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Muskegon Couple Donates $1 Million to Facility Opening Today

MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon couple will not claim naming rights to new Boys & Girls Clubhouse after making a $1 million donation.

Chris McGuigan and Gary Neal contacted the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, to donate $1 million dollars for the renovation of the former YMCA facility, at 900 W. Western. When given the option to name the new clubhouse, they declined. For now, the couple wants the name to remain available to inspire others to donate.

Chris and Gary took the time to explain why their donation meant so much to them in this video.

The clubhouse is a space intended for youths and teens to feel safe and have the tools, resources, and help to become future leaders. “Everyone says that our kids will become ‘future leaders,’ and it’s true. There are kids that will lead their families, their churches, their factories, their offices, their government,” says Resource Development Director, Deborah Santiago-Sweet, “The new clubhouse is a way to help youths and teens start and continue their journey to becoming adults who contribute to the community in their unique ways.”

Once all funds are collected, construction for renovations on the existing facility will begin in January of 2022 and plan to be completed by 2023.

While fundraising efforts continue, the facility will open today, Monday, June 14th, in its original state.

The health club plans to open sometime this summer. The pool passed all health inspections and will open within the next week or two.

“Our new home will also serve as a community health club. In the early phases of the project we plan to manage operations for the Health Club to help us better support Boys & Girls Club programs and be nimble when working around renovations,” says Dakota Crow, Chief Professional Officer. “We have hired exercise and aquatic experts to ensure we are doing it right. We are open to adapting the Health Club operating model in the future to best serve the Muskegon area. For now, we are excited to get the facility open and going for our members and the public.”

Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore will continue to update fundraising progress, pool schedules, health club membership costs, and any upcoming events on their website: https://bgclubmuskegon.com/

News from Every Woman’s Place

Second Annual Collaborative Art Piece

Be part of our healing art piece and a new tradition! Add your touch to our collaborative canvas beginning July 1 through July 28.

The completed piece will be revealed during at our July 30 Friendraise for the 500 event and will eventually be displayed at EWP as an inspiration to survivors.

Pictured here is our 2020 piece partially completed. Today, it is beautifully finished and hangs in the entry to our counseling suite.

Learn More

SCHEDULE NOW

Exceptional Advocacy Award Nominations Now Open

EWP aims to elevate and recognize each year a community member of any age, gender, or affiliation, who has contributed substantially to the the cause of advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic or sexual violence. In 2021, we will separately honor an EWP Staff and a member of our Muskegon community, with award presentations at the Power of the Purse event in October.

Learn more

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Ask Dr. Universe – Right-handed, Left-handed, or Both?

Hi Dr. Universe. My questions are: Why are people most commonly right-handed? Who/what deicides if we are left-handed or right-handed? Are you left-handed or right-handed? Thanks, Mya, 8, Alexandria, VA

Dear Mya,

We don’t know exactly why so many people are right-handed, but one place we might look for answers is in the material that makes a person who they are: genes.

The genes in your body help control all sorts of things from the color of your hair to your skin to your eyes. These traits can be passed down through generations—from grandparents to parents to you.

My friend John Hinz, who is a right-handed professor at Washington State University, knows a lot about genes and the study of how organisms pass their genes through generations.

He said that while there isn’t a single gene that helps determine if you will be right-handed or left-handed, scientists have found around 40 genes that seem to be related to handedness. Sometimes there is just one gene that causes a certain trait, but often it is combinations of genes that contribute to each of your characteristics.

“Genetics is clearly part of it but not the whole story,” Hinz said.

He also said when both parents are left-handed, they are more likely to have a child who is also left-handed. Some studies have shown that if both parents are right-handed, there is a 10% chance of having a child who is left-handed. Meanwhile, if both parents are left-handed, there is about a 25% chance the child will be left-handed.

But all we have to do is look at twins to realize there is more to it. Identical twins have all the same copies of every gene, but they don’t always use the same hand.

This question has left a lot of researchers wondering about the very question you’ve asked, Mya. People have looked into how the language centers in our brains might be connected to our handedness or how our experience as babies might be connected to our handedness. Some researchers have even observed dominant hands as a fetus develops in a mother’s womb.

They’ve also investigated how people’s different abilities are connected to handedness. Of course, just because there are a lot of connections or correlations between what hand a person uses and other traits or behaviors, that doesn’t mean we can say for certain. We haven’t found a clear answer to your question. Yet.

Whether you are left-handed, right-handed, or both-handed, hands can be really helpful tools. They can help us pick up things, climb to great heights, and even give a high-five. Perhaps one day you can join the community of creative and smart scientists to help us investigate more about genetics and handedness. There’s still a lot of research to do among our four-legged animal friends, too. As for me, I’m a righty. How about you?

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Know a kid with a science question?
Adults can help kids submit a question for a chance to be featured in a future video, podcast, or Q&A post.

Submit a question!

Nominate a Young Leader for Future 15

submitted by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

futurefifteen — 2020 Future 15 Recipients

Do you know a young professional that deserves to be recognized for the great work they do? Nominate them for the Future 15!

The Future 15 is an award program recognizing 15 outstanding and upcoming young professionals in the Muskegon Lakeshore region. Those recognized excel both within their place of employment and in the service they provide to the community.

The recipients will be celebrated at the Future 15 event at The Deck on August 12 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM.

View past Future 15 recipients.

Find the nomination form here!

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Agenda – 06/14/21

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

JUNE 14, 2021

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

1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
2. Roll call
3. Approval of board minutes: 5/24/21
4. Approve / amend agenda
5. Correspondence / reports
6. Public comments regarding agenda items

7. Unfinished Business
none

8. New Business
none

9. 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

LAF Community Mosaic Project: Colorful Collaboration for Local Residents

submitted by the West Michigan Tourist Association

Lakeshore Art Festival (LAF) is happy to announce this year’s community art initiative, the LAF Community Mosaic Project! Each year the Lakeshore Art Festival engages the community in a public art project. Guests of the show have participated in the Community Canvas Project, Chalk-The-Walk, The Door Project and many more artful adventures! Each of these interactive art projects were hands-on activities that took place during the Lakeshore Art Festival. This year, the Lakeshore Art Festival would like to continue this tradition with a colorful collaboration for all to enjoy! This all-inclusive art event allows for the community to get involved safely and create a beautiful display of public art!

The LAF Community Mosaic Project is an amazing collaboration of community spirit in partnership with the Muskegon Museum of Art, City Center Art Gallery, Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center, Art Cats Gallery, City of Muskegon Farmers Market, Read Muskegon, Muskegon Area Intermedia School District with support from PADNOS, Blended Furniture Market, Consumers Energy, WZZM and YOU!

PADNOS has provided over 1,500 “mini-canvases” which consists of 4×4 pieces of reclaimed wood. The Lakeshore Art Festival invites the community to get their hands on one of the free 4×4 wood tile pieces at one of the participating locations below and get creative! Paint on it, color on it, use markers, embellish it, do whatever you would like to do as long as it does not change the size of the 4×4 square, and it is family-friendly visual that is sturdy for outside display.

The community is then asked to return their 4×4 wood tile masterpiece to the Lakeshore Art Festival on June 26 from 9am-5pm or June 27 from 10am-3pm in Downtown Muskegon, at the roundabout, located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Western Ave. A series of larger boards will be on display, and your 4×4 wood tile will be added to the board to create a large community mosaic!

The 4×4 pieces of wood will be available at the following locations from June 1 – June 24, or while supplies last.
Art Cats Gallery
Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center
Blended Furniture
City Center Art Gallery
City of Muskegon Farmers Market
Muskegon Museum of Art
Read Muskegon

This project could not have happened without the generous support of community art organizations, local artists, the distribution entities listed above and our sponsors, PADNOS, Blended Furniture Market, Consumers Energy and WZZM.

Learn more about the Lakeshore Art Festival sponsorship or volunteer opportunities at: www.lakeshoreartfestival.org.

More about the Lakeshore Art Festival: The annual art festival has brought between 55,000-60,000 guests, 300+ fine art and craft exhibitors, 20 food vendors, children’s activities, street performers and art installations to Downtown Muskegon. The festival ranks as one of the Top 200 Best in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, has been recognized as People’s Choice Award: #1 Art Festival in West Michigan and as one of the Best Art Fairs in America by ArtFairCalendar.com. Since 2014, the Lakeshore Art Festival has brought in over $7.2 million dollars to the Muskegon Lakeshore area and supported a number of local non-profits. If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer or local business sponsor, please contact Carla Flanders at director@lakeshoreartfestival.org or visit lakeshoreartfestival.org for more information.

Riverside BioBlitz in Ottawa County Parks June 12th

submitted by the West Michigan Tourist Association

GRAND HAVEN, MI – On June 12, Ottawa County Parks will be hosting its first-ever BioBlitz at Riverside Park (from pre-dawn to dusk). This event will bring local scientists and conservation organizations together to work with community members to build an awareness of the biodiversity along the Grand River while collecting monitoring data.

What’s a BioBlitz? A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity.

What will we be documenting? With your help, we will be documenting a variety of species, including:

Birds and mammals
Reptiles and amphibians
Insects and arachnids
Plant species and fungi
Fish, mussels, and macroinvertebrates
Water quality

No experience is needed!

Hikes & Activities

At the BioBlitz we’ll be offering hikes and activities for adults and older children (ages 10+), as well as for families. In addition to the scheduled activities, there will be exhibits available all day.

RSVPs are not required, but we do ask you check in at the registration table on the day of the event. A map of activities will be provided.

Restoration at Riverside Park

The BioBlitz is the capstone of a larger restoration project that was completed in 2020. Learn more about this project: https://news.miottawa.org/riverside-restoration-update/

Taste of Muskegon Kicks Off This Week

Muskegon, MI – Taste of Muskegon Tour 2021 begins this Saturday, June 12, the first of two major events Taste is hosting this year. Taste Tour will be a week-long food festival celebrating restaurants and food trucks throughout the county.

Local restaurants will prepare a Taste menu of up to four feature items. You will be able to order a full portion of any featured item or a Taste Flight with sample-size portions of the full Taste menu. The Taste Tour will run June 12-19.

The Taste Tour Map will offer over 30 destinations, including:

The 490 Bakery (available at BoomTown Market)
794 Kitchen & Bar
Aldea Coffee
Bone Ends
Capone’s Speakeasy & Pizzeria
Corine’s Cakes & Catering
Curry Kitchen
Drip Drop Drink
Frank’s Taco Shack
G & L Chilli Dogs
The Hideout Bar & Grill
Hamburger Mikey
Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars
Lake Dog Coney Island
Los Amigos Mexican Bar & Grill
Mylan’s Waterfront Grille
The Only Cannoli
The Pierogi Shack
The Pizza Cone Trolley
Rad Dads’ Tacos and Tequila Bar
Red Rooster Tavern
Rolling Stone Pizza
Rootdown Yoga. Juice. Greens.
Savage Hog BBQ
Skeetown Tavern
Slappy’s Slaw Dogs and Sandwiches
Smash Wine Bar & Bistro
Soul Filled Eatery
Tiki Boiz Island Grindz
Village Baker
Wonderland Distilling Co.

Taste Tour will also feature a contest to become a food judge at Taste of Muskegon in Hackley Park, September 24 & 25. To enter, you will need to submit a 20-second video or an essay of 50 words or less to Taste of Muskegon using the hashtag #tastemkgjudge on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. One person will be selected to eat their way through Taste and have their vote count toward selecting a Taste Plate Award winner. The contest will run during Taste Tour, June 12-19. Details are available at tasteofmuskegon.org.

“We always have people asking how to be a Taste judge. We heard them and are opening the door for someone with impeccable taste buds to show us why they deserve to be on the panel. Judging isn’t easy; it is a tremendous amount of food to eat in a weekend,” said Lisa Kraus, Marketing Director of Taste of Muskegon. “With everything starting to open up again, Taste Tour is a great opportunity for everyone to get out and celebrate the culinary excellence of Muskegon County.”

Taste of Muskegon is produced by the Downtown Development Authority. Taste of Muskegon Tour will take place on June 12-19 and Taste of Muskegon will return to Hackley Park September 24-25. To learn more about the restaurants and events at Taste of Muskegon 2021, visit their website at www.tasteofmuskegon.org.

Celebrating New Leadership At United Way of the Lakeshore

Changing of the Guard! United Way of the Lakeshore Welcomes New Board Members!

To be considered for United Way of the Lakeshore board membership, all members should possess wisdom and a commitment to the United Way mission. Directors must exhibit a commitment of both time and active attention to fulfill their obligations. Generally, this means that directors should ensure that they have the time to prepare for meetings; attend board and committee meetings, consult with management as needed; and be engaged in critical decision-making and resource development for the organization. We also expect our directors to stay informed about issues that are relevant to our mission. We are excited to welcome our 8 new board members!

Shawn Buckner, Meijer
Tamica Fox, ADAC Automotive
Jim Steffel, Warner, Norcross & Judd
Mike Reynolds, CWC Textron
Stacey Gomez, CALL 211
Tom Schultz, Tyler Sales
Lori Little, Gerber Federal Credit Union
Chris Wren, Newaygo County

To Our Retiring Board Members, Thank You!

To our 9 retiring board members, we thank you for your guidance and wisdom during your time on the board. Your time, talent, and treasure are a key part of how we continue to support needed programs and partnerships that help our community thrive. Because of you, we were able to Respond, Reimagine, Recover and Rebuild, and we continue to do so.

Sherri Anderson-Patterson, 2 years, past Newaygo County Committee Chair
Mary Boyd, 8 years, past Lakeshore Board Chair and Muskegon Campaign Chair
Laura Carpenter, 6 years, RSVP Advisory Committee Chair and past Muskegon Campaign Chair
Dakota Crow, 2 years, Agency Director’s Chair
Ed Garner, 6 years, Muskegon Campaign Cabinet
Fred Johnson, 6 years, Advisor on community needs
Tyshon Massey, 6 years, former Muskegon Campaign Loaned Executive & Labor Participation
Josh Reece, 6 years, past chair Young Leaders Circle
Robert Ross, 5 years, past Newaygo Committee and Campaign Chair

Tyler Sales Vice President and General Manager, Tom Schultz, Will Lead Our Campaign Cabinet As Our 2021 Campaign Chair!

Please join us in welcoming Tom to lead the Community Campaign this year. Many of you know Tom and the Tyler Sales Team for their years of investments in building our community since 1934. Both Stan and Jim Tyler previously served in leadership roles for United Way of the Lakeshore. Tom is the past Chair of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and formerly served on the 2004 and 2020 Campaign Cabinet.

Reach out to Kara Zielinski by phone at 231-332-4003 or email at kara@unitedwaylakeshore.org if you can help Tom lead a successful campaign this year.

In Person Events Happening in Muskegon County – Tuesday June 7 – Sunday June 13, 2021

Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Monday June 7:

Hackley Library Crafts
Visit Hackley Library website daily to see what take home crafts they have for you. www.hackleylibrary.org 231-722-8000 Limited Supply of crafts.

Wonderland Cruise-In Car Show
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Check out classic cars every Monday this summer! Wonderland Distilling Co. located at 1989 Lakeshore Dr. presents a classic car show in the parking lot across the street from their venue. This is a cruise-in style show with no entry fee. Feel free to hang out, see the cool cars, or show off your own.

Community Mosaic Project – Lakeshore Art Festival
June 1 – June 24
Take part in the first ever Lakeshore Art Festival, Community Mosaic Project! Reclaimed wooden 4×4 square tiles will be available to the community as mini canvases to create art upon between June 1-24, while supplies last. Pick your tile up at one of these participating locations during their regular business hours.
Art Cats Gallery, Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center, Blended Furniture
City Center Art Gallery, City of Muskegon – City Clerks Office, Muskegon Museum of Art and Read Muskegon www.lakeshoreartfestival.org for details

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

Wheel Throwing with Peter Johnson
10:00 am – 11:30 am
For beginners and those with some experience! Pottery wheel class includes preparing clay, working on the wheel, and reconstituting clay. Students will learn how to center, make a cylinder, and make a bowl. Registration is required. Register here: https://www.artswhitelake.org/… for more information call 231-893-2524

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

Tuesday June 8:

Back to the Bricks Promo Tour
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Each June “Back to the Bricks Promo Tour” cruises into summer with a classic car show. Hundreds of classic cars travel to select cities throughout the state of Michigan. This year, the five-day tour makes a much anticipated return to Muskegon! Come down, enjoy social district and view the cars!

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

Live Music at The Deck: Brena
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come down and enjoy Live Music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.

Wednesday June 9:

Cruise-ins at Fricano Place
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Cruise-in nights at Fricano Place every Wednesday located at1050 W. Western Ave. Bring your beautiful cars and set up in the shaded, grassy area.

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

Muskegon Flea Market Opens for the Season
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Flea Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. opens Wednesday, May 5, at 8:00 AM. Flea Market open every Wednesday, May – October.

Muskegon Clippers Home Baseball Game -vs- Jet Box
7:05 pm – 9:00 pm
Come out to a game at Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field located at 1800 Peck St. This is an amateur sports team. With a number of great players signed, this should be some exciting and high quality baseball! Single game tickets for all home games are available at the front gate up to an hour before each game. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults – $5 Seniors & Students – $3 Kids 5-12 – $2 Kids under 5 – FREE. KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE ABLE TO RUN THE BASES AFTER EVERY HOME CLIPPERS GAME AT MARSH FIELD!!! Check out their website www.muskegonclippers.com for full roster and schedule. #GO CLIPPERS!

Thursday June 10:

Public Safety Youth Fishing Derby
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Youth ages 8-12 years old are invited to attend the 28th Annual Youth Fishing Derby to be held at Fisherman’s Landing located at 501 E. Western Ave. Sign -in begins at 3:30 pm There is no charge to attend the Fishing Derby but prior registration is required. This event is limited to the first 200.

Antique Farm Power Club Show 2021
June 10 – June 12
The Antique Farm Power Club is a local West Michigan chapter of the Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association. Come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds located at 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd. for their annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show, featuring Ford tractors & equipment, Ford lawn & garden tractors, Michigan made gas engines, Farm Tractors, Trucks and more!

West Michigan Concert Winds Performance on the Lawn
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
This is a FREE to the public performance from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the historic train depot in downtown Muskegon located at 610 W. Western Ave. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and enjoy the sounds of the West Michigan Concert Winds on the lawn!

Beauty Beyond Drag – Queens of the Aquastar
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
All Aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. for a Sunset Cruise DRAG SHOW, featuring Beauty Beyond Drag Productions from Grand Rapids, Michigan! Beauty Beyond Drag Productions is a high energy, all-inclusive Drag Production company that puts on drag benefit shows for groups of people who may not have ever had the ability to see a drag show. Tickets are just $30 for this show!

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

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

Lakeshore Parade of Homes and More
June 10 – June 12
This year’s Parade of Homes is from Norton Shores, North Muskegon, Muskegon, Whitehall and on features nine stops with BONUS lifestyle features and more to see at each home or remodel stop. The Lakeshore Parade of Homes is the premier showcase of new and remodeled homes from the members of the Lakeshore Home Builders Association.Due to the increasing number of home remodels, DIY and outdoor projects, select Parade stops will also offer home-related booth spaces for ticket holders to shop. Purchase tickets at www.lakeshoreparadeofhomes.com

Friday June 11:

Aquastar Afternoon Cruise
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the afternoon breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Aquastar Sunset Cruise Music by Legal Rehab
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

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

Fire Pit Follies – Fundraising Concerts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
We’re bringing the show to your place! Muskegon Civic Theatre invites you, your friends and family to enjoy a Broadway concert in your own driveway, backyard, or patio – performed by the actors you’ve come to know and love at Civic Theatre! For $250, you can host up to 25 people, and enjoy a 40-minute show at your own home – complete with Broadway standards you know by heart. Performers will arrive in groups via car to sing their hearts out for you. Hosts will also receive a free gift basket filled with s’mores kit, and concession favorites. Email info@muskegoncivictheatre.org or call 231-722-3852 to make reservations.

Hackley Attic Escape Room
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Experience the Hackley House located at 484 W. Webster Ave. as you never have before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors. Now it is up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks, and riddles.

Muskegon Clippers Home Baseball Game -vs- Monarchs
7:05 pm – 9:00 pm
Come out to a game at Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field located at 1800 Peck St. This is an amateur sports team. With a number of great players signed, this should be some exciting and high quality baseball! Single game tickets for all home games are available at the front gate up to an hour before each game. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults – $5 Seniors & Students – $3 Kids 5-12 – $2 Kids under 5 – FREE. KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE ABLE TO RUN THE BASES AFTER EVERY HOME CLIPPERS GAME AT MARSH FIELD!!! Check out their website www.muskegonclippers.com for full schedule. #GO CLIPPERS!

Saturday June 12:

2021 Free Fishing Weekend
June 12 – June 13
Two days, twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premiere outdoor activities, Michigan Fishing, for free! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days.

Yoga at Heritage Landing
9:00 am – 10:00 am
This is an all levels yoga class appropriate for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Instructors will give lots of ways to make poses appropriate for all! Please bring your own yoga mat or towel/blanket. The class is donation based, pay as you can. Heritage Landing is located at 1050 Seventh St.

Baby Animal Days
June 12 – June 13
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, 4180 West M-20, New Era, Michigan
Spend the day getting up close and personal with our newest friends on the farm! During Baby Animal Days we will feature our baby chicks, ducklings, fluffy bunnies, and pet goat kids in special exhibits.

Aquastar Cruises
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm / 4:00pm – 6:00pm and 8:00pm-10:00pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the breezes while cruising the lake aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Nuveen Artisan Market
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Art Council of White Lake invite you to shop for artwork created by local artisans! Work will include pottery, home decor, macrame, soaps, greeting cards, and more. There will also be either an on-site craft activity or take-home art kits, sponsored by the City of Montague. The village is located at 8660 Water St. Montague

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

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

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

Fire Pit Follies – Fundraising Concerts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
We’re bringing the show to your place! Muskegon Civic Theatre invites you, your friends and family to enjoy a Broadway concert in your own driveway, backyard, or patio – performed by the actors you’ve come to know and love at Civic Theatre! For $250, you can host up to 25 people, and enjoy a 40-minute show at your own home – complete with Broadway standards you know by heart. Hosts will also receive a free gift basket filled with s’mores kit, and concession favorites. Email info@muskegoncivictheatre.org or call 231-722-3852 to make reservations.

Muskegon Astronomical Society Star Party
9:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Muskegon Astronomical Society located at 702 N. Maple Island Rd. is hosting a Star Party. All visitors are welcomed, but please wear a mask and respect social distance. You may bring your own telescope. There is no charge, however donations are greatly appreciated. We will be viewing the night sky with our telescopes. If it is cloudy, the event is canceled. www.wmich-astro.org

Live Music: Two Dudes in Flip Flops
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Two Dudes in Flip Flops opens a season of music for the new venue “No Name Saloon” located at 609 W. Western Ave. in Downtown Muskegon! Comprised of the “Brothers Grossenbacher”. Greg and Jeff will provide “Trop Rock for Your Caribbean Soul” via guitar, steel pan and tight vocal harmonies designed to take you to the islands.

Muskegon Summer Wine Up
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come to beautiful Hackley Park located at 350 W. Webster in downtown Muskegon for wine samples, wine related activities, musical entertainment, and more! Tickets are just $15 each.

Sunday June 13:

Aquastar Afternoon Cruise
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm and 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the breezes while cruising the lake aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Summer Sundays on The Lake House Patio with Two Dudes in Flip Flops
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Stop at The Lake House located at 730 Terrace Point Dr. for some summer sun and fun, cool breezes and music…all on the patio! Great views of Muskegon Lake, excellent food, and plenty of ice cold beverages to cap off the weekend!

Iowa Celebration with Will Graham Announced in Des Moines

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association February 9 newsletter

On Jan. 26, Will Graham met with dozens of Christian leaders in Des Moines, Iowa, to officially announce the upcoming Iowa Celebration with Will Graham. The multi-day evangelistic outreach, which will be held Oct. 1-3 at Wells Fargo Arena, will be free of charge and will feature music from award-winning Christian artists and encouraging messages from Will Graham.

“We have been through—and, in many ways, are continuing to go through—a very difficult time in this country,” said Graham. “With so many people now searching for peace, hope, purpose and comfort, I believe God has something big in store for Des Moines and the state of Iowa—something beyond what we could ask or imagine.”

Mike Schreurs, who is helping to guide the months-long Celebration planning process, said, “While we are anticipating an end to the pandemic and the profound impact it has had upon us, we are also anticipating a revival in our state and nation. For decades, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has represented the highest standards of Christian integrity and influence across the globe. Welcoming Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, to Des Moines will be an opportunity for Christians, churches, ministries and individuals to come together for unity and spiritual revival. We invite all to be a part of this opportunity.”

Nicholas Venditti of Daily Treasures Ministries, who is serving as a key team leader for the Iowa Celebration, added, “This is an answer to the prayers of many in this first-ever partnership in Iowa. The unity among churches and leaders is a sign of God’s approval and blessing.”

A nearly continuous stream of activities and planning will take place across the region between now and the Celebration in October, including prayer rallies, workshops and community gatherings.

Visit www.IowaCelebration.com for details and information.

Ask Dr. Universe – Weights of Planets

Dear Dr. Universe: How did people figure out how much a whole planet weighs? They could not have just put it on a scale! How did they do it? – Angel, 14, California

Dear Angel,

About 300 years ago during another pandemic, there was a person named Sir Isaac Newton who spent a lot of time at home thinking about the universe.

He was thinking about how objects fall and started to wonder if the same force that made objects fall also kept the moon in its orbit. He called this force gravity.

That’s what I found out from my friend Guy Worthey, an astronomer at Washington State University. Gravity plays a big part in the answer to your question, and we’ll explore that in just a moment.

When scientists talk about how much planets “weigh,” they often talk about mass. Worthey reminded me that all objects—from cats to planets—have mass. Mass is the amount of matter that makes up an object.

Worthey told me astronomers can measure a planet’s mass using what we know about gravity. He said one planet that taught us a lot about the relationship between mass and gravity was Pluto.

“I remember when I was a kid, the textbooks said that Pluto was twice the mass of Earth,” Worthey said.

The mass of Earth is a whopping 5,970,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kilograms—in pounds we’d write that out as 13,170 followed by 21 zeroes. When Worthey was growing up, scientists were using clues about Pluto’s brightness to make some educated guesses about its mass. But it wasn’t until they discovered Pluto’s moon that it gave them a chance to do some more calculations.

When there is an object around a planet, such as a moon or a satellite, we can study how that planet pulls on the object. We can use our understanding of this gravitational force to help discover the planet’s mass.

When scientists discovered Pluto’s moon, Charon, they learned about not only the pull Pluto had on Charon but also the size of the moon’s orbit and how long it took the moon to orbit around Pluto. They needed to use all of this information in their calculations to figure out Pluto’s mass.

It turned out that Pluto was much smaller than they had originally thought. Instead of being twice the mass of Earth, they found Pluto had a mass that was 1/200 the mass of Earth.

It turns out some planets, such as Venus and Mercury, do not have an orbiting object like a moon. It wasn’t until humans were able to send satellites to these planets that we were finally able to gather precise information about gravity and learn about mass.

You know, gravity is an important force. It’s what makes things fall. It’s what keeps planets in orbit. It’s what keeps us on the ground. While we may not have a scale to weigh planets, we can use what we know about gravity and mass to make all sorts of calculations and investigate questions about our universe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

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Atwater Springs Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration Announcement

Atwater Springs, the new community on the lake previously known as Lake Fran, is well underway and celebrating its Grand Opening of the model home. The partnership between Livingstone Development LLC, David C Bos Homes and the City of Norton Shores has proven to be a success. The celebration will commence on June 9th from 4pm-6pm with the Ribbon Cutting at 4:30pm.

The mayor of Norton Shores, Gary Nelund, will be in attendance as well as a tentative attendance confirmation from Representative Greg VanWoerkom. The 53-unit development is well underway and the representatives of all involved are excited to share and display what the community has to offer. Model Home/Event address: 7235 Atwater Dr, Norton Shores, MI 49456

2020 County Population Estimates – Ottawa is Fastest Growing County in MI

The 2020 County population estimates were released by the Census Bureau on May 4. Some of the Ottawa County highlights are provided below. Please note that this data is not a 2020 Census release, but part of the Census Population and Housing Unit Estimates program. 2020 Census county population data will be released later this year.

Data release highlights
• Ottawa County is now the 7th most populated county in Michigan, with a 2020 population of 294,635. This is the first time since 2010 that Ottawa has ranked above 8th.
• Ottawa County was the fastest growing county in the State between 2010 and 2020 (11.7% growth).
• Ottawa County was the 2nd fastest growing county in the State between 2019 and 2020 (1.1% growth).
• 47% of Ottawa’s population growth between 2010 and 2020 was the result of a natural increase, meaning there were more births than deaths in the county.
• 53% of Ottawa’s population growth between 2010 and 2020 was the result of a positive net migration, meaning more people moved into the county than moved out of the county.

Additional information can be found on the Planning and Performance Improvement webpage, which includes data for the 10 largest and 10 fastest growing counties in Michigan as well as the above map.

In Person Events Happening in Muskegon County – Wednesday June 2 – Sunday 6, 2021

Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org

Wednesday June 2:

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

Muskegon Flea Market Opens for the Season
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Flea Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. opens Wednesday, May 5, at 8:00 AM. Flea Market open every Wednesday, May – October.

Climb Muskegon South Pierhead Light
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Climb the 48 foot tall Muskegon South Pierhead Light and experience the unique feeling of traveling back in time. Up two spiral staircases and a shipman’s ladder, this ironclad tower built in 1903 boasts unparalleled views from the lantern room at the tower top. www.muskegonlights.org

Thursday June 3:

Muskegon Clippers Home Baseball Game: Opening Day
7:05 pm – 9:00 pm
Come out to a game at Muskegon’s historic Marsh Field located at 1800 Peck St. This is an amateur sports team. With a number of great players signed, this should be some exciting and high quality baseball! Single game tickets for all home games are available at the front gate up to an hour before each game. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults – $5 Seniors & Students – $3 Kids 5-12 – $2 Kids under 5 – FREE. KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE ABLE TO RUN THE BASES AFTER EVERY HOME CLIPPERS GAME AT MARSH FIELD!!! Check out their website www.muskegonclippers.com for full roster and schedule. #GO CLIPPERS!

Aquastar Sunset Cruises
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Iron Town
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

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

Wheel Throwing with Peter Johnson
10:00 am – 11:30 am
For beginners and those with some experience! Pottery wheel class includes preparing clay, working on the wheel, and reconstituting clay. Students will learn how to center, make a cylinder, and make a bowl. Registration is required. Register here:
https://www.artswhitelake.org/… for more information call 231-893-2524

Friday June 4:

Aquastar Sunset Cruise
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Bootstrap Boys
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Movies at the Getty Drive-In Theatre
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Open seven days a week! Only 9 drive-in theaters remain scattered throughout the state of Michigan, and one is found here in Muskegon! The Getty Drive-In Theatre located at 920 E. Summit Ave. offers a double feature on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets a can be pre-ordered here bit.ly/GettyDriveInWebsite Adult $11.00 Child (6-12) $6.50 Senior Citizen (60+) $7.00 College Student $7.00 TACO Tuesday Adult $7.50 231-798-2608

After Dark Tours
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Experience the Hackley and Hume Historic Site AFTER DARK located at 484 W. Webster! See all five floors of the houses on this classic tour offered on the first Friday of every month May – October from 9-10 pm. Join us to learn more about the lumbering business, the Hackley and Hume families, and the Victorian Era in Muskegon. Gather your friends or family and make your visit AFTER DARK! $15 for non-members, $10 for members Purchase tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/after-dark-tour-tickets-136859788311

Saturday June 5:

D-DAY Plus
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Event commemorating the USS LST 393 located at 560 Mart St. and the role she played during WWII with Re-enactors and vehicles on display. Also a Swing Dance on the Deck of the ship Friday evening June 4th. See our facebook page for more details
facebook.com/MUSKEGONDDAY. 231-730-1477

Muskegon Pub Pedal
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ride your bike along the lakeshore from Canary Inn to Dockers. All donations will be given to Brian Jett this year to help with his recent diagnosis. Please see our FB page for more details.

Grand Reopening for Gracie’s Book Store
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grand Reopening for Gracie’s Book Store is at 897 E Apple Ave Muskegon, MI. 49442 We will have books, books and more books! ALSO: Prizes for the first 10 people to arrive Refreshments Drawings Auctions And much much more

Live Music at The Deck: Desmond Jones
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

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

Aquastar D-Day Cruise
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the afternoon breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

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

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

Fire Pit Follies – Fundraising Concerts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
We’re bringing the show to your place! Muskegon Civic Theatre invites you, your friends and family to enjoy a Broadway concert in your own driveway, backyard, or patio – performed by the actors you’ve come to know and love at Civic Theatre! For $250, you can host up to 25 people, and enjoy a 40-minute show at your own home – complete with Broadway standards you know by heart. Hosts will also receive a free gift basket filled with s’mores kit, and concession favorites. Email info@muskegoncivictheatre.org or call 231-722-3852 to make reservations.

Frozen Characters Meet and Greet
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo,
4180 West M-20 New Era, MI 49446
Visit with their special costumed characters as you explore all the fun on the farm!

Sunday June 6:

Swing Dancing Aboard the Aquastar
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Enjoy a beautiful sunset, and spend some time out on the water with friends. Muskegon Area Dance Lovers will bring the music and experts to get you moving to the beat. Come out and swing onboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St.

Aquastar Afternoon Cruise
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Tweed and Dixie
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Social Security and Protecting Elders from Scams

by Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. On this day, and throughout the month, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people.

Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – even the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.

Most recently, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of phone scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches.

If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, hang up or do not respond. You should know how to identify when it’s really Social Security. We will NEVER:
• Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.

We only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following:
• When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.

We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG website at oig.ssa.gov. You may read our previous Social Security fraud advisories at oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/news-release. Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

Muskegon Clippers Collegiate Baseball – 2021 Season Begins

MUSKEGON, Mich. – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be returning for another exciting season of baseball at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Opening day will be Tuesday, June 3, 2021 at 7:05pm.

The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country. These student athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.

The Clippers will play a 42 game schedule during the months of June and July. With 21 home games, there are many opportunities to enjoy Americas past time.

This season is full of great happenings at the ball park.

Opening Night
Opening night for the Muskegon Clippers is, Tuesday June 3, 2021 at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. The Clippers will play the Royal Oak Leprechauns. Gates open at 6:00 pm; first pitch is at 7:05pm.

Free Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Opening night is also free magnet game schedule giveaway night! Each family through the gate will receive a FREE 2021 Clippers game schedule while supplies last.

The Fan Experience – More Than Just Baseball
The Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike. Not only is there great baseball played, but the fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.

Part of the excitement includes:

Walk up music for the players
Sing along for fans
Our famous Beer batter
Contests and Games for fans between innings
Dance along with fans
Guests performing the national anthem
Kids participating on the field in the introduction of players.
And finally, fans are allowed to run the bases after the games.

Concessions and Team Merchandise
The Clippers have a great line up of ball park food, soft drinks, and ice cold Budweiser products. And of course, the Clippers will have team gear and merchandise available for purchase.

Team Roster
The Clippers have completed their 30 – man roster and have signed players from Universities like Missouri, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Texas A&M and USC.

The Clippers are coached by well-known local baseball coaches, Walt Gawkowski, Head Coach, Brian Wright, Bench Coach, Keith Williams, Hitting Coach and Steve Cutter, General Manager and Pitching Coach. The Clippers are owned by Pete Gawkowski.

Ticket Information
Game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under are free..

For more information contact Pete Gawkowski at 231-638-7696 or visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/muskegonclippers

Historic Marsh Field
Historic Marsh Field is 105 years old and continues its storied history by playing host to the Muskegon Clippers and over 100 other baseball ball games throughout the year. Over the years Marsh Field has been the home of the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the old Muskegon Clippers, a farm team of the New York Yankees and the Muskegon Reds a farm team of the Detroit Tigers.

Franklin Graham Continues to Share Gospel Nationwide Through TV Ads

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association February 9 newsletter

In March 2020, when the coronavirus panic initially hit the United States, a generous donor paved the way for Franklin Graham to share the hope of the Gospel in 60-second TV spots. These spots aired on major television networks, including CNN, Fox News, and A&E.

Today, BGEA has produced and released over a dozen new spots, offering peace and hope in what continues to be a troubling time.

“2020 was a pandemic year, very tough for so many people around the world. …But I want you to know that we have hope, and that hope is in God and His Son Jesus Christ,” Graham encouraged viewers. “God will not leave you. He will not forsake you. …There is only one way to God, and that’s through Jesus Christ.”

Each television spot offers a chance for the viewer to pray a prayer of salvation along with Graham, and contact the Billy Graham Prayer Line for additional prayer and encouragement, or to indicate that they accepted Christ as their Savior.

In response to the television ads and other promotional opportunities, the Billy Graham Prayer Line has answered more than 330,000 calls and thousands have made spiritual decisions for Christ.

To view these television spots, visit the BGEA website.

United Way of the Lakeshore Summer Stock Up Kicks Off on June 1st

Every year, food pantries across the lakeshore are fully stocked in the winter months thanks to generous holiday donations—but when summer comes, donations drop dramatically and pantry shelves become sparse. This can leave low-income, hard-working families with limited options during this time of year. United Way of the Lakeshore asks local businesses and community members to participate in our “Summer Stock Up” event to stock local food pantries with items to get them through the warmer months. We are making it safer and easier than ever—we’ll do the shopping for you! Just pick how much you want to spend, and we’ll make sure each pantry gets exactly what they need.

Join United Way in bringing some cheer to local pantries again this June!

Ask Dr. Universe – Fish Migration

Dr. Universe: How do fish migrate and why? – Norma, 10, Indiana

Dear Norma,

While a lot of fish swim from one region to another to find food or have babies, different fish species migrate in different ways.

That’s what I found out from friend Steve Katz, a professor at Washington State University who knows a lot about our planet’s natural resources and has researched fish such as steelhead trout, tuna and seven-gilled sharks in the Pacific Northwest.

He said that steelhead trout often navigate through the water with help from a sense of smell. Steelhead trout use their nostrils to pick up on chemicals from rocks that have dissolved in the water. The differences in the scents of the water help them know which river or stream to follow.

This is a helpful tool, especially as steelhead trout can swim for long distances over the course of a few years—in some cases, over 1,300 miles upstream after they swim through the ocean for more than 3,700 miles.

Katz reminded me that not all fish migrate. For instance, some of the steelhead trout males will stay behind in the streams when the females and other males head for the ocean. There is some risk in traveling long distances, so it can pay off for some fish to stay home and wait for the females to return.

If you think a few thousand miles is a long way to swim, wait until you learn about tuna. Albacore tuna cross the Pacific Ocean twice a year cruising at speeds of 5-10 miles per hour. In a lifetime, that might add about 20 to 25 round trips. When it comes to migration, these fish are marathoners.

“It’s spectacular,” Katz said. “Tuna are elite swimmers because they’ve got this extra red muscle and machinery that helps them swim at a steady, fast pace.”

A fish that moves much slower is the seven-gilled shark. These fish live where the saltwater meets the freshwater, or often where rivers meet the ocean, which we call an estuary. But when it starts raining a lot in the winter, there isn’t enough saltwater in the estuary anymore. They have to head out into the ocean.

The sharks travel up and down the coast for anywhere from 100 to 1,000 miles while they wait for the estuary to become saltier, and then they make their journey home for the summer.

Katz said that some research has also explored how fish might use Earth’s magnetic field—which extends from our planet’s interior out into space— or the angle of the sun to know which direction they should be going. But the truth is, scientists are still learning a lot about exactly how fish navigate the waters on their migration.

Perhaps you can find a species of fish that lives in your state and learn more about its migration journey. The more species you learn about the more you’ll realize just how many migration stories there are to discover.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

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Adults can help kids submit a question for a chance to be featured in a future video, podcast, or Q&A post.

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United Way & GE Aviation Clean Veteran Headstones In Honor of Memorial Day

submitted by United Way of the Lakeshore

Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.

On Friday, May 21st the GE Aviation team joined United Way in a Cemetery Cleanup at the Oakwood Cemetery in the City of Muskegon. A team of 12 volunteers washed fallen veteran headstones. Veteran headstones from as early as the Civil War were honored and cleaned. This is United Way’s 2nd time hosting an event like this one. We would like to offer this project as a regular corporate engagement volunteer activity for those that would like to be involved. A huge thank you to the GE Aviation Team for their hard work and care for our veterans!

Fruitport Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board Meeting Minutes – 04/27/21

DDA Meeting
April 27, 2021

April 27,2021 via Zoom.com Meeting started at 6:13

In attendance & location: Todd Dunham – Fruitport, Tim Reilly – Whitehall, Larry Hall – Grand Haven, Gary Smith – Spring Lake, Randy Klingel – Norton Shores, Heidi Tice – Fruitport, Mark Campbell – Grand rapids, Larry Romanilli – Manistee, Frank Matice – Venice Florida
Absent: Jason Bronhold (may have been present at the beginning could not hear him)

1. Approval of the minutes from March 11, 2021 motion by Heidi second by Frank
a. Roll Call unanimous as follows: Todd – yes, Tim – yes, Larry H – yes, Gary – yes, Randy – yes, Heidi – yes, Mark – yes, Larry R – yes, Frank – yes.

2. Motion to approve Agreement to Share tax Increment Financing Revenue from Muskegon County Millage document. Motion by Gary second by Tim, some of the discussion was as follows:
• Todd reported that the county voted unanimously to opt in on the DDA as presented.
• Mark – How does the dollar amount work? Would we capture more if the project changes or would we have to pay back if no project come in? – was answered once the DDA has captured the 11 million as stated in the proposal the tax would disperse normally to all the taxing entities. Captured monies would stay with the DDA until goals were met.
Roll call: Todd- yes, Tim – yes, Larry R – yes, Larry H – yes. Gary – yes, Heidi – yes, Mark – yes, Frank- yes, Randy – no (motion carried)

3. Presentation of Harmony Lake DDA Development Plan to recommend to the township board:
Much discussion ensued.
• Gary- wanted to know how the project would help Harvey and where the extensions are for water and sewer to help Pontaluna – Larry replied would help mostly Quarterline & Pontaluna and described the boundaries at this time and the proposed additions to the sewer infrastructure as well as over building the infrastructure to service more that just the Harmony Lake Development.

• Randy questioned the demand for this project, would like to see the plan and questioned whether Rose Dillon (township Treasurer) was consulted to help with the projection payback numbers. Todd stated the Planning Commission did approve the site plan and with the DDA being so new he overlooked sending a plan out to this board. They are available at the township. He would talk to Rose.

• Mark made a comment he would also like to see the plan before moving forward on the approval – motion was made by Heidi seconded by Mark to table the vote until next meeting so the DDA board could get time to see the site plan to better determine if the project fits with the DDA overall projects plan.

Roll call unanimously passed: Mark – yes, Todd – yes, Larry R – yes, Larry H -yes, Randy – yes, Gary – yes, Franck – yes, Heidi – Yes.

Next meeting was set for May 5, 2021 6:00 p.m. at the township hall and will be on Zoom.com for those unable to attend in person. It was asked to have the meetings posted on the marquee to get the DDA presence out to the community better. Todd stated he could do that.

Motion by Heidi second by Todd to adjourn
Roll call Todd- yes, Tim – yes, Larry H – yes. Gary – yes. Randy – yes, Heidi – yes, Larry R- yes, Frank – yes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20

Fruitport Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board Meeting Minutes – 03/11/21

March 11, 2021 @ 6:00pm via Zoom.com

In attendance: Todd Dunham (at Township hall), Gary Smith (in Spring Lake), Larry Hall (outside Lincoln Nebraska), Tim Reilly (in Whitehall), Heidi Tice (in Fruitport), Randy Klingel (in Norton Shores), Mark Campbell (in Ada, MI), Frank Matice (in Florida)
Absent: Larry Romanelli and Jason Bronhold

Called to order at 6:05 pm
1.) Approval of the minutes from February 24, 2021 Motion by Todd Dunham, second by Gary Smith
Roll call: Aye Kingel, Dunham, Hall, Smith, Campbell, Tice, Matice, Reilly
Nye: none
2.)

Question of the Attorney were answered from the last meeting as follows:

There does need to be a resident on the DDA board and Frank Matice was appointed by the township board at their meeting March 8, 2021.
Attorney Ron Butje stated the DDA board did not have to mirror the township boards fiscal year they could just make amendments to their budget if the need arose.
Attorney Ron Butje stated the DDA board should be covered under the townships umbrella policy since the board is acting in accord with the township. Would need to check with Township Clerk Andrea Anderson.
Attorney Ron Bultje clarified that developers would need to address how the repayment of the bond would take place in their individual development plans as they bring them before the DDA and this would not need to be included into the by-laws.
Attorney Ron Bultje stated the DDA would not have a tax return the board would be included in the township audit process with an annual report of any bonds that were in place and the records could be stored at the township hall. Todd would check with Treasurer Rose Dillon to make sure she let the accountants know of the additional reporting.

3.) Motion by Heidi Tice, seconded by Tim Reilly, to have the 1st Annual meeting June 4th, 2021 which is the first Thursday of June.
Roll call: Ayes Klingel, Dunham, Hall, Tice, Smith, Campbell, Reilly, Matice
Nye: none

4.) Frank Matice introduced himself – he has been the Treasury for Golf View Condos for the last 12 years. Will be back in town in May.

5.) Todd Dunham pointed out he would be attending the Ways and Means county board meeting on March 23rd to present the outline of potential projects. Attorney Ron Bultje and the county attorney are connecting to present a plan to the county board.
Tim Reilly asked if there are any plans coming to Planning Commission at this time for the DDA area. Todd Dunham stated no. He stated with the help of the new blight enforcement ordinance the township is pursuing legal steps to get the former hotel to move along with that development or take them down.

6.) Next meeting date was set for March 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm via zoom.

7.) Motion made by Heidi Tice to adjourn 2nd by Randy Klingel.
Roll call: Aye Klingel, Dunham, Tice, Hall, Smith, Campbell, Reilly, Matice.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm

Next DDA Board meeting March 23, 2021

Fruitport Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board Meeting Minutes – 02/24/21

Fruitport Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board meeting
Minutes

February 24, 2021 @ 6:00pm via Zoom.com

In attendance: Todd Dunham, Gary Smith, Larry Hall, Tim Reilly, Larry Romanelli, Heidi Tice, Mark Campbell
Absent: Jason Bronhold, Randy Klingel
Also in attendance: Brian Michelli

Meeting was called to order at 6:20 p.m. (meeting was delayed due to technical issues with zoom meetings platform)

Approval of the minutes for meeting February 11,2021: Motion by Todd Dunham second by Heidi Tice – Gary Smith asked to include his full comments about what the tax capture would look like for the DDA and/or what the DDA is asking for to make the projects happen and how developers would guarantee to pay back bonds. Todd amended motion and Heidi seconded

Roll Call, unanimous. (Larry Hall, Tim Reilly, Gary Smith, Tod Dunham, Heidi Tice) Larry Rominelli not on yet Mark Campbell dropped off).

Agenda
1.) Meet the board members: This was overlooked

2.) Review and acceptance of the DDA board by-laws
Much discussion ensued:

Heidi Tice – pointed out the Article IV section 2 states there needs to be a resident on the DDA board. Heidi was instructed to check with Attorney Ron Bultje to see if this was a requirement.
A consensus was established to make the annual meeting the 1st Thursday in June so members of the board that go south would be around.
Discussion on whether the DDA board should mirror the township boards fiscal years was discussed. Members felt it was easier to do a January to December fiscal year, Heidi Tice would check with Attorney Ron Bultje if that would be a problem.
Tim Reilly expressed a concern about the indemnification and liability of the board members. He suggested possible insurance policies put into place for the board members. Could not answer if this would need to be in the by-laws, Heidi Tice was going to check with Attorney Ron Butje.
Gary Smith, Tim Reilly, Todd Dunham all expressed concern about setting up a section that addresses repayment of any bonds and what if a developer’s project fails who is on the hook for that bond. Heidi Tice would ask Attorney Ron Bultje if this should be addressed in the by-laws. This was a very important topic to all members.
Heidi Tice asked if the board would need a Federal Identification Number and a tax return. Can the records that are addressed in Article V section 16 be kept at the Township Hall? Todd Dunham felt that would be alright with the township. Heidi will ask the attorney Ron Bultje.

A motion was made by Todd Dunham and seconded by Larry Romanelli to make the Annual meeting the 1st Thursday of June and the fiscal year January 1 – December 31.

Roll Call, unanimous. (Heidi Tice, Larry Romanelli, Larry Hall, Gary Smith, Tim Reilly, Todd Dunham (Mark Campbell was still off line)

3.) Assignment of Initial Board Terms: Heidi Tice read off the terms that were approved by the Township Board on their February 22,2021 meeting as follows:

a. 1 year term
—i. Jason Bronhold
—ii. Scott Campbell
b. 2 year term
—i. Randy Klingel
—ii. Larry Hall
c. 3 year term
—i. Larry Romanelli
—ii. Tim Reilly
d. 4 year term
—i. Gary Smith
—ii. Heidi Tice

Todd Dunham stated the members were given terms in alphabetical order to the last name. After the initial term is met they will renew for 4 year terms as approved by the township board.

4.) Initial & Future DDA project list: (attached at end if minutes)
A possible outline was drafted and discussed with the township Utilities Director Steve Biesiada. Larry Hall explained the document stating each possible project would come to the board independently and the only project in the foreseeable futures is the Harvey Street and Quarterline Road Utilities Extensions. This outline is to help the county understand what the DDA board is looking for in a plan and to give dollar amounts to that plan that are realistic. The members wanted to add the verbiage “street scapes” to line h to better detail that line item and increase the value to $500,000.00. They included a line l. as future park development with a dollar amount of $500,000.00 giving the total possible plan a value of $11,610,914.00.

Gary Smith asked to get a map of were the possible developments would happen within the DDA boundaries.

A consensus of the board was to amend the potential projects plan and put a 20 year time frame for completion on the projects for Supervisor Todd Dunham to share with the county attorney. This is not the DDA board official plan so no motion was made for adoption it is only a conceptual tool for the county’s cooperation in the DDA.

5.) Other business: A next meeting date was set for March 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via zoom and there was no other business so a motion to adjourn was made by Larry Romanelli seconded by Todd Dunham

Roll call, unanimous: (Heidi Tice, Larry Romanelli, Larry Hall, Gary Smith, Tim Reilly, Todd Dunham)

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Tice – Secretary/Treasury

FCS – Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes – 05/24/21

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
May 24, 2021 6:00 p.m.
Board Room

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

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 21-071. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Burgess to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021
Item 21-072. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

2. Approve Superintendent Candidate Profile/Selection Criteria
MASB representative, Mark Dobias reviewed Superintendent Search Survey results from the community and stakeholders. A discussion was held and the following overview was recommended.

The Board of Education seeks a collaborative, relational leader who will build upon the district’s foundation of success by inspiring staff and community to continue the momentum toward becoming a district of excellent academic achievement and student success.

Item 21-073. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to approve the Superintendent Candidate Profile/Selection Criteria as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

3. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

V. ADJOURNMENT
Item 21-074. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Franklin
Acting Board Secretary

Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2021

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, May 10, 2021, in the township board room.

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

At 7:03pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Jim Fichtel was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of April 12, 2021 as presented.

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

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Steve Biesiada shared on a successful clean-up days event where staff and volunteers came from the DPW, Fire Department, Lions Club, and the township board; the tire disposal event was very busy and had to close early due to no more room after filling 3 semi trailers; erosion at the water main in Lake Michigan has not been as bad this year and is under control by the City of Muskegon.
2. Brian Michelli shared that there may be a problem with ordering police vehicles in the near future due to a production issues; the Fire Department may need a new utility vehicle soon.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Heidi Tice shared that the Lions Club has cancelled Fruitport Old Fashioned Days, but still plan to proceed with Old Fashioned Christmas; the Lions Club will be doing their street corner mint fundraiser this weekend on the corners of Dangl/Sternberg and Shettler/Sheridan.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

21-042 Accept Proposal for Water Reliability Study
The water system reliability study is required to be updated every five years. The study will involve Fruitport Township, the City of Norton Shores, and the West Michigan Regional Water Authority. The quote from Prein & Newhof for Fruitport Township’s portion is $13,000.

David Markgraf moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the proposal from Prein & Newhof.

Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

21-043 Approval of Comcast Franchise Agreement Renewal
The 30 year term of the Comcast Franchise Agreement is due to expire May 27, 2021. The board would like to see the 5% service provider franchise fee remain and add a 2% PEG fee. The term of the agreement will be 10 years.

Terry Knoll moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agreement including the 5% franchise fee, 2% PEG fee, and authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to sign the agreement.

Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

21-044 American Rescue Plan Act Account
The Treasurer requests that an account be opened at Choice One Bank for the deposit of ARPA funds. There will be no fee for the account.

Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the use of Choice One Bank for the ARPA funds.

Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

21-045 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $48,355.43; Public Safety $34,463.37; Water $71.775.26; Sewer $21,597.22; Trust & Agency $2,736; Street Lights $7.99
Totaling: $178,935.27

Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Todd Dunham thanked all of those who participated in clean-up days.
2. Rose Dillon shared that there will be a fundraising event for the new playground project at Pomona Park on May 13th from 6:00pm-7:00pm.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:36pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Music is in the Air in Hudsonville this June

The Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hudsonville are launching their annual, free June Concerts on the Green series. These concerts take place every Thursday in June from 7:00-8:30 pm in Veteran’s Park, and are sponsored by West Michigan Community Bank.

Each night features a different local band or artist and has a theme for the night’s festivities. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring a lawn chair to sit in, and enjoy some food from one of our food trucks.

The event will be following all state guidance such as gathering sizes and social distancing.

June 3 | Hooray for the USA featuring Brena Band
June 10 | Western Night featuring Alan Turner
June 17 | Sports Night featuring Klay N’ The Mud
June 24 | Tropical Night featuring DB and the Dinos

If you have any questions regarding the concerts please call City Hall at (616) 669-0200 or email Kailee Potgeter at kpotgeter@hudsonville.org

Celebrate the American Hiking Society’s #NationalTrailsDay with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails and in quality green space during the pandemic. Let’s return the favor as a community! Help care for our magnificent trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outdoors by:

1. Joining us for a volunteer work day or a program on June 5, 2021

Program 1 – Restoration at Riverside Park, 9-10 am
Trail Workday 1 – Trail Maintenance at Riverside Park, 10 am-12 pm
Program 2 – Spend Sixty at the Bend, 1-2 pm
Trail Workday 2 – Trail Creation at Bend Area Open Space, 2-4 pm

Your assistance at the workdays will help us prepare for two upcoming events:

Bend Area Celebration
On June 11, 2021 from 2-4 pm we’ll celebrate the expansion of the Grand River Greenway with the recent acquisition of 149 acres of land at Bend Area Open Space in Jenison. This property is undeveloped now, but its future is bright. Attendees are invited to explore a newly developed hiking loop and an important Idema Explorers Trail connection.
Here’s a sneak peek of the work being done at the property.

Riverside BioBlitz
On June 12, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation will be hosting its first-ever BioBlitz at Riverside Park (from pre-dawn to dusk). This event will bring local scientists and conservation organizations together to work with community members to build an awareness of the biodiversity along the Grand River while collecting monitoring data. All ages welcome – no experience needed!

2. Support your trails by donating to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation raises funds to assist the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission in achieving goals for acquiring land, developing parks and providing parks and recreation services and nature education programs for residents and visitors of Ottawa County. Programs to achieve these goals include various fundraising initiatives including efforts to secure donations of estates, solicitation of general donations from individuals and foundations, mail and email solicitations, fundraisers including annual event. Learn more: ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/

3. Taking the National Trails Day® Pledge

I pledge to take action in 2021 to care for trails and advocate for equitable, safe access to quality green spaces.

Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – June 12th

MUSKEGON, Mich. – The 34th Annual Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is an opportunity to honor our local heroes and legends.

This year the Hall welcomes in four new members, another Distinguished Service Award winner and male and female student/athlete recipients from both 2020 and 2021.

The 2021 Scholar Athlete Award winners are Brady Rose, Mona Shores (Football) and Kenzie Bowers, Kent City (Basketball).

The 2021 Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame induction class is comprised of Robin Bouchard (hockey), Matt Brink (wrestling/football), Cheryl Day (basketball) and Johnny Mitchell (track and field). Jim Rudicil, Executive Director of the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, is the Gene Young Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Last year’s MASHF Scholar-Athlete Award winners, Muskegon’s Cameron Martinez and Grand Haven’s Kathryn Ackerman, also will be invited to the ceremony as the 2020 banquet was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event will be held at the Mercy Health Arena (formerly L.C. Walker Arena) on Saturday June 12, 2021 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm. The event is open to the public.

In addition to the induction ceremonies, attendees will be provided with heavy hors d’oeuvres – buffet style. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at: http://www.mashf.com/HFInduction.htm

Brady Rose was instrumental in Mona Shores winning back-to-back Division 2 football state championships in 2019 and 2020. The quarterback, safety and all-around standout earned 2020 MLive Player of the Year and Associated Press Division 1-2 Player of the Year awards. He was first-team all-state both seasons in addition to various other accolades.

Kenzie Bowers has earned varsity letters in softball, track and field and cross country, but basketball is her No. 1 sport. Kenzie earned AP first-team all-state accolades all four years and she was a Miss Basketball candidate. She is Kent City’s all-time leading scorer, girl or boy, with 1,822 career points.

Robin Bouchard starred for the Muskegon Fury and Lumberjacks. Bouchard holds the modern day goal scoring record in minor league hockey with 6867 goals. He won five championships during his professional seasons.

Matt Brink was an All Sate performer in wrestling and football a Fruitport High School. Brink was a three time State Champion wrestler and the only wrestler in Michigan High School Athletic Association history to win a heavy weight state title as a freshman.

Cheryl Day starred on the hard court at Muskegon Heights High School, Muskegon Community College and the University of Detroit-Mercy. She was the first Muskegon Heights girl’s basketball player to have her jersey retired after she scored 1,004 career points.

Johnny Mitchel earned state wide and national honors in 1982 and 1983 in the discus for Muskegon High School. Mitchel earned All-State honors and was considered the top discus thrower in the country in 1983.

Jim Rudicil will be awarded the Gene Young Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to a member of the community in honor of their dedication to athletics in a non-participatory manner. Jim has been the Executive Director of the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park for 21 years. He has grown the park to become a major tourist destination in West Michigan. The park features year round sports activities including winter and summer luge, cross country skiing, a zip line and many other activities.

Gene Young was the longtime president of the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame and a local sports legend as a star athlete, an educator and a sports broadcaster.

Livability Magazine – Muskegon Lakeshore 2021

The 2021 issue of the Muskegon Lakeshore magazine is here! Brought to you by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Livability, the Muskegon Lakeshore Magazine gives you the latest news and information about businesses, education, healthcare, entertainment, and living space in the Muskegon Lakeshore Area.

View the online version of the latest issue here!

Taste of Muskegon Tour Unveils 2021 Map

Muskegon, MI – Taste of Muskegon Tour 2021 kicks off in less than one month, the first of two major events Taste is hosting this year. Taste Tour will be a week-long food festival celebrating restaurants and food trucks throughout the county.

The Taste Tour Map will offer 35 destinations, including:

The 18th Amendment
The 490 Bakery (available at BoomTown Market)
794 Kitchen & Bar
Aldea Coffee
Bone Ends
Capone’s Speakeasy & Pizzeria
Corine’s Cakes & Catering
Curry Kitchen
Drip Drop Drink
Frank’s Taco Shack
G & L Chilli Dogs
The Hideout Bar & Grill
Hamburger Mikey
Hodgepodge Bake Shop
Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars
Kuntry Cookin’
Lake Dog Coney Island
Los Amigos Mexican Bar & Grill
Mylan’s Waterfront Grille
The Only Cannoli
The Pierogi Shack
The Pizza Cone Trolley
Red Rooster Tavern
Rolling Stone Pizza
Rootdown Yoga. Juice. Greens.
Savage Hog BBQ
Skeetown Tavern
Slappy’s Slaw Dogs and Sandwiches
Smash Wine Bar & Bistro
Soul Filled Eatery
Tiki Boiz Island Grindz
Uncle Wayne’s BBQ
Village Baker
Wonderland Distilling Co.

Local restaurants will prepare a Taste menu of up to four feature items. You will be able to order a full portion of any featured item or a Taste Flight with bite-size portions of the full Taste menu. The Taste Tour will run June 12-19.

“For safety reasons, we moved the traditional Taste of Muskegon to September for this year. The third week of June is when we usually celebrate Muskegon’s rich culinary scene, so we decided to add the Taste Tour to honor that week,” said Lisa Kraus, Marketing Director of Taste of Muskegon. “It’s still so important to support our locally-owned restaurants that have struggled through this past year. This is a great way for people to get out of their routines and try some new places, new dishes and support our community.”

Social Security Honors Our Military Heroes

by Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives for our country. As Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men [and women] have died to win them.” This is why families, friends, and communities come together to remember the great sacrifices of our military members and ensure their legacies live on.

The benefits we provide can help the surviving families of deceased military service members. For example, widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about those benefits at www.ssa.gov/survivors.

We also offer support to our wounded warriors. Social Security benefits protect veterans when injuries prevent them from returning to active duty or performing other work. Both the Department of Veteran Affairs and Social Security have disability programs. You may qualify for disability benefits through one program but not the other, or you may qualify for both. Depending on your situation, some members of your family, including your dependent children or spouse, may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits.

Wounded military service members can receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims. If you are a veteran with a 100% Permanent & Total compensation rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, we’ll expedite your disability claim.

Want more information about how we can help? Visit www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors for answers to commonly asked questions or to find information about the application process.

Thinking about retirement or know a veteran who is? Military service members can receive Social Security benefits in addition to their military retirement benefits. For details, visit our webpage for veterans, available at www.ssa.gov/people/veterans.

Please share this information with the military families you know. We honor and thank the veterans who bravely served and died for our country and the military service members who serve today.

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.

Michigan’s Adventure Opens Camp Snoopy May 29th

Amusement Park opens on Memorial Day Weekend with five new rides

MUSKEGON, MI — Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park will welcome back guests for the 2021 season on Saturday, May 29, with the debut its new Peanuts® themed kids’ area, Camp Snoopy.

New for this season, Camp Snoopy features five new family-friendly rides, Woodstock Express, Camp Bus, Beagle Scout Lookout, Peanuts© Trail Blazers and Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies. Additionally, the new Beagle Scout Acres features a large climb-and-play structure with lots of interactive features and places to explore. Camp Snoopy is where guests will meet their favorite Peanuts® characters during their visit.

“The significant expansion and imaginative theming of our children’s attractions reinforces Michigan’s Adventure as one of the region’s top destinations for families,” said Camille Jourden-Mark, vice president and general manager at Michigan’s Adventure. “Camp Snoopy joins our other unique attractions in providing guests with a variety of exciting opportunities for creating family memories for generations to come. We are ready to welcome back our guests for safe summer fun.”

Michigan’s Adventure is the largest amusement park in the state of Michigan, featuring over 60 rides and attractions, for the tallest and smallest thrill seekers.

Home to Thunderhawk and Shivering Timbers, Michigan’s Adventure offers a variety of thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides. Thunderhawk is Michigan’s only suspended looping roller coaster, and Shivering Timbers has been consistently ranked as one of the finest wooden roller coasters in the world since it was introduced at the park.

Season passes for the 2021 season are currently on sale at the lowest price of the season. Guests purchasing a 2021 season pass will receive season-long visits to the park. WildWater Adventure, at Michigan’s Adventure, opens to guests on June 19, 2021.

To learn more about our park safety protocols and reservation requirements, and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.miadventure.com/welcoming-you-back.

ABOUT MICHIGAN’S ADVENTURE
Michigan’s Adventure is the largest amusement park and water park in Michigan, offering more than 60 rides and attractions for thrill seekers of all ages. The park is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, four outdoor water parks, an indoor water park and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. For more information, see cedarfair.com.

Downtown Holland Street Performer Series to Kick Off On Thursday, June 19

HOLLAND, MI – With the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lifting Covid-19 capacity restrictions for outdoor events beginning June 1, Downtown Holland is pleased to announce that the annual Street Performer Series will indeed return this summer. The 2021 Street Performer Series will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm from June 17 through August 19 and will feature a diverse line-up of performing artists each week The Street Performer Series is supported by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) through the Holland Area Arts Council.

“We’re very excited to be able to host the Street Performer Series again this summer after having to cancel last year’s event,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “We know that so many members of our community and visitors to the area look forward to the event each summer. The Street Performer Series is a great opportunity for young and old alike to experience the performing arts in a fun and accessible way while enjoying all the shopping and dining options Downtown Holland has to offer. The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority and we’ll be taking steps to make the event a safe one, including closing 8th Street to vehicular traffic to allow for social distancing, limiting the number of performance locations and encouraging performers to mask up if they can.”

Downtown Holland is currently accepting applications from performing artists and groups who are interested in participating in the Street Performer Series this summer. Interested performers must complete the online application found at https://bit.ly/3tVW59g. A link to audition materials (such as a video or audio recording) must also be submitted as part of the application process. Applications are due by this Friday, May 28.

Performers that are accepted into the Series will be notified by email and given set performance dates and locations. Performers must be 18 years of age or older to apply and groups are currently limited to no more than four members to allow for adequate social distancing.

Performers that are accepted into the Series must obtain a Downtown Holland Street Performer Permit from the Downtown Development Authority prior to their first performance date. The permit application is available online at www.downtownholland.com. Permits are $15 for individuals and $25 for groups. Permits are valid through the end of the calendar year and also allow performers the opportunity to perform at their leisure and busk for tips outside of Thursday nights in the approved performance locations. In addition to busking for tips, performers that participate in the Street Performer Series will receive a stipend of $20 for each performance date. Payments will be made at the conclusion of the Series. Performers can contact the Downtown Holland office at downtown@cityofholland.com or 616.796.0472 with questions about the application process.

About Downtown Holland:
Located in the heart of the City of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and adjacent to the beautiful campus of Hope College, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining and events destination like none other. Downtown Holland features over 100 locally owned boutiques, shops and galleries, along with breweries, cafes and restaurants. Downtown Holland is also home to unique cultural attractions and an award-winning farmers market. For more information and the latest Downtown Holland news and updates, visit us online at www.downtownholland.com, follow Downtown Holland on Facebook and Instagram or call 616.796.1210.

In Person Events Happening in Muskegon County – Monday May 24, – Sunday May 31, 2021

Please check our website for virtual events happening
Our office is closed Memorial Day Monday, May 31, 2021
www.visitmuskegon.org

Monday May 24:

Hackley Library Crafts
Visit Hackley Library website daily to see what take home crafts they have for you. www.hackleylibrary.org 231-722-8000 Limited Supply of crafts.

Movies at the Getty Drive-In Theatre
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Open seven days a week! Only 9 drive-in theaters remain scattered throughout the state of Michigan, and one is found here in Muskegon! The Getty Drive-In Theatre located at 920 E. Summit Ave. offers a double feature on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets a can be pre-ordered here bit.ly/GettyDriveInWebsite Adult $11.00 Child (6-12) $6.50 Senior Citizen (60+) $7.00 College Student $7.00 TACO Tuesday Adult $7.50 231-798-2608

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

Tuesday May 25:

Taste of Muskegon Minced Watch Party
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Taste Award-winning Chef Rusty of Bone Ends is going knife-to-knife with the Taste rookie, Chef Douglas of 794 Kitchen & Bar located at 794 Pine St. They will take a bag of four Muskegon-made ingredients and turn them into something incredible. The watch party is May 25th at 6pm at 794 Kitchen & Bar.

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

Movies at the Getty Drive-In Theatre
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Only 9 drive-in theaters remain scattered throughout the state of Michigan, and one is found here in Muskegon! The Getty Drive-In Theatre located at 920 E. Summit Ave. offers a double feature on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets a can be pre-ordered here bit.ly/GettyDriveInWebsite Adult $11.00 Child (6-12) $6.50 Senior Citizen (60+) $7.00 College Student $7.00 TACO Tuesday Adult $7.50

Live Music at The Deck: Brena
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come down and enjoy Live Music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.

Wednesday May 26:

Cruise-ins at Fricano Place
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Cruise-in nights at Fricano Place every Wednesday located at1050 W. Western Ave. Bring your beautiful cars and set up in the shaded, grassy area.

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

Live Music at The Deck: Upcoast Kin
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Middle and High School Students Open Studio
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Middle & High School Students FREE at Art Council of White Lake located at 106 E. Colby St. 231-893-2524 Registration is required! Visit www.artswhitelake.org/upcoming-classes to register
Middle and High School students are invited to the ACWL-Nuveen for Open Studio sessions on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 5:00, p.m. ACWL-Nuveen staff will be available to help students with both art and music projects. Art students are welcome to bring in projects they are already working on or just an idea for something new. They will be able to use the numerous supplies we have on hand, as well as receive help from ACWL-Nuveen Assistant Director Susan Wink. Music students are invited to bring in the pieces they are currently studying and receive practice and musicality tips from ACWL-Nuveen Director Erin Peyer.

Muskegon Flea Market Opens for the Season
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Flea Market located at 242 W. Western Ave. opens Wednesday, May 5, at 8:00 AM. Flea Market open every Wednesday, May – October.

Street Dancing ~ Cumbia Style
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Come to Olthoff Stage located on the corner of Third and Western in downtown Muskegon. Free Cumbia dance lesson from 6:00 -7:30 pm. We will keep the music on until at least 8:00. No experience or partner needed. Let’s make it a party! Take the lesson and then stay and practice what you’ve learned. If you don’t need a lesson and just want to dance, dance to the side of the lesson or join us at 7:00 for the only opportunity in Muskegon for this venue. No cost for the lesson or dance, but we will accept donations. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
We will be working on Cumbia all of May.

Thursday May 27:

Little Learners: STEAM Play and Learn
10:00 am – 11:00 am
You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay Ave. “Little Learners” is a free literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4.

ASD Sensory After Hours
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Families whose children have ASD, or sensory disorders, are invited to attend a special ASD sensory after-hours event at Lakeshore Museum Center located at 430 W. Clay! This is a FREE event where a variety of accommodations have been put into place to create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe place for families.

Aquastar Sunset Cruises
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Great Scott
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

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

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

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

Friday May 28:

Aquastar Sunset Cruises
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Blammo
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Hackley Attic Escape Room
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Experience the Hackley House located at 484 W. Webster as you never have before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors. Now it is up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks, and riddles. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

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

Fire Pit Follies – Fundraising Concerts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
We’re bringing the show to your place! Muskegon Civic Theatre invites you, your friends and family to enjoy a Broadway concert in your own driveway, backyard, or patio – performed by the actors you’ve come to know and love at Civic Theatre! For $250, you can host up to 25 people, and enjoy a 40-minute show at your own home – complete with Broadway standards you know by heart. Performers will arrive in groups via car to sing their hearts out for you. Hosts will also receive a free gift basket filled with s’mores kit, and concession favorites. Email info@muskegoncivictheatre.org or call 231-722-3852 to make reservations.

Saturday May 29:

Pickin’ on Pine Market
9:00am-4:00pm
The Front Porch located at 758 Pine St. once again presents…A One Day Shopping Experience like no other! So Grab up your friends, family and neighbors too because our Pickin’ on Pine Market is back this May in Downtown Muskegon!

Yoga at Heritage Landing
9:00 am – 10:00 am
This is an all levels yoga class appropriate for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Instructors will give lots of ways to make poses appropriate for all! Please bring your own yoga mat or towel/blanket. The class is donation based, pay as you can. Heritage Landing is located at 1050 Seventh St.

Climb Muskegon South Pierhead Light
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Climb the 48 foot tall Muskegon South Pierhead Light and experience the unique feeling of traveling back in time. Up two spiral staircases and a shipman’s ladder, this ironclad tower built in 1903 boasts unparalleled views from the lantern room at the tower top. www.muskegonlights.org

Live Music at The Deck: Sushi Roll
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

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

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

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

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

Sunday May 30:

Blessing of the Boats
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Join Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. on a cruise as they marshal boats up the Muskegon Channel towards Lake Michigan to the South Breakwater Cove. We will enjoy the ceremonial Lighthouse washing representing the start of the boating season. Boaters will then cruise by the Aquastar for the official blessing. What better way to start off the summer!

Aquastar Afternoon Cruises
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Get your camera ready and enjoy the evening breezes while cruising the lake during our sunset cruise aboard the Aquastar located at 560 Mart St. To purchase tickets visit www.aquastarcruises.com for questions please call 231-903-0669

Live Music at The Deck: Moonshot
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Live Music at The Deck: Semple
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Monday May 31:

Our office is closed today Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Ceremony
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
A Memorial Day Ceremony will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the USS LST 393 at 560 Mart Street. Free tours of the LST available after the ceremony.

Live Music at The Deck: The Car Webb Band
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Live Music at The Deck: Blue Jay Bridge
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come down and enjoy live music at The Deck located at 1601 Beach St.!

Hackley Public Library – 2021 June Programs

For more details on programs, visit hackleylibrary.org or HPL’s Facebook page.
For the latest HPL updates and services available, visit hackleylibrary.org and click on the “NEWS” page, or give us a call (231-722-8000)!

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

Ongoing Programs:

Annual Summer Reading Program
June 14 – August 14
Hackley Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is around the corner! This ongoing program is fun for ALL AGES to enjoy. In addition to reading, there will be exciting activities to complete, and cool prizes that you can win! Check back for more details at hackleylibrary.org, on HPL’s Facebook page, call 231-722-8000, or visit the library!

Summer Photo Challenge
June 14 – August 14
Facebook
Duration of Challenge: June 14 – Aug 14, 2021
When prompts come out: Every Monday for 9 weeks beginning June 14
How to Submit: Watch for Hackley Library to post picture prompts, and then post/submit 1 picture a week to the HPL Facebook page with the tag #HPLSummerPhotoChallenge1 (for week 1)
#HPLSummerPhotoChallenge2 (for week 2) etc.
Each week, for 9 weeks, Hackley Library will post picture prompts on the HPL Facebook page. Submitted pictures will be gathered into folders for each prompt, and the public will be able to vote for their favorite pictures from each week by “liking” them. At the end of the challenge, winners of each prompt will have their picture framed and displayed at HPL! Free.

Reading Between the Lines: A Book Discussion Series
6:00 pm, second Monday of each month (June – November)
Join us every second Monday of the month through November for our new book discussion series, Reading Between the Lines. Each month we will gather to discuss a book from different genres including (but not limited to) history, memoir, and mystery. This series will begin as virtual, but may transition as times goes on – watch for more information to come! Details on the books we’ll discuss can be found at hackleylibrary.org or HPL’s Facebook page. Copies of the books can be found at Hackley Library, as well as other area libraries (available copies are limited).
To register, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8011, or stop by the library. Discussion will be casual so, relax, kick back, and let’s talk books! Free.

Left to Write Prompts – Creative Writing Group (Virtual Facebook)
2:00 pm, every Wednesday – Posted to Facebook
Hackley Public Library has a creative writing group called Left to Write! For the time being, we’re bringing “Left to Write” to you virtually! We’ll be posting online writing prompts to HPL’s Facebook page every Wednesday at 2 pm. Anyone can participate by using the prompt to inspire your writing! Once the library is hosting programs inside the library, we will have a special meeting to read over what you’ve written at home. Free.

Facebook Live Story Time Bites
10:30 am, Thursday and Friday mornings in June
Virtual Facebook
Enjoy all the best parts of short live Story Time from the convenience of your home! Join Hackley Library virtually for songs, stories, and movement activities on Thursday and Friday mornings at 10:30 am. Free.

Adult Programs:

Taking Better Pictures
6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 1
Virtual Zoom
Summertime is a great time for pictures: sun, sand, surf! However, not all of us have fancy cameras or the experience to get that perfect shot, so give yourself the advantage of learning from a professional photographer during a virtual class! Emily Baldus, owner of Box of Light Photography, LLC in Muskegon, will explain some of the basics of photography. She will show examples of how to take pictures in different lighting and how to edit photos to create beautiful images. There will be time at the end for questions! To register, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8011, or stop by the library. Free.

Writing Workshop with Moheb Soliman
5:30 pm, Monday, June 21
In Person
Join Great Lakes writer and artist Moheb Soliman for an outdoor nature-writing workshop, followed by a public reading of his new poetry book HOMES (Coffee House Press, 2021) and an informal talk with other local special guests.
Workshop participants will engage in on-site writing prompts and discussion about the connections between nature, language, identity, and modern life.
The reading will present his collection of poems–part postmodern nature poetry and part immigrant travelogue, and the talk will further explore the diverse intersections and narratives of the Great Lakes region.
To register, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8011, or stop by the library.
This program will take place in-person at Heritage Landing Park: 1050 7th St, Muskegon, MI 49440 (free parking, meet at the stage). The program will begin with the workshop at 5:30pm, a reading at 6pm reading, and a talk at 6:30pm. Free.

Youth Services Programs:

Youth Take and Make Craft – Yarn Owl
Instructional video will be posted to HPL’s Facebook page at 3:00 pm on June 1 and 14.
Craft kits will be available to pick up beginning June 1.
Whooo doesn’t love a fun owl craft? These knit critters will be available to pick up from Hackley Library beginning June 1 and through the end of the month while supplies last. Instructional video will be posted to Facebook on Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 14 at 3:00 pm. Free.

Teen Take and Make Craft – Perler Bead Owl Magnet
Instructional video will be posted to HPL’s Facebook page at 3:00 pm on June 1 and 14.
Craft kits will be available to pick up beginning June 1.
Whoooo wants another Perler bead craft? Yooouuuu! Craft kits will be available June 1 and through the end of the month while supplies last. Instructional video will be posted on Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 14 at 3:00 pm. Free.

John Ball Zoo Virtual Animal Program
3:00 pm, Thursday, June 10
Virtual Zoom
John Ball Zoo will be hosting a live virtual program giving us an up-close look at the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations animals use to survive. Watch Hackley Library’s Facebook page for more information on how to register for this Zoom program. Free.

All Ages Take and Disassemble Owl Pellets
3:00 pm, Monday, June 14
Virtual Facebook
Put on your scientist hat and grab an owl pellet from the library! These fascinating masses are one of the ways that scientists have been able to discover the different diets of owls and other birds. Dissecting owl pellets can tell us much about where they live, what they eat, and who they are. Craft kits will be available to pick up from Hackley Library beginning June 14 and through the end of the month while supplies last. Instructional video will be posted to Facebook on Monday, June 14 at 3:00 pm. Free.

Drawing Mythical Creatures with Corinne Roberts
3:00 pm, Tuesday, June 15
Virtual Zoom
You won’t be draggin’ your feet to attend this virtual class! Learn how to draw dragons, a phoenix, and much more. Watch Hackley Library’s Facebook page for more information on how to register for this Zoom program. Free.

Things That Go “Who” in the Night
3:00 pm, Tuesday, June 22
Virtual Zoom
Owls capture the attention of almost anyone who is lucky enough to encounter them in the wild. This program will highlight several common owl species and show participants how they can encourage them to live in their backyard. Watch Hackley Library’s Facebook page for more information on how to register for this Zoom program. Free.

Abortion Meets a Fork in the Road

submitted by Chris Gast, Director of Communication/Education, Right to Life of Michigan

As America’s major political parties have polarized, the issue of abortion has become more polarized. It shouldn’t surprise, because of the broader worldview assumptions underlying each position—though there are plenty of dissenters still to be found on both sides.

This polarization exists alongside the current reality that most Americans are in the “mushy middle” when it comes their abortion views. About a quarter of us believe in absolute unlimited abortion, a quarter believes in the absolute right to life of every child, and those in between are uncomfortable with abortion to varying degrees; they can’t bring themselves to totally end it or embrace it.

Pro-abortion states have recently moved aggressively to shore up their abortion laws in case Roe v. Wade is overturned—and states and voters once again can decide on abortion. They not only endorse abortion, but celebrate it. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo lit up the One World Trade Center pink to celebrate passage of their unlimited abortion bill in 2018. The symbolism is undeniable: a beacon built on the resting place of nearly 3,000 lives lost on one day in 2001 transformed into celebrating the ongoing deaths of nearly 3,000 lives every day in America’s abortion facilities.

America experiences abortion whiplash with every new federal administration. President Biden’s Food & Drug Administration is using the pandemic as an excuse to remove safety regulations on the abortion pill, allowing death to be distributed through the mail. Even though Britain’s recent experience with abortion-by-mail showed dire consequences for women’s health, nothing must stop abortions. Contrast that with President Trump’s policies, including nominating rule of law judges.

Prolife states continue to legislate against abortion at a fast pace. President Trump’s judicial nominees on the 6th U.S. Circuit just sealed a victory for Ohio, allowing them to ban abortion targeted at children with Down syndrome. Other states—including Michigan—are working on expanded versions that ban abortions targeted by race, sex, or any disability.

What will the Supreme Court do? Roe v. Wade means there is no escape valve for this pressure; one side cheated to allow 25% of the country to manufacture absolute legal dominance over the abortion issue. Sadly, the issue is seldom framed this way, because media and academia tend to side with unlimited abortion.

How long can Roe v. Wade continue to survive—after half a century of failing to manufacture the expected pro-abortion consensus?

Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch Encourages Listeners to Hope in God

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association February 9 newsletter

Cissie Graham Lynch released three new episodes of the Fearless podcast in January, centered on facing today’s obstacles with confidence and hope in God.

“We are not to conform to the world, but we are to walk with God,” Lynch said during her first Fearless podcast of the year. “We are to teach our children the stories that God’s Word is truth, the foundation that we are to stand on, the solid rock that we are to stand on in the days we will face.”

Leading up to the March for Life on Jan. 29, Lynch recorded a podcast episode featuring Jeanne Mancini, the president of March for Life and a fierce pro-life advocate. The two discussed the mission behind March for Life, as well as the theme for the 2021 march, Together Strong: Life Unites! “We’re so much stronger… when we’re working together on [advocating for life],” said Mancini. “Giving witness to the life that’s being lost on a regular basis is important in the public square.”

On episode 40 of her Fearless podcast, Lynch explores the question, is unity possible? “Like a lot of words in our culture, unity has lost its meaning and purpose,” Lynch said. She added that when considering unity, “You have to ask the question, what are we unifying with?”

Lynch referenced the book of Romans, where Christians are encouraged to live peaceably with all if possible. “That doesn’t mean that there’s not going to be times where you’re going to have to stand for [biblical] truth… We only have peace when we have truth.”

Concluding that unity cannot be reached without the love and peace of Jesus Christ, Lynch encouraged Christians that it is possible to live in unity with one another. “Unity, fellowship, and love with one another are so important in the body of Christ,” Lynch said. “As Christians, we have more in common than we don’t, and that’s Jesus.”

To listen to these episodes and more, visit www.CissieGrahamLynch.com/category/podcast/.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Deploys to North Carolina, California, and Alabama

from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association February 9 newsletter

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) deployed to four new locations in January. The first two weeks of the New Year saw chaplains travel to Lenoir, North Carolina, and Lancaster, California, to serve at Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospitals that were set up to treat coronavirus patients as numbers increased and overwhelmed the local hospital systems.

“As the virus is spiking at the beginning of 2021, we consider it a privilege to offer emotional and spiritual support in our ministries’ home state of North Carolina, as well as in California where the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has such a long history of serving—primarily after devastating wildfires,” said Josh Holland, assistant director of the BG-RRT.

On Jan. 26, less than 12 hours after an EF-3 tornado swept through Jefferson County, Alabama, BG-RRT chaplains were already on the ground in the area to provide emotional and spiritual support to the community. The tornado damaged more than 400 homes and resulted in one death.

“As we learned of the devastation and loss of life in the aftermath of a tornado, our hearts were broken for those in central Alabama who have had great loss,” said Jack Munday, international director of the BG-RRT. “Our crisis-trained chaplains are there in the midst of this tragedy to provide emotional and spiritual care as the area grieves and begins the recovery process.”

In February, chaplains were continuing to serve in Louisiana where they have been since August 2020 when multiple hurricanes hit the area.

Since the beginning of 2021, more than 70 chaplains have deployed to disaster sites, praying with more than 2,600 people. The BG-RRT served at 50 locations in 2020, offering more than 44,000 prayers on behalf of those who were impacted by disasters.

For more information about the BG-RRT ministry, visit www.RRT.BillyGraham.org/.

Ask Dr. Universe – Horses and Feelings

Dr. Universe: How do horses sense how you feel? –Taylor, 11, New Zealand

Dear Taylor,

When I got your question, I called up my friend and veterinarian Dr. Macarena Sanz who had just finished checking up on the horses at the Washington State University Teaching Hospital. She was happy to help.

“It’s a hard question to assess scientifically,” Sanz said. “But I think everybody who has worked with horses can tell you that horses really do have a certain sense about humans.”

One part of the answer to your question is that horses may be able to respond to a situation using clues from both a person’s facial expression and the emotion in their voice.

In a study from Japan, researchers showed horses some photos of humans with different expressions on their faces, such as happiness or sadness. Along with the photos, the horses also listened to recordings of human voices.

Sometimes the voice and facial expression matched, for example, a happy face with a happy voice. But other times the horse might have seen a photo of a happy expression but heard a sad voice.

“Horses were able to pick on that,” Sanz said. “When the horse didn’t feel like things matched, they would stare at the screen a lot longer.”

It kind of makes you wonder what exactly the horses must have been thinking. These kinds of studies will help researchers start to put together a better picture of how horses respond to humans.

You know, your question also made me curious about the ways humans figure out what horses are feeling. It turns out that horses have 17 expressions they can use to communicate, such as puckering their lips or dropping their jaw. Some expressions communicate they are in pain.

If you’ve ever stubbed your toe or broken a bone, maybe you know that feeling that makes you scrunch up your face in pain. That’s a kind of expression called a grimace.

Sanz said veterinarians use a scale called a grimace scale, which includes photos and information about different horse expressions and behaviors, like when they hold back their ears. It’s a tool many veterinarians who work with horses will use in their careers.

“I remember when I was starting my career, my boss would come in and say, ‘Oh, this horse has –that look–and it’s going to need surgery’ and she was right. The horse needed the surgery. And now I can see that look too,” she said.

While humans and horses have been a part of each other’s lives for thousands of years, there is still a lot to learn. Sanz said it’s likely we will continue to learn even more about the way humans and horses interact, especially as many studies have been showing that these interactions can have lots of health benefits.

Perhaps one day you’ll be a veterinarian who helps us provide the best care for horses or a researcher who helps us better understand the ways in which horses sense the world.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

P.S. Do you want to support science education and find out how to get an Ask Dr. Universe face masks? Visit askDrUniverse.wsu.edu/masks

Know a kid with a science question?

Adults can help kids submit a question for a chance to be featured in a future video, podcast, or Q&A post.

Second Annual Collaborative Art Piece

Exceptional Advocacy Award Nominations Now Open

Find the nomination form here!

Hikes & Activities

Restoration at Riverside Park

Changing of the Guard! United Way of the Lakeshore Welcomes New Board Members!

To Our Retiring Board Members, Thank You!

Tyler Sales Vice President and General Manager, Tom Schultz, Will Lead Our Campaign Cabinet As Our 2021 Campaign Chair!

Monday June 7:

Tuesday June 8:

Wednesday June 9:

Thursday June 10:

Friday June 11:

Saturday June 12:

Sunday June 13:

Please check our website for virtual events happening www.visitmuskegon.org

Wednesday June 2:

Thursday June 3:

Friday June 4:

Saturday June 5:

Sunday June 6:

1. Joining us for a volunteer work day or a program on June 5, 2021

2. Support your trails by donating to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation

3. Taking the National Trails Day® Pledge

View the online version of the latest issue here!

Monday May 24:

Tuesday May 25:

Wednesday May 26:

Thursday May 27:

Friday May 28:

Saturday May 29:

Sunday May 30:

Monday May 31:

Our office is closed today Memorial Day.

Ongoing Programs:

Adult Programs:

Youth Services Programs:

Know a kid with a science question?

Please check our website for virtual events happening
www.visitmuskegon.org