Author Archives: editor

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – 11/09/17

Business and Finance Committee
Thursday, November 9, 2017
11:30 a.m., Superintendent’s Office
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, Mark Mesbergen, and Bob Szymoniak

1. Budget
Bob presented information about the budget and Fruitport’s student enrollment.

2. Food Service Bad Debt
Bob presented data on food service bad debt and the potential processes and procedure moving forward.

3. Bond Update
Mark presented a bond financial update. Mark is working with PFM, our financial advisor, to determine when is the best time to proceed with the second series of the bond.

Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Mark Mesbergen

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – 10/09/17

Business and Finance Committee
Monday, October 9, 2017
11:30 a.m., Superintendent’s Office
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, Mark Mesbergen, Bob Szymoniak, and Paul Matz

1. Audit Report Paul Matz presented the outcome of the 2016-17 financial audit. The presented audit consisted of zero findings and 1 comment.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Mark Mesbergen

Fruitport Board of Education Meeting – Agenda – 11/20/17

Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
High School Media Center
Monday, November 20, 2017 – 7:00 p.m.

I. CALL to ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

V. PRESENTATIONS
1. Ride with Pride – Rob Rogers
2. Calling All Colors
3. NHS Chalkboard Project

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
Secretary-

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2017 (attachment IX-1)
2. Approval of Bills (attachment IX-2)
General Fund $123,943.64
Other Funds:
Early Childhood Center 739.87
Food Service 88,362.79
Coop Ed (ISD) Tech Millage 754.05
Total Bill List $213,800.35

3. Acceptance of Monthly Financial Report and ACH Transactions (attachment IX-3)
4. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report (attachment IX-4)
5. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report (attachment IX-5)
6. Approval of Personnel Report (includes confirmation of new hires, resignations, retirees, and transfers) (attachment IX-6)

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of the First Reading of New/Updated Board Policies (attachment X-1)

XI. BUSINESS & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Elroy Buckner, Chairperson
1. Report of Committee Meeting held November 9, 2017 (attachment XI-1)

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve Kelly, Chairperson
1. Report of Committee Meeting held November 14, 2017 (attachment XII-1)
2. Fruitport Instructional Assistant Association’s Letter of Agreement (attachment XII-2)
3. Fruitport Maintenance Association’s Tentative Agreement (attachment XII-3)
4. Fruitport Clerical Association’s Letter of Agreement (attachment XII-4)
5. Fruitport Bus Drivers/Food Service Association’s Letter of Agreement (attachment XII-5)
6. Fruitport Administrator Association’s Tentative Agreement (attachment XII-6)

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Jill Brott, Chairperson

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS

XV. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Schedule Business & Finance Committee Meeting
2. Schedule Personnel Committee Meeting
3. Schedule Student Affairs Committee Meeting
4. Schedule Superintendent Evaluation Board Workshops (2)
5. Muskegon County School Boards Alliance Dinner at the Lake House Waterfront Grille, December 14th at 5:30 p.m.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

*Time is provided for members of the audience to address the Board of Education regarding any topic including items on the agenda. The board is providing two opportunities for the public to comment during the meeting. The first is for people who wish to bring issues to the Board of Education for board consideration. At the end of the meeting the board will provide a brief opportunity for community members to comment on activities and/or discussion that took place during the board meeting. Time limits may be placed if a large number of individuals would like to address the board.

Franklin Graham Helps Bring Prayer, Hope and Healing to Texas

Franklin Graham, who was in Texas shortly after Hurricane Harvey with Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains and relief teams from Samaritan’s Purse, will return this month with Decision Texas: The Lone Star Tour. Graham will be asking Texans to join him in praying for recovery not only from the storm, but for the revival America desperately needs to solve the political, racial, and cultural divisions plaguing our country.

Facebook Shuts Down Michigan Pro-lifers Again

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Wexford/Missaukee Right to Life, an affiliate of Right to Life of Michigan, discovered on October 4 that their Facebook advertising account had been shut down without explanation.

This is the third time this year Michigan prolife organizations have had their Facebook advertising accounts summarily banned. Right to Life of Michigan’s advertising account has been banned twice without cause in 2017, but was restored thanks to media scrutiny.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Facebook’s self-described mission is to, ‘give people the power to build community…’ It’s hard to do that when community organizations have tools taken away from them without an explanation. Unfortunately many local organizations don’t have the resources we did to demand an explanation and receive a solution.”

Wexford/Missaukee Right to Life has not been given any specific details about what caused the ban. They were not directly informed their account had been banned; they only discovered the ban when attempting to purchase additional advertising.

Similar to the ban of Right to Life of Michigan’s advertising account, Facebook’s support team refused to answer specific questions and instead sent a vague form response. On October 4 Wexford/Missaukee Right to Life was told by Facebook, “There’s no further action you may take here. We don’t support ads for your business model.”

Wexford/Missaukee Right to Life has the exact same “business model” as Right to Life of Michigan and our other local affiliates who utilize Facebook advertising. Their “business model” was never in question for earlier advertising purchases.

Right to Life of Michigan in April was similarly told our ban was a final decision beyond appeal, but after a Detroit News reporter contacted Facebook for details in May, our advertising account was restored. Facebook told the Detroit News the ban was a mistake and that they had contacted Right to Life of Michigan to inform us of the resolution. Facebook has not contacted us to this day to explain how the mistake occurred.

Right to Life of Michigan’s advertising account was again shut down a few days after our account was restored in May, but a support request including a link to the Detroit News article led to the account being quickly reinstated.

Listing said, “We achieved no results working through Facebook’s customer service department and the Better Business Bureau. Facebook only appears to respond to media attention to fix what they claim is a simple mistake.”

In 2016 Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with conservative leaders who expressed fear that they would be victims of censorship following an accusation that Facebook staff members were blocking legitimate political pages based on personal biases. After the meeting Zuckerberg said, “I wanted to hear their concerns personally and have an open conversation about how we can build trust.”

Listing said, “Are these bans automated? Does a human being respond to questions from users? Does Facebook think they can get away with censoring smaller pages and users because they can’t draw attention? These are questions Facebook must respond to if they truly want to build community trust.”

Right to Life of Michigan is calling on Facebook to be more transparent. They must do a better job of communicating with users who make good-faith attempts to abide by their guidelines.

Background information:
Facebook response to Wexford/Missaukee RTL
May Detroit News article
Original ban of Right to Life of Michigan

Right to Life of Michigan | 616-532-2300 | info@rtl.org | www.RTL.org
2340 Porter St SW | Grand Rapids, MI 49509

Fruitport Township Planning Commission Meeting – Agenda – 11/21/17

AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP
5865 AIRLINE RD
FRUITPORT, MI 49415

November 21st, 2017
6:30 PM WORK SESSION
7:00 PM BOARD MEETING

WORK SESSION
Continuing review of new zoning ordinances.

BOARD MEETING
01. Roll Call
02. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes: October 17th, 2017
03. Approve / Amend Agenda
04. Correspondence / Reports
05. Public Comments pertaining to agenda topics

New Business
06. Public Hearing on Special Use / Site Plan â€“ Hughes Builders / Journey Church
–Parcel: 61-15-122-400-0020-10
–Purpose: Build new House of Worship

07. Site Plan Revision â€“ Walid Jamal (IHOP) â€“ Christian Cini (General Contractor)
–Parcel: 61-15-122-100-0009-51
–Purpose: Tenant Space Drive Thru

Old Business
None

08. Public Comments
09. Adjournment

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

The Little Library That Could

The Fruitport District Library is Growing up!!
By Bethany Nettleton, Director of the Fruitport District Library

The Fruitport District Library is growing up! For those of you who have not heard, we separated from the Muskegon Area District Libraries (MADL) on December 31, 2016. The Fruitport District library (FDL) opened its doors again on January 3, 2017. The Little Library that Could began the uphill journey towards becoming a full fledged library with bare shelves.

In the first part of January, the library was accepted into the Lakeland Library Cooperative (LLC). We also joined the LLC shared ILS (catalog) on February 9, 2017. Next, we linked 6800 books 2015 or newer. After linking those 6800 new books, we went “live”, and were able to start issuing library cards on April 10, 2017. Lastly, we had our Grand Opening on May 20, 2017.

So what do we know now and where are we in the process?

• In the middle of June 2017, we hired Beth Werking as our Children’s Librarian for 10 hours a week, and Ken VerHulst as our Young Adult Librarian for 20 hours a week.
• 1175 library cards have been issued since April 10, 2017
• In July 2017, Lot’s of Carpet on Airline road offered the library brand new carpet for our lower level
• Also in July, the Cedar Springs Public Library gave us beautiful new shelving, printers, and a circulation desk for our lower level.
• We are excited to get approval from the board to start putting the new carpet and shelving in, decorating the space, and moving the children’s and young adult books to the lower level.
• The Howard Miller Public Library in Zeeland donated their old signage to the library
• Our Children’s Librarian, Ms. Beth, donated a cute barn that is the backdrop for our weekly Tuesday at 11:00am StoryTimes.
• Four computers have been donated by the MISD and they are donating more for our lower level
• A copier/fax/scanner/printer is available for patron use
• We have linked 8795, 2015 and newer books and 10,501 total books to the shared ILS
• We now have MELCAT as of September 4, 2017. MELCAT allows our patrons to order books from libraries all over Michigan
• Our summer reading program was small but a success
• We had many programs in the midst of all that linking too, below are a sampling:

• Painting in the Park
• Party in Pomona Park
• Dynamite Magic
• Jeff Veley a bullying expert
• James Pancy on Depression
• The Great Eclipse Party
• Child safety expert Julie Sanderson
• Author Jennifer VanderKlipp twice
• Kana Music
• Fun Halloween StoryTime with Ms. Beth

• Overdrive (online books) and Zinio (online magazines)
• We have an active Facebook page “Fruitport District Library”
• We are on Twitter, SnapChat, and Instagram
• A new roof has been installed
• The village DPW is now caring for our library grounds
• We have upcoming programs in November and weekly programs:

• StoryTime every Tuesday at 11:00 am
• College Career Autism Support – Mondays 1-4
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Parental Support Group Wednesdays at 3-4 and the First Monday of the month 6-7.
• Veterans Day Program honoring our local soldiers. November 10, 2017 at 1-2. Our speaker is Mike Verhoulst from the TriCities Historical Museum
• JFK: The Magic Bullet, the Umbrella Man, and the Grassy Knoll a community lecture by James Pancy

We have already purchased, 9500, 2015 and newer books. We are working on purchasing the last 4098 brand new 2015 or newer books that are needed to remain part of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. After these books are processed, we need to link those 4098 new books.by the end of February 2018. The total books linked will be 13,598. Please bear with us as this is a huge undertaking. Presently, we have over 16,000 new and a few older books on our shelves.

Also, We would like to thank the community for your generosity. Amazingly, we have received well over 10,500 donated books, audiobooks, music, and movies. We are still looking for books 2015 or newer, also audio books and dvds.

The Little Library that Could is growing up, come check us out soon!

Executive Travel – Passport Renewal

Warning! Surge in passport renewal could cause massive delays in getting a new passport
contributed by Executive Travel (executivetravel.com)

Beginning in January, 2018 some experts are predicting a massive number of passport applications to start hitting the system. 10 years ago the United States started requiring passports for travel to Mexico and Canada which resulted in millions of new passports being issued. As you hopefully are aware passports have a 10-year life, thus all those millions of new passports now need to be renewed. The State Department, who is in charge of issuing passports, is encouraging people to try to renew their passports before the end of the year with hopes that it will prevent a major backlog of applications.

Muskegon Area Transit System Proposal for Fare and Service Adjustments to be Phased in Beginning January 1, 2018

The Muskegon Area Transit System is proposing a series of System Adjustments to be implemented beginning January 1, 2018. Below is a summary of the changes proposed, followed by additional information regarding this proposal. A 30-day public comment period will be held regarding this proposal from November 1, 2017, to November 30, 2017. During this period, interested persons may submit written comments to:

Muskegon Area Transit System
Attn: Transit Systems Manager
2624 Sixth Street
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444

A public hearing will be held to gain input on these proposals at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace Street, Fourth Floor Board Chambers, on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 3:30 pm. Please arrive early as all persons entering the Hall of Justice must pass security screening.

The proposed changes will:

1) Reduce and Realign Saturday Services, Effective January 1, 2018.

2) Reduce Service on Selected Holidays, Effective January 1, 2018.

3) Change the Weekday Scheduled Route End Time for Route 40 – Peck Sanford to 5:10pm, Rather Than 5:33pm, Effective January 1, 2018.

4) Increase prices for MATS Monthly Bus Passes by $10.00 Each, Beginning with February 2018 Bus Pass Sales.

5) Remove the 7:15am Scheduled Northbound Departure from the MARC Route
115 – Montague Schedule, Effective January 1, 2018, Leaving Other Departures and Routing for Route 115 – Montague Unchanged at this Time.

6) Remove the MARC Route 120 – Holton and MARC Route 125 – Ravenna from
Service, Effective January 1, 2018.

If you would like more information, visit http://matsbus.com.

Ask Dr. Universe – Twins

Here’s a treat! We are raffling off some fun field guides to elementary/middle school explorers! E-mail Dr.Universe@wsu.edu w/ subject: “science rules” for a chance to win a class set! Ends Nov. 30.

Dear Dr. Universe: How are twins made? –Brody, 8, Kauai, Hawaii

Dear Brody,

By the time you finish reading this sentence, about twenty babies will have been born into our world. Sometimes they’re twins.

When I got your question, I figured what better place to go than the Washington State Twin Registry based in Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Ally Avery, a researcher who studies twins, was happy to help with the answer.

You may remember that cells are the building blocks of life, Avery says. We are made up of billions of cells. Each one carries DNA, the miniaturized master plan that, among other things, influences how tall we are or what color our hair will be.

“People also have cells for making babies,” Avery says. “Males carry sperm cells. Females carry egg cells.”

When these two kinds of cells come together, the sperm cell fertilizes the egg, which begins growing and dividing.

“Nine months later, a baby is born,” says Avery.

As you’ve noted, sometimes two babies are born. Twins start their journey like most babies do. Then something pretty rare happens.

Sometimes a single egg cell will divide into two. When I asked Avery why it happens, she said the research hasn’t yet shown us exactly why. It’s still one of the mysteries of science.

We do know that when an egg cell divides into two, identical twins are born. They have very similar DNA and may look alike, but they aren’t exactly the same. They may have very different personalities. They even have different fingerprints.

Humans aren’t the only ones that can be identical. One animal that scientists study to learn about multiple births is the nine-banded armadillo. They are very curious about this critter because it very often gives birth to not just two, but four identical babies.

Of course, not all twins are identical. Some are fraternal. Fraternal twins happen when two totally different eggs are fertilized.

The number of fraternal twins born differs around the world, while the number of identical twins is the same. Again, we aren’t entirely sure why. Registries of twins can help us learn more about twins around the world, though. We know that Benin, a country in central Africa, is home to the most twins on the planet.

Meanwhile, in the Washington State Twin Registry, there are more than 18,000 twins who have agreed to be studied. That’s more than 9,000 pairs of adult twins.

One thing Avery and WSU researchers study is discordance. That means one twin has a health condition and the other does not. They can look at twins living in different environments, how they travel, and how it affects their health. One study has helped them find evidence supporting the idea that living in a place with access to outside activities is really good for health.

Together twins are helping researchers answer big questions that can help improve health for all of us—whether you came into the world solo or with a buddy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

United Airlines Additional Thanksgiving Flight Announced

United Airlines has notified the Muskegon County Airport that a 2nd flight will be made available on Saturday, November 25 to provide fifty (50) additional seats during the busy Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.

“We are extremely pleased to learn of this additional holiday flight.” said Jeffrey Tripp, Airport Manager. “It is nice to have additional capacity available for our customers during the busiest travel time of the year.”

We encourage all West Michigan Shoreline region travelers to always “Check MKG First” for flight opportunities through United Airlines at www.united.com.

Best Yard in Fruitport Contest Winner

The winner of 2017’s the best yard in Fruitport goes to 326 8th ave, owned by Shirley Baker. Shirley inherited this home from her Parents and has transformed the garden area into a wonderful back yard display. The entries this year were all wonderful and the Township Board thanks everyone that sent in nominations. Shirley was given a yard sign to proudly display and pictures of her yard are on display at the township hall. Stop by the hall and take a look at the beautiful best yard wall of pictures.

The Township Board is looking forward to next years best yard contest; so spruce up your yards and make sure to enter.

Horseshoe Tournament Winners

First Place Team
Peggy Stitt of Hesperia
and Bob McAlinden of Nunica

Second Place
Stan Jacobs of Ravenna
and Mike Morrell

Third Place
Rich Beckley of Muskegon
and Rob Olmstead of Muskegon

Jim Beckley, who is honored by tournament

Muskegon County Youth – National 4-H Week

Muskegon County youth celebrated National 4-H Week October 1-7

Muskegon, MI — For the 75th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country celebrated National 4-H Week during the first full week of October. Muskegon County 4-H leveraged National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlighted the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.

Muskegon County shared stories on our Facebook page highlighting the successes of our 4-H members and volunteers this year. Check us out at Muskegon County MSU Extension 4-H to read the stories!

How to Help a Caregiver During National Family Caregivers Month

Ann Arbor, MI – October 13, 2017 – November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. The Alzheimer’s Association is marking these events by recognizing and honoring the more than 15 million family members and friends across the U.S. who are currently caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.

According to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, people overwhelmingly agree (91 percent) that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should be a group effort among family or close friends, yet one out of three caregivers are not engaging others in caregiving tasks. More than four in five caregivers would have liked more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family. With 15 million Alzheimer’s caregivers across the country, that leaves a lot of people in need of support.

This November during National Family Caregivers Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to lend a hand to caregivers. Here are some ways that you can help.

Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease – its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help. The Alzheimer’s Association has a vast amount of resources and information available at www.alz.org.

Build a Team: The Alzheimer’s Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool to organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. This service makes it easy to share activities and information within the person’s care team. Helpers can sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands. Users can post items for which assistance is needed. Visit the Care Team Calendar here: www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-care-calendar.asp.

Give a Break: Make a standing appointment to give the caregiver a break. Spend time with the person with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief.

Check In: Almost two out of every three caregivers said that feeling isolated or alone was a significant challenge in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. What’s more, half of all caregivers felt like they couldn’t talk to anyone in social settings or work about what they were going through. So start the conversation – a phone call to check in, sending a note, or stopping by for a visit can make a big difference in a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported.

Tackle the To-Do List: Ask for a list of errands that need to be run – pick up groceries, dry cleaning or even offer to shuttle kids to and from activities. It can be hard for a caregiver to find time to complete these simple tasks outside of the home that we often take for granted.

Be Specific and Be Flexible: Open-ended offers of support (“call me if you need anything” or “let me know if I can help”) may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Try making your offer of help or support more specific (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?” or “I have free time this weekend, let me stop over for a couple of hours so you can do what you need to do.”) Don’t get frustrated if your offer of support is not immediately accepted. The family may need time to assess its needs. Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.

Help for the Holidays: Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families living with Alzheimer’s. Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.

Join the Fight: Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by joining the fight against Alzheimer’s. You can volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association office, participate in fundraising events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day, advocate for more research funding, or sign up to participate in a clinical study as a healthy volunteer through the Alzheimer’s Association’s Trial Match. Joining the cause can help families facing the disease know that they are not alone in their fight.

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.

Dancing into the Sunset

Dancing into the Sunset Dance Party at Pomona Park in Fruitport, Wednesday’s throughout the summer

by Susan Halter

The 1st ANNUAL DANCING INTO THE SUNSET is in the books! With over 550 attending throughout the summer! It was successful enough that The Village of Fruitport and The Fruitport Lions Club has agreed to the 2nd Annual Dancing into the Sunset 2018 to take place again starting Wednesday May 9th. Here is just a recap of the fun we had this summer in Pomona Park at the Bandshell in Fruitport.

If you wanted to learn how to swing dance we had Steve Zaagman creator of Grand Rapids Original Swing Society teach us how. If you wanted to learn how to line dance Diane Sherman and fellow line dancers taught us how to line dance. If you wanted to learn how to Cha, Cha, waltz or the night club two step then Ed and Gayle Wiers of Grand Haven Dance Lessons stepped up to teach. If you wanted to join in Francine’s Zumba class then all were welcomed for the night. We even learned ballet the rock and roll way from Krista Carlson and how to square dance from Jim of Hi Nabors. If a live band is what you wanted to dance to then we had The Silverado Band not once but twice to entertain us. Impact Entertainment Mobile DJ Service provided a variety of the music eleven of the fifteen Wednesday nights which truly was a family affair who knows how to read a crowd and what type of music needs to be played. Meghan even stepped out into the crowd to help teach a variety of dance styles from all her years of experience being a DJ. Thank you to all of you for giving your time and effort to be part of our first year.

Many thanks to Jeremy from the Village of Fruitport for making sure Pomona Park was in tip top shape each Wednesday night and reminding the community each Wednesday the party was on! Thank you to Ye Old and The Storage Group for providing the brochures and signs, thank you to Fruitport Orchard Market for the delicious 100th Birthday cake for the Lions Club Celebration on June 7th and thank you to Baker Jo’s Cupcakes for the July 5th Cupcakes. Thank you to WayPoint Dock and Deli for advertising on your rolling sign and allowing boats to moor at your docks and walk over to Dancing into The Sunset and thank you to Fruitport Township for advertising on your rolling sign as well. Even Andy O’Riley of Positively Muskegon and the Muskegon Channel on Facebook spent an afternoon with me at Pomona Park showcasing Spring Lake and the Bandshell in the background. He has a soft spot for local community events and supports what he can through his media shows. Thank you to you too, Andy. Mostly thank you to the Fruitport Lions Club for stepping up to the plate and adding this event as a Lions Club sponsored event that we all will continue for many years to come.

Yes I mentioned a lot of thank you’s just now but it is important to know even though I was the one that started Dancing Into The Sunset it is equally important to recognize those that stepped up as well to make it happen. As you can see this was truly a community supported weekly event that I so enjoyed bringing back to the same location where many memories were made back in the 1940’s and 50’s when dancing and music took place at the “Pavilion” . I heard stories of how husbands and wives met for the first time, and still after 60 years can look into each others eyes with that sparkle and remember as if it was just yesterday. As requested pictures were brought down and given to me to display of the Pavilion as it once stood before flames took it to the ground. The structure may be gone but those memories will stay in the hearts of all those that attended. What an amazing first year! Let’s keep it going!

Watch for announcements after the first of the year for the 2018 Dancing into the Sunset line up of entertainment. If anyone has any suggestions, positive comments or would like to help with the success of Dancing into the Sunset any way you can please do contact Susan at her email of: dancingintosunset @aol.com. or Facebook page of Dancing into the Sunset – Fruitport. Looking for sponsors to keep this a “free” event. So if you or your business would like to sponsor one of our Wednesday nights contact me at the places just mentioned.

Hope you enjoy the photos which were taken by Wendy Press VanKoevering of Picture It Now and Forever. Thank you Wendy! See you in 2018!

Be sure to purchase your tickets for The 10^th Year of Dancing With the Local Stars featuring past Alumni Stars and Pro dancers held at the Muskegon Holiday Inn sponsored by Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce (www.womensdivision.org) which raises funds for the local food pantries. Last year alone $126,000.00 were raised which brings the grand total to date (started in 2009) to over $700,000.00 – This year they have added additional performances. There will be six performances over two weekends. Two shows first weekend – Friday February 16^th, 2018, at 7:00 pm, and Saturday evening February 17, 2018 7:00 pm, then four shows the 2^nd weekend, Thursday February 22, 7:00 pm – Friday February 23^nd, 7:00pm – Saturday February 24^th with a matinee at 1:00pm and evening performance at 7:00pm

Yours truly was asked back for the Alumni year representing Fruitport Township and the Fruitport Lions Club. I hope many from the area will be interested in purchasing sponsorships or purchase tickets to one of the shows. I will be dancing for $$$ I will receive $1.00 towards my name to put towards the food pantry donation for each vote from the audience. So you see you need to be present to help out this local Fruitport Township dancer. The Women’s Division puts on a terrific show, a full display of hors d’oeuvres as a part of your ticket price. Contact the Women’s Division at the website above or by calling Mary Kendall at (231)-798-4244 or kendallmarya@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your support!

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 11/13/17 – 11/20/17

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

Grand Opening of Blue Horizons Wellness
November 13 @ 4:00 pm – November 16 @ 4:00 pm

November 13 – 16, celebrate the launch of Blue Horizons Wellness, Lakeside’s only wellness studio offering yoga, movement, meditation, breath, and inspiration classes with owner and instructor Vicki Schneider. Each day, they are offering free classes when you bring in a donation for Every Woman’s Place. For more information, call 231-755-7771.

Monday – 11/13
• Hatha class with a short “What is yoga?” talk – 4:00pm
• Ashtanga Class and short Yoga talk – 5:30pm
• Guided meditation and quick talk about meditation at 7:30pm

Tuesday – 11/14
• Henna Tatoos – 3:30pm – 7:30pm
• Vinyasa Class and short Yoga talk – 4:00pm
• Breathing class – 6:00pm
• Candlelight yoga – 7:30pm

Wednesday – 11/15
• Move & Meditate – 4:00pm
• Veterans Class – 5:30pm
• Yoga Class – 7:30pm

Thursday – 11/16
• Open House with refreshments and caricatures – 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• Ribbon Cutting at 4:30pm
• Meet the designer of Peace Tree Tees – 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Hawks and Owls String Band
November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Monday, November 13 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the Hawks and Owls String Band! Bruce Ling, leader of Hawks and Owls and one of Michigan’s finest musical treasures, is a River-side mystic, eloquent storyteller and passionate caretaker of America’s collection of traditional music. With stage performances that combine the expressive style of Garrison Keillor or Will Rogers, he paints musical portraits celebrating the colorful history of rural America with a broad repertoire of both original and time-savored traditional folk songs. As a collector of tunes and songs, Bruce understands the importance of keeping the history of this timeless musical genre alive and well. He shares his keen knowledge with caring and passion, and his inspiration has propelled a legion of young musicians to continue playing these songs, a true testament to Ling’s talents as a teacher and mentor. www.hackleylibrary.org

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

Michigan Underground: A Writer’s Journey
November 13 @ 7:00 pm

On Monday, November 13 at 7:00pm, the Norton Shores Library hosts “Michigan Underground: A Writer’s Journey” with local author R.C. Robotham. November is National Novel Writing Month! Join local author R. C. Robotham as he shares how his interest and research into the abolitionist movement along the western shore of Lake Michigan introduced him to the likes of Jonathan Walker, Rev. William Ferry and Chief Cobmoosa and led to the writing of his novel, In Sight of Freedom. 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 .

Planetarium Christmas Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm

November 2 – December 14, come to Carr-Fless Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the Christmas show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” This modern look at the Christmas story is an annual favorite. As we look at significant astronomical events visible in the sky in the time of Jesus’ birth, we’ll see which of the “sky signs” was remarkable enough to have caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem, and investigate possible dates for the sighting of the “star” which lead them to Jesus. This is a 35-minute presentation. (No show on Thanksgiving Day, November 23). For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

26th Annual Holiday Dazzle
November 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Bring your friends and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and shopping, November 16 at the Holiday Inn – Muskegon Harbor Conference Center! Doors open at 5:00pm and the event starts at 5:30pm.

$50 per person, includes dinner, dessert, one glass of complimentary drink (house wine, beer, or a carbonated beverage), style show, and shopping for your holiday gift giving needs provided by local businesses all gathered in one location for your convenience.

Also at this years Holiday Dazzle, the Silent Auction will return with great gift giving ideas. The “Dazzle Me” Raffle will provide the opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind package of pampering. Tickets for the “Dazzle Me” Raffle are $15 each or 3 for $40.

Go to www.childabusecouncil.org under the registration tab to register for this year’s event.

White Lake Area Holiday Walk
November 17 – November 18

‘Tis the season of Christmas that brings a community together and what better way to ring in the holiday than the 23rd Annual White Lake Holiday Walk! This year’s Christmas Walk will take place during the weekend of November 17 & 18 along the streets of Montague and Whitehall with dozens of participating businesses. Enjoy traditional Christmas Open Houses featuring unique gifts and yummy treats from participating White Lake Area merchants. Share the spirit of Christmas with holiday music and a visit with Santa Claus strolling along the streets.

For more information on the 23rd Annual Holiday Walk, contact the White Lake Area Chamber at 231-893-4585 or 800-879-9702 or visit www.whitelake.org.

Guided Birding Tour of Muskegon County Wastewater System
November 17 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to join a guided caravan birding tour of Muskegon County Wastewater System Friday, November 17, from 9:00am – 2:00pm.

The Muskegon County Wastewater System – owned by Muskegon County and co-managed for waterfowl by the DNR – hosts regionally significant numbers of waterfowl, water birds and shorebirds each spring and fall, with over 10,000 ruddy ducks and 10,000 northern shovelers present annually.

Michigan bird conservation coordinator Caleb Putnam (Audubon Great Lakes and DNR) and DNR staff members will be on hand to answer questions about wildlife management, habitat projects under way at the Muskegon State Game Area and hunting opportunities. The tour will focus on the wastewater system’s large lagoons, where thousands of ducks, geese and water birds typically are present. Additional species may be spotted, including several species of gulls, some winter songbirds and, with luck, a snowy owl or golden eagle.

The tour will begin at 9:00am at the Muskegon State Game Area headquarters, located at 7600 Messinger Rd. in Twin Lake (about 3 miles north of the wastewater system off Maple Island Road). Participants should dress for the possibility of very cold temperatures, snow/rain and high winds. Bringing binoculars and spotting scopes is recommended, if possible. The trip leaders will have a small number of scopes available for those who don’t have them.

Muskegon County Wastewater System is one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.

A permit is required to enter the wastewater system property, and can be obtained at 698 N. Maple Island Road in Muskegon (located 1.25 miles east of Maple Island on White Road) during normal working hours (Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm). Note: those participating in the tour do not need to pick up their permits in advance.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
November 17 @ 7:00 pm – December 3 @ 7:00 pm

November 17 – December 3, come to the Beardsley Theater for “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre!

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is the story of Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia who share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha.

For tickets or more information, call 231-727-8001.

Build a Gingerbread House – Adults Only
November 17 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday, November 17 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, you’re invited to the lovely Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club to build your own gingerbread house! All supplies and instruction are included. This is an adult only class ages 18+. The cost is $16 in advance per house, $21 at the door or $25 in advance for the “take-home kit.” There will be a 3 person maximum per house. For more information, contact Nancy at 231-730-0887 or e-mail nancy@housesbynancy.com for reservations.

Build a Gingerbread House
November 18 – November 19

Saturday, November 18 from 10:00am -12:00pm and 1:30pm – 3:30pm, and Sunday, November 19 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm, you’re invited to the lovely Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club to build your own gingerbread house! All supplies and instruction are included. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. The cost is $16 in advance per house, $21 at the door or $25 in advance for the “take-home kit.” There will be a 3 person maximum per house. Santa will visit both the Saturday and Sunday sessions! For more information, contact Nancy at 231-730-0887 or e-mail nancy@housesbynancy.com for reservations.

Lakeshore Camera Club Biannual Show and Competition
November 18 @ 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm

The Norton Shores Library hosts the Lakeshore Camera Club’s Biannual Show and Competition on Saturday, November 18 from 1:30pm to 6:00pm in the Library’s Community Room. Discover local photographic talent, meet the photographers and vote for your favorite to win. There will be refreshments to enjoy and prints to purchase. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .

Muskegon Center for the Arts Workshop: Gemstone Beading III
November 18 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Saturday, November 18 from 2:30pm – 4:00pm, you’re invited to the Red Lotus Gallery for the workshop “Gemstone Beading III!” The cost is $15, or $13 for members, and includes materials.

Become a gemstone identification expert with this workshop and learn even more about gemstones used for beading. More advanced techniques for pattern beading will be discussed and students will create a bracelet with their newly learned skills. Students must pre-register for workshops by contacting Sabryna at registration@muskegonca.org. Tools will be available for use for all workshops, however you may bring your own if you have them. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, find them on Facebook.

West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
November 18 @ 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, November 18 at 5:00pm as they take on the Team Network!

The Power of Destiny
November 18 @ 7:00 pm

November 18 at 7:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater as the Shoreline Symphony Community Orchestra performs “The Power of Destiny!”

Fate is “knocking at the door” as the Shoreline Symphony plays its first concert in the Frauenthal Theater. The central work on the program is Beethoven’s well-known Symphony No. 5. Additional selections include the overture to Verdi’s opera, La Forza del Destino (The Power of Destiny), and music by Brahms.

Preceding the concert at 6:30pm, Shoreline Symphony Director Annette Jurcevic will host a brief discussion about the music, its historical and cultural context, and the composers who wrote it.

Tickets: $8 Adult, Students and Children under 18 are free. For tickets or more information, call 231-727-8001.

Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery: Open Mic Night
November 18 @ 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.

Muskegon Community College Honors Orchestra
November 19 @ 3:00 pm

Sunday, November 19 at 3:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater to enjoy the Muskegon Community College Honors Orchestra, featuring wind and string players from MCC and area schools.

Tickets are $6, and students are free. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Voters Should Be Registered In Just 1 State – Deceased Quickly Removed

Secretary Johnson: Voters Should Be Registered In Just 1 State;
Deceased Quickly Removed

Johnson endorses common-sense reforms in response to presidential election commission

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today presented several common-sense election reforms to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, including the need to have the federal government and states work together to clean up voter rolls by removing deceased voters and voters registered in multiple states.

In response to a recent request from the commission to state election administrators about how the federal government can help improve election administration, Johnson proposed that state motor vehicle agencies be required to notify a voter’s prior state of residence when an individual moves to a new state and registers to vote there. Once the election administrator in the voter’s former state of residence receives confirmation that a voter has moved and registered to vote in another state, the voter registration in the previous state could be cancelled. Federal law already requires motor-vehicle agencies to ask driver’s license applicants if they want to register to vote.

“This common-sense reform would provide for the efficient removal of nonresidents from state voter rolls, while minimizing the opportunity for individuals to vote in multiple states at the same election,” Johnson wrote in her letter to the commission. “Once fully implemented, the legislation will enhance state efforts to ensure that votes are cast only by eligible voters and will result in cost savings for state and local election administrators.”

Improved voter information sharing among the states was strongly endorsed by President Obama’s bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Administration as a way to better maintain voter records nationally.

Johnson also recommended that the federal government provide the Social Security Administration’s list of deceased Social Security card holders to states at a much lower cost than states are now charged so the deceased can be quickly removed to eliminate a vulnerability to voter fraud. Additionally, she said the federal government should do more to assist states in identifying noncitizen registered voters so those records can be removed from the voter file. She encouraged the federal government to provide noncitizen information to state election officials to ensure voter rolls do not include ineligible individuals. This data sharing also would help protect noncitizens who inadvertently become registered to vote and seriously jeopardize their legal path to U.S. citizenship.

In response to a question about finding ways to prevent voter intimidation or disenfranchisement, Johnson noted that having clean, accurate voter rolls will protect all voters by reducing the possibility that a voter visits the wrong polling location, and then is challenged or given a provisional ballot that may not be counted. Additionally, Johnson shared her opposition to allowing cameras and video recorders in polling places, as an ongoing lawsuit that her office is vigorously defending against seeks.

“I am particularly concerned that allowing photography in the polling place would be viewed by some voters as intimidating or coercive, as it compromises ballot secrecy,” she wrote. “A voter or an image of his or her ballot may be surreptitiously recorded and posted on social media without the voter’s knowledge or consent.”

President Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity this year to review voter registration and voting processes nationwide. Vice President Pence chairs the commission, which has solicited ideas for improvements from each state’s chief election officer.

As part of its request for information, the commission also sought voter registration data from all 50 states. Consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any individual or group may request and obtain publicly available voter registration data. Basic voter information such as name, year of birth and dates of elections in which a person has voted, but not how a person voted, will be released to the commission if it submits the required FOIA request form and pays the standard fee for the voter records. The state’s voter file is routinely released to candidates, political parties, news outlets and academic researchers, among others, as required by state law.

The copy of the letter to the commission is available online.

Fruitport Township Upcoming Events

by Heidi Tice

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming Township Events.

November 6 -17 – Lions – Food drive for Thanksgiving at the following locations:
• All Fruitport School
• Fruitport Township Hall
• Orchard Market

November 18 – Lions – Pack Thanksgiving food boxes at Edgewood School and distribute
• 9am –noon
• Edgewood cafeteria – all help sorting and packing boxes is welcome

Every Friday in November – Date Night volunteer childcare
• Times are 5pm – 9pm
• Fruitport Congregational Church UCC
• Sponsored and operated by the Fruitport Leo Club
• Limited number of availability
• More details go to Fruitport Leo Club on Facebook or Fruitport Lions Club Official on Facebook
• DONATIONS ONLY (will go toward Fruitport Leo Ramp projects)

November 24 – December 22 – Lions – Trees for Tots sales
• NEW LOCATION – in front of Smiley water tower Airline Rd.
• Hours are week days 5-8 and weekends noon-8
• Fresh cut Trees ranging from 4 ft to 10 ft, Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine and Blue Spruce
• All proceeds are for Christmas gifts for local kids

December 1, 15, 22 – Date Night volunteer childcare
• Times are 5pm – 9pm
• Fruitport Congregational Church UCC
• Sponsored and operated by the Fruitport Leo Club
• Limited number of availability
• More details go to Fruitport Leo Club on Facebook or Fruitport Lions Club Official on Facebook
• DONATIONS ONLY (will go toward Fruitport Leo Ramp projects)

December 2 – Township – Santa visits Fruitport Fire Station #2
• 3368 Black Creek Rd
• Tour the fire station and visit Santa
• FREE EVENT

December 8 & 9 – Lions – Old Fashioned Christmas –
• Pomona Park
• Friday Dec 8, from 6:00-9:00
• Saturday Dec 9, from 4:00-7:00
• Santa, hayride, hotdogs, hot chocolate, art displays, music, sledding (if snow), sled contest
• FREE Event

January 6, 2018 – Township – Burning of the Greens
• Behind old township hall location
• Bring your tree and enjoy the bonfire
• Free Hot Chocolate, cookies and coffee (supplied by the Fruitport Leo Club)
• FREE EVENT

February 9, 2018 – Lions – Annual Pancake Supper
• Fruitport High School – Cafeteria
• 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Tickets on sale by the Fruitport Honor Society or at the door
• Adults $5.00 Children $3.00
• All you can eat pancakes, 2 sausage links, orange juice, milk and desert
• All proceeds go to Fruitport Honor Society for AP tests
• Fruitport will be playing Kenowa Hills – Basketball

Kuis Drain News

In 2014, the County Drain Commissioner held a board of determination (BOD) for the Kuis drain. Over 200 people attended the meeting, although many were opposed the BOD decided to approve the drain project. The county did take the drain commission to court, not wanting to incur any cost for that drain and lost, they appealed and lost there as well. Fruitport Township chose not to file suit against the Drain Commission. One resident filed, however dropped the suit before going to court. The minutes to the Board of determination meeting, as well as the engineering findings, are on the County Drain Commission website. Fruitport attended, with its attorney, a public meeting with the DEQ & Drain Commission concerning the drain. The DEQ did not find a need to alter the drain project.

The township’s attorney gave his opinion that we would need to spend a great deal of Public funds to hire an engineering firm to re-evaluate the drain and bring a different conclusion to an appeal court regarding the condition of the drain and the boundary. This would need to be compelling enough to have the court of appeals agree with a different opinion. He stated this would be very difficult, as well as costly, if we could even find an engineering firm with a different opinion. The Drain Commission has, by law, the authority to establish and assess drain projects. The township has no authority to create or halt a drain project that is deemed necessary and conducive to public health, convenience and welfare.

The township’s current administration has worked with the Drain Commissioner to help with some of the cost of the cleanout contract. The Commission’s engineer has gone line by line and has reduced some of the bid amount. MDOT is contributing over $200,000 for the work being done next to the highway, the township water department is paying for some of the work that is being done with regards to their water main, and the board removed a culvert replacement from the bid that Muskegon County Road Commission determined to have 25 years of life left in it. With no way to stop this process, (which could only have been done in 2014 at the Board of Determination and 10 days after with an appeal), the township is concentrating on reducing costs.

At the Fruitport Township Board meeting held on September 11, 2017, the Drain Commissioner was held up at another meeting; due to her arrival time being undetermined the board moved on to the next agenda items. The last item on the agenda was to go into closed session regarding a matter under the open meetings act, unrelated to the Kuis Drain. The Supervisor called the Drain Commissioners cell phone at that time and was unable to contact her. It was decided to move to the next agenda item and go into closed session. It was unfortunate the Drain Commissioner came shortly after that and the board was not there to hear comments from the audience. After the closed session the Drain Commissioner did update the board and the township board expressed its concerns regarding the necessity, scope and cost of the project.

2017 Festival of Trees opens November 22 at Muskegon Museum of Art

The Muskegon Museum of Art Festival of Trees returns in 2017 for its 13th year as a community holiday tradition. The 2017 Festival of Trees will be open Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, December 3, daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, noon to 5:00 pm on Sundays, and closed on Thanksgiving. Holiday traditions of different countries inspire this year’s festival theme and displays. Professionally designed themed trees and décor will be available for purchase through silent auction over the 11 days of the Festival. Raffles, music, seasonal and holiday shopping, and special events will add to the fun.

Purchase Festival admission tickets at the door: $10 Adult, $5 MMA Member, $3 child 3-17 yrs. (under 3 free), $15 All Festival Pass

Special events include:

• November 11 Pre-Festival Free Family Fun Day: Origami Super Saturday
• November 22 First Day Food Drive
• November 24 Meijer Family Day
• November 25 Teddy Bear Breakfast
• November 26 Deck Your Halls centerpiece design workshop
• November 28 Senior Day
• December 1 Muffins & Mimosas Fashion Show
• December 1 & 3 A Christmas Carol as presented by Tom Harryman
• November 24, 25, and December 2 Visits with Santa

Purchase advance tickets for Teddy Bear Breakfast, Deck Your Halls, and A Christmas Carol performance by calling (231) 720-2580.

Festival Title Sponsor is Arconic/Whitehall Operations. Nichols is Festival Co-Sponsor.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday, November 11, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Origami Super Saturday
Pre-Festival Free Family Fun Day
Ms. Ronace will lead our youngest team to flip and fold unique origami ornaments for the Super Saturday Holiday Tree, which will be part of the Festival of Trees event. Youth participants will get a free Festival of Trees admission ticket. Activities also include guided tours and a family film. Admission and activities are free. Underwritten by Arconic/Whitehall Operations.

Wednesday, November 22
First Day Food Drive
Half off adult admission price with a food donation for Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Regular adult admission: $10

Friday, November 24, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family Day
Santa and kids’ activities. Special Family Day adult ticket price: $5. Kids get in free on Family Day. Visit with Santa 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Sponsored by Meijer

Saturday, November 25, 8:30 – 10:30 am
Teddy Bear Breakfast
Especially fun for kids ages 3-8 years old. Breakfast, Santa, teddy bear checkup, and more! $12 per adult, $7 per child ages 17 and under. Includes Festival admission. Reserve tickets early. This event always sells out. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase.
Sponsored by Hines Corp.

Sunday, November 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Holiday Centerpiece Make & Take Workshop
With Deb Moon, Le Fleur Shoppe, and Skeeter Parkhouse, Wasserman’s Floral and Gifts. Space is limited. Tickets: $30 per person/$25 MMA member/$35 at the door. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase. Includes refreshments and Festival admission. Cash bar. Sponsored by Floyd & Caron Farmer

Tuesday, November 28, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Festival of Trees Senior Day
Special Senior Day half-off ticket price: $5 for ages 65+. Free coffee and cookies, vendor samples, door prizes, and more! For large groups, call 231.720.2571. Sponsored by Sonus Hearing Care Professionals

Friday, December 1, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Muffins and Mimosas Fashion Show
MMA volunteers will model the new line of fashion clothing from the MMA gift shop. Free with Festival of Trees admission. Refreshments provided. Cash bar. Call 231.720.2587 for more information.

Friday, December 1 and Sunday, December 3
A Christmas Carol
As presented by Tom Harryman
Friday Evening, December 1, 7:30 pm
Sunday Matinee, December 3, 2:00 pm
$15 adult, $10 MMA member, $5 15 years & under
Tom Harryman’s masterful one-man performance of the Christmas classic. Friday night performance will be preceded by a cocktail hour starting at 6:30 pm.

Visit with Santa!
Bring your camera!
Friday, November 24, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 25, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 2, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Fruitport Charter Township Board Meeting Agenda – 11/13/17

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

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

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

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 10/23/2017
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence/reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Retirement celebration for Randy Lee
B. Second Reading: Rental Unit Registration Restatement Amendment Ordinance
C. Public Hearing: Police Special Assessment Roll

08. New Business
A. Discussion: Quarterline Rd. (between Pontaluna-Judson)
B. Discussion: Resolution for land use fees
C. Budget amendments

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 County Calendar of Events 11/06/17 – 11/13/17

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

Movies at the Library: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
November 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Come to Hackley Public Library to see free movies on the first Tuesday of the month! November 7 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy as they screen “Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them.” (PG-13)

In 1926, Newt Scamander just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds. The movie runs 133 minutes. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library. www.hackleylibrary.org

Planetarium Christmas Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm

White Lake Classical Series: Marty Gabert on Marimba
November 7 @ 7:00 pm

Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the “White Lake Classical Series” featuring Marty Gabert on Marimba! The cover charge is $5. Come early (6:15pm) for dinner featuring Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast, mushroom risotto, vegetable, glass of house wine and dessert for only $17. For more information, or to RSVP, call 231-894-5333.

About the performance: The word marimba, Guatemalan in origin, means the wood that sings. It has a sound that most audiences have never heard before. The marimba has its roots in prehistory when man first struck pieces of rock on wood and heard a musical sound. In concert, Marty shows that the marimba has now evolved to be as powerful as an orchestra. His program, Music for a Small Room, is the perfect introduction for all audiences to the marimba and to new music.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 8 @ 10:30 am

Catch a home game Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30am as the Jacks take on the Bloomington Thunder at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

MCC Veterans Salute
November 8 @ 11:00 am

Because Veterans Day falls on a weekend this year, a Veterans Salute will take place mid-week at Muskegon Community College on Wednesday, November 8, at 11:00am by the flagpole located near the main building entrance. MCC student veterans will raise the flag and post the colors. U.S. Army veteran Jerry Conrad, an MCC adjunct instructor and local businessman, will serve as the emcee and will lead the pledge of allegiance. Rev. William Anderson, an Air Force veteran and pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Muskegon, will deliver the invocation.

MCC Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. John Selmon will welcome those in attendance. SPC Andrew Worcester, an MCC student and U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, will provide remarks.

Following a moment of silence, the VFW Muskegon County Council will deliver a 21-gun salute and, following the playing of “Taps” by MCC student Bri Holtrop, will retire the colors. The ceremony will close with a Benediction by Rev. Anderson.

Artists’ Reception: “In Between Here and Gone: Works by Cara O’Brien and Diane Zoellmer”
November 8 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

The Muskegon Community College Overbrook Art Gallery will feature the color photography of Diane Zoellmer and the mixed media sculptures of Cara O’Brien in an exhibit titled “In Between Here and Gone: Works by Cara O’Brien and Diane Zoellmer” from November 6 – December 14. This exhibit is free and open to the public. Overbrook Gallery hours are from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday with special weekend and evening hours during performances and concerts in the adjacent Overbrook Theater. A free public artists’ reception will be held Wednesday, November 8, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm with a gallery talk by the artists at 4:00pm. Call (231)777-0324 for more information.

Thursday Night Music Club: Max & Ruth Bloomquist
November 9 @ 7:00 pm

The Norton Shores Library hosts Ruth & Max Bloomquist on Thursday, November 9 at 7:00pm as part of the Thursday Night Music Club! One of Muskegon’s most beloved musical groups, Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been performing together for over forty years! Ruth’s award winning abilities as a songwriter and singer are accented by Max’s harmony and touch on the upright bass. With influences of folk, bluegrass, and country, they have created a heart touching, audience pleasing acoustic Americana that is all their own. Ruth’s trademark rich alto is unmistakable, and her songs evoke images and emotions common to us all. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .

Justin Moore: Hell on a Highway Tour
November 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Justine Moore’s “Hell on a Highway Tour” is coming to the LC Walker Arena Friday, November 10! His special guest will be Dylan Scott. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 6 and will be available at the LC Walker Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-585-3737, and online at www.startickets.com.

“Hell On A Highway Tour” is Moore’s fourth headlining tour, having just wrapped up his “American Made Tour” with Lee Brice back in April and will span seven months, taking the Arkansas native from coast to coast.

Holiday Wine Tasting at SE4SONS
November 10 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Friday, November 10 at 5:30pm, come to SE4SONS Gastro Pub for a fun evening of wine tasting, delicious food and friends! It is a great opportunity to stock up on libations for the holiday season. The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes tasting and appetizers. Please call 231-755-3737 to let them know you are attending.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Enigma Variations
November 10 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents Enigma Variations!

Bohuslav Rattay, conductor
Guest Artist – Andrew Spencer, Timpani

Debussy – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Daugherty – Raise the Roof
Andrew Spencer, Timpani
Elgar – Enigma Variations

Claude Debussy’s revolutionary Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun opens this program. Former WMS principal timpanist Andrew Spencer returns for Michael Daugherty’s timpani concerto, Raise the Roof. Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations pay musical tributes to the composer’s illustrious and fascinating friends. The works ends triumphantly with allusions to the earlier variations. For more information, call 231-726-3231.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 11 – November 12

Catch two home games, Saturday, November 11 at 7:15pm and Sunday, November 12 at 3:15pm as the Jacks take on the Youngstown Phantoms at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Origami Super Saturday
November 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

November 11 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for an Origami Super Saturday! This free family fun day features instruction for kids on how to flip and fold their own unique origami ornaments for the 6th Super Saturday Holiday Tree, which will be part of the Festival of Trees event that starts November 22. Youth participants will get a free Festival of Trees admission ticket. Admission and activities are free on 2nd Saturdays of the month. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

10:00am & 1:00pm
Film: “Origami Fun For Kids, Too!” (92 mins.) This film will show the basic techniques to successfully make various origami pieces. Beginners of all ages can watch and learn how to create a Masu Box, with lid and divider, a Chaos Cube, a Trick Sailboat, a Basketball Hoop, a Makoto Koma (spinning top), a Jumping Frog, and a Handbag/Gift bag

11:00am – 1:00pm
Guided Look: Find the geometric shapes in the artwork located upstairs in the galleries. Can you fold paper to mimic those shapes? How are those shapes alike or different from origami pieces you created?

11:00am – 2:00pm
Make & Take: Flip and fold your own origami ornament to decorate the Super Saturday Tree that will be a part of the Festival of Trees.

Holiday Canvas Painting Class
November 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Saturday, November 11 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, you’re invited to an art class at First Presbyterian Church where you’ll paint your very own Christmas Tree on canvas under the instruction of art teacher, Robin Civis. $20 covers all materials and instruction. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! For more information, call 231-759-1275.

Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 @ 11:00 am

A Veterans Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00am at the Causeway Veterans Memorial Park. The guest speaker will be Lupe Alviar Jr., a founding member of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 31 in Muskegon, a national VVA committee member, and a member of the Muskegon County Veteran Affairs Advisory Board. The Reeths-Puffer Middle School Band will perform under the direction of Rich Erne. The posting of the colors and a 21-gun rifle salute will be conducted by Don Rea VFW Post #8846 of North Muskegon. The Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution will lay wreaths.

Pasta, Passion and Pistols Murder Mystery Event
November 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

October through May, Bygone Basics Cooking School and Amanda’s Bequest B & B offer a Murder Mystery Dinner on occasional Saturdays. Participants act out the roles with scripts and as much hilarity as they wish! “Pasta, Passion & Pistols” is the murder mystery Saturday, November 11. The mystery activities and dinner last from 5:00pm until around 8:00pm. Registered attendees will be assigned their roles in advance so they can arrive in character. You do not have to be a lodging guest at Amanda’s Bequest to participate, but why not! It will enhance the fun and remove night time driving.

Hurry, seating is limited! To register, click the “Book Now” link on the website, e-mail relax@amandasbequest.com or call 231-740-4065.

B&B Guest – $38
Non-Lodging – $48
Adult themed. No one under 18 years old please.

“Pasta, Passion & Pistols”
Will you be Rocco Scarfazzi, or perhaps you will attend as Father Al Fredo? You’ll find out once you register to attend this drop dead fun Murder Mystery!
Here’s the Scene: The succulent aroma of home cooked pasta is drifting from New York City’s most popular Italian eatery, La Speranza, but something else is heating up in the kitchen…Cold-blooded murder! Restauranteur Pepi Roni has been shot in the back with his own pistol. Tonight his family and friends will gather to pay their respects to poor Pepi, but one of the guests won’t be shedding any tears.

Performances @The Block: Andrew Spencer – Percussionist
November 11 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Saturday, November 11 at 7:30pm, come to The Block as former West Michigan Symphony principal timpanist Andrew Spencer performs music featuring compelling percussion sounds. An active recitalist and clinician, Spencer has performed as a soloist in the United States, Poland, Japan, Canada and Costa Rica. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.

Girls Night: The Musical
November 11 @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 11 at 7:30pm, come to the beautiful Frauenthal Theater to see the Off-Broadway sensation that audiences can’t get enough of from coast to coast, “Girls Night: The Musical!! Share the fun and laughter in this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends re-live their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild night out! Featuring the most famous female empowerment hits of the last four decades including “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” “I Will Survive” and many more!

Tickets are $51, $41 and $26. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Hawks and Owls String Band
November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Monday, November 13 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the Hawks and Owls String Band! Bruce Ling, leader of Hawks and Owls and one of Michigan’s finest musical treasures, is a River-side mystic, eloquent storyteller and passionate caretaker of America’s collection of traditional music. With stage performances that combine the expressive style of Garrison Keillor or Will Rogers, he paints musical portraits celebrating the colorful history of rural America with a broad repertoire of both original and time-savored traditional folk songs. As a collector of tunes and songs, Bruce understands the importance of keeping the history of this timeless musical genre alive and well. He shares his keen knowledge with caring and passion, and his inspiration has propelled a legion of young musicians to continue playing these songs,a true testament to Ling’s talents as a teacher and mentor. www.hackleylibrary.org

Michigan Underground: A Writer’s Journey
November 13 @ 7:00 pm

Shoreline Symphony Performs “The Power of Destiny” Concert

The Shoreline Symphony will present a concert entitled “The Power of Destiny” on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at the Frauenthal Center, 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan.

Fate is “knocking at the door” as the Shoreline Symphony plays its first concert in the Frauenthal Center. The central work on the program is Beethoven’s well-known Symphony No.5. Additional selections include the overture to Verdi’s opera, La forza del destino (The Power of Destiny), and Schicksalslied (Song of Fate) by Brahms, featuring the Muskegon Chamber Choir.

Admission is $8 for adults and free for students and for children under 18. Tickets are only available through the Frauenthal Center. To purchase them, you may:
• Call the Frauenthal box office at 231-727-8001.
• Visit www.frauenthal.org. Tickets are sold online up until two hours before each concert.
• On the night of the concert, tickets may be purchased at the Frauenthal box office, 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan.

Preceding the concert, Shoreline Symphony Director Annette Jurcevic will host a brief discussion about the ideas of fate and destiny, the music, and the composers who wrote it. Audience members are invited to ask questions and participate in a dialogue. The pre-concert discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.

This is the first performance in Shoreline Symphony’s 2017-2018 season, Magic and Mystery.

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

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

Justin Moore to Perform at LC Walker Arena, November 10, 2017

Platinum-selling country music artist Justin Moore is bringing his “Hell On A Highway Tour” to LC Walker Arena on November 10.

For full listings of the tour, visit http://websterpr.com/news/justin-moore-announces-hell-highway-tour

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/30/17 – 11/06/17

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

Dias De Los Muertos at the Red Lotus Gallery
October 10 @ 10:00 am – November 10 @ 6:00 pm
The purpose of Dias De Los Muertos is to honor loved ones who have passed. Visit the Red Lotus Gallery through November 10 for the celebration of Dias De Los Meurtos to view participants’ artwork and photos in honor of their loved ones. “Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died and help support their spiritual journey. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
October 30 @ 6:00 pm
All lectures are on Monday evenings at 6:00pm at the Museum. For more information, call 231-755-1230.
October 30: Flight 93- The Story, the Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11
Tom McMillan has spent a lifetime in media and communications – as a newspaper sportswriter, columnist, radio talk show host and for the past 21 years, as Vice President of Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. And history is another of his passions. He serves on the board of trustees of Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center, on the board of directors of the Friends of Flight 93, on the marketing committee of the Gettysburg Foundation, and as a tour guide at the Civil War room at Carnegie Library. He also is a co-director of the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing at Point Park University, his alma mater. He is the author of the book entitled Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers. He will present this lecture based upon his best-selling history of the tragedy of Flight 93 on 9/11 and its aftermath. His Flight 93 book will be available for purchase and signing. All sale proceeds are donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial. And, yes, Tom may predict the Penguins will win yet another Stanley Cup this season, and in all humility he may mention his 3 Stanley Cup rings. www.silversidesmusuem.org

Humans vs. Zombies
October 30 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday, October 30 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for some Halloween fun! Humans vs. Zombies is a game of tag played at schools, camps, neighborhoods, libraries, and conventions around the world. Human players must remain vigilant and defend themselves with socks and dart blasters to avoid being tagged by a growing zombie horde.

Meet in the lower level meeting rooms beginning at 7:30pm to go over the rules and pick the Original Zombie. The Library will be locked up at 8:00pm, and the game will start shortly afterwards. Bring a bandanna and either a foam dart blaster or sock (the dart blaster must look like a toy-no realistic looking weapons will be allowed). The game will run about 90 minutes. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Attendance is limited to the first 75 people. Visit hvzsource.com/hackleypl for more information and to pre-register (does not necessarily guarantee a spot in the game.)

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

“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
October 31 @ 7:00 pm
Now that the eclipse is over, let’s learn more about the sun with “Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium! This groundbreaking, 35-minute presentation will lead you into solar tornadoes, magnetic fields, super-hot plasma, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections. Free, public shows are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug 29-Oct 31, at Muskegon Community College. No reservations are needed. For more information, or to schedule a private show at other times for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

Planetarium Christmas Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
November 2 @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
November 2 – December 14, come to Carr-Fless Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the Christmas show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” This modern look at the Christmas story is an annual favorite. As we look at significant astronomical events visible in the sky in the time of Jesus’ birth, we’ll see which of the “sky signs” was remarkable enough to have caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem, and investigate possible dates for the sighting of the “star” which lead them to Jesus. This is a 35-minute presentation. (No show on Thanksgiving Day, November 23). For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Flashlight Night at the Museum
November 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, November 3 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for “Flashlight Night at the Museum!” It’s date night for the whole family! Join them each month for an exciting and interactive night at the museum! In November, they are collaborating with Downtown Muskegon Now for the First Fridays event! They will feature flashlight-guided tours of the museum’s lower level, so that your family can experience a different side of the museum! There will also be special activities on the main level to enjoy before or after your tour!

Admission to the Museum is free for Muskegon County residents and $3.00 for out of county. For more information, call 231-722-0278.

Open House Reception at Red Lotus Gallery
November 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
You are invited to the Artists’ Open House Reception at the Muskegon Center for the Arts every first Friday night of the month from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at the Red Lotus Fine Art Gallery located in downtown Muskegon in the Century Building’s basement. Every month there is a different display and art themed event. Come meet and talk with the artists and view their creations. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 3 @ 7:00 pm – November 4 @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch a couple of home games Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4 at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Tri-City Storm at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Tellabrations! A Night of Storytelling
November 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday, November 3 from 7:00pm -8:30pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for an extraordinary evening of storytelling as the Muskegon Yarnspinners celebrate their 7th Annual Tellabration, an event celebrated around the world each November! These stories will entertain you, humor you, and stay with you long after the evening is over. Suitable for ages 12 and up. The cost is $5 per person. For more information, contact Ned Carter at 231-755-2383 or e-mail carteredwin93@yahoo.com.

First Friday Fan Fun-Raiser
November 3 @ 7:00 pm
Friday, November 3 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for another “First Friday Fan Fun-Raiser! Join celebrity bartenders Louise St. Amour, Marie Taibl and Mary Koehler and help them raise money for the Harbor Hospice. Their tips and 20% of the evenings proceeds will go to the Poppen House. Enjoy live music by The Knicknacks and the dinner special of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and mixed veggies for only $9.00. For more information, call 231-894-5333.

International Games Day
November 4 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ping pong, board games, video games and computer games are planned for Saturday, November 4, from 1:00pm – 6:00pm in Muskegon Community College’s Hendrik Meijer Library during the 2017 International Games Day celebration! Gamers of all ages are invited to take part in the contests being staged in and around the MCC Library. Those under 16 years of age will need a responsible adult with them. The event, which is free and open to the public, is being held in conjunction with International Games Week, organized by the American Library Association, with the Australian Library and Information Association, Nordic Game Day and L’Associazione Italiana Biblioteche. Last year, International Games Day had 1,730 libraries from around the world participate. For more information, contact Lisa Anderson at (231) 777-0274.

Two Benefit Performances of ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’
November 4 @ 2:00 pm
Honoring the life and legacy of a young Muskegon woman who died 10 years ago, a Holocaust play focusing on Jewish children in a WWII concentration camp will be staged on Saturday, November 4, at Muskegon Community College. Playwright Celeste Raspanti’s one-act memory drama “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” will have performances at 2:00pm and 7:30pm in Overbrook Theater on the MCC campus. The show is being presented by MCC and The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Performances will be followed by conversations with the cast and artistic staff. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and go on sale Monday, October 30 at the Overbrook Theater Box Office. Hours are noon – 4:00pm through Friday, November 3. The Box Office will open an hour-and-a-half before each performance. Reservations can be made by calling (231) 777-0324.

Muskegon Center for the Arts: November Workshops
November 4 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 4 from 2:30pm – 4:00pm, you’re invited to the Red Lotus Gallery for “Gemstone Beading II! Learn to identify the commonly used gemstones in beading, as well as the skills, tools and materials needed. Each student will create a bracelet using one of the discussed stones. Students must pre-register for workshops by contacting Sabryna at registration@muskegonca.org. Tools will be available for use for all workshops, however you may bring your own if you have them. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. $15 includes instruction and materials ($13 for MCA Members). You will want to register for this class soon as these workshops fill up quickly.

West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
November 4 @ 5:00 pm
The West Michigan Lake Hawks strive to provide a professional level of sports entertainment and to enrich the lives of student athletes. Home games are played at Reeths-Puffer High School. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and season passes are $90 which saves you 25%. Ages 4 and under are free. Call 231-769-9617 for group ticket sales.

Catch their next home game Saturday, November 4 at 5:00pm as they take on the Illinois Bulldogs!

Mercy Health Benefit Ball
November 4 @ 6:00 pm
Known for its elegance and creativity, Benefit Ball has grown into the premier gala event on the Lakeshore! Each year, a new theme is chosen to elevate the guests’ experience and keep Benefit Ball enjoyable and intriguing. Guests enjoy a fabulous dinner, dancing and entertainment. Proceeds from Benefit Ball 2017 will benefit the new Mercy Health Muskegon medical center through the “imagine. build. TRANSFORM” campaign.

The Benefit Ball will take place on Saturday, November 4 beginning at 6:00pm at the Muskegon Country Club. Reserved seating is available upon request by contacting Amber Wallace in the Office of Philanthropy at 231-672-6976 or wallaamd@mercyhealth.com.

Online registration for the 2017 Benefit Ball will open this fall. At that time, you can find the registration link at www.mercyhealthmuskegon.com/benefit-ball.

2nd Annual Behind the Mask Masquerade Ball
November 4 @ 6:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Saturday, November 4 from 6:00pm – Midnight, come to Fricano Place for the 2nd Annual “Behind the Mask” masquerade ball! The evening will include a DJ and dancing, hors d’oeuvre’s and desserts, refreshments, a cash bar and a contest with prizes awarded for the best male, female and couple masks. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes throughout the evening.

All proceeds will benefit The Hope Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of human trafficking and to bring restoration and healing from its effects. During the event, you will hear about the heart and vision of The Hope Project. For more information, call (231) 747-8555.

The Back Alley Comedy Club Presents – Murder Mystery Night
November 4 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 4 at 7:00pm, the Back Alley Comedy Club presents Murder Mystery Night! This is “Clue” style excitement that happens right in front of your table! The moment you walk through the door you will be immersed in a thrilling murder mystery dinner experience, mingling with crazy characters and shady suspects in a game of murder you get to play! As the night continues you will get to interrogate the suspects, gather the clues, and work with your team to help mystery experts crack the case before the killer gets away! Tickets are $30 tickets when purchased at the center or $32 online. For more information, call (231) 755-1258.

Sweet Dreams and Honky Tonks
November 4 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 4 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center for Sweet Dreams & Honky Tonks! It may be impossible to crown any one performer as country music’s biggest, most beloved, or most influential star, but few would argue that Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash would all be near the top of any list. Each broke barriers and changed country and popular music forever. Sweet Dreams & Honky Tonks is a new revue that presents the best loved hits of these classic artists along with stories of their colorful lives and amazing careers. Tickets are $23. For ALL U.S. Military Personnel, to acknowledge and thank you for your service, the Frauenthal Center is offering a special between now and July 21. Purchase one ticket for Sweet Dreams and Honky Tonks, and get a second ticket FREE! For more information, call 231-727-8001.

West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
November 5 @ 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 Sunday, November 5 at 5:00pm as they take on the Oakland County Cowboys!

Fruitport Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting – Minutes – 10/16/17

Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
October 16, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

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

II. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

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

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 17-124. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0

V. PRESENTATIONS
Rehmann Robson, LLC representative, Will Love presented the 2016-17 audit report. He stated the audit was performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Fruitport Community Schools received a clean audit with no difficulties or disagreements. Bob Szymoniak commended Mark Mesbergen and Jessica Colbert for a job well done.

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
None.

VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Fruitport staff member, Pam Gustafson thanked Jessica Colbert and Mark Mesbergen for always going above and beyond to help her. She stated she appreciates their willingness to answer all of her questions.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Bob Szymoniak mentioned middle school teacher, Rachel Kent having a photo and article in the GVSU year-end report. He reminded everyone of the Fruitport Education Foundation’s 5th Quarter Party Fundraiser on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Bob indicated he will be working a band fundraiser at BooYahs on November 9, 2017. He also advised the Board there is not a need for a “Board Bond Committee” at this time.

IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 17-125. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Cole to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
1. Approval of Workshop Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2017
2. Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
3. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
4. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
5. Approval of Personnel Report
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Acceptance of the 2016-17 Annual Financial Audit.
Item 17-126. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to officially accept the 2016-17 annual financial audit as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. Approval of Fruitport’s FOCUS on EXCELLENCE.
Item 17-127. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Buckner to approve the FOCUS on EXCELLENCE as the guiding force to bring about improved student achievement for the next three years.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held October 9, 2017.
Elroy Buckner reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held October 9, 2017. Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, Mark Mesbergen, Paul Matz, and Bob Szymoniak were present. The committee discussed the 2016-17 financial audit.

XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Approval of a TA with the FEA for Volleyball Coaching Salaries.
Item 17-128. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Burgess to approve the Tentative Agreement with the Fruitport Education Association with regard to adjustments to the JV and Freshman coaching salaries as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of committee meeting held September 25, 2017.
Jill Brott reported on a Student Affairs Committee meeting held September 25, 2017. Susan Franklin, Jill Brott, Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg, Lauren Chesney, Rob Rogers, and Bob Szymoniak were present. The committee held a reinstatement hearing and unanimously agreed to reinstate the student.

2. Approval of Lacrosse Co-op Agreement. Item 17-129. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Kelly to approve the Lacrosse co-op agreement with Mona Shores to begin Spring 2018 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Steve Kelly spoke highly of the band. He said they are doing fantastic and the Color Guard recently received a “best overall” award.

Kris Cole believes the band has a new energy and has bonded well with the new high school teacher, Mr. Priest. He also mentioned the girl’s robotics team performed well during a recent competition.

Jill Brott shared the FHS Volleyball team were City Champs, the Boys’ Soccer team is OK Black Conference Champs and the Boys’ Cross Country team are City Champs breaking many records!

Dave Hazekamp commented on a recent business meeting he attended regarding a medical marijuana facility possibly coming to Muskegon. He asked that Board and audience members voice their position if they have an opportunity.

XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Business and Finance Committee will meet November 9, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.
2. Personnel Committee will meet November 14, 2017 at 7:30 a.m.
3. Student Affairs Committee will meet November 13, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

XVII. CLOSED SESSION
Item 17-130. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to move in to Closed Session to discuss negotiations. Roll call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The Board moved into closed session at 7:31 p.m
The Board returned from closed session at 8:54 p.m.

XVIII. RATIFICATION OF FEA CONTRACT
1. Ratify 2017-18 Tentative Agreement with the Fruitport Education Association. Item 17-131. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to ratify the Fruitport Educational Association tentative agreement as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XIX. ADJOURNMENT
Item 17-132. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary

FCS – Board Workshop Minutes – 09/25/17

Fruitport Board of Education
Board Workshop
September 25, 2017 5:30 p.m.
Board Room

I. The Workshop of the Board of Education was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.

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

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 17-116. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Brott to approve the agenda with the addition of Cash Flow under General Board Business.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes.
Item 17-117. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2017.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

2. District Data Update.
Curriculum Director, Allison Camp gave an update on M-Step, MME, PSAT and SAT results.

3. FCS III.
Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak gave an update regarding FCS III progress and district goals. Action on this item will appear on the October Regular Meeting Board agenda.

4. Financial Planning.
Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak and Director of Business Services, Mark Mesbergen gave an update regarding the district’s financial plan.

5. 105c.
Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak discussed a 105c release to Spring Lake.

6. Cash Flow Resolution.
Director of Business Services, Mark Mesbergen explained the board resolution regarding a cash flow loan.
Item 17-118. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to adopt the Cash Flow Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Bonds, Delegation of the Sale and Other Matters Relating Thereto as presented. Roll call vote: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.

XVII. OTHER
None.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 17-119. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Kelly
Board Secretary

FCS – Student Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – 09/25/17

STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monday, September 25, 2017
5:00 p.m. ~ Board Room
Meeting Minutes

Attendance: Susan Franklin, Jill Brott, Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg, Lauren Chesney, Rob Rogers, and Bob Szymoniak

1. A Reinstatement hearing was held for an expelled student. The outcome resulted in the student being reinstated.

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Bob Szymoniak

FCS – Business and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – 10/09/17

Business and Finance Committee
Monday, October 9, 2017
11:30 a.m. ~ Superintendent’s Office
MEETING AGENDA

1. Audit Review

2. Other

3. Public Comment

4. Adjourn

FCS – Board Workshop Agenda – 10/10/17

Fruitport Community Schools
BOARD WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 – 7:00 a.m.
Board of Education Meeting Room

AGENDA

I. CALL to ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Approval of Board Workshop Minutes of September 25, 2017 (attachment IV-1)
2. District’s FOCUS on Excellence (attachment IV-2)
3. Construction Project
4. Superintendent Evaluation
5. Lacrosse Cooperative Agreement

V. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC*

VI. OTHER

VII. CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Village of Fruitport – Council Meeting Minutes – 09/26/17

VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

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

2. Pledge

3. Prayer

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

5. Approval of previous meeting minutes
August 22 meeting minutes, motion made by Amy Haack, supported by Donna Pope. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
September 5 Special meeting minutes, motion made by Carl Russell, supported by Amy Haack. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

6. Approve the agenda for September 26th Council Meeting
Motion made by Amy Haack, supported by Carl Russell. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

7. Public Comments
None

8. Correspondence
None

9. Reports from Officers
Donna reported that the library is doing well.
Amy gave an update on the Muskegon County Recreational Authority.
Carl nothing to report
Bill nothing to report
Will has a request from Jim Pansy, Village Pharmacy. Jim would like council members to consider being judges for the pumpkin carving contest on Monday October 30th at 5pm.
Several council members agreed to participate in the judging.
Roger reported at the last meeting the cost for the Carhart jackets and bibs was quoted at $278.40 the actual cost is $289.68 a difference of $11.28. Motion made by Donna Pope to approve the additional $11.28 charge, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

10. Lions Club Old Fashioned Christmas Request
Fred Younkers and Keith Johnson from the Lions Club are requesting to hold the Old-Fashioned Christmas on December 8th and 9th. They would need to set up on December 2nd and 3rd. The trees will stay up until the 6th of January. Burning of the tress will be at Fruitport Township. The Lions will provide leaflets for all of events. Motion made by Donna Pope to approve the Lions’ request, supported by Amy Haack. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

11. Drainage District
Amy Haack was requested by the council to do further research on the Maple Creek Drain issue. The following is a summary of Amy Haack’s report:
Haack stated the Maple Creek Drain in in need of repairs and that these repairs will cost money. However, the repairs needed don’t constitute establishing a very controversial drain district. Haack referred to Kuis Drain in Fruitport Township as an example of a very controversial drain district petitioned for by residents. Haack cited that the Michigan Drain Code was written in 1956 and is very old. She stated that it needs to be updated in order to make it fair and equitable for all.
Haack stated that the Drain Commissioner’s office has always been and is still useful in achieving drainage for properties that have no other means of getting to a drainage outlet. But, she stated, that the situation with the Maple Creek Drain is different in the fact that the drain already exists.
Haack stated that the impending need to have the Maple Creek Drain upgraded is due to the commercial development in Fruitport Township north of Pontaluna. These properties will add additional flow to the Maple Creek Drain and the drain needs to be upgraded to handle the additional flow. Haack stated that she would like to see the Village of Fruitport enter into discussions with the developers north of Pontaluna and Fruitport Township regarding drain improvements and how to equitably share the financial burden that comes with it.
Further discussion took place. Amy Haack made a motion to begin efforts to discuss the drain issue with Fruitport Township, the developers and property owners, support by Carl Russell. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried. Dave Bossenbroek suggests discussing with the Township first.

12. Fence in the Park
Donna Pope questioned who owned the fence that was removed in the Park at the last council meeting. The fence is owned by the Village and will be stored for later use.

13. 2020 3rd Avenue Fund
Roger discussed the balance in the 2020 3rd fund and monies available for street repairs and applying to the 2020 3rd fund. Roger, Carl Rothenberger and Jeremy feel that another road needs to be addressed. S. Brooks road needs repair. Carl Russell questioned if it can make it through the winter. Carl Russell questioned if we could do this year. Jeremy stated the paving company is busy but may be able to do it. Roger stated they will contact paving company. Carl Russell made a motion to table the discussion until the next council meeting, supported by Bill Stone. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

14. Snow Blower
Roger reviewed the snow blower repair history and estimated charge to repair the snow blower. The approximate cost is $1252.94. The cost for a new snow blower is $3375.06. Ann advised there are funds available in the Equipment fund to cover the cost of the new blower. Carl Russell made a motion to purchase a new snow blower not to exceed $3500.00, supported by Bill Stone. Roll Call AYE: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell. NAYE – None. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.
Carl Russell made a motion to sell the old snow blower and put the funds received from the sale into the Equipment fund, supported by Bill Stone. Roll Call AYE: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.

15. Discussion on Regular Council Meeting date change
Roger asked that the monthly meeting date be changed back to the 3rd Monday of the month starting in December 2017. Discussion took place. Motion made by Donna Pope to change the monthly council meeting date to the 3rd Monday of the month starting in December 2017. AYE: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp and Stone NAYE: Russell With a majority vote the motion carried.

16. Discussion on Future Projects
None

17. Public Comment
Donall Haack, 6771 S. Brooks, is opposed to the production of the Drainage district. Don is also concerned with the paving of Brooks road. He feels that the paving needs to be done but doesn’t want it to be rushed. He feels that the council should wait until spring and wants it done right.
Jen Anderson, 1695 S. Brooks, she is concerned about the Welcome to the Village sign at the end of Brooks and Bridge. She feels it is unsafe because it blocks the view of drivers. Jeremy suggests taking it down temporarily and raising it to a height that wouldn’t block the view of the road. Carl Russell makes a motion to accommodate the right height and location of the sign, supported by Will Overkamp. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.
Jay Bolt, 294 8th, shared that he is glad that we are getting new equipment for our DPW employees. The equipment the DPW employees use and drive impact how people see the Village. Jay also shared his opinion about the importance of the drain system, library, long term street improvement and the beautification of the Village.
Jeff Guiles, 294 Maple, expressed concerns about the Township and the Drain District. Dave Bossenbroek advised we will have to partner with the Township.

18. Closed Session to consider possible purchase of real property
Motion made by Donna Pope to move to a closed session, supported by Amy Haack. Roll call to proceed with closed session at 8:08pm. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell. NAYES: None
Motion made by Carl Russell to leave closed session at 8:12, supported by Amy Haack. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell NAYES: None
Additional Public comment made by Bill Cooper, 333 Pine St, Bill discussed a possible development in the Village of Fruitport. He gave an overview of potential plans.

Motion made by Carl Russell to move to a closed session, supported by Amy Haack. Roll call to proceed with closed session at 8:33pm. Roll call AYE: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Motion made by Amy Haack to end closed session, supported by Donna Pope. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried at 8:41pm.

19. Warrants
Roger discussed the boat launch fund. We will be receiving $1305.00 from the sale of the old dock. After the boat launch warrants are paid there will not be enough funds in the boat launch for expenses between now and the end of the fiscal year March 31, 2018. He suggests that we transfer $2000.00 from the General Fund to the Boat Launch fund.
Motion made by Carl Russell to transfer $2000.00 from the General Fund to the Boat launch fund to cover expenses and the $2000.00 paid back to the General Fund in 2018, supported by Amy Haack. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Pope, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell NAYES: None
Motion made by Carl Russell to approve warrants, supported by Bill Stone. Roll call AYES: Vanderstelt, Haack, Overkamp, Stone and Russell NAYE – None

20. Adjourn
Motion made by Roger Vanderstelt to adjourn, supported by Carl Russell. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried at 8:47pm.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ann LaCroix
Clerk

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/23/17 – 10/30/17

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

“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
Tuesday and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm

Now that the eclipse is over, let’s learn more about the sun with “Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium! This groundbreaking, 35-minute presentation will lead you into solar tornadoes, magnetic fields, super-hot plasma, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections. Free, public shows are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug 29-Oct 31, at Muskegon Community College. No reservations are needed. For more information, or to schedule a private show at other times for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

Hackley and Hume: Muskegon Residents tour FREE
October 1 – October 29

Tours of the homes of Muskegon’s most well-known lumber barons are free for Muskegon County residents on weekends during the month of October. Saturday hours are 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday hours are 1:00-4:00pm. For more information, call 231-722-7578.

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Monday, October 23 @ 6:00pm
USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St.

All lectures are on Monday evenings at 6:00pm at the Museum. For more information, call 231-755- 1230. September 11: Recognition of First Responders in Commemoration of 9/11 Sheriff Michael Poulin, who supervises the Muskegon County Department of Emergency Services, will moderate a discussion among first responders concerning their training and experiences in their respective jobs.

Sugar Skull Decorating at the Red Lotus Gallery
October 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440

The Muskegon Center for the Arts is hosting a sugar skull decorating in honor of Dias De Los Muertos at Red Lotus Gallery, located in the basement of the Century Club. Skulls are $3-5 each and decorations will be provided. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Southern Classic: Meat Pies with Chef Jamie
October 24 @ 6:30 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon

Come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Southern Classic: Meat Pies with Chef Jamie!” A half-moon shape of pastry crust is filled with the traditional spicy blend of beef and pork then fried golden and crispy…seriously addicting! You will try other variations as well. This class is for older teens and adults and is limited to 15. The cost is $30. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Zombie Fest at Norton Shores Library
October 25 @ 4:00 pm
Norton Shores Library, 705 Seminole Rd., Norton Shores

Bring the kids to Norton Shores Library for “Zombie Fest!” Make some zombie sock puppets (bring your own adult-sized sock), practice your zombie moves and enjoy some creepy treats. Registration is required in order to ensure enough supplies. Register by stopping by the library, by calling 231-780- 8844, or emailing gstreeter@madl.org.

AHFEST Film Fest: The Fight for Water: A Farm Worker Struggle
October 25 @ 5:00 pm Free and open to the public
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Ave., Muskegon

On Wednesday evenings throughout October, the 2017 Muskegon Area Arts and Humanities Festival (ahfest) will show and discuss four films associated with WATER, the Ahfest’s theme this year, at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Each movie will be followed by a brief discussion. All films begin promptly at 5:00pm when the doors will be closed. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. A cash bar for beer and wine, along with free popcorn, will be available. For more information, contact Mary Tyler at (231) 777-0327.

Haunted Car Wash
October 25 @ 7:00 pm – October 28 @ 10:00 pm
Van’s Car Wash, 2226 Apple Ave.,Muskegon

Van’s Car Wash on Apple Ave. is having their annual Haunted Car Wash, Wednesday – Saturday, October 25 – 28 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm! Admission is only $10 per car. All proceeds will benefit a charity in Muskegon County. Last year they raised $5,000 for the men’s homeless shelter. For more information, call 231-759-7777.

Stock Up on Fish Broth with The Fish Monger’s Wife
October 25 @ 6:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon

Sign up for the Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market to stock up on fish broth with the Fish Monger’s Wife! Homemade bone broths are a staple in many homes, but what about fish and shellfish broth?

Simple to make and easy to store, fish and shellfish broth can be made using the parts of a fish and shellfish that often end up in the rubbish bin. Class will also make a pot of seafood stew to sample and share. Class size is limited to 15 and costs $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Thursday Night Music Club: Green on Blue Jazz Quartet
October 26 @ 7:00 pm
Norton Shores Library, 705 Seminole Rd.,Norton Shores

Green on Blue is a jazz quartet based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that enjoys presenting a new twist on the jazz standards that have formed the backbone of America’s music. This program, funded by the Friends of the Norton Shores Library and the Almeda Boulton Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Muskegon County, is free and open to the public with no registration required. For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org.

Little Goblins Boo Bash
October 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave.,Muskegon

Back for a 4th year, it’s the Little Goblins Boo Bash at the Watermark 920! Bring the kids in costume for snacks, beverages, crafting stations, cookie decorating, music and the costume parade! The cost is $5 at the door per adult and per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids two and under are free. For more information please call 231-727-0805

The Accidentals
October 27 @ 7:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave.,Muskegon

Check out the Frauenthal Center for The Accidentals as part of the Red House Concert Series. This is The Accidentals “Odyssey” album release tour with special guests The Crane Wives & Jake Allen.

Tickets are $15 – $20. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Haunted Trail
October 27 @ 7:30 pm – October 28 @ 10:30 pm
8637 N. Durham Rd.,Whitehall

This after -hours event will examine the legends, myths, and ghost stories from the 1600s through the early 1900s. Over a dozen local actors from Muskegon Civic Theatre and volunteers will be stationed at the stops along the half mile trail creating a historic haunted atmosphere. The event is recommended for ages 13 and over. The cost is $15 per person. For more information, call 231-894-0342.

Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour
October 28 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 W. Western Ave.

Gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant fall colors at the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour! This free self-guided tour happens October 14, 21 and 28 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. “Color Tourers” can pick up a map at either the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau located in the historic Union Depot at 610 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon or at the White Lake Area Chamber Depot at 124 W. Hanson St. in downtown Whitehall. Using the map as a guide, you’ll have the opportunity to visit stops along the way to win great prizes! Refreshments will be served at both the Muskegon and Whitehall Depots and kids will receive a free pumpkin that they can decorate on-the- spot. For more information call 231-724-3100.

Appraisal Fair
October 28 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Ave.,Muskegon

Are you curious about the history and value of jewelry, artwork, antiques, and other treasures in your collection? Professional appraisers will be on hand to satisfy your curiosity at this appraisal event. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Lakeside Halloween Costume Parade
October 28 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Lakeside District, Lakeshore Dr. Muskegon

Visit Lakeside for the Halloween Costume Parade! There’ll be prizes, trick or treating and cider and donuts. Learn more at www.lakesidedistrict.com.

Halloween Family Funfest at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market
October 28 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.Muskegon

It’s a Halloween Family Funfest at the Muskegon Farmers’Market! Bring kids in costumer for trick or treats as well as entertainment, games, a petting zoo and more. For more information, call (231) 722- 3251.

Muskegon Center for the Arts October Workshops
October 28 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave. Muskegon

Earrings 102 – $10, Materials included. ($8 for MCA Members) Join the talented artists for the October Workshops at the Red Lotus Gallery in the basement of the Century Club in Downtown Muskegon. You will want to register for these classes now as they will fill up quickly. Tools will be provided for all workshops. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Haunted Hall
October Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Lakes Mall, 5600 Harvey St.

Shake and cower with fright at “The Asylum,” “Phobia,” “The Fun House” and “3-D!” Enter all four haunts for only $15.00. Save $1 for every canned good you donate to Love, Inc. at the ticket office with a maximum of $3.00 off per ticket. This attraction is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age. For more information, visit hauntedhall.com or find them on Facebook.

Lighthouse Tours & Trick or Treating Saturday
October 28 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Pere Marquette Beach

The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in October from 3:30-6:30pm. The cost is $2 – $4. This final tour of 2017 is held on Halloween, when volunteers will dress up in costume to welcome Trick-or-Treaters at the lighthouse tower base. Kids in costume (11 and under) will climb for free in the company of an adult and regular admission for the autumn tower tours is only $4 for adults and $2 for children 11 and under. Military and veteran admission is $3, and kids must be 3’ tall in order to climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and no reservations are necessary. The tour lasts about 15 minutes if there is no wait upon your arrival and the last tour is offered 15 minutes prior to closing. Parking is available at the beach or alongside Margaret Drake Elliot Park. Walk between the NOAA and USCG stations on the public visitor walkway to gain access to the pier. Memberships and private tours are available. www.muskegonlights.org Free Trick-or- Treating; Tours for Adults: $2-$4

Trunk or Treat
October 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm First Presbyterian Church
2577 Wickham Dr., Muskegon

Bring the kids to First Presbyterian Church for “Trunk of Treat!” Enjoy fun, safe Trick or Treating and games for free. This event is rain or shine and will be taken indoors in case of inclement weather. For more information, call 231-759-1275.

Halloween at the Getty Drive-In
October 28 @ 6:30pm -10:00pm
Getty 4 Drive-In, 920 E. Summit Ave. Muskegon

Join the UICA and Celebration! Cinema for a night of spooktacular-cinematic fun at the Getty Drive In Theatre! Enjoy Halloween-inspired films and family friendly fun. Costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets are available at celebrationcinema.com. Adults are $7 and children are $5.

TRUNK- OR-TREAT
Beginning at dusk, families can travel through the parking lot trick-or-treating at neighboring cars prior to watching Casper (PG) on the big screen! Guests are encouraged to decorate their trunks and bring candy to share with youngsters dressed in costume.

Trunk-or-Treating begins at 6:30pm and Casper begins at 7:30pm.

CREATURE FEATURE
Love classic horror films? Enjoy a double feature that’s fun for the whole family! They’re screening Frankenstein and Dracula back to back. Costumes are highly encouraged and the double-feature begins at 7:30pm! For more information call 231-798-2608

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Let’s do the time warp! We’re screening the cult-classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with shadowcast. Dance and sing along to your favorite songs and call back during those infamous lines. Costumes are highly encouraged. Begins at 9:00pm! Rated R

Muskegon Lumberjacks –VS- Youngstown Phantoms
October 28 @ 7:15 puck drops
L.C. Walker Arena, 955 Fourth St.,Muskegon

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! Tonight the Jacks take on the Youngstown Phantoms at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Dueling Pianos at SE4SONS
October 28 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
SE4SONS Banquet Center, 2801 Lakeshore Dr.,Muskegon

Tickets go on sale September 27 and are $30 which includes heavy hors d’ oeuvres from 7:00pm- 9:00pm. Doors Open at 7:00pm and the show is from 8:00pm-11:00pm. Call 231-755-3737 to purchase your tickets or stop by during business hours.

All Hallow’s Gala
October 28 @ 7:00 pm – Midnight
Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave.,Muskegon

Come to the Watermark 920 for the “All Hallow’s Gala” featuring Pop Fiction with special guest Black Circle Radio! Have some fun and come in costume to be part of the costume contest for a chance to win prizes, including $100 cash! This is for ages 21+. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the gala and available at the Coffee Factory. For more info 231-727-0805

Fall into Jazz II featuring Dave Bennett
October 29 @ 4:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave.,Muskegon

Sunday, October 29 at 4:00pm come to the Frauenthal Center for “Fall into Jazz II featuring Dave Bennett” presented by West Michigan Concert Winds. Tickets are $12 for adults, students and children under 18 are free with a ticketed Adult. For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Humans vs. Zombies
October 30 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon

Monday, October 30 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for some Halloween fun! Humans vs. Zombies is a game of tag played at schools, camps, neighborhoods, libraries, and conventions around the world. Human players must remain vigilant and defend themselves with socks and dart blasters to avoid being tagged. Meet in the lower level meeting rooms beginning at 7:30pm to go over the rules and pick the Original Zombie. The Library will be locked up at 8:00pm, and the game will start shortly afterwards. Bring a bandanna and either a foam dart blaster or sock (the dart blaster must look like a toy-no realistic looking weapons will be allowed). The game will run about 90 minutes.

Participants must be at least 16 years old. Attendance is limited to the first 75 people. Visit hvzsource.com/hackleypl for more information and to pre-register (does not necessarily guarantee a spot in the game.) 231-722-7276

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum:
October 30 @ 6:00 pm
|USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St. Muskegon

For more information, call 231-755-1230. September 11: Recognition of First Responders in Commemoration of 9/11 Sheriff Michael Poulin, who supervises the Muskegon County Department of Emergency Services, will moderate a discussion among first responders concerning their training and experiences in their respective jobs.

Visit our website www.visitmuskegon.org for a complete listing of all events in Muskegon!

Fruitport Township Planning Commission Meeting – Agenda – 09/19/17

AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP
5865 AIRLINE RD FRUITPORT, MI 49415

September 19th, 2017
6:30 PM WORK SESSION
7:00 PM BOARD MEETING

WORK SESSION
Continuing review of new zoning ordinances. (Review 42-60 through 42-85)

BOARD MEETING
01. Roll Call
02. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes: August 15th, 2017
03. Approve / Amend Agenda
04. Correspondence / Reports
05. Public Comments pertaining to agenda topics

New Business
06. Public Hearing on Special Use – Andrew McClain (Nick Halter, Gen. Contractor)
–Parcel: 61-15-115-200-0019-00
–Purpose: Hair salon within residence
07. Site Plan – Holiday Inn / Marriott Suites
–Parcel: 61-15-122-300-0004-00 & 61-15-122-300-0005-00
–Purpose: Revise site plan for Hotel(s) development
08. Public Hearing on Zoning Text Amendment Ordinance
–Purpose: Keeping of Animals Ordinance

Old Business
09. Public Comments
10. Adjournment

Kids’ Trick or Treat Time at Fruitport Township Hall

On October 31st, Fruitport Township Hall will be hosting a trick-or-treat time and crafts for kids from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Leos will also be painting small pumpkins with the kids and the staff will be handing out candy.

Fruitport Township Board Meeting Agenda – 10/23/17

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

OCTOBER 23, 2017

6:30 P.M. WORK SESSION
7:00P.M. BOARDMEETING

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Rollcall
03. Approval of board minutes: 10/9/2017
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence/reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Status of Police Special Assessment- NO PUBLIC HEARING
B. 2nd Reading: Keeping of Animals Ordinance

08. New Business
A. James Hodges recognition
B. Frontier service agreement
C. Streetlight request- Walker Rd./Parkland Dr.
D. Fruitport District Library committee member appointment
E. Rental Inspection Ordinance discussion
F. Rental Unit Registration Restatement Amendment Ordinance
G. Employee insurance

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

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/21/17 – 10/23/17

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

Murder Mystery: Zombie Cannibal Asylum
October 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Amanda’s Bequest, 5200 Anderson Rd., Montague

Bygone Basics Cooking School and Amanda’s Bequest B & B offer a Murder Mystery Dinner on occasional Saturdays. Participants act out the roles with scripts and as much hilarity as they wish! Just in time for Halloween, “Zombie Cannibal Asylum” will be the murder mystery.

The mystery activities and dinner last from 5:00pm until around 8:00pm. Registered attendees will be assigned their roles in advance so they can arrive in character. You do not have to be a lodging guest at Amanda’s Bequest to participate, but why not! It will enhance the fun and remove night time driving. Hurry, seating is limited! To register, click the “Book Now” link on the website, e-mail relax@amandasbequest.com or call 231-740-4065. B&B Guest – $38

Non-Lodging – $48. Adult themed. No one under 18 years old please.

Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery: Open Mic Night
October 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave., Muskegon

The Muskegon Center for the Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery the third Saturday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, theater, poetry, etc., come and express is on stage or just enjoy the show. This free event is for persons 18 years and older. Donations are always welcome and help to keep the gallery open. For more information, find them on Facebook. The gallery is located downtown at 356 W. Western Ave. in the basement of Century Building.

Performances @ The Block: Neil Jacobs – American Gypsy
October 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Block, 360 W. Western Ave. 2nd Floor Muskegon

Come to The Block for Neil Jacobs – American Gypsy. The “Gypsy Power Trio” of Neil Jacobs, 12-string guitars, Steven Fox, acoustic bass and Arkadiy Gips, violin, perform breathtaking compositions with Gypsy, Celtic, Balkan and Classical influences. Tickets: $20-$35, $10 Student tickets with ID. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets

“Phantom of the Opera” accompanied by organist Dale Zieger on the mighty Barton Organ!
October 21 @ 7:30 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200 Muskegon

Saturday, October 21 at 7:30pm, come to the beautiful Frauenthal Center for the classic silent film, “Phantom of the Opera” accompanied by organist Dale Zieger on the mighty Barton Organ. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show 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. Costumes are encouraged and makeup artist Penny Cooper will also be present in the lobby. beginning at 6:00pm to transform you into character with unique face painting for an additional

Muskegon Community College Choir Concert
October 22 @ 3:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200, Muskegon

Sunday, October 22 at 3:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Center for the College Choir Concert presented by Muskegon Community College. Tickets are $6. Students are free. For tickets or more information, call 231-727-8001.

Poultry Cookery with Chef Damon
October 22 @ 6:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon

Take a class at Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Poultry Cookery with Chef Damon!” Buying a whole chicken not only makes more sense financially, but it also allows a more delicious way to buy chicken and the opportunity to make the most of the whole bird. Students will learn the structure and composition of poultry, how to store poultry properly, the appropriate cooking methods and different types and cuts of poultry while applying various cooking methods. A few different recipes will be included in this hands-on experience. The cost is $35 and class size is limited to 15. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum: The Movies Go to War
October 23 @ 6:00 pm
USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St. Muskegon

The Haunted Hall
October Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Lakes Mall, 5600 Harvey St.

Visit the Lakes Mall for The Haunted Hall! Shake and cower with fright at “The Asylum,” “Phobia,” “The Fun House” and “3-D!” Enter all four haunts for only $15.00. Save $1 for every canned good you donate to Love, Inc. at the ticket office with a maximum of $3.00 off per ticket. This attraction is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age. For more information, visit hauntedhall.com or find them on Facebook.

Dias De Los Muertos at the Red Lotus Gallery
October 16 @ 10:00 am – November 10 @ 6:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave. Muskegon

The purpose of Dias De Los Muertos is to honor loved ones who have passed. Visit the Red Lotus Gallery through November 10 for the celebration of Dias De Los Meurtos to view participants’ artwork and photos in honor of their loved ones. “Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died and help support their spiritual journey. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Lighthouse Tours
Saturdays @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Pere Marquette Beach

The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in October from 3:30-6:30pm. The cost is $2 – $4. For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Visit our website www.visitmuskegon.org for a complete listing of all events in Muskegon!

Fruitport Township Board Meeting – Minutes – September 25, 2017

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2017

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 25, 2017, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, clerk; Trustees Ron Becklin, Jeff Jacobs, Denise Winebarger, and Greg Hulka
Members Absent: Rose Dillon, excused

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

Also Present: 22– residents; 9 – employees; 5- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 11, 2017 as presented, with the following addition to item 17-137:

Invoices will begin November 1, 2017 for services beginning October 1, 2017.

The motion by Ron Becklin, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented, with the following additions:

Requested by Brian Michelli: Add Police Department hire as item 07-D.
Requested by Heidi Tice: Add new appointment to the Planning Commission as item 08-A.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS

1. Heidi Tice gave an update on the Wolverine monument project. It is projected to be installed Spring 2018.
2. Brian Michelli reported that call volumes for police and fire continue to rise.
3. Brian Michelli reported that new AED equipment for the fire department has arrived, as well as the new tasers for the police department. Additional medical equipment is on its way.
4. Ron Langlois gave an update on the Odeno project; phase one has been broken into two phases.
5. Ron Langlois reported that the water main for the new Wesco is complete, tested, and in service.
6. Heidi Tice shared quotes from Batteries + Bulbs for converting town hall to LED lighting and asked that it be considered at the next meeting, October 9, 2017.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none received

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
17-146 Badge presentation/swearing in new public safety position holders
Jeff Whelan was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police.
Daniel Babinec was promoted to Police Sergeant.
Ross Deyoung was hired as a full-time Police Officer.
Joshua Karafa was hired as a full-time Police Officer (completed after his hiring was approved by the board).
Troy Lanore was promoted to Fire Captain.
Timothy Doctor was promoted to Fire Lieutenant.
Shane Ingersoll was hired as a full-time Firefighter.

All of the above employees were sworn into their positions and presented with badges accordingly. Congratulations to all.

17-147 DDA update
Heidi has scheduled a meeting with Mark Eisenbarth and Johnathan Wilson from Muskegon County on Monday, October 2, 2017 to discuss the likelihood of the County opting out of a potential DDA in Fruitport.

17-148 Public hearing for Police & Fire Special Assessment District (Sherman/Harvey)
It was noted that there were businesses that were unintentionally left out of the district due to having zero police runs to those locations. It was also discussed that the district boundaries be re-evaluated. It is proposed that the district include the business corridor on Sherman Blvd from Lowes to US-31 and on Harvey Street from Independence Drive to Mount Garfield Rd. It is proposed that the assessment roll be re-evaluated annually based on usage.

With there being no guests in attendance who wished to comment on this topic, it was agreed upon to re-schedule the public hearing.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item and reschedule a public hearing for October 9, 2017 on the revised district.

Notices will be mailed and reposted accordingly.

17-149 Police Department Hire
Public Safety Director Michelli recommended that the board consider hiring Joshua Karafa into a full-time Police Officer position.
Ron Becklin moved, supported by Jeff Jacobs, MOTION CARRIED, to hire Police Officer, Joshua Karafa, into a full- time position. Mr. Karafa started working as a part-time Police Officer for Fruitport Township Police Department on August 14, 2015. He participated in an interview process that took place on July 20, 2017. Joshua will be filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Jason Pavlige. Joshua began filling shifts in a full-time roll on September
22, 2017 and the board agreed to back-date his hire date to then.

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

NEW BUSINESS:
17-150 Planning Commission appointment
Supervisor Tice has chosen to appoint Jason Franklin to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to ratify the appointment of Jason Franklin to the Fruitport Township Planning Commission.

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

17-151 Payment of bills
Ron Becklin moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $21,466.00; Public Safety $28,702.91; Water $25,529.81; Sewer $2,108.96; Trust & Agency $663.00; Street Lights $12,749.63 Totaling: $91,220.31

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

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

1. Heidi Tice shared that there will be trick-or-treating at town hall on Halloween, October 31, 2017, from 3:30pm-4:30pm in the lobby.
2. Ron Becklin announced that there will be a meeting of the Muskegon County Recreational Authority on September 26, 2017. Ron also announced that Matt Farrar has been appointed the new Chair of the committee.
3. Jeff Jacobs inquired with Attorney Ron Bultje regarding the process of bringing a new ordinance recommendation from the Planning Commission to the township Board.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:

The motion by Ron Becklin, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:41pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 10/09/17 – 10/16/17

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

“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
Tuesday and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
Now that the eclipse is over, let’s learn more about the sun with “Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium! This groundbreaking, 35-minute presentation will lead you into solar tornadoes, magnetic fields, super-hot plasma, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections. Free, public shows are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug 29-Oct 31, at Muskegon Community College. No reservations are needed. For more information, or to schedule a private show at other times for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

Hackley and Hume: Muskegon Residents tour FREE
October 1 – October 29
Tours of the homes of Muskegon’s most well-known lumber barons are free for Muskegon County residents on weekends during the month of October. Saturday hours are 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday hours are 1:00-4:00pm. For more information, call 231-722-7578.

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Monday, October 9 @ 6:00pm
USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St.
All lectures are on Monday evenings at 6:00pm at the Museum. For more information, call 231-755-1230. September 11: Recognition of First Responders in Commemoration of 9/11 Sheriff Michael Poulin, who supervises the Muskegon County Department of Emergency Services, will moderate a discussion among first responders concerning their training and experiences in their respective jobs.

Gourmet Pizza from Scratch with Chef Jamie
Tuesday, October 10 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon
Come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Gourmet Pizza From Scratch with Chef Jamie!” In this class, you will make the dough and sauce from scratch and experiment with several toppings. While you are waiting for the dough to rise, you will make a salad with homemade ranch and vinaigrette dressings. You can choose to bake your pizza in class or at home. This class will be four hours long to accomplish everything from scratch. The cost is $40 and class size is limited to 12. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

AHFEST Film Fest
Wednesday, October 11 @ 5:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Ave., Muskegon
Wednesday evenings throughout October, the 2017 Muskegon Area Arts and Humanities Festival (ahfest) will show and discuss four films associated with WATER, the ahfest’s theme this year, at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Each movie will be followed by a brief discussion. All films begin promptly at 5:00pm when the doors will be closed. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. A cash bar for beer and wine, along with free popcorn, will be available. For more information, contact Mary Tyler at (231) 777-0327.

Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center Open House
Thursday, October 12 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center, 6221 Sweeter Road
Twin Lake, Michigan 49457
The purpose of the center is to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned raptors and return them to the wild in a healthy condition. The center is open to the public from June through October two days per month, the 2nd Thursday and 2nd Sunday of each month from 1:00pm-4:00pm for tours. No admission fee. When you visit the center you will see a number of different species of raptors, including eagles, owls and falcons. In addition to the birds, they have hands on activities to learn more about raptors. They are handicap accessible. Please call in advance to be sure they are open. For more information 231-821-9125

Opening Reception: ‘Water: Paintings by Sheryl Budnik and Mary Sundstrom’
Thursday, October 12 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Muskegon Community College, 221 S. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon
From a placid, introspective pool to a roaring, ship-wrecking beast, water is the subject of paintings by Michigan artists Sheryl Budnik and Mary Sundstrom on exhibit in Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Gallery from September 25 through October 26. The gallery, located on the Muskegon Community College main campus, is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Arts and Humanities Department at (231)777-0324.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Season Opener Home Game
Friday, October 13 @ 7:15pm
L.C. Walker Arena, 955 Fourth St.,Muskegon
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 the first regular season home game Friday, October 13 at 7:15pm as they take on the Chicago Steel at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

Muskegon Center for the Arts: Open Jewelry Workshop
Friday, October 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon
Join talented artists of the Muskegon Center for the Arts for their October Workshops at the Red Lotus Gallery (in the basement of the Century Club)! Classes fill up quickly, so pre-register soon by contacting Sabryna at registration@muskegonca.org. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Students will bring their own materials to create jewelry with the assistance of the instructor, if needed. There will be “extra pieces” available for anyone needing that final touch or that might be missing a piece to complete their work. The cost is $10 or $8 for MCA members. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour
October 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 W. Western Ave.
Gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant fall colors at the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour! This free self-guided tour happens October 14, 21 and 28 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. “Color Tourers” can pick up a map at either the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau located in the historic Union Depot at 610 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon or at the White Lake Area Chamber Depot at 124 W. Hanson St. in downtown Whitehall. Using the map as a guide, you’ll have the opportunity to visit stops along the way to win great prizes! Refreshments will be served at both the Muskegon and Whitehall Depots and kids will receive a free pumpkin that they can decorate on-the-spot. For more information call 231-724-3100.

23rd Annual Pumpkin Fest
October 14 @ 9:30 am
White Lake Chamber of Commerce, 124 W. Hanson St.,Whitehall
Always held on the 2nd Saturday in October, Pumpkin Fest features pumpkin pie baking contests, seed spitting contests, pumpkin painting and carving contests, and the festival favorite, the Pumpkin Roll down Dowling Hill with over 700 contestants of all ages. Registration for the roll begins at 9:30am. The White Lake Senior Center will have food specials to go along with vendors selling elephant ears, hot dogs, pizzas, candied apples and more! For more information call the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-893-4585.

Cupcakes Halloween Style with Kathy DeHoag
October 14 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon
Saturday, October 14 at 10:00am, Come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Cupcakes Halloween Style with Kathy DeHoag!” Kids, get prepared for Halloween! Each student will decorate a dozen fun cupcakes for Halloween to take home and share with family and friends. The cost is $25 and class size is limited to 15. This if for ages 7-13. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

City of the Dead: Tour Evergreen Cemetery
October 14 @ 5-8:00pm- October 15 @ 2-4:00pm
Evergreen Cemetery, 391 Irwin Ave.,Muskegon
Visit the Evergreen Cemetery for the 8th Annual City of the Dead! This annual, family-friendly event features actors from Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation portraying the figures that are prominent in Muskegon’s history at their burial places. The City of the Dead highlights Muskegon’s industrial and entrepreneurial past and seeks to accurately portray the people who shaped this city. Period games and traditions are also demonstrated when appropriate to the people portrayed. Tickets are $5, with children 6 and under admitted free. For more information, visit their Facebook page

Annie Jr.
October 14 @ 7:00pm – October 15 @ 3:00pm
Beardsley Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Come to the Beardsley Theater for “Annie Jr.” presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre. The Penguin Project is a musical theater production that casts children and young adults with disabilities in all roles. All will sing, dance and act in the show. Those individuals (Artists) will get assistance from on-stage peers (Mentors). Who can participate? Artists are children and young adults (ages 10-22) with disabilities, including (but not limited to) Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment and neurological disorders. Mentors are children and young adults (ages 10-22) who do not have disabilities. For more information, call 231-722-3852.

Water Super Saturday
October 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Ave.,Muskegon
Bring the family for a free family fun day at the Muskegon Museum of Art during a “Water Super Saturday!” Living on the lakeshore means that we have a major connection and relationship to water. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
•10:00am & 1:00pm / Finding Dory (97 mins.) – Join the happy-go-lucky Dory (who has a bad memory) on a journey to find her family. There are lots of ups and downs on her adventure but best of all she discovers many new friends along way.
•11:00am – 1:00pm / Guided Look – Explore how many of the MMA’s permanent works of art have a water theme.
•11:00am – 2:00pm / Make & Take – Lots of things live in the water. Create your own under water creature—mermaid or merman—using found materials to create texture and dimension.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
October 14 @ 7:00 pm
L.C. Walker Arena, 955 Fourth St.,Muskegon
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running! Catch a home game Saturday at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on the Chicago Steel. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

2017 Knowsmoke Zombie Walk
October 14 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LC Walker Arena, 955 Fourth St.,Muskegon
Calling All Zombies! Join the Knowsmoke Zombie Walk and declare yourself part of the smoke free generation on Saturday, October 14 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. The Knowsmoke Zombie Walk starts with check-in taking place at the L.C. Walker Arena at 1:00pm. Youth age 13 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. No pets, roller blades, bicycles, smoking or weapons allowed for the safety of all participants. For more information, call 231-724-1263.

Muskegon Center for the Arts: October Wokshops
October 14 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave.,Muskegon
Join talented artists of the Muskegon Center for the Arts for their October Workshops at the Red Lotus Gallery (in the basement of the Century Club)! Classes fill up quickly, so pre-register soon by contacting Sabryna at registration@muskegonca.org. Tools will be available for use for all workshops, however you may bring your own if you have them. All workshops are ages 10+. Students 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Today it’s Intermediate Chainmaille! Tools will be provided and you will learn a more intricate style of the medieval art of chainmaille. The cost, including materials, is $25. For more information, find them on Facebook.

The Haunted Hall
October Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Lakes Mall, 5600 Harvey St.
Visit the Lakes Mall for The Haunted Hall! Shake and cower with fright at “The Asylum,” “Phobia,” “The Fun House” and “3-D!” Enter all four haunts for only $15.00. Save $1 for every canned good you donate to Love, Inc. at the ticket office with a maximum of $3.00 off per ticket. This attraction is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age. For more information, visit hauntedhall.com or find them on Facebook.

Lighthouse Tours
Saturdays @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Pere Marquette Beach
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in October from 3:30-6:30pm. The cost is $2 – $4. For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Visit our website www.visitmuskegon.org for a complete listing of all events in Muskegon!

Fruitport Township Board Meeting – Minutes – 09/11/17

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 11, 2017, in the township board room.

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

At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a 9-11 remembrance and prayer given by Rev. Ken Babcock.

Also Present: 44– residents; 10 – employees; 3- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of August 28, 2017 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS

1. Fred Briggs and Rick Perreault from the Muskegon Motorcycle Club presented the township with a 20’x38’ flag as a donation for the 9-11 memorial flag pole located at the US-31/I96 interchange. A big thank you to the Muskegon Motorcycle Club for such a generous donation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none received

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

17-137 County Prosecutor representation agreement
Matt Roberts, Chief Trial Attorney from the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office shared an update on the outcome of the trial period of Fruitport Township’s representation by the Prosecutor’s office for civil infractions written under ordinance. All is going well for both parties and only fines that are physically collected are shared 50/50 between the two parties. Invoices will begin November 1, 2017 for services beginning October 1, 2017.

Rose Dillon moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to enter into an ongoing agreement for representation by the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office.

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

17-138 DDA update
Heidi has spoken with the county, but there is not yet a consensus on if they would plan to opt-out of a DDA in Fruitport Township. Further updates will come to the September 25th meeting.

17-139 Resolution to set public hearing for Sherman/Harvey special assessment business district
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt resolution setting the public hearing date for September 25, 2017.

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

It was requested that the information be presented to the board as soon as it becomes available before the next meeting.

17-140 Kuis Drain
Due to Drain Commissioner, Brenda Moore, being held up at another meeting the board decided to move on to the next three topics while awaiting her arrival. There were many residents in attendance who had interest in the Kuis Drain. While the board was in closed session for item 8-C, Brenda arrived. When returning from closed session, most residents were gone and Brenda shared that she was able to take their comments and answer questions.

Brenda gave update to the board. 1,083 parcels will be effected by contract #1 and 83 parcels for contract #2. The township will be expected to share a 10% responsibility for contract #1 with Sullivan Township. Shared responsibility for contract #2 is being negotiated. At Fruitport Township’s request, the Drain Commissioner’s engineers and contractors have investigated where costs can be reduced.

There will be a day of review for the projects held at the office of the Muskegon County Drain Commissioner, 141 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442, on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 9:00am-5:00pm. Residents and interested parties are welcome to attend.

NEW BUSINESS:

17-141 2016-2017 Audit presentation- Brickley DeLong
Eric VanDop,CPA and Senior Manager from the firm of Brickley DeLong, PLC, gave an overview and analysis of the financial activities of the Township for the fiscal Year ending March 2017. At the end of the analysis of the 2016- 2017 fiscal year, the governmental funds reported a total General Fund balance of $1,652,323.

Rose Dillon moved, Ron Becklin supported, MOTION CARRIED, to keep the 2016-2017 Audit report on file.

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

17-142 Computerized assessment roll
Rose Dillon moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, for Fruitport Township to adopt a resolution authorizing the use of a computerized database as the assessment roll and authorize the Fruitport Township supervisor and Fruitport Township assessor to complete and sign the “request for new certification for use of a computerized assessment roll by a local unit” form.

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

17-143 Closed session
A. Ron Becklin moved, supported by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 7:39pm per Section 8A of the Open Meetings Act, per employee’s request to discuss specific personnel matters.

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

B. The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously to go back into open session at 8:55pm.

17-144 Employee-Township separation
Andrea Anderson moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director and the Township Supervisor to negotiate a separation agreement with the employee who requested closed session and to authorize the Public Safety Director to begin the process of filling the vacancy that will be created by this separation.

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

17-145 Payment of bills
Ron Becklin moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $21,590.69; Public Safety $30,927.02; Water $162,260.19; Sewer $17,263.10; Trust & Agency $1,430.00; Revolving Road $165,604.69 Totaling: $399,075.69

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

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none received

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
John Bumstead introduced himself as a candidate for State Senate.

The motion by Ron Becklin, supported by Andrea Anderson was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:58pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Secretary Johnson: Voters Should Be Registered In Just 1 State; Deceased Quickly Removed

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2017

Secretary Johnson: Voters Should Be Registered In Just 1 State;
Deceased Quickly Removed

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2017