Author Archives: editor

Dismemberment Ban Petition Approved

Lansing, MI — On June 19, 2019, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved the summary and form of the Michigan Values Life petition to ban dismemberment abortions (D&E) in Michigan.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Our affiliates and volunteers around the state are excited we’re able to begin collecting signatures to end this barbaric procedure in Michigan.”

Michigan Values Life is the name of the committee Right to Life of Michigan organized to collect signatures to initiate the legislation into the Michigan Legislature. The legislation can be passed into law by majority votes in the Legislature with no input from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has promised to veto the legislation.

The dismemberment ban itself is the same as the bills passed by the Michigan House and Senate in May. A section has been added allowing the Michigan Legislature to intervene in lawsuits in case Attorney General Dana Nessel refuses to defend the law in court.

It will take a few weeks for the petitions to be printed and distributed to volunteers who have already expressed interest. State law requires signatures to be collected within 180 days. A petition order form, circulating instructions, and other materials are available on the Michigan Values Life website: michiganvalueslife.org.

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy used the term “dismemberment” to describe dilation and evacuation abortions (D&E).

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

The dismemberment abortion procedure is the most frequently used late-term abortion procedure. In 2018, there were 1,908 dismemberment abortions in Michigan reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The dismemberment ban bills include an exception if the mother’s life is in danger. However, in published research on reasons women have abortions, the pro-abortion Alan Guttmacher Institute has stated that most late-term abortions are done for elective reasons.

Ottawa Sands Acquisition Update & Celebration Announcement

On July 25, Ottawa County Parks completed the acquisition of the Ottawa Sands property in Ferrysburg, MI

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

The first phase of acquisition was made possible by a $4.2 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) in 2018 and allowed Ottawa County Parks to purchase 188 acres of the property. The Land Conservancy purchased the remaining 157 acres in the summer of 2018 by securing a loan from The Conservation Fund, a national organization specializing in low-interest loans for conservation projects. In the year before the second phase of acquisition the Land Conservancy of West Michigan leased its 157 acres to Ottawa County Parks for management, so the park could open to the public.

“Ottawa Sands was an incredible opportunity, and all parties had to act quickly to secure its protection,” said Land Conservancy Executive Director Joe Engel. “We saw the immense value in working with Ottawa County Parks to protect this remarkable piece of property and are very grateful that the community stepped up to make this happen.”

“Being able to close on this property in my first month with Ottawa County Parks was incredibly exciting. Ottawa Sands is clearly special to our community and to the Trust Fund,” said Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks Director. “To receive $8 million in grant funding and over $200,000 in private donations speaks for itself.”

“The Trust Fund grants were critical to the success of this project, and the outstanding support from the community was integral in securing them,” Engel said. “West Michigan stepped up for Ottawa Sands, and we have this stunning new park to show for it.”

Thanks to strong support from the community, The Land Conservancy of West Michigan exceeded its initial fundraising goal, raising nearly $400,000 to secure Ottawa Sands. Half of the funds were used to offset the MNRTF grant and the other half covered expenses related to the loan.

Additional support for this project came from Ottawa Sand Company; Loutit Foundation; Ottawa County Parks Foundation; J.A. Woollam Foundation; the North Bank Communities Fund, Greatest Needs Fund, Environment Fund and the William T. and Shirley A. Baker Fund of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation; and many generous donors.

Ottawa County Parks and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan is celebrating this monumental acquisition with a special event on Tuesday, October 15 from 4:30-6:30 pm.

The evening will include naturalist-led hikes and property tours beginning at 4:30 pm and 6 pm. A short ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. This is an outdoor event, be sure to dress for the weather.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, August 26, 2019, in the township board room.

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

At 7:07pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 1- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney Ron Bultje.

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of July 22, 2019 as presented.

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

Item 8-F: Approval for Lion’s Club street corner sales

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada reported that a pump went down at the Mt. Garfield lift station and is being rebuilt; the leak at the Smiley water tower will be repaired soon, waiting for part.
2. Rose Dillon shared that the Public Safety Director will have a user agreement soon from Merle Boes for the on-site fuel station.
3. Heidi Tice shared that the Community Day slip ‘n slide went well; the new Tree House Child Care Center is now open for business in the Village.
4. Andrea Anderson shared the turnout of the August 6th election; the Township will be reimbursed $6,620.05 by the Veterans Administration for the cost associated with the August 6th election; there will not be a November election in Fruitport.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-097 Best Yard Contest
The addresses submitted for this year’s Best Yard Contest were:
2129 E. Swanson Ct.
5360 Brooks Rd.
6865 Walker Rd.
85 N. 8th Ave.

5360 Brooks Rd. was chosen as the winner.

19-098 Police Special Assessment District discussion
Discussion occurred. The roll was reviewed. The concept of a cost recovery ordinance was also discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

19-099 Approval for Farr Rd. culvert replacement
Per the Muskegon County Road Commission, a culvert failure has been identified on Farr Rd between Johnson Rd and Brooks road. The preliminary cost for the replacement is $9,850.51; of which $2,425.26 is the Township’s responsibility.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the replacement of the culvert on Farr Rd.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

19-100 Budget amendments
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve budget amendments as presented.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None

19-101 Permission to fill Deputy Assessor vacancy and job description approval
Discussion on who will sit on the interview panel and review of the job description.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to grant permission to fill the Deputy Assessor vacancy and approve the job description provided.

19-102 Cell tower lease agreement amendment
The rent received from the tower company is currently $800/month. American Tower has requested to decrease the monthly rent to $450 and add renewal terms (however, the tower company can terminate at any time).

The sentiment of the Board is to leave the lease agreement alone; they are satisfied as is and do not wish to make any changes.

19-103 Road maintenance agreement
Terry Knoll moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to execute the agreement once it is updated with the addition of Spruce St.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: none

19-104 Approval for Lion’s Club street corner sales
The Lion’s Club has requested permission to have their street corner fundraiser on September 13 &14 at the corners of Dangl/Sternberg and Shettler/Sheridan.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to allow the Lion’s Club to sell fundraising items at the designated intersections.

19-104 Payment of bills
Heidi Tice moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $47,247.77; Public Safety $37,668.39; Water $148,547.38; Sewer $13,258.57; T&A $4,784.00; Street lights $15,080.78
Totaling: $266,586.89
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Andrea Anderson shared liquor license correspondences for 6523 Airline Rd. and 5648 Harvey St.
2. Ron Bultje shared copies of sample fireworks ordinances.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/09/19 – 09/16/19

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

Ongoing Events:

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

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

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

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

Roll On Muskegon
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.
• When: Every Monday night. Wheels turn at 6:30pm
• Where: Meet at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market
• Speed: Casual, 8-10 mph
• How Long: Approx. 90 minutes

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

Montague Farmers’ Market
The Montague Farmers’ Market opens the first Saturday in June and runs every Saturday through October. The Market is also open on Wednesdays in July, August, and September.  Market hours are from 9:00am – 1:00pm.  Any farmer or baker who is interested in selling goods at the Market should contact Farmers’ Market Manager, Jeff Auch at City Hall at 231-893-1155 ext. 1757 to check if any booths are available.

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

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

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

USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
Lectures will be presented every Monday beginning September 9 at 6:00pm. The cost is $5.00 per person per lecture or FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  In addition to the lectures, for one week prior to each lecture, they will be showing a film on a related subject. Movies will be shown daily at 1:00pm.  The cost to attend the movie is included with your $6 admission ticket to the museum.  Admission to the museum is also FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

Special Events:

Irish Dance Class
September 9 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Get ready for the Michigan Irish Music Festival (September 12 – 15) with a free beginners Irish dance class!  Monday, September 9 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm join Ardan Dance Academy at Tatra Hall to get your step-dance on!  They are now enrolling for fall classes and all ages are welcome.  For more information visit www.ardanacademy.com.

Muskegon LETR Color Run 2019
September 10 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, join the Muskegon area Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan athletes at a timed 5k Fun Run/Walk!  Day-of registration begins at 5:00pm at Fricano’s rear parking lot area.  The Muskegon LETR Color Run is one in a series of 42 community runs scheduled in September around the state during Law Enforcement Torch Run Week!

The cost to participate in the Color Run is $25 per person or $5 for youth 18 years old and under, which includes a commemorative race shirt, goodie bag, and refreshments.  Any youth who does not want a commemorative race shirt runs for free, but still must register to make sure there are plenty of goodie bags and refreshments for all.

For questions, e-mail mkgfunrun@gmail.com or to sign up at www.give.classy.org/muskegon19.  If you have a community youth group and would like to participate as a group, e-mail mkgfunrun@gmail.com to make a group reservation.  Early packet pick up and late registration will take place on Tuesday, September 9 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Unruly Brewing Co. located at 360 W. Western Ave.

The Art and History of the Celts
September 11 @ 6:00 pm – September 13 @ 8:00 pm
September 11 – 13 and September 16 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Sturrus Technology Center lobby at Muskegon Community College for the free lecture series, “The Art and History of the Celts!” Instructor Tim Norris with guest presenter Michael Johnson will explain where and when Celtic art and culture originated.
They will answer such questions as: Who are the Celts? What traits make their art significant?  How has Celtic art and culture changed over time?  How does their art reflect their unique spiritual beliefs and traditions?  What vestiges of Celtic culture have survived to this day?  What was Ireland’s distinctive role in preserving this heritage?
This course/presentation series also examines how art and history is interpreted and presented through contemporary festivals and popular culture.  For more information, contact tim.norris@muskegoncc.edu or call 231-777-0344.
Schedule:
• September 11: The Rise of the Celts and the Birth of Their Art
• September 12: What Makes Celtic Art “Celtic?”
• September 13: The Book of Kells and Celtic Mythology
• September 16: Celti-Pop- Celtic Traditions Meet Popular Culture

Michigan Irish Music Festival
September 12 – September 15
The Michigan Irish Music Festival returns to Heritage Landing September 12-15!  Back for the 20th year, this festival features continuous music on seven covered stages, featuring live music, great dining options, beverage offerings, and more.  You’ll also love the Celtic Kitchen and Bob and Bernie’s Pub for authentic Irish food and beverages including Irish Fest Stout Irish Cream and others. There’s also the Irish Marketplace children’s activities a cultural center a session tent and tea room.  The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday from 5:00 to 6:00pm.  3-Day passes are also available.  For more information visit www.michiganirish.org.

Hat Happy Hour at the Lakeshore Museum Center
September 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Have a cool hat with a hot story? Thursday, September 12 from 5:30pmn – 7:30pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center for an opportunity to have your hat’s story told in their upcoming community-curated exhibit: Hats Off to Muskegon!
During their Hat Happy Hour, they will be taking photos and information about any hats with ties to Muskegon County. Their committee will then select hats to be loaned to the museum and appear in the exhibit.  At the event, Collections Curator Brenda Nemetz, will highlight a few of the museum’s most interesting hats during a short presentation at 6:00pm.  This free event will feature light appetizers and a cash bar. Don’t have a hat to share? That’s O.K., come have a drink and learn more about the stories behind hats.  For more information call 231-722-0278.

Opening Event: Undying Traditions – Memento Mori
September 12 @ 5:30 pm
The Muskegon Museum of Art presents “Undying Traditions: Memento Mori” this fall, bringing together work by artists from across the United States currently exploring themes of death and earthly pleasure. The exhibition includes paintings, photography, and sculpture and runs September 12, 2019 through January 5, 2020.

The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, September 12 at 5:30pm with a lecture by Art Martin at 7:00pm. Event admission is free.

Featured Artists: Landis Blair, David Cahill, Robert Steven Connett, David Gluck, Kate MacDowell, Jeanette May, Chris Peters, Daniel Sprick, Katherine Stone, Paulette Tavormina, Maria Tomasula, and Will Wilson.

Program support is provided, in part, through a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the arts. For more information call 231-720-2570.

Hackley Attic Escape Room
September 13 & 14 @ 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Experience the Hackley House as no one has before! For many years, the Hackley Attic has been a mysterious place for visitors, now, it’s up to you and your closest friends to escape a Victorian storage room filled with puzzles, locks and riddles!  Brush up on your Muskegon history and escape the attic in 80 minutes!  Space is limited to 10 people per session, so be sure to order your tickets through Eventbrite.com!  The cost is $15 for museum members or $20 for non-members.  For more information call 231-722-7578.

Contemporary Kid Super Saturday
September 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
September 14 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, bring the family to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a “Contemporary Kid Super Saturday!” This free family fun day will get you touch with your inner artist.  Activities and admission are free!  For more information call 231-720-2570.
• 10:00am & 1:00pm – Family Film
• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Guided Look: Explore the 91st Michigan Contemporary Exhibition with a MMA Docent.
• 11:00am – 2:00pm – Make & Take: Create your own abstract color collage in the classroom!

The Be Event
September 14 @ 1:00 pm
September 14 at 1:00pm, you’re invited to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater for “The Be Event” featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Jean Houston; PhD, scholar, philosopher and researcher in Human Capacities, as well as one of the foremost visionary thinkers and doers of our time. Tickets are $75.00 and available at the box office by calling 231-727-8001.

Shoreline Victorian Ladies Society 25th Anniversary: Victorian Dress and Customs
September 14 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday, September 14 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library as the Shoreline Victorian Ladies Society hosts Wendy Batchelder in celebration of the society’s 25th Anniversary!  Wendy, who hand makes her Victorian outfits, will give an interactive presentation on what it was like to dress and live as a Victorian woman.  Don’t miss this fashionably fun event!  Refreshments will be available during this FREE program which is recommended for all ages.  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

Exploding Paint
September 14 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, September 14 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library as they partner with the Muskegon Museum of Art to create unique masterpieces during the Exploding Paint program!  Kids ages 2 – 17 will combine a seltzer tablet with water and paint and to create a bright work of art.  This program will take place outside on the lawn between the library and the art museum.  Smocks and supplies will be provided to participants during this free event!  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

SNW Fitness 10 Year Celebration
September 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, September 14 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Shoreline Natural Wellness & Fitness (SNW Fitness) will be celebrating 10 years in the business of changing lives!  Everyone is invited to come by for appetizers and a Champagne toast, as well as giveaways, special discounts and awards.  For more information call 231-750-2525.

Odd Side Ales Full Moon Cruise
September 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, September 14 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, board the Aquastar for an Odd Side Ales Full Moon Cruise!  Come howl at the full moon as you cruise Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan and take in the show only West Michigan can provide…a beautiful sunset AND a full moon.  This cruise features Odd Side Ales beverages, live music by the Intolerables and light appetizers.  Tickets are $35 per person and include your first beer.  Book your spot now at www.aquastarcruises.com.

Retro Expo
September 15 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, September 15 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the Retro Expo! This is an outdoor vintage market filled with vendors selling retro goods and up-cycled items.  For more information call (231) 670-3722.

Grand Valley State University Winter Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Winter 2019 semester concluding in April. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.

Students honored for the winter semester include:

Fruitport: Tyler A. Adams; Matthew C. Davidson; Ian M. Heil; Kaylin R. Peyerk; Brittany L. Preston; Alyson J. Rosema; Lauren R. Sander; Gabrielle A. Schaub; Isaac Stephenson; Michael M. Walstra; Rachel M. Weiland

Muskegon (49444): Bradley C. Chorny; Brandy M. Cumbee; Lauryn H. Doctor; Megan L. Harken; Jessica E. Herring; Madelynn F. Kelly; Stephanie A. Langlois; Shane M. Lucas; Zachary R. Manguem; Brendan S. Peterman; Cade B. Snuffer; Alexis K. Syswerda; Logan R. Vanderlaan

Nunica: Heather A. Carlson; Annemieke K. Engelsma; Morgynn M. Reedy; Taylor J. Stanton; Jenna M. Visniski

Ravenna: Marissa Aney; Lillian R. Lieffers

Spring Lake: Cameron J. Amaya; Carley E. Bench; Alexander C. Brower; Macayla M. Carrns; Matthew D. Cassar; Thomas M. Clover; Sarah C. Corgan; Aylissa M. Curry; Bradley D. Debien; Hannah M. Dursema; Michael T. Farwig; Eli L. Flores; Madeline J. Foster; Konnor A. French; Jillian F. Garzelloni; Olivia K. Grimmer; Drew A. Henman; Sabrina I. Hochhuth; Jillian C. Huizenga; Olivia R. Jones; Hannah R. Junglas; Jacob D. Kugler; Jeremiah B. Masvero; Jaime L. McCool; Rylan L. Peets; Christian L. Pelke; Benjamin A. Reck; Matthew A. Schmidt; Jillian J. Schnurstein; Veronica M. Schoemer; Dylan D. Styburski; Madison R. Terpstra; Breanna N. Tullis; Kyle R. VanDenHeuvel; Abby K. VanOtteren; Samuel N. Ventocilla; Hannah J. Walling; Jacob T. Weesies; Leah J. Wilcox

Grand Valley State University Winter Graduate List

More than 3,200 Grand Valley State University students participated in commencement ceremonies this past April at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. A list of the names of Grand Valley’s most recent graduates follows.

Students who graduated at the conclusion of the Winter 2019 semester in April include:

Fruitport: Kaylin R. Peyerk, BBA; Allison L. Van Kampen, MSW

Muskegon (49444): Montoya J. Briggs, BSW; Joleen K. Cejmer, BS; Brandy M. Cumbee, BS; Jessica E. Herring, BS; Chelsey J. Kriger, MSW; Allie M. LaLone, BS; Stephanie A. Langlois, BS; Emily J. Leindecker, BBA; Logan R. Vanderlaan, BME

Nunica: Heather A. Carlson, BA; Nickolas M. Carrier, BS; Taylor J. Stanton, BSW; Jenna M. Visniski, BA

Ravenna: Alicia R. Cole, BA; Lillian R. Lieffers, BS; Kelly M. Merrill, MED; Lisa A. VanderWal, BBA; Leann K. Williams, BS

Spring Lake: Alexander C. Brower, BBA; Benton W. Conrad, BS; Aylissa M. Curry, BS; Shelby L. Kiser, MSW; Andrew R. McDonough, MED; Anne K. Revilla, BBA; Tiffany M. Sias, MSW; Katelyn E. Sinn, MSW; Saxton Q. Stafford, BS; Sarah E. Tibbe, MED; Erin R. Vargo, BS; Hannah J. Walling, BA

Americans Blinded by the God of this World

The God of this World is Satan, the Great Deceiver.  He has blinded Americans into believing killing unborn humans is a Woman’s right, but God forbids killing innocent humans made after His image.

We have done a terrible job in America, by not following God and the Word of God.  He told us we are to warn those that are committing iniquities against His Moral Laws, so they can turn around and not go to Hell.

Those warned, who don’t change their way, will die in their sin and be lost forever.  Their blood will be on their hands.  But if we failed to warn them, their blood will also be on our hands.

So, let this be a warning to politicians, and others, who support abortion.  You are supporting perhaps the greatest iniquity one can commit, the mass murder of the most innocent of human beings.

No matter what good things you done during your life time, when you come before Jesus, He will say, “I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity,”  He will also say,  into the “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Our Declaration of Independence asserted certain unalienable rights, which includes, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” not the taking of life.

By the way, approximately half of those unborn murdered, were female, and most would have been loving mothers, like our mothers were.

Stop blinding others and accept the fact that abortion, is downright, the murder of innocent human beings, which God says He forms in the womb of the mother.

God’s will is that you believe, repent, and be saved.  Unbelief spells doom.

Ask Dr. Universe – Whales’ IQ

Hi Dr. Universe: Are whales smart? -Tishawnie P., 9, Massachusetts

Dear Tishawnie,

Whales can learn to do all kinds of amazing things. Humpback whales learn how to blow bubbles and work together to hunt for fish. Dolphins, a kind of toothed whale, teach their babies different sounds. It’s a kind of language the young dolphin will know for life.

But to find out just how smart whales really are, I asked my friend Enrico Pirotta, a Washington State University researcher who studies how blue whales make long journeys across the ocean.

Before he revealed the answer to your question, he shared a bit more about intelligence. Usually people talk about intelligence as the ability to learn something and apply what they learn, he said. It can be tricky to compare our intelligence with other animals, but it’s something some scientists think about.

“There is not an IQ test we can do with whales,” Pirotta said.

Whales have instincts. They follow their moms, go to the surface to breathe, but they can also learn. They have a pretty high level of intelligence when compared to a lot of other animals, he adds.

Pirotta told me that if we were in Australia, we might even see some dolphins who learn to carry sea sponges on their beak. They do this to protect their beaks from getting poked by critters or sharp pieces of coral while they search around for food in the sand.

It’s also important to note that what we know about whale intelligence comes mostly from studying those in captivity, especially dolphins. We still don’t know as much about wild whales, but Enrico said that the studies we do have are showing that the wild whales are likely just as intelligent.

Whales have pretty big brains. In fact, the largest brain on the planet belongs to the sperm whale. The sperm whale brain weighs about five times as much as a human brain. But just because you have a big brain doesn’t necessarily make you smarter.

However, we do know that animals that have a big brain compared to their body do tend to have a certain kind of intelligence. One particular thing scientists look at when studying intelligence has to do with special cells that help animals process information. They are called spindle neurons and they’ve been found in humans, elephants, and apes, too. Scientists have found connections between these parts and an animal’s ability to learn and apply knowledge.

Pirotta also said that some animals like whales also appear to have something called emotional intelligence. They can show signs of empathy, grief, joy, and playfulness. All of these learned behaviors, types of intelligence, and signs of teamwork have led scientists to think about groups of whales in new ways, too.

“We now believe this qualifies as a form of culture,” Pirotta said.

Who knows? Maybe one day you will use your own human intelligence to study whales and help us learn more about whale culture and what’s going on inside their brains.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Submit a question!

Village of Fruitport Special Council Meeting Minutes – 08/26/19

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 26TH 7PM

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 7:00pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Carl Rothenberger, Amy Haack, Bill Overkamp, Jeff Guiles and Jay Bolt.
Absent: Donna Pope

5. Approval of August 26th Council Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Bill to approve the meeting agenda, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Public Comment
None

7. Sink hole on Beech between 7th & 8th
Roger reviewed the issue with the sink hole and the need for repair. He provided 3 quotes for the work. A discussion took place regarding the quotes. A motion was made by Carl Rothenberger to accept the bid of $14,800.00 from McCormick Sand, Inc. for Storm Sewer Crossing Repair on Beech Street between 7th & 8th Avenue with a payment from the Local Streets Fund, with the addition of payment upon completion and inspection of work, any changes to the quote must be received in writing and approved prior to work being down and that it is completed by September 6th, 2019, supported by Jeff Guiles.
Roll call AYES: Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYS: None
Absent: Pope

8. Removal of Buoys
Roger advised that Bill Stone offered to remove the buoys for us at a cost of $100.00. Discussion took place and it was decided to stay with the current company for the removal of buoys.

9. Donated Park Property
Council had approved brush hogging the new park property in the spring and it has not been done. A discussion took place and Roger agreed to call Paul Schultz to have the work completed.

10. Public Comment
None

11. Adjournment
Motion made by Carl to adjourn at 7:58pm, supported by Jeff. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – 09/09/19

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

SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 8/26/19
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Police Special Assessment District

08. New Business
A. Resolution in honor of Lueneda Johnson’s 100th Birthday
B. First Reading: 2018 Edition of the International Fire Code Ordinance
C. First Reading: Zoning Text Amendment Ordinance to prohibit recreational marihuana establishments
D. Approval to fill part-time Police Department clerical vacancy

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

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

Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

by Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely know who they are.

The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t claim that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or are endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).

People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare.” Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though Social Security offers the same services free of charge. These services include getting:
• A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name;
• A Social Security card to replace a lost card;
• A Social Security Statement; and
• A Social Security number for a child.

If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope (if applicable), to:

Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235

You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10005.pdf.

Successful Local Businessman Speaks to Calvary Christian High School Assembly

tedfricano

Picture credit: Brad Richards

Local businessman Ted Fricano, owner of Fricano Place and Fricano’s pizza in Muskegon as well as the brand new “Ted’s”  restaurant in Spring Lake, was a highly anticipated guest speaker at Calvary Christian Schools in Fruitport.  Ted gave an impassioned speech about Civics, Entrepreneurship, and strategies for being successful after high school.  His main themes for success included “Hard Work, Dedication, and Prayer” as well as “Actions, Attitude, and Atmosphere”.  He gave important tips on how to apply for a job and good habits for the students to have in life, including starting everything with prayer.  These themes were given with real world motivational and inspirational examples, and the students of Calvary were active listeners and very enthusiastic about Fricano’s message.  Calvary Senior Emily Wesner said “I truly feel inspired, motivated, and enlightened by Mr. Fricano”, while senior Kristina Warren said “Mr. Fricano is a great example of perseverance and dedication”, and senior Nick Cadena said “It’s my dream to open my own restaurant someday”.  Calvary Christian Schools would like to extend a big thank you to Ted Fricano for his willingness to take the time and effort to share with our students!

 

Construction Continues on Idema Explorers Trail

Ottawa County Parks Foundation, Georgetown Township help fund new section of Idema Explorers Trail

Quick facts:
• Project is the result of government/non-profit partnership
• More work needs to be done to complete entire Grand River Greenway & Idema Explorers Trail
• This segment sets stage for future connections

Dozers, graders, and rollers are clearing the way for the next segment of the Idema Explorers Trail in Georgetown Township. Crews are constructing 1.17 miles of 10’-wide pathway along Cottonwood Drive and 10th Avenue near the Jenison business district.

This segment of trail was funded through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s Grand River Greenway Campaign in partnership Ottawa County Parks and Georgetown Township. The funding from these organizations leveraged a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

The Cottonwood Drive segment is part of a multi-year effort to complete the core Grand River Greenway in Ottawa County. The effort includes purchasing up to 700-acres of additional land along the Grand River and constructing 27-miles of new trail (the Idema Explorers Trail) to connect the Greenway lands together over the next five years.

roadconstructionThe Idema Explorers Trail is being constructed in phases along the south side of the Grand River. Once completed, the non-motorized multi-use pathway will be 35 miles in length and will connect together eight county and state parks in Ottawa County. It also connects Millennium Park to Grand Haven for the first time, the two Grand Valley State University campuses together, and hundreds of miles of regional trails including a direct route to downtown Grand Rapids.

The Parks Foundation funding was made possible through its Grand River Greenway Campaign which is co-chaired by Peter Secchia, Monica Verplank, and Samantha Verplank. To complete the entire project, more funding is needed and donor engagement is ongoing. Enough funding has been raised to leverage future potential grants and construct 2/3 of the trail route. Still, to help ensure that the $41 million, multi-decade Greenway project is completed, $1.2 million in philanthropic funding is still needed.

“We believe the Idema Explorers Trail will be a vital recreational and pedestrian/bicycle transportation route for people in Ottawa County as well as for visitors all over West Michigan and beyond,” said Secchia. “It is great to see the next step being taken, but we need to continue to work together to support the Greenway so that we can re-connect our communities back to the river.”

“There is seven miles of riverfront in Georgetown Township, but there is no bikeable/walkable access to the river for most of our residents,” said Georgetown Township Supervisor Jim Wierenga. “The work being done on Cottonwood Drive moves us closer to making that possible.”

The new segment of Idema Explorers Trail along Cottonwood Drive will be important transportation route for the more densely populated neighborhoods of the Jenison area. It also sets the stage for important future connections/amenities including:

• Future connections to protected park areas (the Bend Area and as yet an unnamed 40-acre space north of Baldwin Street)
• Future direct connection to Kent Trails near the Ottawa/Kent County border once trail is constructed to the east.
• Future connection to the Grand River waterfront which will the first walkable/bikeable route to public land along the Grand River in Georgetown Township.

The Ottawa County Road Commission is administering the TAP grant and also designed the project. Brenner Excavating out of Hopkins Michigan is handling construction.

For more info on the 2019 construction visit: https://news.miottawa.org/idema-explorers-trail/

Grand River Greenway Facts
• 14 county parks properties with over 2,700 acres of land
• Greenway also features a water trail (Grand River Heritage Water Trail) and a historic features tour for motorists (Historic River Road).
• Over 5,000 acres of land owned by other agencies between Grand Haven and Grand Rapids

To help complete the Greenway, the Parks Foundation launched the Grand River Greenway Campaign which is now only $1.2 million from completing its fund-raising goal. To learn more or donate, visit http://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/ or call 616-215-6544.

Social Security Delivers the Most Popular Baby Names in Michigan for 2018

The Social Security Administration announced the most popular baby names in May for 2018. Noah and Olivia topped the list.

The top five boys and girls names for 2018 in Michigan were:

Boys:
1) Noah
2) Oliver
3) Liam
4) Benjamin
5) William

Girls:
1) Olivia
2) Ava
3) Emma
4) Charlotte
5) Amelia

Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced last week that Liam and Emma were the most popular baby names in the U.S.  How does Michigan compare to the rest of the country?  Check out Social Security’s website — www.socialsecurity.gov— to see the top national baby names for 2018.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Settles ‘Ballot Selfie’ Case

Agreement allows voters to photograph own ballot; other restrictions remain in place

May 8, 2019 – Subject to court approval, the secretary of state today settled a federal lawsuit challenging Michigan’s restrictions on ballot photography, sometimes known as “ballot selfies.”

Under the settlement, in which both parties to the suit agreed to dismiss the case, voters will be allowed to take a photograph of their own ballot but only while in the voting booth. The agreement doesn’t affect other prohibitions on photography in the area where voting is occurring or sharing ballot images within 100 feet from the polling place (the buffer zone where electioneering is prohibited).

Ottawa County Honors Employees for Customer Service

Join us in congratulating Judy Kettring, Community Health Worker, from the Department of Public Health and Frank Archer, Maintenance Worker, from the Facilities Maintainance Department, who have been recognized as Ottawa County’s Outstanding Customer Service Award recipients for the first quarter of 2019. You can read the nominations which earned each recipient an award plus learn more about them at miOttawa.org.

kettring

Judy Kettering

“Judy truly cares about the well-being of the people she works with in the community and it shows in her efforts to assure she is providing the highest level of customer service. She is consistent, compassionate, responsive and reliable. Judy is a great representative of the Ottawa Way and demonstrates what customer service is all about.”  said Susan Keen, Nurse Supervisor.

 

 

archer

Frank Archer

“In Frank’s twenty-five plus years with the County Facilities team, he continually demonstrates to all his natural talent for customer service.  He always greets our customers with a friendly hello and a smile. He gives his full attention to their issue and quickly follows up with a solution and a can-do attitude. We are all proud of Frank’s work, the example he sets for others and being recognized for this achievement,” said John Borgerding, Building and Grounds Supervisor.

 

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

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

Ottawa County Population and Growth Rates

headerThe 2018 population estimates for townships, cities, and villages were released by the U.S. Census Bureau in May.  Some of the Ottawa County highlights are provided below:

• All of the townships, cities, and villages in Ottawa County continued to grow in population between 2010 and 2018
• Since 2010, the local units that experienced the largest population growth rates were Allendale (28.9% increase), Jamestown (22.5% increase), Blendon (16.1%), and Grand Haven Townships (15.6% increase)
• Grand Haven Township experienced the largest population growth rate between 2017 and 2018 (3.9% increase)

The County population estimates, which were released in April, showed Ottawa County as the fastest growing in the State and the 8th most populous.

The County Statistics page has been updated to reflect the latest population estimates.

Secretary Benson to Expand Appointment Option to Every Secretary of State Branch Office

Move is a significant step toward achieving 30-minute guarantee for all Michigan residents

MACKINAC ISLAND – May 30, 2019 — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today announced that the Michigan Department of State is expanding the option for Michigan residents to schedule appointments to every branch office across the state.

“No one in Michigan should wait more than 30 minutes to renew their license, register their vehicle or register to vote,” Benson said. “With our statewide expansion of appointments, every Michigan resident will have the option to make an appointment at their local branch office and get in and out of a branch office in less than 30 minutes.”

The Department of State currently offers appointments in 43 branches. The appointment option will be expanded to the remaining 88 branches in phases beginning in mid-June. Customers also will be able to make appointments to complete interstate commercial truck registrations at the International Registration Plan office in Dimondale.

“As I visited our 131 branch offices during my first 100 days in office, every resident I met who had the option to make an appointment ahead of time was able to get in and out of the branch office in less than 30 minutes. But our limited appointment options weren’t available to all residents,” Benson said. “This important change will ensure we are able to serve more residents effectively and efficiently throughout our state. It’s the first of several steps we intend to take in the months and years ahead as we modernize how the Department of State provides services for Michigan’s residents.”

As the expansion is phased in, Michigan residents can schedule appointments at their convenience by selecting the day, time and location they would like to visit at Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments.

Jim Edmonson Selected to Lead a New Era of Economic Development as Head of Muskegon Area First

jedmonsonMUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon Area First Economic Development Corp. – the Muskegon County-wide non-profit economic development agency – is being transformed by community leaders from a government-led organization to one mainly funded and directed by the private sector.

A newly recreated, private-sector-led Muskegon Area First (MAF) board of directors has selected Jim Edmonson as its new president and chief executive officer to launch the new direction of the agency. Edmonson brings 43 years of economic development experience to the new position, including three years as MAF head in 2004-07.

The former Muskegon Area First board of directors hired Edmonson Associates of Baton Rouge, LA to help it in the transition. Edmonson took over the leadership of the agency June 3.

“Every era in a community’s history has different economic development needs,” said new MAF Board Chairman Mike Olthoff, CEO of Nichols – one of the largest independently owned paper, package and sanitary supply distributors in the Great Lakes region headquartered in Norton Shores.

“In 2019, Muskegon County needs to support its current employers with a skilled workforce as it continues to grow the county’s manufacturing base with local company expansions and attraction of new companies to fill needed niches in our economy. The MAF board feels that Jim Edmonson is perfectly suited to launch a new direction for Muskegon Area First and have the agency address the current economic development needs of Muskegon County.”

Edmonson will be spending his initial months with MAF establishing the private-sector led agency, which will still have financial and strategic relationships with local governments in Muskegon County. Early work with the revamped agency will be with ongoing development of revenues, a first-year budget and reorganization of staff.

“Honestly, I did not consult with MAF to become its next president and CEO,” Edmonson said. “But board members were very persuasive and this is an incredible time to be involved in Muskegon County economic development. Look around, Muskegon County is going through an historic community transformation. As a county resident, I am thrilled to be asked to be a part of it.”

Muskegon Area First has been in transition since former President and CEO Ed Garner left the agency for a regional small business development position in October 2017. Leading MAF through its transition has been interim President and CEO Darryl Todd, who will remain with the agency to work on business and talent development.

“We have been fortunate to have Darryl Todd provide steady leadership in countywide economic development these past 20 months and the board thanks him for his dedication to the community,” Olthoff said. “As MAF evolves, we are confident that Darryl’s skills will be used to meet the economic development needs the agency will be addressing.”

Hometown Health Hero Award

hhhaward

State Representative Brad Slagh, Public Health Nurse Leanna Kermeen, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon, State Senator Roger Victory

Leanna Kermeen, public health nurse, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, received a 2019 Hometown Health Hero Award presented by the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership. This award recognizes people across the state working tirelessly to maintain and improve the health of their local communities. Kermeen received the award for her dedication to the migrant farm worker program in Ottawa County. When Kermeen clocks out of work, she does not go home or run errands, instead she visits migrant communities to provide sexual health services and education to break down barriers to STD testing and treatment.

“Your impactful work to improve the health of migrant workers outside of your normal working hours is exemplary and we wish you continued success,” stated James Koval, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in the award letter.

During the last two years, Kermeen has worked with public health agencies, private farm owners and growers and a multi-county migrant resource council to identify and treat communicable diseases within the camps; primarily in men 25 years of age and younger. Her work to slow or stop the spread of infections, such as chlamydia, has positively impacted migrant farm workers and the community. She also connects with local food pantries to seek donated food, ensuring the workers have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, toothbrushes and other necessities.

“Public health is vital to the health of our county, state and nation. An act of public health positively impacts a person but it has a ripple effect to the larger population,” exclaimed Kermeen. “It’s been my privilege, honor and passion to work in public health. Receiving a Hometown Health Hero Award is humbling and it gives validation for the work being done. This work matters, and it’s thrilling to drive public health forward with such a supportive network.”

Underfunding of Michigan Mental Health System Shifts Financial Burden to Counties

County governments are being forced to loan millions to cover state shortfalls

A lack of adequate mental health funding from the state is putting an increased financial strain on already cash-strapped county governments, including Muskegon County.

HealthWest, a department of Muskegon County, is the local Community Mental Health Service Program (CMHSP) and is responsible for providing government-mandated services to those on Medicaid with a serious mental illness, developmental disability, serious emotional disturbance, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.

About 84 percent of HealthWest’s $69 million annual budget comes from Medicaid payments distributed by the State of Michigan through local Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs).  Muskegon County’s general fund is responsible for roughly 1 percent of HealthWest’s annual budget. The remaining budget is funded through grants, substance use block grants and Public Act 2, the state general fund, reimbursements, and third-party funding sources.

However, delays in payments from the state and inadequate funding of the PIHPs have forced county governments across the state, including Muskegon County, to loan millions of dollars to their Community Mental Health Service Programs to cover expenses for programs the CMHSPs are required by law to provide.

Of the 10 PIHPs across the state, 9 are projecting a funding deficit for FY2019 and 4 PIHPs have no reserve funds to cover the anticipated shortfalls, including the Lakeshore Regional Entity. Lakeshore serves as the PIHP for Muskegon, Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Oceana, and Ottawa counties.

These shortfalls have forced Muskegon County to loan more than $9 million from the county to cover payments owed to HealthWest, some of which date back as far as FY2017. Those funds have been used to pay for Medicaid-eligible services, which HealthWest is legally required to provide to any eligible Muskegon County resident.

“It is unfair that Muskegon County taxpayers are asked to foot the bill for services the State of Michigan is legally required to pay for,” said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. “We are working hard to ensure Muskegon County residents are receiving quality mental health services in the most cost-efficient manner possible, while also working with legislators to find real solutions to the state’s shortfall in mental health funding.”

HealthWest workers are carrying larger than ever caseloads and serving more people with less. In addition, administrative costs have been cut in response to the state’s funding issues, making it very challenging to respond to the rapidly changing mental health care scene. Since FY2015, HealthWest has become increasingly efficient in its service delivery, reducing delivery cost per person by more than 20 percent.

HealthWest has also joined the Section 298 Pilot, which will improve the coordination of publicly-funded physical and behavioral health services in Michigan and overhaul how they are funded. “The pilot gives us the chance to use savings resulting from improved care coordination to expand the services we provide to more people, and to better manage care for the whole person,” Rupp adds. Research shows that integrated care leads to overall community savings and better outcomes for the individuals served.

The cost of providing services continues to increase along with demand for services. Since FY2015, HealthWest has experienced a 41 percent increase in the number of people it serves annually. However, funding from the state has not kept pace as Medicaid payments have increased only 12 percent over the same period.

A study released earlier this year by the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan revealed a $150 million gap between the cost of health care and the funding provided to Michigan’s public mental health system.

Properly addressing the state’s mental healthcare needs not only helps those struggling with mental health issues, but it also saves county taxpayers money by reducing the strain on other more-costly services, such as the criminal justice and emergency medical systems.

“The state’s payment formulas have not kept up with the increasing demand for mental health services,” said Rupp. “This puts our local governments, taxpayers, and individuals receiving services at risk.”

For more information on Michigan’s mental health system underfunding, visit https://cmham.org/systemic-underfunding-of-michigans-public-mental-health-system/. To learn more about HealthWest, visit www.healthwest.net.

Pilot Project in Holland Aims to Help get People Outside Using Nature Prescriptions

ocparksPark Rx America is a new platform available to Holland-area doctors used to prescribe patients with time outdoors at a park that is accessible and convenient.

Ottawa County Parks, along with the City of Holland, Holland Charter Township, Park Township, Laketown Township, and the Outdoor Discovery Center are partnering with a non-profit organization, Park Rx America, and the Holland Hospital Physical Hospital Organization (PHO) to bring nature prescriptions to patients. Leading this pilot project is Dr. Beth Peter MD whose background is in family medicine.

streamGo get some fresh air is advice that’s been given for years. Intuitively, many people know that fresh air and sunshine can make you feel better, but in the past there hasn’t been much science to back that up. That is changing.

A number of recent evidentiary studies are uncovering the science behind the healing power of nature. Researchers are finding that time spent outdoors can have many positive, measurable outcomes such as: reduced stress, improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and increased social connectedness. (A full list of findings can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5744722/).

beachAt the same time humans are spending more time inside and in front of screens and other studies beg the question: Why is our culture so stressed?

“What those researchers are finding is that we were designed to be healthier, to exercise more and to eat more plants,” says Dr. Peter. “Our brains are developed for sunshine and fresh air.”

Park Rx America is a platform physicians can use to get their patients outdoors more often and create healthier habits. It contains a database of area parks that includes information to help doctors prescribe a park that will be the right fit for a patient. “Park Rx America will be helpful to patients and doctors because we don’t always know what’s out there,” said Dr. Peter. “It can also help answer important questions like ‘are there accessible pathways and bathrooms’? Or, ‘are dogs allowed?’”

Once doctors find the right park, they can create a prescription for their patient. Individuals will receive text reminders to visit their prescribed park and are able to check in when they arrive. They can also opt-in to answer questions about how they are feeling after their time outside. After the initial prescription is filled, the hope is that people keep coming back and perhaps begin to explore new places.

“The PHO is always searching for resources we can give our physicians to help them motivate their patients to make important habit changes so they are healthier, feel better, and are less stressed,” said Dr. Peter. “Park Rx America is one we’re really excited about.”

Dismembering Human Beings is Wrong

Since New York endorsed abortion-on-demand through all nine months of pregnancy, prolifers have been on the move. Many people who considered themselves prolife but didn’t commit themselves to regular efforts to end abortion have suddenly been awakened and activated.

Many of those people have seen prolife legislation in other states and wonder what Michigan will do. In Michigan, our focus will be a ban on dismemberment abortions (also called a D&E abortion).

Sadly, in Michigan, this prolife crescendo came at a bad time. Michigan went from having an indifferent governor in Rick Snyder to now having an actively pro-abortion governor in Gretchen Whitmer. The silver lining is Michigan voters returned prolife majorities to the Legislature.

Thankfully, Michigan’s Constitution has a provision that allows citizens to initiate legislation directly to the Legislature by collecting a large number of signatures. If the Michigan House and Senate approve the legislation, it becomes law without the governor.

Right to Life of Michigan and local affiliates have been very successful in the past using these petition drives, most recently in 2013. Such an effort requires a laser-like focus, and for the next two years our focus is on banning dismemberment abortion.

Several other states have advanced different prolife laws: bans on abortion after 20 weeks, heartbeat bans, bans on targeted abortions for reasons of sex-selection or disability, etc. Most of these laws require Roe v. Wade to be overturned to be effective.

Michigan is unique. Michigan currently has a law on the books banning abortion except to save the life of the mother. After Roe was decided in 1973, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that our law remains in legal effect, but not fully enforceable. The day Roe v. Wade is overturned, our law has an opportunity to be restored to full effect. So, Michigan law already bans abortions after 20 weeks, or after a heartbeat is detected, or abortions targeted at specific demographics; we’ve got that covered.

A ban on dismemberment abortion is different. It’s the next prolife law likely to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court if they aren’t willing to fully overturn Roe v. Wade yet. Crucially, it allows us to educate people about abortion itself. A dismemberment abortion involves tearing the arms and legs off a child in the later stages of pregnancy.

Dismembering a human being goes against our Michigan values and it’s time for us to stop it.

Chris Gast
Director of Communication/Education

Community: Reward Offered in 2018 Assault

***REWARD***
Fruitport Police are seeking new tips in a random assault case that occurred in November of 2018. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered through Muskegon County Silent Observer for any tip(s) that lead to an arrest and conviction in this incident.

On 11/01/2018, in the area of Jensen Rd and Cloverville Rd, a woman reported that she walked outside of her home to get the mail, when a small gold colored vehicle (possibly a Toyota Camry) pulled into her driveway. The driver of the vehicle got out, chased after her and physically assaulted her. The woman was able to get away from the subject, and flee back into her house.

The subject was described by the victim as a white male approximately 6’3” – 6’ 4” tall and weighing approximately 225 pounds. He was said to be wearing all black clothing with Brown colored work boots, a ski mask and gloves.

Anyone having information which would help lead polic e to the positive identity of the above described subject or vehicle, please contact the Fruitport Police department (231-865-8477), or Muskegon County Silent observer (72-CRIME or Online).

Ottawa County Launches New Program to Battle Brownfields and Blight

West Olive, MI – Ottawa County is economically diverse, with strong tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.  But the industrial history upon which we built our thriving economy left a legacy of not only economic strength, but contaminated or underutilized properties in need of revitalization. Even today, there are tool and die shops, dry cleaning businesses, and gas stations, to name a few, that may be leave behind contamination once those operations cease. Contaminated, underutilized, or blighted properties like these all qualify as “brownfields”, and that means developers may be saddled with extra costs if they want to site their project on brownfield property.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners recognizes that burden, and recently approved the creation of a new, unique, and locally driven financial tool to help defray those costs. Dubbed the Brownfield Incentive Program, or BIP, the fund was established to help incentivize the redevelopment of brownfield properties with local funding.  The fund, managed by the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA), consists of certain revenues generated under the Brownfield Redevelopment Act, and from an Urban Cooperation Agreement with the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority, which provided funding for the BIP because of their shared goal of revitalizing vacant and underutilized land in Ottawa County.

Typically, using grants or loans from the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or utilizing tax increment financing under an approved Brownfield Plan, are methods by which developers offset the costs of brownfield redevelopment. However, grants are difficult to secure consistently, and loan funding is limited.  It is for this reason the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the creation of the BIP. While Ottawa County is fortunate not to have the extensive issues with blight and contaminated properties that many large municipalities do, it is still best to take a proactive and aggressive approach to redeveloping brownfield properties.

2019 Muskegon River Clean-up

by John Cramblet

muskrcleanThanks for helping us make the 8th annual Muskegon River Cleanup a big success again this year.  Our 356 volunteers removed 3026 beverage containers, 3 tires, 14 pairs of sunglasses, 76 flip flops from the river.  They also removed over 25 glass bottles, approximately 450 pounds of wood, 80 pounds of steel, a tricycle and approximately 350 pounds general trash  The strangest find this year was a toilet seat and we don’t know the story on that. Thanks to everyone that helped from the ground crew to all of us unfortunate ones that had to float down this beautiful river and clean up the trash.  Please remember that a glass bottle, at the bottom of the river, can be there anywhere from 500-800 years before it turns back to sand.  Next year the Muskegon River Clean-up, sponsored by Muskegon River Clean-up Company, LLC, will be on Saturday August 1, 2020.  Please mark your calendars.

The Crisis on Our Southern Border

from The Huizenga Huddle: July 2, 2019

Most of us have seen the photos and heard the stories of the tragic conditions on the border. For nearly two months, the President’s funding request to address the growing crisis on the border sat idle.

During this time, House Republicans attempted to pass legislation 18 times that would deliver humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, the majority in the House refused to consider the President’s request and every one of these attempts were blocked or rejected.

Thankfully, a bipartisan agreement was reached in the Senate that passed 84-8. After initially refusing to hold a vote on this critical legislation Speaker Pelosi relented and this bipartisan measure passed the House with over 300 votes. I voted for this aid package because we need to provide relief and work to improve conditions on the border while giving federal agencies the flexibility to address this ongoing crisis.

It’s clear there is a crisis on the southern border. In May, Customs and Border Patrol encountered 144,000 individuals alone. To put this in perspective, that is roughly double the size of Wyoming, the largest city in the Second District, and just over four times the size of Holland. Remember, this happened in one month.

The Big Five-Oh!

submitted by Suzanne Prell, Development Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore

Muskegon, MI– Dig out your bell-bottoms for an evening of Peace, Love, and Rock-n-Roll on Sept. 26, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bella Maria’s Event Center in Norton Shores.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore is celebrating 50 years of providing one-to-one mentoring in our lakeshore communities and is inviting the public to join the festivities. “You are invited to the party,” said Suzanne Prell, Development Director at BBBSL. “1969 was one of the most memorable years in history with the Apollo 11 landing on the moon, Woodstock, and the premiere of TV shows like Scooby-Doo and The Brady Bunch. Let’s enjoy it one more time in honor of supporting our youth and helping them achieve their full potential.”

Tickets and sponsorships are available to purchase at www.bbbslakeshore.org/events/.

General admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction, VW Bus photo booth, and live music by the band Sweet Justice.

Since 1969, Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided mentoring to over 12,000 kids in our community. All proceeds from the event stay local and benefit youth mentoring programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore, established locally in 1969, serves West Michigan children in Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana and Mason Counties. Our mission is to “Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore, visit www.bbbslakeshore.org

Calvary Christian Schools Graduate Daniel Beals Nominated for Multiple Emmy Awards

May 30, 2019 – Calvary Christian Schools Class of 2010 graduate Daniel Beals was recently nominated for multiple Emmy Awards which will be announced on June 15th.  Beals, who is the Newscast Producer for WPTA ABC21 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was recognized for his proficient work in the categories of “Best Newscast”, “Best Investigative”, and “Education Schools” (for his solo work “Found on the Bus”).

Beals, who lives in Indiana with his wife Melissa, is no stranger to success.  He has already won statewide Indiana newscasting awards in “Best Newscast”, “Best Investigative Report”, Best Producer”,  and “Best Breaking Newscast”.

Daniel Beals said that his experiences at Calvary Christian in Fruitport were formative in helping him become so successful in the broadcasting world.  Beals shared that “Mrs. Ferlaak and Mrs. Wilson taught me design and composition, photography, and accuracy…Calvary gave me the opportunity to film graduation every year, and English with Kara Paetschow taught College level essay writing with deep research which I use on a daily basis”.

Beals thinks that his biggest accomplishment so far is his work on the Investigative Report, “Dying on the Job”, that inspired a change in state law!  Congratulations to CCS alumnus Daniel Beals for his Emmy nominations, and best of luck at the June 15th Awards!

Will Graham Releases New Video Bible Study

willgWill Graham launched a new video Bible study and study guide to accompany his book Redeemed: Devotions for the Longing Soul.

In the five-part video series, Redeemed—How God Satisfies the Longing Soul, Graham talks about the redemption that is found as we call on Jesus as Savior.

“[God] loves you with an overarching, eternal love, and He’s waiting to embrace you today,” Graham writes in the study guide.

The Bible study kit contains a DVD, along with teaching notes, discussion questions, Scripture and questions for personal reflection.

Purchase your copy of the devotional or Bible study at billygrahambookstore.org or learn more about the series here.bgealogo

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains Respond to Mass Shootings

rrtTeams of crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) deployed to El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, following a pair of shootings the first weekend in August. News reports say 22 people have died and dozens were injured in El Paso. In Dayton, an additional nine people were killed and 26 people were hurt. RRT chaplains at both sites will work alongside government officials, churches, first responders and with the community at large to provide emotional and spiritual care.

“This is such a difficult time for both of these cities,” said Jack Munday, international director of the RRT. “In this time of shock, anger, brokenness and incredible loss, we can’t imagine the pain and suffering people are feeling from these senseless acts of evil. Yet, we know God hasn’t forgotten them, and seeks to heal the brokenhearted and bring comfort to those who grieve.”

For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit billygraham.org/rrt. Updates can also be found at facebook.com/RRTChaplains.bgea

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/02/19 – 09/09/19

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

Ongoing Events:

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

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

Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady
Bring the kids to Storytime with the Lighthouse Lady every Monday at 3:00pm during July and August!  For more information call 1-844-MLIGHTS.

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

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

Roll On Muskegon
Roll On Muskegon is a casual, family friendly, community bike ride on the streets of Muskegon. Every Monday night we leave as a group from the downtown Muskegon Farmer’s Market to visit and explore a different neighborhood of Muskegon.
• When: Every Monday night. Wheels turn at 6:30pm
• Where: Meet at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market
• Speed: Casual, 8-10 mph
• How Long: Approx. 90 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

Summatime 2019
It is finally summer and time for Art Cats Gallery’s annual “Summatime Show!” This year they are featuring many new artists including Julie Pappuleas, Barbara Carlson and Bette DelVecchio.  Also included are John Herron, Julie McCormick, Karen Nichols, Rick Eastham, Cathy Crain, Christi Dreese, Tim Bonnette, Lee Ann Frame, owner Louise Hopson and many others!  They have walls full of fabulous paintings, shelves full of unique pottery and glass, and cases brimming with beautiful jewelry.  It’s all handmade, all the time, so visit Art Cats Gallery where it’s an art fair every day!  For more information, call (231) 755-7606 or visit www.artcatsgallery.com.

Special Events:

15th Annual Muskegon Labor Day Cars for Cancer
September 2 @ 7:00 am
Labor Day Monday, September 2, beginning at 7:00am, come to the Mercy Health Partners Lakes Village for the 15th Annual Muskegon Labor Day Cars for Cancer! This year Different Strokes Car Club will be picking the top 10 with special trophies, plus there will still be the regular classes with 3 trophies per class:
• Best of Show
• Young Guns
• People’s Choice
There’ll also be dash plaques to first 400 cars registered. Enjoy vendors, door prizes, valve cover racing and a grocery giveaway as well!
• Registration – 7:00am – 11:00am
• Participant Voting – 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Pancake breakfast (prepared by the Knights of Columbus #13035)   7:00am – 12:00pm
Pre-registration is $10 (to guarantee a dash plaque) or $20 with a shirt and is due before August 25. Registration the day of the show is $10 and will be good for both Sunday and Monday.  All proceeds (100%) go to the Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care – Mercy Health Partners.  For more information e-mail Tradrod51@aol.com or visit their Facebook page.

4th Annual Labor Day Community Walk
September 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
No need to travel all the way to the Mackinac Bridge for the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk when the White Lake Area offers a Labor Day Bridge Walk in their neighborhood!  Monday, September 2 from 10:00am – 12:30pm the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (WLACC), sponsors, the City of Montague and City of Whitehall host their 14th Annual Labor Day Community Walk, giving local Michiganders an opportunity to participate in this walking tradition.
The Labor Day Community Walk begins on the Hart-Montague Bike Trail Head (at the east end of Spring St. located behind Whitehall Products and Montague Foods in Montague).  City officials and area leaders walk with the people of the community across the White River Bridge to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  Walkers are welcome to continue on the path, turn around, or stay and enjoy healthy refreshments!  For more information call (231) 893-4585.

West Michigan United Labor Day Parade
September 2 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Labor Day is the holiday in which we recognize and celebrate the contribution of all America’s workers to the growth and continued vitality of our Nation. Everybody loves a parade! This is an all-inclusive community parade through the streets of downtown Muskegon. The parade will start 11:00am on Monday September 2, and will end approximately around 12:30pm. There will be a fun filled and FREE celebration following the parade that will go until 4:00pm. Enjoy multiple food vendors (for $5-$6 per meal), refreshments, treats, games, prizes, face painting, bounce houses, arts n’ crafts and much more! For more information or an application to be in the Labor Day Parade, email Jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
The parade starts at the intersection of 4th street and Clay Avenue. It will progress down Clay Avenue past Hackley Park to Jefferson Street (turning left) and heading towards Western Avenue. The march will continue down Western Avenue and end at 490 West Western Avenue for a post parade celebration!

Open Irish Jam Session
September 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, all musicians are welcome at Hennessey’s Irish Pub for their open Irish Jam session!  Whether participating or just watching it is always a fun time and admission is free.  For more information call (231) 728-3333.

Opening Reception: 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition
September 5 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
September 5 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the opening reception of the 91st Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition (formerly the annual Regional Exhibition). This event continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.
• 5:30pm – Reception
• 6:30pm – Awards Program
• 7:00pm – Meet the Artists
Rejoin the artists in the exhibition after the awards program. Stay to meet and congratulate the winners and enjoy more time together to end the celebratory evening. This event is free and open to the public.  For more information call 231-720-2570.

Farmers Market Annual Farm to Table Dinner
September 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, September 5 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the 4th Annual Farm to Table Dinner!  Chef Jack Page will be creating a delicious meal that is focused on Michigan ingredients and using several vendors from the Farmers Market.
The menu will include:
• Stuffed Pork Loin
• Chicken Pasty
• Roast Vegetable Quinoa Salad
• Lyonnaise Potatoes
• Cherry Buckle Compote
Hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar begin at 6:00pm and dinner will be served at approximately 7:00pm.  This is general admission seating. They will reserve seats for parties of 8 or larger if reserved at least 2 weeks in advance. To do so, please call Jacqui at 231-724-6777.  Tickets are $35 and available through Eventbrite.com.

Muskegon Yacht Club: 2019 E Scow Nationals Regatta
September 6 – September 8
Friday – Sunday, September 6 – 8, the Muskegon Yacht Club hosts the 2019 E Scow Nationals Regatta!  Nearly 80 boats with crews of 4 to 6 sailors will converge on Muskegon Lake to race each other in their Nationals Regatta. These boats are 28 feet in length and will sail a course of several miles per race, visible from nearly anywhere on or around Muskegon Lake.  For more information call (231) 755-1414.

Friday Family Fun Night: The Show Must Go On
September 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, September 6 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a family fun night, “The Show Must Go On!” It’s a date night at the museum for the whole family! Join them for extended museum hours with fun stations and themes.  The Show Must Go On night will be all about the Muskegon Civic Theatre. Get a glimpse behind the curtain at backstage theatre magic through hands-on activities and a take-home craft.  The cost is $5 or free for Museum members and residents.  For more information call (231) 722-0278.

Touch the Trucks
September 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, September 6 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the City of Muskegon and First Fridays invite you to “Touch the Trucks!” Walk along Western Avenue in Downtown Muskegon to explore fire trucks, police cars, an ambulance, emergency response boats, semis, tow trucks, snow plows, and much more!  This event is free, family friendly and open to all ages!  For more information call 231-724-6705.

Roosevelt Park Day
September 7
Roosevelt Park Day will be held at locations throughout the Roosevelt Park community on September 7.  There’ll be live music, arts & crafts vendors, kids’ games and inflatable activities, food vendors, a beer garden, a pancake breakfast and a parade.  For more information contact Roosevelt Park City Hall at 231-755-3721 ext. 1954.

Sportsmen for Youth Day
September 7 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Muskegon Area Sportsmen for Youth, a nonprofit corporation, hosts this annual event Saturday, September 7 at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds!  Sportsmen for Youth Day is designed to provide young people age 18 and under with the opportunity to try activities including archery, shooting sports, fishing and many other events from 9:00am-3:00pm.  Raffles start at 2:30pm.  The day will also feature prize drawings and lunch and everything is FREE and open to the public!  For more information call Bill at 231-853-6649.

Live Music at the Farmers Market: Uneven Ground
September 7 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Saturday, September 7 from 11:30am – 1:30pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for live music from Uneven Ground! Come join this great Celtic band as they promote the Michigan Irish Music Festival.  Look for them at the festival on Sunday, September 15 on the Belfast Stage at 11:00am.  For more information call (231) 780-1464.

History for the Whole Family
September 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Saturday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, visit the Hackley & Hume Historic Site with the family! Are you a history buff that finds it hard to visit historic sites with your young family?  If so, this program is designed for you!  Bring the young ones, and while the adults are enjoying a tour throughout the sites or learning more about local history, your kids can enjoy their own history experience with games, tours and make ‘n take activities.  This event is geared toward families with kids between 4 and 12 years of age.  The cost is only $5, or free with your museum membership.  For more information call 231-722-7578.

Muskegon Latino Festival
September 7 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 7, from 4:00pm – 10:00pm, come to Hackley Park for the 1st Annual Muskegon Latino Festival!  Celebrate people, culture and Latino heritage during a day filled with great food, entertainment and fun.  This is an opportunity to meet new friends and connect with your neighbors. See what Muskegon’s rich and vibrant Latino community has to offer.  For more information call (231) 329-8283.

Wynonna & The Big Noise
September 7 @ 7:30 pm
The Frauenthal Center opens the 2019/2020 Season with country icon Wynonna & The Big Noise! Saturday, September 7 at 7:30pm this country music legend will bring their blend of country, Americana, blues, soul, and rock to Muskegon’s iconic and historic musical venue.
A musical powerhouse once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline,” Wynonna has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 35-year career. The internationally renowned performer who rose to fame as part of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna has received more than 60 industry awards and has had countless charting singles. Her 20 number one hits include such songs as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
Wynonna and her band, The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Describing her new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well,” Wynonna’s most recent work “lays bare the joy that is Judd’s most potent gift as a vocalist,” NPR’s Ann Powers writes in her 2016 review.
In addition to being an inspirational night of music from a country icon, this event is a celebration of the increasingly powerful role Muskegon plays in Michigan’s creative landscape. The historic Frauenthal Center, which is set to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year, annually draws nearly 100,000 people to a rapidly growing downtown Muskegon.
107MUS – The Moose is serving as the Media Sponsor for Wynonna & The Big Noise.
Tickets range from $45 – $80 and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 19 at 11:00am. Tickets can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office, by calling (231) 727-8001 or in person Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Star Tickets at 1-800-585-3737 and online at startickets.com.

Star Party
September 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, September 7 from 9:00pm – 11:30pm, the Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Star Party at their observatory!  Star Parties are scheduled events hosted by members.  All visitors are welcome to come and learn about amateur astronomy and view the night sky through the society’s telescopes.  You may also bring your own telescope.  They will help you get started and show you how to make adjustments.  They will also provide printed materials.  If weather conditions are questionable, contact Dennis Allen at 231-777-1013 to find out the status of the event.  If it’s cloudy, they may give you a tour of the facility or do a presentation.  There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Breaking Bad Comedian Steven Michael Quezada
September 7 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Breaking Bad comedian, Steven Michael Quezada!  Steven starred on the Emmy Award winning series “Breaking Bad” as DEA agent Gomez.  He has won an Emmy for ‘outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for his role in Breaking Bad!  Audiences will also recognize him from the movies “Wildfire,” “Crash,” “In Plain Sight,” and “Beerfest!”  Steven is not just an actor, he is a major touring comedian and has appeared on HBO and Showtime for his comedy specials.  He has opened for SNL and has performed on the new ‘Arsenio Hall show.’  Other recent credits include The Mindy Project, Documentary Now!, The Night Before, and Girlfriend’s Day on Netflix.  Doors open at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $15 and available at www.backalleycomedyclub.com/Muskegon.

Chef Prize
September 8 @ 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 8 at 4:00pm, come to Hampton Green Farm for Chef Prize! Celebrate chefs from Muskegon, Ottawa, and Kent counties along with local breweries and wineries.  The food that the chefs prepare will be judged, and someone will receive the Chef Prize!  This event is generously hosted by Kim Van Kampen and the Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation.  For more information, please email stephanie.kerr.cathey@kidsfoodbasket.org or call Stephanie directly at 231-903-2432.
**Please note, you must be 18 years of age or older to attend this event**

Buzzed Bard
September 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 8 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company and 18th Amendment Spirits Co. invite you to join them for “Buzzed Bard!” This irreverent look at Shakespeare features performance of scenes from multiple Shakespearean plays combined with improv, audience-interactive games, and a Shakespearean drinking game.  This event may not be suitable for patrons under 21. Tickets are $5 through Eventbrite.com and cover the performance.  Food and drinks (both adult beverages and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase from the menu.  For more information call (231) 375-5064.

Irish Dance Class
September 9 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Get ready for the Michigan Irish Music Festival (September 12 – 15) with a beginners Irish dance class!  Monday, September 9 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm join Ardan Dance Academy at Tatra Hall to get your step-dance on!  They are now enrolling for fall classes and all ages are welcome.  For more information visit www.ardanacademy.com.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum Fall Lecture & Film Series
September 9 @ 6:00 pm
Lectures will be presented every Monday beginning September 9 at 6:00pm. The cost is $5.00 per person per lecture or FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  In addition to the lectures, for one week prior to each lecture, they will be showing a film on a related subject. Movies will be shown daily at 1:00pm.  The cost to attend the movie is included with your $6 admission ticket to the museum.  Admission to the museum is also FREE with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership.  For more information call (231) 755-1230.

Ask Dr. Universe – How We Talk

Dear Dr. Universe: How do we talk? – Emmy, 7, Wash. State

Dear Emmy,

When you were a little kid, maybe you played Peek-a-Boo or sang “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” These kinds of games and songs have a lot of the different sounds we make when we are first developing speech.

A lot of humans start out playing with speech through cooing and crying. At about six months old, this cooing and crying turns to babbling. A baby might make sounds such as ma-ma, pa-pa, or ba-ba.

Words first start to develop around a baby’s first birthday. That’s what I found out from my friend Georgina Lynch, a speech language pathologist and clinical researcher at Washington State University.

“Kids begin to put two or more words together at about the age of two, but the magic comes when a child acquires their first 50 words,” she said.

Then they can use those words to communicate their ideas. Little kids build up those sounds and words as they watch their caregivers, observe their environment, and repeat things their caregivers say to them.

Lynch also told me about something called the speech chain, which helps us make sense of sounds. The sounds you hear come through your ears but the sound is processed in the left side of your brain. Here, the vibrations that make up sounds get translated into the information you need for language, forming meaning for individual speech sounds. Meanwhile, the right side of the brain sends signals to muscles in our faces and mouth to help produce sound.

Lynch told me that eye contact, or visual attention, is also important when speaking. Humans often look at what they are they talking about, such as pictures in a book or at objects. It’s how they learn which sounds go with the things they see.

Lynch works with kids who have autism and often have a hard time with visual attention and learning to speak. Lynch came up with an idea to study eye-movement and the brain and is helping us learn more about children with autism using technology and eye-tracking cameras.

It’s important to remember people can communicate in different ways. At WSU, Lynch teaches future speech-language pathologists who work in a clinic where they see kids of all ages who have lots of different needs when it comes to speech.

She also told me that some kids may never be able to have verbal speech—that is, they don’t talk out loud with words. Instead, they might use a tablet or a computer program to help them generate words and communicate their thoughts and feelings by having the computer speak for them.

You might also see some people using their hands and facial expressions to communicate with sign language. Here is how you can say “cat” in American Sign Language. It’s kind of like drawing some whiskers in the air with your fingers.

It takes the work of the brain, eyes, ears, mouth, and muscles in the face to make speech. And while the first 50 words are key to sharing your thoughts and ideas, the dictionary has more than 171, 476 words you can try out in your lifetime.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Submit a question!

Bumstead Supports New Laws in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse

jbumsteadThe opioid crisis continues to impact families and communities. In 2017, there were more deaths from drug overdoses than car accidents in Michigan. Over 70% of these deaths were opioid-related.

I recently supported legislation — now law — to allow governmental agencies to possess and administer what’s called an opioid antagonist to someone suspected of suffering an opioid overdose. The drug reverses the effects of an overdose and can help save lives, especially if it is available before emergency medical help arrives. The new laws will allow employees in public places, such as libraries and universities, to be properly trained and granted civil immunity to administer anti-overdose drugs in good faith.

More information for families and individuals about the opioid crisis is available at www.michigan.gov/opioids. The site features information on finding and getting help, including maps showing the location of licensed treatment centers and takeback sites for disposing of unneeded medication.

Calvary Christian Students Have Great Success at Law Day

ccslawday

Calvary Christian Law Day speech contestants Pictured in photo, L to R: Kaleigh Nesbit, Corbin Spencer, Jacob McFarren, Ben Gerst, and Alexandra Assaad. Photo Credit: Steve Fouts

Calvary Christian School once again had an outstanding showing at the Muskegon County Bar Association’s Annual Law Day events on Friday, May 3rd at the downtown Muskegon Holiday Inn convention center.  All Muskegon County schools, public and private, are invited to compete, and today’s winning students marks  more than a decade running of Calvary Christian students being represented on the winner’s stand.  Over $10,000 of scholarships have been won over this time by Calvary students.  This year, Calvary student took 3 of the top 4 places in the 9th – 11th grade speech contest!  Meanwhile, CCS 6th grader Dimitri Lawrence took 2nd place in the Middle School Essay contest.  Winning 1st place in the speech contest was Calvary junior Kaleigh Nesbit, winning 3rd place was Calvary sophomore Ben Gerst, and taking 4th place was Calvary junior Alexandria Assaad.  Congratulations to our high achieving Calvary Christian School students and their advisor, Mr. Steve Fouts!

Women’s Retreat Gives Support to Grieving Mothers in West Michigan

Muskegon, MI – There’s no tragedy in life like the death of a child.  You are not alone.

The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice is offering Heartstrings, a one-day retreat for women whose child(ren) have died.  Losing a child has been described as an unimagined grief that connects with the deepest emotions of the heart, changing your life forever.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Heartstrings will provide an opportunity for mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other women who have lost a child to connect with each other and learn more about how to manage this unique grief.  Large group and breakout sessions will focus on learning more about the challenges of child loss, how to effectively manage guilt and regret, and ways to maneuver the changes brought about from the death of a child.

Registration is $20 per person and is due with form by Sept. 30.  Each participant is asked to bring a printed photo of their child which will be returned to them at the end of the day.  Lunch and all materials are included.  For more information or to register, go to Eventbrite.com (search Heartstrings Muskegon) or download the registration form from the Harbor Hospice website (HarborHospiceMI.org/resources/grief-support).

“The Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice serves on average over 1,000 children, teens and adults who have experienced many types of losses including deaths due to health issues, violence, suicide, drug or alcohol dependency, accidental and pet-related losses,” says Beth Bolthouse, Grief Counselor at Harbor Hospice.  “It is hoped that this retreat will connect and support women who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child.”

Muskegon Lakeshore Launches New Talent Recruitment Strategy

Muskegon, MI –– The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is taking a new approach in attracting people to the Muskegon Lakeshore Area. The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has partnered with livability.com to provide a platform for nationwide talent recruitment. This program includes promotion of the community though a high-quality magazine, a digital magazine and an online presence.

Twenty eight local organizations helped sponsor this project including local governments, employers and realtors. Anyone who wants to market and promote the local community to newcomers, visitors and relocating businesses can access this publication at livability.com/muskegon-lakeshore.

Watch Muskegon Campaign Invests in Beautification Efforts

flowersMUSKEGON, MI – The Watch Muskegon’s beautification campaign makes another investment in beautifying the Sherman Blvd. corridor.  The Watch Muskegon campaign in collaboration with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Muskegon, Norton Shores and Roosevelt Park have worked to add over 50 large-scale floral planters at multiple locations along Sherman Blvd. The planters are located at the main crossroad intersections that include: Lincoln, McCracken, Glenside, Wickham, and in the front of the Sherman Bowling Center. Planters were designed, grown and will be maintained by a Muskegon owned business, Barry’s Flower Shop & Greenhouse.  This project was made possible through grants obtained by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Arconic Foundation, and donations by local partners including Nichols and the Mart Dock.

The Watch Muskegon campaign has completed many projects that have helped to beautify the Sherman Blvd. corridor. These projects include organizing community cleanups, creating a green space which includes a new bus shelter on the corner of Sherman Blvd. and Hoyt St., installing gateway banners along Sherman Blvd, and adding permanent trash receptacles in various locations. The Watch Muskegon campaign has also created lasting relationships with municipalities, local residents, and businesses along the Sherman corridor to implement positive changes in the community.

The Watch Muskegon Community Image campaign was started in 2015, when community partners rallied together to improve the overall image of Muskegon County. The Watch Muskegon campaign is comprised of three pillars: education, beautification, and marketing. Community pride, positive word-of-mouth, education and multiple advertising campaigns help to draw new residents, tourists, and businesses to the Muskegon Lakeshore Area.

Many programs were developed out of the Watch Muskegon campaign. The Muskegon Star program educates participants on the many assets Muskegon County has and demonstrates ways to share the message that Muskegon County is a great place to live, work, play and learn. The Care-A-Lot program was born out of the Watch Muskegon campaign. The non-profit organization helps reduce blight by buying distressed properties, improving and maintaining the properties, and then returning them to community members at a minimal cost.

The Watch Muskegon Campaign is in its fifth year of the six year campaign. For more information, visit watchmuskegon.com.

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About the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce – The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the Lakeshore. The Chamber represents approximately 1250 businesses and organizations, of every size and type, all over West Michigan. The Chamber has been working for 126 years to sustain an environment for business success, through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy and valued member services. The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is an award winning Chamber, being named Chamber of the Year for the State of Michigan in 2006, 2010, 2012, and 2015 by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.