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A Baby Dies Every Three Days in Michigan

SIDS is the leading cause of deaths for babies less than one year of age.

Ottawa County –According to the Michigan Department of Human Services, a baby dies every three days in Michigan and these deaths are 100% preventable. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of deaths for babies less than one year of age. Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, proclaimed September as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Michigan.

“We are raising awareness about how we can keep our babies safe and healthy; because losing one baby to unsafe sleep is one baby too many!”
– Dawn Dotson, MIHP Supervisor at Ottawa County Department of Public Health

The Michigan Department of Community Health, Education and Human Services and local agencies, such as the Ottawa County Department of Public Health Maternal & Infant Health & Prenatal Education (MIHP) program and Pathways, MI are working together to raise awareness and educate parents about safe sleep practices. “Infants do not have enough strength to pull themselves out of places where they might get wedged,” said Leigh Moerdyke, Community Youth Development Program Director at Pathways, MI. She said when babies are placed on their stomachs to sleep it tips their chin and neck, closing off the airway and potentially causing asphyxiation.

Safe Babies
1. Always place your baby on his or her back for naps and at night.
2. Babies should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or in a chair with anyone.
3. Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib with a fitted sheet.
4. Keep soft objects, toys, crib bumpers and loose bedding out of sleeping environments.
5. Babies need tummy time when he or she is awake with someone watching.

Healthy Babies
1. Women should receive regular healthcare during their pregnancy.
2. Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs during pregnancy or after your baby is born.
3. Breast-feed your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS.
4. Do not let your baby get too warm during sleep.
5. Follow your doctor’s recommendations on child immunizations.

Dawn Dotson, Community Health Supervisor
Maternal & Infant Health & Prenatal Education
Ottawa County Department of Public Health
616-393-5737 ddotson@miottawa.org

Bones Can Tell Quite a Story

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

His teeth had no cavities, but they were heavily worn. He was about my height — some 5 feet, 7 inches tall. He wasn’t petite, likely weighing around 160 pounds. Well before his death, he broke six of his ribs. Five of them never healed, but he kept going nevertheless.

A recent article in “The Smithsonian Magazine” details all this and more about Kennewick Man, an ancient skeleton found on the banks of the Columbia River in south-central Washington State in 1996. The occasion for the article is the publication of a 680-page book on Kennewick Man being released this fall by Texas A&M University Press.

Carbon-14 dating indicates Kennewick Man lived about 9000 years ago. His ancient bones have told researchers an interesting tale about the route the first people to reach North America may have taken in their journey to reach our part of the world.

But first, some specifics about the man himself. People who study bones closely can tell which muscles were well developed when a person was alive because of the marks that muscle attachments leave behind. According to the piece in “The Smithsonian,” Kennewick Man’s right shoulder was very well developed. That indicates he likely made a living throwing a spear with his right arm. His right shoulder even has a fracture in its socket, perhaps because he once threw something a little too hard, like baseball pitchers do today.

It may have been because he threw right-handed that the five ribs on his right side never properly healed after they were broken. As the article says, “This man was one tough dude.”

A stone spear-point was embedded in Kennewick Man’s hip. It had a downward arc, perhaps meaning it was thrown from a distance. Looking at bone growth around the point, scientists believe he encountered that spear when he was 15-20 years old (Kennewick Man is believed to have been around 40 when he died.) The injury to his hip from the 2-inch long point was significant. Researchers think he must have been helped by other people to survive and regain his health. So although he was a tough dude, he wasn’t a lone wolf.

Kennewick Man’s skull reveals still more injuries. He had two small skull fractures, one on his forehead. Possibly he was in a serious fight. Another thing that might explain the injuries could be a bola. That weapon involves whirling a couple of rocks connected by a rope above the head. A miscalculation with a bola could have injured Kennewick man’s skull.

The bonus question in anthropology is where Kennewick Man came from. The features of the famous specimen can be seen as an indicator that North America was originally peopled by coastal Asians who worked their way around what’s now Japan and Kamchatka to Alaska and then points south. That’s a hypothesis that will no doubt be tested over time as other ancient bones are discovered and analyzed.

Stay tuned.

Dr. E. Kirsten Peters, a native of the rural Northwest, was trained as a geologist at Princeton and Harvard. This column is a service of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University.

Statement from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Common-sense option to those with Driver’s Responsibility Fees

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today issued the following statement after Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation today giving drivers the option to use community service as a way to pay for Driver Responsibility Fees starting in January:

“I support giving hardworking Michigan families the option to invest in their communities through volunteering as a way of addressing costly Driver Responsibility Fees.

“This is a common-sense option that addresses a double penalty for drivers who already have to pay fines, court costs and, often, higher insurance rates for violations.”

Johnson voted against the creation of the fees in 2003 when she served in the Michigan House. She has worked to see them reduced and in 2011supported the repeal of $150 and $200 Driver Responsibility Fees for minor violations.

For media questions, please call Gisgie Dávila Gendreau at 517-373-2520.

For more about the Secretary of State’s Office:
To find Secretary of State office locations and services, visit www.michigan.gov/sos. Sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/michsos and Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/michigansos. Online services are available at www.expresssos.com.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

A Better Way to Shine Light in a Dark World

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

Years ago I purchased a headlamp — a small flashlight that straps around your head to light your way. It’s really useful because it leaves both your hands free as you work or walk. I used my headlamp during the dark half of the year to exercise my dog in dark pastures and an undeveloped No Man’s Land on a steep hill near my house.

My headlamp used an old fashioned light bulb and a fairly heavy battery to run it. I used it for years but it finally stopped working, so I recently purchased a new headlamp. Technology has changed, and for the better — the new light uses a light emitting diode, or LED, and much smaller batteries. I’ve tested it, and I think it puts out more light than my older, heavier model used to do. One thing is for sure, it’s easier on my head because it weighs a good deal less than my old model.

Recently the Nobel committee in Sweden announced that three scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for their role in creating the LED light, such as the one that powers my new headlamp. Two of the scientists, Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano, are in Japan, at Nagoya University. A third, Shuji Nakamura, is at the University of California at Santa Barbara. The three will receive a total of 8 million Swedish kronor, which is worth about $1.2 million according to a CNN report. They received the award for their work creating the blue LED in the 1990s.

For more than a generation, scientists labored to create a blue LED. Green and red LEDs had existed for years, but a blue LED remained elusive. When the trio of researchers created the blue LED, white light from LEDs became possible.

“They succeeded where everyone else had failed,” said the Nobel committee as quoted by the CNN report.

It’s rare that a Nobel Prize in physics directly touches our lives. But the new LED technology is important to all of us because LEDs are more efficient than old light bulbs and even compact fluorescents. In addition, fluorescent bulbs often contain mercury, something not found in LEDs. To top it all off, LEDs last a long time. People like my brother are putting LED lights into new buildings because of their advantages over old technology. And LEDs are found in more and more of our gadgets and devices.

It’s getting darker earlier each evening here in the Northern Tier state where I live. I will soon be relying on my LED headlamp as I walk the dog after work. I’ll remember the three scientists who made my new headlamp possible and celebrate their Nobel Prize in Physics.

Fruitport’s Got Talent

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., 29^th 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.

Reported Abortions Increase for 2013

One Dynamic: Clinic Law Increases Accountability

Data released by the Michigan Department of Community Health showed a 12.4 percent increase in the number of reported abortions performed in 2013. The total number of abortions performed rose from 23,230, to 26,120. While the increased numbers are tragic, they are not unexpected and have predicted explanations. A law passed in 2012 requiring abortion clinics to be licensed caused 5 abortion clinics to close in the early months of 2013. The location of those closed clinics corresponds with the four counties (Muskegon, Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland) that showed substantial increases in abortions, accounting for the increase in the number of reported abortions.

Those closed abortion businesses were suspected of violating the state reporting law. As those abortion businesses closed, their clients went to other abortion businesses; previously unreported abortions may be reported now. There was also a shocking 44.4 percent increase in late-term abortions (after 20 weeks), which may be attributed to better reporting and an influx of women from Ohio after abortion businesses in Toledo closed.

In Muskegon, Right to Life of Michigan identified anomalies in past abortion data. The sole abortion business in Muskegon was not reporting abortions for two years prior to being shut down for dangerous conditions. It is suspected that women from Muskegon County are now traveling to other abortion businesses that follow state reporting laws. Metro Detroit may be experiencing something similar, four clinics from that area closed in 2013 following passage of the Prolife Omnibus Act (PA 499).

The numbers could reflect an actual increase in abortions, possibly due to the especially difficult economic times Detroit is facing as the city undergoes bankruptcy. About 29 percent of the 2013 increase was reported in Detroit, despite the city having only 7 percent of the state’s population. Abortion continues to disproportionately devastate the black community, with more than 50 percent of all abortions being performed on black women, even though they are only 16 percent of the female population. Recent media coverage showing Detroit’s maternal death rate at triple the national rate proves that abortion fails to improve women’s health.

The trend of declining abortions committed on girls under the age of 18 continued. That number dropped to under 1,000 for the first time ever. In 2012, 1,035 minor abortions were reported. The reported figure of 971 in 2013 represents another 6 percent decrease. Since 1990, abortions among minors has fallen 75 percent.

Whether it is real increases or better tracking, we are deeply saddened by the loss of those additional 2,900 precious lives. While the overall trend of decreasing abortions is encouraging, this year’s increase and the annual overall numbers serves as a reminder that our prolife efforts must continue, because lives depend on us.

Your help is needed. Learn how you can be part of saving lives by visiting Right to Life of Michigan at www.RTL.org.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Announces Expanded Plan to Protect Consumers

Better technology, best practices will stop scams, catch criminals

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today announced a new plan to thwart scammers trying to take advantage of law-abiding citizens by selling fake insurance or through other tricks. The move is part of her ongoing efforts to protect consumers and fight auto insurance fraud.

The new efforts use cutting-edge technology, expand best practices and maximize resources. They include:
• A comprehensive review of her department’s processes, technology and structure to determine how best to detect and deter fraud.
• Data analysis to identify signs in transactions that may indicate fraud.
• Expanding the verification of the thousands of insurance certificates the department receives from customers daily.
• An upgrade in case management software to give department investigators the best tools for tracking down fraudulent activity.
• A roundtable discussion with business leaders about fraud to seek their advice and ensure the department is following best practices.

“These new measures will strengthen consumer protection and root out fraud,” Johnson said. “Using cutting-edge technology and through our continued use of best practices, we’ll dig deeper into the millions of transactions we process each year to catch criminals running their scams and stop them from taking advantage of law-abiding citizens.”

The Secretary of State’s Office has contracted with a business consulting firm to complete a full review of the department’s business processes, technology and organizational structure as it relates to fraud. The effort will include review of the systems associated with the management and disposition of fraud cases handled within the department. The project’s goal is to maximize resources to supplement existing investigative principles, to handle issues that are discovered and to add additional steps to deter fraud.

In another initiative, Johnson’s office is looking to use data analysis to compare elements of transactions with those of previous fraudulent ones. Similarities can be used as an alert that a fraud investigation may be needed.

The department has received funding to add staff to a new unit that will verify the validity of the 10,000 to 20,000 insurance certificates that come in through the mail each day from customers renewing their vehicle registration in addition to the reviews already being done in Secretary of State offices. Johnson’s team is also planning to upgrade its case management software so department investigators are best equipped for tracking down fraud.

Plans also call for a roundtable discussion about fraud with a group of leaders from her Business Roundtable that Johnson convened earlier in her term. The discussion would include lessons learned and best practices to keep the department at the forefront of protecting consumers from fraudulent activity.

“We highly value the insights of Michigan’s business leaders, who have solutions from the private sector that can help us in state government,” Johnson said. “We are united in purpose to stop the scam artists who cost the rest of us money.”

Some of the new initiatives are the result of recent recommendations by the Fighting Auto Insurance Rip-Offs (FAIR) Task Force. Others reflect Johnson’s intent to crack down on any type of fraud that targets the department and its customers.

For media questions, please call
Gisgie Dávila Gendreau at 517-373-2520.

To find Secretary of State office locations and services, visit www.michigan.gov/sos. Sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/michsos and Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/michigansos. Online services are available at www.expresssos.com.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Muskegon County Calendar of Events

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau

12/11/2014 – Karen Cameron Trio
Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from the Karen Cameron Trio. There is a $5 cover charge. For more information, call 231-894-5333.

12/12/2014 – 12/28/14 Hackley & Hume Historic Site Holiday Tours
‎The Hackley & Hume Historic Holiday Tours are offered on December 12-13- 5:00pm to 8:00pm, December 14 – 1:00pm to 4:00pm and December 26 & 27 – 5:00pm-8:00pm and December 28 – 1:00pm to 4:00pm Admission at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., is $5 for adults, guests 12 and younger are free. Admission is FREE at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, 504 W. Clay Avenue and the Fire Barn Museum, 510 W. Clay Ave. www.lakeshoremuseum.org

12/12/2014 – 12/13/14 Live Christmas and Holiday Music
You’re invited to the Lakes Mall Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 for live seasonal music performed by a variety of bands and choirs!

Friday, December 12

1pm – 3pm: Lakeshore Music Lessons – Music by staff and students of Cohea Academy of Music

3pm – 5pm: Fruitport High School Choir & Wind Ensemble

5pm – 6pm: Whitehall Jazz Band

7pm – 7:45pm: Life Change Church

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Hot Jobs Promoted in Muskegon!

Attention college graduates, Muskegon has “Hot Jobs” available! To send a message out to the young people that will be home visiting during the holidays, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana and Downtown Muskegon Now to promote Muskegon County’s Hot Jobs List.

“Even though we’ve made great economic strides over the last few years, there’s still a belief out there that there aren’t jobs in Muskegon,” said Brittany Lenertz, Community Relations Manager for Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana. “The truth is that there are a lot of great skilled jobs that employers are looking to fill.”

The Hot Jobs publication is published every six months so the community can see the types of positions employers are hiring for. “Hot Jobs” table top tents are being delivered to area bars and restaurants in time for one of busiest weekends of the year. The table tents have a QR code on them directing people to download the Hob Jobs list published on the Michigan Works! Muskegon/Oceana website.

During this same time, the Muskegon Lakeshore’s quality of life video will be shown at the Frauenthal Theater prior to the Warren Miller film Saturday night. The Warren Miller debut is one of the popular activity’s during the Annual Holiday’s in the City celebration where thousands flock to the Downtown and Lakeside area’s for small business Saturday shopping, entertainment and the annual lighting of Hackley Park.

“It’s all about building awareness and spreading the message that people can find jobs in their own hometown,” adds Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “We need to get people to take a second look at Muskegon and see that there are great things happening along the lakeshore.”

ABOUT THE CHAMBER
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the lakeshore representing approximately 1,150 businesses and organizations. The Muskegon Chamber represents businesses of every size and type all over West Michigan. The Chamber is celebrating 120 years in operation working to sustain an environment for business success through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy and valued member services. The Muskegon Chamber is a three-time award winning Chamber, being named Chamber of the Year for the State of Michigan in 2006, 2010, and 2012 by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.

Carol A. Hulka, Fruitport Charter Township, awarded Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (CMMC) designation

Fruitport Charter Township – Carol A. Hulka, Clerk, was recently awarded the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk {CMMC) designation by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC). The CMMC program was launched in January 2014 to encourage City, Township, and Village Clerks to seek continuing education specifically related to the duties of Michigan Clerks. MAMC believes a focus on education is essential for municipal Clerks to provide informed, quality leadership for their communities in the face of constant legislative change and increased demands on Michigan’s public servants.

A Clerk must invest in a minimum of 120 hours of educational programming over three years to qualify for certification, and must continue to obtain education points to maintain the certification. Whether elected or appointed, municipal Clerks serve a powerful role in coordinating public programs and influencing legislative initiatives. Clerk Hulka is to be commended for the hard work, perseverance, and commitment expended to attain CMMC certification and the dedication to providing quality service to the public and the municipality they serve.

Christmastime in Ireland

A very special holiday show, Tony Kenny’s “Christmastime in Ireland” will take place at the Frauenthal Theater on Saturday, December 13th, 2014 at 7:30 PM. Tony Kenny is an icon in the world of Irish music receiving dozens of awards for his stage and television appearances. He has entertained over 2 million people across the United States on countless tours to packed theaters.

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A New Community Program That Keeps Cash Local

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses throughout the Muskegon Lakeshore community to launch a new currency called Lakeshore Community Cash. This program provides Muskegon residents and businesses an easy platform for gift-giving that keeps cash circulating throughout the community.

The program launched last week with 45 participating merchants throughout the Muskegon Lakeshore and nearly $1,000 in Community Cash Certificates have already been purchased. “This new gift certificate program really showcases the quality of merchants we have located throughout our community,” says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

The community gift certificate program is being launched just before the holidays so those who want to give local gifts this year have an easy way in which to do so. “Hundreds of companies recognize their employees and/or clients’ during the holiday season and this program provides them with an easy platform in which the recipient chooses the actual gift and the money stays local,” Larsen adds.

If all of the 178,000 residents in Muskegon County spend $100 at locally owned businesses, $10.5 million would circulate back in to the local economy. This is because every time a dollar is spent at a local business it circulates quickly throughout the community creating jobs that contribute to the tax revenue and benefit us all.

Lakeshore Community Cash certificates can be purchased in denominations of $5, $10, $20 or $25 and are available online at www.muskegon.org. Once purchased, the certificates can be printed or emailed to a recipient and are then valid at any participating local business. Businesses interested in participating in the program are encouraged to call the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce at 231-722-3751 or mlcc@muskegon.org.

For more, please go to http://www.muskegon.org/community-cash and also to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_RV662wduk

Lakeshore-Community-Cash-Marketing-Flyer-with-businesses

Media Links

To find dates and details for these organization’s events, please visit the web site listed here.

Right to Life of Michigan:
www.RTL.org

Muskegon Museum of Art:
www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex:
msports.org

Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts:
frauenthal.org

Community Foundation for Muskegon County:
www.cffmc.org

Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
– Muskegon County Calendar of Events:
www.visitmuskegon.org
visitmuskegon@co.muskegon.mi.us

Four Pointes – Center for Successful Aging
www.fourpointes.org

Read an article from Reader’s Digest about heart attack prevention here: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/how-to-prevent-heart-disease/

Right to Life of Michigan: Infographic contest challenges prolife youth to boldly stand for life

Are you a student, creative, prolife and looking for a way to showcase your talent? Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund is sponsoring the 2015 Sanctity of Human Life Youth Infographic Contest for high school and college-aged Michigan youth.

Contenders who create and submit an original prolife infographic by Friday, January 2, 2015, can participate in the contest. Contestants compete in two divisions based on age, 13 to 17 and 18 to 22. The winner of the 13 to 17 division will win $300, and the winner of the 18 to 22 division will win $500.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “I want to encourage prolife youth to use their creative talent to promote the sanctity of human life. This contest is an incentive for Michigan students to boldly take a stand for life. At the same time, the infographic submissions will be used to educate others on the precious gift of human life.”

An infographic is a graphic or visual representation of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. All submissions for this contest must feature a theme which reflects “the reality of 42 years of legalized abortion.”

Learn about the 2015 Sanctity of Human Life Infographic Contest from Right to Life of Michigan’s web site, www.RTL.org.

Direct Link: 2015 Sanctity of Human Life Youth Infographic Contest

Forgotten Man Ministries Announces Retirement Of Executive Director

Grand Rapids, MI, November 18, 2014

John Fehler 2014
Forgotten Man Ministries (FMM) announces the retirement of John Fehler, Executive Director effective December 31, 2014. Under his 25-year leadership, the number of jail missions doubled to 36, the number of dedicated workers in the jails increased 300%, and the base of loyal supporters grew substantially. In his farewell remarks, Fehler said “I thank the Lord for the privilege to lead the army of nearly 2,000 dedicated chaplains and volunteers armed with the message of Jesus Christ into Michigan county jails.”

Fehler‘s tenure with FMM began 35 years ago as a jail chaplain in Alcona and Iosco county jails. He had served two years as the chaplain at Muskegon county jail prior to joining the staff of FMM’s home office in Grand Rapids. In 1988, Fehler was appointed to be the organization’s second Executive Director. In retirement he plans to devote more time to his hobbies of fishing, hunting and cooking and looks forward to new adventures with his wife of 44 years, Leah. The Christian ministry, too, will continue as an important part of his life with time devoted to leading bible studies or occasionally preaching at worship services.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Forgotten Man Ministries was founded in 1961 to be the hand of the Lord into 36 Michigan county jails by providing chaplains and a comprehensive spiritual program. The non-profit organization is faith-based, multi-denominational and works to restore the spiritual and physical lives of inmates through the support of volunteers serving inside and outside the jails. The ministry is available to all residents of the county jails served without regard to the inmate’s creed, color, sex or reason for incarceration, and is led by the knowledge that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can and will change lives.

Bill Cariano, currently Assistant Executive Director, has been appointed Executive Director effective 1/1/15.

Forgotten Man Ministries is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization.
For additional information, contact Marilyn Terpstra at: (office@forgottenman.org)
3940 Fruit Ridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 / 616.784.4620 / www.forgottenman.org

Free Veterans Identification Cards Now Available

Muskegon County Clerk’s Office now issues Veteran ID Cards.

Veterans may get a card by visiting the county clerk’s office at 990 Terrace Street, on the first floor, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and bringing:
· Military Discharge Papers (DD214)
· Photo identification (such as Michigan driver’s license, or Michigan ID card)

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to allow County Clerk Waters to begin issuing Veterans ID at their meeting on Tuesday, October 28th.
Many businesses offer veterans a discount as a way to express gratitude for their service to our country. However, the veteran must be able to show proof. Veterans often do not carry proof of their service.

Clerk staff will take the veteran’s photograph and obtain their electronic signature. The veterans photo ID card is only available to Muskegon County residents.

Veterans who do not have their discharge papers may get them from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/

Jeanne Pezet
(231) 724-6316

Plants Respond to Sounds of Insects Eating Leaves

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

Plants are not as dumb as they look.

At least to me, plants have never seemed like the brightest bulb in the box. They stand around, looking green, hoping for a sunny day but not able to walk, talk or turn on the TV. However, due to a recent university press release, I’ve got to rethink my attitudes about vegetation.

Two scientists at the University of Missouri, Heidi Appel and Rex Cocroft, studied a plant called Arabidopsis. That’s a common experimental plant, used by researchers because it’s fast growing and a great deal is known about it. Arabidopsis is a flowering plant that you can think of as a cousin to mustard and cabbage.

The researchers let caterpillars feed on a group of Arabidopsis plants. Using special devices, they recorded the sounds or vibrations made by the insects chewing on the leaves.

Next Appel and Cocroft and their team took two new sets of plants and separated them. To one set, they played back recordings of the sounds and vibrations the insects had made as they fed on the Arabidopsis leaves. To the second set of plants, they played back a silent tape – in other words, this second set of plants was the “control” in their experiment.

Then the team let caterpillars feed on both sets of plants. Results showed that the Arabidopsis that had been exposed to the sounds of the insects feeding on leaves had more mustard oils in their leaves than did the control group. Mustard oils are chemicals many insects don’t like and will avoid.

“What is remarkable is that the plants exposed to different vibrations, including those made by a gentle wind or different insect sounds…did not increase their chemical defenses,” Cocroft said in a press release. “This indicates that the plants are able to distinguish feeding vibrations from other common sources of environmental vibration.”

Plants really are not dim bulbs.

“Plants have many ways to detect insect attack,” Cocroft said in the press release. “But [insect] feeding vibrations are likely the fastest way for distant parts of the plant to perceive the attack and begin to increase their defenses.”

Next steps for the researchers include learning more about exactly how vibrations are sensed by the plants and what parts of the complex sounds may be the most important. The results of this type of work are not just academic. A long way down the road, such research may be able to improve crop plants, giving them a natural way to boost their own defenses against insect pests.

“Caterpillars react to this chemical defense by crawling away, so using vibrations to enhance plant defenses could be useful to agriculture,” Appel said. “This research opens the window of plant behavior a little wider, showing that plants have many of the same responses to outside influences that animals do, even though the responses look different.”

I’ve got a new respect for plants — and the researchers who are learning surprising things about them.

Personal Care Product Giveaway

personal-care-products 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!

This year we hope to meet and exceed the number of families and individuals served in previous years! If you or someone you know is in need or could benefit from receiving items such as: shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, baby products, feminine hygiene products, and or household cleaners, please come or let them know about this event!

Our goal is to help fill in the gap that government assistance does not, and offset costs right after the Holiday season, filling people with hope and removing a financial burden. All items are given away with absolutely no obligation or questions asked.

The distribution of products will begin at 2:30 p.m. on a first come, first served basis, inside the church which is located at 1641 Pontaluna Rd. on the corner of Pontaluna and Harvey, just south of the Lakes Mall. For more information please call 231-799-2141.

Birth Announcement: Palnau

Palnau family welcomes new addition
Phillip and Courtney Palnau of Spring Lake/Fruitport welcome their new baby boy, August Phillip Palnau. He was born September 12, 2014, weighing 7lbs., 12oz.

West Michigan’s First Outpatient Total Knee Replacement Takes Place at Muskegon Surgery Center

Muskegon, Michigan – The first outpatient total knee replacement procedure at an ambulatory surgery center in West Michigan was performed at Muskegon Surgery Center on Monday, October 13. Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Recknagel successfully performed the procedure, also known as total knee arthroplasty, on two patients early Monday morning. The first patient, Mr. Richard Homan of Spring Lake, was able to walk with assistance before leaving the center at approximately 11:30 a.m., just hours after his surgery took place. “We’ve been researching our pain management protocol for several months in preparation for today’s procedures,” said Dr. Recknagel. “We’re really pleased with how well our first two patients are doing.”

Upon discharge from the surgery center, Mr. Homan went immediately to Shoreline Inn & Suites in downtown Muskegon where a special suite with 24/7 nursing and physical therapy services awaited him and his family. A contractual agreement between Muskegon Surgery Center and the hotel gives knee replacement patients the option to stay at Shoreline Inn in a designated recovery suite with a family member for one or two nights before returning home. Nurses administer to patients hourly, and physical therapy takes place in the patient’s suite overlooking Muskegon Lake, which also includes an ADA bathroom, a recliner, and a separate bed and TV for the accompanying family member.

“This is my fourth joint replacement surgery, and I’m amazed at how well I’m doing just one day after my procedure,” said Mr. Homan. “I have had absolutely zero pain, and I’m already bending my knee at a 90⁰ angle. I believe this is due, at least in part, to my being able to recover in such a comfortable, quiet environment. It’s different than a hospital where the staff is working at a very fast pace. Here, my wife is my roommate, not another patient. It’s an ideal arrangement for both of us, and I have no doubt that these surroundings are having a positive impact on my mental outlook, which is allowing me to heal faster.”

muskegon-surgery-center 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.”

An article in the October/November issue of AARP Magazine reported that the average cost for knee replacement surgery in the U.S. is approximately $34,000. Muskegon Surgery Center’s cost is less than half that amount. Historically, surgery centers have also reported lower infection rates, higher patient satisfaction, and lower co-pays than inpatient facilities.

“The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce also played an important role in bringing Muskegon Surgery Center and the Shoreline Inn together for this agreement,” added Greene. “We anticipate that this will be a draw for people from outside our area who want to have their surgery done on an outpatient basis. It’s a great example of how two seemingly very different businesses can work together to positively impact the community.”

How ‘bout Them Apples?

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

Do you have a good gut feeling about apples? Your body may — and that could be important to your overall health.

Some of the components of apples survive their trip through the upper part of the human digestive tract. Non-digestible compounds, including fiber and substances called polyphenols, stand up to chewing and the effects of enzymes in spit. They even remain intact after a bath in stomach acid. These compounds move all the way to the colon, where they undergo a transformation that can be quite beneficial to you.

The non-digestible compounds are fermented in the colon. That’s right, you could say you have a little brewery at work in your body. The fermentation allows for the growth of certain bacteria in the gut.

Which bacteria flourish in your colon really matters. Studies have shown that obese mice have different bacterial families and diversity of bacteria in their gut than do lean mice.

Now researchers at Washington State University have concluded that apples — especially Granny Smith apples — may lead to healthy bacteria in the colon and this, in turn, may help prevent a variety of medical disorders.

“Apples are a good source of non-digestible compounds,” Professor Giuliana Noratto told me. “We have now studied the differences in apple varieties to look for the most useful types.”

Results of the study were recently published in the journal Food Chemistry by Noratto and her co-researchers Luis Condezo-Hoyos and Indira P. Mohanty.

The new research indicates that Granny Smiths contain more non-digestible compounds than many other apples including Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious.

As a first step toward understanding the gut processes better, Noratto’s team simulated colon fermentation in test tubes. Fecal bacteria were cultured in apple compounds that survived gastrointestinal enzyme digestion.

“The non-digestible substances in the Granny Smith apples actually changed the proportion of fecal bacteria from obese mice to be similar to what you find with lean mice,” Noratto told me.

Now Noratto is feeding Granny Smiths directly to rats. This takes the ideas suggested by the test tube experiments and tries them out in the real-world condition of flesh-and-blood guts. Noratto expects results from the animal trials sometime in the New Year.

One thing about the rats interested me as an aside. The obese and lean rats are fed the same number of calories each day. But a high fat diet produces overweight rats, while a lower fat diet leads to lean rats. I’ll try to remember that the next time a bowl of ice cream is calling to me.

Down the road, Noratto’s work with apples could be important in the battle of the bulge that so many of us face. Beyond that, it could be useful in combatting diabetes. From Noratto’s perspective, obese people have an unfortunate community of bacteria in their gut. The bad bacteria make for byproducts that can lead to inflammation and influence metabolic disorders associated with being overweight.

It would be interesting if modern science can show that “an apple a day” really is a helpful addition to the human diet. Stay tuned!

Year Round Mobile Farmers Market

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.

“The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of fresh produce from local farmers,” said health educator Lisa Uganski, RD with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

Cash, credit/debit cards, Bridge cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and Senior Project Fresh/Market FRESH benefits are accepted at the Veggie Van. For a list of food assistance programs, visit https://www.grymca.org/community-programs/community-based-programs/veggie-van/. The Veggie Van is made possible through the generosity of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Herman Miller Cares and the Muskegon Community Foundation.

A Second Letter to America

By watching the daily news one can clearly see that America is getting farther away from God and still headed straight towards God’s judgment and ultimate destruction. Too many in America have said “there is no God.”
One of the many reasons Americans have reached such a high point of unbelief, is because they were brought up in school systems which teaches man’s false idea that every living being started from a single cell and evolved into millions, or even billions, of species, including humans. Some have theorized humans evolved from ape like beings.
But how a person, who is composed of 200, or 300 trillion highly specialized interrelated cells, can believe that it all started from a single cell, should be beyond belief. Actually, the single cell theory of evolution only proves Man’s folly.
First, Man totally dismissed God’s legitimate claims that he, God, created Heaven and Earth and everything in them including the first man, Adam. Second, Man refused to believe the documented biblical history of God dealing with mankind on Earth, where God again and again, demonstrated and proved his awesome supernatural powers.
Among these demonstrations of power, were turning the rivers and waters in Egypt into blood, parting the Red Sea while millions of Israelites crossed on dry ground, and then drowning the very large pursuing Egyptian Army. After that God proved himself again and again by providing food and water for forty years while His chosen people wandered in the desert.
In the Word of God, the Holy Bible, God showed his chosen people that he had complete control over Earth and the Heavens, because, he wanted them to be witnesses to the rest of the world. He wanted the people of the world to believe in Him so they would not perish.
This world would be a much better place if people believed in the Living God and followed his just commandments. We would love each other like the brothers and sisters that we are, because, we are all His children.
God gets no pleasure in his children going to hell. It is a great tragedy that so many in America are rejecting God and his Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. Accepting Jesus and his sacrifice is a must to go to Heaven.
America must return to God.

Manuel Ybarra, Jr.
RR 5 Box 1550
Coalgate, OK 74538
Ph. # (580) 428-3242

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold

UPDATE: Discount Offer! Mention 7 times 7 and receive $7 off!
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold

By Maripat Donovan with Jane Morris & Marc Silvia

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.

“Christmas Catechism is a nostalgic hoot!” (Springfield News-Sun)
“A gift-wrapped holiday treat, this Catechism should be opened early!” (LA Times)
“Two hours of solid laughs.” (FCCJ Artist Series Review)
“A habit you don’t want to break!” (C&G Newspaper)

Presenter Testimonials
“Having presented all of the shows in EEI’s Catechism series, I believe that Sister’s Christmas Catechism is as good if not better than the others (which are all great). The audience participation that provides the basis for the whole second act keeps it fresh and full of surprises from start to finish. Our patrons loved the show – and it fits wonderfully into the mix of holiday programming.”
Bruce C. MacPherson, Managing Director
Charles W. Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas

First- Annual Lakeshore Adventure Race set for 2015

May 16 at Pere Marquette Beach
Event to Benefit Muskegon Rescue Mission

The Muskegon Rescue Mission, one of the first charitable organizations established in West Michigan over 100 years ago, is organizing an inaugural adventure race to support its homeless shelters, food pantry and other outreach services.

The ForeShore Adventure Race will be held at Pere Marquette Beach on May 16, 2015, and will feature over 10 obstacles on a wet and sandy 5k course. Participants can enter as teams or individuals and register for the competitive flight or non-timed flights. There will also be a kid’s zone to make this a truly family friendly event. FS_logo

Kevin Newton, Executive Director of Muskegon Rescue Mission, said “This event is all about racing to overcome life’s obstacles. What sets this event apart from others, beyond its beautiful location, is that all the proceeds benefit the mission. Every dollar is used to help families in need right here in our community.”

Adventure racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and this event is expected to draw thousands from across the state and the Midwest. Tourism officials are excited to introduce visitors to all that Muskegon County’s shoreline and surrounding area has to offer.

“We are excited to host this unique event. Pere Marquette Park is the perfect venue for an adventure run that marries health and wellness with West Michigan’s greatest natural resource. We hope this event soon becomes one of the cornerstones that kick off the beach season at Pere Marquette Park for many years to come” said Stephen Gawron, Mayor of Muskegon.

“With the increasing popularity of challenge, mud, and obstacle races, the ForeShore Adventure Race will be an event that will introduce new family audiences to Muskegon County and the lakeshore,” said Bob Lukens, director of the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Bob continued “I’m certain the ForeShore Adventure Race will become a great early-season event to promote the many activities we have available for visitors to the region.”

When it comes to the event, challenges will abound. As if running on sand wasn’t difficult enough participants will climb over, under and through ominous obstacles, all for a good time and a worthy cause. “Plan on getting wet”, commented Newton, “after all, it’s a day at the beach!”

Muskegon Rescue Mission has provided food, shelter, clothing and spiritual direction for those in need since 1907. In 2013 alone 23,908 nights of lodging were provided for homeless men, women and children; 120,856 meals were provided or served.

Sponsors are an integral part of this event, we are pleased to have a foundation of support already in place.

ForeShore volunteers are sponsored by Mercy Health along with First Aid services provided by Pro Med.

Additional committed partners are Kyser Design Werks, Sagestone Media, Digi Marketing, Weber Lumber, and Eagle Eye Photography.

Sponsorship opportunities are available in multiple categories. Contact Jim Boes at jboes@muskegonmission.org for more details.

Learn More:
www.foreshore.org
www.muskegonmission.org

2nd Annual – Holiday Book Bash

Features Local Authors in Spring Lake – Friday, Nov. 21, 2014

Spring Lake, MI – Eight local authors are collaborating to provide a stress-free holiday book event at Seven Steps Up in downtown Spring Lake. Meet and greet local authors, purchase books at special pricing, and get your books signed for unique holiday gifts. A cash bar will feature wine, craft beer and cocktails while patrons shop/browse books from: Mystery, pet stories, young adult, novels, memoir, children’s, travel and more. Over 25 titles will be available from eight authors. Local and award winning authors participating at the Holiday Book Bash include:

Roberta F. King (He Plays a Harp – a family memoir)
Tricia L. McDonald (Life with Sally pet series, Quit Whining & Start Writing)
Sue Merrell (Full Moon Friday, One Shoe Off and more – mystery series)
Laura R. Holmes (I’ve Gotta Pack – Travel collection)
John Otterbacher (Sailing Grace – Adventure/memoir)
Margaret Willey (Beetle Boy, Four Secrets, Clever Beatrice series – young adult/children’s)
Janet Vormittag (Dog 281)
Stephen Nauta (Sitting At the Wrong Dinner Table & Help There’s a Dragon in My Head – Fiction/children’s book on battling anxiety)

The open house style event will take place on Friday, November 21^st, from 5- 8 pm. Complimentary edibles and hors d’oeuvres will be featured. Also, shop fair-trade clothing and jewelry from Utopian Marketplace and handmade holiday gifts from the Sisters Crone. Pin Drop concert gift certificates will be available and free gift-wrapping on-site. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

The Holiday Book Bash is sponsored by FineLine Creative, Splattered Ink Press, The Bookman and Seven Steps Up. Seven Steps up is located at 116 S. Jackson Street in downtown Spring Lake.

Foundation Scholarship Program Currently Accepting Applications

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County announces that the Foundation Scholarship Program currently accepting applications for the 2015/2016 school year. This application serves the scholarship programs of Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Manistee Counties and is administered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Applications are available to be submitted electronically at the Community Foundation website, www.cffmc.org. The application process has been streamlined to three easy steps for students and families.

THE ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS: MARCH 1, 2015

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County administers over 280 scholarship funds and grants hundreds of awards each year to both graduating high school seniors and current college students. The Foundation’s “General Scholarship Application” is used to support scholarship applications for students in Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Manistee Counties.

The Community Foundation does not make awards solely on the basis of need. Academic achievement, community involvement, extra curricular activities and financial need are all taken into consideration. All Community Foundation scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Nurses Exhibit to open at USS Silversides Submarine Museum

WE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!!
So said the many nurses who served in WWII

Nurses are so often invisible, but so essential to medical care. This need was no less important in WWII when nurses cared for wounded American soldiers all over the world. Seventy-nine women from Muskegon went to war as nurses and served all over the world. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum will honor the memory of these women with an exhibit that will open 17 November 2014 at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit features film from the era, descriptions of nursing activities, and a variety of recruiting posters. Admission is $5.00 for the exhibit opening and allows access to all exhibits in the museum. The exhibit will continue through February 22^nd, 2015.

Come spend a morning or afternoon commemorating women whom WWII veterans called “angels.” Also coming in January and February: Theatrical Synergy Productions will perform a play depicting the nurses of Vietnam. The play is entitled, “A Piece of My Heart.” More information will be available on the museum website: www.silversidesmuseum.org

The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Announces its new Marketing Campaign!

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. The lineup includes: Chris McGuigan and Patrick Johnson, Bob Lukens, Sheila Wahamaki, Steve Gawron, Andrew Zahrt, Emma & Lily Tilden, RC Productions Staff, Big Daddy Fox, Judy Hayner, Connie & Dale Nesbary, Carla Hill, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Co., Miss Michigan, Miss Teen Michigan, Muskegon Civic Theatre, Blanche Smith, Little Miss Michigan, Kim Sorenson & Kendyl White! Muskegon County Commissioner Bob Scolnik will be the emcee!

“We are thrilled and honored that so many community leaders and citizens have come together to give us their support,” says Linda Medema, Sales and Marketing Manager for the FCPA. “To have all these people perform on our beautiful stage guarantees a great night of entertainment in downtown Muskegon!”

“The Frauenthal Follies” is the launch for a new campaign for the Frauenthal Center called “Love Muskegon – Every Ticket Counts”. Tickets are only $10! “Our goal is to fill the house, gaining the support of everyone in the community. Bring your families; buy a ticket for a friend; business owners, be an example of community leadership and buy tickets for your employees! We want everyone to come down and celebrate our campaign kick off!” Medema says.

This is a unique opportunity for the people of Muskegon County to renew their efforts of the “Love Muskegon” campaign. “The people of Muskegon are embracing and supporting all the wonderful things we have right here in our hometown and we want to draw attention to the arts and all the amazing performances that happen in our facility. Put the Frauenthal on your radar – start checking out what we have HERE! We are home to The West Michigan Symphony, Muskegon Civic Theatre, the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant, The Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree, Red Cross and Muskegon Rescue Mission fund-raisers, Mona Lake Productions, Sika School of Dance, and many others. As the community begins to understand that“Every Ticket Counts”, every organization holding an event here will benefit,” says Ms. Medema.

The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts is an important part of the social and economic benefits to the downtown by providing a gathering place for individuals within their community and increasing foot traffic to local businesses. The ticket dollars will help ensure and protect the Frauenthal’s anchor spot in our downtown, and will also help contribute to a stable community where residents and businesses thrive.

Reserve November 14 now for a great night of entertainment! Tickets for “The Frauenthal Follies” on November 14, 2014 at 7:30 pm are on sale now! $10 each, all seats reserved. Call the Frauenthal Box Office, 231-727-8001 M-F 11am – 5:30 pm / StarTickets 800-585-3737 or online at frauenthal.org or startickets.com.

Love Muskegon, Every Ticket Counts!

How Hard Is That?

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

A good friend of mine checks each morning on the web for the final “Jeopardy” question. It’s the last question on the taped “Jeopardy” program to be broadcast later that day. I don’t go to movies or follow sports, so I’m often at a loss when it comes to many quiz show questions. But recently I was in a position to answer the “Jeopardy” question because of my early training in geology.

The category of the question I got right was “to ‘dum’ it up.” That means, in Jeopardy-speak, that the answer will have the syllable “dum” in it. The clue mentioned that there is a substance a chemist would call aluminum oxide that’s sometimes used as an abrasive. How could it be named with “dum” in the word?

Aluminum oxide, or Al₂O₃, is well known to geologists. You likely know aluminum oxide with certain impurities in it as the gemstone sapphire. With somewhat different impurities, the gem is ruby. So if you find a deposit of the right kind of aluminum oxide in the back of beyond, your financial problems could be over.

But most aluminum oxide in the world isn’t gem quality. Instead it’s the mineral corundum. That was the answer to the “Jeopardy” question. I knew the answer because like all geology students and many a rock hound, I learned the names and properties of scores and scores of minerals (and a few gems) when I was young. Call it my misspent youth.

Like sapphire and ruby, corundum is very hard. On the scale geologists use to measure such things, it has a hardness value of nine. Some gemstones are eight on the hardness scale. Diamond – the hardest natural substance in the world – has a hardness value of ten.

Most sandpaper is made of small quartz grains. Quartz has a hardness of seven. That’s generally hard enough for smoothing down a bit of wood. Depending on its exact chemical composition, garnet is a bit harder than quartz, and in a good hardware store you’ll find garnet sandpaper. Corundum is harder still, making it an abrasive for tough jobs.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Apple is investing $700 million to give its new iPhone and smartwatches what are termed “sapphire screens.” The idea is that the screen of the phone won’t be scratched as it rattles around in your pocket or purse with your car keys, and the watch face won’t be scratched if you scape it against a wall – even a brick wall.

Mineralogy to the rescue. But don’t ask what proportion of “Jeopardy” clues I can usually solve.

Dr. E. Kirsten Peters was trained as a geologist at Princeton and Harvard Universities. This column is provided as a service of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. See more columns or listen to the Rock Doc’s broadcasts of them at rockdoc.wsu.edu.

Muskegon Area Calendar of Events — November 2014

Exciting things are happening this November! Check out the Visit Muskegon web site to view the calendar of events and find out what’s happening in the Muskegon area: http://www.visitmuskegon.org/

Inaugural Lakeshore Restaurant Week Begins November 7th –16th

Muskegon, MI — The inaugural Lakeshore Restaurant Week, organized by the five Muskegon Cumulus Radio Stations of Muskegon, begins Friday, November 7^th and lasts through Sunday, November 16^th.

Lakeshore Restaurant Week features 15 Muskegon area restaurants offering discounted deals and specials to their customers to promote the variety and quality of area eateries.

Restaurant menus and specials can be found at www.lakeshorerestaurantweek.com, according to Rich Berry, Market Manager for the Cumulus-Muskegon radio stations who are putting on the event in conjunction with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Muskegon Now and the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Participating Lakeshore Restaurant Week restaurants include Mia & Grace; Handsome Hobos; the Holiday Inn Third Street Grille; Glenside Pub; CF Prime; Lakeside Café; Verdonis; Pints & Quarts; Northside Pub; Dog House Saloon; Fatty Lumpkins; Mr. B’s Pancake House; and Mangos.

Price bills create STEM endorsement option for high school students

Diploma certification would be first-of-its-kind

Michigan students pursuing an advanced degree or a highly skilled career would have a leg up on their competition thanks to legislation sponsored by state Rep. Amanda Price and state Sen. John Proos.

House Bills 5904 and 5905 – and the accompanying Senate Bills 1109 and 1110 – allow students to earn a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) certification on their high school diploma. The STEM endorsement would also be included on student transcripts as the graduates seek technical training and college admittance.

“Equipping our high school students with the right skills and training to be competitive will help them take the next step in their educational careers,” said Price, R-Park Township. “Whether that next step is college or trade school or any other form of technical training, we need to encourage them to pursue their own brighter futures, and these bills will go a long way in setting our Michigan graduates apart from the crowd.”

Gov. Rick Snyder has called for an increased focus on STEM education in Michigan schools. If enacted, the measures would the first of their kind in the United States.

“This initiative is the next step in ensuring that we are doing all we can to help prepare all Michigan students for success and also meet the skilled workforce needs of a growing economy,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Putting this certification on a student’s diploma and transcript will help improve their college resume and their chances to land a well-paying job.”

HBs 5904 and 5905 and SBs 1109 and 1110 will be formally introduced when the Legislature returns to session.

Secretary Johnson: We Must Remember Veterans Day, Sacrifices Made By Veterans

Secretary of State offices will close for the Nov. 11 holiday

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents that, in honor of Veterans Day, all Secretary of State offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11. She also encouraged people to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“I had a rare opportunity to visit our troops in the Middle East in 2012 to study how to make overseas voting easier for those in the military,” Johnson said. “I will never forget the sense of honor, duty and patriotism that those young men and women displayed in spite of the terrible conditions. We owe everyone who has ever served this country a great debt for their service and sacrifice.”

Michigan is home to more than 680,000 veterans, the 11th largest population nationally. “Patriotism and service run deep in Michigan,” Johnson added. “This Veterans Day, take a moment to thank a vet for his or her service.”

Originally known as Armistice Day, this special Nov. 11 holiday was first celebrated in 1919 to recognize the men and women who died during World War 1. In 1938, it became an official federal holiday. The name was changed to Veterans Day in the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War to commemorate veterans of all wars.

Most people renewing license plates and driver’s licenses and ID cards can do business online at www.ExpressSOS.com. License plate tabs also can be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available around the clock. Visit the Branch Office Locator at www.michigan.gov/sos to find a Self-Service Station near you.

Armstrong Named National Defensive POW

Submitted by: Rog Garner — Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Lindsay Armstrong of Aquinas College was named the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Players of the Week. Armstrong were selected for her play during the week of October 6-12 and was chosen out of the conference and independent award winners.

Armstrong

The junior goalkeeper from Fruitport manned the net for Aquinas in a pair of 1-0 victories, including a match against then-No. 14 Davenport. In 180 minutes of game action last week, Armstrong lowered her goals against average to 0.38 this season.
In her 13 matches, she has allowed five scores, recorded nine shutouts and currently holds a .906 save percentage.

The Start of a Better Trend for Diabetes

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

“Eat right and exercise.”

It’s good advice. But millions of us Americans struggle every day to live up to our hopes regarding diet and activity. Some of us are pretty good at one thing (for me, it’s exercise) but not good at the other (starch and sweets make up too much of my diet). It just ain’t easy to both eat right and exercise, and do so every day.

But maybe we have been making some progress on our personal goals regarding diet and activity. It looks like our collective efforts to address obesity — and associated diseases like diabetes — may be starting to have some results.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Although the devil is in the details, the publication argues that if you look at Americans as a group, obesity and diabetes are no longer increasing as they had been in recent decades.

As the Los Angeles Times reported recently, the rate at which Americans are being newly diagnosed with diabetes has now actually fallen. The statistic reflects how many new cases doctors found per thousand people. In 1990, for Americans between 20 to 79 years old, the number of new diabetes cases was 3.2. That figure shot up to 8.8 in 2008. The good news is that for 2012, the figure was 7.1, a downward trend worth celebrating.

But three groups are not participating in that improvement. They are Latinos, African Americans, and people with only a high school education or less. For a variety of reasons, people in those groups are still experiencing a rising rate of diabetes.

“It’s not good news for everybody,” Shakira Suglia told the Los Angeles Times. Suglia is an epidemiologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

And that bad news really matters because diabetes is such a debilitating disease. People with diabetes are more likely than the general population to suffer heart attacks and strokes, to name only two maladies that crop up in the medical statistics. Beyond that there’s blindness and kidney failure to fear, and problems in feet and legs that, in the worst case, can lead to amputation.

The overall problem posed by diabetes in the U.S. remains enormous. Nearly 1 in 10 Americans have the disease. There is the human dimension of the suffering that diabetes brings to people, and there is also the financial cost associated with treating the disease. Our national health care bill is significantly impacted by the cost of diabetes, which was estimated at $245 billion in 2012.

But even if it’s fragmentary, let’s be thankful for at least a bit of good news in the fight against obesity and diabetes. Let’s keep up the good work and encourage one another to eat right and exercise. Everyone needs to get on board this wagon, and that includes me.

Disability Connection — New Board Members

Renica Minott of Muskegon, Sandra Baker of North Muskegon and Andy Stone of Muskegon have been elected new members of the board of directors for Disability Connection/West Michigan. They join present board members John Wahlberg, President, of Muskegon; Mike Hamm, Vice President, of White Cloud; Tom Grein, Treasurer, of Whitehall and Joe Doyle, Secretary, of Muskegon. Susan Cloutier-Myers is the Executive Director.

Minott is a Counselor at Muskegon Community College in the Counseling and Advising Center. She is pursuing her EdD in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, and has a MA in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University and a BS in Sociology from Grand Valley State University.

Baker is is a retired Special Education Teacher and the Executive Director of Gracious Grounds, a faith based community offering housing to people with unique abilities. She has an MA in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a BA in Special Education from Michigan State University.

Stone has been the Deputy Director of Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana since 2010. He was an integral part in bringing Muskegon’s Michigan Works offices under one employer in one location to have a greater impact on the Muskegon area. He is excited to be a part of the revitalization of the community’s economy through partnerships with many organizations, such as Muskegon Community College, Thrive, Muskegon Opportunity, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, and Baker College.

Disability Connection, with main offices at 27 E. Clay Ave., Muskegon, provides services to people with disabilities and their families with offices in Muskegon, Fremont and Hart.

Some of the programs offered by Disability Connection include information and referrals, transportation assistance, nursing home transition, peer support, accessibility consultation, disability sensitivity training, help for veterans, and peer support, among several others.

The organization’s mission is to advocate, educate, empower, and provide resources for persons with disabilities and to promote accessible communities, with the vision that accessibility will be an accepted civil right.

Contact the Muskegon office at (231) 722-0088, the Hart office at (231) 301-0014, and the Fremont office at (231) 538-0738, or visit the web site www.dcilmi.org.

Forensic Science Meets Nuclear Chemistry

By Dr. E. Kirsten Peters

As a kid, I read the Sherlock Holmes stories and the mysteries of Agatha Christie. As an adult, I wrote four mysteries that focused on a Quaker heroine solving crimes she happened across in her religious community. (I published them using my grandmother’s name — Irene Allen — as a pseudonym.) And, as a geologist, I’ve read about real-life criminal investigations that involved samples of sand and soil.

But it wasn’t until I talked with Dr. Nathalie Wall of the chemistry department at Washington State University that I got my head around forensic science that relates to radioactive materials.

“The basic definition of forensics is that it gives you information about the past,” Wall said to me. “The best known type of forensics is the criminal kind.”

Nuclear forensics is the study of radioactive materials found on places like a suspect’s hand. The goal is to develop information about such things as the source of the nuclear material. One part of the research Wall does is to help develop techniques that can be used for prosecution of people linked to illegally transporting or trafficking in radioactive substances.

“A fingerprint belongs to just one person, so it has real importance as evidence,” Wall said. “But you can’t arrest someone just for having a trace amount of uranium on their hands. There is uranium in granite, so a person can pick up trace amounts of it just from handling rocks.”

That’s part of the reason why it can be much more complicated to make a legal case against a person for dealing in radioactive materials than it can be to prove other kinds of criminal cases.

“The cool thing about nuclear chemistry is that radioactive elements come in sets or suites,” Wall told me. “If you find a specific suite of elements of different proportions, you can potentially tell where the material came from and what it’s been used for. So this is the ‘fingerprint’ we look for.”

Wall’s work is in the chemistry of various radioactive elements. She collaborates with people who make sophisticated devices for testing trace samples of materials.

“Just as the TSA may swipe your hand to see if you’ve touched conventional explosives, our goal is to develop tests for trace amounts of radioactive isotopes,” Wall said. “Part of the challenge is to make the tests both accurate and fast.”

Wall got a start in the research world working on nuclear repositories and contaminated sites. Nuclear forensics has been a recent addition to her work.

“From a chemist’s point of view, it’s all the same story,” Wall said.

Wall’s work is part of a broader who-done-it effort that’s important to all of us. I’m glad she and others like her are at work on real-life investigatory techniques that can stop terrorists.

My Hope to reach people with Gospel across the US, Canada and the UK

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has just released a trailer for Heaven, the next installment of evangelistic films available for use – free of charge – through the My Hope with Billy Graham ministry. You can watch the trailer forHeaven online at www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org/programs.

Available on Nov. 7 in the United States and Canada, the full film features a never-before-seen message from Billy Graham, alongside compelling stories of hope and faith, much like The Cross and the other impactful programs previously produced.

To get involved, or to learn more about getting your church involved, visit www.myhopewithbillygraham.org.

Simultaneously, My Hope UK with Billy Graham is partnering with churches across the UK to help them reach out in love and bring a message of hope to their communities. This November, the My Hope program The Cross will debut in the UK, as it will be shown in churches and venues throughout the country. To learn more about My Hope UK, visitwww.myhopewithbillygraham.org.uk.

If you would like more information about these, or other, updates from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, please contact media@bgea.org. Complete press releases from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are available at billygraham.org/press-releases.

Muskegon Area Transit System to Move to Temporary Transfer Terminal Monday, November 10

MUSKEGON, MI (November 4, 2014) – Muskegon Area Transit System will close the Herman Ivory Terminal at 351 Morris Avenue in Downtown Muskegon on Monday, November 10, 2014, and open a temporary terminal location in the former Masonic Lodge location at 396 W Clay Avenue. This relocation is in preparation for construction to begin on renovations to the transfer station at the current Herman Ivory Terminal Location.

“The Masonic Lodge building will make a great location for our passenger transfer activities for the next seven to eight months,” said Jim Koens, Transit Systems Manager for Muskegon Area Transit System. “This facility has a large indoor waiting area and has been used as a community gathering space for many years. Outside, there is plenty of space for buses to pull up and for passengers to transfer,” said Koens.

The temporary location will also house the local Greyhound ticketing functions during the renovations. The Morris Avenue closure will also affect parking around the current terminal, closing the gravel lot on Second Street on November 10 and eventually closing the lot at the corner of First Street and Morris. Permanent closure of that lot will be announced as construction progresses.

Construction documents were put out for bid earlier this month and a contractor has been selected, pending County Board approval. Construction on the new terminal is expected to be completed by summer of 2015. Follow the construction at www.matsbus.com and on the MATS Facebook page.

UPDATE: Discount Offer! Mention 7 times 7 and receive $7 off! Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold

UPDATE: Discount Offer! Mention 7 times 7 and receive $7 off!
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold