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Muskegon County Calendar of Events October 14 – 21, 2019

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

Monday October 14:

Christian Music Skate Night
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate & Fun Center located at 1775 Evanston Ave. for an evening filled with Christian and Gospel music. A variety of artists will be featured, such as For King & Country, Mercyme, Hillsong Young & Free, Micah Tyler, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Erica Campbell, Levi, Myron Butler, Mandisa and Aaron Cole to name a few. Join them for some family fun and fellowship at this all ages event! Admission is $3, or $1 when you bring a can of food to benefit food pantries in our area. Regular skate rental is $3, roller blades are $5 and premium rental is $6. For more information call (231) 773-5538.

Crafts & Drafts
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Company for Crafts & Drafts, an event for all those crafting wannabes with their Pinterest pins full of craft projects to try! They’ve done the hard part of choosing a craft, gathering the supplies and giving you step by step instructions so all that all is left is to have fun creating! This crafts and drafts night will involve creating unique and fun spooky pieces you will be thrilled to display this Halloween! The cost is $25 per person and includes a Tier I or Tier II beer. To register or for more information, call (231) 375-5184.

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

Roll On Muskegon
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon. Casual, 8-10 mph for Approx. 90 minutes to get outside and wave to our neighbors.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
6:00 pm
The cost is $5.00 per person per lecture or FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. In addition to the lectures, for one week prior to each lecture, they will be showing a film on a related subject. Movies will be shown daily at 1:00pm. The cost to attend the movie is included with your $6 admission ticket to the museum. Admission to the museum is also FREE with your membership. For more information call (231) 755-1230.

Tuesday October 15:

Abracadabra Live on Tour
7:30 pm
Be amazed at the Frauenthal Theater for “Abracadabra Live on Tour!” From the co-creator of Broadway’s “The Illusionists” franchise comes an all-new illusionary spectacular featuring five world-class magicians, illusionists, escape artists and sleight-of-hand specialists along with a supporting cast of talented dancers and visual artists. Tickets for this family-friendly show are $25, $35 and $45. For more information call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Planetarium Show: Supervolcanoes
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
“Supervolcanoes” is a free, 30-minute planetarium show that looks at a rare class of large volcanic eruptions on Earth and other planets. See it Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00pm through October 31 at Muskegon Community College, room 1072. No reservations are needed; this is walk-in only. Be sure to come early and check out the new “World of Water” exhibit before the show, at the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium. The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes. For more info, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15. call 231-777-0289.

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

Teen FabLab with Muskegon Community College
4:00 pm
Teens are invited to the Norton Shores Library to explore and try some of the amazing technology available through Muskegon Community College’s FabLab! This free event is for ages 11-18. Call 231-780-8844 to register.

Wednesday October 16:

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

Thursday October 17:

Barbershop Sing Fest
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come to Unruly Brewing Co. located at 360 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon for the Barbershop Sing Fest! The Pioneer District Quartet Champions Association is in town and they will be hanging out at the taproom and singing for everyone. Come out and enjoy some of Muskegon’s great craft beer and sing along. Call for more information (231) 288-1068

After Hours Tours: FREE
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Dive into history and learn details about Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. during an ‘After-Hours’ guided tour! Visitors are asked to arrive at 4:45pm to gather in HPL’s lower level meeting rooms. The tours will begin at 5:00pm. Please park in the rear parking lot as the front doors will be locked. Tours will be approximately 1 hour. These tours are free and open to the public. Call (231) 722-8000 with any questions.

Thursday Night Music Club: Box On
7:00 pm
Visit the Norton Shores Library located at 705 Seminole Rd. for the Thursday Night Music Club featuring Box On! This dynamic family polka band brings youth, excitement and energy to this favorite musical genre. Admission is free. For more information call 231-780-8844.

Back to the Beat: Halloween Adult Roller Skating Night
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Come to Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate & Fun Center located at 1775 Evanston Ave. for the “Back to the Beat” adult roller skating night! This is a Halloween social that’ll be such a fright, featuring skating, hocus pocus, Halloween and 90’s music all night! Join them for a good time for adults 18 and older! Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Admission is $6. Regular skate rental is $4, roller blades are $5 and premium rental is $6. For more information call (231) 773-5538.

Grand Opening: Mylan’s Waterfront Grille
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Everyone is invited to the Grand Opening of Mylan’s Waterfront Grille located at 115 N. Mears. Participate in the adult Mini Pumpkin Painting Contest for a chance to win free merchandise and gift cards. Entry is $5 and includes your pumpkin, paint and alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic punch! You’ll also enjoy ½ off select appetizers. Be sure to get there by 5:00pm for the Ribbon Cutting! For more information call (231) 894-0947.

Fetch Cycling Group
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Meet in the parking lot behind Fetch Brewing Company on Thursdays at 6:00pm for a 60 minute No Drop Bike Ride. All abilities and fitness levels are encouraged and welcome. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Fetch Brewing Company provides you with the added incentive of $1 off your first post-ride beer!

Friday October 18:

Show of Champions
9:30 pm
Come to the Frauenthal Theater for the Show of Champions! The Pioneer District Quartet Champions Association will feature Power Play, Frontier, Remix, Upper Deck and Extension Cords at this fun Barber Shop Quartet Show which takes place immediately following this year’s contest. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Students are $10. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.

Once Upon a Murder Mystery
6:00 pm
The North Muskegon Library located at 1522 Ruddiman Dr. has an event happening. Join them in the enchanted forest for an evening of food and fun as you and other attendees try to determine if Queen Black really wants peace or if things are about to turn deadly. The cost is $10 per person and includes food & beverages. Register at the library where you will be assigned a storybook character. This event is for ages 16 and up. Call 231-744-6080 to register.

Hackley & Hume Historic Site: All Access Tours
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
You can go where no visitor has gone before on All Access Tours of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site located at 484 W. Webster Ave.! Explore behind closed doors including attics, porches, and basements of both houses. Enjoy different themed topics such as restoration, preservation, family stories, new discoveries in the research, the Hackley House during the Red Cross years, the Hume home as a Daycare Center, as well as future projects. Please RSVP by calling 231-722-7578. The cost is $20 or $15 for members.

Friday Family Fun Night: Smashing Pumpkins
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay Ave. for a Smashing Pumpkins Friday Family Fun Night! It’s a date night at the museum for the whole family featuring extended museum hours with fun stations and themes. Smashing Pumpkins will feature their museum-built trebuchet! Kids can paint their own pumpkin (while supplies last), then take it home or take it outside and smash it! They can also make a popsicle stick catapult to test with candy pumpkins. Admission is only $5 or free for museum members and Muskegon County residents. For more information call the museum during business hours at 231-722-0278.

West Michigan Vintage Market
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
One event on October 19, 2019 at 9:00 am
My Space Office and Storage located at 1657 S. Getty St. invites you to join them for their Fall Vendor Sale, offering 10,000+ square feet of amazing curators, local food vendors, and artisans featuring shabby chic décor, handmade jewelry, mid-century modern, re-purposed furniture and so much more. The entire building will be open to the public featuring dozens of local businesses. For more information call 231-726-3624.

Haunted Hall: Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed
7:00 pm – 10:00
Open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:00pm – 10:00pm in the Lakes Mall located at 5600 Harvey St., the cost is $15 per person! This year’s theme is “Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed!” Get four haunts for the price of one; “They Hid the Gold in a Swamp,” “Deadly Tunnels to Move It,” “Industry of Fear Fueled by Gold,” and “Always Distorting the Public Eye!” They HIGHLY recommend people follow them on Facebook to receive notifications of special deals and ticket give-aways! FAQ’s can be found on their website at www.hauntedhall.com.

Saturday October 19:

Muskegon Heritage Museum’s Community Days: FREE
11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Swanson’s Pickles & pickle tasting)
Our collection includes informational exhibits, artifacts and photos pertaining to Muskegon’s industries, historic homes and businesses. They have a working steam engine with a line shaft that runs 11 machine tools as well as a working Brunswick pinsetter, a spring winding machine, and over 80 other companies represented in exhibits. Don’t let the modest storefront fool you, the museum has over 12,000 square feet of display space, spanning three floors! Today’s sponsor is Swanson Pickles and pickle tasting. For more information call 231-722-1363

Halloween Bash
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bring the family, friends and neighbors to the Muskegon Farmers Market for the Halloween Bash! This free event features a costume parade starting from the Farmers Market stage. Visit with the Critter Barn, Princesses, and Super Heroes! Decorate a pumpkin, play some games, win prizes, and trick or treat. Activities will be spread between the Farmers Market to Western Market Shops and everything is while supplies last. For more information call (231) 722-3251.

Spook-tacular Watercolors Craft
2:00 pm
Children’s book illustrator Lori McElrath-Eslick is back at Hackley Library located at 316 W. Webster Ave. She’ll help you learn how to paint with watercolors and create a spooky design just in time for Halloween. Adult supervision is required for younger participants. This free event is for kids 5 and up. For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Delicious Demise: “Cocktail Party Set in a Fine Winery”
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to the Art of Cookery for “Delicious Demise!: Participants act out the roles with scripts and as much hilarity as they wish. You will be emailed your character, costume suggestion (easy and optional) and more information about the theme prior to arrival. The mystery activities and buffet last from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. To register online, click the link below and find the right date(s) for you. To register offline call 231-740-4065 or email ICan@artcookery.com. The cost is $40. This event is not suitable for those under 17 due to adult themes.

Muskegon Lumberjack’s Home Game -VS- Green Bay Gamblers
Puck drops @7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. Catch the home game at the L.C. Walker Arena located at 955 Fourth St. Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.

Haunted Hall: Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed
7:00 pm – 10:00pm
Open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:00pm – 10:00pm in the Lakes Mall located at 5600 Harvey St., the cost is $15 per person! This year’s theme is “Muskegon Conspiracy Exposed!” Get four haunts for the price of one; “They Hid the Gold in a Swamp,” “Deadly Tunnels to Move It,” “Industry of Fear Fueled by Gold,” and “Always Distorting the Public Eye!” They HIGHLY recommend people follow them on Facebook to receive notifications of special deals and ticket give-aways! FAQ’s can be found on their website at www.hauntedhall.com.

Sweet Saturdays at the Lakeside Emporium
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join the Lakeside Emporium to enjoy food, entertainment, and “Treasure Alley” – a collection of vendors ranging from artists and authors to crafters, collectors, and even pottery demonstrations, all conveniently located on-site at the Lakeside Emporium. It’s family fun and enjoyment for all ages, and an opportunity to find just the perfect treat or gift for yourself or someone else. For more information call 231-755-9933.

Muskegon South Pierhead Light Tours
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tour the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.Docent-led Tower Tours Admission: $2 – Kids 11 and under $3 – Military and veterans $4 – 12 and up Please note: Children must be at least 3 feet tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Visit Muskegon Depot to Depot Fall Color Tours
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience Michigan’s beautiful autumn, and a fun fall tradition.
Visit Muskegon presents the 15th Annual “Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour”.
🍁 Drive your car or ride your bike along this self-guided route that stretches from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. Travel on some of Muskegon’s most scenic roads along Lake Michigan and the West Michigan Pike Byway. Visit historic sites, enjoy nature and snap some “selfies”.
🍁 This event is FREE. Participants will receive fall refreshments and coupons to area businesses. There are also free pumpkins for the children and complimentary Visit Muskegon postcards for the grownups (while supplies last).
🍁 Stamp your map at the designated stops and enter to win 2 round trip passes for the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry between Muskegon and Milwaukee. (For use in the 2020 season)
🍁 Check in on social media for chances to win weekly giveaways.
🍁 Start your journey, and pick up your map at either historic Depot:
* The Muskegon Union Depot, home to Visit Muskegon (Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau). 610 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI * Chamber Train Depot, home to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 124 W Hanson, Whitehall, MI

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

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

Sunday October 20:

Yoga – Beer Event
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. invites you to their Beer/Yoga Event at their new facility located at 895 5th St.! A tour of the new facility will take place after yoga. Then you will gather at the taproom for a beer and community hang out! Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Registration is highly encouraged. Only $10 will get you a 1 hour vinyasa yoga class (all levels welcome) and a level one beer. Bring your yoga mat and a friend, or come alone! Yoga starts promptly at 11:00am. To register or for more information, call (231) 375-5184.

Monday October 21:

Roll On Muskegon
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.Casual, 8-10 mph for Approx. 90 minutes to get outside and wave to our neighbors.

Muskegon Heritage Museum Community Day – 10/19/19

Ottawa County & City of Holland Host Diversity Forum

Earlier this year, Ottawa County solidified its commitment to diversity with the establishment of a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office. Now, Ottawa County is partnering with the City of Holland to host the 4th Annual Diversity Forum – Journeys to Equity in Public Service. The forum is on November 15, 2019, from 8 AM to 4 PM at the Holland Civic Center. Cost is $40 and registration is online at miOttawa.org.

The event will create an open space that allows resources and ideas to be shared through collaborative networking among public servants. Trailblazers already doing diversity work from across the state, and within government, will share why leaders of public service organizations and those operating the front lines need to care about DEI. Finally, presenters and panelists will share best practices and lessons learned while implementing equity action plans.

“The 4th Annual Ottawa County Diversity Forum will be the best yet featuring a new partnership with the City of Holland, a new venue at the Holland Civic Center and a new focus on creating a collaborative network among public sector organizations and employees throughout West Michigan,” said Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator. “My hope is that the forum will serve as forums have served throughout history–as a place of learning, discussion, engagement and as a base for future action.”

The keynote speaker, Dr. Mira Krishnan, will address the challenges and opportunities of building an Ottawa County that includes gender and sexually diverse residents. Two panel discussions will also take place, including one comprised of elected officials from the region and another composed of DEI practitioners from government agencies throughout Michigan. Workshops of a variety of topics will include:

• The Racial Equity Toolkit: A Road Map for Government, Organizations and Communities
• Leading with Racial Equity: The Ups and Downs of One City’s Journey
• Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation
• City of Grand Rapids Equal Business Opportunity Program
• Inclusion in Hiring: Using an Evidence-Based Selection Process
• Building Health Equity

While the event is designed for those working in government, everyone is welcome to attend.

Ottawa County has been working strategically on DEI since 2012 when it created the Ottawa County Cultural Intelligence Committee and required employee diversity training as part of its “Four Cs” initiative. It held its first Diversity Forum in 2016. At that time, there were 72 participants. Last year, more than 130 attended.

Are Late-term Abortions Rare?

“Well, late-term abortions are rare!” How often have you heard that line? Usually its context is to dismiss arguments for banning late-term abortions.

Is it true, though?

Well, if late-term abortions are rare, so are many other common causes of death.

Rare is a subjective term. The best way to determine if something is rare is to compare it to related things people would say are common.

For abortion supporters, they seek to compare late-term abortions to early abortions. A familiar line you might hear is that late-term abortions are only 1% of all abortions. Because there are a massive number of abortions occurring in the United States, that 1% number is quite high.

According to the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, there were an estimated 926,200 abortions in the United States in 2014, the most recent estimate. The Centers for Disease Control publishes an annual report with detailed abortion statistics from most states. They routinely find that about 1.3% of abortions take place after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you do the math, that’s 12,000 abortions after 20 weeks every year.

Are 12,000 deaths rare? In 2014, there were 11,008 homicides using a gun in the U.S. Would you describe gun violence as rare?

Often people supporting abortion make an argument like this: if prolife people cared, then they would support gun control. Right to Life of Michigan is completely neutral on issues unrelated to our mission. Gun control groups are similarly neutral on abortion. Late-term abortions are more common than gun homicides, so gun control groups should ignore their mission and help us ban late-term abortions: who would take this suggestion seriously?

Let’s look at some Michigan numbers. The most common late-term abortion procedure in our state is the dismemberment abortion procedure (D&E), used most often between 12 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. In 2017, there were 1,777 dismemberment abortions in Michigan.

In 2017 in Michigan, there were more dismemberment abortions than these all-too-common causes of death: breast cancer, car accidents, colon cancer, homicide, pancreatic cancer, Parkinson’s disease, pneumonia, and suicide.

Would you tell someone who has breast cancer that their disease is rare?

Would you say suicide is so rare that it shouldn’t be addressed as a public policy issue?

If you can’t say those things, then you can’t claim late-term abortions are rare as an excuse to ignore them—or to make a twisted moral justification for them.

Chris Gast
Director of Communication/Education
(616) 532-2300 | RTL.org

America At the Point of No Return

Dear Editor:

It is sad to say, but on the 243rd Anniversary of the birth of this Great Nation, America has (possibly) reached the Point-Of-No-Return.

Added the word possibly, because, there is still a glimpse of true active believers left somewhere. And we, of course, know that all things are possible to God the creator of all.

But perhaps, like the Prophet Jonah, who wanted the great wicked city of Nineveh destroyed, we are reluctant to inform America of the coming destruction. We know of such destruction because we read the book, the Word of God, the Holy Bible.

God directed Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn that Idol worshiping city to repent, or He would destroy that city after forty days. Jonah fled from God instead. God finally got his attention by forcing Jonah to live inside a big fish for three days.

That terrible experience prompted Jonah to complete his assignment. So he rushed to Nineveh, and he went throughout the city announcing God’s warning. After that, not expecting that sinful city to repent, he went to a high place outside the city to observe the destruction. But the whole city repented and God gave that city 200 more years of life before it was destroyed.

The Holy Bible contains many other instances where Mankind became so wicked that finally God had to punished such nations, or destroyed them. Including His beloved nation of Israel.

America has gone from being a God loving nation from it’s beginning, to a God hating nation in many respects. Many Americans now not only tolerate what God calls abomination, but they publicly support and considers’ them as rights.

While America is incurring the wrath of God, because of his love, He is sending warnings in many different ways. But eventually, as prophesied in the Word of God, the day will come when Jesus will start breaking each seal on the Book, and with each seal broken bringing calamity upon Man on Earth, and on God’s universe.

WILL AMERICA REPENT?

Manuel Ybarra, Jr.
Email: mybarrajr18@yahoo.com

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – 10/14/19

Business and Finance
Monday, October 14, 2019
11:30 a.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
MEETING AGENDA

1. Audit
2. Enrollment
3. Other
4. Public Comment
5. Adjournment

Ask Dr. Universe – Why Dogs Are Important to Humans

Dr. Universe: Why are dogs important to humans? Stephani R., 9, Washington State

Dear Stephani,

Dogs are important to humans in all kinds of ways. The connection between the two goes back thousands of years.

Dogs have had all kinds of jobs. They work on farms where they guard the land and also round up livestock like sheep and cows. Dogs also provide humans with company. Just petting a dog can create a real physical change in the human body.

That’s what I found out from my friend Alexa Carr, a Washington State University researcher who investigates the bonds between animals and humans.

Along with fellow scientists, she has discovered that when people pet a dog, they have fewer stress chemicals in their body—hormones called cortisol. We also know that when a person is looking into a dog’s eyes the body also releases a kind of chemical that is linked to love and connection with another being.

Dogs can also help humans navigate their world. They help guide people who have lost their sight. They assist people who have diabetes or seizures. A lot of service dogs can sense when something is wrong and alert their owners. Some of them can even open fridges and bring food to their human.

A dog can use its sensitive nose to help humans, too. At airports, some dogs sniff out luggage to make sure people aren’t bringing anything they shouldn’t on the plane. In some cases, dogs can even sniff out cancer in people.

It turns out there are also dogs on our planet that help scientists, Carr said. They sniff out animal poop to help scientists learn more about different species. We can learn a lot from the DNA we find in an animal’s poop. Some dogs sniff out orca poop that floats in the ocean to help us learn more about the whales.

Dogs are there for us when we lose someone we love and often look at us when we talk to them. They are also good at helping people, including veterans, with their mental health. Carr said there are a lot of factors that go into understanding how humans and dogs work together. We are still learning a lot about the relationship.

“People are important to dogs, too,” she said. “It is a relationship that goes both ways.”

People can give dogs ear scratches, take them to the park, feed them, and walk them. Taking a dog for a walk can also help a human get exercise and stay healthy. While I may be a little biased when it comes to all things cats, it’s no wonder dogs really are your best friends.

What do dogs do to help in your life? Why are they important to you? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Lakeshore Art Festival Ranks Nationally and Gives Back to the Community

Muskegon, MI – This year, the Lakeshore Art Festival was again recognized as one of the nation’s best art festival by Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 200 Best. The ranking is divided into the 100 Best Fine Art & Design Shows and the 100 Best Classic & Contemporary Shows, the Lakeshore Art Festival place 21st out of 100 Classic & Contemporary Shows.

Sunshine Artist Magazine, known for its high-quality content in the fine art and craft industry, ranks the nation’s most-profitable fine art and craft festivals based on the sales performance of its exhibitors. Each year exhibitors can vote for their top 10 shows during the year, based on the amount of sales. The top shows were selected based on the number of ballots they were listed on, as well as the total score they earned based on the reported sales.

“This year was a hot one!” said Lakeshore Art Festival Director, Carla Flanders. “Even with the high temperatures, the community came out to support all the exhibitors. If it wasn’t for our amazing community, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a great festival and be recognized on a national level.”

In 2019, the Lakeshore Art Festival provided over $22,000 to local non-profit organizations and artists involved in the festival. Local organizations that benefited include; Boys & Girls Club, Muskegon Big Red Football Team, Read Muskegon, Nuveen Art Center, Muskegon JCI and the Salvation Army. Since 2013, the festival has provided nearly $180,000 in cash back to the local community. This year’s festival had an impact of almost $1.6 million to the Muskegon Lakeshore economy with an overall impact of $7.2 million over the last seven years.

The Lakeshore Art Festival continues its social responsibility by focusing on the triple bottom line. A report will be available with full details in the coming months.

Major sponsors for the Lakeshore Art Festival include: DTE Energy Foundation, Nichols, Betten Baker, Arconic, Northern Machine Tool, Meijer, Eagle Alloy and LeafFilter. A full list of sponsors and details for 2020 exhibitor applications can be found online at: www.lakeshoreartfestival.org.

The Lakeshore Art Festival is a Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce event.

Long-time Fruitport Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

by D. K. Christi, M.Ed., CWDP, Consultant, Speaker, Author & Journalist, Member, Authors Guild & Naples Press Club
www.dkchristi.com

Lueneda Johnson, born September 15, 1919 has lived in Fruitport Township over 6 decades and her children (Craig Johnson and Diane Christianson) and her grandchildren (Tanya and Craig Johnson) attended Fruitport schools followed by successful careers. She has one great grandson, Connor Johnson. Lueneda spent childhood on her father’s farm in Mississippi where she rode in a surrey with the fringe on top to church and worked after school in her father’s general store. She went to Michigan to help her brother in his restaurant when help was scarce during World War II and was shocked by the first winter – but made her home in Michigan, returning to the south just to visit family. In her southern family history is a celebrated Civil War hero for the south who led comrades in an escape from a POW camp in the north by tunneling out and leading them by foot back to their regiment. Lueneda Johnson had a career as a salesperson and also was one of the first store demonstrators, providing samples of a new dairy product, yogert. She also helped her daughter, a published writer, at her presentations and book sales from Michigan to Florida. She has wintered in Florida with her daughter for over two decades but prefers her own home in Michigan the rest of year where she manages well on her own and tends her garden – with the occasional help as needed by her son and his family who live nearby. She attributes her long life to living life with moderation and balance and a handful of Planter’s peanuts for a snack with her occasional television movie in the evening. She was honored for her 100 year birthday by Fruitport Township Board of Trustees at their meeting in Fruitport September 9, 2019.

State Representative Terry J. Sabo Visits Hackley Community Care

“Community Health Center Funding is Crucial to Providing Care to the Underserved.”

Muskegon, MI – State Representative Terry J. Sabo visited Hackley Community Care on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Rep. Sabo represents Michigan’s 92nd House District which includes the cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and North Muskegon along with the townships of Muskegon, Laketon, Fruitland and Whitehall.

Hackley Community Care (HCC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides quality health care services to underserved residents of Muskegon County. Congress has introduced several bills to reauthorize funding for America’s Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Continued funding will support increase to access, expanding of services, and improve quality outcomes. The vote for FQHC funding is a key issue in congress this fall. The visit with Rep. Sabo provided insight to the care and services HCC provides to meet the need of the communities he serves.

In 1992, due to an increased rate of pre-term, low birthweight babies, Hackley Community Care (HCC) opened its doors in a renovated, tiny brown house on the Hackley Hospital Campus, and began offering Obstetrical and medical services. Later that year, HCC moved to a building on the corner of Peck and Barney and began the Certified Nurse Midwifery Program that provided prenatal care, delivery and follow-up with pregnant mothers. Soon after, we added home services to pregnant mothers with a licensed social worker, nurse, and a dietician.

Hackley Community Care (HCC) continued to grow from there, and moved to our current location at 2700 Baker Street, and received Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status. From these humble beginnings, Hackley Community Care has continuously expanded to provide an array of services that include dental, behavioral health, a pharmacy (Community Care Pharmacy), and other supporting programs such as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Komen Breast & Cervical services, to name a few. All of our service are designed to meet the needs of those who are disenfranchised. Today, we have locations at the Mercy Health Partners – Hackley Campus, an Integrated Health Center (IHC) at HealthWest, full adolescent Teen Health Centers at Muskegon High School and Oakridge Public Schools, and school based behavioral health services throughout Muskegon.

To learn more about Hackley Community Care please visit www.hackleycommunitycare.org.

Village of Fruitport Regular Council Meeting Minutes – 09/30/19

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 30TH 2019

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6:58pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Jeff Guiles, Amy Haack, Carl Rothenberger, Jay Bolt, Jeff Guiles, Bill Overkamp (arrived at 7:03pm excused) and Ann LaCroix

5. Approve the agenda for the September 30th Council meeting
Motion made by Carl to approve the September 30th agenda, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Approval of September 16th Council meeting minutes
Amy asked that excused be added to arrival times for Jay and Bill. Ann advised she needs to correct numbering of minutes starting with Marquee. Motion made by Carl to approve the minutes with the changes, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

7. Public Comment
None

8. Correspondence
Ann advised that the Exotic Animal Event schedule for October at Pomona Park has been cancelled.

9. Reports from Officers
Donna the book sale at the library was a success. Donna also advised about a water issue. A discussion took place about the library contract with the Village. Ann agreed to send out the contract to council.
Jeff had nothing to report.
Amy advised that the Kayak Launch grant additional information has been submitted. She contacted the director of LGROW to submit expert documentation regarding Norris Creek and additional information.
Amy shared with council that WMSRDC has an extra $190,000.00 in available federal funds. There is a special meeting on Thursday October 3rd for project selection for the funds. She will attend along with Roger and Jay to seek funding for the 2020 3rd Avenue project.
Amy advised that she attended a Safe Routes to School meeting. The goal is to get children safely back and forth to school. It’s possible the Village may receive funding for bike path and sidewalk repairs located near the school. She will continue to attend meetings.
Jay advised the Planning Commission met on September 26th and came to a recommended solution to the zoning map. Four parcels are involved in the changes. Letters were sent to the 4 parties. Jay met with each of them. A Public Hearing is scheduled for October 24th at 7pm.
Carl had nothing to report.
Bill had nothing to report.
Roger advised that Ann will work at the office on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. She will work remotely from home on Wednesday. Roger advised the council that Jay is the Village Project Supervisor for the 2020 3rd Avenue Project and will attend Prein & Newhof meetings.
David Jirousek has signed the contract for the Master Plan. Lastly, Roger advised that the new woodchipper will arrive tomorrow.

10. Marquee
Ann reviewed the 3 quotes for a new Marquee. A discussion took place about each Marquee. Motion made by Carl to purchase the Marquee from Postema Sign for $23,265.00, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles, Vanderstelt
NAYS: Pope and Haack.

11. Sidewalk repair quotes
Three quotes were discussed for sidewalk repairs. Carl made a motion to accept the bid of $5365.00 from Christian Concrete for all 3 locations after confirming a roll curb will be installed on Bridge Street, supported by Donna.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYS: None
Roger agreed to contact Christian Concrete to confirm the roll curb and discuss an invoice that was submitted for 6th Avenue.

12. Personnel Committee Items
Carl advised that the clerk provided dental and vision rates for our full-time employees. He also advised that a personal day was in the old personnel policy and not in our new policy and would like to add it back. Motion made by Carl to provide dental and vision for our full-time employees at a monthly rate not to exceed $200.00 and to add a personal day for all employees. Also, to update the Personnel Policy to reflect these changes, supported by Jeff.
Roll Call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYS: None

13. Livability Muskegon – Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Ann advised that she met with a contractor representing the Chamber of Commerce. There is a magazine promoting the Muskegon Lakeshore area as well as an on-line magazine. She shared the magazine with council and questioned if they would like to advertise the Village in the magazine. The ad is due November 1st. The council will consider and table until the next council meeting.

14. Public Comment
None

15. Adjournment
Motion made by Donna to adjourn at 8:40pm, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Village of Fruitport Amended Council Meeting Minutes – 09/16/19

Click the image below for the Village of Fruitport’s September 16, 2019, AMENDED Regular Council Meeting minutes.

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 10/14/19

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

OCTOBER 14, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 9/23/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Approval to hire selected candidate for Assistant Assessor
B. Approval of Merle Boes agreement

08. New Business
A. Appeal from resident regarding attorney invoice
B. Streetlight request: Kersting Dr/Danglwood Ct
C. DPW vehicle and equipment purchase
D. Consideration of petitions for Mt. Garfield road improvement
E. Consideration of a Truck Route Ordinance

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

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

Whitmer Vetoes Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students

On October 1, 2019, Lansing, MI, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she vetoed a state budget allocation for a program she voted for as a state legislator.

All of the $150,000 allocated for the Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act in the 2020 state budget was vetoed by Governor Whitmer. The Act created a fund for higher education institutions to establish offices to assist students who are pregnant or parenting children.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Governor Whitmer is now an abortion ideologue. If this program included funding for students to have abortions instead of helping them parent through school, she would have never touched it.”

The Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2004. It passed the Michigan House by a unanimous vote, including support from then State Representative Gretchen Whitmer.

Because of the state’s economic downturn, the program never received state funding to get off the ground. The 2020 state budget was the first to include funding.

Listing said, “Services for parenting and pregnant students on campuses are rarely even mentioned, let alone prioritized. The message our culture sends today is too often that women must choose between education and the life of their child. We can do more for mothers on campus, and at one time Governor Whitmer seemed to understand that.”

Included in Governor Whitmer’s budget line-item vetoes was the Real Alternatives program, which provides funding for organizations that help women of any age experiencing crisis pregnancies. Governor Whitmer cut all $700,000 of the funding allocated by the Legislature.

Listing said, “Governor Whitmer views even small pregnancy help programs as competition to the abortion industry that must be run out of business. Governor Whitmer will always put Planned Parenthood’s bottom line as a higher priority than women who choose life in difficult circumstances.”

Despite Governor Whitmer’s funding cuts, prolife pregnancy help and adoption organizations will continue to serve women and men in need across the state at more than 150 locations. Prolife students will continue to advocate for their colleges to do more to help pregnant college students remain in school.

Listing said, “Abortion advocates claim prolife people don’t care about women facing crisis pregnancies. But when prolife people try to help, these same abortion advocates do everything they can to shut us down.”

Paul Klimas Hired as Ottawa County Innovation & Technology Director

Ottawa County is pleased to announce that Paul Klimas has been hired as Ottawa County’s Innovation & Technology Director.

Klimas has over 30 years of experience in the tech industry working in both the private and public sectors, most recently as the IT Director for the City of Grand Rapids.

“I love the lakeshore and am excited to be working in and for Ottawa County,” Klimas said.

Klimas holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He will begin has duties for the County on July 1. Paul started his IT career in programming, then moved to GIS, progect management and finally, IT Management. “IT is always evolving quickly. I love learning and being challenged,” said Klimas.

Klimas grew up in the Chicago area and has lived in both California and Ohio. In 2000, he took a position for the City of Grand Rapids. Klimas lives in West Michigan with his wife of 33 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.

“Paul’s extensive background in Innovation & Technology coupled with his leadership roles made him the best candidate for the job,” said John Shay, Deputy County Administrator.

Community Shores Bank Celebrates 20 Years of Serving the Lakeshore with New Customer-Focused Rewards Checking Program

Muskegon, MI — August 23, 2019 Community Shores Bank has unveiled a new Rewards Checking program, adding to their breadth of products and services available for customers.

The new program offers 3.25% APY for balances of up to $25,000, and .15% APY on balances greater than $25,000. It also provides a refund of up to $10 in US Nationwide ATM surcharges per statement cycle.

“It’s always been important to us to stay on top of and understand the changing needs of this community we all live in and love,” stated Lori Versalle, Senior Vice President and Branch Administrator for Community Shores Bank. She added, “As with everything we do, our new Rewards Checking program was created with our customers in mind.”

To take advantage of the program, the requirements during each statement cycle include signing up for estatements and going paperless, accessing online banking at least once, keeping the account open and making a minimum of 15 debit card transactions.

Said Versalle, “We wanted to make it as easy as possible for our customers to take part in and benefit from the program.”

The release of the new Rewards Checking program coincides with the local bank’s 20 year anniversary, which was celebrated with a community-wide picnic. “We’re excited to not only offer this new program for our customers, but also celebrate our local roots with them – we’re as local as it gets!” exclaimed Versalle.

Not only has Community Shores Bank been here for 20 years, so have many of their staff members whose experience and reputation for exceptional customer service has earned them invaluable trust.

“Our customers are also our neighbors,” stated Versalle. “They depend on us and it’s important to us that we are there for them. That’s a big reason why we’re so invested in the community and all the people and businesses here. We live here too and take pride in helping the community grow.”

Versalle shared that people may not realize banking with them means they are contributing to helping the community thrive as well, stating, “Because we are truly locally-based – not just a local branch – when you bank with us, your money goes back into our own local community, and essentially back to you. Together we are helping the community grow and that’s always been a great source of pride for us.”

You can learn more about Community Shores Bank and their new Rewards Checking program by visiting communtyshoresbank.com.
Community Shores Bank. Locally Grown. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

About Community Shores Bank
Community Shores Bank is the only independent community bank with headquarters in Muskegon, Michigan. The bank opened for business in January 1999 and serves businesses and consumers in the western Michigan counties of Muskegon and Ottawa from four local branch offices.

Sportsmen for Youth

by John Cramblet, Vice President – Sportsmen for Youth

Sportsmen for Youth – Youth Day is always held on the first Saturday after Labor Day which was September 7, 2019 this year. Youth Day is held at Muskegon County Fairgrounds, 2261 Heights Ravenna Road, Fruitport, Michigan. This was our 27th year. The gates opened at 9am and closed at 3pm. This is a free family event to introduce our youth to the many activities available to them in the great outdoors, however only youth under 17 years of age can participate in the activities. Persons over 17 are welcome to sit in on all the seminars. Each youth participating received a t-shirt and a ticket for lunch, while supplies lasted, and a raffle ticket.

This year we received commitments from the following exhibitors: the rock climbing wall, the Coast Guard Axillary and a vessel from Coast Guard Station, Muskegon, the Critter Barn, Muskegon Conservation Club, Grand Haven/Grand Rapids Steelheaders with their fishing simulator, Friends of Ottawa County Parks, Jumpn’ Jupiter Skate Center, a wood carver, Coopersville Sportsmen Club, Michigan United Conservation Club, a reptile display and the USS LST393. There was once again the trout pond put on by Michigan Anglers Assoc. with 1000 trout for the youth to catch. This year we hosted the Hawg Trough again, however this one was 50 feet in length. The Hawg Trough is an aquarium mounted on a semi-trailer and was stocked with native fish for viewing. It is also used as the stage for various expert fishermen to speak from. There was also mentored shooting of firearms and archery equipment. Attendees were also able to experience various safety exhibits, demonstrations and tours of fire trucks, EMT vehicles and law enforcement displays.

Family Meals Month in Muskegon

Family Meals Matter! Talk early. Talk Often. TalkSooner.

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon County TalkSooner team partnered with the Farmers Markets in the Cities of Muskegon, Montague, and Muskegon Heights to promote Family Meals Month and coach parents on talking to their kids about drug and alcohol use. Educators were at the markets on September 17, 18, and 19, and vendors gave away free reusable grocery bags while supplies lasted.

Family Meals Month is recognized each September to promote the many lifelong positive impacts of family meal time. The more families have meals together, the less likely their kids are to drink alcohol, smoke or use marijuana.

TalkSooner.org encourages parents to talk with their children about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. It explains the need to talk early, talk often, and talk sooner about pressures, health effects, expectations, and refusal skills around drugs and alcohol. The website is available in English and Spanish.

Welcoming the new Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Director

Ottawa County welcomed a new Parks Director to the team in June. Jason Shamblin, his wife Allison and three children, Grayson, Griffin and Madelyn officially relocated to Ferrysburg over the summer.

The Shamblin Family previously vacationed in the area and it was during a visit they decided that West Michigan was a place they could call home. “During my first visit to Ottawa County, I was amazed by diversity of natural resources here, as well as the public support of the parks that is apparent by the quality of the parks.”

Community: Fall 2019 Vesting Our 4-legged K9 Officers

I am writing to you about our new campaign about–you guessed it– protecting K9s. Tens of thousands of these loyal, trusted dogs serve alongside their human handlers in police departments across the country. But, sadly, due to budget cuts, many departments cannot afford life-saving Kevlar vests for these dogs. Last year, approximately two dozen dogs died in the line of duty.

But, we know this doesn’t have to be the reality. We are launching an ambitious campaign to raise funds to distribute ballistic-proof vests for police dogs across America with a Grand Prize Walt Disney World / JetBlue Vacation Package and Second Prize Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Phone with One (1) year T-Mobile Service.

For more information on the Raffle Prizes, please click the Click Below.

https://go.rallyup.com/2019-vesting-k9s

Since each vest needs to be tailored designed and made to fit every dog’s unique body, the cost can run up to about $1,400, more than a human vest

But, we believe every K9 deserves lifesaving protection, just like their human handlers.

With your support, we can protect more K9s and ensure they and their handlers continue to do critical, life-saving work to find bombs, drugs, and missing people.

Your tax-deductible donation will save dog’s lives. Thank you for helping us distribute these vests and ensure that K9s and their human handlers continue to safely work together.

Sincerely,
Blue Alert Foundation

Every Woman’s Place

We are here, and you are not alone.

We’re celebrating 44 years of serving this community, and looking ahead to the future. With your support, we’ve made a difference to over 130,000 individuals in our community who’ve experienced trauma, violence, and abuse.

We’ve accompanied them on their journey of healing, providing ongoing support and advocacy. We’ve been there to help them navigate the emotional, physical, financial, and social impacts of these traumas. They’ve found their healing path. Most of all, they’ve known that they are not alone.

It is a critical time. EWP stands alone today in Muskegon County as the only organization that provides specialized care, shelter, and crisis response following domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The toxic culture surrounding us today affects women, LGBTQ, people of color, and other vulnerable populations. Our community looks to EWP to be here to walk alongside the men, women, and children who experience abuse, trauma, and violence.

Call our Crisis Line 24/7
(231) 722-3333

Muskegon County Calendar of Events October 7 – 14, 2019

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

Monday October 7:

Roll On Muskegon
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.Casual, 8-10 mph for Approx. 90 minutes to get outside and wave to our neighbors.

Tuesday October 8:

Legends and Lore Downtown Walking Tour
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
This tour will feature Muskegon lore, legends, and scandals. The evening will start inside the historic Union Depot building, include a brief tour of the Hackley Public Library and Torrent House, and end at 18th Amendment Distillery with a drink and final tale! They will highlight other notable residents, buildings and events along the way. The cost is $25. For more information call 231-722-0278.

Paint and Sip
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Come to “Paint and Sip” at Lombardo’s Sports Bar located at 2190 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon. You’ll create a Halloween themed canvas painting with easy step by step guided instruction. All supplies are included. There will be limited seating, so reserve your spot soon! You have the option to arrive at Lombardo’s a half hour early to pay the day of the event, or pay online through Eventbrite.com with an added online fee. The cost is $35. Please email katrina@artcreationstation.com or message Art Creation Station on Facebook with questions.

Wednesday October 9:

Hello Fall at Hennessy’s Pub
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
It’s “Hello Fall at Hennessy’s Pub!” All registered artists for this event will receive a $5.00 food voucher for the delicious Hennessy menu. This event is for ages 18 & up and features a bigger 16×20 canvas! The cost is only $30 per artist. You’ll create a “Hello Fall” masterpiece and all necessary supplies, and step-by-step instructions from an artist are included. Payment is collected at the event. (Credit Card or exact cash accepted) Reserve your easel today. This event is reservation only, so e-mail createaframeshows@yahoo.com!

ahfest FREE Film Fest: Green Book
6:00 pm
Each of the films in this year’s film fest has been chosen with the 2019 ahfest theme—HOPE—in mind. Learn more about the Muskegon Area Arts & Humanities Festival at ahfest.org.
All films will be shown at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Films begin at 6:00pm with a brief introduction by Muskegon Community College English and Film instructor Mary Tyler. Each film ends with an optional discussion lead by Mary Tyler. Admission and popcorn are free! Attending every film allows you to enter a drawing to win a Grand Prize! For more information call 231-720-2570. October 9 | Green Book – 2018 Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali.

Tempting Tables
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
The Pine Street Mercantile presents “Tempting Tables” to benefit breast cancer research. Come to the Delta Hotel by Marriot Muskegon Downtown to enjoy this extraordinary biannual event featuring exquisite table settings and unique collections! For more info. call (231) 830-4255.

Thursday October 10:

Author Happy Hour with Mary Agria
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Laced with gardening tips, and wisdom, TIME IN A GARDEN (LIFE IN THE GARDEN Series Book 1, 2006) is an inspiring story of emotional and spiritual growth. “A must-read for the contemplative gardener…” – Suffolk Times, 2006; “Richly drawn characters who continue to be haunted by ultimate questions of mortality and spirituality… pure wisdom.” – 5-Stars, Amazon.com; “… one of my top ten best reads. The characters are beautiful. I loved this book. It garnered positive reviews from our book club.” Barnes & Noble, 5-Star Review

Sherlock Holmes Escape Room
4:00 pm -7:30 pm
Come to Hackley Public Library for the Sherlock Holmes Escape Room! Watson and Holmes are working against the clock and they need your help! Clues abound in this escape room, but do you have the wits to solve the mystery in time? Registration is required. Groups must have at least one adult, and can be no larger than 8 participants. To register and claim a time slot please call 231-722-8014. This escape room is free. All ages are recommended.

AhFest HOPE Growers Reception: FREE TO PUBLIC
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Community College and the West Shore Symphony invite you to The Block for the “AhFest HOPE Growers Reception!” Hosted by ahFest (Muskegon Arts and Humanities Festival), this is an informal arts-council style collaboration consisting of fourteen members from music and museums to art, theatre, film, humanities, radio, tourism and more. This event is free to the public and no reservations are needed. Light snacks, a cash bar and live music will be the backdrop for several engaging Hope Grower presentations from those who are finding and growing HOPE in their own backyards. For more information, visit www.ahfest.org.

Open Mic Night with Kumasi Mack
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Webster for Open Mic Night with Kumasi Mack! Kumasi, alongside his DJ and two featured artists, will provide a night of spoken word at the MMA. Spoken word pieces will relate to themes explored in the exhibition Undying Traditions: Memento Mori. Crowd participation is welcome and this event is free! For more information call 231-720-2570

Jazz Night with Aedan McCauley
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jazz Night with Aedan McCauley at the beautiful Book Nook and Java Shop located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Great atmosphere for locals and travelers alike!

Friday October 11:

Comedian Steve Hofstetter
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Check out the Back Alley Comedy Club for Comedian Steve Hofstetter! Steve has a whopping 150 million views on YouTube, and is also the host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1. His book, “Ginger Kid,” is a top 5 pick on Amazon and debuted at number one in its category. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of season one of “Laughs” (FOX) and he has been on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, Comedy All-Stars, Quite Frankly, White Boyz in the Hood, Countdown, and more. His second movie debuted this past winter, and he has had two top 20 comedy albums (including one that hit number 1 on iTunes comedy charts). He is a former columnist for Sports Illustrated and the NHL, and has also written for Maxim and the New York Times, among others. Tickets are only $20! For more information call (616) 570-8765.

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

Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room
October 11 – October 12
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for the “Mad Scientist’s Lab Escape Room!” The mad minds at the LSMC are at it again, and this time they are testing your skills to see if you can escape the mad scientist lab in 60 minutes. This escape room will challenge your teamwork and problem solving as you try to get out before it is too late! Register at Eventbrite.com. The cost is $20. For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Saturday October 12:

Muskegon Civic Theatre Penguin Project presents: Peter Pan Jr.
October 12 – October 13
October 12 at 7:30pm and October 13 at 3:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for Peter Pan Jr.! Tickets are $11.50. For more information call 231-727-8001.

Little Landscapes Super Saturday: FREE
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bring the kiddos to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Little Landscapes Super Saturday! This free family fun day will allow you to experience landscapes like never before! Admission and activities are free! For more information call 231-720-2570.
• 10:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film
• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Guided Look: Explore The Land: Art by Bill Hosterman and Ed Wong-Ligda with an MMA docent.
• 11:00am – 2:00pm – Make & Take: Create your own landscape using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

Lundell Farms Fall Fun Day
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join Lundell Farms for a Fall Fun Day! Visit with the animals, enjoy a hayride, buy your pumpkins to take home, and more! For more information call (231) 740-8672.

Halloween Full Moon Monster Bash Aboard the Aquastar
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Board the Aquastar for a “Halloween Full Moon Monster Bash!” This is a party for the grown ups and will be the last cruise of 2019. There’ll be a costume contest with prizes for best male and female costumes, as well as drink specials, dancing and fun as the sun sets and the full moon rises! Tickets are $28 and won’t last long, so visit www.aquastarcruises.com and make your reservations today! For more information, call 231-903-0669.

Muskegon Lumberjack’s Home Opener-VS- U17
Puck drops @7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. Catch the home opener Saturday, October 12 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on U17. It’s 13 On Your Side Night! Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.

City of the Dead
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to Evergreen Cemetery to experience “City of the Dead!” Meet some of the city’s founding fellows, names well known and not, in this historic walking tour featuring historical re-enactments. The event is rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas if needed and to wear walking shoes in addition to dressing for the weather. The tour does go off the paved path. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information call 231-755-2932.

Bluegrass Festival: Calabogie Road
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Calabogie Road is a true West Michigan favorite. Tight harmonies, great song selections, and a passion for performing and entertaining are the hallmarks of the Calabogie Road Experience. As veterans of Michigan’s Bluegrass scene, going back to 1983 and earlier, the members of Calabogie Road truly enjoy every minute onstage and there is always something for everybody at their concerts. Hot pickin’ from Mark’s mandolin and Steve’s banjo, exciting fiddling from Marten, the very best rhythm guitar around from Ruth, and a solid bass line from John make for some exciting shows! Throw in their great harmonies and humor and what have you got? THE CALABOGIE ROAD experience! During Pumpkinfest – Bloody Mary Bar $5. Book Nook and Java Shop is located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague

Bluegrass Festival: Danny Seabolt Experience
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Dan Seabolt, a.k.a. Danny, at the age of 12, began studying with master guitar player John King of “The Oat Bran Boys” focusing on music theory and technique. Over the past thirty years he has continued to play with “The Oat Bran Boys” at such places as The Red Rooster Tavern on Scenic Dr. in Muskegon Michigan. They can be heard (and seen) every Wednesday night serenading dinner guests. He also performs with his brother Dave’s band, “Free Wheelin”, based in Big Rapids Michigan. $5 Suggested Cover Dinner at 6:00 Oktoberfest: German brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, rye bread$10. $1 off Oktoberfest beer. Book Nook and Java Shop is located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague

Fall into Painting
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Visit the Lakeshore Museum Center and “Fall into Painting!” The leaves are changing colors all around us. Visit the museum to learn about the science behind this color change and make your own painted trees to take home. This walk-in, open-house style event is $5, or free to Muskegon County Residents. Call (231) 722-0278 for more information.

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

Visit Muskegon Depot to Depot Fall Color Tours
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience Michigan’s beautiful autumn, and a fun fall tradition.
Visit Muskegon presents the 15th Annual “Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour”.
🍁 For three Saturdays we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water! Drive your car or ride your bike along this self-guided route that stretches from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. Travel on some of Muskegon’s most scenic roads along Lake Michigan and the West Michigan Pike Byway. Visit historic sites, enjoy nature and snap some “selfies”.
🍁 This event is FREE. Participants will receive fall refreshments and coupons to area businesses. There are also free pumpkins for the children and complimentary Visit Muskegon postcards for the grownups (while supplies last).
🍁 Stamp your map at the designated stops and enter to win 2 round trip passes for the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry between Muskegon and Milwaukee. (For use in the 2020 season)
🍁 Check in on social media for chances to win weekly giveaways.
🍁 Start your journey, and pick up your map at either historic Depot:
* The Muskegon Union Depot, home to Visit Muskegon (Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau). 610 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI * Chamber Train Depot, home to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 124 W Hanson, Whitehall, MI

Annual Pumpkinfest Celebration
October 12
October 12 is the date for the Annual Pumpkinfest Celebration featuring the well-known Pumpkin Roll down Ferry St. in downtown Montague! Pumpkinfest includes a full-day of family-friendly fun and many pumpkin-inspired events and contests including the pumpkin roll, pumpkin painting and carving, pumpkin seed spitting contest, pumpkin weigh-ins, hay rides, bake sale, apple cider mill, face painting, food vendors, Farmer’s Market, Arts & Crafts fair, and more! The Arts and Crafts Festival runs from 10:00am – 4:00pm with crafters displaying a variety of goods. Shop the marketplace with various vendors and artists selling items including holiday decorations, jewelry, clothing, photography, wood crafts, food dips, and more. Also, visit the Farmer’s Market and the apple cider mill, along with local food vendors for a variety of fall foods and decorations. For more information, call (231) 893-4585.

Sunday October 13:

GMWC Vendor Fair
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Shop at the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for the Vendor Fair! We all love commercial products, but we don’t always have the time to attend a party for each brand. Visit the ladies of the beautiful, historic Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club to shop all your favorite products in one place! You will see Avon, Better Way, Color Street Nails, doTERRA, Magnolia and Vine, Mary Kay, Norwex, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi, Premier Designs, Pure Haven, Tastefully Simple, and Thirty-One. For more information call (231) 725-9220.

City of the Dead
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Come to Evergreen Cemetery to experience “City of the Dead!” Meet some of the city’s founding fellows, names well known and not, in this historic walking tour featuring historical re-enactments. The event is rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas if needed and to wear walking shoes in addition to dressing for the weather. The tour does go off the paved path. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information call 231-755-2932.

Bluegrass Festival: Zellie’s Opry House Band
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Terri Grannis, Mandolin; Tia Turco, Upright Bass; Steve Albert, Banjo; Andy Urquhart, Guitar. Sunday Brunch 10-Noon. Eggs, sausage, banana-nut pancakes, fruit, with choice of mimosa, OJ or coffee $10 Book Nook and Java Shop is located at 8744 Ferry St., Montague

Monday October 14:

Roll On Muskegon
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.Casual, 8-10 mph for Approx. 90 minutes to get outside and wave to our neighbors.

Muskegon DAR Membership Drive

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org. The Muskegon Chapter of the DAR meets once a month. If you are interested in attending as a guest or applying for DAR membership, please call: Barb at (231)780-4502.

Ottawa County Honors Employees for Customer Service

Join us in congratulating Deputy Wade Van Bragt from the Sheriff’s Office and Erin Rotman from Human Resources, who have been recognized as Ottawa County’s Outstanding Customer Service Award recipients for the second quarter of 2019. You can read the nominations which earned each recipient an award plus learn more about them at miOttawa.org.

“Wade is a truly dedicated servant to the citizens of Ottawa County. I am grateful that Wade is out quietly and humbly patrolling our neighborhoods. Wade treats our citizens with genuine kindness and fairness and is a great example to his colleagues,” said Sergeant Jason Kik.

“When I think of a person who is a true representation of the Ottawa Way and the exemplary customer service that Human Resources strives to achieve, I think of Erin. Erin has in-depth knowledge and expertise in benefits and does everything possible to give the best experience to each of our employees. She is always kind and compassionate and goes above and beyond when representing Ottawa County employees. Human Resources is proud of Erin and her achievement in being recognized as a recipient of the County’s Outstanding Customer Service Award,” said Marcie Ver Beek, Human Resources Manager.

Implemented in 2012, the Customer Service initiative is one of the County’s Four C’s, along with Communication, Cultural Intelligence and Creativity. Customers can nominate an Ottawa County employee for an Outstanding Customer Service Award at miOttawa.org.

Access services and learn more about the County at miOttawa.org, on Facebook, on Twitter or on Instagram.

Protect Life Rule Saves Lives

By Kaylee Tegethoff

On August 19, 2019, Planned Parenthood doubled down on their commitment to abortion by withdrawing from the federally-funded Title X family planning program. Planned Parenthood gave up about $60 million of your tax dollars instead of accepting the new Title X requirements implemented by the Trump Administration.

The new requirements, termed the “Protect Life Rule,” require all federal funds provided through the program be sent to organizations that do not perform or refer for abortions. These requirements uphold the intent of the original law creating the Title X program.

The estimated $60 million Planned Parenthood receives each year in Title X funds accounts for about a tenth of the total taxpayer funding the abortion giant receives. Although the Protect Life Rule eliminates just a small portion of their funding, it is still an important and influential first step in defunding Planned Parenthood.

The Protect Life Rule also demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to protecting the unborn and conscience rights. Instead of that $60 million enriching abortion providers, those funds will be redirected to non-abortion health clinics.

Even without your tax dollars, Planned Parenthood continues to profit from abortions, including late-term abortions through primarily the dismemberment procedure. Right to Life of Michigan and grassroots volunteers across the state are hard at work collecting signatures to ban the dismemberment abortion procedure in Michigan. You can learn more and join the effort at michiganvalueslife.org.

Banning dismemberment abortions in Michigan will cut the profits of abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood and save the lives of vulnerable unborn children. Just as the Protect Life Rule proved Planned Parenthood’s top priority is their abortion services, the petition drive to end dismemberment abortions exposes the abortion industry and their radical commitment to ending lives through barbaric abortion procedures.

Prolife efforts are winning at the national, state and local level. We can see the progress being made on the federal level with the Trump Administration’s implementation of the Protect Life Rule. On the state level, the ongoing petition drive to end dismemberment abortions continues to receive thousands of signatures every day.

Locally, we’ve seen several recent successes. In April, Muskegon County ended Planned Parenthood’s sweetheart deal allowing them access to the county health building. The most recent numbers show their county health department is serving even more patients as a result.

Diverting taxpayer funds and banning barbaric abortion procedures are two areas of life-saving prolife progress worth celebrating.

RLM-PAC Endorses President Trump, John James

On August 28, 2019, Grand Rapids, MI, the Right to Life of Michigan Political Action Committee announced 2020 election endorsements for President Donald Trump and John James.

Early endorsements by Right to Life of Michigan Political Action Committee (RLM-PAC) are rare. John James is the only major prolife candidate who has filed to run against U.S. Senator Gary Peters.

John James was the only U.S. Senate candidate in 2018 endorsed by the RLM-PAC.

RLM-PAC Chairman Paul Miller said, “John James is a wonderful man who will protect unborn children. He has cleared the field. He ran a strong 2018 campaign against Senator Debbie Stabenow. It was unfortunate that he had to use resources on a primary challenge from a candidate who wasn’t 100-percent prolife.”

The U.S. Senate currently has a thin prolife majority. There are 53 current senators with 100% prolife voting records, though two of those senators are not reliable prolife votes.

Miller said, “Having a prolife Senate is vital, and it may come down to John James. After the Kavanaugh nomination, it should be clear that a Senate with a pro-abortion majority will not just block nominees who don’t agree with them, but personally destroy them.”

On July 4, 2019, the National Right to Life Committee endorsed President Trump. The RLM-PAC affirmed the endorsement for his re-election campaign in Michigan.

Miller said, “Donald Trump was the first prolife presidential candidate to carry Michigan since 1988. President Trump invested in Michigan and that commitment paid off.”

President Trump’s prolife victories include nominations of two fair U.S. Supreme Court justices and numerous other judges. His administration has enforced and expanded several important regulations, making him the first president to successfully defund Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Miller said, “For decades, the abortion industry has relied on cheating the system, whether it’s through biased judges or ignoring laws and regulations. President Trump has made holding the abortion industry accountable an important objective.”

End Dismemberment Petition Drive Halfway at the Halfway Point

September 30, 2019, Grand Rapids, MI — More than 200,000 signatures to end dismemberment abortions have been received at the Right to Life of Michigan office.

Last week marked the halfway point of the Michigan Values Life petition drive, and the signatures received represent half of the 400,000 goal. 340,047 valid signatures are necessary to initiate legislation to ban the late-term dismemberment abortion procedure.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barb Listing said, “We are thankful for all the dedicated volunteers circulating petitions, and we are confident our incredible volunteers will collect the required number of signatures.”

The signature count does not include signatures thought to be invalid. The count only includes petitions received at the Right to Life of Michigan state office—not the total number of signatures gathered by volunteers. Petitions with signatures dated in July continue to be received daily.

Listing said, “We know people are holding completed petitions. Because of the time it takes to check all the signatures, we strongly encourage everyone to send in petitions as they are completed so we can count them.”

31,721 petitions have been received and counted as of Friday, September 27. More received petitions remain to be counted and more than 300,000 petitions are currently circulating in the field. Each petition has spaces for 8 signatures.

The first signatures were collected on June 26, 2019. The 180-day window to collect signatures ends on December 23, 2019.

Listing said, “Now that we are into the fall season, petitions are coming in more rapidly. We are hopeful after a strong push the signature gathering will be wrapped up before the holiday season.”

Right to Life of Michigan will give volunteers 14 days’ notice before a deadline to send in all collected signatures. Volunteers will continue collecting signatures at least through October and likely into mid-November.

More information about the petition can be found on the petition drive website, www.michiganvalueslife.org.

Secretary of State Offices Collecting Food Donations at Branch Offices as Part of Harvest Gathering Campaign

Financial donations accepted at FeedMichigan.org

LANSING – On October 2, 2019, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that all Secretary of State branch offices will be collecting nonperishable food items as part of the annual Harvest Gathering campaign.

The campaign began on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and runs through Friday, Nov. 15.

“Secretary of State offices have been participating in the Harvest Gathering for 20 years, and in that time, our generous customers and staff have donated more than 155 tons of food and $42,000,” Benson said. “Because donations stay in the area in which they are collected, every food or personal care item you drop off at a Secretary of State branch office will assist someone in need within your community – a family, a veteran, a senior citizen, a homeless neighbor.”

Darley Village – New 55+ Active Community Opens in Muskegon

Immediate Occupancy for Apartments, Taking Reservations for Cottages

(FRUITPORT, MI – August 27, 2019) Darley Village, an active 55+ community, is now open in Fruitport and features spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments (550-962 sq.ft) as well as two-bedroom cottages (1500 sq.ft).

Immediate occupancy and scheduled tours are available for all apartments. Reservations can be made for the cottages, groundbreaking scheduled fall 2019.

Designed and built around the active senior lifestyle, Darley Village offers maintenance-free living with an expansive suite of community activities and amenities. An on-site property manager and concierge team keep all residents informed on community events, dining, wellness, and off-site trips. Darley Village has all-inclusive packages based on flexible rental options. All are customizable with amenities and meal packages.

Darley Village Amenities & Services
• Café & Coffee Shop open daily
• On-site chef for meal preparation
• Community garden
• Darley Dining Hall
• Group events and local excursions
• Fitness center
• Group travel planning
• Library and game room
• Social events
• Outdoor patio with fireplace
• Laundry services available
• Storage units

Located at 2245 Darley Drive (shared entrance with Chestnut Fields), Darley Village is just minutes from the Lakes Mall and is surrounded by a variety of outlet shopping, restaurants, spas and pubs. The neighboring Fruitport Golf Club features a 18-hole course, restaurant and banquet center. Darley is also close to Lake Michigan, Muskegon or Grand Haven downtown areas.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit DarleyVillage.com or call 231-799-0077.

91st Michigan Contemporary Exhibition Awards

Muskegon, MI –The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition opened Thursday, September 5, with a public reception and awards program. The show includes 125 works by 107 Michigan artists, which were selected from a record number of 734 entries by 406 artists from throughout the state. Individual artist awards were announced on the opening evening. The 91st Michigan Contemporary Exhibition runs through November 13, 2019.

AWARDS
Best of Show | $1,500
Bowen Kline, Romeo (MI), Workday

2nd Place | $1,000
Jillian Dickson, Kentwood, Dear, I’ll Paint You a Drawing Forever

3rd Place | $750
Emily Mayo, Grand Rapids, Untitled #2

Honorable Mention | $150
Patricia Constantine, Grand Rapids, Eeka

Honorable Mention | $150
John Dempsey, Flint, Glare #16: Ascender

Honorable Mention | $150
Gloria Joseph, Dearborn, Opening

Director’s Choice | $500
Scott Provonche, Muskegon, The Fish Rots from the Head II

Curator’s Choice | $500
Jeanne Bieri, Grosse Pointe Farms, Agent Orange Drift and Mended Wedding Ring Quilt

Gordon Hall Memorial Award | $300
Ilene Curts-Thayer, Mason, 58 Objects

Muskegon Friends of Art Award | $250
Steve Loar, East Grand Rapids, Holland Bowl Mill Collaboration – Dialogue

Phil Chmura Memorial Award | $200
Vicki Cook, Watervliet, Pierced

Revel Award | $200
Michelle Bennett, Detroit, Cheryl

West Michigan Potters Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Ceramics Award | $150
Madeline Kaczmarczyk, Rockford, Generational Tea

Robert and Veronica Youngman Memorial Award for Graphic Arts | $150
Kelly Vander Kley, Mattawan, Intravenous

Muskegon Museum of Art Docent’s Choice | $100
Lou Rizzolo, Glenn, Dancing Unknowns

High-resolution images can be viewed at:
https://muskegonartmuseum.org/media-room/images/91st-michigan-contemporary-art-exhibition-winners/

About the Show & Curator’s Statement
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.”

Juror Statement
The works in the exhibition were selected by juror Amy Chaloupka, Curator of Art at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, WA and an art/art history instructor at Western Washington University. In a Juror Statement, Chaloupka commented that she was “truly astounded by the caliber and range in the grouping of over 700 works of art” and “I saw interesting patterns and connections between works that felt regionally specific yet universally resonant.”

Underwriters
The 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition is underwritten by Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP and Shape Corporation. Awards are underwritten by the Swanson Pickle Company. Additional programming support is provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Visitor Information
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.

Marguerite Curran
Marketing Director/Volunteer Coordinator
231.720.2574 | mcurran@muskegonartmuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art | 296 W. Webster Ave. | Muskegon, MI 49440
www.muskegonartmuseum.org

EXHIBITIONS
Through November 13, 2019 | 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition
September 12, 2019 – January 5, 2020 | Undying Traditions: Memento Mori
September 19 – November 15, 2019 | The Land: The Art of Bill Hosterman and Ed Wong-Ligda

Ottawa Sands Acquisition Update

Click to view full-sized image.

This summer, Ottawa County Parks was awarded a $3.82 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to complete the acquisition of Ottawa Sands. This grant, along with $200,000 of privately-raised funds by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, funded the second phase of property acquisition.

The first phase of acquisition was made possible by a $4.2 million grant from the MNRTF in 2018 which was used to purchase just over half of the property. The Land Conservancy purchased the remaining land by securing a loan from The Conservation Fund and leased its 157 acres to Ottawa County Parks for management, so the park could open to the public in 2018.

We are so excited to celebrate the acquisition of this property and invite you to join us for a special event.

Ask Dr. Universe – Why Sea Turtles Can’t Retract into Their Shells

Dr. Universe: Why can’t sea turtles pull back into their shell? I was at the Saint Louis Zoo and they said tortoises and other turtles can pull back into their shells. – Tyler, 7, Missouri

Dear Tyler,

There are more than 350 species of turtles that live on our planet. While many of these turtles live on land, others live in the sea.

Depending on where a turtle lives, its body will be a little different. Turtles have adapted to live in different environments and they have traits that help them survive in those places. As you mentioned, a lot of turtles and tortoises on land have the ability to pull, or retract, their head into their body.

Because turtles move really slow, the ability to retract their head offers them protection from more speedy predators. Their hard shell can help shield them from danger and prevents them from becoming someone’s dinner.

My friend Abbey Hayes is a graduate student at Washington State University who mainly studies insects, but she’s also studied green sea turtles off the coast of Mexico. Green sea turtles are just one of seven different species of sea turtles. The others are hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, the olive ridley, and the flatback.

Sea turtles have certain traits that help them live in the sea. Instead of having an arched shell like a land turtle, their shell is flattened to help them move more quickly and easily through the ocean. They also have longer legs than land turtles and have evolved paddle-like flippers. Hayes said that sea turtles just don’t have as much space inside their bodies to retract their limbs and heads.

I also found out that a turtle’s hard shell is actually made up from about 50 bones. Scientists used to think that turtle shells evolved from scales, but some scientists now think those shells evolved from ribs. One sea turtle called the leatherback is a kind of sea turtle that doesn’t have a hard shell, but instead a thin layer of rubbery skin that has thousands of tiny bone plates.

It turns out that a lot of these sea turtles are threatened or endangered because of human actions. Because sea turtles can’t pull their heads into their bodies, they can be more vulnerable to predators and other kinds of threats, such as getting tangled up in fishing nets and the trash people toss into the sea.

And while it may be tempting to pet a sea turtle if you see one, Abbey reminded me that it is important to respect animals, especially in their natural habitat. She also told me that if you go swimming in the ocean, it is important to pick reef-safe sunscreens that are safe for animals like corals and turtles.

Instead of hiding in a shell, a sea turtle has the ability to move with speed and also has a lot of agility that lets it quickly escape predators, like whales or sharks. These skills can help them stick their neck out and survive in the ocean.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Nature Center News – Homeschool Nature Programs

Are you homeschooling and looking for a way to get your kids outside and exploring, engaging, and discovering in nature?

We are offering two series of courses, EARLY Explorers for ages 5-9 and ECO Explorers for ages 10-14.

Learn more and sign up online.

More Nature Center programs and special events for adults, children, and families are listed below and can be found online.

Ottawa Beach Marina, Kayak Launch, and Park Township Plaza Dedication Event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Ottawa Beach Marina, Kayak Launch, and Park Township Plaza dedication event in Holland in August! Many of our grant partners were in attendance and were impressed with the turnout. The marina will be open until October 31, 2019, with transient slips available to reserve online: michigan.gov/harbors

Event photos by Mike Lozon; ribbon cutting photo by Linda Anderson

Arbor Circle to Host Fall Festival for Foster Care

MUSKEGON, MI – Arbor Circle will host the Fall Festival for Foster Care to recruit foster and adoptive families in the community. The event will take place at Smith-Ryerson Park, 650 Wood Street, Muskegon, MI 49442, on Saturday, October 12 from 11 AM to 1 PM. The festival will feature Arbor Circle, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other foster care and adoption agencies in Muskegon County.

The event is open to the public and free of charge. Entertainment will include music by DJ Yung, bounce houses, food, and family friendly fall activities. Individuals and families interested in learning more about foster care and adoption are encouraged to attend this fun and educational event.

Recruiting a diverse community of foster and adoptive families allows agencies to better serve foster children and teens in the community. As of April 2019, approximately 56% of foster children in Muskegon County were identified as children of color, while only 7% of foster homes were families of color. The Fall Festival for Foster Care will be held to promote the need for foster and adoptive families of color in Muskegon County.

This event is made possible in part by a grant from the John & Mary Schumann Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon.

About Arbor Circle: Through more than 50 programs and services, Arbor Circle provides mental health counseling, substance use treatment, family development, adoption and foster care, advocacy, prevention and quality child care resource and referral services. With a variety of services in 12 West Michigan counties, Arbor Circle serves over 15,000 individuals and families annually. Learn more at www.arborcircle.org.

About The Community Foundation for Muskegon: The Community Foundation for Muskegon County was created in 1961 by local residents to improve the quality of life in their communities. A publicly supported community endowment, the Foundation works with donors, grantees, advisers, and communities to identify and support the issues that shape our area. Learn more at www.muskegonfoundation.org.

Muskegon County Full Service Saturday – October 12, 2019

Muskegon County Clerk has been offering Full Service Saturday twice a year since 2012. For October we are thrilled to be joined by 60th District Court, Friend of the Court/14th Circuit Court, the Sheriff’s Department and the Public Defender. Thank you for helping us to get the word out about all the services that will available on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice and at the Public Defender’s office in the Muskegon County Governmental South Campus at 155 E. Apple Avenue, Building G.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County announces that the Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2020/2021 school year beginning October 1.

Applications are submitted electronically through the Community Foundation website. The online application deadline is February 1, 2020.

DANA SCOTT
Scholarship Coordinator

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
425 W. Western Ave., Suite 200 | Muskegon, MI 49440
P: 231.332.4104 | W: www.muskegonfoundation.org

Announcing a Partnership with Big Lots Muskegon

Thanks to Big Lots there is a new way to support Every Woman’s Place. We are excited to announce that from September 13-October 26, we are the Muskegon Big Lots Charitable Partner!

As part of its Grand Opening Celebration, Big Lots will donate $5 for every BIG Rewards redeemed by shoppers at the new Muskegon Big Lots location.

In other words, when you redeem your BIG Rewards, Big Lots will donate $5 to Every Woman’s Place. The program will be active at the store located at: 1650 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49444.

Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube Announces Winner of Jeep Giveaway

Muskegon, MI: Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube has been locally owned and managed, serving the community since it opened its first car wash on Sherman Blvd. in 1969. To celebrate 50 years of serving West Michigan, Van’s gave away a 2-year lease on a Jeep Compass with 100 free car washes, valued at $10,000.

Driving home with the prize is Judy Deur of Fremont. “I was really surprised. I didn’t believe him [Vanderstelt] when he first called because I didn’t enter the contest.” Judy’s husband, Phil Deur, had entered the contest online unbeknownst to Judy. “Phil laughed when I called him, and he said, ‘You won?! You really won?’ It’s not something you really expect to win.” Judy plans to use the Jeep to take several road trips in Michigan.

Van’s teamed up with Preferred Jeep/Chrysler of Muskegon for the contest. Over 2,400 people entered the drawing through Van’s website, vanscarwash.com, at all seven Van’s locations, as well as Taste of Muskegon and Muskegon’s 150th Celebration.

“I’m grateful for all who entered our contest. It was an incredible experience to call and tell someone that they were taking home a brand new Jeep,” said Jerry Vanderstelt. “It has been a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of serving West Michigan, and we will continue to celebrate with monthly events through December.”

Hackley Community Care Receives Grant for Breast Cancer Services

HACKLEY COMMUNITY CARE WILL SERVE 1,200 WOMEN FACING BREAST CANCER AND PROVIDE AWARENESS AND SCREENING SERVICES, THANKS TO $34,998.00 IN FUNDING FROM SUSAN G KOMEN MICHIGAN.

Muskegon, MI – Susan G. Komen® Michigan has awarded a $34,998.00 grant to Hackley Community Care (HCC) for breast health awareness, education, services and screenings to over 1,200 uninsured and underinsured women in Muskegon County.

Komen Michigan is one of more than seventy local Affiliates of the world’s largest breast cancer organization, working in communities across the U.S. to meet the most critical needs. To help achieve Komen’s goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026, Komen Affiliates fund innovative breast health projects that provide vitally needed breast cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services and support, including patient navigation, education, medical supplies and financial assistance.

At Hackley Community Care, the grant from Komen Michigan will support breast health awareness, education, events and services to at least 1,000 women in Phase 1 of a two-part initiative. These services and events will be facilitated by HCC’s Programs Coordinator, Teresa Jones, and will include coordinating referrals with the Kent County Health Department Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BCCCNP). This initiative will specifically target the neighborhoods of African American and Hispanic / Latino female populations. HCC will also partner with local churches to present the Pink in the Pews Programs in order to promote breast health awareness, and education within African American churches. Educational materials will be displayed and delivered within the Hispanic / Latino community throughout the year and include an educational session on breast health awareness and services available.

In Phase 2 of this initiative, HCC has partnered with Mercy Health Partners and Muskegon Radiology PC to provide screenings, diagnostic mammography and MRI services. The Susan G. Komen Michigan grant will pay for screenings, diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI for hundreds of uninsured and underinsured women. Muskegon Surgical Associates is another local partner that will provide mastectomies to uninsured or underinsured patients in need of surgery.

“Hackley Community Care is honored to be a recipient of this Susan G. Komen Michigan grant. These funds will allow us to expand our reach into the communities we serve and provide care and services to an underserved population that often forego these services due to cost, or other barriers to care”, said Linda Juarez, CEO of Hackley Community Care. We look forward to our continued partnership with Susan G. Komen Michigan.

Sarah Hockin, Mission Director at Komen Michigan said, “We are confident that through Hackley Community Care’s Breast Health, Education and Screening initiative, underserved African American and Hispanic / Latino women in our community will have low-cost access to the care they need.”

About Hackley Community Care
Hackley Community Care (HCC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center that has been providing quality health care services since 1992. Hackley Community Care has continuously expanded to provide an array of services that include full primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy (Community Care Pharmacy), home based and school based services, and other supporting programs such as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Komen Breast Health, and BCCCNP services, to name a few. All of our services are designed to meet the needs of the underserved in our community. Learn more about HCC at hackleycommunitycare.org

We are here, and you are not alone.

Call our Crisis Line 24/7 (231) 722-3333

More Nature Center programs and special events for adults, children, and families are listed below and can be found online.

Call our Crisis Line 24/7
(231) 722-3333