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Village of Fruitport – Council Meeting Minutes – 12/18/17

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2017

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

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Donna Pope, Amy Haack, Carl Rothenberger, Carl Russell and Will Overkamp, who arrived at 7:08pm. Absent: Bill Stone
Also, Present: Jeremy Statler, DPW Supervisor and Greg Mason, Cathy Krol and Lesli Lehner from Michigan Township Services.

5. Approval of previous meeting minutes
Ann reported 5 grammar changes to the minutes. Amy Haack, supported by Roger Vanderstelt made a motion to approve the minutes with the changes Ann reported. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Approve the agenda for the December 18th, 2017
Amy clarified that item 10 on the agenda is a discussion about the Rental Unit Registration that was adopted by Fruitport Township. Motion made by Amy Haack, supported by Donna Pope to approve the agenda. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

7. Public Comments
None

8. Correspondence
None

9. Reports from Officers
Donna reported that things are going well at the Library.
Amy reported that our attorney, Dave Bossenbroek, is reviewing the park ordinances and rules that may be out of date. She will present any suggested changes at an upcoming meeting.
Carl Rothenberger nothing to report.
Carl Russell gave an overview of the recent Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission is reviewing the Master Plan and Ordinances. At the last meeting they reviewed a Master Plan Survey. Carl also discussed the Storm Water Ordinance. Jay Bolt, Secretary of the Planning Commission, discussed the survey and the process of distributing it to the community and making residents aware of the Master Plan review process.
Will nothing to report.
Roger advised the council that we received $1,226.00 from the sale of the old snow blower and push blower equipment.
Roger also advised the council that the motion to purchase the Post Pounder for $2,363.00 at the last meeting didn’t include a case. The new cost is $2,587.00. Motion made by Carl Rothenberger, supported by Amy Haack to approve the cost of the Post Pounder to $2,587.00. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp and Russell. NAYES: None.
Roger would like to donate Ann’s old desk to the Crockery Township Fire Department. Motion made by Carl Rothenberger, supported by Amy Haack to donate the desk to the Fire Department. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
Roger discussed that $260.00 was incurred for payroll and equipment used for the Lion’s Club for Old Fashioned Christmas. Roger suggested that the Village absorb half of the charge. Motion made by Carl Russell, supported by Will Overkamp to pay $130.00 towards the $260.00 charge. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
Roger discussed that we need to focus on saving for the 2020 3rd Street project instead of doing the budget wish list for the next fiscal year.

10. Roger recapped the Fruitport Township Rental Registration and Checklist that was discussed at the last meeting. Greg Mason from Michigan Township Services advised the council that municipalities with over 10,000 residents are required to have a rental ordinance. Cathy Krol from MTS explained that in the Township rentals are required to register with the Assessing Department for a fee of $10. After registering they need to schedule an inspection for a fee of $50.00. A checklist of requirements is provided to the property owner prior to the inspection. Lesli Lehner from MTS discussed safety issues regarding rental properties. Carl Russell thinks that the Planning Commission should review Rental Registration for the Village and make a recommendation to the council. Motion made by Carl Russell to address the Rental Registration at the next Planning Commission meeting, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

11. Honorary Plaque and Thank You Letter Update for Lighting
Roger would like to put a Plaque on the Light Pole. He will follow up with more detail on the plaque at the next meeting.

12. 270 Pine St. Presentation (Owner: Mark Oldenburg)
Mark Oldenburg passed out a diagram to the council. He pointed out that his garage, driveway and sprinklers are on Village property. A discussion took place and Roger suggested that Mark and his attorney contact our Village attorney Dave Bossenbroek and DPW Supervisor.

13. Winter Boots
Carl Russell suggested that we purchase Muck Boots for the DPW staff. A discussion took place about the boots. Motion made by Carl Russell, supported by Amy Haack to purchase new boots for the DPW staff at a cost not to exceed $160.00 per person. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp and Russell. NAYES: None

14. Public Comment
John Bumstead, 2186 E 77nd Street, Newaygo addressed the council. He was a State Representative from 2010-2016. He is running for the 34th district State Senator. John offered to answer any questions and passed out his business card.

15. Warrants
Motion made by Carl Russell to approve the warrants, supported by Carl Rothenberger. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp and Russell. NAYES: None

16. Adjourn
Motion made by Donna Pope to adjourn, supported by Carl Rothenberger. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried at 8:12pm.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Muskegon County Calendar of Events February 5-12, 2018

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

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.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Postcard Salon
February 1 – February 15

Don’t miss the “Postcard Salon” exhibition happening February 1 – 15 at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Over 1,400 cards from artists from West Michigan and beyond were on display last year, offering a huge range of materials and subject matter to enjoy. Now in its 12th year, the Postcard Salon reflects the Muskegon Museum of Art’s commitment to Michigan artists, a chance for people of all ages and skill levels to share their work with the public.

The exhibition is free to enter and all submitted cards are installed, making the show a true community endeavor. The exhibition is also a great opportunity to support the area arts community by purchasing an original work of art. Join them this year for the first ever juror awards, singling out four remarkable cards. Artwork must be delivered to the MMA by January 29, 2018.

Beginning at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 15, all of the postcards on display in the Wiener Gallery will be for sale at $30 apiece. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original artwork by your favorite regional artists. Buyers will be able to take the works directly from the walls and pay for them at several locations throughout the museum. Muskegon Museum of Art members will be given a five-minute head start beginning promptly at 6:55pm. The sale ends at 8:00pm, so don’t miss out! Memberships can be obtained in the Museum Gift Store, or in the gallery on the 15th. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

The Best Italian Pasta Sauces with Sofia
Monday, February 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Monday, February 5 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “The Best Italian Pasta Sauces with Sofia!” In this informative and fun class, Sofia will unveil the secrets of the authentic “al dente” pasta and sauce, then show you how to pair a variety of pasta shapes with their ideal sauces. Instructor Sofia Occhialini moved here with her family from Italy four years ago. Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $40.

Comedy Night at Fetch Brewing: Adam Degi
Tuesday, February 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

It’s Comedy Night with Adam Degi at Fetch Brewing Company! Fetch is located at 100 W. Colby St. in Whitehall. Adam isn’t just another straight white male comedian. He’s bald, and his talent and joke writing separates him from the pack. The opener is Matt Lauria and your MC for the night is Ricarlo Williams-Winston from Muskegon! For more information, call (231) 292-1048.

White Lake Classical Series: 4-Hand Piano
Tuesday, February 6 @ 7:00 pm

You’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop at 8744 Ferry St. Montague, for another installment in the White Lake Classical Series featuring Steve Thielman and Bryan Uecker playing 4-hand piano and performing the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Satie and Cui. The cover charge is only $5. Come early at 6:15pm to enjoy a dinner of Chicken Parmesan with homemade marinara over linguine, broccoli, glass of house wine and double chocolate mocha Napoleon for only $17. Please RSVP for dinner by calling 231-894-5333.

Reception and Special Program – All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert
Thursday, February 8 @ 5:30 pm

Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 West Webster, downtown Muskegon for a reception and a special program, “All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert!” Winfred Rembert has a lot of stories to tell, from his childhood on a cotton farm to his near lynching during the Civil Rights movement. The reception begins at 5:30pm and the film (60 mins.) is at 7:00pm. Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert will be on display at the museum December 14, 2017 through March 18, 2018. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Hearty Soups and Homemade Bread Bowls with Chef Char
Thursday, February 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, February 8 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 located at 242 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon for the culinary class, “Hearty Soups and Homemade Bread Bowls with Chef Char!” Warm Up with a hot bowl of homemade soup and a delicious pretzel-style bread bowl. Two soups will be made to try and take home, including loaded baked potato soup and creamy roasted tomato basil. Also learn the secrets to making a delicious bread bowl to serve your soup in. All culinary skill levels are welcome. Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $40.

James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Thursday, February 8 @ 7:00 pm – February 10 @ 9:00 pm

Come to Mona Shores High School, 1121 W. Seminole Rd. for a delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure, “James and the Giant Peach JR.” performed by the Mona Shores Middle School Allegrettos. It’s a fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends, and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Tickets are $10. Call 231-332-8540 or 616-309-4390.

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! Call 231-720-2570.

Bling Thing
Friday, February 9 – February 10

This event is held at the Century Club Ballroom, 356 W. Western Ave. Bling Thing is a fundraiser event to benefit the Hackley Public Library! Friday, the 9th, it’s the early-sale party with wine and chocolate. A minimum $10 donation is requested. Saturday, the 10th, from 10:00am – 2:00pm is the public sale of items, free entry, coffee and hot chocolate provided by Biggby Coffee. Buy costume, vintage and fine jewelry as well as purses, scarves, jackets and other “bling!” For more information, visit www.fohpl.org .

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
February 9 @ 7:00 pm – February 10 @ 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, February 9 and Saturday the 10th at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Madison Capitols at the L.C. Walker Arena located at 955 Fourth St., downtown Muskegon. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

The Alley Door Club: Swinging Stem Cells – Classic Rock
Friday, February 9 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Celebrating its’ 13th season, The Alley Door Club, upstairs at the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Ave. 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. 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.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Hollywood’s Greatest Melodies
Friday, February 9 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Come to the Frauenthal Center located at 425 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon as the West Michigan Symphony presents Hollywood’s Greatest Melodies! Scott Speck, conductor Guest Artists – Diane Penning, soprano Paul Langford, piano Join Diane, Pa Diane and Paul return to the WMS to sing a variety of titles from the American Film Institute’s list of “100 Best Songs from Movies” list. Titles include, Climb Every Mountain, Somewhere, The Way We Were, Moon River, and Love is an Open Door from the motion picture Frozen. For more information, call 231-726-3231.ul and the West Michigan Symphony and be transported through a series of treasured movie memories.

Learn to Luge Weekend
Friday – Sunday @ 6:00 pm

Every Friday – Sunday at 6:00pm (weather permitting), you can learn to luge at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, offering one of only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the United States! Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon Luge track provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and two starting areas. For more information, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit the website below to make reservations.

Safe & Easy to Learn

Safety is the number one priority when teaching new sliders or conducting races with seasoned sliders. All participants must be at least 8 years old at the time of their session. Participants are outfitted with elbow pads, a helmet and a well-maintained luge sled. An instructor carefully goes over each part of the sled with a beginning slider and teaches easy to learn methods of steering the sled. Over three decades, the program has instructed thousands of sliders from age 8 to 80 to safely and successfully luge. While luge is referred to the fastest sport on ice, this track is designed for the novice slider at slower speeds than an Olympic track, where sliders can reach speeds of 90+ mph. The top speeds at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex track are approximately 30 mph on a “good ice” day although to most new sliders it still feels like 90 mph!

Get Some Physical Activity in the Winter

The sleds weigh between 25-40 lbs. and are transported up a flight of stairs to the top of the luge track by human power…you! Small children will most likely need adult help to get their sled back up the hill. If you have heart troubles or health issues that may be complicated by climbing stairs or participating in adrenaline pumping outdoor thrill sports, this activity may not be recommended.

What to Expect

The size of each session is limited, so participants can expect to get 3-6 runs depending on weather conditions and efficiency of the group and personal pace. The first 20 minutes of the session you will receive instruction from an experienced luge coach about safety and equipment. During free sliding time, coaches will be positioned along the track to give you instruction throughout the session. The last 15 minutes of each session is set aside for participant certificates and a medals ceremony.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
Saturday @ 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.

Postcards Super Saturday
Saturday, February 10 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art located at 296 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon for a “Postcards Super Saturday” Free Family Fun Day! Postcard Salon is one of the most popular exhibitions and the artwork is small, but the creativity is limitless. Super Saturdays are Free Family Fun Days held on 2nd Saturdays of the Month.
•10:00 am & 1:00 pm Family Film
•11:00 am – 1:00 pm Guided Exhibition Tours – Find surprises in Postcard Salon, led with a Museum docent.
•11:00 am – 2:00 pm Make & Take – Create your own postcard-size art.

For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Kids Cooking: Homemade Chicken Pot Pies with Chef Char
Saturday, February 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

You’re invited to Kitchen 242 located at 242 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon for the culinary class, “Kids Cooking: Homemade Chicken Pot Pies with Chef Char!” In this class, the recipe and techniques for a flaky homemade butter crust will be produced, rolled out and filled with delicious assorted vegetables, roasted chicken and savory gravy to be assembled for a tiny meat pie with a big bold taste. Kids ages 7+ Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $35.

Sip & Shop
Saturday, February 10 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Watermark 920, located at 930 Washington is proud to host their first Sip & Shop! They will have a variety of local vendors and crafters offering an array of goods from LulaRoe to handmade jewelry! Sip while you shop! A cash bar will be open for the event featuring Mimosas, Wine, Beer and mixed drinks. Non-Alcoholic beverages will also be available! Fatty Lumpkins will be on site serving their sandwiches as well.

Taste at the Lakes
Saturday, February 10 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Lakes Mall located at 5600 Harvey St. invites everyone for “Taste at the Lakes!” Taste craft beers and wines while enjoying their many entertainers throughout the mall. Proceeds will benefit the Muskegon Child Abuse Council. For more information, call (231) 798-7104.

3rd Annual Sweet Soul Food Dessert Contest
Saturday, February 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Come to Hackley Public Library located at 316 W. Webster, downtown Muskegon for the 3rd annual Sweet Soul Food Dessert Contest! Get out your recipe files and get registered for a chance to win! Please bring enough to share. Judging will be by Executive Chef Megan Gorstecki with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3^rd places as well as a People’s Choice award. Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore. WUVS 103.7 “The Community Station” the Beat is the media sponsor.

Walk / Skate for Warmth Fundraiser
Saturday, February 10 @ 3:30

L.C. Walker Arena located at 470 W. Western Ave. downtown Muskegon is hosting this event. 3:30 is registration and 4:00 pm is when the skate or walk begins. The walk is FREE. Skating is $5 plus rental. All skating proceeds will benefit Muskegon Oceana Community Action Partnership. All participants will receive a discounted ticket voucher for that evening’s Muskegon Lumberjack hockey game.

Valentine’s Day Cooking for Two with Chef Sofia
Saturday, February 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

You’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “Valentine’s Day Cooking for Two with Chef Sofia!” In this class, you’ll spend the night with your honey and learn some kitchen skills together along the way. A succulent and romantic hands-on menu includes appetizer, Prosecco Risotto, Martini Chicken with baked rosemary potatoes and chocolate mousse. Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202. The cost is $75 per couple.

Performances @The Block: Ian Maksin and Gabrielle Datcu – World Music
Saturday, February 10 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Cellist Ian Maksin returns to The Block, located at 360 W. Western Ave. bringing guitarist Gabriel Datcu for a concert of jazz and world music. Maksin has gained international recognition for his beautiful tone, his own unique innovative style. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm

Local Author: Cookbook Release Party at Fetch
Sunday, February 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Come to Fetch Brewing Co. located at 100 W. Colby St. Whitehall as they celebrate Muskegon’s own entrepreneur Valerie Hanson and the release of her humorous and instructive new cookbook, “What Have We Learned!” Valerie is the owner and operator of Bygone Basics Cooking School and Bakery in Montague, where she also owns and operates Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast along with her husband, John. Their release party will feature a book signing and sampling of foods created by Valerie herself from her recipes! For more information, call (231) 292-1048. Muskegon is proud of you Val.

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Monday, February 12 @ 6:00 pm

Monday evenings at 6:00pm, January 29 – April 2, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, located at 1346 Bluff St. 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.

Visit our website
www.visitmuskegon.org
www.facebook.com/visitmuskegon
www.twitter.com/visitmuskegon

Pine Hill Cemetery: Preserving Its History

By Kimberly Slezak

Fruitport Township’s Cemetery, The Pine Hill Cemetery, is located in section 36 at Brooks and Pontaluna Roads. Commonly referred to as “Fruitport Cemetery”, there are no legal records to support it ever being called that. We do know that much of Fruitport’s history can be told through the cemetery.

Originally a part of Norton Township until it separated and organized under the name of Lovell in 1867, Fruitport officially became its own township on March 31, 1871. Due to the lack of paper records, exact dates are unknown for many pieces of the cemetery’s history. It is known however that in its earliest years, land for the cemetery was deeded to the township by Thomas and Ellen Smalley, Edward and Julia Craw, and Jesse H. Cooley.

Township records do not exist, but it is said that a potter’s field, for those residents who had no means for a proper burial, was located in the area of Bridge Street and Brooks Road. It has also been said that a Native American burial ground was located near the cemetery as well. Native American artifacts have been found in the area over the years, suggesting a burial ground.

The exact date of the first burial in the cemetery is unrecorded, but the oldest legible headstone dates back to 1877.

There are six known Civil War Veterans buried in Pine Hill Cemetery. These include Augustus Converse, Henry C. Barnes, Silas H. Hendryx, Moses Bigelow, Levi Bigelow, and Daniel Blackmer. These particular headstones are marked with the bronze star of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The GAR was a fraternal organization for Civil War Veterans, specifically of the Union Army, organized in 1866. The organization became extinct in 1956 when its last member died.

Harry Ford, Joseph C. Ford, Joseph Jr. Ford

One of Fruitport’s most notable residents, Joseph C. Ford, is also buried at Pine Hill. The Ford family headstone is one of the largest to be found in the cemetery. Joseph was Superintendent of Spring Lake Iron Co. and also served as Fruitport Township Supervisor for a period. He and his family made their home at what is now The Village Park Bed and Breakfast located across the street from the present Pomona Park. The Fords had nine children, one of which died as an infant. Their youngest child, Harry, drowned in Spring Lake in 1902, in front of the Pavillion dance hall during its first year in operation. Joseph, his wife Alice, Harry, and their infant child are buried at Pine Hill.

In 1960 the mausoleum was built at Pine Hill and its first internment was in 1961. A small section of land located adjacent to the mausoleum was set aside specifically for babies and infants. Commonly referred to as “Baby Land”, the first burial in this location was Baby Akins in 1963.

The George Forsberg Memorial Chapel was added in 1973. Due to the lack of use, it is now part of the garage and storage for the cemetery.

Pine Hill and its interred residents have a great amount of history waiting to be shared. In an effort to save accurate information for future generations, The Fruitport Historical Society is seeking family biographies for those buried at Pine Hill. If you have any information that you would like to share, please contact the Fruitport Historical Society at fruitporthistory@gmail.com, or through our Facebook page. Information can also be dropped off at the Fruitport District Library.

To date, members of the Fruitport Historical Society have photographed and cataloged each and every headstone in the Pine Hill Cemetery. All of this can be found on the Pine Hill link of the Muskegon County Genealogical Society web page at www.genealogymuskegon.com. The society would eventually like to add any biographies that can be obtained.

The “cemetery project” team of the Fruitport Historical Society would like to thank the present caretaker, Jerry Darga, for his excellent job maintaining our beautiful cemetery. His hard work and pride shows and is greatly appreciated!

Solar Electric Investment Analysis Webinar Series

Webinar series assists participants to properly evaluate solar power proposals
by M. Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are an increasingly common sight on urban rooftops and rural properties across the U.S. The declining cost of equipment and installation makes installing a behind-the-electric-meter (net metered) solar electric system enticing for consumers. Evaluating the financial prudence of an investment in solar requires careful consideration of installation costs, the value of production, and operation and maintenance costs.

Michigan State University Extension is offering a six part webinar series entitled Agricultural Solar Electric Investment Analysis Webinar starting Thursday, January 18. It is important to note that even though the webinars are geared to an agricultural audience, the information that will be shared applies to anyone looking for information on making a wise solar energy investment.

This six part webinar series will provide practical guidance to anyone considering investing in a solar electric system so they are able to make fully informed investment decisions. Each session is 60 minutes long followed by 10-15 minutes of questions and answers. Participants will be given access to every webinar presentation as well as other information pertinent to the specific webinar topic. Participants will also be able to go back and view any webinars they missed.

The webinar series features two solar power experts, Eric Romich with Ohio State University Extension and John Hay with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, and is based on the six bulletins in the Solar Electric Investment Analysis Bulletin Series. Over the six sessions Romich and Hay will help webinar participants take a critical look at the investment required for a solar electric system. Registration information and a complete schedule can be found at https://events.anr.msu.edu/SolarAnalysisWebinar/.

If you have questions about the webinar series, or would like more information on energy efficiency practices or renewable energy projects, feel free to contact Charles Gould at 616-994-4547 or gouldm@msu.edu or Al Go at 517-353-0643 or goaluel@egr.msu.edu.

The Faces Of Walk For Warmth

from Ottawa County CAA’s Facebook page

Word is spreading along the lakeshore! Thank you Grand Haven Area Community Foundation for donating to our #WalkForWarmth event! We hope to see you Saturday, Feb 10 8:30 AM City On A Hill, Zeeland–Feel the Zeel! SHARE TO GET MORE TEAMS! visit www.miottawa.org/w4w

Grand Haven, Michigan, City of Grand Haven, Michigan – City Hall, Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, Michigan Community Action, Community Action Partnership National Office

Abortion Pill Reversal Comes to Michigan

In October we learned of an amazing story in Lowell, a small town outside of Grand Rapids. The small pregnancy center there, Alpha Family Center, successfully saved a life by reversing an RU-486 medical abortion.

It’s the first time we are aware of this relatively new procedure being used in Michigan. Abortion pill reversal is being pioneered by two doctors, Dr. George Delgado of California, and Dr. Matthew Harrison of North Carolina.

Both doctors independently had the same idea. RU-486 abortions work by starving a pregnant woman of progesterone. Natural progesterone is commonly used as a treatment for high-risk pregnancies. Both doctors theorized that they could offset the progesterone loss with a common treatment used for other pregnancies, thus saving the life of the child.

The doctors formed an organization called Abortion Pill Reversal, and together have been studying this off-label use of an FDA-approved treatment. So far they claim to have a success rate of more than 50 percent in saving the child’s life, as long the woman hasn’t taken the second pill of the two-pill medical abortion regimen. They are currently conducting a formal study, and hope to report a success rate between 60 and 70 percent.

Abortion supporters are intensely dismissive of research into abortion pill reversal; its existence threatens their narratives about the nature of abortion. Those who claim the mantle of choice and women’s autonomy should not try to deny women information about this new procedure. Many women find themselves in situations where they instantly regret taking the abortion pill.

The young mother in this story is a perfect example. She said when she expressed reservations about the abortion to the abortion clinic staff, they told her there were no refunds for her appointment, and instead of giving her counseling quickly ushered her into the exam room.

The abortion clinic used the appointment fee as a tool to pressure this woman, and rushed in order to shut down her thought process. Prolife groups have heard many stories from women who were cajoled into taking the abortion pill despite reservations. For abortion clinics, women who leave represent lost revenue.

Today this mother’s child is still in the womb, alive and kicking. Mom and the staff at Alpha Family Center that sprang into action are eagerly waiting to meet the child face to face.

For more information about abortion pill reversals, visit the website www.abortionpillreversal.com.

Ask Dr. Universe – Grasshoppers

How do grasshoppers survive the winter? –Lucy, 9

Dear Lucy,

There are a lot of different grasshoppers living on our planet. In fact, scientists have discovered more than 11,000 species. Exactly how these grasshoppers spend their winter depends on what kind of winter they experience.

That’s what I found out when I went to visit my friend Laura Lavine. She’s an entomologist at Washington State University and was happy to help with your question. Let’s hop to it.

Lavine explained that in places with colder winters, such as Washington State, grasshoppers spend the winter as eggs. That means that their mothers will have buried them deep in the ground.

The grasshopper mom has an egg-laying organ, called an ovipositor, that’s shaped like a knife or sword. It’s really handy for digging in the soil.

“The ovipositor has a hard external skeleton and the grasshopper digs into the ground to lay her eggs below the surface,” Lavine said.

Some Pacific Northwest grasshoppers, like the red-legged grasshopper, will lay about 20 eggs at once. The mother will cover them all with a gummy coating.

The coating hardens and binds the eggs together so they can survive the harsh winter conditions. The mother grasshoppers will also bury them.

Lavine explained that some grasshoppers will lay their eggs in other safe, warm places such as plant roots, wood, or even cow manure.

“They hatch in the spring when the weather warms up and the sun comes out,” she said. Spring is a great season for us cats to chase these little hopping insects around. I must say it’s pretty entertaining.

While a lot of grasshoppers overwinter as eggs, some will survive the winters in a different stage of life. Between their egg stage and adult stage, grasshoppers are juveniles, or nymphs. In winter, nymphs will find a nice warm spot to hide. They probably won’t move or hop around much at all until it warms up again.

Of course, not all winters are so cold and harsh. For example, the giant grasshopper that lives in South America experiences a pretty warm habitat. It will still lay eggs underground to keep them safe, though.

“In warm places, grasshoppers are more active in the winter because the temperature is good and there are plenty of plants around to eat. So, they can spend the winter as eggs, as nymphs, and even as adults,” Lavine said.

Here are a few activities you can try at home to learn a little bit more about grasshoppers: Draw a grasshopper or make one out of a toilet paper tube and label its anatomy. Don’t forget to include the five eyes.

If you are feeling up to the challenge, you can also play around with some geometry in this grasshopper origami project. Have fun and tell us what else you learn about grasshoppers sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Frauenthal Center Presents MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Date: March 3, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $35 – $50

Muskegon, MI — MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new Tony Award-winning Broadway smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that unbelievable musical moment to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, humor, celebration, unforgettable performances of such timeless and enduring hits as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

Tickets are $35 – $50 and can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office via phone at 231.727.8001 or in person, open 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.

Fruitport Township Board – Minutes – January 22, 2018

Fruitport Charter Township Board Of Trustees Meeting Minutes – January 22, 2018

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, January 22, 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 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 25– residents; 4– employees; 3- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; and Attorney Ron Bultje.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 8, 2017 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Jeff Jacobs, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the removal of item 8-A, swearing in new Firefighters. Remaining items will moved up. This item will be moved to the February 12, 2018 agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS

1. Ron Langlois summarized 2017 water use. The DPW installed 65 new water services. Water usage was reported to be 412,912,000 gallons or 1.2 million gallons per day; this is an increase of 3.5% from 2016.

2. Ron Langlois reported that Chandy Acres East has begun the final phase which will include 28 homes in total.

3. Brian Michelli shared that The Lakes Church, 5873 Kendra Rd, is hosting a Night to Shine event for special needs individuals to experience a formal dance. The event will be February 9, 2018. Members of the fire department will be volunteering and offering medical services for the event.

4. Heidi Tice shared that the Fruitport Lions will be having a pancake dinner February 9, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at Fruitport high school. Tickets are $5 adults/$3 kids. Proceeds benefit the National Honor Society.

5. Heidi Tice shared that after completion of a survey, the University of Michigan rated Fruitport Charter Township as a 5 star community. The survey focused on how the community relates to entrepreneurship, economic development, and job growth.

6. Heidi Tice shared that Michigan Township’s Association will be having its next meeting at Dalton Township on January 29, 2018 at 7:00pm.

7. Heidi reported that proposed budgets will be coming to the board for discussion beginning at the first meeting in February.

8. Several members of the Thunderhoofs 4H club were in attendance and were recognized by the board.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Linda Corinti, 6th Street, inquired on if the annual water report is available.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18-005 LED lighting for town hall

Previous discussions regarding converting town hall to a more energy efficient LED lighting were had October 9, 2017. Due to the opportunity for rebates was ending soon, the topic was put on hold. New rebates are now available and an updated quote produced.

Rose Dillon moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, to approve the conversion to LED lighting and to have the clerk confirm the quoted price and for budget amendments to move funds between Building and Grounds line items.

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

Jeff Jacobs requested that the project be stretched toward the expiration of the quote in order to be closer to the end of the fiscal year and ensure the funds won’t be needed elsewhere.

18-006 Conservation Club lease

After review, the lease was determined admissible, however the value of the $1,000,000 insurance will decrease by the end of the lease, therefore it was requested that the insurance limits be indexed appropriately over the years.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, to approve the lease drafted January 17, 2018 with insurance limits indexed appropriately. The supervisor and clerk are authorized to execute the lease.

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

18-007 Resolution for land use fees

This topic was TABLED until the next meeting when an updated list of costs can be presented.

18-008 Employee handbook

Ron Bultje will send sample language for examples as requested. Heidi will email a revised copy of the handbook leaving ample time for review before the next meeting.

18-009 Trustee candidate interviews

Nine letters of interest were received for the open board seat. A panel interview with six questions took place for each of the nine candidates. A candidate will be selected at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

18-010 Property & liability insurance

With insurance rates on the rise, the board recommended to seek RFP’s for property & liability insurance.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to authorize the clerk to seek RFP’s for property & liability insurance.

18-011 Closed session per employee request for personnel matters

A. Rose Dillon moved, supported by Denise Winebarger, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 8:33pm per Section 8A of the Open Meetings Act, per employee’s request to discuss specific personnel matters.

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

B. The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously to go back into open session at 10:22pm.

18-012 Closed session continued

Jeff Jacobs moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the recommendation of the Public Safety administration made in closed session.

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

18-012 Payment of bills

Denise Winebarger moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $9,954.23; Public Safety $20,483.04; Water $137,285.76; Sewer $4,389.55; Street lights $13,251.43
Totaling: $185,364.01

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

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:

Eli Cooper, 5967 Airline Rd, provided handouts regarding a tenant’s right to refuse inspection. He also shared opportunities of escrow for renters who make safety complaints regarding their place of residence.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 10:41pm.

_______________________________
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

______________________________
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

$1 Billion in Muskegon Investments

Muskegon is continuing to grow, with over one billion dollars in investments occurring on the lakeshore.

Completed projects include the $50 million dollar expansion of Bayer Crop Science, the $15 million dollar expansion of GE Aviation, the $11 million dollar expansion of La Colombe, the development of a new Walmart in Whitehall Township, and the completion of multiple new breweries on the Lakeshore.

Projects in progress include the $271 million dollar Mercy Health Center development, a $38 million dollar investment in the Arconic plant of Whitehall, the $170 million dollar Odeno housing development in Fruitport Township, the $50 million dollar Tannery Bay housing development on White Lake, the $18 million dollar expansion of Muskegon Community College for their new Downtown Center, a $1.8 million dollar investment toward the renovation of the Great Lakes Fresh Markets, and many more.

The investments don’t stop there, as the number of proposed projects continues to climb. These investments include the development of a Muskegon Convention Center, a casino development in Fruitport Township, the expansion of KL Outdoor and the development of Winward Pointe, the former Sappi site on Muskegon Lake.

President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Larsen, comments that “Muskegon isn’t done by any means, but you can actually see the difference so far”. All projects enhance the Watch Muskegon campaign, a privately funded community improvement plan.

Mercy Health Appoints New President

Your chamber is excited that our former Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Board Chair is now the President of Mercy Health. Gary’s positive leadership style will be a great asset for our healthcare community and for the chamber. We look forward to working with Gary on new partnerships and collaborations.

Congratulations, Gary Allore!

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 01/29/18 – 02/05/18

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

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Mondays @ 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.

5×5 Night Muskegon
January 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

5 x 5 Night is back at the Muskegon Innovation Hub on Tuesday, January 30 beginning at 5:00pm. Got a great idea you’d like to pitch? Visit 5x5night.com to submit your idea or to vote for your top five picks. The top five ideas with the most votes will then be selected to give a five minute pitch before a panel of 5 judges. The winning idea wins $5,000! The public is welcome to attend. For more information, call 616-331-6900.

Holy Trinity Inspirational Choir and Victory in Praise Choir
January 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 30 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library to hear some of the best Inspirational/Gospel singing along the Lakeshore! Holy Trinity Inspirational Choir from Holy Trinity Church, led by Michelle Harris, will grace the Hackley Public Library stage. Joining them on the program will be Brandon Davis and the Victory in Praise Choir, a community choir comprised of Christians from various denominations from the greater West Michigan area. The choirs will perform individually and together for a truly great evening of vocal music. You won’t want to miss this!

Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore. WUVS 103.7 “The Community Station” the Beat is the media sponsor.

Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm

The White Lake Winter Lecture Series
January 30 @ 7:00 pm

The White Lake Winter Lecture Series, presented by the White Lake Music Society, begins Tuesday, January 30, 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop! Blue Lake Radio host, Foley Schuler, will speak on “From Bugs Bunny to Stanley Kubrick – Classical Music Goes to the Movies.”

Mr. Schuler will share his love of both classical music and cinema in this examination of the nexus of the two art forms in the work of several master film directors in whose hands certain works from the classical music repertoire become much more than mere accompaniment to the images, but are organic to the ultimate vision itself. Through a selection of iconic and unforgettable scenes, we’ll see how these works have been essential in advancing the narrative, creating dramatic effect (at times almost acting another character), and, in general, contributing to an aesthetic synergy in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Other lectures include:

• February 27 – In honor of Black History Month, Lazaro Vega will present “The History of the Blues.”

• March 27 – Enjoy a presentation by Chef Jill Hansen as she speaks on “The Art of Taste.”

Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit them online at www.whitelakemusic.org.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Postcard Salon
February 1 – February 15

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.

Cooking with an Electric Pressure Cooker with Chef Char
February 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Did you get an electric pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot) for Christmas? Or, maybe you have had one and afraid to use it or want new recipe ideas? Or, maybe you want one but wondering what to use it for? Thursday, February 1 at 6:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market as Chef Char demonstrates the use of an electric pressure cooker and makes three different recipes for your tasting during this two hour class. Recipes will be shared as well as lots of tips on using a pressure cooker. These new appliances will help you get dinner on the table faster and they are a major upgrade from the pressure cookers that we might know from our past. The cost is $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Snowfest
February 2 – February 3

The Greater Muskegon Jaycees annual Snowfest event will return to downtown Muskegon Friday, February 2 – Saturday, February 3. Enjoy Cornhole and Snow Volleyball Tournaments, the popular Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-off and much more. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on getting involved or event details, visit the website at www.muskegonjaycees.org/snowfest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MuskegonJaycees.

Friday, February 2

• First Fridays6:00pm – 8:00pm (Western Ave. between 3rd & 4th streets)
• Moonlight Movies: Happy Feet (PG)6:10pm – 8:00pm (Western Ave. between 3rd & 4th streets)

Saturday, February 3

• Cornhole Tournament/$30 for a team of 2 (Western Ave.)
Registration 9:00am, Start 10:00am, End 2:00pm

• Snow Volleyball Tournament/$60 for a team of 4 (Western Ave.)
Registration 9:00am, Start 10:00am, End 2:00pm

• Battle of the Bloodies/$25 pre-sale or $30 at the door (Racquet’s Bar & Grille)
Registration 9:30am, Start 10:30am, End 1:30pm

• Battle of the Bowls/$10, $5 – Full/Half Pre-sale or $15, $10 Full/Half at Door (SMASH Bistro)
Registration 9:30am, Start 11:00am, End 2:00pm

• Snowfest Downtown Pub Crawl/FREE (Register at Racquet’s Bar & Grille)
Registration 3:00pm – 5:00pm, End 2:00am

Learn to Luge Weekend
Friday – Sunday @ 6:00 pm

Safe & Easy to Learn

Get Some Physical Activity in the Winter

What to Expect

Comedian Mitch Fatel – Shoreline Stix Fundraiser
February 2 @ 6:30 pm

Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Mitch Fatel! You’ve seen him on Comedy Central, HBO, The Tonight Show and more! Doors open at 6:00pm, with dinner at 6:30pm and the opening act taking the stage at 7:30pm. This is a fundraiser for the Shoreline Stix team and includes raffles and a silent auction. All tickets include dinner and are $25 a person. A table for 10 is $250 or get the V.I.P. table for 10 for $350. For more information, call (231) 755-1258.

Sweetheart Ball
February 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday, February 2 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Sweetheart Ball at the Watermark 920! This is a date night for dads & daughters, moms & sons, grandmas & grand kids, aunties, nieces, nephews…everyone is welcome! Dance the night away with your little one! Dressy attire is encouraged but not necessary. Enjoy crafts, a dessert bar, cookie decorating, dancing and more!

Tickets are $5 (plus service fees) per person in advance online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3233650 or physical tickets will be available at The Coffee Factory beginning January 19. Tickets at the door are $7 per person with kids 2 and under admitted free!

An Evening with Groucho
February 2 @ 7:30 pm

Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for “An Evening with Groucho!”

Award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante ignites his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the funniest Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Marx foil Margaret Dumont.

This show is not recommended for children under age 8. If you choose to bring a child 7 or younger, please purchase a youth ticket. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 for adults. Youth tickets (8-18) are $15. All ages need a tickets. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
Saturday @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wild about Wings and Other Super Bowl Snacks with Chef Char
February 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Saturday, February 3 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “Wild about Wings and Other Super Bowl Snacks with Chef Char!” Do you like to tailgate or eat and entertain while watching your favorite sporting events? Score big points with fellow sports and food fans with game day style crispy wings and an assortment of rubs, sauces and dips. Experiment with baked, fried, battered and crumb-coated wings in class, toss wings in one of four from scratch sauce recipes (Buffalo, Asian Zing, Parmesan Garlic or Spicy BBQ) or dip your own yogurt version of ranch or avocado dips.

4th Annual Black History Month Trivia Contest
February 3 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

So you think you know your Black History? Form a group with your friends (up to 4 per team, 6 teams total) and pit your knowledge against other teams. Call Hackley Public Library at 231-722-7276 or visit https://hackleylibrary.org/events/locally-hosted-events/hpl/black-history-month/26680-4th-annual-black-history-trivia-contest to register your team by February 2.

On February 3, at 2:00pm come to Hackley Public Library to see the contest. Teams will be asked questions on Black History and will win prizes for First, Second, and Third place as well as some consolation prizes. Cheer on your friends and family!

Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore. WUVS 103.7 “The Community Station” the Beat is the media sponsor.

West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
February 3 @ 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, February 3 at 5:00pm as they take on the La Crosse Showtime!

Muskegon Humane Society Pizza for Paws
February 3 @ 6:00 pm

Join the Muskegon Humane Society on Saturday, February 3 at 6:00pm for their largest annual fundraiser, “Pizza for Paws!” Held at Fricano’s in Muskegon, this event will include all you can eat Fricano’s pizza, along with salad & breadsticks. There will be raffles and auctions with lots of must have items available. For the sports fan in your life, there will be the opportunity to purchase a SIGNED Red Wings jersey by Justin Abdelkader! Foodies will love packages from Pekadills, Chateau Chantel & Fetch (both of which feature wine tastings). For the traveler, there will be hotel stays offered from Little River Casino and the Spring Lake Holiday Inn. Many more “pawsome” items will be on hand as well! The night will be emceed by Andy O’Riley and will also feature dancing, a cash bar and a photo booth! Make it a date night with your sweetheart! Tickets are $40 per person, or bring a group and reserve a table for $250. To order your tickets or for questions, call (231) 773-8689.

Winter Try-Athlon
February 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

February 4 from 10:00am-4:00pm, come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex for your opportunity to try three Winter Olympic sports; luge, ice speedskating and cross country skiing. This event is family friendly and geared toward those who may have never done at least one of these sports. Of course, serious competitors are welcome as well. The MWSC recognizes that many people may have very little experience in some of these sports and will teach you everything you need to know in continuous 20 minute clinics at each venue. For more information, call 231-744-9629.

The Best Italian Pasta Sauces with Sofia
February 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Abortion Clinics Don’t Deserve a Double Standard

Imagine walking into a doctor’s office to get your ear looked at because you think you have an ear infection. Upon arriving, you notice stained and discolored floors. After staring at these dirty floors in the waiting room, you walk back into the exam room. After a while, the doctor comes in and asks you some basic questions. When it comes time to examine you, he uses a rusty instrument to look into your ear.

As a patient, this would be horrifying. If you were in this sort of situation, you would probably walk out and never return. It is even harder to imagine a doctor’s office with those conditions operating for years.

Picture this same situation, but now you are going there to have surgery. Would you stay after seeing rusty tools and stained floors? Would you be comfortable having a surgical procedure in a place where you wouldn’t feel comfortable having someone check your ears?

This scenario is the reality of Whole Woman’s Health, a chain of abortion clinics in Texas. Remember the name? It belongs to a 2016 Supreme Court decision, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, which struck down enforcement of several health and safety regulations for abortion clinics.

Abortion supporters hail the decision as a victory for women. In reality this ruling showed justices were willing to cover for abortion-on-demand and ignore the actual safety of women.

Recently the Washington Free Beacon teamed up with former Planned Parenthood manager Abby Johnson to release documents showing the state of the abortion industry in Texas.

The documents show that Whole Woman’s Health staff failed to disinfect and sterilize equipment. Their facilities were in disrepair, floors were stained, and the counters were so warped that they could no longer be disinfected. During one visit they didn’t have a single registered nurse on site. For years they have piled up health code violation after health code violation, along with other abortion clinics in Texas.

Time and time again, abortion businesses enjoy a double standard and receive free passes when other businesses would find health inspectors coming down on them like a ton of bricks. It’s maddening that places like tanning salons and tattoo shops are held to higher standards than abortion clinics that provide surgical procedures.

Constitutional protection for rusty medical equipment is ridiculous, but that’s the twisted logic Roe v. Wade leaves us with.

Ask Dr. Universe – Cold

Hi Dr. Wendy Sue: Me and my brother had a little bit of an argument about the point that there is no such thing as cold. He said liquid nitrogen produces cold, which I think is absurd, but lack the knowledge to explain it. Can you please explain to us why there is no cold?
– Brody, 12

Dear Brody,

It’s a snowy morning and the thermometer reads 20 degrees Fahrenheit. You grab a jacket and a pair of mittens for your paws. It’s going to be a cold day.

We might use the word “cold” to describe what that feels like, but you’re right: there isn’t actually something called “cold.” Not scientifically speaking, at least.

My friend Jake Leachman is an engineer at Washington State University and was happy to help with this question. He said that a long time ago people thought heat was a kind of fluid. The idea was that this fluid was inside different objects and it could move around to make something hot or cold. It wasn’t until a person named Count Rumford was making some cannons that a better idea came about.

Rumford’s oxen were helping turn a large tool that carved out the insides of cannons. He noticed that as long as oxen were doing work to move the tool, the inside of the cannon would get super-hot and could even boil water. The work from the oxen was being converted into heat by friction on the inside of the cannon barrels. That’s much more heat than you could make by rubbing your paws together to keep them warm.

Rumford realized that if heat was some fluid coming out of the cannon barrels, it would eventually run out, but that wasn’t the case. As long as the oxen worked, more heat would be produced.

Then there was James Joule, who used thermometers to show that even water falling over a waterfall warms after the fall. Rumford and Joule were some of the first to help us realize energy isn’t created or destroyed. Energy is converted between things such as work and heat. And heat, not “cold”, can transfer from object to object.

As you may remember, molecules are the building blocks of pretty much everything in our world. The motions of molecules are also related to heat, or thermal energy. We measure the movement of the molecules, also known as temperature, using thermometers.

Leachman explained that heat, like time, actually has direction. It always flows from something with higher temperature to something with lower temperature.

“Yes, something feels cold because your thermal energy is flowing from you, the warmer thing, to the thing at a lower temperature,” Leachman said.

Leachman explained that for nitrogen to be in a very cold liquid state (-321°F!), the nitrogen molecules must be moving very slowly.

They are moving so slowly that they can rest right on top of each other and any energy, or heat, transferred from room temperature is enough to cause nitrogen molecules to move very quickly.

They can no longer exist as a liquid and boil to become a gas. It’s just a process of slow-moving molecules being sped up—heated—by faster moving molecules.

Now, maybe your brother is also thinking about something like this: If energy is only converted between objects and heat only goes from hot to cold, how does a refrigerator work to keep things cold? Stay tuned for the answer.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Memories of Donald L. Wood

By Pat Stressman

I have known Don for many, many years. Our children had him for a principal at Edgewood School. He really worked hard for all the children at the school. I also worked in the administrative offices of the school and could see all the good that he was doing as an administrator. My children continued to call him “Mr. Wood,” even when they were married and had children of their own. They respected him as well as everyone who knew him.

In 2001 he became the pastor at Fruitport Congregational UCC and I was the secretary. He was very interested in the people who attended the church and tried to make things better for all concerned. I remember when he would always have some sort of gift for members of the service, whether military or first responders, on special days such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day. He was here when 9-11 occurred. Many people came in to pray during that time and he was always there to comfort them and pray with them.

As the years went by, he started some new programs, one of which was Holy Humor Sunday. It is the Sunday following Easter and there was always a theme involved. One theme was baseball. He loved the Cubs. He even had a picture of Wrigley Field with his name on the marquee. He wore his Cub shirt to the service. He once said that he wasn’t going to die until the Cubs won the World Series. He got his wish!

Don had a small French poodle named Morgan. Many times he would bring her to the office. She would stay under his desk or on his lap the entire time he was there. Just this past August, Morgan was so ill that she had to be put down. He was very emotional about the loss.

For many years, Don was in the Fruitport Lions Club. He and Dan Leaver pretty much ran the Old Fashioned Days Race every year. He would sit at his desk and type up the results to be published in the “Michigan Runner” magazine. Many of the statistics are still being published annually at every Old Fashioned Days Race.

It became more and more difficult for Don to get around. His knees and hips were becoming increasing sore. He lived in Hesperia and commuted to the office on a daily basis. He was having a hard time driving at night but continued to pursue it. It was suggested that he find a place here in Fruitport. He did, once, but it didn’t work out. The winter weather made it even more difficult for him and so on December 31, 2015 he retired from the church. No one knew what he would do with himself since his life was centered around the church activities. He loved to read and feed the wild animals around his house, but he still missed his friends from the church and community.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Upset Hindus Seek Resignation & Apology of Kellogg’s CEO for Beef Non-Disclosure

Upset Hindus are seeking resignation and apology of multinational food company Kellogg’s CEO John A. Bryant for non-disclosure of beef in some of its cereals and other products, and immediate recall of all such items from the market.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that it was shocking for Hindus to learn that some of the cereals, etc., they had been eating for years contained beef while there was no mention of beef under the ingredients mentioned on the boxes/packages.

Consumption of beef is highly conflicting to Hindu beliefs. Cow, the seat of many deities, is sacred and has long been venerated in Hinduism; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, points out.

A response from Kellogg Consumer Affairs for an enquiry received on August 12 via email, however, admitted—Gelatin derived from beef is found in the following: All varieties of Kellogg’s® Frosted Pop-Tarts®, All varieties of Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal, All varieties of Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats™ cereal. Some of our foods contain gelatin that is derived from either beef or pork; which include: All Kellogg’s® fruit flavored snacks, All Kellogg’s® Krave Treat Bars.

It was a very serious issue for the devotees and would severely hurt their feelings when they would come to know that they were unknowingly eating beef-laced popular cereals and other Kellogg’s products, Rajan Zed noted. Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal was reportedly introduced in 1969.

What happened to the “integrity” and “accountability” of Kellogg’s, which boasted these as the company’s “Values” on its website? Zed asked and added that it was hard to comprehend that why Kellogg’s did not mention beef clearly under the ingredients on the box/package when it was part of the product inside. Is this the way Kellogg’s wanted to advance its “Vision” to “enrich and delight the world”? Zed wondered.

Now was the time for Kellogg’s to demonstrate its “commitment to integrity and ethics” by admitting their error of not being transparent enough to mention in clear and simple terms what was inside the box/package so that an ordinary consumer could make right and appropriate choices, Rajan Zed indicated.

Launched in 1906 and headquartered in Battle Creek (Michigan, USA), awards-winning Kellogg’s claims to be “world’s leading cereal company” with over 1600 foods and sales of $13 billion in 2016. Founded by Will Keith Kellogg, Kellogg’s stated “Purpose” is: Nourishing families so they can flourish and thrive. Kellogg India is based in Mumbai.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 01/22/18 – 01/29/17

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

Guys on Ice
January 19 @ 7:00 pm – January 27 @ 7:00 pm

January 19 – 27, come to the Frauenthal Theater for a Black Box performance of “Guys on Ice,” presented by the Muskegon Civic Theatre.

This charming play tells the story of two ice fishing buddies from Northern Wisconsin who talk and sing about life, love, and the one that got away. From their ice fishing shanty, long-time pals Lloyd and Marvin keep warm with a mutual appreciation for good bait, cold beer, and the Green Bay Packers. As Marvin anxiously awaits his opportunity to appear on a cable TV fishing show and share secrets of his life on da’ lake, Lloyd ponders a recent squabble with his wife concerning plans to spend their anniversary at Lambeau Field. Both pals scramble to protect their cold ones from fellow angler, Ernie the Moocher.

With musical numbers like “De Wishing Hole”, “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit”, and “Fish is de Miracle Food”, Guys on Ice will charm your wool socks off.

For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Coin Appraisal Event
January 23 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tuesday, January 23 from 9:00am – 4:00pm, you’re invited to Community Shores Bank as HCC Rare Coins conducts a Free Coin Appraisal! No appointment is necessary, so stop by with your collection of any size to see what it may be worth. They are buying, but there is no obligation to sell. For more information, please call 1-800-422-4405.

Yooper Talk
January 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 23 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for a talk with Kathryn Remlinger, author of the forthcoming book “Yooper Talk!”

Drawing on sixteen years of fieldwork, including interviews with seventy-five lifelong residents of the UP, Kathryn examines how the idea of a unique Yooper dialect emerged. Considering UP English in relation to other regional dialects and their speakers, she looks at local identity, literacy practices, media representations, language attitudes, notions of authenticity, economic factors, tourism, and contact with immigrant and Native American languages. The book also explores how a dialect becomes a recognizable and valuable commodity: Yooper talk (or “Yoopanese”) is emblazoned on t-shirts, flags, postcards, coffee mugs and bumper stickers.

For more information about the book, the author, and UW Press, please visit https://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/5561.htm.”

Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.

Lager & Luge
January 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

January 23 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Fetch Brewing will offer a shuttle bus from their brewery to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex! The Shuttle, offered by Lakeshore Transportation, will cost $20 per person and will include round-trip transportation AND a Crowler per person to-go! You must purchase tickets in advance at www.fetchbrewing.com. The Shuttle will leave Fetch at 6:00pm and 7:00pm, and return to Fetch at 8:00pm and 9:00pm.

Once there, you can take advantage of a discounted all-access pass for only $10 which will give you access to all available sports and rentals! Or, just take the bus out there and simply enjoy a bonfire, some smores and your Crowler/Growler next to the fire for no additional cost. Spaces are limited to 14 passengers per shuttle, 28 total tickets available, so don’t wait! You must be 21+ to particpate. For more information, call (231) 292-1048.

Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm

Page to Screen Noir: The Big Sleep
January 24 @ 1:30 pm

Wednesday, January 24 at 1:30pm, 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! Are hard-boiled detectives and mysterious women among your favorite fictional characters in a book or a movie? Combine your passion for both! January’s book is The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler. Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a rich family and before the complex case is over, he’s seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love. The movie was released in 1946, directed by Howard Hawks and starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Rotten Tomatoes calls this movie “The definitive Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall vehicle…” Page to Screen Noir includes an informal discussion of both formats, plus popcorn—bring your own soft drink! Copies of the book are available at the Library while supplies last. 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.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
January 25 @ 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.

Thunder Boy Jr. and Art Talks Back Kickoff Event
January 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art opens a new exhibition, ‘Thunder Boy Jr.: Illustrations by Yuyi Morales,’ and its annual Art Talks Back Poetry Competition on Thursday, January 25, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The MMA invites the public to a kickoff event that includes refreshments, a poetry writing salon, and special reading and art activities. The writing salon will be geared toward adults, while the reading and art activities may be enjoyed by all ages. Admission and refreshments are free! Support is provided by the Michigan Humanities Council. Call 231-720-2570 or go to www.muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.

Risotto: Northern Italy Classic Comfort Food with Sofia
January 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, January 25 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class “Risotto: Northern Italy Classic Comfort Food with Sofia!” Risotto is a Northern Italian classic comfort food. You will learn how to make the perfect risotto with the right ingredients. Sofia Occhilaini is a new culinary instructor at Kitchen 242 and moved here from Italy with her husband four years ago. She has trained with several well-known chefs and is anxious to share her knowledge and creativity in the kitchen with her new community. Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $35.

Ballroom Dancing Classes at SE4SONS
January 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

SE4SONS Gastropub at Muskegon Country Club will host dance classes with instructor, Becky Biesiada for a series of 3 classes in January. Each class will focus on a type of ballroom dance. This is a fun opportunity to learn something new and get out of the house with snow on the ground. Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour Deals!

Class Dates: January 11, 18, 25
Class Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $80 per couple/ $55 per single.

This is limited to the first 25 couples or 50 participants.

Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a Muskegon CC Member to participate! Call 231-755-3737 for reservations.

Learn to Luge Weekend
January 26 – 28 @ 6:00 pm

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
January 26 @ 7:00 pm

Catch a home game, Friday, January 26 at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on Team USA U17 at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

The Alley Door Club
January 26 @ 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, January 12: Vincent Hayes – blues, funk & soul
Friday, January 26: Big Daddy Fox & Friends – blues
Friday, February 9: Swinging Stem Cells – classic rock
Friday, February 23: West Side Soul Surfers – R & B, funk & soul
Friday, March 9: Brena – rock
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: The Oblivion Project
January 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Friday, January 26 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for The Oblivion Project, dedicated to the exploration and performance of the over 3000 Nuevo Tango works of Argentine tango master Astor Piazzolla. The group is blazing trails as they visit The Block on their Midwest tour. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
January 27 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Homemade Pasta with Chef Char
January 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Saturday, January 27 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “Homemade Pasta with Chef Char!” Homemade pasta is easy and delicious. In this class, learn to make traditional egg pasta, spinach pasta and tomato pasta from scratch. Take the pasta making a step further and fill homemade ravioli with a delicious cheese and herb filling before cooking to perfection. You will also make a big batch of marinara sauce to try in class and take home. Learn how to use the Kitchenaid pasta tools as well as how to roll and cut by hand. All culinary skill levels are welcome.

Polar Plunge
January 27 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The Muskegon Polar Plunge which benefits Special Olympics Michigan, takes place at Fricano’s on Muskegon Lake January 27 beginning at 12:00pm! Registration begins at noon with “The Plunge” starting at 2:00pm. The awards and After Splash Bash commence at 4:00pm. There is free admission to the After Splash Bash for plungers. There will be a $10 fee for guests which includes pizza.

If you would like to avoid the registration lines on Plunge day, there will be a Pre Registration on Friday, January 26 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Fricano’s. This will also be a Pre-Plunge Party featuring Northbound! For more information, call (800) 644-6404.

West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
January 27 @ 5:00 pm

Catch their next home game Saturday, January 27 at 5:00pm as they take on the Kentucky Enforcers!

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
January 29 @ 6:00 pm

Myth Busters: Fruitport History Edition

by Brian Zwart

For anyone that has done any amount of traveling, they know that every small town has its fair share of secrets, legends and myths. Well, Fruitport is no different. As I’ve been studying local history, I’ve come across several examples of this in our little town. The Fruitport Historical Society has fielded many of these questions, but I thought it would be worthwhile to dispense with some of the most notorious ones for all to hear.

One of the most popular stories that I’ve heard involves the ‘Fruitport Gold’. Ron Cooper brought me in on this several years ago and I spent some time researching it for myself. The story involves a stagecoach robbery, a death bed confession, and of course, Fruitport’s Pomona House. In August 1874, five men from Muskegon headed north to White Cloud and robbed a stagecoach loaded with payroll for the logging camps. Dressed as Indians, the men got away with $74,000 worth of gold coins. Today, that amount would be worth over $1.5 million. One of the men, Sam Norris, worked as a janitor at the Pomona House and hid his share of the loot in the cellar wall of the hotel. A year later the hotel burned. The story seemed to end there; until Ron Cooper received a letter from a woman in Florida in 1986 that included a copy of the original ‘deathbed confession’ that told the story. The author of the letter was Sarah Norris, Sam’s sister who was filled with shame and regret that her brother would have done such a thing. Apparently, the hotel burned before the gold could be removed. This myth, according to my research and that of Ronn Mann Sr., is true. The robbery really happened and part of the gold was more than likely hidden in Pomona Park as indicated by the letter.

However, it is highly unlikely that it is still there. After extensive renovations, the Pomona House reopened about a year after the first fire, which means carpenters and construction workers would have torn down walls and rebuilt most of the remaining structure. After the second fire in 1876, the cellar was left exposed in Pomona Park for decades. More than likely, someone would have found it and never said a thing about it. In the summer of 2012, I was present for an archaeological dig seeking the foundations of the Pomona House. Many people stopped to ask if we were looking for gold. No, we weren’t; nor did we find any. So, this myth is true. But don’t waste your time looking for it, because it’s long gone.

The next myth is a fun one. It involves secret tunnels that run under the Village Park Bed and Breakfast. The bed and breakfast was at one time the home of Joseph Ford, manager and operator of the Spring Lake Iron Company. Many older residents recall Furnace Town, well, that was it. Ford built his home in the early 1880s and lived there until his death in 1912. While there is no historical indication that the tunnels actually exist, previous residents claim to have found them and even admit to playing in them as children. I was invited by the current owners to investigate this a few years back, and found it very interesting. While I did not find the entrance to the tunnels myself, there is indication that they are there, or once were. Some stories have been floating around about the purpose of these tunnels. One explanation was that they were used by John Dillinger to rob the Fruitport bank. According to local legend, one tunnel ran east from the current bed and breakfast directly under what is now Fifth Third Bank. Well, John Dillinger was born in 1903 and died in 1934. The bank wasn’t built until 1963; so that one is bunk. The next one claims that bootleggers used another tunnel, this one extended south under the road into the basement of the Pomona House, to steal and transport booze. Again, the dates don’t add up. The Pomona House was gone for nearly twenty years before the Ford home was even built. Another version of the story gives a possible use of the tunnels as part of the Underground Railroad. Most northern towns would love to say they contributed to this noble cause, however, it is not likely. Again, the dates simply do not add up. Thanks to the 13th Amendment, slavery was officially ended in 1865. Michigan did play a part in the Underground Railroad, but the furthest stop north was in the Jackson area. Also, the house wasn’t built for another fifteen years. While we haven’t found any tunnels, they very well may be there. However, their purpose was more than likely something innocent and not nefarious. This myth is plausible.

Photo courtesy of the Fruitport Historical Society

The last myth that I’ll cover is one that may strike a chord with most Fruitport residents. It is one of the most impactful and longest lasting of the local myths; the bent Oak tree. For those who don’t know where or what this is, it is a strangely bent Red Oak tree located between the westbound and eastbound sections of I-96 on Airline Road heading south into Fruitport. When the highway was built, the Michigan Department of Transportation supposedly left this tree alone. Legend has it that this tree was bent by Indians and used as a trail marker heading to the trading posts in Grand Rapids. This story has a few problems. Firstly, while Indians did live and trade in the Fruitport area, their presence was very much depleted by the signing of the Treaty of Washington in 1836. This treaty was the formal ceding of most of the state of Michigan to the United States by the Native tribes.

One of the earliest known photographs of the Bent Oak Tree, date unknown. From the Collection of the Lakeshore Museum Center.

By using approximate dating methods, the oak tree in question is roughly 160 years old. This is a working number calculated from multiplying the trees diameter and the growth factor for that species of tree. Many environmental factors could impact this number and change it in either direction. The branch that extends out is smaller and is approximately 100 years old. Assuming the age is correct, that would place the initial growth year of the tree in 1857 and the branch in 1917. These years tell us some things. First, the initial date for the main tree trunk was twenty one years after the land was ceded to the United States government. In that era, when more and more white settlers moved in, the natives quickly moved out. Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837, and by 1860 nearly 750,000 residents were calling themselves Michiganders. The second date, if correct for the branch, puts it way out of the question that it was done by Indians. In 1917 the world was engulfed in World War I and the native presence in Michigan was almost completely assimilated to western culture.

Second, as a matter of respect for the native peoples of the America’s, they were very precise. With a small background in archaeology, I have seen some beautiful and amazing things that were designed and built by native peoples. They were accurate and precise. In regards to the tree, the branch points almost directly east, with an azimuth of about 93 degrees. If a traveler were to follow the direction of the tree branch, it would take them to Rockford, not Grand Rapids. This is about fifteen miles north of their supposed destination. If the tree was bent by Indians, I don’t think their target destination was Grand Rapids. If our tree was just one of many that pointed towards Grand Rapids, the others are long gone.

Now, this is what we do know. Fruitport and the rest of West Michigan was home to loads of Native Americans. When the first settlers came into the Fruitport area, which was officially in 1841, they more than likely still encountered some natives. But they were on the decline and were heading north, west or were beginning to assimilate into western culture. Some historical evidence does exist that might give a reasonable explanation about the tree. Some older residents agree that the tree was bent by school children as a joke. I have seen more than one account of this. I will name this myth ‘plausible’ because the date range of the main tree could have seen its fair share of Indians, but it is highly unlikely that it was bent by them or used as a trail marker.

These ‘myths’ are fun to talk about and certainly give our little town some character. Whether or not they are true is hard to say. While we have the historical process of researching and presenting evidence, it will continue to be the mission of the Fruitport Historical Society to learn as much about the past as we can and preserve it for future generations. If you have another ‘myth’ you’d like mentioned in the future, contact the Fruitport Historical Society. We can be reached online at www.fruitporthistory.com and on Facebook.

Update from Tom Braak

from www.faithinactionint.org, Late Fall 2017

This has been one of the best years for the farmers with ideal rainfall, no huge storms or drought, and bumper crops. Rainy season is winding down and most crops have been harvested. Our tree nursery is near capacity with plants to give out over the next two years. On Saturday, we bought 305 avocadoes to get the seed inside. Today, we invited people in to receive the edible portion and people were taking it out in shopping bags. We’ll let the seed dry then plant them towards the end of the week. 250 of these will be grafted to a different variety. We already started another 150 a few weeks ago. Every couple of weeks we find ourselves starting new seeds.

We are transplanting trees to our property and have to manually water them twice a week now that there is less rain. We can’t hold the trees until next summer as they are too large. Some are over 12 feet tall. We’ve planted breadfruit, black sapote, canistel, mango, avocado, soursop, and a few flowering trees. We will do more over the next month. We’re identifying 200 new families to begin working with next year. Nadi Job is 10 years old and is a member of one of the new families. We provided them with two cherry trees this week.

We’ve planted flowering trees to the town park and provided smaller flowering plants to the main street beautification effort. People around town love what we have done and are so friendly now as they felt I neglected the town as all of our work is in the hills.

We are repairing our sound system in preparation to show Christian and nature films once the rains finish completely. We are setting up dates and locations. We use a projector and always start with the nature movies to draw a crowd. We usually do showings in partnership with a pastor local to the area.

Ryan is now in home-school with three siblings from a nearby family. The teaching is done in English, and he is thriving. Thank you for your on-going support. Come for a visit. If you really want to experience what we do, come alone or with a friend; you can stay with us and tag along as we work. Blessings, Tom

Resita Elismond and her three children are from the community of Metan. Metan was recently identified by the local hospital as most in need of water filters due to high cholera levels. We gave out our last water filters and are in need of many more! Please consider helping a family by providing them with a water filter. Join us to buy and distribute filters as soon as possible. We have a goal of distributing 1,000 filters by the end of next year.

Litana, Resita’s daughter, was thrilled to receive a children’s Bible from us. She plans to read to her family and neighbors of all ages!

Prayers/Requests

• Continued progress on the ministry campus and the paperwork/government process that has been holding progress up. Pray that those in power can find love instead of greed and put the people of their country before their own desires.

• The Dodge truck and a solution to the problems it has. We must have reliable transportation to continue our programs. It is time for a new vehicle, and will cost around $30k. We hope to find someone to start some excitement about fundraising for this. We know it’s not exciting raising money for a truck, but this truck is essential to our work. We use it to deliver trees, plants, and dirt; and to deliver water filters and buckets. This truck also provides security for Tom and his family if there is an emergency or they must leave the area due to threats. We must have reliable transportation. We pray for someone who is gifted in crowd funding, that they will start some excitement to buy the truck.

• Prayers for funds to continue programs. We are thankful for all the gifts we have received, but if you haven’t given in a while, please give. Our work is important, but we simply cannot do it without money, so we need your help.

• Prayers for health, well-being, and safety for Tom, family and staff. Living in Haiti is difficult due to pollution, bad water, fear, lack of regular nutritional food, clean water, and access to modern healthcare. None of us here have any idea what it’s like to live like he and his family does on a daily basis.

• Simple things to do…Share this newsletter, ask someone to like us on Facebook.

Please Help… make your check payable to:
Faith in Action International, P.O. Box 171, Spring Lake, Michigan 49456
Donations can also be made on line at www.faithinactionint.org 
This is a non-denominational, non-profit organization formed for charitable purposes as defined within Section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Your donations help provide access to cleaner water, pastor training, vegetable and fruit trees to grow which provide nutrition and educational and economic opportunities for some of the poorest of the poor in the world.
Thank you!

20 Years of Providing Help to the Poor in Haiti

Jodi M. Clock Nominated Finalist for Women Pet Professionals Entrepreneur of the Year

Local Businesswoman was nominated as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Winter 2017 Magazine Devoted to Women Pet Professionals

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN DECEMBER 21,2017 – Jodi M. Clock of Muskegon, MI can be seen in the just-released Top Women in the Pet Industry Magazine for Winter 2017.

Jodi M. Clock, is a certified pet loss professional who founded, owns, and operates Western Michigan’s only pet parent direct pet loss center that offers private cremation services, burial assistance and grief support. Clock Timeless Pets in Muskegon. Details about her business can be found on page(s) 30-31 of the magazine.

For details on the offerings of Jodi M. Clock, contact her directly at jodi@clockfuneralhome.com or 231-343-5866. www.clocktimelesspets.com / www.jodiclock.com or @askjodi

Ask Dr. Universe – Eyeballs

Dr. Universe: How much does an eyeball weigh? – Rahman, 10, Tollygunge, India

Dear Rahman,

Our animal kingdom is full of different eyes. The human eye weighs less than an ounce. That’s about as heavy as 11 pennies. But I suppose the answer to your question really depends on which eyeballs you are curious about. Perhaps you are looking for an answer about the biggest animal eyes on our planet.

An elephant’s eye is about the size of a golf ball, but there are even bigger eyes. A gray whale’s eyes are about the size of a baseball. But they still aren’t the biggest eyes. Those belong to the giant squid.

I decided to ask my friend Kirt Onthank exactly how much giant squid eyes weigh. He studied cephalopods, which include squid, as a student at Washington State University and now teaches biology at Walla Walla University.

“I don’t know the exact answer,” Onthank said. “But we can get a really good estimation.”

He said the largest giant squid was actually measured from a photograph. No one actually weighed it. But we do know its eye had a diameter of 10.5 inches, which is just a little bigger than a basketball.

While human eyes are made up of a more jelly-like material, a squid’s eyes are pretty much all seawater. Knowing this, we can estimate its weight.

After a little math, it comes out to about 22.7 pounds—more than 3,000 pennies.

“That is one really big eye,” Onthank said.

Colossal squid have even bigger eyes that weigh in at about 25.3 pounds. Even though their eyes are much bigger than yours, they still have some of the same parts.

Both squid and people have a lenses, irises, pupils to let light in, and retinas to capture the light and help send a message to your brain. One thing squids don’t have is eyelids.

Exactly why colossal squid need the world’s biggest eyeballs is a question some scientists are still investigating. The best theory is that their eyes are geared to see sperm whales, Onthank said.

Sperm whales have eyes that are only 7 centimeters in diameter. They are super tiny compared to their 40-foot-long bodies. They depend on sound waves that bounce off things to figure out where they are and to find food. And their favorite food is squid.

A squid’s big eye helps it detect very dim light deep in the ocean. It turns out, there are also some bioluminescent creatures in the deep waters. Bioluminescent creatures make their own light through a chemical reaction that allows them to glow in total darkness. If there was a sperm whale around, it would disturb some of these creatures who give off light.

The squid can use its big eyes to take in the light and receive a signal that might just help it avoid becoming a sperm whale’s lunch.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Fruitport Charter Township Board Meeting – Agenda – 01/22/18

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

JANUARY 22, 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: 1/8/2018
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. LED lighting for town hall
B. Conservation Club lease
C. Land use fees resolution
D. Employee handbook
E. Trustee candidate interviews

08. New Business
A. Swearing in new Firefighters
B. Property & Liability insurance discussion
C. Closed session per employee request for personnel matters

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

Muskegon Y’s Club – 55th Annual White Elephant Sale

MUSKEGON Y’S CLUB – 55th ANNUAL WHITE ELEPHANT SALE will take place on May 18 & 19, 2018, at the Folkert Community Hub, 640 Seminole, Muskegon, our 5th year in the same location.

This event raises money for the YMCA Camp Pendalouan Scholarship Fund. We will begin accepting drop-offs to the sale site, and start pick-ups for direct delivery to the sale site, the week of April 23, 2018. We view our sale as “industrial strength” as we accept most anything, if resalable, except clothing.

For those with donations that “cannot wait” we now have year round pick-up capability, with contractual arrangements with a local auction site, and the proceeds still earmarked for the Camp Pendalouan Scholarship Fund. Please call 231-727-9900, and leave a message. THANK YOU – for your continued support.

Keeping Muskegon Safe

MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon County Silent Observer program is gaining in popularity as Muskegon becomes one of the state’s most popular tourism and living destinations. “Safety is number one for residents and tourists,” says Tom Schultz, Chair of the Silent Observer Advisory Committee. “We are pleased to announce that in 2017, Silent Observer received a record number of tips along with 9 approved reward payouts compared to 1 approved reward payout in 2016,” states Schultz.

This is an indicator that law enforcement is committed to using this unique public/private partnership to keep the area safe. The Silent Observer program uses high-tech software to protect the identity of residents submitting tips. A tipster can submit an anonymous tip by phone, the Silent Observer website, or through the Silent Observer App. So far in 2017, Silent Observer has approved $4,350 in rewards to loyal citizen participants.

“Not only is law enforcement comfortable with the program, residents now understand that they can remain anonymous when providing information”, says Schultz. The Silent Observer program received over 20% more tips this year compared to 2016.

As the holidays are approaching, law enforcement encourages all members of the community to take extra care when locking your car doors and homes. Do your part to help make Muskegon the best place to live, work, and play.

The Silent Observer program is funded by private donations and contributions from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. For more information, go to the Silent Observer website at http://silentobservermuskegon.com/.

Historic Tax Reform Enacted

from The Huizenga Huddle: Dec. 28, 2017

Last week, Congress delivered on an important promise with a once in a generation vote to enact tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act overhauls our tax code for the first time in three decades by cutting taxes for hardworking taxpayers, small businesses and West Michigan companies.

This legislation delivers tax relief for West Michigan by lowering rates, nearly doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families, and doubling the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Additionally, the Child Tax Credit will also be refundable up to $1,400 for low income families with little to no tax liability.

Another way the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide relief for middle class taxpayers is by cutting taxes for job creators of all sizes in West Michigan. Over the last two decades, small businesses have been the engine of economic growth. That is why the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides small businesses a significant tax cut that will allow these local entrepreneurs, whether it is the pizza or small manufacturing shop, to invest, create new jobs and grow right here in West Michigan.

Unfortunately, when high profile legislation such as tax reform is debated, the rhetoric surrounding the issue often diverges from reality. Recently the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, who has been critical of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, found in their analysis that the share of federal taxes paid by the 1 percent will rise, while the bottom 80 percent of taxpayers will see greater tax relief. The argument that this tax cut is ‘for the rich’ is false. This is a tax cut for hardworking, middle class families and job creators across West Michigan.

Those who claim that letting West Michigan residents keep more of their hard-earned money adds to the debt are misguided at best. Our debt isn’t caused by a lack of revenue, its Washington’s addiction to spending. This problem isn’t easy to tackle, but it is why I have supported legislation to reduce our spending by $6.5 trillion over the short, medium, and long term. Big spenders in Washington don’t understand. This isn’t their money in the first place, it’s yours.

Shoreline Vision Joins Great Lakes Management Services Organization

MUSKEGON, Mich., January 9, 2018 – Shoreline Vision, an eye care group practice with deep community roots in the West Michigan Lakeshore Region, has partnered with Great Lakes Management Services Organization (MSO). Shoreline Vision began in 1996 when five ophthalmologists decided to form an alliance to provide residents in their communities the best possible vision care available; since then, the group has grown to more than 150 staff at seven locations.

“Every decision Shoreline Vision makes is dependent on improving our patients’ care, whether it is investing in the latest technology, adding sub-specialty physicians, or improving our facilities. Our latest decision to partner with Great Lakes MSO and the vast resources they can provide is consistent with that theme,” said Dr. John N. Oltean, a founding member of Shoreline Vision and board-certified ophthalmologist. “We are extremely excited to be a part of the organization that has included Grand Rapids Ophthalmology in its portfolio of premier ophthalmology practices in the country. We are certain this will benefit our patients, employees, and community for years to come.”

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce – Golf Outing

Congratulations Chamber Classic Winners!

AM First Place team: Republic Services (left picture)
PM First Place team: Lincoln Golf Club (right picture)

Longest Drive Men – AM: Ryan Oosting, Morgan Stanley
Longest Drive Men – PM: Peter Medema, Fifth Third Bank – Seminole

Longest Drive Women – AM: Michelle Van Hemert, Workbox Staffing – Whitehall Office
Longest Drive Women – PM: Jean Gallagher, Sonus Hearing Care Professionals

Longest Putt Men – AM: Bruce Smith, Sidock Group, Inc.
Longest Putt Men – PM: Trip Johnson, G&L Chili Dogs

Longest Putt Women – AM: Cathy Ferguson, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Blue Care Network of Michigan
Longest Putt Women – PM: Brennan Hallberg, Manpower

Golf Outing By The Numbers:
• 50 Teams (Sold Out for the 3rd Year in a Row)
• 120+ Raffle Prizes
• 40 Sponsors
• 35+ Volunteers
• $2,000+ donated to silent observer

Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, raffle donors, volunteers, and everyone else involved for supporting the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and making this the best outing yet!

Thanks again to our tournament sponsor, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge!

Ottawa County Parks is Hiring for the 2018 Summer Season!

These employment opportunities are a great way for college students, senior citizens, graduating high school students (age 18+), and others who enjoy working outdoors to learn from industry experts and gain valuable work experience in a team-oriented atmosphere.

Seasonal employees work varied shifts ranging from 10-40 hours a week, depending on the position. Shifts may include weekends, evenings, and holidays from late April through Labor Day. Work locations are available throughout the county.

To view job descriptions, hourly wages, and application requirements and qualifications, visit: miOttawa.org/apply. Applications are accepted and may also be completed at Ottawa County Human Resources.

New & Improved Flight Schedule on United Airlines

United Airlines is introducing a new and improved flight schedule for Muskegon County Airport beginning February 17. Changes are:

• Earlier 10:16 a.m. morning departure.
• Earlier 5:29 p.m. departure.
• 14 weekly roundtrip flights.
• 400 additional seats per month available with a second Saturday flight scheduled.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our air service and we’re excited about the new schedule for Muskegon,” said Jeffrey Tripp, Airport Manager. “Customers will now have more connection opportunities in Chicago O’Hare and can more easily book flights that will get them home each night which is especially important for the business traveler. This will also provide access to lower fares.”

The new flight schedule is specifically designed to provide both business and leisure travelers with access to hundreds of daily flights to over 180 nonstop destinations through Chicago O’Hare. All United flights from Muskegon to Chicago O’Hare are onboard the 50- seat Canadair Regional Jet 200 operated by SkyWest Airlines.

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

The Frauenthal Center Presents “An Evening With Groucho”

Date: February 2, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Frauenthal Theater
Tickets: $20 – $30, $15 Youth/Group 6+

Muskegon, MI — Award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante ignites his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx. Called “masterful” by the Chicago Tribune and “a tour-de-force” by Variety, this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity contains all the funniest Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the like of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Greta Garbo, MGM’s Louis B. Mayer and Marx foil Margaret Dumont.

Tickets are $15 Youth (ages 8-18) / Group (6+) / $20 – $30 Adult.

ADVISORY: Frank Ferrante in An Evening with Groucho is appropriate for ages 12 and up with very mild adult content. The comical stylings of this iconic performer are sure to bring a smile and a chuckle to every audience member.

Tickets and can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office via phone at 231.727.8001 or in person, open 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.

Lakeshore Art Festival Named Favorite Small Town Art Fair Second Year in a Row

MUSKEGON, MI – The Lakeshore Art Festival continues to raise the bar for fine art and craft events in Michigan. For the second year in a row, the festival was ranked one of the Favorite Small Town Art Fairs by ArtFairCalendar.com. The website ranked festivals based on a survey taken by thousands of art festival attendees.

“I was incredibly excited to hear we made the list again this year,” said Lakeshore Art Festival Director, Carla Flanders. “The Lakeshore Art Festival continues to lead the way in attendance, sustainability, and interactive art. I am thrilled to be part of the great team that makes everything happen.” The art festival has also been recognized as #1 in the state of Michigan for Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows and ranked #27 in the nation by the Sunshine Artist Magazine which is known for high-quality content for the fine art and craft industry.

The ArtFairCalendar.com rankings are obtained via ballots from art fair attendees across the country. Voters are asked to choose their favorite art fairs and shows in the country as well as in categories, such as Favorite Small Town Art Fair. They were also asked questions about their attendance preferences, festival buying habits, favorite artists and more.

“The recent recognition is bringing positive attention to the Lakeshore Art Festival and Muskegon both locally and nationally,” commented Flanders. “We are incredibly proud of all the work going into this festival, and the artists who play such a big role in this artful event.”

Fine artists and hand crafters can register now for the Lakeshore Art Festival, July 6 & 7, at lakeshoreartfestival.org. Deadline is February 1, 2018.

MTA Local Chapter Meeting – Muskegon County Drain Commissioner

Hello everyone-

I plan on attending on the 29th– and welcome dialog on some of the stuff flying around regarding the Drain Commissioner’s office– including:

• The County Board’s consideration to not pledge full faith and credit for bonds to fund the Pierson and Kuis Drain projects. Not pledging FF&C does not prevent my office from continuing a project but it will likely shorten terms and increase interest rates if we have to finance by other means. This only costs property owners more by making everyone’s annual payments higher (including townships). Unfortunately, if the Board does not pledge full faith and credit, and has a consistent stance in the future, it will have a harder financial impact for those in the Black Creek Consolidated Drain, the Ribe Drain, perhaps the Holland Drain, and any other large projects in the future. We are looking to be on the Board’s January 23rd agenda for the Pierson and Kuis decisions.

• Despite comments suggesting this may be a means of getting the county out of their court-sustained assessments, it does not.

• The Kuis underdrain project spectacle: all of the homes in the project area were built at or below the seasonal high groundwater table. Most are also below what was required in the Master Deed—primarily because the road was built 1.5 feet too low and basement elevations were, in part, taken from the road. The area has septic systems and Public Health records reflected groundwater at an average of 3 feet from the ground’s surface. Most people say they don’t need the project, but science suggests otherwise. They also don’t want the assessment but then; how many people have cheered public sewer, street, and water assessments?

• I view citizen actions for Kuis project #2 as an “end-run” attempt on due process. There is an appeal process under the law, but the citizen(s) pushing on my office, dropped the appeal and took the cause to TV17, the Township Board, and most recently, the County Board to “stop the project” –costing everyone in the project area more money. If the original appeal process was honored, it would not have cost property owners any additional money.

• Despite political shenanigans, Facebook frenzies, and loads of misinformation, I do not intend to walk away from the time and financial investments already made on any existing project, nor will I cower from my duties and legitimate citizen petitions. Please remember that I do not make decisions in a vacuum. I have experienced attorneys, engineers, excavators, and environmental consultants who do work all over the state that bring their expertise to the table, which adds to my training and experience. Everything is done according to the law and with consideration of current and future citizens.

• We are pursuing partnerships that bring funding to drain projects. We have secured hundreds of thousands in support already. Every political distraction that we have to address takes time away from this endeavor. I also worry that grant funders may decide to invest in areas that have better reputations regarding inter-governmental and inter-departmental teamwork.

• We have completed several drain projects that many citizens have complained about (no one wanted an assessment and many questioned the need) but most are still supportive of the completed work (e.g., Kent, Laurene Taylor, Stewart, Wooley) to name a few. We even get calls complimenting our work!

OK—I’m off the soapbox. 😀 Hope to see you on the 29th.

Best Financial Credit Union Opens Its First Ottawa County Branch Office in Spring Lake

A small, aging industrial building had long occupied the corner of School and Savidge Streets in Spring Lake Village, but on January 16, 2018 Best Financial Credit Union (CU) will open the doors of their first Ottawa County branch office in that location. Best Financial CU’s President, Morgan Rescorla, commented “We are very excited to become a part of the Spring Lake community and better serve our Ottawa County members”. Best Financial CU constructed a brand new, 2,500 square foot building that will be the workplace for seven full time and two part time employees. They offer their members a wide variety of financial services, including checking, savings, loans, and retirement vehicles. A grand opening event is slated for January 26, 2018 at 3:00pm.

Long before Best Financial CU noticed the property, a number of different types of businesses were operated at this corner, from industrial wood working to metal fabrication. As a result of the chemicals used in those processes, the site had soil and groundwater contamination that needed to be addressed by Best Financial CU when they purchased property. The environmental contractor working with Best Financial CU advised them to contact the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA) for financial assistance for the environmental assessments and clean-up planning that would be needed in order to redevelop the site.

The OCBRA was able to help Best Financial CU access multiple financial incentives to offset the additional costs of redeveloping a brownfield site. The $1.15 million price tag for the project was supplemented by grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, a loan from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the capture of incremental property taxes. Rescorla stated that this site was exactly right for their Ottawa County location, but being a good steward of member funds is a priority, so securing these incentives were make or break for choosing this site over a non-brownfield site. The incentives offset added projects costs stemming primarily from the removal of approximately 800 tons of contaminated soil, 5 million gallons of contaminated water, and the installation of a vapor intrusion barrier.

In addition to the added jobs and services brought to the community by this project, Village Manager Chris Burns says, “Village Council and staff are thrilled to welcome Best Financial Credit Union to the Village! Best Financial CU and Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority’s commitment to the remediation of this (formerly) blighted property serve as an example of an outstanding redevelopment project. We are optimistic developers can use this site as an example of successful public/private collaboration that can be replicated elsewhere within the Village.” The project site is immediately adjacent to a wetland, and one block away from a public park situated on the Grand River.

For more information about brownfield redevelopment, contact the Ottawa County Redevelopment Authority at 616.738.4852, plan@miottawa.org, or by visiting www.miottawa.org/ocbra

Muskegon County’s 2017 Successes

2017 – A Banner Year!

All signs pointed to growth when Grand Valley State University’s Dr. Paul Isely kicked off 2017 with an energizing forecast for Muskegon County. The economist was spot on when he predicted a strong year for economic development. Here is a recap of a number of successes:

• KL Outdoor relocated a new corporate office to Muskegon with expansion plans ahead
• Mercy Health broke ground on 9 story building
• Muskegon gained another Cruise Ship Line, Victory
• Norton Shores created a redevelopment plan for sites along Seminole Road and Henry Street
• Several new housing developments in progress: Odeno Housing Development, Chandy Acres, Terrace Point Landing, and High Point Flats
• MCC’s Strurrus Technology Center opened in downtown Muskegon
• Remaining stacks at Sappi Paper Mill Property demolished
• First Port City Criterium took place downtown Muskegon
• Rob Riegler from Lakeside Surfaces named 2017 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
• Research shows Watch Muskegon campaign is improving Muskegon’s Image
• Road Construction along Colby Street in Whitehall complete
• Record breaking year for many festivals and events
• Muskegon County Convention Center plans announced
• Earlier flights and more connections at Muskegon County Airport
• Imagine Muskegon Lake planning begins
• Harvey Street Corridor continues to grow and expand
• Area Manufactures continue to expand and train workers

It is evident that 2017 was a great year for Muskegon County! Statistics from 2017 and the economic forecast for 2018 will be presented Friday, January 26 by Paul Isely at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business for Breakfast.

More Than 800 Michigan Prolifers Prepare for March for Life Trip

This week Right to Life of Michigan affiliates across the state will take 16 buses to the national March for Life, one of the largest annual events in America. Many other groups, churches, and individuals from Michigan will also be traveling to join hundreds of thousands from across the country to protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton.

Since the decisions more than 58 million abortions have happened in the United States.

Other Right to Life of Michigan affiliates are planning local events to mark the 45th memorial of the decisions, as well as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on January 21.

What: National March for Life.

Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C.

When: Friday, January 19, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Who: Rally keynote speakers announced so far include Pam Tebow, Tim Tebow’s mother; former NFL all-pro and Super Bowl winner Matt Birk, and his wife Adrianna; U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI), U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).

Muskegon Museum of Art 2018 January & February Calendar

JANUARY

January 4, 11, 18
Evening Open Public Tours
5:00–7:00 pm

Thursday, January 11, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Film
J.M.W. Turner
(30 mins.) Joseph Mallord William Turner was a barber’s son who eventually went on to become one of Britain’s most renowned painters. At the age of fourteen he entered the Royal Academy art school and from there nothing would stop his passion for painting. Produced by the National Gallery of Art and part of media exchange that NGA provides for art museums. Brown Bag Film admission is free and complimentary coffee and cookies are provided. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Paid admission is required for gallery admittance. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

Thursday, January 11, 6:00 pm
Walk and Talk of Sketch of War: Wally Berg Draws WWII
@the Lakeshore Museum Center
Join the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Lakeshore Museum Center as we team up to go in depth on the art and history of Muskegon’s own, Wally Berg. Take a guided tour of the Sketch of War: Wally Berg Draws WWII exhibit at the Lakeshore Museum Center with Exhibits Curator Pat Horn and Muskegon Museum of Art educator Cathy Mott as we talk about the style, techniques, and life history of Wally Berg. Tickets are $8 for non-members or $5 for members of either museum. Call 231.722.0278 to register.

January 13, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Farm Super Saturday
Free Family Fun Day
MOOOOOve over…There are lots of animals here! There are lambs in the gallery, a painting of goat on a leash, and have you seen the horse made of steel?! Bring the kids (real kids, no baby goats please) to check out the farm animals hanging out in the galleries. Super Saturdays are Free Family Fun Days held on 2nd Saturdays of the Month. Underwritten by Arconic/Whitehall Operations. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.
10:00 am & 1:00 pm Family Film
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Guided Look
Can you find all of the farm animals in the artwork?
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Make & Take
Create your own farm friend. Animals will get structure from pipe cleaners and then get covered in various materials such as cotton balls, felt, and feathers.

Monday, January 15, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Free Community Day
We open our doors to welcome the community during this day of observation in honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors can enjoy the galleries, films in the auditorium, crafts in the classroom and mini docent tours from Muskegon High School art students. Free admission. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

Thursday, January 18, 6:00 pm
Date Night
What a Pair—Wine, Food and Art
Limited Spaces
$35/$30 MMA Member price
Do you ever wonder what would pair well with the Blakelock painting? We won’t taste the paintings, but we will enjoy great wines and delicious bites, all while learning about what makes each of these pairings so unique. The evening will include five distinct wines highlighted by local wine expert Kara Kreps in conjunction with appetizers created by Hearthstone.

Thursday, January 25, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Film
Stonefaced
(16 mins.) This documentary follows architect and photographer Robert A. King as he takes viewers around New York City to showcase some of his favorite gargoyles, something that he has been documenting and photographing as a hobby throughout his lifetime. Directed by Vivian Ducat of Ducat Media. Brown Bag Film admission is free and complimentary coffee and cookies are provided. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Paid admission is required for gallery admittance. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

January 25 – March 29, 2018
2018 Art Talks Back
A Poetry Contest Based on Art
All adult/college area writers residing within the state of Michigan are invited to create original ekphrastic poems based on one of 10 selected works of art from the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Cash prizes, Museum memberships, and gift certificates will be awarded to the winning poets. Starting January 25, competition guidelines, images of selected works, and required entry forms will be available at the Museum gift store or may be downloaded from the Museum’s website: www.muskegonartmuseum.org. The competition ends on March 29, 2018. The awards ceremony and poetry reading will be held April 19. Questions? Call 231.720.2587 or email: cmott@mpsk12.net.
Thursday, January 25, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Art Talks Back Writing Salon
We will kick off the competition at a special writing salon. Bring your notebooks and get inspired. Light refreshments will be served. The event also opens the exhibition Thunder Boy, Jr: Illustrations by Yuyi Morales. Cash bar.
Art Talks Back is sponsored by the Poetry Society of Michigan. Support is provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

FEBRUARY

February 1-15, 2018
Postcard Salon
Exhibition: February 1-15, 2018
Salon Sale event: Thursday, February 15, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Postcard Sale: Begins at 7:00 pm, February 15 and ends at 8:00 pm
The Postcard Salon is a celebration of creativity. Over 1,400 cards from artists from West Michigan and beyond were on display last year, offering a huge range of materials and subject matter to enjoy. Now in its 12th year, the Postcard Salon reflects the Muskegon Museum of Art’s commitment to Michigan artists, a chance for people of all ages and skill levels to share their work with the public.
The exhibition is free to enter and all submitted cards are installed, making the show a true community endeavor. The exhibition is also a great opportunity to support the area arts community by purchasing an original work of art. Join us this year for the first ever juror awards, singling out four remarkable cards. Artwork must be delivered to the MMA by January 29, 2018.
Beginning at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 15, all of the postcards on display in the Wiener Gallery will be for sale at $30 apiece. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original artwork by your favorite regional artists. Buyers will be able to take the works directly from the walls and pay for them at several locations throughout the museum. Muskegon Museum of Art members will be given a five-minute head start beginning promptly at 6:55 PM. The sale ends at 8:00 PM, so don’t miss out. Memberships can be obtained in the Museum Gift Store, or in the gallery on the 15th.
Media Sponsor: Blue Lake Public Radio

February 1, 8, 22
Evening Open Public Tours
5:00–7:00 pm

Thursday, February 1, 6:00 pm
Crash Course: The Fine Art of Cleaning Art
Join the MMA staff as we talk about how we clean objects in the collection, everything from paintings to glass all have unique cleaning needs. What tools do we use? How can you care for your artwork at home? Learn all this and more during this Crash Course. Free admission. Cash bar.

Thursday, February 8, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Film
All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert
(60 mins.) Winfred Rembert has a lot of stories to tell, from his childhood on a cotton farm to his near lynching during the Civil Rights movement; his life experiences are the bed of work that inspires his artwork. This film documents Rembert’s life and how he his tooled leather artwork has become his biography and therapy. Brown Bag Film admission is free and complimentary coffee and cookies are provided. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Directed by Vivian Ducat of Ducat Media. Paid admission is required for gallery admittance. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

Thursday, February 8
Reception and Special Program
All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert
5:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Film: All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert (60 mins.)
Winfred Rembert has a lot of stories to tell, from his childhood on a cotton farm to his near lynching during the Civil Rights movement; his life experiences are the bed of work that inspires his artwork. This film documents Rembert’s life and how he his tooled leather artwork has become his biography and therapy. This film was directed by Vivian Ducat of Ducat Media. Ducat is a native New Yorker and strong advocate for the arts. She will join us for the screening and in a Q & A with artist Winfred Rembert following the film. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

February 10, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Postcards Super Saturday
Free Family Fun Day
Postcard Salon is one of the most popular exhibitions and the artwork is small, but the creativity is limitless. Super Saturdays are Free Family Fun Days held on 2nd Saturdays of the Month. Underwritten by Arconic/Whitehall Operations.
10:00 am & 1:00 pm Family Film
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Guided Exhibition Tours
Find surprises in Postcard Salon, led with a Museum docent.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Make & Take
Create your own postcard-size art.

Thursday, February 22, 12:15 pm
Brown Bag Film
Up From the Bottoms: The Search for the American Dream
(60 mins.) The documentary explores the massive African American migration from the rural south to the prosperous north during the war years and beyond. Narrator, Cicely Tyson takes the viewer through not only facts, but stories and lives that were challenged and changed during this historic period of time right here in Muskegon, Michigan. Brown Bag Film admission is free and complimentary coffee and cookies are provided. Auditorium doors open at 12:00 pm. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

EXHIBITIONS

Through January 21, 2018
Shift: The Glass of Daniel Clayman
Shift examines the career of Daniel Clayman through a development of recurring ideas, punctuated by singular pieces that informed his evolution as an artist. From theater lighting to discrete objects to room-size installations, this exhibition, comprised of objects selected by the artist, looks from the beginning of his practice to the full circle return to the shaping of the space we inhabit. This body of works specifically addresses his ongoing explorations of the ability of glass forms to hold light and air, or to break and divide them. The smoky, semi-transparent glass both reflects and diffuses the light, revealing subtle color characteristics within both the physical object and its transmitted light and cast shadows. Monumental and dramatic, this is a must-see exhibition for followers of contemporary studio glass. Shift is organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art in collaboration with Habatat Galleries of Royal Oak, MI. Underwritten by Chris and Stephanie Witham.

Through January 14, 2018
Points of Resonance: The Museum Project Gift
Points of Resonance: The Museum Project Gift merges recently acquired contemporary photography with similarly themed works from the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The result is an exploration of shared aesthetics and visual and conceptual subject matter. Images of the water, still lifes, landscapes, and Americana play out through the gallery, in artworks both familiar and less frequently seen. Underwritten by Hooker DeJong Architects & Engineers

December 14, 2017 through March 18, 2018
Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert
Winfred Rembert works in the medium of carved and dyed leather, creating vibrant and rhythmic imagery of his life in 1950s Georgia. A storyteller, Rembert reveals images of culture, community, family, and struggle through intense color and repeating patterns. His most recognizable pieces depict pickers at work in the cotton fields, a grueling task the artist himself experienced in his childhood and later on a prison chain gang. Underwritten by Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation and PNC Bank. Support provided by the Michigan Humanities Council.

December 14, 2017 through March 18, 2018
Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America
Sarah Wagner sculpts in wood and fabric, creating animals and environments that address the fragility and resilience of Nature and humanity’s impact on its surroundings. Her art is inspired and informed by the city of Detroit, where she lives and works. For her Muskegon Museum of Art exhibition, Wagner is creating a new installation inspired by the history of the cultivation of cotton, and its impact on the development of capitalism and industrialism around the world. Support for Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America has been provided by MMA Michigan Artist Series Media Sponsor Blue Lake Public Radio.

January 25 through May 20, 2018
Thunder Boy, Jr.: Illustrations by Yuyi Morales
This exhibition includes illustrations and sketches created by Yuyi (Zu-Zee) Morales for the children’s book Thunder Boy, Jr., written by Sherman Alexie. This vibrant, striking children’s book is about Thunder Boy Jr., a Native American boy who isn’t crazy about his name. He wants to change it to a name that is “normal.” The unique talents of both artist and author are apparent in the book; Alexie reflects on real life and humor and Morales explores color, pattern and textures of her life and experiences in Mexico and California. Underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation. Media sponsor: WGVU Public Media

February 1-15, 2018
Postcard Salon
The Postcard Salon is a celebration of creativity. Over 1,400 cards from artists from West Michigan and beyond were on display last year, offering a huge range of materials and subject matter to enjoy. Now in its 12th year, the Postcard Salon reflects the Muskegon Museum of Art’s commitment to Michigan artists, a chance for people of all ages and skill levels to share their work with the public.
The exhibition is free to enter and all submitted cards are installed, making the show a true community endeavor. The exhibition is also a great opportunity to support the area arts community by purchasing an original work of art. Join us this year for the first ever juror awards, singling out four remarkable cards. Artwork must be delivered to the MMA by January 29, 2018. The exhibition ends with a Salon Sale event on Thursday, February 15, 5:30 – 8:00 pm.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 01/16/18 – 01/22/18

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

Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
January 16 @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm

Warm Your Body and Soul: An Author Tea
January 17 @ 2:00 pm

Wednesday, January 17 at 2:00pm, the Norton Shores Library hosts Warm Your Body and Soul: An Author Tea with local authors Bonnie Jeane-Marie and Kittye Sharron! She’ll share her challenging and amazing life experiences as detailed in her books that emphasize the importance of faith with honesty and sincerity.

Copies of the authors’ works will be available for purchase. This program 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 .

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
January 18 @ 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.

Date Night: What a Pair—Wine, Food and Art
January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 18 at 6:00pm, you’re invited to “Date Night” at the Muskegon Museum of Art! “What a Pair—Wine, Food and Art” has limited spaces at the cost of $35 or $30 for members.

Do you ever wonder what would pair well with the Blakelock painting? You won’t taste the paintings, but you will enjoy great wines and delicious bites, all while learning about what makes each of these pairings so unique. The evening will include five distinct wines highlighted by local wine expert Kara Kreps in conjunction with appetizers created by Hearthstone. For tickets or more information, call 231-720-2570.

Ballroom Dancing Classes at SE4SONS
January 18 @ 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Class Dates: January 11, 18, 25
Class Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $80 per couple/ $55 per single.

This is limited to the first 25 couples or 50 participants.

Everyone is welcome and you do not need to be a Muskegon CC Member to participate! Call 231-755-3737 for reservations.

Learn to Luge Weekend
January 19 @ 6:00 pm

Guys on Ice
January 19 @ 7:00 pm – January 27 @ 7:00 pm

January 19 – 27, come to the Frauenthal Theater for a Black Box performance of “Guys on Ice,” presented by the Muskegon Civic Theatre.

With musical numbers like “De Wishing Hole”, “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit”, and “Fish is de Miracle Food”, Guys on Ice will charm your wool socks off.

For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Comedian Dwayne Gill – Muskegon Junior Jacks Fundraiser
January 19 @ 8:00 pm

Friday, January 19, you’re invited to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for live, stand-up comedy from Dwayne Gill! This is a fundraiser for the Muskegon Junior Jacks.

A native of Detroit, Gill has been a US Marine, State Trooper and, of course, a comedian. He has won many awards and shared the stage with top comedians such as Alonzo Bodden, Kathleen Madigan, John Heffron and many more! If you’ve never met a cop with a sense of humor, then you’ve never met Dwayne.

Doors open at 6:30pm with appetizers and a cash bar available. The show begins at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25 per person. Buy a table for 10 for $250 to guarantee your party can sit together. VIP tables are $350 and offer front row seating, one drink ticket per person and goodies. There will also be raffles, a 50/50 drawing and silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online or by e-mailing brooks529@gmail.com.

Indoor Farmers’ Market
January 20 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Snow Shoe Saturday at Heritage Park
January 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

January 20 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, come to Michigan’s Heritage Park for a “Snow Shoe Saturday!” The cost is $3 for members or $5 for non-members. Bring your own shoes or rent a pair for $5 from the park. They carry sizes from toddler to adult! There’ll be a warming station with hot drinks provided and different historic sites open each time! For more information, contact the park at (231) 894-0342.

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off
January 20 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Saturday, January 20 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, come to Hot Rod Harley Davidson for their 11^th Annual Chili Cook-Off! All proceeds benefit Pioneer Trials Camp. Join The Boars Belly, Hennessy’s Pub, Texas Roadhouse and Just Klassics Deli as they compete for the title of Chili Champion! Get free samples and vote for your favorite, while supplies last. Get a bowl of your favorite for a donation to Pioneer Trails Camp.

Plus, “Pick Your Pepper” for a sizzling hot deal. Get 15% – 25% off officially licensed products. Your discount will be drawn at time of purchase and applies to regular priced items. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Motorcycles, labor and select special orders are excluded. For more information, call 231-722-0000.

Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery: Open Mic Night
January 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Muskegon Center for the Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery every third Saturday of the month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, theater, poetry or readings, you may want to express it here or just show up to watch the show. There is always something new and unique to enjoy. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Letter to the Editor: Communism in America

Remember these three things: Hitler took over Germany by [1] controlling the police [Gestopo] and [2] appointing high-ranking military officers to the [SS] controlling secret service and FBI. and [3] brainwashing children [Hitler youth groups] now our schools!

The so-called Socialist hide under the guise communist party. Here is where it gets interesting, notice that word socialist is cleverly hidden in the phrase Russians like to use, “United Soviet Socialist Republic” we are soon to be United Socialist States of America!

It’s not important to me what your political preference is but unless I’m mistaken this nation was founded fighting against tyranny and oppression?

I’m not wrong about this, that the DNC is openly practicing tyranny, stacking the deck with only Democrats in public office on the DNC payroll.

Is there no way to fight back using the media? Geo. Soros has openly declared war against FOX News and vowed to close it down! It’s working.

Who is going to run for the next president in 2020 on the democratic ticket Joseph Stalin? Carl Marx? Chavez?

What does not seem to bother Americans is the fact that the Communist party has had an election seat on the presidential ballot since 1919.

Ninety percent of all immigrants coming to America in the last 20 years have known only communism their whole life! Who do you think they will vote for?

Are we three years away from the most violent, bloody, civil war in world history? And no chance to fight back? Divide and conquer is alive and well.

Mike Simcik

Ask Dr. Universe – Directions in Space

In space, which way is up? –Pablo, 10, Spokane, WA

Dear Pablo,

We might not always think about it, but every day gravity keeps us pulled to the Earth. It’s what brings us back down when we jump on a trampoline. It’s why a Slinky tumbles down stairs.

Now think about what it would be like to live in a place with very little gravity. Let’s say you were 200 miles off the ground, orbiting earth in the International Space Station. Here, the idea of up and down really gets flipped around.

On Earth, the human balance system helps the head figure out how move up and down under the force of gravity. It’s what helps people figure out to look up to the ceiling or down to the floor. If you are floating around in space, up and down is different.

I decided to visit my friend Afshin Khan to find out more about it. She is a researcher and astrobiologist at Washington State University.

Khan explained that even things in space have a little gravity, and whichever object is being pulled toward another due to stronger or larger gravity is what we call “down.” The opposite is what we call “up.” We use these words to help us navigate.

But in reality, there really are no true directions, Khan said. There is no up and down in space.

It’s kind of like when we look at a globe, she explains. If you are trying to get to Japan from the U.S., you can see it is both east and west of the U.S. It depends on the direction you want to travel. If you want to cross the Atlantic Ocean, you go east. If you want to fly over the Pacific Ocean, you go west. It’s all relative.

Inside the International Space Station, the ceiling might as well be the floor. The walls might as well be the ceilings. It’s enough to make your head spin.

In fact, researchers at NASA are asking big questions about what happens to the human brain when it can’t figure out which way is up or down. They are curious how it changes the activity of the brain.

Some scientists have even tackled questions about how to help plants “grow up” in these environments with very little gravity. To help plants grow upright, scientists have developed little plant pillows. The pillows are full of dirt, water and plant food to help the plants stay grounded. Otherwise, their roots would grow out in all different directions.

As the concept of direction may be different in space, engineers and scientists have to think about it when they are designing tools to help us navigate the universe. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll come up with a great idea that can help us explore, too.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Muskegon’s Lakeshore Art Festival Moves Up in National Ranking!

MUSKEGON, MI – The Lakeshore Art Festival ranked #27 in the nation and 1st in the state of Michigan for Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows by the Sunshine Artist Magazine. This ranking was up from #83 position in 2015. Sunshine Artist Magazine, known for high-quality content for the fine art and craft industry, 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!

“Our goal when reinventing the art festival was to focus on quality exhibitors that appealed to local and regional guests,” commented Lakeshore Art Festival Director, Carla Flanders. “Based on survey results and national, recognition we are doing just that! Being one of Sunshine Artist Magazine 200 Best and Art Fair Calendars Best Small Town Festival signifies that the artists are happy with the event and guests are buying their handmade products. It’s the best of both worlds!”

The 200 Best rankings are obtained via ballots from Sunshine Artist subscribers. Subscribers are asked to list their 10 most-profitable art and/or craft show appearances from the previous year, indicate their income range at each and note whether they consider themselves to be fine artists or craftspeople. The results are tabulated using a weighted scale designed to ensure that smaller fairs can compete against larger festivals for high placement.

“Lakeshore Art Festival organizers continue to jury high-quality handcrafted artists into the show with an extensive jury process. This combined with an easy to navigate footprint and creative art engagement for guests to enjoy has been a recipe for success,” commented Cindy Larsen, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce President.

A goal at Lakeshore Art Festival is to engage guests in art; Activities have included, Children’s Lane, Street Performers, Professional Chalk Designs, Community Canvas and much more. New in 2017, the festival added a wine and craft beer tent in the park, a live Kayak Painting, Student Art Showcase, Chalk the Walk and Color Muskegon.

In addition to enhancing engagement efforts, the Lakeshore Art Festival continues to run an environmentally friendly event. As part of the program, food vendors utilize compostable or post-consumer serving-ware, tons of waste are diverted from landfills through recycling and composting efforts and an environmental education booth is hosted in the Children’s Lane. A new program in 2017 allowed guests to fill up at a water station instead of buying water bottles.

Major sponsors for the Lakeshore Art Festival include; DTE Energy Foundation, The Muskegon Museum of Art, Arconic, ADAC, Betten/Baker, Meijer, Mlive/Muskegon Chronicle, Nichols, Hines and Staples.

Artist and exhibitor registration for the 2018 Lakeshore Art Festival began in October. Visit www.lakeshoreartfestival.org for more details.