Author Archives: editor

Eliminating the Protect Life Rule

submitted by Right to Life of Michigan

Shortly after being elected, President Biden announced his administration would begin the process of eliminating President Trump’s Protect Life Rule. On Monday, October 5th, President Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services officially rescinded it, meaning it will no longer be effective on November 8.

The Protect Life Rule stopped Planned Parenthood from violating federal law and taking Title X money to spend on abortion.

The Title X family planning program was created by President Nixon in 1970. From the beginning, the law creating the program specifically forbade funding from being used to provide or promote abortions. Yet for decades, Planned Parenthood took the lion’s share of the program’s funding. The money was used to pay for staff who helped perform abortions and facilities where abortions occurred.

President Reagan tried to stop this, but the Abortion Industry successfully delayed his effort in court until the Clinton administration. President Trump’s administration put together a comprehensive rule change to ensure the law was being followed: the Protect Life Rule.

Now, Planned Parenthood is set to rake in an estimated $60 million more tax dollars a year with President Biden’s formal decision Monday.

In the last decade—according to their own annual reports—Planned Parenthood posted a profit of more than $1 billion dollars. They received about $5 billion of your tax dollars from other sources than the federal Title X program, which was still fully funded while the Protect Life Rule was in effect. They don’t “need” more of your money.

After the Protect Life Rule was enacted, Planned Parenthood’s tax revenue actually increased, as pro-abortion states shoveled more cash into their bank accounts, and Planned Parenthood illegally stole pandemic relief funding—which President Biden refuses to prosecute. Despite this, Planned Parenthood claimed women were going without help unless you sent them—and only them—more of your money. They even increased their service fees, despite posting a profit of $69.7 million in 2019-2020, which was greater than what they lost from the Protect Life Rule.

Planned Parenthood’s corporate greed is insatiable, along with their desire to force you to be complicit in abortion.

The President’s actions since day one of his administration have shown he will never deviate from the Abortion Industry’s marching orders. Some people justified voting for Biden because he claimed he was personally prolife but unfortunately, last month he revoked those claims, reminding people that elections have consequences.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of September 27, 2021

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 27, 2021, in the township board room.

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

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

Also Present: 17- residents; 0- employees; 4- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney, Ron Bultje.

The motion by Jim Fichtel, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 13, 2021 as presented.

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

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

Steve Biesiada reported that annual hydrant flushing is almost complete; the backhoe transmission needs repair but will be covered under warranty.
Brian Michelli shared that a house has been offered to the fire department for training; the departments are experiencing extended response times from ambulance companies.
Andrea Anderson shared a report from the Treasurer stating that the township’s TCF accounts will officially become Huntington accounts.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

21-082 Second Reading: Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinance
Andrea Anderson moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinance.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 825.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

NEW BUSINESS:

21-083 Eagle Scout Project Presentation: Christopher & Jacob Kotkowicz
Jacob’s project includes painting and making minor repairs to the garage building and installing a Veteran’s honor roll.
Christopher’s project includes the installation of signs at the cemetery entrances to post rules and contact information along with a map to be included by the Veteran’s wall.
Jacob and Christopher have discussed the projects and made adjustments with the cemetery Sexton and Clerk prior to presenting to the board.
The projects will be funded by fundraising done by the individual scouts.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Todd Dunham was carried unanimously, to support both projects presented by Jacob and Christopher Kotkowicz.

21-084 Public Hearing: 2021 Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan
(a.) The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to open the Public Hearing at 7:14pm.
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced the purpose of the public hearing was to hear public comment in regard to the DDA Plan and TIF Plan.

Comments:

Larry Hall, 333 Washington Ave, Grand Haven is the DDA Chair and shared that the plan will set the rules and design of the DDA.

(c.) The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:18pm and return to open session.

21-085 First Reading: Ordinance for Adoption of the 2021 Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan of the Downtown Development Authority for the Charter Township of Fruitport, Michigan
This ordinance would adopt the 2021 DDA Plan and TIF Plan of the DDA for the Charter Township of Fruitport, MI.
This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on October 11, 2021.

21-086 Payment of Bills
Jim Fichtel moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $34,031.18; Public Safety $35,371.81; Water $12,963.45; Sewer $41,373.50; Trust & Agency $30,651.00; Street Lights $3,993.57
Totaling: $158,384.51
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

Todd Dunham shared an article from the Tribune about the Community Day Slip ‘n Slide; a letter was shared from Health West praising Officer Rob Atkinson for his positive assistance on a call; Todd praised the treasurer, department heads, and other staff for a successful audit and for working to stay on budget and build the general fund.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:

Floyd Dodd, 3207 Raffie, asked if any appeals have been filed for the Kuis Drain since the Board of Determination deemed the recent petitions unnecessary. He also asked if the issue of senior millage funding was investigated to see if there are any more funds left for this year.

The motion by Jim Fichtel, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Art Pop-up to Benefit Grand Haven Schools Foundation

Art at the Yard 2021. Saturday. October 16. D Baker & Son Lumber.

After a year’s hiatus, Art at the Yard is back on Saturday, October 16, from 5-8 pm at Baker Lumber (720 Pennoyer, Grand Haven).

The lumberyard will have the large bay doors at either end of the facility fully open to provide an open-air environment for the return of this annual pop-up event that benefits the Grand Haven Schools Foundation (GHSF). The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID.

Patrons are encouraged to dress for the weather.

Art at the Yard draws scores of artists and hundreds of patrons to raise thousands of dollars for the schools’ foundation’s work. The show and sale features artwork in a wide range of media, live music by Cat Fish and the Man, and a cash bar. A $10 suggested donation at the door and 10% of artists’ sales benefit GHSF.

The event is organized by the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective (LVAC)—a nonprofit collective that brings innovative arts events to unexpected places on the lakeshore.

LVAC transforms local spaces into one-night art happenings. The model brings together artists, collectors, nonprofits, and businesses in partnerships that bring benefits to all involved. LVAC donates 100% of door revenues and 10% of artists’ sales to the event’s nonprofit partner.

“We really missed our friends at Baker Lumber and GHSF last year. And we’re glad to be back together. Art at the Yard is a great example of how LVAC brings together businesses, nonprofits, and artists to create good in the community, to build a sustainable artist community, and to foster a community of art collectors here on the lakeshore,” says LVAC founder and chair Maggie Bandstra.

“We are honored to once again be chosen as the beneficiary of the Art at the Yard event, and we are excited to continue our partnership with LVAC to help support community artists,” said Sue Bays, executive director of the GHSF. “The funds GHSF receives from this yearly event directly impact students by allowing us to fund preschool scholarships for three- and four-year old children most in need. The funds will also be used to help further our mission by supporting critical early learning initiatives for students in kindergarten through fourth grade.”

The annual event is made possible by the generosity of hosts D. Baker & Son Lumber Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned, landmark business in Grand Haven.

Art at the Yard 2021 is also underwritten by event sponsors Huntington Bank, Bluewest Properties, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Adam Hass Fine Homebuilding, Bosgraaf Construction, Scholten Fant, and J-Dub’s Market and Wine Shop.

Muskegon County Considering Relocation of Some Offices

MUSKEGON COUNTY TO CONSIDER RELOCATING ALL NON-COURT OFFICES TO BAKER COLLEGE CAMPUS

MUSKEGON, MI — Muskegon County is considering relocating all non-court related county offices from the Hall of Justice, Oak Street and South Campus to the Baker College of Muskegon Campus.

A recent facility assessment of the existing Muskegon County South Campus offices unveiled the deteriorating condition of the buildings which were estimated to cost over $20 million to repair. This study opened the door to examining alternative options in lieu of the costly updates and additional remodeling costs.

Baker College President, Aaron Maike, Ph.D, recently began informal discussions with Muskegon County Administrator Mark Eisenbarth and Public Works Director Matthew Farrar regarding a mutually beneficial deal to secure the campus for Muskegon County in anticipation of a new downtown Muskegon site for Baker College.

“Baker College has been actively investigating a downtown Muskegon campus for several years to bring all BC students to a downtown campus in a vibrant walkable community. BC opened the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) at the corner of 3^rd and Clay over 10 years ago to show our commitment to the rebirth of downtown Muskegon. This new Campus will continue BC’s investment,” comments Baker College of Muskegon President, Aaron Maike, Ph.D. Their campus, located at 1903 Marquette Avenue, poses a viable option for Muskegon County Government and Administrative Offices to unite under one roof. This location is more centrally located within the county proper and is easily accessible to US-31.

This opportunity would create a consistent experience for the public by increasing the quality and ease of accessibility to County services with plenty of parking and handicap accessibility throughout. Chairman of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners, Bob Scolnik, says “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the County to relocate to a campus that has been well maintained, has updated infrastructure, ample storage and also allows for over 20 County departments to interact on a daily basis without having to cross the street.” Both moves would benefit the entire Muskegon County population.

The current Hall of Justice will continue to house the 14^th Circuit, Probate, and 60^th District Courts and offices that offer services pertaining to the courts, allowing the Hall of Justice to function wholly as a courthouse. The South Campus property, currently occupied by several County departments, would likely become available for economic development with a goal of increased affordable housing.

Negotiations are not yet underway. The County intends to conduct a facility inspection and property appraisal before any options are brought to the Board.

Events Happening in Muskegon County – October 13 – 18, 2021

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

Wednesday October 13:

Best Laid Plans – An Old Hollywood Whodunnit Murder Mystery
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Ravenna Branch 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna,
Will you be the life of the party? The partygoer to catch the murderer? Join them for an interactive Murder Mystery Party presented by The Murder Mystery Company. Register at www.madl.org or 231-853-6975

Spookley Weesies Brothers Garden Center Fall Events
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Visit Weesies located at 3365 W Fruitvale Rd., Montague. For just $8 per person enjoy all their activities and pick a pumpkin! You-Pick-Pumpkins – Ride the Pumpkin Express and more!

Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster presents “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”. This first-time public showing features images made from recently discovered forgotten original negatives by Edward Sherriff Curtis. “Unpublished Alaska” features over 100 images along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Movie Time with Ravenna Branch Library
3:00 pm
Watch a family friendly movie every Wednesday at the MADL Ravenna Branch located at 12278 Stafford St., Ravenna. This is a FREE event for all ages and snacks are provided by the Friends of the Ravenna Library.

Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Middle and High School students are invited to the Art Council of White Lake-Nuveen located at 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall for Open Studio sessions on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 5:00, p.m. Staff will be available to help students with both art and music projects. Art students are welcome to bring in projects. Register: https://www.artswhitelake.org/upcoming-classes

Muskegon Flea Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Wednesday May – October 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Comedy Night at Burl and Sprig
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Fresh Ghost Comedy presents live, FREE admission comedy show at Burl & Sprig Distillery located at 500 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon.

Movies at the Getty Drive-In Theatre
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The Getty Drive-In Theatre located at 920 E. Summit Ave. offers a double feature on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets a can be pre-ordered here bit.ly/GettyDriveInWebsite Adult $11.00 Child (6-12) $6.50 Senior Citizen (60+) $7.00 College Student $7.00 TACO Tuesday Adult $7.50 231-798-2608

Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org

Thursday October 14:

Flannel Fest Kickoff
October 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Break out those flannels and kick off this year’s Muskegon Flannel Fest at Harley Davidson located at 149 Shoreline Dr., downtown Muskegon for music, food by Muskegon Vice, drawings and more!

Fall Colors Walking Tour
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Enjoy a walk in the woods at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd., with Hackley Public Library! You will walk .37ths of a mile from the Visitor Center out to the beach for a tour of the beautiful fall colors. The first half of the trail is wheelchair accessible, however, the trail does have few stairs near the end. A recreational passport is required for vehicles entering the state park. To register, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8000, or stop by the library.

Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute! This is a free event

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday until November.

Steel Magnolias
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Beardsley Theater 425 W. Western Ave. Tickets are just $28 and can be purchased at the Frauenthal. Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. www.muskegoncivictheatre.org

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

Cardio Drumming!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A fun workout for all ages, sizes and fitness levels! First timers can rent the needed equipment for $1. Their new location is the Sports Complex at Folkert Hub located at 640 Seminole Rd. The class is just $2 per person. Required equipment: Water bottle, available to rent for $1 each are: 17 gallon bucket, 65-75cm yoga ball, Drumsticks. Keep up to date with the Muskegon Drum Crew Facebook Group . Classes are Monday & Thursday.

Friday October 15:

Heritage Museum FREE Community Days
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Heritage Museum 561 W. Western Ave., invites you to attend FREE Community Day where you can stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge. These are open-house style events from 11am-4pm

Friday Family Fun Night: Smashing Pumpkins
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI
It’s the Museum’s annual smashing pumpkin night! Join Museum staff in painting a pumpkin, pumpkin-themed activities, and flinging pumpkins at the Museum using a trebuchet to maximize the smashing!

Preschool Story Time with Hackley Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Join Hackley Library located at 316 W. Webster for stories, songs, and movement activities as we teach early literacy skills! When the weather permits, we will meet outside on the lawn of the Torrent House. Otherwise, we will meet inside, with masks preferred. Free for everyone!

Aquastar Sunset Photography Cruise
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Celebrate Fall! Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breeze while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise. www.aquastarcruises.com

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Saturday October 16:

Halloween BASH
October 16 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market 242 W. Western Ave., invite you to have fun with the whole family at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market and Western Market chalets. There will be trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, games, and prizes. Plus, Critter Barn, superheroes, and more!

Aquastar Sunset Howloween Cruise: Last Cruise of the Season
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breeze while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise. www.aquastarcruises.com

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

South Pierhead Light Autumn Tours
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Post-Labor Day Autumn Tours at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light located at 1431 Beach St., Saturdays in September and October, 2-5 p.m. Parking is available in Margaret Drake Elliot Park behind the US Coast Guard Station or travel into Pere Marquette Park and park along the beach to walk to the lighthouses.

Fall Festival
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Garden Shed 7895 S 44th Ave, Montague, invites the public to come out to the farm and help celebrate all things Fall! The trees should be showing their beautiful colors and the air should be crisp.

Appraisal Fair
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., will host an Appraisal Fair. Appraisers from DuMouchelles Art Galleries in Detroit. For Tickets Cost: $30 per item | MMA Member: $20 per item. Purchase tickets at the Museum Store counter or call 231.720.2580 to order by phone. Each ticket includes: 10-minute verbal evaluation for ONE item. ONE museum admission (Additional admissions may be purchased in the Museum Store). Free coffee and cookies will be provided.

Flashlight Tour
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hackley & Hume Historic Site 484 W. Webster Ave., Perfect for a unique group outing, we are bringing back our much-loved Flashlight tours! $15 a ticket. www.lakeshoremuseum.org for ticket information

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Saturdays until November.

Boomtown Market Craft Beer & Wine Tastings
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Boomtown Market located at 351 W. Western Ave. in Downtown Muskegon invites you to free Draft, Craft Beer & Wine Tastings every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Sample unique Craft Beers on Tap from all around Michigan!

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Movies at the Getty Drive-In Theatre
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
and one is found here in Muskegon! The Getty Drive-In Theatre located at 920 E. Summit Ave. offers a double feature on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets a can be pre-ordered here bit.ly/GettyDriveInWebsite Adult $11.00 Child (6-12) $6.50 Senior Citizen (60+) $7.00 College Student $7.00 TACO Tuesday Adult $7.50 231-798-2608

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Sweetwater Local Foods Market located at 6401 Harvey St. will be offering a PREORDER ONLY market, out in the parking lot, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Get your order in here: https://tinyletter.com/SweetwaterLocalFoodsMkt or get the list from the website here: sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market offers healthy, humane, homegrown, local food you can trust!

Sunday October 17:

Free Family Movie Days – Corpse Bride
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. invites everyone to attend this family-friendly FREE family movie inside the Frauenthal Theater!

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Monday October 18:

Roll On Muskegon Community Cruise
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Grab your bicycle for an 8 mph bike ride for the purpose of waving to our neighbors and smiling at community members. We meet at the Muskegon Farmers Market every Monday. Wheels turn at 6:30! Helmets are strongly encouraged. You’ll bike through neighborhoods you don’t usually visit, and see public art that can’t be appreciated from an automobile. Additionally, you’ll hear local history.

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Fruitport Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes – 10/04/21

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
October 4, 2021 6:00 p.m.
Board of Ed Meeting Room

MINUTES

I. The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 21-161. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0

IV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
None.

V. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2021
Item 21-162. MOTION by Burgess, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Special Board Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2021 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Candidate Interviews
The Board interviewed JB Meeuwenberg and Connie Smith for the vacant board seat. After a much discussion, it was decided to offer the seat to JB Meeuwenberg.
Item 21-163. MOTION by Burgess, SECOND by Cole to appoint JB Meeuwenberg to fill the remainder of the vacant board seat. This term will expire on December 31, 2022.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Other
None.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
Item 21-164. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Franklin, Acting Board Secretary
Maribeth Clarke, Recording Board Secretary

Serial 1 E-Bikes Now In Stock at Electric Bike Place

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Serial 1 Electric Bikes are some of the hottest products in the biking industry and are in stock at Electric Bike Place. Powered by Harley Davidson, Serial 1 e-bikes take all of the classic looks of the iconic motorcycle and pack them with the latest technology.

The MOSH/CITY is a step-over, Class 1 electric bike that has a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 30 to 105 miles. This urban-riding machine features a single speed freewheel hub, a Gates carbon-fiber belt drive, and a mid-drive Brose S MAG motor. The MOSH/CITY retails for $3,799.

For those that want a step-thru option, the RUSH takes frame style and performance to another level. This Class 1 e-bike offers automatic, responsive shifting that adjusts automatically. Combine that with the Gates carbon belt and an integrated battery and motor, and the result is a sleek, nearly maintenance-free electric bike, ready to take the paths! The RUSH step-thru retails for $4,999.

The internal cabling, headlights, integrated battery, and frame color make these bikes seamless. They hardly look like e-bikes, and anyone we put on the bike looked like they had been riding for years. This bike is built with purpose, and we can tell there is craftsmanship down to the most minute details.

Both models are available at Electric Bike Place. Test rides are available for both models. Located at 16881 Hayes Street in Grand Haven, the store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About Electric Bike Place:
Electric Bike Place is an e-bike retailer in Grand Haven, Michigan, and is an authorized dealer for Benno, Gazelle, Norco, Serfas, Haibike, iZip, Magnum, Serial 1, and Raleigh electric bikes. Electric Bike Place focuses on education, sales, and service. Electric Bike Place is powered by MACkite, a kiteboarding, foilboarding, and e bike retail store that has been in business for over 30 years. MACkite was voted as 2016’s Kiteboarding Retailer of the Year by the Association of Wind & Water Sports Industries.

Atwater Springs Ribbon Cutting Event

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration Announcement

Atwater Springs, the new community on the lake previously known as Lake Fran, is celebrating its Grand Opening of the model home.

The partnership between Livingstone Development LLC, David C Bos Homes and the City of Norton Shores has proven to be a success.

The celebration will commence on Oct 14th from 4pm-6pm with the Ribbon Cutting at 4:30pm.

The mayor of Norton Shores, Gary Nelund, will be in attendance.

The 53-unit development is well underway and the representatives of all involved are excited to share and display what the community has to offer.

“Celebrating Muskegon” Artists’ Lecture – October 14

MUSKEGON MI – John Littleton and Kate Vogel, the artists who created CELEBRATING MUSKEGON, the outstanding sculpture in the roundabout at Lakeshore and Beach Street at Pere Marquette Beach installed this past April, are coming back to Muskegon to talk about their sculpture and about their more than thirty years of working together and creating art.

John and Kate will present a program in the Muskegon Museum of Art Frey Foundation Auditorium at 6:00pm on October 14. A reception with light refreshments and a cash bar will follow the talk. The program is free and open to the public. The MMA recommends masks for those who choose to attend.

Celebrating Muskegon, standing at 22-foot 6-inch high, is a dramatic combination of stainless steel rods and elevated steel bands enclosing thick hand-cast glass, and was designed as a tribute to the strength of the Muskegon community. In colors of blue and green, the sculpture represents Muskegon’s parks and forested dunes and the waters that make Muskegon special.

More than 100 donors raised over $50,000 to fund CELEBRATING MUSKEGON, triggering the additional matching funds from the Muskegon Economic Development Corp. Public Place, Community Spaces for the public art project of the City of Muskegon and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative.

CELEBRATING MUSKEGON is the third commission of a planned 10 works of public art by the MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative.

Many Find Hope in Christ as Will Graham Holds Pair of Celebrations

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

With Celebrations on back-to-back weekends, evangelist Will Graham shared Gospel-focused messages of hope with crowds in Rapid City, South Dakota (Sept. 24-26), and Des Moines, Iowa (Oct. 1-3). Graham was joined by award-winning Christian musicians at both locations, including; Skillet, CeCe Winans, Kari Jobe, FLAME, The Afters, Aaron Shust, Lacey Sturm and Cochren & Co.

Approximately 350 people responded to Graham’s invitation to begin a relationship with Christ in the Black Hills of South Dakota over the course of the weekend. In addition to those in attendance, the Celebration services were broadcast online, with thousands of views around the world. More than 180 indicated a decision for Christ through the livestream of the Black Hills Paha Sapa Celebration.

Nearly 500 people indicated making a decision for Christ at the Iowa Celebration with Will Graham. In addition to the thousands in attendance, more than 20,000 people from 55 countries watched the Celebration online.

In October, Graham will travel to Canada for a pair of three-day outreaches in Sudbury, Ontario, and London, Ontario.

Visit the BGEA website to learn more about the ministry’s evangelism and outreach plans.

Ask Dr. Universe – Sleep

Dr. Universe: Why does sleep feel so short? – Brooklyn, 12

Dear Brooklyn,

That’s a great observation. When my friend Ashley Ingiosi was a kid, she remembers how napping in the car during a four-hour drive to her grandparents’ house seemed to make the time fly by. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience.

As a researcher at Washington State University, Ingiosi is really curious about what goes on within the human brain during sleep. She was happy to help with your question.

“Sometimes sleep feels so short because we become less aware of our surroundings,” she said.

As you go about your day, you rely on certain signals from your senses—or stimuli— to know if you are awake and aware. This awareness is what sleep scientists call consciousness.

But when you are sleeping, you don’t really sense the world in the same way. You can’t use your sense of touch to feel your bedsheets. You often can’t use your sense of hearing to pick up on the sounds around you. You might not feel it, but during certain stages of sleep, your eyes are darting around under your eyelids.

Even though you have a lower level of awareness, your brain and body are still very active.

“Brains are still very busy during sleep and doing a lot of different things,” Ingiosi said. “But the reason why we can stay asleep is that we are less aware of what’s going on around us.”

When you are awake and aware, you can use clues from your environment to sense all kinds of things, including how time is passing. But when you sleep, it makes it harder to track all those seconds, minutes and hours ticking by.

“If we were aware of things in the way that we are when we are awake, we’d have a really hard time staying asleep,” Ingiosi said.

The amount of time humans spend sleeping is also important, she adds. As children and teenagers grow up, they need to sleep even longer than adults need to sleep.

According to our friends at the National Institutes of Health, school-age children and teenagers need about 9 hours of sleep each day. After the teenage years, you can do with a little less sleep. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day.

While scientists are still unraveling many of the mysteries around how and why humans sleep, we do know sleep gives the body and mind a chance to recharge. It helps you stay healthy.

Sleep can also help strengthen the memories that you form throughout the day. It helps keep your brain working well, so you can do everything from finishing your homework to playing sports to asking big questions about our world.

Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be a scientist who helps us understand more about the fascinating experience of sleep. As for me, after investigating this great science question, I think it’s prime time for a cat nap.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

AgeWell Services’ Free Lunch & Learn – October 12, 2021

City of Roosevelt Park and SafeSeniors Present Free Lunch & Learn: Not Everyone is A Friend!

Muskegon, Mich. – Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans experience abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, with billions of dollars lost from savings meant to see them through their golden years. Whether the perpetrator is a family member, friend, or a stranger, there are red flags to watch out for to stay safe and financially whole.

Join us on Wednesday, October 13, from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Roosevelt Park Community Center, 3106 Roosevelt, for a free lunch sponsored by the City of Roosevelt Park and funded through the Muskegon County Senior Millage. In addition to the free lunch, frozen and shelf-stable meals will also be provided for all attendees.

After lunch, the SafeSeniors team will share information on how to spot scammers and others who would have you think they are a friend, but are not! SafeSeniors, a program of AgeWell Services of West Michigan, works with community partners to identify, advocate, and seek justice for older adult victims of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. They provide education and awareness to help prevent and expose abuse, neglect and financial exploitation; advocate for policies and programs that ensure the safety of our older adult population; and investigate and prosecute perpetrators of these crimes to seek justice and restitution for victims.

If you are unable to join us in-person, you can grab a meal to-go with some SafeSeniors information.

Reservations are required by Tuesday, October 12 and space is limited. Please state whether in-person or to-go when reserving. Call 231-733-8634 to register.

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

231 River Run Registration and Shirts

Register

Time is running out to secure your personalized bib and the shirt size you prefer. Shirt details are below and have changed recently.

If you haven’t already, register now for the 231 River Run on October 30. The 10K run and 4 mile run/walk make the event attainable for every fitness level. Space is limited.

If you don’t recall if you registered, you can check that here.

The purposes of the 231 River Run are to raise funds for and promote Ottawa County paved trails; advocate for wellness; build community; and showcase West Michigan as a healthy, active, growing and thriving region.

Shirts

While it is true that real men wear pink, the dreaded supply chain has forced us to alter our shirt color. It will still be a long sleeve, soft combed and ring spun 52/48 cotton/poly unisex tee from Bella + Canvas. It just might not be mauve. We’re rolling with it and have the shirt pictured in b/w until we know more. We apologize if you had your heart set on mauve like we did.

Choosing the correct shirt size is always a conundrum. To help, the size chart from the manufacturer is below. To keep the budget on track and more money going to the cause (trails), we do not over order shirts or have any to exchange for an alternate size.

Get Social

While you are training, use the hashtag #231RiverRun. You can also tag Ottawa County – we’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Be sure to also mark “going” on our Facebook Event and share it with your friends.

Shirt & Bib Pick Up

You can pick up your race shirt and bib on Thursday, October 28 from 3 to 7PM at the Ottawa County Administration Building or before the run on October 30 in the Connor Bayou Lodge Garage no earlier than 7AM.

Please thank our sponsors with your business!

This event would not happen without these amazing and generous businesses. Their gifts speak volumes about how much they care about the people in West Michigan.

Please make an effort to thank a few of them personally or with some love on social media. Use the hashtag #231RiverRun or tag Ottawa County so we can participate in your post and share it.

THANK YOU TO:

Enterprise Fleet Management | United Dairy Industry of Michigan | Nichols | Consumers Energy | Delta Dental | Priority Health | GCSI

Every Woman’s Place Power of the Purse Events – Oct. 9-14

Get Ready for Glamour and Doing Good!

It’s time for Power of the Purse….and this year we have so many ways you can join our community in supporting services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Every donated purse or accessory, every auction package bid, and every luxury purse win helps us keep doing the work of responding to and restoring the lives of those affected by violence. Participate in our:

PRE-SALE
Deals and Steals for early-birds on OCT 9!

ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
Begins October 10 at 4pm

SELECT LUXURY BAGS FOR BID ONLINE
Five special purses auctioned live and online!

OCT 14 EVENT TICKETS REMAIN!

Thank you for changing purses to change lives.

Sincerely,
Kim Dimmett, Executive Director
Every Woman’s Place

FCS – Student Affairs Committee Meeting Agenda – 10/13/21

Student Affairs
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Central Office
12:00 p.m.

MEETING AGENDA

Muskegon County Virtual Academy Collaborative Agreement
Middle and High School Course Catalogues
Other
Public Comment
Adjournment

FCS Personnel Committee Meeting Agenda – 10/11/21

Personnel
Monday, October 11, 2021
5:00 p.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
MEETING AGENDA

Negotiations Update
Other
Public Comment
Adjournment

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – 10/11/21

Business and Finance
Monday, October 11, 2021
11:30 a.m. ~ Central Office

MEETING AGENDA

Audit
Negotiations Update
Agreement for Law Enforcement Services
Superintendent Mentoring Agreements
Property Discussion
Performing Arts Center Rental
Count Update
Marketing Proposal – Chamber of Commerce
Other
Public Comment
Adjournment

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 10/11/21

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

OCTOBER 11, 2021

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

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
Roll call
Approval of board minutes: 9/27/21
Approve / amend agenda
Correspondence / reports
Public comments regarding agenda items
Unfinished Business
A. Second Reading: Ordinance for Adoption of the 2021 Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan of the Downtown Development Authority for the Charter Township of Fruitport, Michigan
New Business
A. Auditor presentation of 2020/2021 fiscal year audit
B. IIAF Collective Bargaining Agreement
Approval of Bills
Reports
Public Comments
Adjournment

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

Community Foundation Scholarship Program Accepting Applications

Muskegon, Mich. — The Community Foundation for Muskegon County is now accepting scholarship applications for students planning to attend college in the 2022-2023 academic year.

THE ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2022

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County manages one of the largest scholarship programs in West Michigan, awarding over $1.3 million annually to both graduating high school seniors and current college students across Muskegon County.

The Community Foundation manages over 220 scholarship funds started by donors who wish to support students in continuing their education. There are awards based on a variety of factors including academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, field of study, and financial need. Scholarships are not just for college; there are awards for technical and trade school, as well as for adult students starting college or completing a degree after a break from high school. All students planning to continue their education should apply!

Applications are submitted electronically through the Community Foundation’s website, www.muskegonfoundation.org/scholarships. The application process has been streamlined into three easy steps for students and families. Scholarship applications are managed through a “single application” method. Each application is reviewed and matched with the best-fitting scholarship source. Students will be notified of scholarship awards in April and will be recognized at their school awards assembly. Current college students will be notified by mail in June.

In order to maximize scholarship support for all students in Muskegon County, the Community Foundation concentrates scholarship dollars on students who are not eligible for the Muskegon Promise.

“We are excited that we’re able to offer more Muskegon County students access to higher education,” said Janelle Mair, CFMC vice president of community investment. “This is a significant investment in our community, and we hope that many of these young adults return to Muskegon to live, work, and give back to the community that invested in them.”

All Community Foundation scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Taste of Muskegon Announces Taste Plate Award Winners

Muskegon, MI – Taste of Muskegon wrapped up its 15th festival on Saturday with the annual Taste Plate Awards ceremony. Nearly 30 local restaurants and food trucks competed for both judged and a public-vote honors.

The 2021 Taste Plate Award winners are:

People’s Choice

Tiki Boiz
Hamburger Mikey

Best Taste

Tiki Boiz: Karate Kid Burger
Hamburger Mikey: Jamaican Elvis Slider

Best New Bite

Burl & Sprig: Honey Soy Brussel Sprouts
Soul Filled Eatery: Deep Fried Shrimp and Grits

Best Dessert

Occidental Eats: Bob Harvey Special
Yodels Frozen Yogurt: Strawberry Cheesecake Deluxe

Best Beer and Bacon presented by Tyler Sales

Bone Ends: Beer Bread BLT & Beercheese Potato Soup
Rolling Stone Woodfire Pizza Co.: Oktoberfest

Best Lite Bite

Burl & Sprig: Shrimp Ceviche
Tiki Boiz: Woke Bowl

Best Booth

Hearthstone Bistro
Hamburger Mikey

Sustainability

Tiki Boiz
Honorable Mention: Rolling Stone Woodfire Pizza Co.
Honorable Mention: Burl & Sprig

“It was wonderful to be back in Hackley Park. All the chefs came to play with some terrific Tastes,” said Lisa Kraus, Marketing Director of Taste of Muskegon. “The atmosphere of this event is so special. There’s nothing like having dinner with the whole community.”

Taste of Muskegon, produced by the Downtown Development Authority, will return to its usual weekend, June 17 and 18, for 2022. To stay up to date on all future events for Taste of Muskegon, follow them on Facebook and visit their website tasteofmuskegon.org

Events Happening in Muskegon County – October 6 – 11, 2021

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

Wednesday October 6:

Book Reading: Born Under A Lucky Moon written by Dana Precious
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Book Nook and Java Shop 8744 Ferry Street, Montague, MI
THE BOOK NOOK AND JAVA SHOP hosts an evening with Muskegon native author, DANA PRECIOUS. She will read from her novel, BORN UNDER A LUCKY MOON, and hold a Q&A time.

Muskegon Flea Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Wednesday May – October 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Comedy Night at Burl and Sprig
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Fresh Ghost Comedy presents live, FREE admission comedy show at Burl & Sprig Distillery located at 500 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon.

Thursday October 7:

Legends and Lore Downtown Walking Tour
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
It begins at the Union Depot 610 W. Western Ave. Join us for a walking tour that will feature Muskegon lore, legends, and scandals. We will share stories of allegedly haunted downtown landmarks, an assassinated mayor and more! Tickets are $13 for Museum members and $15 for non-members. Register at the Lakeshore Museum Center Store or Eventbrite at legendsandlorewalkingtour.eventbrite.com.

Death of a Gangster – A 1920s Mafia Marriage Murder Mystery
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Muskegon Township Branch 1910 East Apple Ave. This is a free event. Register at www.madl.org or 231-760-4329 Will you be the life of the party? The partygoer to catch the murderer? Join us for an interactive Murder Mystery Party presented by The Murder Mystery Company

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday until November.

Friday October 8:

Hackley Attic Escape Room
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Experience the Hackley House located at 484 W. Webster as you never have before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors. Now it is 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! $20 for members & $25 for non-members Purchase tickets via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hackley-attic-escape-room-tickets-136840424393

Aquastar Oktorbefest with Odd Side Ales Sunset Cruise
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Celebrate Oktoberfest! Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breeze while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise. www.aquastarcruises.com

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Saturday October 9:

October Saturdays: Robots!
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI
There’s a new robot at the Lakeshore Museum Center! Stop into the STEM Center to test out this newest part of the exhibit. There will also be robots, code-a-pillars and more. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Pumpkinfest
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Downtown Montague Ferry St., Montague
25th Annual Pumpkinfest featuring the celebrated PUMPKIN ROLL down Dowling St. along with arts and crafts, food vendors and more!

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Saturdays until November.

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Sunday October 10:

Aquastar Sunset Cruise
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breeze while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise. www.aquastarcruises.com

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Monday October 11:

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

92nd Michigan Contemporary Exhibition Awards

Muskegon, MI –The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition opened Thursday, September 23, 2021, with a public reception and awards program. The 92nd Michigan Contemporary Exhibition runs through November 10, 2021.

About the Exhibition
The Michigan Contemporary continues the museum’s well-established legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals in the longest running juried show of its kind in Michigan. According to Art Martin, MMA Director of Collections and Exhibitions/Senior Curator, “The exhibition presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. The artwork is meant to engage, challenge, and inspire conversation.”

About the Juror
Juror Karen Hampton selected the works in the exhibition. Karen Hampton is an internationally recognized conceptual artist whose work addresses issues of colorism and kinship within the African American community. She is a weaver, dyer, painter, embroiderer, storyteller, and teacher whose work exhibits nationally and internationally. Hampton taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 2007-2011 and in 2017 was an assistant professor and Critical Race Issues Resident Artist at Michigan State University. Learn more at https://www.kdhampton.com/.

Sponsorship
The 92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition is underwritten by Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP. Additional programming support is provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Humanities Council with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave. Visitor information is available at www.muskegonartmuseum.org or by calling 231-720-2570. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays.

2021 AWARDS

Best of Show | $1,500
Bryan Hoffman, Saugatuck
Kellie Looks Left
Painting, 2019

2nd Place | $1,000
David Feingold, Freeland
Under Siege
Digital composition, 2020

3rd Place | $750
Hal Gould, Pinckney
Squatters Camp Mexico
Photography, 2020

Honorable Mention | $150
Ralph “Nunzi” Annunziata, Grand Rapids
silenceINsojourn
Painting, 2021

Honorable Mention | $150
Henry Droski, Grand Rapids
Ebb and Flow
Photography, 2019

Director’s Choice | $500
Peter Blackburn, Whitehall
Dream Lake Sunset
Photography, 2021

Curator’s Choice | $500
Lee Ann Frame, Fruitport
The Waters Began at Home
Intaglio print, 2021

Friends of Art Award | $250
Carolyn Sowa, Caledonia
Rain After Dark
Painting, 2021

Phil Chmura Memorial Award | $200
Helen Hierta, Greenbush
Meditation
Ceramics, 2019

West Michigan Potters Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Ceramics Award | $150
Jamey Limbers, Lowell
Untitled #2
Ceramics, 2021

Robert and Veronica Youngman Memorial Award for Graphic Arts | $150
Nobuko Yamasaki, Grosse Pointe Shores
Big Catch
Woodblock print, 2019

Docent’s Choice Award | $100
Nathan Margoni, Benton Harbor
Desperate Times
Painting, 2020

United Way School Supply Drive Aids Over 600 Individuals Through Community Donations

submitted by United Way of the Lakeshore

The School Supply Drive has officially ended! This tri-county effort supported just over 650 students and teachers across Muskegon, Newaygo, & Oceana Counties. With 33 local business and agency partners that helped host boxes, we collected an estimated total of $15,000 in supplies. This number is calculated by counting each donated item and using the sales cost from a local vendor.

Overview of Distribution:
Muskegon County: Over 106 teachers were nominated by the community, with a total of 160 nominations submitted. A volunteer committee read through the nominations to select one teacher from each public school district to receive a box full of supplies. Each supply box’s estimated value is $550! Those teachers who did not get a supply box did receive a small gift of appreciation for their impact.

Teachers selected anonymously by volunteers:

Fruitport – Jamie Gustin, Beach Elementary
Holton – Mrs. Green, Holton Elementary
Mona Shores – Mr. Bronsema, Ross Park Elementary
Montague – Janelle Flynn, MACC
Muskegon – Kristen Emmons, Oakview Elementary
North Muskegon – Chalie VanderWall, North Muskegon Elementary
Oakridge – Jenn Fairweather, Oakridge Upper Elementary
Orchard View – Mrs. DeCheney, Orchard View Early Elementary
Ravenna – Wendi DeJonge, Beechnau Elementary
Reeths Puffer – Mrs. Bradford, Twin Lake Elementary
Whitehall – Mrs. Throne, Whitehall Shoreline Elementary

Newaygo County: Newaygo County partnered with the TrueNorth Community Services School Supply Drive in August. This drive was called “Tools For Schools” and it provided the resources kids need to achieve success by providing backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies to kids from qualifying families.

Oceana County: Worked with their local school districts to distribute collected school supplies to classrooms that expressed need & support.

Muskegon Museum of Art’s Annual Appraisal Fair Returns October 16th

Muskegon, MI—The Muskegon Museum of Art will host an Appraisal Fair on Saturday, October 16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the museum. Appraisers from DuMouchelles Art Galleries in Detroit will be at the event to evaluate collectibles, jewelry, art, and antiques. DuMouchelles appraisers combine decades of professional experience in many areas and have regularly appeared on Antiques Roadshow.

The event provides an opportunity to help participants decide if a formal appraisal (apart from this event) should be sought for high-value items.

Tickets

· Appraisals will be available by advance ticket reservations only. (Advance ticket sales should decrease wait times and crowding. )
· Cost: $30 per item | MMA Member: $20 per item
· Purchase tickets at the Museum Store counter or call 231.720.2580 to order by phone.

Each ticket includes:

· 10-minute verbal evaluation for ONE item
· ONE museum admission (Additional admissions may be purchased in the Museum Store)
· Free coffee and cookies will be provided

Ticket holders must check in at Museum Store upon arrival. Customers will receive notification of their turn with a text message from museum staff.

All proceeds benefit the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Blue Lake Public Radio is the media sponsor for this event.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. Parking is free and located at the MMA’s rear entrance off Clay Ave. Go to muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.

Six West Michigan Attractions Offer Free Admission in October to Members

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Southwest Michigan Cultural Membership Exchange returns this fall. The exchange offers free admission to members of six cultural attractions in the Kalamazoo area during the month of October. Current members of The Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Bird Sanctuary can visit each destination free of admission charge when they present a valid membership card and photo ID.

For the eighth year, the exchange offers visitors the chance to explore exciting area destinations to discover art, history, nature, science, wildlife and much more. At the same time, it highlights the great value and benefits that membership to these organizations provides. Postponed from May for the second year, the exchange partners are certain that visitors and especially families, will enjoy and appreciate this special opportunity. “Fall colors and cooler temperatures make for delightful visits to the outdoor venues and the bonus of an in-person educational experience is especially attractive for those who are learning virtually or learning in hybrid situations. Each organization continues to stress safe visits, and visitors are encouraged to plan their visit by reviewing the information posted on each website. Guests can also track their visits with a punch card that when fully completed can be submitted for a drawing to win a membership to all six destinations. Members can get their punch cards at any one of the six participating destination locations. The winner will be drawn and notified on November 5.

Highlights Include:

The Air Zoo is a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace & science experience with over 100 rare aircraft and space artifacts, immersive and interactive hands-on exhibits, amusement park-style rides, science-based virtual education programs and more! New to the exhibit floor – Women in Air & Space timeline, and We Did It, the Riveting Real Rosies of WWII both explore an engaging panorama of stories, images, graphics, videos, and hands-on activities as you explore more than 100 years of contributions made by more than 50 accomplished women in the fields of aviation and space exploration. Make sure to visit the Flight Discovery Center on your next visit. Guests will be amazed at the progress the nationally renowned Air Zoo’s restoration team has made on the Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless and the F-117 Nighthawk – truly something to marvel at. Finally, those looking for some inspiration and social engagement should check out the Air Zoo’s events calendar for upcoming events and programs! Learn more at www.airzoo.org.

Binder Park Zoo is home to a diverse array of exotic and native animal species. Natural and spacious habitat design blends animal habitats into the surrounding landscape -a hallmark of the zoo that respects animals and delights guests. The Conservation Carousel, vintage Z.O.& O. train and trip to the 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit aboard the Wilderness Tram are several zoo adventures that entertain while making meaningful connections to nature. See the new Mexican wolf habitat and the dinosaurs of Zoorassic Park which opens September 23. The zoo is open daily 10am-4pm through Oct. 24. Plan your visit at www.binderparkzoo.org.

Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum, with more than 400 exceptional cars, trucks and motorcycles on display, presented in world-class galleries. It’s located on a beautiful 90-acre historic campus in the Michigan countryside, with towering red barns, vintage car dealerships, and an operating 1941 roadside diner. Current special exhibits include The Greatest Generation: Corvettes From C1 (1953) to C8 (2021) and Born to Perform: The Era of the Muscle Car. The museum is open seven days a week, year-round. Learn more at www.gilmorecarmuseum.org.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is one of the leading arts organizations in the Midwest, where art is for everyone. Visitors can pre-book tickets or stop in to enjoy the Museum, the Collection, the Fine Arts Library, Kirk Newman Art School, programs, events, and the Gallery Shop. World-class exhibitions currently on view include Unveiling American Genius, the reimagining of the KIA’s permanent collection. Ginny Ruffner: Reforestation of the Imagination, Todd Gray: Crossing the Waters of Space, Time, and History, and It’s a David Small World in the children’s gallery. Learn more at www.kiarts.org or call 269-349-7775 for more information.

Kalamazoo Nature Center invites visitors to enjoy the beautiful fall colors while exploring 1,100+ acres of varied habitats. With 16 nature trails to choose from, there is always something new to see at KNC. The Visitor Center is open Saturdays 9-5, Sundays 1-5, and closed weekdays for renovations. For the October calendar of featured programs, please visit www.naturecenter.org.

KBS Bird Sanctuary is open Wednesday through Sunday offering over 3 miles of trails, including a lakeside trail to see waterfowl, raptors, and game birds up close. October is the start of peak migration! Over 100 birds can been seen on their journey south before the winter months. Visit our Pollinator Garden and Rain Garden to get inspiration for your gardens! Learn more at www.birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu.

Six cultural gems; The Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Bird Sanctuary are located in southwest Michigan, and each destination is committed to providing an exceptional experience for visitors. Guests who aren’t members can purchase the membership(s) of their choice at the websites listed above. Memberships make great gifts, too. The value of admission for a family of four to visit all six organizations is over $200.

For more information, visit www.swmimemberexchange.com or any of the websites listed above.

Lakeshore Art Festival Releases National Recognition, Economic Impact and Sustainability Report

MUSKEGON, MI – After the Lakeshore Art Festival cancellation in 2020 due to Covid-19, the fine art and craft show is happy to announce overall successful results from the 2021 event that took place June 26 and 27.

National Recognition:
The Lakeshore Art Festival is being celebrated by Sunshine Artist magazine, www.sunshineartist.com, in their annual 200 Best shows in the country. This year’s issue celebrates the best shows of the past 10 years: 2010 to 2020.

The Lakeshore Art Festival ranked # 89 in the Classic and Contemporary Craft Category. The Sunshine Artist 200 Best is split into two categories: Fine Art and Design for events that focus on unique fine-art pieces, and Classic and Contemporary Craft for events that focus on traditional or modern craft and production work.

Artists and craftspeople are typically asked to cast their votes each spring for the 200 Best shows list. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the industry, Sunshine Artist decided to tabulate the best shows of the last decade. Sunshine Artist’s annual 200 Best focuses solely on artist show revenue, because that is the most objective indicator of a show’s future success.

Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival Director commented, “The festival has come a long way in the 9 years since its re-birth and launch into our revitalized downtown. The Sunshine Artist 200 Best recognition for the last decade is extra special since we were not able to hold the Lakeshore Art Festival in 2020 and the festival is less than 10 years old. That is quite an accomplishment! Plus, this award is voted on by the artists and craftspeople that attend our show, demonstrating that not only are the exhibitors happy, but that our guests are happily buying handmade goods!”

Economic Impact:
Each year the Lakeshore Art Festival works with Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau, to generate economic impact estimates for the event. These estimates are based on number of attendees, exhibitors, food booths, hotel stays, sales generated, etc. Data is gathered through surveys, heat maps, income feedback and industry indicators, then tabulated through a series of formulas. The 2021 economic impact generated by the Lakeshore Art Festival is estimated at $448,769, bringing the total economic impact since the festival’s inception in 2013 to $7.5 million dollars.*

“While these economic impact estimates tend to be conservative, the Lakeshore Art Festival continues to make a significant impact on the greater Muskegon area,” said Bob Lukens, director of Visit Muskegon. “Not only does the Lakeshore Art Festival boost local tourism, but it leaves a lasting impression on visitors who return to our community time and time again for this exceptional event.”

Sustainability Report:
While the Lakeshore Art Festival is proud of its economic impact numbers, the event tends to look at more than just dollars when it looks at the success of the event. In collaboration with Schupan Recycling, the Lakeshore Art Festival has created a Sustainability Report that recognizes the building blocks for a stronger Muskegon, including benefits to community, environment and local economy. This year’s report was made possible through a grant from the DTE Foundation and can be found here.

Jessica Loding, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships at Schupan stated, “The Lakeshore Art Festival does one of the best jobs in the State of Michigan at incorporating sustainability, in its entirety, [environmentally, socially and economically] – throughout its operation.”

More About the Lakeshore Art Festival:
The 2022 dates are June 25 and 26. The annual art festival brings thousands of guests, hundreds of fine art and craft exhibitors, a multitude of food vendors, children’s activities, street performers and art installations to Downtown Muskegon. The festival ranks as one of the Top 200 Best in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, has been recognized as People’s Choice Award: #1 Art Festival in West Michigan and as one of the Best Art Fairs in America by ArtFairCalendar.com. Since 2013, the Lakeshore Art Festival has brought in over $7.5 million dollars to the Muskegon Lakeshore area and supported a number of local non-profits.

Learn more about the Lakeshore Art Festival sponsorship or volunteer opportunities at www.lakeshoreartfestival.org or by emailing director@lakeshoreartfestival.org. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

*Economic impact multi-year total does not include 2020, when festival was canceled due to the pandemic.

Harbor Hospice Named as Prestigious 2021 Hospice Honors ELITE Recipient

[West Michigan] — Harbor Hospice has been named a 2021 Hospice Honors Elite recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a leading provider of billing and coding services, CAHPS surveys, and advanced analytics. This prestigious annual review recognizes agencies that continuously provide the highest level of quality care as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. It acknowledges the highest performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) hospice survey satisfaction measures.

“Hospice Honors Elite recipients are industry leaders in providing quality care and constantly seeking ways to improve,” said Ronda Howard, Vice President Revenue Cycle and CAHPS at HEALTHCAREfirst. “We are honored to be aligned with such high performing agencies like Harbor Hospice and we congratulate them on their success.”

Award criteria were based on Hospice CAHPS survey results for an evaluation period of October 2019 through September 2020. Award recipients were identified by evaluating performance on a set of 24 quality indicator measures. Performance scores were aggregated from all completed surveys and were compared on a question-by-question basis to a National Performance Score calculated from all hospices contained in the HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice CAHPS database. Hospice Honors recipients include those hospices scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Performance Score on 20 of the evaluated questions. HEALTHCAREfirst holds a special recognition, Hospice Honors Elite, to honor hospices scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Performance Score on all 24 of the evaluated questions. Please visit HEALTHCAREfirst’s website at www.healthcarefirst.com to learn more about HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice CAHPS survey program as well as the Hospice Honors awards.

“Our dedicated staff and volunteers of Harbor Hospice have achieved this special designation in demonstrating unwavering excellence in end of life care in the most challenging of circumstances during a global pandemic. It is our privilege to be able to offer essential and valuable care and services to the communities we serve. We thank patients and families for trusting us with their care and for providing feedback that validates that we are making a difference,” said Susan Houseman, President CEO.

For more information about Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care please call 231.728.3442 or visit www.HarborHospiceMI.org.

For more information about HEALTHCAREfirst, please call 800.841.6095 or visit www.healthcarefirst.com.

Ask Dr. Universe – Bee Stings

Dr. Universe: What happens when you get stung by a bee? And what happens to the bee? – Fatima, age 9, Nigeria

Dear Fatima,

A few different things happen when a bee stings you, and a few things happen to the bee, too.

When I got your question, I called up my friend Brandon Hopkins, who works as a honeybee researcher at Washington State University

Just as bees have a defense system that helps them survive in the world, humans have a defense system of their own.

If you get a bee sting, it’s likely that your body’s immune system—which works to protect you—will kick into gear. The body will detect unusual invaders, or the molecules in the bee venom. As the immune system responds to these invaders, you might experience some redness, itchiness, swelling or rarely, a severe allergic reaction.

When Hopkins was first working with honeybees and got stung, he would swell up and itch a lot. But now when he gets stung it just looks like a little bug bite. The sting still hurts though. Over time his body’s immune system has recognized the venom in his body isn’t really going to do any harm.

Of course, everyone’s body is a little different. The reaction from a bee sting in one person might be quite different from a reaction in another person.

Now, for the bee’s perspective. Hopkins reminded me honeybees, wasps, bumblebees and yellow jackets sting in different ways. Wasps, bumblebees and yellow jackets can sting you multiple times. They don’t lose their stinger when they fly away. But honeybees can only sting once.

Part of the reason for this has to do with the body parts the honeybee uses to sting. First, there is the honeybee’s stinger. It isn’t exactly like a needle, but rather a pair of saws that work side by side.

Then, there are the muscles. A honeybee uses its muscles to slide those saw-like parts back and forth. Meanwhile, the muscles help pump venom from the bee’s venom sack into the animal it wants to sting. All of these parts work together to help the honeybee defend itself.

After the honeybee flies away, it leaves behind this little packet of stinger, venom, and muscles in your skin. This causes so much damage to the bee that it can no longer live. But the stinger packet can keep on stinging. As Hopkins put it, it’s a kind of “self-operating stinging machine.”

Before they fly off and die, honeybees will also release some chemicals called pheromones into the air. The pheromones set off a kind of alarm to let other honeybees nearby know what’s up. If another honeybee picks up on the chemicals, it might also go into stinging mode.

But for the most part, bees don’t really want to sting you, Hopkins said. Usually, they are busy taking care of their family or moving pollen around which helps us produce everything from flowers to fruits to vegetables. For the honeybee, a sting is truly the last resort.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Muskegon Civic Theatre Presents Steel Magnolias

October 8-23, 2021

MCT’s Steel Magnolias

7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Beardsley Theater
Tickets: $28.00 / $13 Student Rush

Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. As the women of Chinquapin make their way over life’s many hurdles together, they find comfort (and a fair amount of verbal ribbing) in one another.

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Celebrate Impact at the Community Foundation’s Annual Gathering, October 7th

Muskegon, Mich. — The entire community is welcome to “Celebrate Impact” at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s Annual Gathering on Thursday, October 7, 2021. The event invites everyone to come together and honor the work being done in Muskegon County to create a vibrant community with great opportunities for all.

Starting with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., attendees are invited to gather in the Western Avenue lobby of the Frauenthal Center for food, drinks, and fellowship. Three local food vendors who are all working to bring positive impact to our community – Kuntry Cookin’, The Only Cannoli, and Lively Up Kombucha – will be on site with complimentary drinks and snacks. A limited cash bar will also be available.

At 6:00 p.m., guests will be invited to gather in the Frauenthal Theater where they will hear updates from Community Foundation staff, as well as featured speaker and local leader Brianna Scott, on the life-changing power of positive impact in Muskegon County.

“If you want to live a fulfilled life, you have to see life through the lens of a servant of something greater than yourself,” said Brianna Scott, local attorney and entrepreneur. “Once you do that, your passions will lead you to exactly where God predestined you to be, making the ripple that builds the wave of impact that slowly but surely moves across the body of water you call community.”

The Community Foundation will also be announcing the recipient of their first ever Impact Award, recognizing an individual in the community who has gone above and beyond to advance education, foster a dynamic local economy, and promote prosperity for all. The winner will also receive a $5,000 grant to give to a local nonprofit or group whose work aligns with one or more of those focus areas.

“We are excited to introduce the new Impact Award at this year’s Annual Gathering,” said Todd Jacobs, Community Foundation president/CEO. “The award celebrates an individual who contributes to the success of community members and local businesses and who embodies the values of building hope and opportunity, fostering collaboration, and promoting an inclusive community. The first Community Foundation Impact Award recipient is most deserving.”

Tickets for this FREE event are available for pickup at the Frauenthal Box Office, Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or online at Etix.com.

To keep everyone in attendance safe, wearing masks and social distancing are recommended inside the Frauenthal Theater. Masks and hand sanitizer will also be available at the event.

The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! Showing at the Frauenthal October 8th

October 8, 2021

The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!

7:30 p.m. | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: Tier 1 – $38/ Tier 2 – $32/ Tier 3 – $24

Fresh off his headliner Las Vegas show, Bill Blagg is a magician unlike any other. He combines his mind-blowing magical talents along with his trademark off-the-cuff personality to take you on a magical journey you’ll never forget! You’ll witness objects float in mid-air, vanish in the blink of an eye, and much more! The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! is more than a magic show – it’s an interactive magic experience!

Get your tickets now to experience it live!

Hackley Public Library – October 2021 Programs

Hackley Library Main Building Hours:
Mon & Tues: 10-7pm | Wed & Thurs: 10-5pm | Fri & Sat: 10-2pm

Local History & Genealogy Department (Torrent House) Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 10-2pm

hackleylibrary.org | facebook.com/HackleyPL/ | 231-722-8000 |
askus@hackleylibrary.org | 316 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI, 49440

Youth Programs:

Preschool Story Time
Friday mornings at 10:30 am
In-Person
Join Hackley Library for stories, songs, and movement activities as we teach early literacy skills! When the weather permits, we will meet outside on the lawn of the Torrent House. Otherwise, we will meet inside, with masks preferred. Free.

Intro to Cue
Tuesdays, October 5, 12, 19 at 5:30 pm
In-Person (Three-week session)
This in-person, three week program is a gentle introduction to our new robots: Cue! These robots are designed for older elementary school students and up, or students with some robot/coding experience. This program is open to three families–each family will share a robot.
Registration is required – call 231-722-8014. You must be able to attend all three classes per session.

Viking Rune Stone – Youth Take and Make
Monday, October 4
Celebrate Leif Erikson day with this clay craft. You can even etch something in “Norse” code! Viking runic alphabet included. Kits will be available from Hackley Library beginning October 4, and while supplies last. Free.

Dino Dig Fossil Kit – Youth Take and Make
Monday, October 11
Can you dig it? Unearth a blast from the past and discover a dinosaur! Kits will be available from Hackley Library beginning October 11, and while supplies last. Free.

Candy Corn, Ghost and Bat Halloween Decorations – Youth Take and Make
October 18 – October 30
Boo-tify your house with this three-in-one take and make craft kit. Craft kits will be available from Hackley Library October 18 through October 30, while supplies last. Free.

Pony Bead Pumpkins – Teen Take and Make
October 18 – October 30
Pick a perfect pumpkin with this fun, seasonal craft. Craft kits will be available from Hackley Library October 18 through October 30, and while supplies last. Free.

Lego Building Day
Saturday, October 23 at 12:00 pm
In-Person
Decorate the tops of Hackley Library bookshelves by building some awesome LEGO creations! We’ll bring the bricks – all you need to bring is your imagination. Library staff reserves the right to limit attendees if necessary. Free.

LEGO WeDo 101
Tuesday, October 26 at 5:30 pm
In-Person
This in-person program is a good opportunity to get hands on with robots, coding, and LEGOs. It works best for 2nd grade students and up. Younger children will need adult assistance. This program is open to six families–each family will share a kit. Registration is required – call 231-722-8014.

Adult Programs:

Reading Between the Lines: Book Discussion Series
Monday, October 11 at 6:00 pm
Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore
Virtual Zoom
Interested in finding new books to enjoy? Try out a new graphic novel medium and join us every second Monday of the month (through November) for HPL’s book discussion series, Reading Between the Lines!
Books will include different genres, such as history, memoir, and mystery. Discussion will be casual, so relax, kick-back, and let’s talk about books!
On October 11, we’ll discuss “Saga of the Swamp Thing”. With modern-day issues explored against a backdrop of horror, Saga of the Swamp Thing became a commentary on environmental, political, and social issues, unflinching in its relevance. Please register for this discussion at hackleylibrary.org, by calling 231-722-8000, or by visiting the library.
This title will become available at HPL soon – watch for details to come on Facebook! Free.

Left to Write – Creative Writing Group
Wednesday, October 13 at 3:30 pm
In-Person
If you enjoy creative writing, join us for Left to Write, HPL’s own creative writing group. Here you can participate in writing exercises, share your own stories, and meet other creative writers. This group provides a low-key atmosphere for writers of all experiences, everyone is welcome!
We will meet once a month, on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. At the beginning of each meeting, we will provide a prompt to jumpstart our creative writing. Remember to bring a pen and paper! Free.

Fall Colors Walking Tour
Thursday, October 14 at 2:30 pm
In-Person
Enjoy a walk in the woods at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park with Hackley Public Library! On October 14th from 2:30 – 4pm, we will walk .37ths of a mile from the Visitor Center out to the beach for a tour of the beautiful fall colors.
The first half of the trail is wheelchair accessible, however, the trail does have few stairs near the end. A recreational passport is required for vehicles entering the state park.
*We will have a limited number of recreational passports available if needed. Please inquire before registering (call 231-722-8005). To register for the program, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8000, or stop by Hackley Library. Free.

Write For Fright
Story submission Deadline: October 25
Participate in HPL’s Write for Fright and let us hear your spookiest short story!
Story submissions can be sent to askus@hackleylibrary.org, with ‘Write for Fright’ and your name in the subject line.
The winning story will be announced and read on the HPL Facebook page on October 30th. Stories should be 2500 words or fewer. Only one story per applicant. Call 231-722-8000 with questions! Ages 16+. Free.

Friends of Hackley Library News!

Friends of Hackley Library Book Sale
Public Sale: Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16 from 10-5pm
Public Bag Sale: Sunday, October 17 from 12-3pm (fill a bag for $3, we’ll provide the bags)
The annual Friends of HPL Used Book Sale is around the corner!
Mark your calendar and visit Hackley Library for this fantastic sale, where you’ll find a huge selection of titles for all ages to enjoy.
Books, movies, music and more will be available to purchase at great prices.
This book sale will take place in HPL’s Lower Level Meeting Rooms.

New Online Catalog and Mobile App!

Hackley Public Library has a brand new online catalog for searching items, as well as a fun and easy mobile app! With this user-friendly online catalog, you can customize your own personalized account with reading lists and book reviews, plus you can renew items, place holds, view your material due dates, and more! For more details, give us a call (231-722-8000), stop by Hackley Library, or visit hackleylibrary.org.

Fall Fest Returns to Downtown Holland, Holland Farmers Market on October 8-9

HOLLAND, MI – After being cancelled last year due to Covid, Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest is back…and this year is bigger and better than ever before! Downtown Holland and the Holland Farmers Market have partnered with the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens to expand this year’s Fall Fest offerings. During this two-day event held Friday October 8 and Saturday, October 9, the entire community is invited to celebrate everything there is to love about fall, with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, family hayrides, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and more! Fall Fest is proudly sponsored by Crown Motors, member of West Michigan Honda, with in-kind support from Biggby Coffee, Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market, the Courtyard Marriott, and Fris Supply Shop.

Fall Fest kicks on Friday, October 8 with Community Tulip Planting from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, hosted by Tulip Time. Visitors and community members can visit the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) to sign up for a time slot to help plant 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window On The Waterfront in Downtown Holland! All volunteers will be treated to complimentary donuts from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market and coffee from Biggby Coffee of Holland. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided onsite.

Fall Fest continues on Friday, October 8 with eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, appearing in Downtown Holland from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The carvers will spend the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. And trust us, these aren’t the same jack-o-lanterns you’ll see on everyone’s doorstep on Halloween! At 7:00 pm, the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10:00 pm that night for visitors to explore while strolling through Downtown Holland.

On Saturday, October 9, the professional pumpkin carvers will appear at the Holland Farmers Market from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, carving incredible 3D sculptures onsite. Children can also paint their own pumpkins to bring home during that time for just $1.00 per pumpkin, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland. Market vendors Visser Farmers will also be offering hayrides from the Holland Farmers Market to Downtown Holland and back again from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Hayrides are just $3.00 per person for the round trip.

The Holland Farmers Market will be open from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm that day, stocked full thanks to the bountiful autumn harvest. Visitors will find seasonal décor items, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn shocks at the Market, along with apples of every variety, squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. And as always, you can pick up bread and baked goods, farm-raised and fresh caught meat, honey and maple syrup, and a wide variety of specialty foods and beverages while you’re there.

The Community Tulip Planting will continue on Saturday morning at Window On The Waterfront from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Tulip Time will also be offering guided fall walking tours throughout Downtown Holland that day from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Each tour is approximately an hour and a half long and covers one and a half miles. Tour participants can enjoy the beauty of Downtown Holland while learning the dynamic past and present of Holland. Tour highlights include Hope College, Dimnent Chapel, Pillar Church, Centennial Park, and unique architecture sites. Tours are $25 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tuliptime.com.

Tulip Time will also be hosting an all-new Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm as part of Fall Fest on Saturday, October 9. Over 50 local artisans and crafters will be selling their works as part of this juried show. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted jewelry, home décor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods, and more! Entry to the Artisan Market is just $5.00 per person, which also includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens at Windmill Island and to visit the Dutch attractions, including the DeZwaan Windmill, the historic Dutch carousel, the miniature Dutch village, and much more. Professionally-carved pumpkins will also be on display throughout Windmill Island Gardens during the Artisan Market.

The Fall Fest fun continues in Downtown Holland on Saturday, October 9 too! The professional pumpkin carvers will return to 8th Street from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm that day to continue carving 3D pumpkin displays. Watch these talented artists at work all afternoon long, then be sure to return later on in the evening from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm to see their finished masterpieces! While you’re strolling among the shops and restaurants in Downtown Holland, be sure to be on the look-out for the professionally-carved pumpkins on display that have been commissioned by our Downtown Holland businesses too! To add to the fun for families, street performers will also be performing on 8th Street from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, including musicians, face painters, balloon twisters, and more!

Special Fall Fest hotel packages are available in Holland at the Best Western Plus, Doubletree by Hilton and the Hilton Home 2 Suites. Ask for the Fall Fest Package when you make your reservation to receive a complimentary tote bag from the Holland Area Visitors Bureau, filled with fun souvenirs, special weekend discounts to Downtown Holland restaurants, and free admission to the Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens! For details on the hotel packages available, please visit the Holland Visitors Bureau website at www.holland.org.

For more information on all of the Fall Fest happenings, a complete schedule of events and a map to all of the activities, be sure to visit the official event website at www.hollandfallfest.com or contact the Holland Visitors Bureau at 616.394.0000.

~

About Downtown Holland:
Located in the heart of the City of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, and adjacent to the campus of Hope College, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining and special events destination like none other! Downtown Holland offers over 100 locally owned boutiques, shops and galleries, along with breweries, cafes, and restaurants for every taste. Downtown Holland is also home to unique cultural attractions, an award-winning farmers market, and beautiful parks. We can’t wait to welcome you! For more information and the latest Downtown Holland news and updates, visit us online at www.downtownholland.com, follow Downtown Holland on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or call 616.796.1210.

About the Holland Farmers Market:
The Holland Farmers Market is located at 150 West 8th Street at the Eighth Street Market Place in Downtown Holland. During the regular Market season, the Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, rain or shine. Each season, the Holland Farmers Market brings together over 100 local farmers, specialty food vendors and food trucks, selling fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, plants, flowers, and so much more. Be sure to shop early for the best product assortment! The Market offers free parking and an onsite ATM. Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, Senior FRESH, and WIC Project FRESH are accepted at the Market. Animals are prohibited at the Market, so please leave Fido safe at home! For more information and the latest Holland Farmers Market news and updates, visit www.hollandfarmersmarket.com, follow the Holland Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to The Market Beet newsletter or call 616.355.1138.

About Crown Honda:
Crown Honda serves Holland, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, and Kalamazoo and is proud to be an automotive leader in the community. Since opening their doors in 1992, Crown Honda has maintained a solid commitment to their customers while offering the widest selection of Honda vehicles in the area.

Fruitport Board of Education Special Meeting Agenda – 10/04/21

Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Monday October 4, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

V. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

Special Board Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2021 (attachment V-1)
Candidate Interviews
6:00 p.m. – J.B. Meeuwenberg
6:40 p.m. – Kendrah Robinson
7:20 p.m. – Connie Smith
Other

VI. ADJOURNMENT

*Time is provided for members of the audience to address the Board of Education regarding any topic including items on the agenda. The board is providing one opportunity for the public to comment during the meeting. Members of the audience may wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.

Michigan Legislature Passes Prolife Budget

Lansing, MI — On September 22, the Michigan Legislature passed the 2022 state budget, which includes several new prolife provisions.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Our prolife leadership in the Legislature understands the need to invest in pregnancy help as an alternative to abortion. We are pleased to see the follow-through from the budget chairs, Rep. Tom Albert and Sen. Jim Stamas, as well as subcommittee chairs Rep. Mary Whiteford, Rep. Mark Huizenga, Sen. Kim LaSata, and Sen. Rick Outman. We hope Governor Whitmer follows through on her end of the budget negotiations and signs all of these provisions into law.”

The budget allocates $10 million for promoting adoption as an alternative to abortion. $1.5 million would be available as grants to pregnancy resource centers that provide alternatives to abortions, and $700,000 to restore the Real Alternatives pregnancy help program, which Governor Whitmer line-item vetoed in the 2020 budget.

Listing said, “There are only a few hundred infant adoptions in Michigan every year and long waiting times for parents interested in adoption, yet sadly there were 29,669 reported abortions in Michigan in 2020. Abortion robs children from the opportunities to live their lives and opportunities for parents to complete their families. Prolife organizations operate more than 150 locations in Michigan to provide pregnancy and adoption help to make those opportunities a reality, and they deserve this support.”

$500,000 in the budget would finally fund the Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act, which would help connect pregnant students on college campuses with resources so they can continue their education.

Listing said, “When she was a state representative, Gretchen Whitmer supported our Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act. Though she vetoed funding for this needed program in 2020, we hope this time she remembers her past support.”

Previously existing language is included in this budget preventing state family planning funding from going to abortion providers and prioritizing federal family planning funding to be given to non-abortion providers.

Listing said, “Planned Parenthood is a billion-dollar megacorporation. They illegally received pandemic relief funding. There’s no reason Michigan county health departments should be deprived of funding so Planned Parenthood can add to their tens of millions in annual profits.”

The budget includes $100,000 for educational materials to the public and to higher education institutions about the constitutional limitations of human embryonic stem cell research. It includes a previously existing requirement of reporting from any universities that engage in the research.

Listing said, “Governor Gretchen Whitmer led the 2008 campaign to allow research that kills human embryos in Michigan. Her campaign promised cures to sick Michiganders and a biotechnology revolution. We’ve received no cures and no real economic benefits, just unanswered questions that deserve answers.”

The budget also requires that colleges and universities that mandate vaccines to allow medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions, and prohibits vaccine passports. Many prolife people have ethical objections to one or several of the coronavirus vaccines that use tissue taken from aborted babies in the development or production process.

Windmill Island Gardens Extends Season Amid Record Attendance

HOLLAND, MI – The last few years have been a roller coaster ride at Windmill Island Gardens. After a pandemic-shortened 2020 season led to reduced attendance numbers, this year park staff welcomed a record number of visitors. To meet continued demand, the park will extend the season beyond its scheduled closing day of October 3. The Dutch attractions and gardens will open on Saturdays and Sundays through October 24 for guests to enjoy at a reduced admission of $5.

Unfortunately, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 coincided with Holland’s annual Tulip Time celebrations leading to the cancellation of festivities. When Windmill Island Gardens was able to open in mid-June, no tulips remained to greet the 50,000 guests – less than half of the previous season’s total.

2021 has been a different story. Staff and industry expectations were shattered as the park eclipsed its record seasonal attendance earlier this month. The venerable attraction previously welcomed a record crowd of 122,646 in 1972. This year, the number may surpass 130,000 despite crowd limitations earlier in the year. According to Development Manager Matt Helmus, “we’ve been amazed by visitor demand and very fortunate that our staff stepped up to allow us to stay open all season.”

In response to the park’s popularity, plans are in place to remain open for visitors through late October. Due to the need to begin planting tulips, the park traditionally closes the first weekend of October. However, this year it will re-open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays through October 24. As staff will begin seasonal cleanup and bulb planting, admission rates will be reduced to $5 for adults with kids 15 and under admitted free.

With the extension of the season, staff is also excited to participate in Downtown Holland’s Fall Fest. On Saturday, October 9, admission to the park will include entry to a Fall Artisan Market from 10am to 5pm. Additional events in the downtown area include pumpkin carving and painting, hayrides, street performers and more. Additional information on the festival can be found at HollandFallFest.com.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2021

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 13, 2021, in the township board room.

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: none

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

Also Present: 25- residents; 3- employees; 0- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of August 23, 2021 as presented.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following additions requested by the DPW Director and Supervisor:

Add item 8-D: Resolution Approving Refunding Contract
Add item 8-E: First Reading Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinance

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

Steve Biesiada shared that the new administrative assistant started September 7th and is doing well; the West Michigan Regional Water Authority is having upgrades done on the Smiley water tower to comply with EGLE and the cost is approximately $14,500.
Brian Michelli would like to remind the community to lock their vehicles to avoid unlawful entries; the water department found a water leak underground and the fire department staff is working to remedy the situation.
Todd Dunham shared that the Board of Determination regarding the Kuis Drain determined further work is not necessary to resolve the problem petitioned for; the Lion’s Club mint street corner mint sale will be September 17th.
Rose Dillon reported that 163 Fruitport Township seniors benefited from the Senior Power of Produce program at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market and that the program has been funded by the City of Muskegon to be able to run through the end of September.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:

Susan Halter shared information regarding the success of the Dancing into Sunset events and requested future senior millage funding to support the events. She also shared photographs of the events and positive written comments from participants.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

21-075 Performance and Indemnification Resolution
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this topic until response is received from the Muskegon County Road Commission.

NEW BUSINESS:

21-076 Deliver Oath to Part-Time Firefighter
Brian Meister was sworn in by the Clerk.

21-077 Senior Funding Request for Dancing into Sunset
Susan Halter, creator of Dancing into Sunset, is requesting an allocation of $500-$5,000 from the 2022 senior millage funding to support the Dancing into Sunset events. Approximately 20 guests were in attendance to support Susan’s efforts.

The board was thankful for the information and expressed that they will take it into consideration at the time of 2022 funds allocation when all presented options have been presented and considered.

21-078 Request for Kiwanis Peanut Sales
The Kiwanis International Club has requested permission to have their street corner peanut sale fundraiser on September 24th and 25th at Dangl/Sternberg. They will provide proof of liability insurance.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the request.

21-079 Resolution Approving Refunding Contract with West Michigan Regional Water Authority
Bendzinski & Co., Municipal Finance Advisors, have advised the township that the current conditions in the bond market could permit a portion of the 2014 Water Supply System bonds to be refunded at a significant interest savings. The DPW Director shared that the township could see a savings of approximately $20,000.

Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution approving the Refunding Contract.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

21-080 First Reading: Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinace
This ordinance would revise the designation of regulated flood prone hazard areas.

This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on September 27, 2021.

21-081 Payment of Bills
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $29,052.25; Public Safety $38,319.52; Water $164,666.90; Sewer $21,294.48; Trust & Agency $1,200.00; Street Lights $13,153.43
Totaling: $267,686.58
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

Rose Dillon shared the deadline to pay property taxes without penalty is tomorrow, September 14, 2021.
Todd Dunham shared that roadway flags will be ordered soon and hopes to have them up for Veterans Day.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:53pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Fruitport Board of Education Special Board Meeting Agenda – 09/28/21

Fruitport Community Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

V. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS

Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 20, 2021 (attachment V-1)
Review and Select Board Member Candidates to Interview (attachment V-2)
Other

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Events Happening in Muskegon County – Monday September 27 – October 4, 2021

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

Monday September 27:

Cardio Drumming!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A fun workout for all ages, sizes and fitness levels! First timers can rent the needed equipment for $1. Their new indoor location is the Sports Complex at Folkert Hub located at 640 Seminole Rd. The class is just $2 per person. Required equipment: Water bottle, available to rent for $1 each are: 17 gallon bucket, 65-75cm yoga ball, Drumsticks. Keep up to date with the Muskegon Drum Crew Facebook Group . Classes are Monday & Thursday.

Tuesday September 28:

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday until November.

Unruly Bicycling Group
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Unruly Tuesday will meet in the parking lot behind Unruly Brewing Company located at 360 W. Western Ave. for a 90 minute bike ride.

Wednesday September 29:

Muskegon Flea Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Wednesday May – October 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Comedy Night at Burl and Sprig
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Fresh Ghost Comedy presents live, FREE admission comedy show at Burl & Sprig Distillery located at 500 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon.

Thursday September 30:

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday until November.

Friday October 1:

Clue Live!
6:15 pm – 7:15pm and 7:30pm – 8:30 pm
Do you have a competitive spirit and love game night? Bring your friends and family to experience the game of Clue LIVE at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site located at 484 W. Webster Ave. Cost is $20 per team! Work with your team to determine who killed the game’s victim; the room the crime took place, and which weapon was used in order to succeed. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

After Dark Tour
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Experience the Hackley and Hume Historic Site AFTER DARK located at 484 W. Webster Ave. See all five floors of the houses on this classic tour. Join us to learn more about the lumbering business, the Hackley and Hume families, and the Victorian Era in Muskegon. $15 for non members and $10 for members. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/after-dark-tour-tickets-136859788311

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Saturday October 2:

October Saturdays: Impossible Animal Hunt / Blanford Visit
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Visit the Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay. You may think you’ve seen all of the animals in the Habitat Gallery. But some of the insects and animals are hard to find; some are never noticed! Visit the museum to find out if you can discover all of the “impossible” animals included in this scavenger hunt. Blanford Nature Center will visit from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Emma Willmann featuring Logan Guntzelman Live Stand Up Comedy
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Check out Emma at Back Alley Comedy Club located at 1531 W. Sherman Blvd. $15-25 per person. Originally from a tiny town in Maine, Emma Willmann exploded onto the Boston comedy scene in 2010. In 2011 she won first place in the Boston Comedy Riots and was featured in The 2011 and 2012 Boston Woman in Comedy Festival.

Aquastar Sunset Cruise
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breeze while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. Hop on one of our sunset cruises and get away from the world for a two hour cruise and enjoy what nature has to offer. It’s the perfect time to relax with family and friends.

Kathy’s Krew Pub Crawl for Cancer
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us for Kathy’s Krew First Annual Pub Crawl starting at Burl & Spring located at 500 W. Western Ave. for Cancer in partnership with Bluebird Cancer Retreats! Registration 12 -1 pm Pub Crawl kick off at 1pm There will be live music, a 50/50, best dressed contest (pink it out), silent auction, and more!

Shop Lakeside Day
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
We are celebrating our new Social District and all our fabulous Lakeside Businesses. Did you know Lakeside Businesses are locally owned? Some of the oldest and newest businesses in Muskegon are in Lakeside and Muskegon’s best shopping is here too! Please join us on October 2 to support all out local Lakeside Businesses. We will be giving away a basket of Lakeside goods and goodies to one lucky shopper. Sign up at participating venues. www.lakesidedistrict.com

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Muskegon Farmers Market
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. will be open outside Saturdays until November.

Live Music at Smash Wine Bar Bistro
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays located at 415 W. Western Ave. 8pm-10pm. Check their website www.smashwinebar.com or FB page for the schedule.

Sunday October 3:

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Monday October 4:

Depot to Depot: Self -Guided Fall Color Tour and Contest
October 1 – October 23
This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. See the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory. Soar over a canopy of fall colors, see the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shops, restaurants, attractions and more! Contest entries will be gathered by social media photo check-ins at the designated stops. Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map. Maps will also be available to download from our website. Instructions to win prizes: Snap a photo or selfie at designated stops on the map. Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D21. Make sure the setting is “public” so we can find your photo entry. The more stops and check-in photos you share, the more entries you receive. Send one Facebook message to Visit Muskegon; simply say “D2D 21” (this way we can contact you if you are a winner!)

Please check our website for a complete listing of eventswww.visitmuskegon.org/events

Wednesday October 13:

Thursday October 14:

Friday October 15:

Saturday October 16:

Sunday October 17:

Monday October 18:

City of Roosevelt Park and SafeSeniors Present Free Lunch & Learn: Not Everyone is A Friend!

Register

Shirts

Get Social

Shirt & Bib Pick Up

Please thank our sponsors with your business!

THANK YOU TO:

Enterprise Fleet Management | United Dairy Industry of Michigan | Nichols | Consumers Energy | Delta Dental | Priority Health | GCSI

Get Ready for Glamour and Doing Good!

PRE-SALEDeals and Steals for early-birds on OCT 9!

ONLINE SILENT AUCTIONBegins October 10 at 4pm

SELECT LUXURY BAGS FOR BID ONLINEFive special purses auctioned live and online!

Please check our website for a complete listing of eventswww.visitmuskegon.org/events

Wednesday October 6:

Thursday October 7:

Friday October 8:

Saturday October 9:

Sunday October 10:

Monday October 11:

October 8-23, 2021

MCT’s Steel Magnolias

7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Beardsley TheaterTickets: $28.00 / $13 Student Rush

October 8, 2021

The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!

7:30 p.m. | Frauenthal TheaterTickets: Tier 1 – $38/ Tier 2 – $32/ Tier 3 – $24

Youth Programs:

Adult Programs:

Friends of Hackley Library News!

New Online Catalog and Mobile App!

Please check our website for a complete listing of eventswww.visitmuskegon.org/events

Monday September 27:

Tuesday September 28:

Wednesday September 29:

Thursday September 30:

Friday October 1:

Saturday October 2:

Sunday October 3:

Monday October 4:

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

PRE-SALE
Deals and Steals for early-birds on OCT 9!

ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
Begins October 10 at 4pm

SELECT LUXURY BAGS FOR BID ONLINE
Five special purses auctioned live and online!

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events

7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Beardsley Theater
Tickets: $28.00 / $13 Student Rush

7:30 p.m. | Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: Tier 1 – $38/ Tier 2 – $32/ Tier 3 – $24

Please check our website for a complete listing of events
www.visitmuskegon.org/events