By Emily Guiles
Sponsored by the Fruitport DECA program, the sixth annual Fruitport’s Got Talent was sure to be a show stopper. But a horrific accident made this show all the more memorable.
Sep., 29th new Fruitport High School student Cameron Smallegan was hit by a car while walking with her friends; and received severe injuries. Smallegan spent time in DeVos Children’s hospital and has had two surgeries so far, she is still unable to talk. Smallegan is now housed at Mary Freebed to recover. In honor of Smallegan and her family 50% of the proceeds made at the show will go to her and her family.
To make the night even more special, Smallegan’s friends, some of whom were with her when the accident occurred, performed “Hallelujah” as written by Leonard Cohen. The performance was heartfelt and captivated the audience. The group included, Steven Strait, Sierra Helms, Brandon Watkins, Elizabeth Nelson, and Ja’von Collins; all Fruitport High School students. Helms delivered a short speech to kick off their performance dedicated to Smellegan.
There were three faculty judges, along with two student judges: Superintendent Bob Szymoniak, Ms. Briggs, and Mrs. Vanderberg were the faculty judges; and Jeff Campbell and Joleen Cejmer were the student judges.
There were several performers who had participated in Fruitport’s Got Talent the previous year. Performers like: Cain Burling, Keeley Rose, Antonio Stong, Mikel Vaandering, Tyler West and Gabrielle Puente have all performed on the Fruitport Middle School stage before. There were also several newcomers to the stage this year; Kano Rivera, Caia Dibble, the new members of Fruitport’s poetry and writing club Imagery, and senior Miranda Wilson. This was Wilson’s first time performing in front of a live audience, and she delivered a beautiful solo, singing “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way” by Leann Rimes. Although her nerves understandably got the better of her, the performance was a good one overall.
It was the second time that guitarist Cain Burling, or playfully refered to as El Guapo, had graced the Fruitport’s Got Talent stage. This time around Burling showed his skills not only for playing the guitar, but also for writing his own music as he performed an original composition; and won the trophy for Best Solo Act.
Awards were also given out for Best Dance: which went to Tyler West, who did a dance rendition of “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, complete with moonwalk and end pelvic thrusts; Best Group: went to Fruitport Imagery Club for their reading of the original poem called, “Poetic Confessions”; and Show Stopper: which went to dancer Caia Dibble for her contemporary piece performed to “Love the Way You Lie” by Skylar Grey. Long-time friends Andrew Netzler and Tom Crotty hosted the event, adding some comic relief to the show as they try to fill the shoes that Sam Cerniglia left behind after hosting the previous years Fruitport’s Got Talent.
On Sunday December 28th, 2014, The Gateway Church will be having its 5th Annual Personal Care Product Giveaway! We are proud to announce that last year we were able to serve over 300 families and individuals in need, with more than 5,000 items!
According to CEO Julie Greene, preparations to perform total knee replacements on an outpatient basis at Muskegon Surgery Center have been in the works for almost two years. “The first thing we had to do was get approval from insurance companies to pay for the procedure,” she said. “We now have agreements with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Priority Health and United Healthcare. The cost for inpatient knee replacement varies. However, we are confident that when the same procedure is done on an outpatient basis, the cost savings for the insurance company and the patient can be significant. We are also willing to negotiate rates with companies with self-funded healthcare plans so their employees can have access to this program. This is now a viable option for anyone from West Michigan who is leading a healthy, active lifestyle.”
OTTAWA COUNTY – The YMCA Veggie Vans are West Michigan’s first and only mobile farmers markets. The vans run year round, making daily stops in urban neighborhoods throughout Ottawa, Kent and Muskegon counties. The purpose of the program is to ensure fruits and vegetables are available to people who otherwise may have limited access to fresh produce. Foods are primarily purchased from local farmers and supplemented by local grocery store partners, to provide customers with quality produce at reduced prices.
It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of Late Nite Catchism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? (“We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri – they were in a barn after all.”) Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you’ve ever seen. With gifts galore and bundles of laughs, Sister’s Christmas Catechism is sure to become the newest addition to your holiday traditions.
The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce its new marketing campaign, “Love Muskegon – Every Ticket Counts”. To celebrate the kick off, we will be presenting a local star-studded lineup of talent for “The Frauenthal Follies” Show on November 14, 2014 at 7:30 pm. 
What is the real life value of comic books and the heroes in them? This question is explored in Number One, a full color, done-in-one-issue story looking at 50 years of comic book history through the life of one comic book retailer.
