food, or wine theme. Anyone is welcome to submit art for this show and the submission forms and rules can be found here: http://redlotusmuskegon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Coffee-food-wine-submission-form.pdf. Please drop off your art by 5:00pm on May 29, 2019.

Feeding the Soul of the City: GVSU Steel Drum Band
May 28 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, May 28 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for the “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring the GVSU Steel Drum Band! The ever-popular steel drum performers from Grand Valley State University, under the direction of Greg Secor, return for a performance of the tropical sounds of Trinidad and Tobago along with other Latin styles. For more information, call 231-722-2112.
The Sanctuary will be open for prayer and personal meditation from 10:00am – 12:00pm. At noon, there will be a gathering for a 10 minute inter-faith celebration of prayer. This is open to all faiths. The concerts are free and open to the public. A soup and sandwich lunch is available for a small price or you may bring your own lunch. To join their mailing list for Feeding the Soul of the City, contact Elizabeth at ebsnflows@gmail.com.

Planetarium Show: Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium! Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight,” April 2 – June 13 (no shows on May 7 – 16) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm. Be dazzled with virtual rides aboard the spacecraft of the future and see how far our technology can take us. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Workaholic Women’s Wednesday Cruise
May 29 @ 7:00 pm
The last Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm, take some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy a cruise of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan aboard the Aquastar! Join local celebrity Britta Cleveland for a mid-week adventure with music, food, adult beverages and specialty vendors. You will need a debit/credit card to purchase drinks. Tickets are $25. Visit www.aquastarcruises.com to book your spot or call (231) 903-0669 for more information.

ReCon Veteran’s Resilience Conference
May 30 @ 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 30 from 7:30am – 5:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Center for the ReCon Veteran’s Resilience Conference! This conference is for veterans, their families, veteran service providers and anyone interested in supporting veterans or gaining skills to grow resilience. Pioneering a Veteran resilience movement starts with all of us, that’s why ReCon: Resilience Conference focuses on bringing you the best speakers, resources, and practices to equip you with the tools you need to continue encouraging and strengthening others. For more information call 231-332-3884.

Walking Tour: A Bite of History
May 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 30 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center to embark on a journey through time while tasting samples from some of Muskegon’s newest restaurants! This historic walking tour will include a history of various buildings and businesses downtown as you make your way between Dr. Rolf’s BBQ, Rad Dads’ Tacos & Tequila, and one more surprise location!
The cost is $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members and includes samples at all three stops. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and are available in the Museum Store, by calling (231) 722-0278, or via Eventbrite.com. For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Dancing into Sunset Free Weekly Dance Party
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Season 3 of the “Dancing into Sunset“ free outdoor concert series kicks off on Thursday, May 30 from 7:00pm – 9:30pm with the night’s music provided by The Sea Cruisers, playing 50’s 60’s and 70’s rock and roll! New this season, enjoy vendors on site each week including Aloha Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Pizza Parliament. These free weekly concerts happen every Thursday, May 30 – August 22 in beautiful Pomona Park overlooking Spring Lake. Be sure to check back for more bands and vendors. For more information e-mail dancingintosunset@aol.com or visit their Facebook page.

USO-Style Swing Dance
May 31
Friday evening, May 31, come aboard the USS LST 393 for a USO-Style Swing Dance featuring a terrific live jazz band and authentic swing dancing on the top deck of a World War II ship. For more information visit www.lst393.org.

D-Day Plus 75
May 31 – June 1
Friday and Saturday, May 31 – June 1, the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum and Rolling Thunder present “D-Day Plus 75!” This World War II landing ship tank will feature special displays and exhibits to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. LST 393 was there, and is one of only three ships at Omaha Beach still afloat. Visitors can share this historic day aboard one of the most important D-Day artifacts anywhere. The community celebration will feature an honor ride, World War II reenactors, unique World War II vehicles, the amazing “Air Raid Muskegon” featuring historic aircraft “battling” reenactors on the ship, and special activities for kids. More info is at www.lst393.org or by calling 231-730-1477.

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.
Docent-led Tower Tours Admission:
• $2 – Kids 11 and under
• $3 – Military and veterans
• $4 – 12 and up
Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Contact muskegonlights@gmail.com to book a private tour of the Lighthouse with one of their knowledgeable history docents. The cost is $50 a person for up to ten people for sunset or any time of day you desire.

Pre-Party at the Museum
Fridays @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Headed to Parties in the Park with the family? Stop by the Lakeshore Museum Center beforehand for a fun, hands-on activity, and beat the crowds for a prime parking spot too! The cost is $5 for ages 3 and older. Muskegon residents and museum members are free. For more information call 231) 722-0278.
From 3:00-5:00pm on Parties in the Park Fridays:
• May 31 – Glow in the Dark at the Museum
• June 7 – Wild Weather
• June 14 – Lego Challenge in the STEM Center
• June 21 – Electrified at the Museum
• June 28 – The Power of Water

Parties in the Park
Fridays @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 years, Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Be a part of the tradition and enjoy your summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park. Parties are 5:00pm – 9:00pm and feature great food and adult beverage vendors! For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.
• May 31 – Sharrie Williams & Vincent Hayes Band sponsored by the Muskegon Sports Council
• June 7 – Flexadecibel sponsored by JCI Muskegon
• June 14 – Plain Jane Glory, Whiskey Rebels, Noah Smith sponsored by Taste of Muskegon
• June 21 – Jan James & Bri Baron sponsored by MOCAP
• June 28 – Orquesta Tradicion sponsored by AgeWell Services
• July 26 – Bari Lee Band sponsored by Muskegon Inventors Network
• August 2 – Melophobix & Paddlebots sponsored by Community encompass
• August 16 – Hurricane Reggae Band sponsored by the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce
• August 23 – Laith Al-Saadi sponsored by Muskegon Rotary

Live Music: Degrees Don’t Matter
May 31 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, May 31 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm, come to Racquets Downtown Grill for live music with Degrees Don’t Matter! They play popular songs you know and love from the 70’s, 90’s and 80’s. There will be a DJ after the band so you can continue to party into June! For more information call (231) 726-4007.

Hennessy’s Comedy Night
May 31 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Select Fridays from 8:30pm – 10:00pm, come to Hennessey’s Irish Pub for live stand-up Comedy! Hosted by Tim Locke, Hennessey’s features various stand-up comedians from all over Michigan! The cover is free! For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Ruck 22: Raising Awareness for Veteran Suicide
June 1 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The 3rd Annual Ruck 22 will be held Saturday, June 1 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at beautiful Pere Marquette Beach! The purpose of this event is to raise awareness for veteran suicide and PTSD. You will ruck in a 22 mile loop from The Deck Restaurant at Pere Marquette Park to Bear Lake Tavern and back to The Deck. Registration for this event includes participation in the ruck, your custom Ruck 22 event t-shirt, and a raffle ticket to win a custom Hometown Battles flag.
This year, the last 2.2 miles will be dedicated in remembrance of SGT Lorenzo Lopez. Lorenzo completed the ruck last year before losing his battle. In addition to this, the last 2.2 miles are open to anyone who would like to participate but cannot otherwise do the 22 miles. There is a special registration for this portion only.
Proceeds from the ruck will benefit Hometown Battles, who strive to assist struggling veterans by providing immediate relief on certain aspects of their finances where the VA and government leave them behind. For more information visit Ruck 22’s Facebook page or find this event on Eventbrite.com.

Montague Farmers’ Market Opens for the Season
June 1 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Montague Farmers’ opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through the last Saturday in October. The Market is also open on Wednesdays in July, August, and September. Market hours are from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
A few of the farmers and gardeners begin selling prior to the official start in June. Early season products available most Saturdays in May include honey, baked goods, maple syrup, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens.
The Farmers’ Market, overseen by the Downtown Development Authority, permits local vendors to sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and plants. Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 231-893-1155 ext. 1757 for booth availability.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
June 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust! They are open year-round, Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Summer markets are held in the parking lot; winter markets are inside the lobby. For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Sensory Friendly Movies: Where “Shhhhh!” isn’t allowed!
June 1 @ 10:30 am
Family Hope Foundation and Cinema Carousel present a unique movie experience for individuals with special needs and their families. Select Saturdays, enjoy a disability-friendly environment where everyone is welcome to be who they are! For more information, call Family Hope Foundation at 616-729-8833.

History for the Whole Family
June 1 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Saturday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, visit the Hackley & Hume Historic Site with the family! Are you a history buff that finds it hard to visit historic sites with your young family? If so, this program is designed for you! Bring the young ones, and while the adults are enjoying a tour throughout the sites or learning more about local history, your kids can enjoy their own history experience with games, tours and make ‘n take activities. This event is geared toward families with kids between 4 and 12 years of age. The cost is only $5, or free with your museum membership. For more information call 231-722-7578.

Shakespeare at the Rose: The Taming of the Shrew
June 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, come to the Rose Theatre, located within the beautiful Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, to enjoy the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company’s performance of “The Taming of the Shrew!” One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, this play depicts the courtship of itinerant metal utensils mender, Petruchio, and Katherina, the headstrong, obstinate shrew. In the end, does everyone (or anyone) live happily ever after? Tickets are $15 – $20 and available through Eventbrite.com.

1M Project Free Family Event
June 1 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm, the 1M Project invites you to join them in Hackley Park for a free family event! Enjoy food vendors, a Kids Area by CranHill, and live music by Carrollton and the Steeple Hill Band! There will also be an address by Keynote Speaker: B Haley with the We Are 1 Movement. To view more about the 1M project, go to www.1mproject.org.

Veterans Appreciation Aquastar Cruise
June 1 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
“D-Day Plus 75” will be the fifth commemoration sponsored by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4 veterans support group at USS LST 393 Veterans Museum on the Muskegon waterfront. It will feature two full days of fun, food, flying, dancing and a chance to honor those who served and sacrificed. The Aquastar, docked next to the LST, will host a Veterans Appreciation Cruise at 3:30pm June 1, 2019.
The Aquastar June 1 cruise is free to veterans and only $20 for their guests. In addition to the cruise, there will be the exciting “Air Raid Muskegon,” where World War II reenactors fire hundreds of blanks at authentic Warbirds to “defend” the historic warship. The popular Do Good Gals conduct a family-friendly 1940s “pin-up” fashion show. Dozens of reenactors displayed uniforms, weapons, vehicles and their knowledge of the roles of those who served in World War II. To book your tickets for the Veterans Appreciation Cruise visit their website at aquastarcruises.com

SJO Supercross
June 1 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:00pm, come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for the SJO Supercross presented by SJO Productions! Admission is $10 per person or $5 for kids under 11 years old. For more information call the fairgrounds at 231-788-4568 or visit the website below.

Muskegon Risers Home Game
June 1 @ 7:00 pm
National Premier Soccer League team, the Muskegon Risers, invite you to enjoy home games at the Monsignor Kehren Stadium at Muskegon Catholic Central School. All games are at 7:15pm. For more information e-mail hello@muskegonrisers.com or visit the website below.
• June 1 vs Lake St. Claire
• June 8 vs Fort Wayne Sport Club
• June 22 vs Livonia City FC
• July 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent
• July 27 vs Oakland County FC

Star Party
June 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, June 1 from 9:00pm – 11:30pm, the Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Star Party at Muskegon State Park! Star Parties are scheduled events hosted by members. All visitors are welcome to come and learn about amateur astronomy and view the night sky through the society’s telescopes. You may also bring your own telescope. They will help you get started and show you how to make adjustments. They will also provide printed materials. If weather conditions are questionable, contact Dennis Allen at 231-777-1013 to find out the status of the event. It will have to be cancelled if it’s cloudy. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Hackley Crafts: Astrology Bubble Necklace
June 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, June 3 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library to design a necklace featuring your astrological sign! This program is free, and all supplies will be provided. Registration is required by calling 231-722-8011 or visiting www.hackleylibrary.org. Registration opens one month before the class date. This program is recommended for ages 16 and up.

MADLOS Presents: Street Dance
June 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Mondays, June 3 – August 27 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon’s Olthoff Stage for free Latin or Swing dance lessons from MADLOS! Start with a lesson, then try your moves on the sidewalk at these free events. No partner or experience is needed. While the cost is free, donations are appreciated. Keep an eye on the MADLOS Facebook page to see what style of dance will be offered each week.

School & Emergency Leaders Collaborate to Enhance School Safety

Each day, over 55,000 children are sent to school buildings across Ottawa and Allegan Counties to learn. Keeping all of these children safe at those school buildings is equally as important as ensuring their academic success.

On March 14, the Ottawa Area Secure Schools Network (OASSN), a combined effort between schools, law enforcement, and emergency responders within the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) to enhance school safety across the region, held its Spring Summit at the Ottawa County Fillmore Administration Building in West Olive. Over 100 representatives from public, private, and charter schools, law enforcement agencies and fire departments attended the event that strengthened regional school safety collaboration. This is the fourth OASSN summit.

At any given moment, school personnel may need to respond to an array of emergency incidents that extend beyond active shooters to include natural disasters, severe storms, and other violent incidents. These events may occur in classrooms, stadiums, school buses, auditoriums and other venues. Many incidents require the coordinated effort of the schools, local, state, and federal agencies partnering together to successfully respond.

The 3 1/2 hour Spring 2019 Summit focused on the development and implementation of an Incident Command System, a structure of response used day-to-day by law enforcement and emergency responders. Incident Command Structure integrates with emergency plans of schools and ensures clear communication and control during an incident. School personnel worked side-by-side with area first responders in brief tabletop exercises and simulations. The training highlighted how the schools can further use the command structure and plans to prevent emergency incidents altogether when expecting large crowds.

The Summit also reviewed protocol for the initial responders. Initial responders are those personnel such as teachers, bus drivers, coaches or other staff leading the students before the emergency responders, such as police officers, arrive.

“The Summit highlighted two perspectives we must keep in mind as we deal with any emergency event. On the one hand, we need each individual – especially those like teachers who have a duty of care for their students – to be what we call an ‘initial responder’ who are equipped and ready to act in a split second to any situation. On the other hand, schools, first responders, and others must learn how to act as a ‘coordinated system’ to manage an event or crisis through response and recovery activities. The Summit introduced the participants to both the bottom-up and top-down protocols and practices to be successful from both perspectives, ” said Michael Rohwer, Assistant Superintendent of Security Operations for the OAISD.

“All the players in the room have great working relationships and this day builds upon that,” said Steve Kempker, Ottawa County Sheriff. “Bringing the region together to learn more about school safety and security with one another and from one another makes sense. In the unfortunate instance of a school emergency, the Summit gives everyone the resources and tools to respond and work together more effectively.”

Goals of OASSN are to coordinate and share training across all agencies; share practices and plans across the region and between agencies; and develop common safety procedures, protocol and language.

The Ottawa Area Secure Schools Network is a regional collaboration between public, private, and charter schools, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments within Ottawa Area Intermediate School District to work proactively toward maintaining and improving school safety. Through regional collaboration and shared practices, agencies can pool resources to stay on the forefront of school safety for all K-12 schools in the region.

News Release – Social Security

Social Security Combined Trust Funds Gain One Year Says Board of Trustees
Disability Fund Shows Strong Improvement—Twenty Years

The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2035, one year later than projected last year, with 80 percent of benefits payable at that time.

The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2034, the same as last year’s estimate, with 77 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2052, extended 20 years from last year’s estimate of 2032, with 91 percent of benefits still payable.

In the 2019 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced:
• The asset reserves of the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds increased by $3 billion in 2018 to a total of $2.895 trillion.
• The total annual cost of the program is projected to exceed total annual income, for the first time since 1982, in 2020 and remain higher throughout the 75-year projection period. As a result, asset reserves are expected to decline during 2020. Social Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010.
• The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2035 – gaining one year from last year’s projection. At that time, there would be sufficient income coming in to pay 80 percent of scheduled benefits.

“The Trustees recommend that lawmakers address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely way in order to phase in necessary changes gradually and give workers and beneficiaries time to adjust to them,” said Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The large change in the reserve depletion date for the DI Fund is mainly due to continuing favorable trends in the disability program. Disability applications have been declining since 2010, and the number of disabled-worker beneficiaries receiving payments has been falling since 2014.”

Other highlights of the Trustees Report include:
· Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to just over $1 trillion in 2018. ($885 billion from net payroll tax contributions, $35 billion from taxation of benefits, and $83 billion in interest)

· Total expenditures from the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1 trillion in 2018.

· Social Security paid benefits of nearly $989 billion in calendar year 2018. There were about 63 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year.

· The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 2.78 percent of taxable payroll – lower than the 2.84 percent projected in last year’s report.

· During 2018, an estimated 176 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes.

· The cost of $6.7 billion to administer the Social Security program in 2018 was a very low 0.7 percent of total expenditures.

· The combined Trust Fund asset reserves earned interest at an effective annual rate of 2.9 percent in 2018.

The Board of Trustees usually comprises six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee; Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security; Alex M. Azar II, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and R. Alexander Acosta, Secretary of Labor. The two public trustee positions are currently vacant.

View the 2019 Trustees Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2019/.

To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on Twitter @SSAPress.

Dismemberment Abortion Ban Introduced in Michigan

March 12, 2019, Lansing, Mich. -– Legislation to ban dismemberment abortions in Michigan was introduced today in the Michigan House.

House Bills 4320 and 4321 would amend Michigan’s 2011 ban on partial-birth abortions by including the dismemberment abortion procedure, also known as a dilation and evacuation abortion (D&E).

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “These bills are Michigan’s response to New York’s abortion law and other states seeking to explicitly allow abortions through all nine months of pregnancy for any reason.”

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy accurately described dismemberment/D&E abortions in his opinions in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions on partial-birth abortion in Gonzales v. Carhart (2007) and Stenberg v. Carhart (2000).

In Gonzales, Justice Kennedy wrote, “The doctor, often guided by ultrasound, inserts grasping forceps through the woman’s cervix and into the uterus to grab the fetus. The doctor grips a fetal part with the forceps and pulls it back through the cervix and vagina, continuing to pull even after meeting resistance from the cervix. The friction causes the fetus to tear apart. For example, a leg might be ripped off the fetus as it is pulled through the cervix and out of the woman.”

In Stenberg, Justice Kennedy wrote, “The fetus, in many cases, dies just as a human adult or child would: It bleeds to death as it is torn from limb from limb. The fetus can be alive at the beginning of the dismemberment process and can survive for a time while its limbs are being torn off.”

Listing said, “In his opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy rightly said that dismemberment abortions are ‘laden with the power to devalue human life.’ Tearing the arms and legs off children in the later stages of pregnancy is not a good reflection of our Michigan values.”

The dismemberment abortion procedure is the most frequently-used late-term abortion procedure in America and Michigan. In 2017, there were 1,777 dismemberment abortions in Michigan reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Of those, 98 percent occurred in the second trimester, between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

In published research on reasons women have abortions, the pro-abortion Alan Guttmacher Institute has stated that most late-term abortions are done for elective reasons.

In a 2013 study the Guttmacher Institute published, the authors admitted, “But data suggest that most women seeking later terminations are not doing so for reasons of fetal anomaly or life endangerment.”

Listing said, “Opinion polls routinely show a majority of Americans believe late-term abortions should be illegal. Dismemberment abortions are obvious violence and that’s not how we should be treating our own children.”

Ottawa County Recognized as ‘Champion of Diversity’ by West Coast Chamber

Ottawa County Commissioners and key staff receive the Champion of Diversity Award for Ottawa County. Photo Credit: Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce held its Celebrating Diversity Luncheon on Wednesday, April 17, and recognized Ottawa County as the Corporate Champion of Diversity.

Under the leadership of Administrator Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County embarked on a Four Cs organizational improvement strategy, which focuses on customer service, creativity, communication and cultural intelligence. As part of the cultural intelligence strategy, Ottawa County has implemented programs to train over 650 employees on diversity and inclusion within the sheriff’s office, the courts, the health departments, and other government services. Ottawa County’s Cultural Intelligence Committee has built relationships with many community organizations including the Migrant Resource Council.

Ottawa County recently established the Diversity and Inclusion Office, which will be responsible for developing templates to uncover and eliminate implicit bias, develop plans to promote diversity, and be an internal consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion topics.

Grand Valley State University Graduate List

More than 1,150 Grand Valley State University students participated in commencement ceremonies on December 8 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. A partial list of the names of Grand Valley’s most recent graduates follows.

Students who graduated at the conclusion of the Fall 2018 semester in December include:

Fruitport: Christopher W. Ashford, BBA; Austin J. Fialek, BSN; Kyle J. Yates, BA

Muskegon (49444): Travis J. Bradfield, BBA; Collin R. Cribley, BS; Megan N. Heath, BS; Kaitlyn J. Wright, BBA

Ravenna: Erica J. Austin, BA; Todd W. Brown, BBA

Spring Lake: Brandon M. Aho, BS; Mason A. Bialik, BA; Michelle A. Bogi, BS; Megan L. Boomgaard, BS; Seth S. Carrier, BS; Arden M. Clark, BS; Matthew J. Clark, BS; Emily A. Dalman, MSW; Samantha L. Dalman, MBA; Mitchell S. Hoffman, BS; Anna M. Huizenga, BS; Erin Kleist, MS; Lori A. Mitchell, BA; Brieanna R. Wilson, MHA

Ask Dr. Universe – Why Flowers Smell Nice

Dear Dr. Universe: Why do flowers smell so nice? – Miles, 5

Photo by Rachael Bonoan of a Puget Blue butterfly on a daisy. Some insects can pick up a scent with receptors in their feet.

Dear Miles,

Flowers not only smell nice to humans, but also to many insects and birds who help the flowers do a really important job. Let’s imagine that you are a bee or a butterfly. You don’t have a nose on your face, but instead use your two antennae to smell things.

As you fly around, you catch a whiff of chemicals floating in the air. Down below, you see a field of daisies. The flowers are releasing some chemicals, which are the building blocks of a smell.

You fly down to the field and land on a daisy’s petal. It’s just what the flower wanted you to do.

Not only can you drink nectar from the flower to get some energy, but you can help the flower get ready to produce even more flowers.

As you sip on the daisy’s sweet, liquid nectar, the hairs on your body start picking up pollen, sticky grains on the flower. If you are imagining yourself as a bee, you might also use your front legs to put the grains into your pollen baskets, or pollen pants, near your back legs.

That’s what I found out from my friend Rachael Bonoan, a scientist with the Conservation Biology Laboratory at Washington State University.

She told me that bugs, birds, bats, and a few other animals make up a group called pollinators. They carry pollen around from flower to flower. The process is called pollination and it is kind of like a matching game.

Different flowers will send out their own unique smells to attract the right kind of pollinators. Not all of these smells are sweet, though. Even stinky flowers need pollinators to survive.

Flies like flowers that smell like rotting garbage or poop, such as the corpse flower. Beetles like spicy, musky smelling flowers. Bees and butterflies like sweeter smelling flowers.

Flowers send out their chemical messages, or smells, at different times of the day. Jasmine and Honeysuckle are a few of the flowers that release their smells at night. They do this to attract insects like moths that are awake when it is dark out.

Insects also pick up smells from a flower’s leaves. And in addition to their antennae, some insects that walk around on plants can even pick up a scent with receptors in their feet.

Bonoan studies one of these insects in the Pacific Northwest. It’s called the Puget blue butterfly. She told me that a leaf’s smell is likely one way these butterflies decided where to lay their eggs. Smell plays a big part in how pollinators and plants can help each other survive.

Humans also really like the way flowers look and smell. We plant gardens, which are great places for pollinators to do their work. Do you have a favorite flower? What kinds of pollinators can you spot in your neighborhood? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Michigan Libertarians Say “Free Assange! Stop Police Brutality!”

April 19, 2019

Bay City, MI – Delegates to the Libertarian Party of Michigan state convention made their feelings about the abuse of power clear over the weekend.

Over two-thirds of those attending the event at the Courtyard by Marriot in Bay City want to see the firing and prosecution of law enforcement officers who use excessive force, as well as those in the judicial branch who enable them. They expressed this sentiment in the resolution that read…

“Whereas the initiation of force by state police officers is often done under false or unclear pretenses,
that all individuals possess the same set of rights,
that individual rights are not suspended when accusations are made against an individual,
and that a free society cannot co-exist within a militarized police state.

We, the Libertarian Party of Michigan, resolve
that awarding impunity to police who violate the individual rights of an accused is more harmful than the alleged crime itself,
that the perpetual betrayal of the public’s trust by law enforcement officers is an indication of a culture of tyranny,
and that the judges and the state police officers responsible for protecting or participation in this systematic aggression should be immediately removed from their positions of authority and prosecuted for the crimes they committed in their betrayal of the people.”

The convention also appears to be a hotbed of support for Wiki Leaks founder Julian Assange. Most Libertarians view him as a political prisoner who is being prosecuted to punish him for exposing “the most grievous of crimes” by government officials. They expressed this in the following resolution:

“Whereas the Libertarian Party of Michigan holds that the most grievous of crimes is the mass murder committed by the federal government overseas,
Whereas journalism is not in any way, shape or form, a crime and is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution,
Let it be RESOLVED that whistleblowers “crimes” provide a valuable service for the American people, and that Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and all other whistleblowers, journalists and their publishers must have all charges dropped and be released from detention immediately.”

The Libertarian Party of Michigan, PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; www.michiganlp.org, Phone: 1-888.FREE.NOW. Paid for with regulated funds by the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc. d/b/a the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Not authorized by any candidate.

Measles – It’s Not Just a Little Rash!

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Also, measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people exposed to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

Measles symptoms typically include:
• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth
• Rash (red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on ears and/or face; spreads to trunk, arms and legs)

Measles can be serious:
• Measles can be serious in all age groups. But, children younger than five years of age, pregnant women and people with immune system-suppressing conditions/medication are at a higher risk of getting measles and are more likely to suffer from measles complications.
• Measles may cause a pregnant woman to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby.
• Ear infections occur in about one out of every 10 children with measles and can result in permanent hearing loss.
• About 1 out of 4 people who get measles will be hospitalized.
• 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage.
• 1 or 2 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care.

Learn more about complications.

KNOW YOUR VACCINATION STATUS!

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR TODAY! LEARN MORE ABOUT MEASLES

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Michigan is Experiencing a Measles Outbreak

Measles cases reach 34 in Michigan, highest number since 1991. As of April 2, 2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 34 total measles cases statewide since March 13, 2019. Oakland County has 33 cases and one case was a Wayne County resident. Infected individuals range in age from 8 months to 63. Exposure Locations. Stay up-to-date on the situation at michigan.gov/MeaslesOutbreak.

Stomach Bug Circulating in the Community

Increase in stomach bug

March 14, 2019 – Norovirus-like illness (stomach bug) is circulating in the community and increasing. It spreads very easily and quickly person to person and by touching surfaces contaminated with vomit or stool. Common norovirus outbreak settings are in enclosed places like nursing homes, daycare centers, schools and cruise ships. It is also a major cause of outbreaks in restaurants and catered-meal settings if contaminated food is served or people handling food are ill. Anyone can get norovirus and can have it more than once.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a person will get norovirus about five times during their lifetime. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, but more than eighty percent of reported outbreaks occur from November to April.

Click to watch the video.

How You Get Norovirus
• Having direct physical contact with a person who is infected, such as caring for or shaking hands with a sick person and then touching your hands to your mouth.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hands in your mouth.
• People with norovirus illness are most contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill and for the first few days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer.

“We are seeing increases in emergency department visits for stomach virus-like complaints. Schools, childcare settings and physician offices are also reporting more stomach illness in the past few weeks. Outbreaks are occurring in nursing homes and other long-term care settings. To reduce the risk of illness in our community, people should take preventive measures to stay healthy,” said Marcia Mansaray, senior epidemiologist.

Protect Yourself and Others from Norovirus
• Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers – and always before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers are generally not effective for norovirus.
• Handle and prepare food safely. People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least two days after they recover from their illness.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces (such as toilets, counters and doorknobs). Always clean up the entire area immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea. Put on disposable gloves and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or with a solution of five tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water.
• Wash laundry thoroughly. Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully – try not to shake them – to avoid spreading the virus. If available, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling.
• Stay home if sick for at least 24 hours after symptoms end to avoid spreading the illness to others.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

Secretary Benson Unveils Detroit Pro Team License Plates

Order one featuring Lions, Pistons, Red Wings or Tigers logo at ExpressSOS.com, by mail or in a branch

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today joined Detroit Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers representatives to announce four new Michigan license plates each featuring the logo of one of the teams with net proceeds benefitting that team’s charitable foundation.

Secretary Benson Releases Report on Observations, Recommendations from Tour of 131 Branch Offices

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today released a report on her observations and recommendations upon completing a tour of all 131 secretary of state branch offices in Michigan.

At a news conference at Cadillac Place in Detroit, Benson spoke about visiting all branch offices in Michigan’s 83 counties and talking with customers and employees about how to improve service and shorten wait times for Michigan residents.

“Every Michigan resident deserves efficient access to state services,” Benson said. “We are ready and determined to rebuild a system of delivering services that is modern and effective. Michigan’s hard-working residents and our employees deserve no less.”

Benson’s recommendations fall under these headings:
• Upgrade online services and communications.
• Provide targeted support to the highest volume customers.
• Revamp self-service kiosks to ensure reliable service.
• Review internal policies and pursue legislative reforms.
• Create a culture of support for staff.
• Improve the physical environment of offices.
• Expand features that work and restructure those that don’t.
• Look for opportunities to continuously streamline operations.
• Encourage customer and employee feedback.

Van Allsburg Reappointed to Business Court

The Michigan Supreme Court has reappointed Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit Court Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg to the Business Court for a six-year term. The Business Court is a specialized docket of the circuit court, created by the legislature in 2012 to promote timely, effective, and predictable resolution of complex business cases. The court began operations on July 1, 2013, utilizing electronic filing, phone and video conferencing, and early intervention to promote rapid resolution of these cases. Court opinions are posted to an indexed website for public access.

“We anticipate the business court will promote the use of technology and early intervention among those litigants who are most able to make use of it,” said Judge Van Allsburg. “We will be evaluating the effectiveness of these tools and procedures in the hope that we can apply them to all cases, and ultimately reduce the time and expense involved in resolving court cases.”

Van Allsburg is an honors graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law, and joined the Circuit Court in 2005 after a 25-year career in the practice of law, during which he served as chairman of the board of the Michigan West Coast (formerly Holland Area) Chamber of Commerce. He will continue to be assigned to the Family Division of the Circuit Court, and he is also assigned to hear appeals from lower courts, municipalities, and state agencies.

Free Walking Program in Ottawa and Allegan Counties

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

Step it Up! is free, 8-week program is designed by Ottawa County Parks & the Department of Public Health to help participants get active and visit new parks. All levels of fitness welcome!

Participants will be able to track their steps and activity online, as well as monitor their progress throughout the challenge. Each week, participants who track their activity are eligible for incentive prizes.

In order to help participants stay active throughout the program there are weekly guided walks, with varying pace groups, offered for free in both Ottawa and Allegan County Parks. New this year: group walks in Ottawa County will also include a short, body weight strength training program prior to the walk with the help of Cari Draft from EcoTrek Fitness, the Tri-Cities Family YMCA, and Jessie Riley from the Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging.

To encourage participants to discover new recreational activities, the program offers opportunities to try kayaking, biking, orienteering, disc golf, and a thru-hike. These activities and necessary equipment are free-of-charge to registered participants who are recording their activity.

Home Show Experiences Record Number of Attendees

This year’s Muskegon Home, Garden, and DIY Show drew a record crowd. With almost 1800 people in attendance, the exhibitor floor was buzzing with attendees looking for their next spring projects. The newest addition to the Home, Garden, and DIY Show was the opening of the Gallery Level in the Fricano Place Event Center.

“Opening the Gallery Level allowed us to have more exhibitors than we have had in previous years,” commented Kristin Knop, Show Director. “The response on the opening of the new level has been very positive.”

Almost every seminar offered was filled to capacity. Chef Char from Kitchen 242, floral arranging by Skeeter Parkhouse of Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts, and DIY chalk painting with Pretty in Paint were among show favorites. Some attendees even came early just to sign up for their favorite seminar.

Our featured artist, Jeremy Church, spoke with guests in the Gallery Level about what it takes to get a great photograph and the preparations he takes to get amazing photos. One of Church’s photography prints, of the Muskegon State Park Blockhouse, was given away to a lucky person who attended the home show. Additionally, Create.a.frame Studio had budding artists painting their own home décor canvases all day.

“We are already looking forward to keeping this momentum going for next year’s home show,” says Knop.

The Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show is a production of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce with support from the Lakeshore Home Builders Association. Sponsors included, Shepherd Shoreline Gutters & Garage Doors, First General Credit Union, Padnos, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Spectrum Reach and many others. For a complete list of sponsors visit muskegonHGS.org.

Proposal 1 Not Good Enough for Michigan Libertarians

April 20, 2019

Bay City, MI – While many Michiganders are looking to last year’s Proposal 1 as the conclusion of the decades long marijuana legalization movement, delegates to the Libertarian Party of Michigan state convention last Saturday April 13 saw it as a beginning, and they are looking ahead to more reforms.

Many of those attending the convention in Bay City expressed dismay at the taxes that will be levied on cannabis and are disturbed by the continued incarceration of people imprisoned for marijuana related activities before they were legalized.

Over two-thirds of the delegates voted to endorse the following resolution:

Be it resolved, that the Libertarian Party of Michigan supports the amendment to the Michigan Constitution proposed as of this date by End Prohibition Michigan.

Proposed language to amend the Michigan Constitution
This proposal would add a new Section 28 to Article 1.
• The natural, lawful, unalienable and absolute rights of the people to cultivate and utilize the natural plant known as Cannabis shall not be infringed. These rights include, but are not limited to, the possession, consumption, growing, manufacturing, delivery, treatment, purchase, sale, transfer, storage and transport of any plant, seed, flower, leaf, mixture, derivative, extract, product, or preparation of any Cannabis plant for personal preparations including, but not limited to the recreational, religious, medical, development, educational, commercial and industrial purposes within the State of Michigan.
• All local and state penalties shall be repealed, nullified or otherwise abrogated.
• No fines, fees, regulations, or penalties to diminish the use of cannabis shall be applied or allowed.
• Any tax levied shall be in accordance with the current State of Michigan sales tax code. Cannabis used for medicines and foods shall be exempt from all taxes. No other taxes shall be levied.
• All prior and current non-violent Cannabis related convictions shall be null and void and the records of such convictions expunged from the records.

Muskegon’s Excellence Award Winners Announced

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce recognized those who are making a lasting impact on the community at the first annual “Excellence Awards” Luncheon. This year’s winners set the standard of excellence every day in their business sector.

The 2019 Excellence Award Winners are:
• Retail – Sanborn’s Inc.
• Manufacturing – Geerpres, Inc.
• Non-Profit – Read Muskegon
• Service – The Station Grill
• Tourism – USS Silversides Submarine Museum
• Community Engagement – CWC Textron
• Entrepreneur – Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has a long history of recognizing innovative business leaders and has awarded an outstanding entrepreneur(s) each year since 1982. This year’s Excellence Awards are expanding on the past award program and awarding winners in seven categories.

Muskegon County Launches Redesigned Website

Muskegon County is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website at www.muskegoncounty.net. The new website has a fresh, contemporary look making it easier for residents to navigate, access services, find information and engage with local government.

The County collaborated with vendor CivicPlus to create the new website based on feedback from employees and citizens.

While still containing links to the County Departments individual pages, the new site also incorporates some new features which make it easier for citizens to quickly find specific information. A sample of the new features are:
• How Do I… lists many of the most popular links for residents to apply for employment or various licensing, sign up for mailing lists, submit payments, or find reports and meeting information.
• How can we help you is displayed on each page in the top right-hand corner. Suggestions appear when you begin typing what you are looking for. This intuitive search helps you quickly find the information available.
• Board meeting schedules, agendas and minutes are available via the calendar on the home page or through the Agenda Center.
• Our Geographical Information System (GIS) area offers many online mapping applications to access property information, County Commissioner jurisdiction maps, election polling precincts, available Land Bank properties and much more.

One of the priorities was making the new site mobile compliant. The county website receives over 40,000 visits each month with more than 50% coming from smartphones and tablets.

Please check back often as departments will continue to update content and expand the online services as they become available.