submitted by the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA)
Click here for information about the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly’s Maple River Restoration Project Public Meeting that took place on March 4th.
Remember, all of our public updates will be posted on the Maple River Restoration Project webpage. Another public meeting is in the works – we’ll let you know when and where it will take place within the next few weeks.
Every Woman’s Place (EWP) to host solidarity walk honoring sexual violence survivors in downtown Muskegon as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April
The Starting Line will launch the Cheers Community Crawl on a serious note, highlighting the statistic that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Participants will wear custom teal shirts with a bold graphic of the numeral 68 as they walk Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon, pausing for 68 seconds of silence at 12:59 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
MUSKEGON, MI – Every Woman’s Place (EWP) is pleased to collaborate annually in April with the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) to host Cheers & Chocolate as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Together, EWP and the CIM raise awareness and raise funds to support survivors of sexual assault and sex trafficking in our community.
Kim Dimmett, Executive Director, explains, “In 2020, Muskegon County reported 90 sexual assaults, with 16 arrests…this data shows us that most victims/survivors are suffering in silence. In April we come together to show our support for survivors of sexual assault.
We work every day to send the message that ‘we believe you’, ‘we support you’ and ‘we will walk beside you’,” she adds. “Every Woman’s Place works closely with the police, the Prosecutor’s office and our medical facilities so that survivors are offered and provided supportive services immediately and without re-victimization. We are working toward bringing sexual assault examinations in-house, at EWP, to ensure supportive services during and following a sexual assault exam.”
The Community Crawl takes the place of our traditional Cheers event held at the CIM, which will not take place in 2022 while we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cheers Community Crawl starts April 1 at 5:00 am and runs the entire month of April, ending at midnight on April 30.
Supporting Business (April 1-30)
Starting April 1, Supporting Businesses will ask their customers to add $1 to their bill in support of Every Woman’s Place. At the end of April, those funds are donated to EWP to provide services that respond to and restore the lives of survivors in our community. There is no cost to become a Supporting Businesses, and sign-up is simple. Supporting Businesses are acknowledged on social media, in print, and with posters for their storefront.
Cheers Crawl Starting Line (April 2, 12 – 1 pm)
EWP staff, supporters, and survivors wearing our custom teal T-shirt will stand together at the Starting Line on April 2 at the Muskegon Visitor Center and walk down Western Ave in a display of solidarity with survivors. The T-shirt references the statistic that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds with a bold graphic of the numeral 68. The 2022 Starting Line Sponsor is local business Andy’s Plumbing. “We believe in the importance of EWP’s work in the community, and this sponsorship was a great way to show our support,” said Shallon White, co-owner.
Cheers Pop-Up Wine Pull (April 23, 10 am – 2 pm)
EWP will showcase an exciting selection of 100 wines, plus unique specialty packages. Donate $20 to pull a number from our jar and walk away with the corresponding bag containing a bottle that may be worth up to $100. Must be 21 years of age and provide ID.
Cheers Crawl Finish Line (April 29, 5 – 8 pm)
This full month of community engagement will be capped off by the Community Crawl Finish Line. The Finish Line is an all-day “eat, drink and stroll” through the Muskegon downtown Social District, with free live entertainment featuring local favorite Brena at Olthoff Stage.
Sponsor opportunities are available to support this community-wide event, including Community Sponsorships from $350 to $1000, plus:
• Finish Line Sponsor, an exclusive opportunity to support the Finish Line festivities ($4,000)
• Day Sponsors, who commit to matching the donated proceeds for a particular day of the month (up to $2,500)
• Pop-Up Wine Pull Sponsor, exclusive sponsorship of the Pop-Up Wine Pull on April 23 in downtown Muskegon ($2,500)
Speaking again about the work of the agency, Dimmett added, “All survivors of sexual assault are welcome at EWP, regardless of when the victimization occurred, or any other attribute that makes you an individual. We are here to promote healing and empowerment, at any point during your journey from victimization through restoration. There is no cost for our services and all information is strictly confidential. We are available every day, all day, by calling (231) 759-7909 during the day or (231) 722-3333 after 5:00 pm.”
Aegin Place of West MI is collecting used sneakers. We are having them recycled to keep non-biodegradables out of our landfills and to help lower the carbon footprint.
We will then take the cash earned from the old shoes and donate 100% to LIGHTHOUSE FOR VETERANS!
Lighthouse for veterans is a local non-profit organizations that raises awareness in West Michigan for Veteran suicide.
Donate old SNEAKERS ✔️
Clean out your clutter ✔️
Help the Planet ✔️
Save a Veteran ✔️
Drop off locations for SNEAKERS :
Holland – Performance Plus Oil, Lakewood
Spring Lake – Orchard Market, Lloyd’s Bayou
Grand Haven – Grand Haven Police Department, Washington
Muskegon – Aegin Place of West MI, W. Western Ave.
North Muskegon – Harding’s, Whitehall Rd.
Fremont – Bill’s Shop N Save, Main St
Newaygo – Remax River Valley, Adams St.
Accepted: Sneakers, athletic shoes, converse style shoes, ALL SIZES!!
NOT Accepted: Boots, dress shoes, sandals, flats
Following an extensive national search, a selection committee is recommending that the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners move forward with a familiar candidate, John Shay, for consideration as the next County Administrator. Shay is currently serving as the Interim County Administrator and has been in the role of Deputy County Administrator since 2018. As part of its regular meeting, the Board will be conducting a Public Interview Session on March 24 at 5PM with Shay. The interview will be held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street in West Olive. The public is invited to submit potential interview questions via miOttawa.org. On March 24, residents can watch the interview unfold live online or in person.
There were 36 applicants for the post of County Administrator. Four of those applicants were interviewed for the position. The selection committee for the County Administrator included outgoing Board Chair, Roger Bergman, current Board Chair, Matthew Fenske, and current Vice Chair, Allen Dannenberg plus citizen representative from each of the four county quadrants. Those individuals were Monica Verplank, northwest; Michelle Fare, southeast; Jose Gomez, northeast; and Jennifer Owens, southwest.
World WWII in the Pacific Lecture Series
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
USS Silversides Museum 1346 Bluff St. $7.50 per person
Jazzercise at Pigeon Hill Brewing
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill 895 4th St. Join us for a Jazzercise class. $15 gets you a 45 minute workout followed by your favorite Pigeon Hill beverage
Oberon Day at Pints & Quarts!
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pints & Quarts 950 W Norton Ave. Come out for Oberon Day. Keg tapped at 3pm!
Bow WOW Readers
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Norton Shores Branch 705 Seminole Rd. Bow WOW Readers is a once-a-month read-aloud program that pairs kids ages 6 and up with trained therapy dogs and handlers from the Muskegon Lakeshore Obedience Training Club. Please register at www.madl.org
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
The Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet in concert
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1006 Third St., for performance of Vivaldi as well as other selections in a free concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Trivia Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon 1522 Ruddiman Dr.,
Are you a Wise Guy? A Smarty Pants? Go head to head against others and prove it! Come out, test your knowledge and mind! Open to anyone 16+. FREE event.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Live Trivia Tuesdays at No Name Saloon
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
No Name Saloon 609 W Western Ave. Every Tuesday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to play!
Steve Thielman, Piano
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Enjoy breakfast and your favorite espresso drink while listening to master pianist Steve Thielman. Every Tuesday morning. This is free and open to the public.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Pilates and Pints at Pigeon Hill
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill 895 4th St.,
Pilates with Mandy for a fun collaborative event. Bring yourself & a mat. $15
Bow WOW Readers
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library –Visually & Physically Disabled Branch 4845 Airline Rd. Bow WOW Readers is a once-a-month read-aloud program that pairs kids ages 6 and up with trained therapy dogs and handlers from the Muskegon Lakeshore Obedience Training Club. Please register at www.madl.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Eric and Chris Acoustic Guitar
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy are a guitar duo, performing a mix of folk, pop, country, and standards. Longtime friends and musical partners who’ve performed in clubs and coffeehouses
Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, FREE for middle and high school students. You are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions. Bring your project and work on here with friends.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Family Fun Night: How Does Your Garden Grow?
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Montague Branch 8778 Ferry St., It’s time to think about spring planting. Decorate a pot to start your indoor garden and “borrow” seeds from Seed Library to get planting at home. Registration required.
SPARK! Movement & Mandalas
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
The Playhouse at White Lake 304 South Mears Ave., Whitehall,
Individuals with memory loss are invited to participate for FREE, along with a friend, or partner, in engaging conversations inspired by art and theater.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.
FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm
This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cherish the Ladies
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. This Grammy-nominated, Irish-American supergroup joins the West Michigan Symphony to bring you an evening of beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing. www.westmichigansymphony.org/events/cherish-the-ladies/
Alley Door Club – Flexadecibel
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. The Alley Door Club is kicking off their 16th season! The Alley Door Club features live music, dancing & friends $10
Silverado Country Band
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St. Favorite Country Standards.
J2B2 John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave. J2B2 John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band will perform in concert. J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup. $30
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-Green Bay
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Queen for a Night” night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Karaoke Fridays at Full Moon Diner and Saloon
9:00 pm – 11:50 pm
Full Moon Diner and Saloon 3408 Whitehall Rd., Come to the Full Moon Diner and Saloon for a fun evening of Karaoke with DJ Noodle.
Rachel Feinstein Live Stand Up Comedy
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Back Alley Comedy Club 1531 W. Sherman Blvd., Rachel has had three Comedy Central specials, including the most recent one hour special. Tickets $22 www.fullhousecomedy.com/events/rachel-feinstein-live-at-back-alley-comedy-club For more information call 616-570-8765
The Quiet Man- Family Friendly Movie
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Playhouse at White Lake 304 South Mears Ave., Family Friendly Movie Night—The Quiet Man (1952) Admission is only $1, or you can bring an item to contribute to the White Lake Food Bank
Open Mic Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Music, poetry, reading, comedy, all talents are welcome! 231-894-5333
March Saturdays at Lakeshore Museum Center: Michigan Birds
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave. Stop by to learn about some local birds, who will be migrating back with the warming season. $5
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-Green Bay
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm St. Patty’s Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Indoor Farmers Market
9:00am-2:00pm
Muskegon Farmers Market is the same location 242 W. Western Ave. for the winter months only they are inside the building so stop by!
Dustin Sims Live Stand Up Comedy
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Back Alley Comedy Club 1531 W. Sherman Blvd., Best known for his Snapchat videos and ‘Talking to Myself’ series. His unique style of storytelling has accumulated him over a MILLION followers across social media. Tickets $30
www.fullhousecomedy.com/events/dustin-sims-live-at-back-alley-comedy-club
For more information call 616-570-8765
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Free Country Rock Dance Lessons with Chris Sanz!
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
5571 E Apple Ave., Do you like country music? Learn some new steps to make it even more fun! Chris will teach us beginner and intermediate moves, dancing to country music. All dance levels are welcome!
Pilates and Pints at Pigeon Hill
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill 895 4th St.,
Pilates with Mandy for a fun collaborative event. Bring yourself & a mat. $15
Seed Swap
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon Branch 1522 Ruddiman Dr.,
Our Seed Library is entering its 5th year and to celebrate we are hosting a seed swap. Bring your own varieties of fresh heirloom seeds to share. FREE event
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Board Room
3255 E. Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport 49415
Monday, March 21, 2022 – 7:00 p.m.
I. CALL to ORDER
II. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
V. PRESENTATIONS
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
XI. BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Elroy Buckner, Chairperson
XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve Kelly, Chairperson
XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Susan Franklin, Chairperson
XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
XV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
*Time is provided for members of the audience to address the Board of Education regarding any topic including items on the agenda. The board is providing two opportunities for the public to comment during the meeting. The first is for people who wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. At the end of the meeting the board will provide a brief opportunity for community members to comment on activities and/or discussion that took place during the board meeting. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.
from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Feb. 21, 2022, marked the four-year anniversary of Billy Graham’s passing. The farm boy from Charlotte who counseled presidents and lovingly became known as “America’s Pastor” shared the Gospel with an estimated 215 million people in 185 countries and territories throughout his eight decades of ministry.
“In many ways, it’s hard to believe that my father has been gone four years. We all miss him greatly, but I know that I’ll see him again someday in heaven,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). “The message that my father dedicated his life to sharing is the same message we continue to proclaim around the world through BGEA—that God loves us and we can have a relationship with Him by turning from our sins and putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.”
A BGEA television special titled Billy Graham: “Are You Ready to Die?” was released in honor of the anniversary. The program shares Mr. Graham’s final message. To see the video, visit
https://media.billygraham.org/billy-graham-a-life-remembered/.
With The Luck of the Irish, you’ll be able to grab one of these discounted seats for the Pops event of the season!
Sale inventory limited. Offer not good on previously purchased tickets.
Beautiful vocals. Captivating musical arrangements. Stunning step dancing.
The Grammy-nominated, Irish-American supergroup joins the orchestra to bring you a night of traditional Irish music and dance—a performance brimming with energy, wit, and spirit.
Scott Speck conductor
Click here to learn more about the program and artists
Your health and safety is our priority! Click here to learn about “Safe Nights at the Symphony” concert protocols.
Can’t attend the live performance?
Join us virtually! April 1 through April 10
Experience Cherish the Ladies from the comfort of your home, at a time that fits your schedule. This high quality production includes behind the scenes conversations with conductor, musicians and guest artists. $25 for unlimited access April 1 through April 10. Tickets are available for purchase here.
by Connie Jarka
Brazen be that black squirrel, he
Tore apart the feeder;
No thought for the others,
I will get my repeater?
He probably does not have to worry
My eyes are getting bad;
Grandpa says, “Do not shoot yet
until I get way way way away,
The kids might still need their granddad”….
Fruitport Community Schools
Student Affairs Committee
3255 E. Pontaluna Rd.
Fruitport, MI 49415
Monday, March 14, 2022
5:30 p.m. ~ Central Office
MEETING AGENDA
Fruitport Community Schools
Personnel Committee
3255 E. Pontaluna Rd.
Fruitport, MI 49415
Monday, March 14, 2022
4:30 p.m. ~ Central Office
MEETING AGENDA
Fruitport Community Schools
Business and Finance Committee
3255 E. Pontaluna Rd.
Fruitport, MI 49415
Monday, March 14, 2022
11:30 a.m. ~ Central Office
MEETING AGENDA
Parties in the Park is excited to announce the return of a full season, with eight Friday night parties from 5-9pm in Downtown Muskegon’s Hackley Park this upcoming summer.
“After taking one year off and throwing a single party in 2021 due to COVID-19, we are thrilled to get back to the regular Friday night parties that Muskegon has come to love and look forward to,” says Cece Riley, President of the Parties in the Park Board of Directors. “We have some outstanding non-profit partners this year and an entertainment line up to be enjoyed by multiple generations.”
Parties in the Park consist of live music, beverage tents, food vendors, and a kid’s zone on Friday nights in Downtown Muskegon’s Hackley Park from 5-9pm. Admission to the parties is always free. The 2022 season dates and non-profit partners are as follows:
June 3 – Muskegon Rotary Club
June 17 – Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce
July 8 – Muskegon Motorcycle Club
July 22 – AgeWell Services of West Michigan
July 29 – West Michigan Speed Skating
August 5 – Pay It Forward
August 19 – JCI Greater Muskegon
August 26 – Disability Network of West Michigan
A competitive application process determines each year’s non-profit partners. These non-profits help coordinate the events and receive event proceeds to help carry out their meaningful work.
The Parties in the Park Board of Directors is putting the final touches on the season’s entertainment line-up. This year’s entertainment will include local favorites like funk, rock and soul band Flexadecibel and rock cover band Distracted as well as regional and national acts including Woodstock tribute band – Magic Bus, Nashville’s own new country singer Hannah Ellis and, New York’s SIRSY – bringing rock and soul with sass to Hackley Park.
“Our entertainment committee is working hard to secure an eclectic mix of music for party goers this summer,” says Riley. “We look forward to announcing the full line-up in the near future.”
The 2022 Parties in the Park season is presented by Best Financial Credit Union, RENK America, and Michelob Ultra.
Parties in the Park has been providing free, family-friendly events for 38 years. The mission of Parties in the Park is to create a sense of community and appreciation for Muskegon’s Downtown through a family-oriented social event. Hosted by a variety of Muskegon County not-for-profit groups, the proceeds from the Parties either make physical enhancements or quality of life improvements for the whole community.
by Connie Jarka
Some worry maybe that the mind is strong
But the body is weak;
Some accept it right or wrong,
But still dream of what they seek.
as we journey.
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Paint Like Monet
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, Ages 13+ $50, $45 for ACWL Members WHSP Eligible French Impressionist painter Claude Monet is famous for painting the elaborate pond, Japanese bridge, water lilies, and gardens of his home. www.artswhitelake.org 231-893-2524
Unruly Irish Session
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave. One of the most time-honored musical traditions in Ireland is the “seisiún”: an informal gathering of amateur musicians, usually at the local pub, playing traditional Irish folk and dance tunes.
Classical Night: Kyle Thompson, guitar
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Classical guitarist Kyle Thompson at 7pm Dinner at 6:15 RSVP to bryan@thebooknookjavashop.com
Trivia Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon 1522 Ruddiman Dr.,
Are you a Wise Guy? A Smarty Pants? Go head to head against others and prove it! Come out, test your knowledge and mind! Open to anyone 16+. FREE event.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Live Trivia Tuesdays at No Name Saloon
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
No Name Saloon 609 W Western Ave. Every Tuesday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to play!
Steve Thielman, Piano
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Enjoy breakfast and your favorite espresso drink while listening to master pianist Steve Thielman. Every Tuesday morning. This is free and open to the public.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Eric and Chris Acoustic Guitar
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy are a guitar duo, performing a mix of folk, pop, country, and standards. Longtime friends and musical partners who’ve performed in clubs and coffeehouses
Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, FREE for middle and high school students. You are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions. Bring your project and work on here with friends.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Thursday Night Music Club: Uneven Ground
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Norton Shores Branch 705 Seminole Rd.
Spend St. Patrick’s Day with one of Muskegon’s most exciting traditional/folk Celtic bands. This is a FREE event open to the public.
49th Annual Raising of the Irish Flag
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau 610 W. Western Ave.,
On St. Patrick’s Day proper, the Muskegon Irish American Society/Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame conduct their 49th Annual Raising of the Irish Flag! A brief ceremony followed by the flag raising will take place. Hope to see you here!
Happy St Paddy’s Day at Unruly!
11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave. The doors open to the tasting room at 11:00 am. At Noon the first round of March madness plays on multiple TVs with events happening all day.
Jazz: Eat-it-Up Trio
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Irish Dinner available at 6:00; Music at 7:00 Detroit-based and undeniably swinging, the Eat It Up Trio is Michigan’s premier professional purveyor of possibly the most pleasurable music three humans can possibly do. 231-894-5333 for questions.
Feelin’ Lucky Event
March 17
1989 Lakeshore Dr. Are you feelin’ lucky? Come shop with Bellasimi Boutique in-store and receive 17% off your purchase! Enter to win a gift basket when you make an in-store purchase.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., You’re invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278
Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.
FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm
This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-Qubuque
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Queen for a Night” night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Karaoke Fridays at Full Moon Diner and Saloon
9:00 pm – 11:50 pm
Full Moon Diner and Saloon 3408 Whitehall Rd., Come to the Full Moon Diner and Saloon for a fun evening of Karaoke with DJ Noodle.
MuskeCon 4!
10:00 am -5:00 pm
Grab your family, and come to the Delta By Marriott located at 939 Third St., downtown Muskegon and celebrate Muskegon’s 4th year of their very own comic and toy show. Dress up in your favorite cosplay, buy some vintage and modern action figures/toys, support local artists by purchasing prints of their art, find some great comic books, and much more! $5 admission and under 12 years of age FREE.
Scotch Doubles Benefit
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
This benefit bowl for patients of Cancer and Hematology Centers of West Michigan. (Muskegon locations) All profits goes directly to the patients. This is located at Ravenna Bowl 2915 Slocum Rd. All are welcome. $25 per person.
Serita’s Black Rose
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St. A self-professed “Funkateer”, Serita Crowley of Serita’s Black Rose from Grand Rapids, Michigan brings a raucous mix of FUNK, ROCK, BLUES, NEO-SOUL, and AMERICANA. Serita, along with her partner Jon. For more information call 231-894-5333
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-Qubuque
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm St. Patty’s Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Muskegon Voyagers Home Hockey Game -vs- Warhawks
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Check out the Muskegon Voyagers for their home game -vs- Warhawks. Puck drops at 7:30pm at the Lakeshore Sports Centre located at 4470 Airline Rd. General admission tickets are $10
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Indoor Farmers Market
9:00am-2:00pm
Muskegon Farmers Market is the same location 242 W. Western Ave. for the winter months only they are inside the building so stop by!
Free Family Movie Days – Mulan
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly movie. The movie is FREE. There will be snacks to purchase.
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Free Country Rock Dance Lessons with Chris Sanz!
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
5571 E Apple Ave., Do you like country music? Learn some new steps to make it even more fun! Chris will teach us beginner and intermediate moves, dancing to country music. All dance levels are welcome!
Bow WOW Readers
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Norton Shores Branch 705 Seminole Rd. Bow WOW Readers is a once-a-month read-aloud program that pairs kids ages 6 and up with trained therapy dogs and handlers from the Muskegon Lakeshore Obedience Training Club. Please register at www.madl.org
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Thank you
Cathy Houseman, Tourism Information Aide
Visit Muskegon-Muskegon County CVB
610 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon MI 49440
231-724-3100
www.visitmuskegon.org
from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) deployed on Feb. 7 to Memphis, Tennessee, after a massive ice storm caused major power outages and downed trees.
“As we see the many lives impacted because of this ice storm in Memphis, our hearts are heavy for those who have had great loss,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Our crisis-trained chaplains will be there to provide emotional and spiritual care as the area begins the recovery process.”
In addition, the team’s Mobile Ministry Center, a vehicle that serves as a safe, warm area for spiritual conversations and prayer, has been parked in the region for locals to visit.
For more information about the BG-RRT ministry, visit BillyGraham.org/RRT.
Dr. Universe: Why do people have feelings like boredom, happiness, sadness and love? – Sophia, 11, Utah
Dear Sophia,
You’re stuck inside on a rainy day when all of a sudden you start to feel a bit bored. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do with the feeling. Maybe you decide to read a book or bake some cookies and the feeling starts to fade.
Perhaps you then start feeling happiness from doing an activity you love. You know, pretty much everyone experiences a variety of different feelings every day.
My friend Elizabeth Weybright, an associate professor of human development at Washington State University, is really curious about emotions, especially boredom.
She said that while we may have all kinds of feelings, they serve a similar purpose.
“Feelings are really there to help us communicate to ourselves and to communicate things to others,” she said.
The feeling of fear can help signal when we might be in danger. We might even be able to communicate that feeling to those around us, so they can stay safe, too.
Weybright also reminded me that there aren’t exactly bad or good emotions. Even if something like fear or boredom might not feel very good, they can have some benefits.
Boredom might inspire you to use creativity, for example. Meanwhile, love is an emotion that can help us feel connected others. But even if you feel love, it can sometimes come with some sadness.
Imagine you live very far from your grandparents or other family that you love. You might miss them and feel sad if you don’t get to see them very often.
While we might have different emotions, you can see how they sometimes have strong connections to one another. It’s also a reminder you can have multiple feelings at a time.
Weybright also reminded me that some people might struggle with expressing feelings. They might also need some help understanding other people’s feelings. After all, humans aren’t just born knowing all these different emotions. They have to learn about these feelings as they grow up.
She also said sometimes parents, caregivers, teachers and coaches can work together with children to help them learn more about these big feelings. That way when a big feeling like boredom, sadness, love or happiness comes up, you can be prepared to observe it.
It’s also great to know there are scientists in our world who are studying more about how emotions work, which may also help people better understand their fellow human beings.
Finally, just remember that feelings are a big part of what helps people communicate. Feelings may come and go, but it’s okay to feel them all.
Oh, and if you’re ever feeling bored, you might just investigate a good science question. Chances are it will open up a whole new set of questions to explore.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Help Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program During March Is Reading Month!
submitted by United Way of the Lakeshore
Over a dozen men put their facial hair on the line to continue to put books in the hands of our littlest learners.
Around Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties, men are growing their beards out! For men who are typically clean-shaven, we will start to see stubble grow in the month of March (for some men grayer than they remember). For men who have thick and luxurious beards, we will start to see them say their goodbyes to a warm face. Why are they doing this? To support and raise funds for the 5,000 children enrolled in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program that live in our community.
These men have pledged to grow Beards for Books for the month of March. Their razors have been thrown out, their goals have been set, and now all they need is you. Consider supporting one of these men in the Beards for Books challenge on their social media pages for March is Reading Month!
Why Beards For Books Is Important:
Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond.
65.8% of Muskegon County, 64.8% of Newaygo County, and 78.4% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. (View Data Here) From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.
Read the 2021 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Annual Report!
Thank you! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sponsors:
NICHOLS; CANNON MUSKEGON; COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MUSKEGON COUNTY; COMMUNITY FOUNDATION – OCEANA COUNTY; COUNTRY DAIRY; THE GERBER FOUNDATION; GREAT START COLLABORATIVE – MUSKEGON COUNTY; MAISD; READ EARLY. READ OFTEN.; PNC; THE LOTHMANN FAMILY FUND, THE CANNON FAMILY FUND
submitted by Anna-Marie Visser, Director of Communication/Education, Right to Life of Michigan
News on the Hyde Amendment has gone quiet for the past few months due to Congress passing resolutions to continue negotiations for the 2022 fiscal budget.
The future of the Hyde Amendment became unknown after President Biden didn’t include it in his 2022 fiscal budget proposal last summer. In July of 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted against the amendment in a 219-208 vote.
Once the House voted, then the budget proposal got sent to the Senate who voted on August 11th to preserve the Hyde amendment. These votes were preliminary votes but were important to take note of because they gave some indication on what the final vote was going to be.
The house and senate could not come to an agreement on the appropriation amendments so continuing resolutions had to be passed so that negotiation on dividing topics could be worked out.
Negotiation after the final vote started in September of 2021 and came to an end on March 11 just before a government shutdown with the Hyde Amendment intact thanks to all Republicans who held firm and to Senator Joe Manchin who worked hard to uphold the appropriation amendment even against party opposition.
Senator Joe Manchin was quoted in by the press saying “It has to be. It has to be. That’s dead on arrival if that’s gone,” and he was referring to the Hyde Amendment.
What is so special about this amendment that Congress would negotiate for months and risk a government shutdown over it?
For the past 45 years, the Hyde Amendment has been a part of the budget and has bipartisan support from every Democrat and Republican president since 1976, up until Biden.
This amendment ensures that federal taxpayers are not funding abortions. The majority of Americans feel strongly that they should not have to pay for someone else’s abortion, putting aside their personal beliefs on abortion.
The government funding bill also included the Weldon Amendment which also wasn’t included in Biden’s proposal last year. The Weldon Amendment protects health care providers who received federal funding from being forced to perform or aid in abortions.
The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court case and the never-ending news stories on states changing abortion laws have created an unknown future in the prolife movement but one thing is for sure, Michigan taxpayers will not be paying for abortions this year.
by Connie Jarka
We will keep up with the hope
Won’t hide it under stones too heavy to lift;
For life will be as it will be,
With each breath of day a
freely, untimely, given gift.
as we are
submitted by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
The multi-session Citizen Police Academy offers 25 citizens an inside look at law enforcement. Sessions are from 6 to 9PM on Thursdays from May 5 through June 30. Potential candidates for the Citizen Police Academy must meet the following criteria:
Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pending a background check and eligibility, applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the academy near April 15.
Topics covered in the academy include Road Patrol, Corrections, 911 Central Dispatch, Undercover Investigations, Narcotics, Marine Patrol, Dive Team, K9 Unit, E-Unit, Criminal Scientific Support Unit, Crime Scene Investigation, Firearms, Range, Simulator, Special Operations, Legal System, Accident Investigations and Community Policing. Most sessions will be held at the West Olive Fillmore Complex 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. The location of the session may vary depending on the topic.
For more information on the Citizen Police Academy and the selection process please contact Sergeant Ryan DeVries at (616) 738-4038.
AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415
MARCH 14, 2022
6:30 P.M. WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING
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
by Connie Jarka
Wearing the same shoe
day after day,
Watching the same old sunrise;
Renders one grateful
for a steady soul,
And an occasional pink sky surprise.
Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar announced his endorsement by Michigan Right to Life.
“Our way of life is based on the belief that every human life has value, that’s why my pro-life record goes hand-in-hand with my strong support of adoption as a way to provide loving and safe homes for children” Moolenaar said. “I believe we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable Right to Life. Life begins at conception, and we must protect all human life.”
Congressman Moolenaar has maintained a 100% pro-life voting record as a member of the 117th Congress and has been a committed champion for life throughout his career.
Spring Purse Party sale and auction will help children who are grieving the death of someone they love
Have you been searching for the perfect new handbag?
You’ll find plenty to choose from during the 6th annual Purse Party April 24 at the Eagles in Whitehall, and every purchase you make will help fund Camp Courage for children in West Michigan who are grieving the death of someone close.
The Purse Party will feature both a live and silent auction with hundreds of new and gently used items, from casual clutches to high-end designer bags. And with prices starting at just $5, you can buy several!
New this year, local artists and designers are embellishing some of the purses that will be featured in the live auction.
Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. An Eagle membership is not needed to attend this fun event.
The Purse Party has raised more than $7,000 for Camp Courage, helping make it possible for each child who attends the three-day sleep-away camp to receive a full scholarship.
“Camp Courage provides such a valuable opportunity for children to learn to cope with the difficulties of grieving,” says Ashley Spencer, who co-created the Purse Party and organizes it with Ladies of the White Lake Community.
Donations of purses and handbags for the event are welcome. They can be dropped off before April 15 at many locations in Whitehall and Montague, and at Harbor Hospice and the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon.
Camp Courage is a program of the Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice, which provides hospice and palliative care and grief counseling to children and adults in Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Ottawa, and Newaygo Counties.
The event is free. An auction bidding paddle is $2, which enrolls the bidder in a door prize drawing.
For more information, or if you would like to embellish one of the handbags for the auction call 231-728-3442 or send an e-mail to info@HarborHospiceMI.org. Information is also posted on the Harbor Hospice website.
VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 17TH, 2022
Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix Clerk/Treasurer
VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 20TH, 2021
VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2021
Former Harbor Hospice nurse and volunteer recognized as a National Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Awardee
[March 8, 2022, West Michigan] – The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) will present its annual Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Awards during the 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Conference hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center (March 7 – 9) in Maryland.
Dan Poel, former Harbor Hospice Registered Nurse and volunteer has been awarded NHPCO’s Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award in the area of Organizational Support. Dan was nominated for volunteering during the pandemic to administer over 4,500 COVID-19 test to the hospice and palliative care staff.
The NHPCO Volunteer awards, presented at the conference keynotes sessions, recognize hospice volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest sense—serving as an inspiration to others. The honorees have made significant contributions to hospice programs in the areas of care delivery, organizational support, and teamwork and have stepped up to meet challenges that have been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan is one of five volunteers that will be honored at this year’s conference.
“Dan demonstrated courage and commitment in the throes of the pandemic to conduct COVID-19 testing for our staff on a weekly basis for months,” said Harbor Hospice President/CEO Susan Houseman. “We are grateful for Dan’s selfless act of service in the most challenging of times. His commitment was a vital and invaluable contribution to keep our staff safe and working.
“Volunteers are an integral part of every hospice organization, and these selfless people truly represent the best of what we can be. That’s why we celebrate the volunteers who demonstrate remarkable service, compassion, and commitment in service of hospices in their communities. Their gift of caring has a profound impact on patients, families, and the communities they serve, and we cannot thank them enough for the support they provide,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach.
“Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling hospice and palliative care organizations to offer the highest-quality care and support possible for the people they serve. By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need,” added Banach.
These volunteer awards were created and are administered by NHPCO’s MyNHPCO Professional Community, a section of the organization’s membership that promotes the contributions and skills of the different professional disciplines that make up the hospice interdisciplinary team, including volunteer management. The awards are presented as part of the Leadership and Advocacy Conference, the premier conference for leaders and aspiring leaders working to advance the field of hospice and palliative care. Learn more about hospice and palliative care at NHPCO’s CaringInfo.org website.
For more information about the Harbor Hospice-Volunteer program, visit our website at HarborHospiceMI.org.
Click here to learn more about NHPCO.
Parks & Public Health team up to offer Step it Up! Walking Program free in Ottawa & Allegan counties
Get signed up for Step it Up!, a free, 8-week program created in partnership by Ottawa County’s Parks & Recreation and the Department of Public Health. Step it Up! was designed to help participants get active and visit new parks. All levels of fitness are welcome!
Participants will be able to set activity goals and track their activity through the Step it Up! online platform. Each week, participants who track their activity are eligible for incentive prizes.
Participants can also look forward to:
The program begins April 11! To sign up, visit: miottawa.org/stepitup
Consumers Energy Foundation provides $50,000 grant to PoWeR! Book Bags to support literacy efforts
The Consumers Energy Foundation has provided a $50,000 gift to PoWeR! Book Bags to help support PoWeR! Book Bags Little Learners Program, ensuring language and literacy materials are available to low income families with children ages 0-5 across 20 counties in northern Michigan.
PoWeR! Book Bags is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help children increase experiences with language, literacy, and human interactions through playing, writing, and reading. Guided by relevant research, PoWeR! Book Bags offers families and children an on-going supply of play and print materials to have at home. The program invites children to select new books to keep, along with book bags filled with age appropriate materials that support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. When children PLAY and WRITE and READ, they engage in crucial behaviors and practice skills necessary to build strong language and literacy abilities that will better equip them for life!
“Consumers Energy and our foundation have been serving Michiganders for decades, and we are grateful to be able to support this next generation of Michiganders by providing this funding to PoWeR! Book Bags,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We all know how important literacy is in a child’s first few years. PoWeR! Book Bags and its team of volunteers are doing wonderful work by providing thousands of books to children across Northern Michigan, and the Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support their efforts.”
“PoWeR! Book Bags’ goal – to increase opportunities for language and literacy development to give children a better life – is a great fit with the Consumers Energy Foundation’s goal to improve the lives of those families in Michigan who are working but simply cannot make financial ends meet,” PoWeR! Book Bags’ executive director Kara Gregory said. “The Foundation has done an incredible job identifying the challenges of the ALICE population – those households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed in Michigan. PoWeR! Book Bags works across 20 northern Michigan counties, each with a significant ALICE population.”
PoWeR! Book Bags collaborates with agencies including public health departments (WIC, MIHP, and Immunization Clinics), local food pantries, community sites of assistance, Early Head Start, and schools. PoWeR! Book Bags estimates it will distribute upwards of 100,000 books and 10,000 book bags filled with literacy materials to early learners and their families in 2022.
“The Foundation has identified early childhood education as a key element in building stronger communities. PoWeR! Book Bags provides opportunities for language and literacy development so our children are better prepared as they enter school and, as adults, have the opportunity for a better quality of life and the opportunity to participate positively in the entire community,” Gregory continued. “We are so grateful to the Consumers Energy Foundation for this opportunity to continue our work on behalf of northern Michigan families.” To learn more about the ALICE report, visit www.unitedforalice.org and for more information about PoWeR! Book Bags, visit www.powerbookbags.com or call 231-343-0255.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan — its people, our planet, and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.
by Connie Jarka
A mountain or a molehill?
Both we probably have all seen;
One we may stumble over
one we may still be climbing,
Or caught up in between.
We climb on …..
Live Trivia Mondays at Red Rooster Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Rooster Tavern 2998 Scenic Dr. Every Monday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to Play! Come out and meet the new owners!
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Big Band Swing Dancing
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Community Church 1260 W. Sherman Blvd. Have a good time at this free swing era dance! Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from the 1920s-50s. Donations are always appreciated.
Youth Take and Make Crafts
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Classical Night: Kyle Thompson, guitar
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Classical guitarist Kyle Thompson at 7pm Dinner at 6:15 RSVP to bryan@thebooknookjavashop.com
We Banjo 3
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Playhouse at White Lake 304 South Mears Ave., debuting in the U.S. in 2012, We Banjo 3 has emerged as fast-rising touring darlings in the country that two of the members now call home. $29-$34 For more in formation 231-894-0119 http://theplayhouseatwhitelake.org/spring22.php#Mar
Paint Like Monet
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Ages 13+ $50, $45 for ACWL Members WHSP Eligible French Impressionist painter Claude Monet is famous for painting the elaborate pond, Japanese bridge, water lilies, and gardens of his home. 231-893-2524 https://www.artswhitelake.org/events-1/paint-like-monet
Trivia Night
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library-North Muskegon 1522 Ruddiman Dr.,
Are you a Wise Guy? A Smarty Pants? Go head to head against others and prove it! Come out, test your knowledge and mind! Open to anyone 16+. FREE event.
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Live Trivia Tuesdays at No Name Saloon
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
No Name Saloon 609 W Western Ave. Every Tuesday, Prizes for the Top 3 teams! Free to play!
Steve Thielman, Piano
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague. Enjoy breakfast and your favorite espresso drink while listening to master pianist Steve Thielman. Every Tuesday morning. This is free and open to the public.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Eric and Chris Acoustic Guitar
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy are a guitar duo, performing a mix of folk, pop, country, and standards. Longtime friends and musical partners who’ve performed in clubs and coffeehouses
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arts Council of White Lake 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, FREE for middle and high school students. You are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions. Bring your project and work on here with friends.
Youth Take and Make Craft
Hackley Public Library
Check out what Take and Make Craft Hackley Public Library has planned. They are located at 316 W. Webster Ave. Kits are available at Hackley Library while supplies last. Free. www.hackleylibrary.org and askus@hackleylibrary.org
Book of Kells Presentation
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hackley Public Library 316 W. Webster Ave., Have you heard of the Book of Kells? This centuries-old illuminated manuscript has stood the test of time, with an incredible history. This is a FREE and open to the public event.
Make it @ Montague: Salt Painting
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Montague Branch 8778 Ferry St., Create a beautiful piece of art using 3 simple ingredients. Free event
Djangophonique
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Djangophonique is a virtuosic, instrumentally driven acoustic jazz quartet led by guitar.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Lakeshore Museum Center 430 W. Clay Ave., You’re invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. www.lakeshoremuseum.org 231-722-0278
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pub One Eleven 111 W. Colby St., Whitehall, General knowledge trivia along with music, fun, great food and beverages. It’s a team thing, so even if your knowledge is limited to specific things, you can still help contribute.
FREE TOURS: Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00am – 8:0pm
This is a great opportunity to visit the Muskegon Art Museum located at 296 W. Webster Ave. and bring the kiddos! This FREE tour time is compliments of the Meijer Foundation. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Alley Door Club – Brena
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Frauenthal Center 425 W Western Ave. The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center is kicking off their 16th season! Every 2nd and 4th Friday from January to March, the Alley Door Club features live music. www.frauenthal.org
Christopher Dragone on Guitar
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Live and local music in cozy bookstore setting with open fireplace and full bar!
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-U18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Queen for a Night” night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Karaoke Fridays at Full Moon Diner and Saloon
9:00 pm – 11:50 pm
Full Moon Diner and Saloon 3408 Whitehall Rd., Come to the Full Moon Diner and Saloon for a fun evening of Karaoke with DJ Noodle.
Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to downtown Muskegon. The route is along Western Ave. from Sixth Street to Second Street. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food goods. Collection bins will be located along the parade route. info@jcimuskegon.org/theparade
Green Eggs and Ham
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club 280 W. Webster Ave., Join us to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a breakfast of Green Eggs & Ham! The Cat in the Hat and his friends will join us to read a couple of stories. Call Nancy at 231-730-0887 $15 for an adult and $1 for child. $5 for each additional person nancy.f.b2020@gmai.com
Unruly St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Unruly Brewing Company 360 W. Western Ave., come to Unruly Brewing to celebrate St. Paddy’s! The craic takes place inside and outside the taproom! Irish DJ and live music throughout the day. This is a FREE event with beverages and food available to purchase.
Go Green! Scavenger Hunt
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Muskegon 4-H invites all community members to join us for the second annual Go Green! scavenger hunt happening in downtown Muskegon. This is a FREE event.
To register your team: https://events.anr.msu.edu/gogreenhunt/ 231-724-4739
Free Outdoor Concert with CrossBow and Enda Reilly
12:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Olthoff Stage Western Ave. at Third St., Live Outdoor Celtic Music on the Olthoff Stage. Michigan Irish Music Festival presents Enda Reilly and CrossBow to the outdoor Olthoff performance stage FREE for all to enjoy!
Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty!
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty returns to Western Ave in Downtown Muskegon! Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day by reserving a spot for your “shanty”. Prizes awarded for Best Decorated Shanty! Tickets $15 ($5 goes to Mission for Area People). Shanties will be located on Western from 2nd to 5th, with the intersections of 3rd and 4th to remain open. Register here: http://bit.ly/ShamrockInShanty22
Michigan Makers Market
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center 470 W. Western, The Michigan Makers Market is an indoor shopping event featuring 80-100 craft and fine art exhibitors, highlighting products that are handcrafted in our magnificent state of Michigan. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite ($5)
Run Muskegon Shamrock Shuffle 5k
9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill 895 4th St., wear ALL the Green, get festive and enjoy downtown Muskegon in this community 5k! You will see everything from leprechauns chasing a pot of gold, to runners in kilts and green. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Muskegon/SSuffle5K 231-375-5184
Tim Froncek and TC Friends
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Block 360 W. Western Ave. 2nd Floor. Enjoy an evening of fantastic jazz. Tim will be joined by four great musicians from Traverse City. Tickets $10-$28https://theblockwestmichigan.org/events/tim-froncek-and-tc-friends/
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Game-VS-U18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm St. Patty’s Night
Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey game at Muskegon Mercy Health Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave., in downtown Muskegon!
Spring Equinox
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Muskegon Area District Library – Dalton Branch 3175 Fifth St, Twin Lake,
Create a piece of art that includes 12 things, in honor of the Spring Equinox on March 20, when we will have an equal amount of day and night time. FREE
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Acoustic Oasis
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Book Nook & Java Shop 8744 Ferry St., Montague, Phil Petersen and Glen Miller, AKA Acoustic Oasis, are two guys who love playing music. Inspired by the music of such artists as CSNY, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and more.
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Indoor Farmers Market
9:00am-2:00pm
Muskegon Farmers Market is the same location 242 W. Western Ave. for the winter months only they are inside the building so stop by!
Online Art Auction To Benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon
March 6 @ 12:00 pm – March 13 @ 8:30 pm
Would you like to participate in our Online Art Auction? Follow the link to the website and register to receive the entrance link and call for details 231-728-6410
https://www.childabusecouncil.org/registration/Online-Art-Auction-Access-Link-Registration-p424573764
Cups: At the Muskegon Museum of Art
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., Presents Cups, an invitational exhibition of unique handmade cups with a wide array of creative expressions in ceramics. March 3-17. www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Mini-ART-ure Golf
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 West Webster Ave., come play mini-golf inside. Explore the galleries and art as you perfect your putt in a fully playable, 9-hole mini-golf course. $5 per person January 6- May 22 www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Free Country Rock Dance Lessons with Chris Sanz!
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
5571 E Apple Ave., Do you like country music? Learn some new steps to make it even more fun! Chris will teach us beginner and intermediate moves, dancing to country music. All dance levels are welcome!
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, 2022
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 14, 2022, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 2- residents; 1- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 24, 2022.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
22-010 Fruitport Lions Old Fashioned Days Agreement
Heidi Tice shared that there are no changes from the last agreement.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to enter into the Old Fashioned Days agreement with the Fruitport Lion’s Club.
22-011 Precinct 5 Polling Place Approval
Fruitport Christian Reformed Church, 3520 E. Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415, meets all of the guidelines for polling places and accessibility set forth by the State of Michigan and has agreed to allow the township to use their facility long term for election purposes. The use of this facility comes recommended by the Election Commission.
Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by David Markgraf, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution naming Fruitport Christian Reformed Church as polling place for precinct 5 voters.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
22-012 Purchase of New Fire Apparatus
Engine 542 is approaching 20 years old and at that age will lose NFPA and ISO ratings. The total cost for the new apparatus is $604,789.00. A 5% price increase will happen March 1st, therefore the Public Safety Director requests that the purchase be approved with an initial purchase of the chassis for $225,000.00 before April 1, 2022 and the balance of $379,789.00 paid within 330 days per the purchase agreement. The new engine will require a production time of 330 days. The Public Safety Director reported that he has a large portion of the funds needed for the purchase of the truck saved in restricted funds and requests that the Board look at financial options for the remainder of funds needed.
Terry Knoll moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of the fire engine with initial payment made from restricted funds and payment of the back end of the invoice to be determined at a later date as recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-013 Election Equipment and Supplies Purchase
With the growth of the Election Department and the addition of a 5th voting precinct, the Clerk requests that ARPA funds be used to purchase equipment and supplies required for the operation of that precinct.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to allow the Clerk to order the necessary supplies and equipment using ARPA funds, not to exceed $12,550.00.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
22-014 Payment of Bills
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $15,444.48; Public Safety $36,266.51; Water $78,870.86; Sewer $19,508.42; Trust & Agency $1,185.00; Street Lights $12,926.69
Totaling: $164,201.96
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:21pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR
Muskegon, MI – Put on your green and bring your family and friends to downtown Muskegon on Saturday, March 12 to the 9th annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Stepping off at 11 a.m. from 6th Street along Western Avenue to 2nd Street, the parade will celebrate Muskegon’s rich Irish Heritage.
This family-oriented event is sponsored by JCI Greater Muskegon and Unruly Brewing Co. Jackie Green, Mrs. America and co-host of The Gray and Green Show on 105.3 HOT FM will be the Grand Marshal of the parade. All marchers and attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for Mission for Area People’s food pantry.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19,” said Emily Morgenstern, President of JCI Greater Muskegon. “The parade has been a staple in Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and we are excited to expand the tradition with even more activities this year.”
Following the parade, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty will return to Western Avenue for its second year. Participants are invited to set up a shanty or tent and spend the day drinking and eating with friends from establishments in the Downtown Muskegon Social District. Live Irish music will be presented by the Michigan Irish Music Festival on the Olthoff Stage at Western Avenue and 3rd Street. Shamrockin’ In Your Shanty registration costs $15 per shanty with a portion of sales benefitting Mission For Area People. Registration is required, and the event link and information can be found at jcimuskegon.org/theparade.
Also happening in downtown Muskegon on Saturday, March 12 is the Shamrock Shuffle 5K organized by Run Muskegon, Go-Green! Scavenger Hunt organized by 4-H Muskegon, Michigan Makers Market at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, music and entertainment at Unruly Brewing Co. and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game at Mercy Health Arena.
If your family, organization or group wants to march in the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sign up online at jcimuskegon.org/theparade or contact JCI Greater Muskegon at info@jcimuskegon.org. Registration forms are due back to JCI Greater Muskegon by March 8, 2022.
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Each March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of women. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for more than 85 years.
Women have longer average life expectancies than men, which means they live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement.
Our retirement pages at www.ssa.gov/retirement provide detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits. These events may include marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career changes.
Your earnings history will determine your future benefits, so we encourage you to verify that the information we have is correct. You can create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and review your earnings history. If you find an error in your earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so you receive the benefits you earned when you retire. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction. You also can view your Social Security Statement on your my Social Security account, for estimates of future benefits and other important planning information.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help women plan for retirement, check out our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know.You can find it at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf. Please share this information with family and friends.
Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – To celebrate National Reading Month, every March Lake Michigan Credit Union (“LMCU”) challenges kids to participate in LMCU’s Reading Adventure.
Each child who participates is challenged to read five books in the month of March for a chance to win $100. Plus, every child who completes LMCU’s Reading Adventure will receive a bookmark and a sticker if dropped off at a local LMCU branch.
Entries can be submitted online at LMCU.org/Contests or entry forms can be picked up at your local LMCU branch and dropped off at the drive-thru or in person. Winners will be drawn on April 15, 2022.
Who’s eligible?
LMCU’s Reading Adventure is open to children 12 and under.
Deadline for entries: March 31, 2022
Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan. Employing a staff of over 1,550 and serving over 516,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $11.5 billion, with a mortgage servicing portfolio of over $13 billion. LMCU has 66 convenient branch locations overall, including 19 in southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, investments, and commercial banking.
To find out more, visit LMCU.org.
Dr. Universe: How come some people can’t see color? – Pearl, 8, South Dakota
Dear Pearl,
Our brains have the amazing ability to gather information and interpret it. This ability to gather and interpret—or perceive— is a big part of what helps humans see colors.
Our eyes have tiny cones that receive light, turn it into chemical energy and activate nerves that can send information to the brain. You might see an apple and think to yourself, “That’s the color red.”
My friend Rachna Narula, an optometrist at Washington State University, told me all about it.
You may remember that the colors people see correspond with different wavelengths of light. Part of the reason someone can see red is because they have a type of cone that picks up on certain long wavelengths of light.
While red cones pick up on long wavelengths of light, blue cones pick up on short wavelengths. Green cones pick up on middle wavelengths. A person with full-color vision typically has three kinds of cones: red, blue and green.
But sometimes a person’s cones might be a little different. They may not have some of those main three cones, which means they can’t pick up on certain wavelengths of light. Or the cones might not work very well.
Narula told me the most common color deficiency is red-green. That means that the cones aren’t able to pick up on long wavelengths and middle wavelengths of light. People with this kind of color deficiency may have trouble spotting the differences between colors, the brightness of colors or the shades of colors.
Narula also showed me a book that optometrists use to test how people see color. It’s called the “Ishihara Test for Color Blindness” and it was designed by a professor at the University of Tokyo in 1917. Each page features different colored dots that make up a background and a number.
For instance, someone with full-color vision might see a background of green dots and the number “5” made up of red dots. But someone who has red-green color deficiency would see a completely different number.
If you’re like me, you might be curious to find out not only how people can perceive different colors but why.
Narula told me color vision deficiency is a kind of hereditary trait. This means it is something that can be passed from parents to their offspring. Most people who experience color vision deficiency were born with it. It’s in their genes.
She also told me there are some people who can see many more colors than most of the population. Narula said these people have a fourth cone. Some scientists are studying genetics to learn more about this kind of fourth cone and find out exactly how this kind of vision works.
Like humans, most cats also have the three main kinds of cones: red, blue and green. Dogs have just two kinds of cones. You know, it sure is interesting to think about what it might be like to see the world through different types of cones than my own. I bet it would provide a whole new perspective.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission and Ottawa County Parks Foundation mourn the loss of Bea Idema, who was a long-time supporter of the county parks system. Bea leaves Ottawa County Parks with a legacy of generosity that will touch the hearts and souls of our community for generations to come.
“Bea had an adventurous spirit, a kind, giving heart, and an infectious joy. We will miss her dearly. She grew up in Allendale Township and often spent her childhood exploring the Grand River. With her many gifts, so many will be able to grow in fondness and love for these special places as she did growing up,” said Monica Verplank, co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign.
“The gifts of Bea and her family had such a significant impact on the Grand River Greenway Project. I was lucky enough to see Bea at Connor Bayou this summer. She was smiling ear to ear witnessing the beauty of the park system and so excited for what’s to come! It is fitting that the trail – the Idema Explorers Trail – connecting the Greenway parks together will bear her name, but more importantly, preserve her memory,” said Samantha Verplank, who is also co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign.
The vision for the Grand River Greenway is to create a model ecological and cultural corridor along the Grand River. It will preserve significant natural, historical and cultural features as well as promote healthier, happier, and more vibrant communities.
Bea grew up on the Aldrink family dairy farm in Allendale Township near Grand Ravines County Park (located just south of Grand Valley State University in Georgetown Township). One of the most scenic parks along the Greenway, Grand Ravines had deep family ties for Bea, her sister Joy, and the Aldrink family. Once the property became a park, the family stayed closely connected to Grand Ravines and, through their contributions, helped to create an enchanting and beloved experience.
“We give Bea Idema full credit for helping to make the Grand Ravines one of our most popular parks. People instantly fall in love with the wide-open views of the Grand River and all of the park’s hidden places. The park also has a unique personality with amenities that are unlike anywhere else in the park system – the Ravines Overlook, the Suspension Bridge, and soon, the Ravines Tree House. All of these things just delighted Bea and gave her a big smile. Grand Ravines is a reflection of Bea’s joy in helping to create such special places for everyone to enjoy,” said Bobbi Jones Sabine, President of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. “We’re really going to miss her.”
Several transformative contributions have been made through the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation to Ottawa County Parks. While the Idema Explorers Trail is named in honor of the Idema family, there will be special recognition of Bill and Bea individually along two specific trail segments, which have been identified to give character and a sense of place along the trail. The Bill Idema Moraine Nature Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail is under construction and will connect Grand Ravines to Grand River County Park. The Bea Aldrink Eastmanville Legacy Segment is planned for construction in future years, and will be dedicated to Bea, who made “many wonderful childhood memories” there.
Over the past several years, Bea has participated in many park and trail dedications for Ottawa County Parks including a trail dedication for the Versluis GVSU Campus Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail on the GVSU Allendale campus with her sister, family, and friends. This dedication included former Ambassador Peter Secchia, who recently passed away. Secchia was also a Greenway Campaign Co-Chair and would often speak fondly of Bea, who had helped him with so many of his endeavors. Last summer, Bea attended an event at Connor Bayou County Park in Robinson Township where Governor Gretchen Whitmer promoted a park funding plan.
“The whole Ottawa County Parks family will greatly miss Bea Idema, who was ‘a friend of nature, with a passion for fun and good times’ as it states on the dedication plaque for the Bea Aldrink Eastmanville Legacy Segment,” said Ottawa County Parks Director Jason Shamblin. “As is always the case with Bea, the plaque also invites others to share in the fun: ‘Now, it’s your time to make memories.’”
submitted by Richard Vanderputte-McPherson, Communications Specialist, Harbor Hospice
West Michigan – Harbor Hospice-We Honor Veterans, Chaplain Wes and Lil Spyke, and Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs are partnering to present an annual community event to honor and welcome home our Vietnam Veterans. All Vietnam veterans and their families, supporters, and veterans of all eras are invited to the 4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event on Tuesday, March 29 at Veterans Affairs, 97 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, Room 119.
“The We Honor Veterans program gives us the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices not only our veterans have made, but their families as well. It shows our community we are intentional about meeting our veterans’ specific needs while providing compassionate care,” Amber Wallace, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Harbor Hospice. “We are thrilled to partner with Chaplain Wes & Lil Spyke, and the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs for this event.”
An open house-style event 9:00 am – 11:00 am with fellowship, story sharing, recognition, and a variety of donuts and coffee.
“As part of individualizing our care here at Harbor our team assesses for military background to ensure to explore for potential needs and to explore available benefits to the individual or their family,” said Pamela Wingard, LMSW, Social Work & Counseling Services Manager, Harbor Hospice.
Event is free to attend for veterans, their families, and supporters; for questions, please call Chaplain Wes at 231.557.2502.
For more information about the Harbor Hospice-We Honor Veterans program, call 231.728.3442 / 1.800.497.9559 or email info@HarborHospiceMI.org or visit our website at HarborHospiceMI.org.