Author Archives: editor

Morea Chiropractic Celebrating 16 Years in Fruitport

Morea Chiropractic Wellness Center of Fruitport would like to announce that the practice is celebrating its 16th anniversary this month. Led by chiropractor Mike Morea, Morea Chiropractic provides non-invasive, drug-free pain management and injury rehabilitation, and complete wellness care to patients of all ages. The office also boasts state of the art technology, a supplement room and massage therapy.

drmike“Dr. Mike”, as his patients affectionately call him, graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Biology. From there he went on to Life University to receive his doctor of chiropractic degree. Dr. Mike is an active participant in the Michigan Association of Chiropractors. He is using the anniversary of his practice as an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of chiropractic care and to encourage families to learn more about how chiropractic care would enhance their loved ones lives. Morea Chiropractic will host a “Sweet 16” Anniversary celebration on March 24th, 2018 from 12pm-3pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Our mission is to help as many families in our lifetime by loving, giving, and serving.

Following our mission we are extending a special invitation to all families to come in and meet with Dr. Mike, receive a thorough chiropractic exam and consult for only $16.

To learn more about MCWC visit: www.moreachiro.com or call the office at 231-865-7474.

Chamber of Commerce March Breakfast Panel

from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce eVENTS Newsletter, March 2018

Business for Breakfast

State of the South County
Friday, March 23
7:15 AM – 7:30 Networking | 7:30 – 9:00 Program
Folkert Community Hub

South Muskegon County is growing in population, businesses, and attractions! Find out what’s happening in South Muskegon County from these community leaders.

Sponsored by: Rehmann, Little River Casino Resort


Community Health Needs Assessment Results

The results are in…

Did you miss the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) reveal last week? No problem! Here’s the summary miOttawa.org/2017CHNA and the full report miOttawa.org/2017CHNAFullReport. Additional studies that were a part of the CHNA and previous years can be found at miOttawa.org/healthdata. See the infographic below for some of the report’s highlights. The CHNA is a:

•   LOOK at the people’s health of Ottawa County.
•   METHOD to find key health problems and resources.
•   TOOL to develop strategies to address health needs.
•   WAY for community engagement and collaboration.

But wait – there’s more!

Come be a part of the 2018 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) starting this month. While Ottawa County ranks high in numerous health outcomes, we still have much more work to do! The 2018 CHIP will build on the work of the 2015 CHIP that created plans to address three health areas of concern:

•   Access to Health Care
•   Mental Health
•   Healthy Behaviors

We will also take into account new data from the 2017 CHNA on Adverse Childhood Experiences and much more. There have been so many wonderful happenings since the 2015 CHIP. For one, numerous organizations in Ottawa County developed the Pathways to Better Health program. This program addresses all three health areas of concern by enabling community health workers to help people achieve healthier outcomes. Find out more about the 2015 CHIP progress here.

Register Here.

Community Health Improvement Planning Dates:
March 22 • April 19 • May 31
8:30-10:30 a.m.

We encourage people in health care, public health, business, government, nonprofit organizations, faith-based communities and schools to get engaged. Register today!

Ottawa County Accepting Applications for Farmland Preservation

farmOttawa County is a leader in agricultural production.  It is the most agriculturally diverse county in Michigan and consistently ranked in the top 100 counties in the nation for its value of agricultural products sold.  Our strength in agriculture, however, is also combined with an exceptional quality of life that attracts new residents and businesses to our communities.  This population growth places added pressure on farmers to retain the land needed to produce fresh, locally grown food.

“In order for our agriculture industry to continue to thrive, it’s imperative that we work collectively to protect our productive farmland from development,” stated Cliff Meeuwsen, Chair of the Ottawa County Agricultural Preservation Board and President of Zeeland Farm Services.  The County’s Farmland Preservation Program is in place to help safeguard farm operations from continued development pressure.

Interested landowners can apply to preserve their farms through the Farmland Preservation Program.  Applications can be downloaded from the County’s website at www.miottawa.org and are due by March 30, 2018.

More information regarding Ottawa County’s Farmland Preservation Program can be found online at www.miottawa.org/departments/planning/PDR_program.htm.  To make a tax-deductible donation to the Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Fund, please visit the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area at www.cfhz.org.  All donations are used to preserve our local farms.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/19/18 – 03/26/18

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

Author Meet and Greet:  Mark Farina “Casey and the Flying Fortress”
March 19 @ 11:00 am & 6:00 pm
Monday, March 19 at 11:00am, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for the Author Meet and Greet:  Mark Farina “Casey and the Flying Fortress!”

Imagine rummaging through your dead mother-in-law’s closet and encountering a box full of postcards, letters, photos and diaries which are from your father-in-law’s time in the service during the Second World War.  This box of materials will trigger a quest by Mark Farina, a Chicago area sports announcer and a reporter, who will try to unlock the military exploits of his father-in-law, Casey Paulinski.  His quest will bring him across the United States and the Netherlands as he will retrace his service as a B-17 pilot and crew member.

In the all too familiar situation in which many veteran families find themselves in, Casey offered little about his military service while alive.  Mark will share his techniques, tips, and ways; he uncovered his father-in-law’s service history.  Come and listen to this riveting story.  There will be two free presentations of Casey and the Flying Fortress offered:

11:00am – USS Silversides Submarine Museum
6:00pm – Muskegon Community College’s Sturrus Technology Center
Admission is free and open to all.  Mr. Farina will be signing and selling his book at each event.
www.silversidesmuseum.org

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
March 19 @ 6:00 pm
Monday evenings at 6:00pm, January 29 – April 2, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for The Vietnam War by Ken Burns!  Each episode will be followed by a discussion.  Admission is free with the purchase of museum admission.  Members are free.  For more information, call 231-755-1230.

Pet Painting
March 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March 19 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the Arts Council of White Lake invites you to Pub One Eleven for the “Pet Painting” event to benefit the Muskegon Humane Society!   Enjoy drinks and friends while you paint a custom piece of your pet.  When you register, you will be asked to email a picture of your pet. This will be pre-drawn onto a canvas ready for finishing touches the day of the event.  Images may be cropped to best fit the canvas.  The cost is $40 and is for ages 16+.  Space is limited, so register today by calling 231-893-2524 or visit the website below.

Drip Cakes with Kathy DeHoag
March 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, March 20 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Drip Cakes with Kathy DeHoag!”  Learn to frost, make the drip for the cake, also different kinds of drops to use and learn difference decorating techniques.  You will go home with a decorated cake!  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Vernal Equinox EcoTrek Fitness Adventure
March 20 @ 6:00 pm
Join Cari Draft and Lisa VanDonkelaar, Tuesday, March 20 at 6:00pm at the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System’s John J. Helstrom Nature Trail to celebrate the first day of SPRING with an adventure!  $10 drop-in includes an EcoTrek Fitness outdoor adventure workout at MCWW where you choose your pace: a little faster with more intensity with Cari leading, or stick to the back with Lisa!  You’ll get a great workout at your own fitness level while enjoying the natural beauty of this facility.  Please RSVP so they can have a parking pass reserved for you.  Bring a friend and you’ll each pay $5 instead of $10!  For more information, e-mail info@ecotrekfitness.com .

Address for your GPS: 698 N Maple Island Rd, Muskegon

Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
January 16 – March 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for “Faster than Light!  The Dream of Interstellar Flight!”  The impulse to strike out into the unknown, to see what’s over the horizon is as old as humanity.  Today, a whole new horizon beckons.  Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to 9 billion Sun-like stars with planets similar to Earth.  Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun.  But if we find one, how will we ever get there?  How long will it take?  What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space?  Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future.  This is a 35-minute presentation. (The campus will be closed March 6 and March 8 for College Spring Break)  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Opening Reception: Works by Southwest Michigan Printmakers
March 21 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
“Exquisite Corpse Project: Head-to Toe & In-between,” featuring artwork by 24 members of the Southwest Michigan Printmakers (SWMP), opens March 19 in Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Gallery and will be on display through April 20. This exhibit is free and open to the public.  Overbrook Gallery hours are from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater.  Call (231) 777-0324 for more information.  An opening reception and talk by the artists will take place on Wednesday, March 21, from 3:30-5:00pm in the Overbrook Theater Lobby.  For more information on the exhibit, contact Erin Hoffman, MCC art instructor and Overbrook Gallery coordinator at (231) 777-0399.

Narnia the Musical
March 22 – March 24
March 22 – 23 at 7:00pm, and March 24 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, you’re invited to the Beardsley Theatre for “Narnia the Musical,” presented by Artios Academies of Grand Haven.  The famous story from the Chronicles of Narnia has become a musical presentation.  Entering Narnia are four siblings plucked from our world in unexpected ways to help Narnia and learn lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom throughout the whirlwind adventure.

Tickets are $10 general admission.  For more information, call 231-722-9750.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
March 22 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm|
Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by MMA docents, compliments of Meijer!  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Swing Dance Lessons at SE4SONS
March 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join Swing Dance Instructor, Becky Biesiada, at SE4SONS for a series of 3 classes in March!  This is a fun opportunity to learn something new! Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour Deals!  This is limited to the first 30 participants. Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a Muskegon CC Member to participate.  Call 231-755-3737 for reservations today.

East & West Coast Swing
Class Dates: March 15, 22, and 29
Class Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $80 per couple/ $55 per single

Back Alley Comedy Club: Pauly Shore
March 23 – March 24
March 23 and 24, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for live stand-up from comedian Pauly Shore!

Pauly tasted super-stardom in 1990 when his precedent-setting MTV show “Totally Pauly” hit the airwaves to major fan approval.  The show ran for six years, leading him to numerous television and film roles including the one-hour HBO television special, “Pauly Does Dallas” and starring in the films “Encino Man,” “Son In Law”, “Jury Duty,” “In the Army Now,” and “Bio Dome.”  Pauly then went on to star and produce in his own projects including “Pauly Shore is Dead” for 20th Century Fox, which is now available on Amazon Prime.  He also produced and starred in two comedy specials, “Vegas is My Oyster,” and “Pauly-Tics,” which are both now available on Crackle.  In 2014, Pauly released “Pauly Shore Stands Alone,” a true-life road documentary that follows him as he performs in obscure towns throughout Wisconsin while dealing with his personal life back home, which is now on Amazon Prime.  He is currently producing a six-part documentary series based off of the original documentary “Pauly Shore Stands Alone.”  Additionally, Pauly recently debuted the video portion of his podcast “Pauly Shore Podcast Show,” on Crackle.  Pauly remains hard at work on a historical documentary of his life spanning the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s about his life growing up at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood.  He recently played Stephen Miller in a viral Funny or Die video and stars in an upcoming Funny or Die sketch with Bobby Lee, Jay Mohr and Richard Schiff from “Ballers” entitled “Silver Lake Vice Squad.”

Shows are at 6:30pm and 9:00pm and tickets are $27.  For more information, call (231) 755-1258.

Pigeon Hill’s Totally Majestic 4th Anniversary Party
March 23 – March 24
Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, Pigeon Hill Brewing Company in downtown Muskegon is celebrating four years in business!  They’ll have great entertainment from Flexadecibel, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish & The Crane Wives!  More details will be announced soon, so keep an eye on their Facebook page or call (231) 375-5184.

The Secrets of Bees Exhibit Opening & Family Fun Night
March 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 23 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, bring the family to the Lakeshore Museum Center for “The Secrets of Bees Exhibit Opening & Family Fun Night!”  Help celebrate the opening of their newest exhibit, The Secrets of Bees, with a special evening for families!  This hands-on exhibit examines the ways bees affect us, and our impact on them.  During their exhibit opening and Family Fun night, they will feature a bee related craft, as well as light refreshments.  The Muskegon Conservation District will have a station exploring how families can create bee habitats in their own yards and the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology at Muskegon Community College will have a station about their beekeeping program.  The program is free with regular paid admission. For more information, call 231-722-0278.

The Alley Door Club
March 23 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrating its’ 13th season, The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center  kicks off January 12, 2018 with live performances from an array of local bands!  Performing on select Friday nights through April, The Alley Door Club features live music from popular West Michigan bands in a fun environment which includes cash bar and dancing.  Featured in the Ballroom located on the 3rd Floor of the Hilt Building the doors open at 6:00pm for Happy Hour ($1 off all drinks), with live music from 7:00pm – 10:00pm.

The 2018 Alley Door Club performance schedule is as follows:
• Friday, March 23:  Group Therapy Band – rock
• Friday, April 13: Pop Fiction – pop & rock
• Friday, April 27: Yard Sale Underwear – self-proclaimed kings of polyester pop & soul

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office via phone at 231-727-8001 or in person Monday – Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm or by calling Star Tickets at 1-800-585-3737.   Tickets can also be purchased at startickets.com.  Tables may be reserved:  $65.00 for a 4-top (included 4 admission tickets) / $100.00 for an 8-top (includes 8 admission tickets).  Limit of 2 4-tops and 2 8-tops reserved for each performance, available on a first come basis.  The Alley Door Club is sponsored by Bayer Crop Science and Hooker DeJonge.

Performances @The Block: Frances Luke Accord – Modern Folk
March 23 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, March 23 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for Frances Luke Accord.  Independent Chicago-based duo, multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers head this modern folk band that draws copious inspiration from Americana, jazz, soul and rock.  Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.  Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.

Food as Art. Food is Art
March 24
Saturday, March 24, Chef Jill Hansen will prepare a fun and informative evening with famed Cichetti food on March 24 at Cichetti Culinary Studio!  This 4-course dinner and lecture/discussion will revolve around the topic, “Food as Art. Food is Art.”  The cost is $35 per person with proceeds benefitting the 9th annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival (August 3-13).  A cash bar will be available.  Dress is casual and you are encouraged to bring a paper copy of one of your favorite recipes to share and discuss.  RSVP by March 14 to Jill Hansen at 231-855-4118.  For more information, please visit www.whitelakemusic.org.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
March 24 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter!  They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, November – April.  They will be closed Saturday, December 30.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
March 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon!  Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s!  You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village.  For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Green Eggs and Ham: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
March 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, March 24 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, join the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for a breakfast of Green Eggs and Ham!  Your child will visit with a Dr. Seuss character and also receive a Dr. Seuss book to take home.  The requested donation is $15 for an adult and one child and an extra $5 for each additional person.   For more information, call 231-788-3050.

Note:  The venue for this year is First Lutheran Church at 1206 Whitehall Rd. due to a boiler problem at the Woman’s Club.

Italian Easter Classic with Sofia
March 24 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, March 24 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Italian Easter Classic with Sofia!”  Create a classic Easter menu from the Italian tradition.

The Menu:
• Insalata russa
• gnocchi alla romana
• baked bread and parmesan stuffed tomatoes
• baked salmon with cherry tomatoes, cappers and olives

Come to this class hungry!  Learn from Sofia Occhialini who just moved to Muskegon from Italy four years ago.  The cost is $40.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Lakeshore Museum Center Saturday Program: Michigan Fossils
March 24 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, March 24 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center to learn about millions of years of Michigan history with a hands-on examination of fossils.  LMC Saturday Programs are open-house style and run from 1:00 – 3:00pm in the main museum building.  Programs and museum admission are free of charge for Muskegon County Residents.  Non-residents are just $3.  www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Craft Crawl
March 25 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
March 25, Girls Pint Out is hosting the first-ever “Craft Crawl” in downtown Muskegon, a bar crawl to raise money for a good cause!  Everyone over 21-years-old is invited to sample craft beer and cocktails from five different breweries in downtown Muskegon from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.  Participants start at Racquets Downtown Grill, where they give a donation then receive a punch card to take with them to each brewery they visit.  Other breweries taking part in the fundraiser include Unruly Brewing, Pigeon Hill, Mike’s Inn, and 18th Amendment Spirits.  Each of these locations will have a special drink specifically designed for this event.  Once the punch card is complete, they return to Racquets where they turn in the card and are entered in a drawing to win prizes.

All the money donated through this event will benefit MomsBloom, an organization that sends volunteers to help new parents with their babies.  They provide help with things like household tasks and infant care, along with emotional support.  Learn more at facebook.com/momsbloom.

Spring Film Fest
March 25 @ 2:00 pm
Every Sunday at 2:00pm, through March 25, come to the Harbor Theater for the Spring Film Fest to benefit Muskegon’s historic military vessels!  Tickets are only $6.  March 25th’s movie is “Dunkirk.” For more information, call (231) 375-5228.

Authentic Italian Lasagna with Sofia
March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, March 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Authentic Italian Lasagna with Sofia!”  Come learn how to make the genuine lasagna famous all over the world.  You will make it from scratch just like mom used to make it!  Learn from Sofia Occhialini who moved to Muskegon four years ago from Italy.  Bring your appetite!  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Twenty Muskegon County Businesses Receive More than $700,000 in State Grants to Train Employees

Muskegon, MI – In an effort to support Michigan employers, the Talent Investment Agency – Workforce Development (TIA-WD) awarded more than $700,000 million in Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) grants to twenty businesses in Muskegon County. This annually awarded, competitive grant provides funding assistance for customized, short-term, in-demand training programs and apprenticeships that enhances talent, productivity and employment retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s employers.

Muskegon Area First, the county-wide economic development agency, in collaboration with West Michigan Works!, the exclusive administrator for the program, identified and met with several local businesses interested in pursuing STTF grants. Muskegon County companies receiving awards for 2017-18 are:
chartThe number of companies awarded in Muskegon increased by over 100% from the 2016-17 program year, when nine companies were awarded. Darryl Todd, Interim President & CEO for Muskegon Area First said, “We are pleased that more local and smaller companies were awarded this year.” He added that, “Many [smaller companies] forego employee training due to budgeting and/or time constraints and access to funding that will enhance employee skill level can have a particularly significant impact on a smaller company’s ability to grow.”

Businesses such as Norton Shores based Seabrook Plastics, Inc. a first-time recipient of the STTF, which recently completed a 12,000 sq. ft. building expansion in November, will use the funding to further growth plans by addressing employee capabilities and becoming more efficient. Bill Veldboom, General Manager & COO of Seabrook Plastics said, “With our recent expansion and internal promotion of several long-term Seabrook employees, the STTF represents an ideal vehicle for growing the skills and potential of employees that have been hired over recent months”. Veldboom added, “We believe that the training included in the upcoming curriculum will accelerate employee’s learning while concurrently reducing cost in our manufacturing and assembly processes.”

Similarly, Challenge Machinery Company also of Norton Shores will use the grant to address workforce needs, specifically to stabilize its talent base. “[Challenge] competes globally and has a long history in West Michigan with many experienced, highly skilled personnel that will retire and leave a considerable gap”, said Tom Zant, President of Challenge Machinery. “This grant allows us to affordably increase the skills of 16 employees in mechanical print reading, electrical schematics and hydraulic and pneumatic principles to develop the next generation of long term employees”.

On a regional basis, Michigan Prosperity Region 4, which is comprised of 13 West Michigan Counties, had 212 businesses awarded over $8.4 million. Overall, West Michigan employers received 29% of the total amount of STTF funds available. Muskegon area companies received 8.4% of the amount awarded to West Michigan.

The STTF was created 5 years ago by the Michigan State Legislature and has become highly sought after with funding dollars increasing nearly every year. The statewide amount awarded for 2018 nearly reached $30 million. For 2017, the amount awarded topped $14 million. The STTF is on track to train over 50,000 workers with more than 1,400 employers taking advantage of the program.

To learn more about the Skilled Trades Training Fund, please visit, http://www.michigan.gov/wda.

First-of-its-Kind Prize Aims to Propel Careers of Women Artists

$50,000 Bennett Prize recognizes women figurative realist painters

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Bennett Prize, the largest ever offered solely to women painters, was announced today by art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, who are endowing the $50,000 biennial prize at The Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Prize will spotlight women artists who paint in the figurative realist style, and who have not yet reached full professional recognition – both new artists and those who have painted for many years. It will allow the winner to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which will first be shown at the Muskegon (Michigan) Museum of Art and then travel the country. The Prize is designed for women artists who are, or seek to become, full-time professional painters.

The Bennett Prize also aims to expand opportunities for the public to learn more about the creative vision of talented women painters in the increasingly popular style of figurative realism.

“We are excited to announce The Bennett Prize at a time when women are creating important figurative realist paintings that should be seen by a wider audience,” Bennett said. “Figurative realist painting features the human form in all of its diversity. It has an important role to play in a society struggling to understand human differences and commonalities, including race, gender and social status.”

A four-member jury, including renowned realist artists Maria Tomasula and Andrea Kowch, will select 10 painters from among the entrants. The 10 finalists will each receive $1,000 to participate in an exhibition opening May 2, 2019 at the Muskegon Museum of Art where the winner will be announced.

“The beauty of this prize is in the extended significance of its effects: not only will it recognize recipients’ past achievement, it will also help foster their future accomplishment,” said artist and juror Maria Tomasula, “I know how important both of these things are to the life of an artist.”

The Bennetts, along with The Pittsburgh Foundation, consider the Muskegon Museum of Art one of the great hidden gems among American museums. It was chosen as the inaugural venue for The Bennett Prize due it its commitment to both women and realism, as evidenced by the art on its walls and the exhibitions it sponsors.

“The Muskegon Museum of Art has built a reputation over the past decade for redefining what a small city art museum can accomplish,” said Kirk Hallman, executive director of the museum. “Serving as inaugural host of The Bennett Prize is a wonderful opportunity for the museum to continue showcasing innovative programs.”

The winner will receive $25,000 annually for two years, so she can devote the time necessary to mount a solo exhibition, which will open in Muskegon in 2021 and then travel the country.

The call for entries runs from April 13 – Sept. 28, 2018. Full details are available here: www.thebennettprize.org

The Bennett Prize is not open to hobbyists, students or artists who have been paid, or received an award of $25,000 or more for any single work of art.

Bennett and Schmidt are among the country’s top collectors of figurative realist art and are committed to seeing that talented women painters receive long overdue recognition for their superb artistry.

 

Muskegon Museum of Art Exhibits:

•  Through March 18, 2018 | Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert
•  Through March 18, 2018 | Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America
•  Through May 20, 2018 | Thunder Boy, Jr.: Illustrations by Yuyi Morales
•  March 1 through June 10, 2018 | The Poetry of Metal: David Barnhill and David Huang

Shoreline Symphony Performs “What Dreams May Come” Concert

The Shoreline Symphony will present a concert entitled “What Dreams May Come” on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the Frauenthal Center, 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, MI.  This is the second performance in Shoreline Symphony’s 2017-2018 season Magic and Mystery.

If your dreams had soundtracks, what would they sound like?  What about your nightmares?

Composers have written music about dreams of every kind: waking and sleeping, peaceful and creepy, lucid and murky.  The Shoreline Symphony invites you to hear some of these imaginative pieces in its upcoming concert.

Featured music includes:
•  portions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (versions by both Mendelssohn and Purcell)
•  tone poems by Elgar and Nielsen
•  short selections from operas by Humperdinck (Hansel and Gretel) and Arensky (Dream of the Volga)
•  film music from Requiem for a Dream and The Secret of NIMH

Admission is $8 for adults.  Students and those under 18 are welcome to attend for free.

Tickets are only available through the Frauenthal Center.  To purchase them:
•  Call the Frauenthal box office at 231-727-8001
•  Visit www.frauenthal.org
•  Go to the Frauenthal box office at 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan

Preceding the concert, Shoreline Symphony Director Annette Jurcevic will talk about the music, the composers who wrote it, and their ideas about dreams.  Don’t miss her energetic, humorous discussion, which starts at 3:30 p.m.

Established in September 2012, the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra is celebrating its sixth season of creating quality classical music for Muskegon area audiences. Led by founding director Annette Jurcevic, the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra brings together professional and amateur musicians who play alongside students and faculty from several area colleges and universities.  The non-profit organization is the only all-volunteer orchestra in the Muskegon area to include woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.

For more event information, contact Annette Jurcevic at 512-914-8628 or sajurcevic@gmail.com.

Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17

7th Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for Saturday, March 17

Family celebration of Muskegon County’s Irish Heritage seeks marchers, floats

Muskegon, MI – Break out the green on Saturday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – for the 7th Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, stepping off at 11:00 a.m. from 4th Street and Clay Avenue and marching east along Clay to Jefferson Street.

This family-oriented parade is sponsored by Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and the Greater Muskegon Jaycees, and is designed to celebrate Muskegon County’s Irish Heritage. Families, organizations, fraternal groups, businesses, marching bands, churches and schools are invited to join in the fun and march in this exciting event.

The Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade are members of the Mullally Family of Muskegon. James Mullally is the only living founder of the Muskegon Irish American Society, established over 45 years ago. Neil Mullally served as a Muskegon County judge for over 30 years, and has been a leader in numerous public service organizations. John Mullally is an author and retired long-time dentist. Richard Mullally has devoted many years of his life to honoring our Muskegon County World War II veterans. All Mullally’s, whether related or not, are invited to join the Grand Marshalls in the parade!

“We’re very pleased to again sponsor the 7th Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Nancy Hennessy, owner of Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 885 Jefferson Street in downtown Muskegon. “The parade has become an annual tradition in Muskegon, drawing hundreds of marchers and thousands of spectators, and this year, for our seventh parade, we’re planning for even more marching units and spectators at the parade. Everyone in Muskegon County and West Michigan is invited to participate!”

“We’re inviting families to march in the parade again too, to represent their Irish roots with banners and posters identifying their ‘home county’ back in Ireland,” added Mike Hennessy, Nancy’s husband and owner of Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Sponsor your group and walk the parade route or design a float and ride through downtown Muskegon along “O’Clay Avenue”! The only cost to march or sponsor a float is a non-perishable food donation to benefit The Food Pantry of Catholic Charities of West Michigan. The Jaycees will be accepting food donations from parade spectators along the route.

The Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. from 4th Street and Clay Avenue and proceeds east on Clay to Jefferson. Parade staging area will be in the Muskegon Community College Downtown Campus parking lot on Clay Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. The general public is encouraged to line Clay Avenue along the parade route to enjoy the festivities.

All day on Saturday, March 17, Hennessy’s (www.hennessyspub.com) will offer live Irish entertainment, Irish dancing and a special St. Patrick’s Day menu in the restaurant and pub. Hennessy’s will open at 8:00 a.m., and remain open throughout the day until 12:00 midnight with live Irish entertainment.

“The Greater Muskegon Jaycees are excited to be involved in the 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a great family event that also helps people in need throughout the county,” said Kara Zielinski, president of the Jaycees. “We encourage everyone to come on out and march in the parade or watch along Clay Avenue, and be sure to bring along non-perishable food items for The Food Pantry!”

If your family, organization, school, church or group wants to march in the 7th Annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, please contact the Greater Muskegon Jaycees at parade@muskegonjaycees.org for a complete registration packet, or pick up a packet in person at Visit Muskegon, the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon, 231-724-3100. Registration forms are also available at the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade website at: http://www.muskegonjaycees.org/parade.html.

Again, there is no cost to march or participate in the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, just a donation of non-perishable food items. Spectators are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the parade for collection by the Greater Muskegon Jaycees.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight with live Irish music.

11:00 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade step-off
11:30 a.m. – Noon Free coffee and Hot Chocolate Tent
12:00 Noon Irish Flag Raising w/ Irish American Society
Music
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Dave McIntire and Scott Sheldon
3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Steeple Hill
8:30 p.m. – Midnight Knotwork Celtic
Costume Contest
9:30 p.m. Annual Costume Parade
10:00 p.m. Crowd judging of Costumes

For more information on the parade or additional the St. Patrick’s Day activities, contact the Greater Muskegon Jaycees at parade@muskegonjaycees.org or the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 231-724-3100 or info@visitmuskegon.org.

March in West Michigan

What’s Included This Month

We’re starting to move towards spring, here in West Michigan. With the change in seasons comes Spring Break. Spring Break gives you and your family time to take a little vacation (or staycation!) before the spring and summer travel seasons get into full swing. Get the most out of your Spring Break with Spring Lodging Specials. Many West Michigan destinations are offering discounts and special packages to help you plan your next getaway without breaking the bank.

There are two holidays on the horizon, starting with St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 17th. The festivities start early to get you in the mood for this Irish holiday, with parades, fun runs, Irish food, and more. You’ll find even more fun throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend: the peak of this festive holiday.

It’s also time to start preparing for Easter, which is on Sunday, April 1st. West Michigan is celebrating with many Easter traditions: egg hunts, brunch, and visits from the Easter Bunny. Figure out your family’s Easter plans early by placing reservations for brunch and creating an itinerary of activities!

The history of West Michigan and the Great Lakes is rich with Lighthouses. They have lit the way for boats on the Great Lakes for decades, and many still stand as historic landmarks and tourist attractions. WMTA is celebrating these lighthouses with the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Lighthouse Map + Circle Tour, available in April. Click here to request the new Lighthouse Map + Circle Tour, and we’ll have it mailed to you for free.

Don’t forget to view our brand-new 2018 West Michigan Travel Guide online to help plan your trip, and enter for a chance to win a gift pack from Arcadia Brewing Company!

Muskegon’s Average Fare Lower than Grand Rapids

Muskegon’s Average Fare Lower than Grand Rapids The Average Domestic Airline Itinerary Fare by Origin City has just been published by the Bureau of Transportation for 2nd quarter 2017. Based on total passengers, the average air fare for flights at Muskegon was $406.84 compared to $425.25 for flights at Grand Rapids Airport. http://www.transtats.bts.gov/averagefare/ for complete details.

“We continually work with the airline to provide competitive fares for our customers,” said Jeffrey Tripp, Airport Manager. “When you consider the cost of air fare in addition to the cost of parking, travel time, how early you need to check-in, etc., Muskegon’s fares and improved flight schedule reinforce why customers should always “Check MKG First” at UNITED.COM when making travel plans.”

Check MKG First at UNITED.COM or call 800-221-1212.
Or
Contact your local travel agent.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 03/12/18 – 03/19/18

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

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
March 12 @ 6:00 pm
Monday evenings at 6:00pm, January 29 – April 2, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for The Vietnam War by Ken Burns!  Each episode will be followed by a discussion.  Admission is free with the purchase of museum admission.  Members are free.  For more information, call 231-755-1230.

Crostoli E Frittelle with Sofia
March 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, March 12 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Crostoli E Frittelle with Sofia!”  Crostoli E Frittelle are fried sweets, a traditional must on every Carnival Italian’s table.  Carnival or “Carnevale” is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy.  Famous for its masks (Venice Carnival), it starts on January 7 until the Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday.  You guessed it, you will be making Italian fried sweets in this class and learning about Carnevale from Sofia who was born, raised and lived in Italy until coming to Muskegon four years ago.

Masks are welcome although you may need to remove them while cooking!  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

LMC Speaker Series: The Sojourners and the Single Girl
March 12 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday, March 12 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm, come to Michigan’s Heritage Park at Hilt’s Landing for the Lakeshore Museum Center Speaker Series featuring “The Sojourners and the Single Girl!”  Local historian Marjorie Viveen will be sharing a presentation about West Michigan fur trader, Rix Robinson, and his fur trade crew of 1830.  The license he secured for his trading granted him rights on the Grand River and Vicinity and he employed one woman and 21 men at posts scattered from Little Traverse Bay to St. Joseph.  This event takes a close look at one of our local fur trading outfits and promises to be very informative.  RSVP by calling 231-894-0342.  The cost is $6 for members and $8 for non-members.

Marjorie Viveen, Ed.S. is a retired School Psychologist and lifelong resident of Grand Haven.  She chaired committees to preserve the Ottawa County Poor Farm Cemetery, the Grand Haven Central Park Fountain, their Town Clock, and led a year-long celebration of the Grand River Greenway in celebration of Ottawa County Parks’ Silver Anniversary.  Viveen founded the Dusty Dozens History Group and was named TCHM’s 2010 “Historian of the Year.”  In 2012 she authored “Historic River Road: A Self-Guided Auto Tour for All Seasons, co-authored Our People, Their Stories with Wallace Ewing, Ph. D., and has written numerous articles.  A second book on Grand River fur trade is in the works.  She currently serves on the Ottawa County Parks Foundation Board, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Editorial Board, and is the chairperson of the Ottawa County Poor Farm Sesquicentennial Committee.

Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
January 16 – March 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for “Faster than Light!  The Dream of Interstellar Flight!”  The impulse to strike out into the unknown, to see what’s over the horizon is as old as humanity.  Today, a whole new horizon beckons.  Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to 9 billion Sun-like stars with planets similar to Earth.  Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun.  But if we find one, how will we ever get there?  How long will it take?  What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space?  Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future.  This is a 35-minute presentation. (The campus will be closed March 6 and March 8 for College Spring Break)  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Honoring Our Veterans Dinner
March 14 @ 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 14 at 5:30pm, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for the Honoring Our Veterans Dinner!  This special evening will include dinner, a presentation of the Robert E. Garrison Award to Billy Charles Walker, Jr. in recognition of faithful and diligent service to country and community.  Tickets are $40 and seating is limited, so please call soon to make your reservation.  Tickets may be purchased individually or tables may be sponsored by you or your organization to help honor this wonderful community of veterans.  Tickets will not be held beyond 4:00pm, Monday, March 12 without payment.  To make reservations, please contact Teresa Folkmier at 231-755-1230, e-mail tfolkmier@silversidesmuseum.org or purchase them online at www.silversidesmuseum.org.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
March 14 @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch a home game Wednesday, March 14 at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Chicago Steel at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by MMA docents, compliments of Meijer!  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Swing Dance Lessons at SE4SONS
March 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join Swing Dance Instructor, Becky Biesiada, at SE4SONS for a series of 3 classes in March!  This is a fun opportunity to learn something new! Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour Deals!  This is limited to the first 30 participants. Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a Muskegon CC Member to participate.  Call 231-755-3737 for reservations today.

East & West Coast Swing
Class Dates: March 15, 22, 29
Class Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $80 per couple/ $55 per single

Iconic Women of U.S. History: Audrey Hepburn and Susie Bright
March 15 @ 6:00 pm
The Center for Experiential Learning at Muskegon Community College is presenting a three-part lecture series on the “Iconic Women of U.S. History:  Audrey Hepburn and Susie Bright,”  Thursday, March 15, at 6:00pm.  Free and open to the public, the talk is part of the Women’s History Month celebration throughout March and will be held in the Dr. Donald and Nancy Crandall Experiential Learning Lab on the first floor.  MCC Distinguished Faculty Award recipient and Emeritus Instructor, Bill Jacobs, will offer insights into the lives and times of prominent American women.  For more information, contact the MCC Social Sciences Department at (231) 777-0380.

Thursday Night Music Club: Uneven Ground
March 15 @ 7:00 pm
As part of their free Thursday Night Music Club concert series, the Norton Shores Library hosts live Celtic music from Uneven Ground, Thursday, March 15 at 7:00pm!

‘Grounded’ in the roots of traditional Irish music, Uneven Ground presents a blend of songs molded from hundreds of pub tunes from around the Celtic region.  By teaching the history of their music mixed with their nonsensical humor, each performance offers the listener an escape from the busyness of life. Figuratively named after the Irish slip jig ‘On the Rocky Road to Dublin,’  members include Courtney Hutson, fiddle, vocals; Dave Closz, guitar, vocals; Tim Staudacher, mandolin, guitar; Larry Halverson, whistle, flute and bodhrán.

For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .

Michigan Irish Music Festival’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
March 16 @ 5:30 pm – March 17 @ 11:00 pm
March 16 – 17, you’re invited to Bella Maria’s Event Center for the Michigan Irish Music Festival’s St. Patrick’s Day Party!  Enjoy flavorful Irish fare, savory snacks, delicious drinks and the BEST Craic (“Craic” (/kræk/ KRAK) or “crack” is a term for news, gossip, fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation, particularly prominent in Ireland).  The shenanigans happen from 5:30pm – 11:00pm both nights with live entertainment provided by Jimmy Keane & Dennis Cahill and Brother Crowe!  There will also be performances by Ardan Academy of Irish Dance and the Celebrated Silent Auction.  For more information, keep an eye on the Michigan Irish Music Festival’s Facebook page!

Raise the Roof
March 16 @ 6:00 pm
Friday, March 16, the Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity presents River City Improv for a night of comedy!  Raise the Roof tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door.  A cash bar will be available, but not included in the ticket price.  Doors open at 6:00pm along with dinner being catered by The Hearthstone Bistro, Bar and Grill.  A raffle will take place with items donated from local businesses who support their mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.  The show starts at 8:00pm and the evening will conclude with the raffle drawing.  For more information, call (231) 727-6020.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
March 16 @ 7:00 pm – March 17 @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch two home games, Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter!  They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, November – April.  They will be closed Saturday, December 30.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251.

Run Muskegon’s 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k
March 17 @ 9:00 am
Run Muskegon’s 4th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k is happening Saturday, March 17, on the Lakeshore Trail behind Fricano Place!  Register for this fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day race to benefit Run Muskegon’s snow removal efforts that keep the trail clear during the winter months.

Get festive and wear green, a kilt or dress up like a leprechaun for a chance to win prizes!  The Shamrock Shuffle will be chip-timed courtesy of Runner’s Edge Timing with awards given to:

•  Overall Top Male & Female Finisher
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age group
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the best Costume

All ages are welcome for this family friendly event.  Packet pick-up will be Friday, March 16 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and March 17 from 8:00am – 8:55am at Fricano Place.  The cost is $20 without a t-shirt or $25 with a t-shirt.  You must register by March 7 to get the shirt.  After that, they’ll be available for purchase at the race in very limited quantities.  The Family Rate (3 or 4 people at same address) is $15 each without a t-shirt or $20 each with a Short Sleeve Tech T-shirt.

For more information, e-mail runmuskegon@gmail.com or runnersedge@runnersedge.biz.

Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17 @ 11:00 am
Saturday, March 17, the Annual Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is stepping off at 11:00am from 4th St. and Clay Ave. and marching east along Clay to Jefferson St.  Families, organizations, fraternal groups, businesses, marching bands, churches and schools are invited to join in the fun and march in this exciting event! Sponsor your “clan” and walk the parade route or design a float and ride through downtown Muskegon along “O’Clay Street!”  The only cost to march in the parade or sponsor a float is a non-perishable food donation.  The Greater Muskegon Jaycees “Cart Corps” will perform along the parade route, accepting food donations from the parade crowd and entertaining the assembled masses with their synchronized grocery cart maneuvers!  If your family, organization or group wants to march in the inaugural Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, please contact the Greater Muskegon Jaycees at parade@muskegonjaycees.org for a complete registration packet.  For more information, call 231-412-0705.

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
March 17 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, March 17 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt!

LMC Saturday Programs are open-house style and run from 1:00 – 3:00pm in the main museum building.  Programs and museum admission are free for Muskegon County Residents.  Non-residents are just $3. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Back Alley Comedy Club: Mat Alono-Martin
March 17 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 17 at 8:00pm (doors open at 7:00pm), the Back Alley Comedy Club presents Mat Alono-Martin with special guest Dwight Simmons!  Advance tickets are $7 or $10 the day of the show.  For more information, call (231) 755-1258 or visit the website below.

Mat Alano-Martin comes to comedy from the world of rock and roll, where he spent 10 years touring North America as a member of several unknown bands and as a tour manager for much more successful, well known bands.  Mat has a comedic style that bridges the social and political views of his indie-rock background with the attitude and sensibilities of his rural and blue collar youth.  Alano-Martin’s debut album “Profiled as Such” can be heard on the Sirius/XM Raw Dog comedy channel.  He has appeared on the nationally syndicated The Bob & Tom Show, Laughs on Fox TV and at several festivals across the country.  He is also the co-founder of the Limestone Comedy Festival and Arch City Comedy Festival.
Dwight Simmons has an engaging comedic presence that has allowed him to connect with audiences all over the country.  In 2015, his debut album “Pacifist Aggressive” reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts.  More recently, Dwight has been selected to the Memphis, Limestone, Crom and Crossroads Comedy Festivals.

Spring Film Fest
March 18 @ 2:00 pm
Every Sunday at 2:00pm, February 11 – March 25, come to the Harbor Theater for the Spring Film Fest to benefit Muskegon’s historic military vessels!  Tickets are only $6.  For more information, call (231) 375-5228.

The Line-Up
•  2/11 Tombstone
•  2/18 African Queen
•  2/25 MASH
•  3/4 Dr. Strangelove
•  3/11 The Quiet Man
•  3/18 The Manchurian Candidate
•  3/25 Dunkirk

What Dreams May Come
March 18 @ 4:00 pm
Sunday, March 18 at 4:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for “What Dreams May Come,” presented by the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra!

This family-friendly performance features a variety of music: from animated film (The Secret of NIMH) to Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) to opera (Hansel and Gretel), and more.

Preceding the concert at 3:30pm, Shoreline Symphony Director Annette Jurcevic will host a brief discussion about the music, its historical and cultural context, and the composers who wrote it.

Tickets are $8 for adults and students.  Children under 18 are free.  For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Pet Painting
March 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March 19 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the Arts Council of White Lake invites you to Pub One Eleven for the “Pet Painting” event to benefit the Muskegon Humane Society!   Enjoy drinks and friends while you paint a custom piece of your pet.  When you register, you will be asked to email a picture of your pet. This will be pre-drawn onto a canvas ready for finishing touches the day of the event.  Images may be cropped to best fit the canvas.  The cost is $40 and is for ages 16+.  Space is limited, so register today by calling 231-893-2524 or visit http://www.artswhitelake.org/event-2829704/Registration.

Secretary of State Johnson Encourages Lawmakers to Take Action on Driver Fees

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today made the following statement about Driver Responsibility Fees as lawmakers return from winter break next week.

“Michigan residents have waited long enough for relief from these burdensome fees that are hurting families and job growth across the state,” Johnson said. “I encourage House and Senate members to work together with the governor to reach a deal right away to forgive the fees. Driver Responsibility Fees are not enforcing traffic safety. Because of this automatic double-penalty, too many Michigan residents have lost their licenses because of Driver Responsibility Fees. They can’t take their kids to school or get to work, disrupting their families and harming local businesses who can’t find enough qualified employees.”

As a state representative in 2003, Johnson voted against Driver Responsibility Fees. As secretary of state, she has pushed for repealing the Driver Responsibility Fee law, successfully advocating that lawmakers eliminate the most common fees in 2011, create a community service option for certain fees in 2015 and begin phasing out all fees.

Driver Responsibility Fees are an additional fee automatically charged for various traffic violations, including non-moving violations, on top of regular traffic citation fines and court costs. Unlike traditional court fines and fees in which a judge can take into consideration a driver’s ability to pay and order alternatives, such as payment plans or community service in lieu of payment, the automatically assessed Driver Responsibility Fees cannot be waived or reduced by a judge.

Fruitport Township Board of Trustees Meeting – Agenda – 03/12/18

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

MARCH 12, 2018

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 2/26/2018
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. 2018-2019 budget discussion

08. New Business
A. Approval to purchase lawn tractor (Cemetery)
B. Approval to purchase turnout gear (FD)
C. Approval for local road brine program
D. Adoption of Federal Poverty Guidelines
E. Approval of union labor agreements
F. DPW Director evaluation and contract renewal
G. Public Safety Director evaluation and contract renewal
H. Parks Dept. suggestions for improvements
I. Letter of support for casino project

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

Ask Dr. Universe – Fever

Dr. Universe: Why do we get a fever when we are sick? – Marcelina, 11, Ovid, N.Y.

Dear Marcelina,

Lots of warm-blooded animals get sick, including cats. I’ve had a fever before, but I wasn’t entirely sure why we warm up when we get sick. I decided to ask my friend and professor Phil Mixter at Washington State University.

Mixter is curious about the germs, or microbes, that we all carry around with us. In fact, scientists estimate that humans carry more than 100 trillion of these tiny microbes with them wherever they go. Not all of these microbes are bad, but some of them can make you sick.

Thankfully, a lot of animals—from starfish to cats to humans—also have an immune system that helps them fight off bad germs. In humans, fevers are one way your body helps fight back.

It’s sort of like that story about Goldilocks and the three bears, Mixter said. In the middle of your brain is a control center, the hypothalamus, which helps your body know if it’s too hot, too cold, or just right.

Maybe the last time you went in for a check-up the doctor took your temperature and told you it was somewhere around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit—or 37 degrees Centigrade for readers outside the United States. That’s a pretty normal temperature for humans.

Cats run a little warmer, with temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As we go about our day, sometimes our body temperatures will rise or fall just a little. But if germs come on the scene, things can really heat up.

When your immune system realizes something unusual is going on, some of your white blood cells will release a substance into your blood stream. The substance is made up chemicals that your brain can detect. When the hypothalamus receives the chemical message, it sends an alert back out to the body: Turn up the heat! We’ve got to slow down these germs.

Many microbes that make us sick do best in an environment that is about 98.6 degrees F. The temperature is just right. When we get a fever, the heat helps slow down these troublemakers. You might feel sweaty and hot on the outside, but the microbes are also getting too hot. The heat helps keep them from multiplying rapidly.

One thing a fever can’t really tell us is what kinds of germs are in our system. Sometimes there might be something else going on and we might need to visit with a doctor.

A fever may not make us feel great, but it’s usually a good sign that our body’s immune system has kicked into gear and that we’ll get better real soon.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Hold Your Spot in Line at the Secretary of State’s Office

More SOS offices to offer service that lets customers hold spot in line, make appointments
Check in online or with your phone, don’t wait in the office

The innovative MI-TIME Line service that allows customers to use their phones or computers to make appointments or hold their place in line is being installed at 13 more offices over the next few months, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced today.

“Customers who can’t hop online to ExpressSOS.com can soon take advantage of the MI-TIME Line service at many more of our offices,” Johnson said. “After you get in line, you can run other errands or wait from home or work until you’re ready to be called up.”

MI-TIME Line sends text updates to notify customers of their estimated wait time and allows them to request more time if needed. Those who don’t have a mobile phone can check in at the MI-TIME Line kiosk and get a printed ticket.

More than 5.7 million customers have used the service to complete a total of 10.3 million transactions since it launched in January 2014. The 43 offices that will offer MI-TIME Line when this expansion is complete total 56 percent of all branch transactions performed statewide.

Customers can find participating offices and reserve their place in line at michigan.gov/mitimeline.

Zika Will Raise Its Ugly Head Again in 2018

contributed by Executive Travel (executivetravel.com)

Many people have been lulled to sleep thinking that the Zika virus has come and gone. Not so fast my friends. This virus still has massive negative effects on anyone who is pregnant or even of childbearing age. I think in 2018 anyone traveling to a Zika infested zone (most all of the Caribbean, Central and South America) will be given a disclosure statement outlining the risk of this mosquito born disease. Keep in mind that this disease can be sexually transmitted, so even a college male on spring break to the Caribbean can infect his girlfriend when he returns.

Michigan Libertarians Rally to Protest Roadside Drug Testing

Madison Heights, MI – On November 18, 2017, Michigan Libertarians held a protest in Ann Arbor in response to the newly implemented Roadside Drug Testing Pilot Program. Among those in attendance at the rally were US Senate candidate Brian Ellison and Libertarians of Macomb County Chair Mike Saliba, along with several other members of the Libertarian Party.

dare

Credit: Nikki Peel Libertarians of Macomb County Chair Mike Saliba holds a mock D.A.R.E. sign opposing to Michigan’s pilot program for roadside drug testing

Public Act No. 243 (SB 434), establishes a 1 year pilot program for the use of oral fluid analysis, as described in Public Act No. 242 (SB 207). The controversial program went into effect on November 8, 2017 in Berrien, Delta, Kent, St. Clair, and Washtenaw Counties. The group chose Ann Arbor since the community will be directly affected by the pilot program.

Crowds came and went as the group held up signs in the hour leading up to the University of Michigan vs. Ohio State Football game, on the Northeast corner of the Pioneer High School property. “The location was perfect. Crowds were forced to stop before crossing the street to go to the football game. This gave us time to engage with the public and explain the problems with the drug testing program”, explained Ellison, “People really need to understand how ridiculous this program is. The test results are unreliable and have no direct correlation to intoxication or impairment, but officers can make an arrest decision based solely on these results. Hopefully people can understand that no matter how bad they think drugged driving is, locking up innocent people is much worse.”

metoo

Credit: Nikki Peel A woman holds a sign comparing swab testing to rape, in opposition to Michigan’s pilot program for roadside drug testing

The reason behind the new program in a matter of debate. Michigan State Police claim that the program was designed to combat the dangers of drugged driving. Many other people who have looked at relevant data think otherwise. “In the last decade there was nearly a 40% decrease in DUI related arrests. Those arrests are a major source of revenue for many government agencies. Based on the way this law was written, allowing for arrest based in whole on the results of this faulty test, it’s clear to me that this is about one thing: money,” claims Brian.

Based on the success of this event, the group is already looking to plan another. According to Ellison, “We’re looking at Grand Rapids, Port Huron, Ypsilanti, and of course Ann Arbor again. Who knows, maybe we’ll just do it on the front lawn of the Michigan State Police. We’ll do the next event wherever we see the most potential for spreading news about this injustice, and we’ll keep doing it until our legislators figure out that ‘we the people’ are not here to be abused and to fund their reckless spending. In the meantime, I want everyone to know that they should refuse this test and fight the civil infraction in court.”

BACKGROUND ABOUT ORAL SWAB TESTING

Oral fluid analysis kits have been shown to be statistically unreliable and can detect the presence of controlled substances long after impairment has subsided. Additionally, having a prescription does not exempt a person from arrest. The law specifically states that “A peace officer…may arrest a person in whole…upon the results of a preliminary oral fluid analysis.” Other states with similar programs have seen an increase in false arrests. According to the Michigan legislature and Michigan State Police, “implied consent” can be retroactive, meaning that you can imply consent to a law that does not exist at the time your license was issued.

Village of Fruitport – Budget Meeting – 02/26/18

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
BUDGET MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2018

1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 7:05pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll Call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Amy Haack, Will Overkamp and Carl Rothenberger
Absent: Bill Stone
Also Present: Jeremy Statler, DPW Supervisor

5. Approve the agenda for February 26th Budget Meeting
Motion made by Carl to approve the agenda for the meeting, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Public Comment
None

7. Correspondence
None

8. Reports from Officers
Donna reported that the library has reached their goal of 13,000 books.
Amy had nothing to report.
Will questioned when the annual boat launch permits will be available. They will be available in March.
Carl questioned about a schedule for street signs and how it previously was listed as a budget item when Carolyn was the clerk. Ann has no knowledge of it, it was prior to Quickbooks and Quickbooks has no line item specifically for signs.
Roger had nothing to report.

9. Request from Lions Club for Easter Egg Hunt
Motion made by Carl to grant the Lions Club request for the Easter Egg hunt, supported by Will. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

10. 2018-2019 Budget Discussion
Ann distributed a copy of discussion items for the 2018-2019 budget. She explained the projected income and expenditures. She reviewed the surplus fund, current mill and allowable millage levy. A list of items was presented for discussion and for possible consideration in the 2018-2019 budget. A review of all items took place.

A discussion took place about a kayak launch. A motion was made by Donna Pope to approve an engineering fee not to exceed $5000.00 to apply for a grant for the kayak launch if it is deemed possible for Prein & Newhof to do prior to the April 1, 2018 deadline, supported by Carl Rothenberger. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Haack, Pope, Overkamp and Rothenberger. NAYES: None

Roger advised we need another budget meeting. Motion made by Amy to schedule for March 12th at 7pm, supported by Will. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

11. Public Comment
None

12. Adjourn
Motion made by Donna to adjourn the meeting at 9:16, supported by Will. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Village of Fruitport – Council Meeting Minutes – 02/19/18

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 19, 2018

1. Call to order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 7:04pm

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Amy Haack and Will Overkamp
Absent: Carl Rothenberger, Bill Stone and Carl Russell
Also present: Jeremy Statler, DPW Supervisor

5. Approval of previous meeting minutes from January 15, 2018. Motion made by Amy Haack to approve the minutes, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Approve the agenda for the February 19, 2018 Council meeting
Amy requested two items to add to the agenda under Unfinished Business: Drainage Improvement Update and Compensatory Time Off policy update. Motion made by Amy to amend the agenda with the two added items, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

7. Public Comment
Pat Stressman from the Lions’ Club advised that Old Fashion Days will be May 23rd thru May 28th. The Easter Egg hunt will take place on March 31st at 10am. Pat will submit the appropriate paperwork and proof of insurance to the Village Council for approval.

Carol Brown from the Fruitport Library Friends Group addressed the council about the library. They are reorganizing the Library Friends Group. They need volunteers to help with projects at the library. She will advise us on the meeting date.

8. Correspondence
Ann read an email letter of resignation from Council Member Carl Russell dated
February 19, 2018. Motion to accept the letter of resignation made by Donna Pope, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried. Amy advised we will need a liaison for the Planning Commission Committee.

9. Reports from Officers (Each Council Member)
Donna gave an update on the library. They are still searching for a new director.
Amy advised that she spoke with Mr. Lundberg from the Storage Group and he is planning on taking down the video store and making a parking lot in its place.
Will had nothing to report.
Roger discussed possibly changing our phone service. He will get more information from Now Connect and provide costs at the next meeting.

10. Rental Unit Registration Restatement Ordinance Discussion
Roger shared information from the Planning Commission meeting about GFI outlets (Item#4 of the rental unit checklist).
Amy explained that the council is currently not acting on anything about the rental unit registration but is considering options. Roger stated that we will notify all the rental property owners and have a public hearing if we are considering implementing the ordinance.

11. Planning Commission Master Plan Survey Discussion
Roger reviewed the changes to the survey by the Planning Commission. The council discussed other changes to be made. Motion made by Roger to remove Item #13 completely and to remove Public Water from Item #9, supported by Donna. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

12. Drainage Improvement Update
Jeremy advised that as of today the improvement is in the engineering stage. Field work will be completed after the snow is gone. There will be 3 phases to the project. Amy requested that Jeremy provide a copy of the contract.

13. Compensatory Time Off Policy
Amy asked for an update on the CTO policy. Amy questioned the procedure for overtime and CTO time. Roger didn’t have an update. Will table until the next regular council meeting.

14. 2017 – 2018 Budget Amendment
A copy of the amended budget was distributed. Budget changes and a new format were discussed. Donna Pope made a motion to accept the amended budget and new format, supported by Will Overkamp. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Haack, Pope and Overkamp. NAYES: None

Roger suggested holding a budget meeting. Motion made by Roger to hold a budget meeting on February 26th at 7pm, supported by Amy. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

15. Discussion to Update Office Computers
Roger presented a quote from Now Connect for 2 new desktop office computers. A discussion to place. Ann said that she would like a laptop as opposed to a desktop computer. Roger made a motion to purchase 1 new computer, 2 monitors and installation costs for a total not to exceed $1230.00 and to have Now Connect quote a laptop set up for Ann to be presented at the next council meeting, motion supported by Will. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

16. Park Rental Rates for 2018
Roger reviewed the current fees for park reservations. A discussion took place about restructuring rental times for them. Roger requested this item go to the Parks and Recreation Group for discussion and to report back to the council.

17. Boat Launch Rate Discussion
Roger reviewed the current boat launch annual and daily permit fees. Motion made by Roger to keep the fees at the current rate, supported by Will. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

18. Warrants
Motion made by Donna to approve the warrants, supported by Amy. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack and Overkamp. NAYES: None

19. Adjourn
Motion made by Donna to adjourn the meeting at 8:54pm, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Fruitport of Education Special Board Meeting – Minutes – 03/01/18

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
March 1, 2018 7:30 a.m.
Board Room

I. The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 18-031. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes.
Item 18-032. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2018.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

2. Title IX Compliance Officer Resolution.
Item 18-033. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to adopt a resolution naming Amanda Krentz as a Title IX compliance officer, replacing Karlie Parker in all Board Policies and Administrative Guidelines for Fruitport Community Schools. Roll Call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes. Absent – Burgess.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

3. High School Bond Bid Package #1.
Item 18-034. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. be authorized to issue a Letter of Intent, in the amount indicated, to McCormick Sand per attachment, pending confirmation that all requirements of the Contract Documents have been met. Furthermore, that upon receipt by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. of the appropriate documentation, a contract be awarded to McCormick Sand by Fruitport Community Schools.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. OTHER
Bob gave an update on a personnel issue.

VII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 18-035. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:42 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly, Board Secretary

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2018

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 26, 2018, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Todd Dunham, Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none

At 7:02pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 7– residents; 3– employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; and Attorney Ron Bultje.

The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2018 as presented with the following change in wording:

Correspondence/Reports #8:

WAS: Greg Hulka made mention that the County Drain Commissioner’s Kuis drain project was denied bonding from Muskegon County and in turn the terms will be shorter and interest rates will be higher than originally projected.

NOW: Greg Hulka made mention that the County Drain Commissioner’s Kuis drain project was denied bonding from Muskegon County and in turn the terms may be shorter and interest rates may be higher than originally projected.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the addition of item C under New Business requested by Brian Michelli: Police Officer hiring.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli shared a video of moments from the Night to Shine event as well as information on local support and donations that were received for the event.
2. Brian Michelli reported that Officer Thompson made a large drug bust in Walmart’s parking lot as a result of an improperly parked vehicle.
3. Ron Langlois reported that Chany Acres East water main is complete. Sanitary sewer is yet to be completed. 28 service stubs to be installed beginning next week.
4. Ron Langlois reported that sewer for Holiday Inn is being installed and inspections are underway.
5. Ron Langlois reported that the Township’s engineering firm is investigating how to protect the Bridge St water main from further intrusions.
6. Ron Langlois shared that the Muskegon County Road Commission is predicting another 2 weeks to have Farr Road repaired. Greg Hulka suggested that the Township set up an emergency fund for such repairs that may occur in areas that the Township would be responsible for funding.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti requested a copy of the proposed budget. Heidi will get it to her once it is put together.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18-017 Land use fees resolution
Andrea Anderson shared where changes will be seen on the fee schedule as well as how the fees were calculated to include the Township’s out-of-pocket costs. Jeff Jacobs explained the removal of subdivision and plat applications. Attorney Ron Bultje suggested a wording change to the proposed resolution removing publication and mailing fees from the items covered by escrow accounts.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution for land use fees with the stated changes.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-018 2018-2019 Budget discussion
The proposed Public Safety budgets were discussed. Heidi predicts the union contracts to be finished with negotiations and will be ready to present to the board at the next meeting. Approval of the contracts will allow for more accurate budgeting. Jeff Jacobs inquired as to when the rest of the proposed budgets will be presented; Heidi stated that they will come to the Board for discussion at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

18-019 Spring clean-up
The Supervisor shared information on when the County is offering a free dump day. Fruitport’s Spring Clean-Up opportunity was discussed.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to offer Fruitport Township’s Spring Clean-Up Days on May 4th & 5th and apply for the free dump day offered by the County on May 5th.

18-020 Office vacancy
The Supervisor shared that there will be an office position vacancy created by a retirement and a lateral movement. She is requesting the authority to post the position externally in the event it is not filled internally.

Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor to fill the vacancy from outside of the township in the event there are no internal applicants.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-021 Police Officer hiring
Brian Michelli shared that the Police Department has received a low number of applicants for the open full-time officer position. He shared that qualified potential applicants are hesitant to apply due to a pending grievance. Brian has requested that the positon be absorbed in the event that another officer returns to work pending the outcome of a grievance. He states that absorbing the Officer in that case will reduce overtime on other Officers and reduce the use of part-time Officers.

Todd Dunham moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to re-confirm the posting of full-time Police Officer position indicating the position will be absorbed if required based on an arbitrator’s ruling per pending grievance.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

18-022 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $6,809.68; Public Safety $21,088.70; Water $70,021.32; Sewer $21,639.73; T&A $660.00; Street lights $13,321.92
Totaling: $133,541.35

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Andrea Anderson shared regarding an Unemployment scam that many people are currently experiencing in which individuals are receiving notices of filed Unemployment Insurance Agency claims when in fact no legitimate claim has been made by the individual.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Andy O’Riley introduced himself as a Democratic candidate for the 91st district for the State of Michigan. He shared his background, his support for Muskegon County and for protecting public education.
2. Jeff Jacobs requested that the work sessions begin promptly at 6:30pm and the meeting at 7:00pm as posted.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:31pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

 

 

Executive Travel – Hidden Fees

contributed by Executive Travel (executivetravel.com)
For the Week of: December 18, 2017

Here is how a $116 flight on Allegiant Airlines turns into $571 –

Buyer Beware! The low cost airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit do a great job of promoting low prices. What the airlines don’t want you to know is that in many cases you will actually pay hundreds of dollars more for your tickets when you arrive at the airport with all their “hidden fees”. I recently went to the Allegiant web site and found an amazing price flying from Grand Island, Nebraska to Las Vegas for $116 round trip. I decided to figure out the total cost if I wanted to do what many people do and take my golf clubs for a few rounds of golf to Glitter Gulch My plan was to take my golf clubs, one suit case, one carry-on and get seat assignments along with a boarding pass by calling the Allegiant toll-free phone number. I hope you are sitting down. List below are all the extra costs.

•  Roundtrip airfares – $116
•  Seat selection fee – $80
•  Call center booking fee – $15
•  Boarding pass printing fee – $10 ($5 one way X 2)
•  Carry-on luggage fee – $100 ($50 one way X 2)
•  Checked luggage fee – $100 ($50 one way x 2)
•  Oversized luggage (golf clubs) – $150 ($75 one way X 2)
•  Total cost of airline ticket – $571

So it turns out taking the “low cost” airline is not such a great deal after all. As the late-great Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the rest of the story”.

45 Years of Failure, a New Year of Hope

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Monday, January 22, 2018 marked 45 years since the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, legalizing abortion in all 50 states through all nine months of pregnancy. Since those decisions, more than 58 million innocent lives have been lost to abortion.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Abortion is failing women, it’s failing children, and it’s failing America. Abortions continue to decline slowly, but we have hope 2018 will be a pivotal year for restoring legal protection for unborn children.”

Right to Life of Michigan is beginning 2018 with a new advertising campaign featuring adoption. Two advertisements are running on statewide television throughout January.

Listing said, “The positive impact adoption can have on people is something always worth highlighting. Adoption is one important solution as we move forward to a country where abortion is both illegal and unthinkable.”

On January 19, hundreds of thousands of prolifers headed to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual March for Life. President Donald Trump addressed the crowd via a live video stream. Right to Life of Michigan affiliates are also hosting local events to mark the memorial.

Listing said, “As we prepare to reflect back on these years and the loss of so many lives, it is important to remember the momentum the prolife movement has been able to build this past year.”

In his first year in office, President Donald Trump has fulfilled his campaign promises of protecting the unborn. One of his first acts was reinstituting the Mexico City Policy, cutting off funding for promoting abortion overseas. His most notable promise involved appointing new U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Listing said, “With another fair justice like Neil Gorsuch on the court, we could be as close as one vacancy from Roe v. Wade being overturned.”

Abortion-on-demand through all nine months of pregnancy remains highly unpopular in America. The annual Marist-Knights of Columbus abortion poll was released on January 17 and found only 12 percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal throughout pregnancy.

Listing said, “The more we can educate people about the tragedy of abortion, the more successful we’ll be. Most Americans do not know that abortion is legal throughout all nine months of pregnancy.”

More information has been revealed involving tissue trafficking. In December, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Planned Parenthood for their involvement in tissue trafficking of aborted babies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating similar concerns in New Mexico. Two companies in California were convicted based on evidence collected by undercover journalist David Dalieden.

Listing said, “It remains to be seen if Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry will be held accountable for selling baby body parts, but at least we know this issue is finally being taken seriously.”

Ask Dr. Universe – Glass

Dr. Universe: How is glass made? And, what is it made out of? What about thick glass like they are putting up on the Space Needle? – Tali, almost 8 years old, Seattle, Wash.

Dear Tali,

We can make glass in factories and we can find it in nature. Some volcanoes make glass. When they spew out lava, it often cools into obsidian, a black glass. Glass can also form on sandy beaches. Small tubes with smooth glass on the inside may appear after super-hot lightning strikes the sand.

In fact, sand is one of the most important ingredients we use to make glass. We may also use things like seashells, salt, and other chemicals. That’s what I found out when I visited my friend John McCloy, an engineer at Washington State University. McCloy and graduate student Jose Marcial were testing out different materials to make glass in the lab.

Marcial explained that glass is made of molecules—think of them as building blocks—arranged in a pretty random order. Most of the time we think of glass as a solid. But the way its molecules are arranged actually allows it to act as both a solid and a liquid. When we heat up the mix of sand, seashells, salt, and other chemicals, it can become molten, kind of like lava.

In the lab, Marcial poured a mixture of solid materials into a tiny metal cup. He heated it way up until the mix turned to something in-between a solid and liquid, similar to a thick honey. It was so hot that as Marcial poured it out onto a table, the molten material started glowing orange. As the mix cooled down, the molten liquid turned to a solid piece of glass right before our very eyes.

Marcial said that in factories, glass is made in a similar way. We take sand, add in different chemicals, heat it up, and pour it out onto a bed of molten metal. Just as oil sits on top of water, the lighter, liquid-like glass material floats atop the metal.

As everything cools down, the metal stays molten, but the glass on top solidifies. The glass might end up in a pair of eyeglasses, a computer screen, fish tank, or window. The big pieces of glass you see in buildings or observation decks are often made up of thinner layers of glass that have been combined.

As you’ve observed, the Space Needle is getting a big renovation. According to friends at the Space Needle, more than 10 types of glass will be used to renovate the landmark. They will also bring in 176 tons of glass during construction—that’s more than twice the weight of a NASA space shuttle.

As you can see, glass is made in lots of different ways. Believe it or not, you can also make something very similar to glass in your kitchen. Instead of grains of sand, salt, and seashells, you can use tiny grains of sugar.

With the help of a grown-up you can make your own edible sugar glass by mixing together ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Try it out sometime and let me know what you learn at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Ottawa County Park Foundation’s Grand River Greenway Campaign Gaining Momentum

Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s effort to complete its Grand River Greenway Campaign is gaining significant traction with two recent gifts from regional foundations.

The Grand River Greenway Campaign is the culmination of the 30-year vision to protect thousands of acres of high quality natural and recreational lands along the Grand River in Ottawa County and then connect these lands with a multi-use ADA accessible trail. The proposed trail also will complete a contiguous connection from Millennium Park in Kent County to Grand Haven beaches and other destinations such as Grand Valley State University, downtown Grand Rapids, and the Bass River State Recreation Area. In order to accomplish this vision, Ottawa County Parks plans to acquire 700 acres of additional land and construct 27 miles of new trail (with 13 miles of the trail along or near the river or other water features). This will require $21 million in funding, with the Parks Foundation seeking $7.2 million in philanthropic gifts to leverage anticipated public funding.

Recent grants from two West Michigan family foundations, Wege and Frey, totaling $860,000 help build momentum for the Greenway Campaign, which is still pursuing “lead” commitments from donors.

“The show of support from Kent County donors demonstrates that the Grand Rapids area philanthropic community understands the regional value and impact of our vision,” said Peter Secchia, who is co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Campaign Committee and a major donor.

sunsetMr. Secchia has long been interested in revitalization of the Grand River as a leading contributor and supporter of Millennium Park as well as other initiatives such as the MSU Gran Fondo, a fund-raising bicycle race from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore near Grand Haven. “One of the things that I love about this project is not only that it will make the Grand River more accessible to thousands of families, but that it will also connect Grand Rapids and Grand Haven together with a river pathway route for the first time. People will be able to start from Millennium Park, travel from park to park, have ice cream or a burger in Jenison or Allendale, and end with a sunset on the Grand Haven Pier.”

It was this type of regional impact that drew the support of Wege and Frey Foundation trustees.

“The Grand River is an important ecological and recreational asset. Improving riverside lands in Ottawa County and connecting them to Kent County will add incredible value to the on-going work in Grand Rapids to restore the Grand River and the City’s namesake rapids” said Mark Van Putten, President & CEO of the Wege Foundation.

While the Campaign has been successful in engaging donors, Greenway Campaign committee members say broad community awareness of the value of the Greenway is not widely known. “This Greenway, with its tremendous green space and natural wildlife offerings, will enhance the physical, mental, and economic well-being of our community by increasing access to the river’s natural spaces,” said Monica Verplank, co-chair of the Greenway Campaign Committee.

familyRecent gifts represent great progress; still the Grand River Greenway Campaign is actively seeking additional partners. “We are very thankful for the support from our neighbors in Kent County and we hope to have more announcements to come in the near future, but our work is not done yet,” said Tom Werkman, President of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and a member of the Greenway Campaign Committee.

Visit Muskegon Events February 26 – March 5, 2018

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

Sherri Winston and the Pathfinders Youth Gospel Choir
Monday, February 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, February 26 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library as local Author Sherri Winston hosts a multi-media presentation incorporating an imaginative PowerPoint display, music, lively discussion and Black History trivia.  The program will weave black history’s literary figures and how their presence impacted her life.  Her recent book, “The Sweetest Sound,” has recently been named one of Kirkus magazine’s best books of the year.  It is coming out in January in paperback.


Zucca (Butternut Squash) with Sofia
Monday, February 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, February 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Zucca (Butternut Squash) with Sofia!”  There are so many ways that the Italians use this delicious and versatile vegetable.  Here are four of Sofia’s favorites that you will prepare in this class: zucca and gorgonzola quiche, zucca gnocchi zucca flan, baked zucca with soy sauce. There’ll be plenty for tasting and to take home.  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Olde Thyme Harmony Quartet in concert
Tuesday, February 27 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
We will kick off the second half of the Feeding the Soul of the City’s 2017-18 season with a popular barbershop quartet from Owosso, Michigan–the Olde Thyme Harmony Quartet- at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon (1006 Third St.). The concert is free and open to the public. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be available for free starting at 11:30 a.m.   Attendees may bring a bag lunch that they may enjoy before or during the concert. A few minutes of prayer will be held just before the concert starts.

Winter Lecture Series: History of the Blues
Tuesday, February 27 @ 7:00 pm
Book Nook & Java Shop, 8744 Ferry St., Montague
The White Lake Music Society’s Winter Lecture Series features engaging and stimulating presentations!  The last Tuesday of the month, from January through March, a wide variety of expertise and talent will be showcased. February 27, in honor of Black History Month, Lazaro Vega will speak on “The History of the Blues”. Suggested donation is $6 at the door.  For more information, please visit www.musicwhitelake.org.


Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays and Thursday @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
January 16 – March 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for “Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight!” The impulse to strike out into the unknown, to see what’s over the horizon is as old as humanity. Today, a whole new horizon beckons. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to 9 billion Sun-like stars with planets similar to Earth. Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun. But if we find one, how will we ever get there? How long will it take? What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space? Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future. This is a 35-minute presentation. (The campus will be closed March 6 and March 8 for College Spring Break) For more information, call (231) 777-0289.


Page to Screen Noir: Double Indemnity
Wednesday, February 28 @ 1:30 pm
Norton Shores Library, 705 Seminole Rd.,Norton Shores,
The Norton Shores Library hosts Page to Screen Noir, where you can read a classic noir mystery each month and then watch the film it inspired.  For February, participants will read “Double Indemnity” by James M. Cain and then watch the 1944 movie.  This program, funded by the Friends of the Norton Shores Library, is free and open to the public ages 18 and up.  For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .


Mad for Macaroons with Kathy DeHoag
Wednesday, February 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kitchen 242, 242 W. Western Ave.
Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Mad for Macaroons with Kathy DeHoag!”  Make two different kinds of batter, coloring, flavors, fillings and all different ways to decorate macaroons.  There’ll be plenty for tasting and to take home. The cost is $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.


Poetry in Metal: David Barnhill and David Huang
Thursday, March 1 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Ave.
You’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the opening reception of “Poetry in Metal: David Barnhill and David Huang!  The reception starts at 5:30 pm and is followed by a presentation by both artists.  This event is free and light refreshments will be provided. There will also be a cash bar. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by docents, compliments of Meijer! For more information, call 231-720-2570.


Iconic Women of U.S. History: Eleanor Roosevelt
Thursday, March 1 @ 6:00 pm
Sturrus Technology Center, 388 W. Clay
The Center for Experiential Learning at Muskegon Community College is presenting a three-part lecture series on the “Iconic Women of U.S. History:  Eleanor Roosevelt,” Thursday, March 1 in the Sturrus Technology Center.  Free and open to the public, the talk kicks off the Women’s History Month celebration throughout March and will be held in the Dr. Donald and Nancy Crandall Experiential Learning Lab on the first floor. MCC Distinguished Faculty Award recipient and Emeritus Instructor, Bill Jacobs, will offer insights into the lives and times of prominent American women. For more information, contact the MCC Social Sciences Department at (231) 777-0380.

Cocktails & Canvas
Friday, March 2 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49441 United States
Come to Watermark 920 for Cocktails & Canvas! Create.A.Frame Studio will be there with step-by-step instructions and techniques on how to create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The cost of this class will be $20 per person and includes all of the supplies needed. Class space will be limited, so register soon! This is a 21+ event with wine, mixed drinks and beer available for purchase. The Coffee Factory will be offering a variety of desserts, sandwiches and soups. Painting begins at 6:00pm, but please come early for cocktail hour! Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3335500.


West Michigan Symphony Presents: Classical Music for Everyone – Romantic Nationalism
Friday, March 2 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200 Muskegon,
$10 – $57
Come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents Classical Music for Everyone – Romantic Nationalism! Explore Romantic music via the countries from which they originate. You’ll experience classical music’s Romantic era as it developed in Scandinavia, Spain, France, America, Bohemia and Russia. The concert closes with one of the most important cello concertos ever written, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto featuring Russian cellist Alexey Stadler. For more information, call 231-726-3231.

The Back Alley Comedy Club Presents: Dustin Diamond
Friday & Saturday, March 2 @ 8:00 pm – March 3 @ 8:00 pm
Platinum Room @ Sherman Bowling Lanes, 1531 W. Sherman Blvd
Come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for live stand-up comedy from Dustin Diamond!  He played the bad guy on Celebrity Fit Club and has been hailed as the “Dark Prince of Comedy”. Dustin Diamond is a pop culture icon, and is best known for his role as Screech on Saved by the Bell. Dustin played Screech through all 10 seasons of the show, and to this day, Saved by the Bell is still seen in syndication 16 times per week in 105 countries. For the past 17 years, Dustin has toured the world as a stand-up comedian. His act is suitable for the now grown-up fans of Saved by the Bell. It is adult-oriented, hilarious, and definitely not the same squeaky-clean, Saturday morning comedy that he spent 10 years doing as Screech. Tickets are $17 when purchased in advance. For more information, call (231) 755-1258.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
Friday & Saturday March 2 & 3 & @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch two home games at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Rebel Road Winter Burnout
Friday, March 2 – Saturday, March 3
C.I.O. Union Headquarters, 490 W. Western Ave.
It’s going to be one heck of a party at the Rebel Road Winter Burnout, a fundraiser for the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon!   The party kicks off at 7:00pm, Friday, March 2 at Racquet’s Downtown Grill with drink specials and Cards Against Humanity! Then, on Saturday, March 3 get ready to rock at the CIO Hall! Doors open at 6:00pm and your $5 cover includes entry for a drawing to win an awesome Rebel Road 4’ x 8’ poster! •6:00pm – Burn Out Pit by Vic •8:00pm – DJ Eazy E, DJ Lowercase g, and DJ Freak’n Fonger will be spinning vinyl, taking you back through the 70’s,80’s and 90’s •10:00pm – Let There Be Rock/A Tribute to Early AC/DC is back!!! •All Night – 50/50 raffles. This event is for persons 21+. For more information, find “Rebel Road Winter Burnout” on Facebook or call (231) 327-5290.

A Raisin in the Sun
Through Saturday, March 3 @ 7:00 pm
Through March 3, come to the Beardsley Theater for “A Raisin in the Sun,” presented by the Muskegon Civic Theatre! Set on Chicago’s South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena.  When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home in a better neighborhood in Chicago.  Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: buying a liquor store and being his own man.  Beneatha dreams of medical school.  The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. The Younger family’s heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. For more information, call 231-727-8001.


West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
Saturday & Sunday March 3 & 4 @ 5:00 pm
The West Michigan Lake Hawks strive to provide a professional level of sports entertainment and to enrich the lives of student athletes. Home games are played at Reeths-Puffer High School. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and season passes are $90 which saves you 25%. Ages 4 and under are free. Call 231-769-9617 for group ticket sales. Catch their next home game Saturday at 5:00pm as they take on the Windy City Groove and Sunday watch The Lake Hawks against Oakland County Cowboys. GO HAWKS!


Indoor Farmers’ Market
March 3 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter!  They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, November – April.  They will be closed Saturday, December 30.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251. They are located at 242 Western Ave.


Sweet Water Local Foods Market
Saturday, March 3 @ 9:00am-Noon
Every Saturday year round Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s! You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village 6401 Prairie St. Norton Shores. www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org
Lakeshore Museum Center: Robot Open House
Saturday, March 3 @ 1:00pm
Both boys and girls will love to try out the many of the newer robots in the Science Center. This program runs from 1:00-3:00 and is FREE to Muskegon County residents and just $3.00 for non- residents.


Kids Pizza Party with Chef Char
Saturday, March 3 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Kitchen 242, 242 W. Western Ave.
Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Kids Pizza Party with Chef Char!” Learn the fun of making your own pizza dough and a homemade marinara sauce for the start of a good pizza.  Find out how to make an herbed crust, stuffed crust and even a cinnamon crust for a sweet treat fruit pizza.  Choose and add your own toppings for pizzas that can be eaten in class or taken home for later.  Ages 7+.  The cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.


Robert H. Fischer’s 5th Annual Pasta for Paws
Saturday, March 3 @ 4:00 pm
Mona Lake Boating Club, 372 W. Randall, Norton Shores
Come to the Mona Lake Boating Club for the annual Pasta for Paws event to benefit Pound Buddies Animal Shelter! Doors open at 4:00pm, with dinner from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Enjoy spaghetti and meatball dinner, silent auction, 50/50/raffles, cash bar and live music and dancing with The Root Doctor beginning at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. For more information call Linda at 231-329-2085 or Lana at 630-816-6409.

Norsemen Family Festival
Saturday, March 3 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
North Muskegon Elementary School, 1600 Mills Ave
Bring the kids to the Norsemen Family Festival! This fundraiser at North Muskegon Elementary School features carnival games, bounce houses, balloon animals, face painting, a silent auction and refreshments. There’s also a raffle with a top prize of $500!   For more information, e-mail pto@nmps.net.


The Block: Gaudete Brass – Chamber Music
Saturday, March 3 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Block, 360 W. Western Ave. 2nd Floor
$10 – $20
Come to The Block as the Gaudete Brass Quintet encourages appreciation of the art of brass chamber music through live performance, recordings and new works. The quintet presents an evening of works featuring all-brass instrumentation. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.

Million Dollar Quartet
Saturday, March 3 @ 7:30 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200
Come to the Frauenthal Theater for the “Million Dollar Quartet!” This Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by an electrifying true story, will rock the Frauenthal stage. On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together four young musicians – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Team Gershwin, in association with the Barter Theatre. General management is provided by Dhyana Colony/Colony Creative Group. Tickets are $50, $45, $40 and $35. For more information, please visit the Million Dollar Quartet website at www.MillionDollarQuartet.net. For tickets, call the box office at 231-727-8001.


The Music of Scott Joplin
Sunday, March 4 @ 3:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200
Come to the Frauenthal Theater for “The Music of Scott Joplin!” Hailed by The New York Times as “an especially impressive fine pianist,” Richard Dowling appears regularly across America in solo recitals, at chamber music festivals, ragtime & jazz music festivals, and as guest soloist in concerto engagements. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 for adults. Youth tickets are $12. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Sushi 101 with Chef Damon
Sunday, March 4 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Kitchen 242, 242 W. Western Ave.
Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to the culinary class, “Sushi 101 with Chef Damon!” Learn simple and easy sushi recipes with Chef Damon. Everyone can learn and enjoy the basic art of sushi making. This will be a hands-on learning experience that will teach you how to spread, layer, tuck and roll sushi and then taste the fruits of your labor. It starts with perfect rice! This is a great couples class, but you can attend by yourself, too. You will be using raw fish and seafood in this class. The cost is $45. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.


Spring Film Fest: Dr. Strangelove
Sunday, March 4 @ 2:00 pm
Every Sunday at 2:00pm through March 25, come to the Harbor Theater for the Spring Film Fest to benefit Muskegon’s historic military vessels!  Tickets are only $6.  For more information, call (231) 375-5228.


The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Monday, March 5 @ 6:00 pm
USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St.
Monday evenings at 6:00pm, January 29 – April 2, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for The Vietnam War by Ken Burns! Each episode will be followed by a discussion. Admission is free with the purchase of museum admission. Members are free. For more information, call 231-755-1230.

Check us out on social media!
www.visitmuskegon.org
www.facebook.com/visitmuskegon
www.twitter.com/visitmuskegon
www.instagram.com/visitmuskegon
www.pinterest.com/VisitMuskegon/pins
www.linkedin.com/company/visit-muskegon

Dog Bite Awareness & Prevention

Over 4 million… that’s the number of dog bite incidents each year in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control. The family dog or a neighbor’s dog inflict nearly 80% of dog bite-related injuries to children aged 18 and under, with children aged 5-9 having the highest injury rate. The dogs often end up in shelters, and many shelters will euthanize based on bite history.

To reduce the number of bite-related injuries, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance has launched a Dog Bite Awareness and Prevention campaign on our website. The site features educational resources including a new video produced by MPFA explaining dog body language. The video features voiceover by Peter Carey, star of the smash hit play “Ernie” by Mitch Albom.

MPFA chairperson Deborah Schutt said, “The key to preventing dog bites is responsible pet ownership and education. Our goal with this campaign is to make our communities safer, free up resources in our shelters, and save more dogs’ lives.”

Contact info@michiganpetfund.org if you are interested in distributing this video to schools, daycares, pediatricians, or other interested groups.

Keep It Real Online

Go to official State of Michigan sites, not unaffiliated pay sites

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds Michigan residents that when they go online for Secretary of State business they double-check the website they’re doing business with before they get taken for a ride by a motor-vehicle look-alike site.

“When you need answers or have driver or vehicle business to do in Michigan, watch out for sites that aren’t official state of Michigan sites that pop up in a web search,” Johnson said. “Those unofficial sites may charge you unnecessary fees and provide inaccurate information. Keep it real. Deal directly with the Secretary of State’s Office.”

Residents should be sure to go to the official sites Michigan.gov/sos or ExpressSOS.com for the most accurate information.

Johnson said her office regularly receives complaints from customers who believed they visited an official Secretary of State website to complete a transaction and paid a fee, only to later find that the money did not go to the state, and they did not get the services they thought they were buying.

Unfortunately, these customers used an online search engine that listed sites not affiliated with the state of Michigan when they were looking for driver’s license and vehicle license plate renewal options or other Secretary of State services. These sites charge for information or services that are normally available at no cost on the official department website.

The unofficial sites, which may end in “.org” or “.com”, often give the initial impression of being a motor-vehicle agency website, but, if you look closer, the sites may have a notification they are not affiliated with a government agency. Some sites sell “guides” to people about how to obtain a driver’s license that may be nothing more than electronic versions of free literature that motorists can get online or at any Secretary of State office.

Official Secretary of State online services can be accessed by going to Michigan.gov/sos or ExpressSOS.com, which redirect users to the Michigan.gov site. State of Michigan web pages all have Michigan.gov in the address or state.mi.us for some services.

The Body Broker Iceberg

The oft-repeated narrative regarding the undercover videos exposing Planned Parenthood’s trafficking in the tissue of aborted babies is that the issue is entirely made-up—“fake news” via “heavily-edited videos.”

This narrative was aided when investigations in several states turned up no legal charges. These were states where Planned Parenthood wasn’t involved in organ harvesting or pro-abortion officials were the investigators.

Recent events have undermined this narrative, however, showing we’ve barely scratched the surface of this macabre trade in human corpses.

On December 7, news broke that the Department of Justice is investigating Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Given the evidence Congress compiled over many months—and the plain statements from Planned Parenthood leaders caught on camera—we believe there is not just smoke there, but true fire.

Another story broke two days later out of California, where officials are forcing two connected biotechnology companies to shut down for breaking laws banning fetal organ harvesting. The evidence used in the conviction came directly from David Daleiden and his Center for Medical Progress’ undercover investigation. Those videos are more properly called “evidence” than “heavily edited.”

Two days after that, yet another story broke, this time in New Mexico. It was announced that the FBI is investigating the University of New Mexico and an infamous late-term abortion clinic in Albuquerque for their fetal organ harvesting. Now we have learned that one of the researchers at the center of this trafficking case was sending body parts to a man in Michigan.

Then at the end of December, Reuters released an exclusive story regarding a 2013 raid on a “body broker” Detroit, Arthur Rathburn. Rathburn’s business was buying corpses, chopping them up with chainsaws, and selling them to medical conferences. During the raid four unborn babies were discovered by the FBI in his warehouse.

There is no evidence yet showing where Rathburn obtained these babies, or if they were aborted or stillborn.

Rathburn’s trial is now underway; he stands accused of 10 federal counts. Reuters has been pursuing Rathburn’s case as one of several in a seven-part series on the body broker industry. The parallels between the body broker industry (Rathburn’s case in particular) and the abortion industry are eerie, especially when it comes to a lack of regulatory oversight.

Where will these stories lead? We’re not sure, but they deserve more public scrutiny than they’ve received so far. Much, much more.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2018

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 12, 2018, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none

At 7:05pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 27– residents; 7– employees; 3- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 22, 2017 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition to New Business requested by Brian Michelli:

Item #8-F: Approval to renew copy machine lease for Police Department.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Ron Langlois reported that the DPW repaired a hole in a water main at Bridge St. and Brooks Rd. on Sunday.  The cause of the hole is being investigated.

2. Ron Langlois reported that the DPW is installing water service stubs for the Chandy Acres East development.

3. Brian Michelli shared that the Fruitport Fire and Police Departments partnered with The Lakes Church for their Night to Shine event. Several members of the departments volunteered and the event was a success.

4. Brian Michelli let the board know that information from Muskegon County Central Dispatch regarding a 911 surcharge will be coming soon.

5. Brian Michelli shared that Firefighters Dave Clark and Tim Doctor have completed an application for a FEMA grant for Firefighter assistance.

6. Brian Michelli shared that Police Officer Andy Hunt was successful in writing a grant to provide funding to help with the purchase of an electronic traffic speed sign.  Thank you, Officer Hunt!

7. Andrea Anderson shared that the street light at Parkland/Walker is installed and that the Weigle family shared their thanks.

8. Greg Hulka made mention that the County Drain Commissioner’s Kuis drain project was denied bonding from Muskegon County and in turn the terms will be shorter and interest rates will be higher than originally projected.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti inquired as to what is being built at Sternberg/Quarterline.

2. Muskegon County Treasurer, Tony Moulatsiotis, shared his support for trustee candidate Terry Knoll.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18–013 Employee handbook
Several topics of the handbook were discussed including the social media policy, lunch breaks, and hiring/firing. Once requested changes have been passed on for attorney approval, the employee handbook will come to the board for approval.

18–014 Resolution for Land use fees
Andrea Anderson gave an update. The resolution was TABLED while further information is gathered to ensure the most accurate schedule of fees.

18–015 Trustee appointment
Each member of the board voiced their top three candidate choices for Trustee in no particular order. After narrowing the nominations by most nominations received, Todd Dunham, Terry Knoll, and Paul Lindale were the most mentioned names of the nine candidates.

Rose Dillon moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, to appoint Terry Knoll to the open Trustee position.

Ayes: Dillon, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: Hulka, Winebarger, Tice

Greg Hulka moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to appoint Todd Dunham to the open Trustee position.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: Jacobs

18–016 Swearing in new trustee
Todd Dunham was sworn into his position as Trustee by the Clerk. He then took his seat among the board. Congratulations Todd.

NEW BUSINESS:

18–017 Swearing in new Firefighters
Lonnie Morren and Kyle Morrow were sworn into their positions as Firefighters by the Clerk and badges presented accordingly. Congratulations Lonnie and Kyle.

18–018 Extrication demonstration and discussion

Brian Michelli shared that Fruitport Fire Department’s current extrication equipment that is 35 years old and does not function effectively with late model vehicles that are built using stronger metals. He shared that the replacement of this equipment was included in the 2017-2018 budget. Carl from Hurst Tools shared facts regarding the current equipment we have and the equipment being demonstrated tonight. The new Hurst cutter and combination tools are battery operated, each come with 2 batteries, are made in the USA, and can be available to the department in approximately 8 weeks at a cost of $22,400. Replacement batteries are $600.

Members of the board and meeting attendees stepped outside to watch Firefighters demonstrate the old and new equipment as they cut the doors off of a vehicle, which the use of was donated by Baxter’s Towing.

Greg Hulka moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize Brian Michelli to purchase the Hurst cutter and combination tools demonstrated tonight at a cost of $22,400.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18–019 Police Department vacancy
Brian Michelli staffing options with the board. With the recent vacancy in the Police Department, the department can work short staffed, continue to fill with part-time staff/full-time staff on overtime, or post the position to hire one full-time officer.

Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to fill the full- time Police Officer vacancy in the Fruitport Police Department.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18–013 Quarterline Rd water main approval
Fruitport DPW requested the water main be upsized and brought down Quarterline Rd to service the new hotel developments rather than service coming off of Sternberg. The cost to the Township would be in the form of reduced trunkage fees to the developer, therefore no out-of-pocket expense would occur. This would provide 25% of the water main needed to eventually extend from Sternberg south to Mt. Garfield Rd.

Rose Dillon moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the DPW Director to move forward with the Quarterline water main project as presented.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18–014 2018-2019 Budget discussion
The proposed parks and Supervisor budgets were discussed. A $50,000 increase was noted in the proposed Parks budget as well as revenue from a cell tower located at Pine Park. Options for how the Parks Department can request additional funds for projects was discussed.

Additional budgets will come to the Board for discussion at the next meeting.

18–015 Copy machine lease
Brian Michelli recommended a renewal of a 5 year lease for the Police Department copy machine.

Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to enter into the requested lease.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18–016 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $2,561.43; Public Safety $9,576.91; Water $5,798.12; Sewer $1,226.65; T&A $705.00
Totaling: $19,868.11

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Heidi Tice shared that there will be a representative from BS&A at the next meeting to inform the board on a software program that will be beneficial with rental registrations and planning commission functions. The cost of the software is approximately $20,000.

2. Rose Dillon introduced Nathan Petersen who is a Life Scout from Troop 1127 and a freshman at Fruitport High School. He entered the Boy Scout program in second grade and is currently working on citizenship in the community so he came to observe a public meeting. His goal is to become an Eagle Scout.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Linda Corinti shared her liking for the democratic process that happens on the board. She also inquired with Brian Michelli as to if a dummy is used during typical extrication training in order to provide a more real experience and ensure caution is used in the process; Brian shared the different ways the department ensures a realistic process.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Heidi Tice was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Fruitport Township Board Meeting Agenda – 02/26/18

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

FEBRUARY 26, 2018

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

01.  Pledge of Allegiance
02.  Roll call
03.  Approval of board minutes: 2/12/2018
04.  Approve / amend agenda
05.  Correspondence / reports
06.  Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A.  Land use fees resolution
B.  2018-2019 budget discussion

08. New Business
A.  Spring clean up
B.  Office 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

Ask Dr. Universe – Animal Farts

Dr. Universe: Do all animals pass gas? Do cats fart? 
Hasandi, 11, Jeddah; Harrison, 10, Albany, Ore.

Dear Hasandi and Harrison,

If you’ve ever been near a cat or dog when they tooted, the smell might have sent you running right out of the room. A lot of animals pass gas. But believe it or not, some animals do not.

First, let’s talk about the gassy ones. When us cats and humans eat food, we are also swallowing air, or gas. It’s made up of elements like nitrogen and oxygen. The gas travels down into our digestive system and can take up space in our stomach and intestines. In our digestive systems, we also find tiny living things called bacteria.

You might blame the dog for your farts, but the real credit goes to your bacteria. Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, a lot of bacteria are helpful. Some of them help break down your food into its simplest form, like proteins and sugars that you can use for energy and growing. Some get rid of waste. But as they do their different jobs, they produce a bit of gas.

That’s what I found out from my friend Kristen Johnson. She’s a researcher at Washington State University who has tackled some big questions about how cow gas impacts the environment. She explained that while each bacterium makes a small amount of gas, there are millions of them doing it. It really adds up.

This gas needs to leave your body somehow, so you can release it either as a burp, a fart or by breathing. But if you were a clam or other mollusk, you wouldn’t toot. If you were a sea anemone, you wouldn’t fart, but you could probably burp.

Last year, a bunch of researchers listed which animals they studied farted. According to their list, it appears that some worms don’t pass gas either. Then there are some animals that scientists aren’t sure about, like spiders and parakeets. One researcher even found that some millipedes have hard valves on their rear ends that silence their toots. It would be nice if some other animals I know had those.

Birds have the equipment to fart but apparently don’t. Some scientists have found that a lot of them don’t usually carry the same kinds of gas-forming bacteria in their guts that humans and other mammals do.

As it is, humans toot around 20 times a day, producing enough gas to fill up about half a two-liter bottle of soda. A lot of the time these farts don’t smell. But sometimes your bacteria release sulfur and other things that can get pretty stinky. It might not always be pleasant, but it’s totally normal. Silent or deadly, a fart is usually a sign that our bodies are healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

First in the State and #27 in the Nation!

Your chamber’s largest event, the Lakeshore Art Festival, is ranked 1st in the state of Michigan #27 in the nation for Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows by the Sunshine Artist Magazine. This ranking is up from #83 position in 2015. Lakeshore Art Festival brings an estimated 50,000 people to Muskegon County each year and continues to grow.

Sunshine Artist Magazine ranks the nation’s most-profitable fine art and craft festivals based on subscribers’ sales performance each year resulting in – Sunshine Artist Magazine 200 Best! Artist and exhibitor registration for the 2018 Lakeshore Art Festival is now open. Dates will be Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7. Visit the Lakeshore Art Festival website for more information.

Fruitport Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting – Minutes – 02/19/18

Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
February 19, 2018 7:00 p.m.
Board Room

I. The Regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

II. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

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

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item  18-022.  MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Buckner to approve the agenda with the elimination V-2 “Science Projects – Kathy Six.”
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

V. PRESENTATIONS
Christ McGuigan and Janelle Mair presented information on “Kickstart to Career.” This financial incentive program is being offered to all Muskegon County incoming kindergarteners. Muskegon’s Community Foundation will deposit $50 into a savings account to be used toward future education. It is their hope that this amount will grow over time and help cultivate a culture of career education.

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
Board Secretary, Steve Kelly read aloud a thank you note from the family of Gene Young.

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
None.

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 18-023.  MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Buckner to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
1.   Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2018
2.   Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
3.   Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
4.   Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
5.   Approval of Personnel Report
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

Bob welcomed John Winskas back and thanked Fred Wilks and Darrick Brown for their efforts during the interim.

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of the High School Bond Project Bids.
Item 18-024.  MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to authorize Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. to issue Letters of Intent, in the amount indicated, to contractors and suppliers listed per attached, noting the amendment for bid category 2 as presented, pending confirmation that all requirements of the Contract Documents have been met.  Furthermore, that upon receipt by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. of the appropriate documentation, contracts be awarded to these contractors and suppliers by Fruitport Community Schools.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. Approval of the 2018-19 School of Choice Resolution.
Item 18-025.  MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Cole to adopt the 2018-19 School of Choice Resolution as presented.  Roll Call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Kelly, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held February 12, 2018.
Elroy Buckner reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held February 12, 2018. Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, Mark Mesbergen, and Bob Szymoniak were present. The committee discussed: the Bond Budget, the Building and Site Budget, and Vehicles.

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held February 13, 2018.
Steve Kelly reported on a Personnel Committee meeting held February 13, 2018. Dave Hazekamp, Steve Kelly, Tim Burgess, and Bob Szymoniak were present. The committee discussed: hiring an Operations Director, a Personnel Matter, the Superintendent Evaluation, and a Bond Update was given.

2. Approval of the 2016-17 Superintendent’s Evaluation.
Item 18-026.  MOTION by Kelly, SECOND by Buckner to approve the 2016-17 Superintendent Evaluation of Bob Szymoniak with a rating of highly effective as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held February 14, 2018.
Jill Brott reported on a Student Affairs Committee meeting held February 14, 2018.  Jill Brott, Dave Hazekamp, Allison Camp, Susan Franklin, Lauren Chesney, Rob Rogers and Bob Szymoniak were present. The committee discussed: New Art Classes at the high School level. Two reinstatement hearings were scheduled but families were a no-show.

2. Approval of New High School Art Course Offerings.
Item 18-027.  MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Franklin to approve the additions of Introduction of Art and Ceramics II to the high school curriculum as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

3. Approval of the Overnight Trip Requests.
Item 18-028.  MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Franklin to approve DECA’s State Conference, March 9-11, 2018 in Detroit, MI ~ Techno Trojans District Competition March 9-11, 2018 in Mishawaka, IN, ~ Techno Trojans District Competition April 5-7, 2018 in Alpena, MI as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Jill Brott spoke about the magnificent PBIS assembly at Shettler.

Kris Cole mentioned GREASE, the musical, on March 23rd and 24th, a welding opportunity for students in Mr. Stahl’s classroom, a LOWE’s grant awarded to Mr. Stahl, and the beginning of a Robotics league at Shettler.  He also commented on the Chalkboard Project at the high school and believes it is making a positive difference.

Bob Szymoniak thanked Busche Aluminum Technologies for their financial donation to the Fruitport food service angel fund.

Steve Kelly commended the Fruitport Competitive Cheer coaches and team who received their highest score at Districts recently.  He indicated they were just shy of making it to the Regional competition.

XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Business and Finance Committee will meet March 12, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.
2. Personnel Committee will meet March 14, 2018 at 7:00 a.m.
3. Student Affairs Committee will meet March 14, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
4. Reschedule March Board Meeting.
Item 18-029.  MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to reschedule the March Board Meeting to March 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict.  Roll Call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Kelly, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
5. A Board Workshop has been scheduled on April 25, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 18-030.  MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary

Fruitport School Board Special Board Meeting – Minutes – 02/16/18

Fruitport Board of Education
Special Board Meeting
February 16, 2018 11:30 a.m.
Board Room

I. The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 11:34 a.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

Also in attendance – Matt Hulswit, Tom Kaywood, Mark Mesbergen, Pat Noyes, Gary Peasley, Matt Slagle, Bob Szymoniak, and Fred Wilks,

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 18-019.  MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Buckner to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes.
Item 18-020.  MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Cole to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2018.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. High School bond Work Bid Update
• Matt Hulswitt reviewed the bid categories and contractors.

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

VI. OTHER
None.

VII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 18-021.  MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn. MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kelly, Board Secretary

FCS – Student Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – 02/14/18

Student Affairs Committee
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
4:00 p.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Jill Brott, Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, Rob Rogers, Lauren Chesney, Allison Camp, Bob Szymoniak

1.   Two new courses are being recommended for the high school after having had two readings and the support of Instructional Council.  They are Introduction to Art and Ceramics II.  The Student Affairs Committee recommended these courses for Board approval.

2.   Two reinstatement hearings were to be held but the families in question did not submit the required reinstatement paperwork and did not show.  As a result, no action was taken.

 

Respectfully submitted by Bob Szymoniak