Do you remember the Art Prize 2013 LiveWall entry called “Back to Eden?” It is located at the B.O.B. in Grand Rapids. It is a 1,400 square foot living wall and was among the top 25 winners.

While it is currently filled with hardy perennials, in May, Hortech of Spring Lake will replace half of its plantings with some 1,500 herb and vegetable plants, from peppers to leafy greens to tomatoes. The organic plants will be used by the B.O.B.’ chefs in the creation of their restaurant dishes.

B.O.B. owner Greg Gilmore and LiveWall inventor Dave MacKenzie are also collaborating on an experimental indoor Live Wall system that will grow hops for its brewery.

This could become the largest food wall in North America.•

Submitted by: Jack Van Wingerden

Feel this is worth passing along. With the holidays coming up, I can see where this could be a real problem.

The newest virus circulating is the UPS/Fed Ex/USPS Delivery Failure. You will receive an e-mail from UPS, Fed Ex, or USPS along with a packet number. It will say that they were unable to deliver a package sent to you on such-and-such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached. DON’T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS! Pass this warning on to all your PC operators at work and home. This virus has caused Millions of dollars in damage in the past few days. Snopes confirms that it is real.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County announces that the Foundation Scholarship Program for Muskegon, Oceana, Mason & Manistee counties is currently accepting applications for the 2014/2015 school year. 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, 2014

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County administers over 275 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 the Muskegon area as well as those in 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.

For More Information, Call:
Dana Scott, Scholarship Coordinator
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
(231) 332-4104

By Collet Domine

Sunday, September 29^th a Dedication Ceremony that Fruitport Girl Scout Troop# 20507 was held to dedicate a picnic area for the community, at the Broadway Ave Bike Trail parking lot.  They have worked hard and have cleared an area for friends and families, etc. to meet while using the trail or just for a gathering.

There is a walk way and picnic table with flower contains and also a horseshoe pit for people to enjoy.  They hope people will use and enjoy this area for many years to come.  They took on this project to earn their Bronze Award.

What about other vaccines for preventable diseases?

 OTTAWA COUNTY – You’re ready for this flu season, but are you and your family up-to-date on other vaccinations? Immunizations protect our community from dangerous infectious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella and more. Remember years ago almost everyone got chickenpox? It was one of the most common childhood diseases and unfortunately it caused many to suffer through itchy blister-like rashes. Thankfully, chickenpox vaccine has changed all that. Chickenpox vaccine protects you against a very uncomfortable and sometimes serious disease. Chickenpox used to be very common in the United States. About 4 million people would get the disease each year. Also, about 10,600 people were hospitalized and 100 to 150 died each year because of chickenpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness that most commonly lasts about 5-10 days. The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. A person can have 250 to 500 blisters. It usually takes about one week for all the blisters to become scabs. Children usually miss 5 to 6 days of school or childcare due to their chickenpox.The CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children (12 months of age or older), adolescents, and adults. Two doses of the vaccine are about 98% effective at preventing chickenpox. Some people who are vaccinated against chickenpox may still get the disease. However, it is usually milder with fewer blisters and little or no fever. Complications from chickenpox can occur, but they are not as common in otherwise healthy people who get the disease. People who may have more severe symptoms and may be at high risk for complications leading to hospital stays or even death include infants, adolescents, those with HIV/AIDS, on chemotherapy, or pregnant. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body in a dormant (inactive) state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

Immunizations are safe and effective. Currently in Michigan, thousands of children become ill from various types of diseases that could have been prevented. If you have any questions about your children’s immunizations or need to schedule an appointment, please contact your pediatrician or health care provider. For more information, visit Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) www.miOttawa.org/Immunize.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/ and http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

“Vaccines are among the safest and most successful public health tools available for preventing diseases and death”
– Walter A. Orenstein, M.D.,
Director of the CDC’s National Immunization Program

‘Back to Eden” voted Top 25 in ArtPrize 2013 Will Stay Up at Least Another Year

Grand Rapids, Mich. —  The “Back to Eden” ArtPrize entry by LiveWall, LLC owner David MacKenzie will stay at the B.O.B., for at least for another year.

Ranking in the top 25 during the 2013 ArtPrize competition, “Back to Eden” is a 1400 square foot abstract painting—with plants as the “paint” (mostly annual plants). “Back to Eden” resonated with ArtPrize attendees because of its design, nighttime effect, and environmental statement. It served as a popular backdrop for photography and a stimulus to conversations about environmental stewardship, urban greening, and the importance of plants and nature in our lives.

Originally the plan, for after ArtPrize, was to “take it down,” but neither B.O.B. owner, Gregory Gilmore, nor LiveWall, LLC owner David MacKenzie was ready to do that; MacKenzie and Gilmore met shortly after ArtPrize and discussed the exhibit, and while Gilmore states that “he would love to own it,” he has plans to develop the north side of the B.O.B.’s property in the near future. Gilmore stated that a firm date has not been set for the new development, but plans are moving ahead, and unfortunately the new development will occupy the space where `Back to Eden” currently resides. Instead he offered the use of the space to MacKenzie for joint promotions, to use as an outdoor showroom, and for another ArtPrize entry in 2014.

Mackenzie says, “This is a good arrangement for all concerned; I don’t have to worry about relocating the wall right now. The B.O.B. is a central and highly visible location to showcase our LiveWall system and a broad array of plants.” MacKenzie has already replanted the wall with some 2000+ winter hardy-perennials, and next year plans to replace some of them with colorful annuals, as well as herbs and vegetables for use in the B.O.B.’s various kitchens.

The B.O.B.’s LiveWall installation is located on the north side of the building and is visible and accessible for viewing by the public almost anytime. Neighbors in surrounding offices and condominiums will enjoy watching the seasonal changes including winter colors, springtime foliage, and summertime flowers. It is interesting to note that the LiveWall surrounds the mechanical units and dumpsters of the B.O.B, and these are now surrounded on three sides with colorful plants—it’s a nice way to disguise these elements.

“We know that the public will benefit,” say both Gilmore and MacKenzie—there will be beauty, oxygenation of the air, cooling of the surrounding environment, those sorts of things, and it will be interesting to see how the LiveWall impacts urban wildlife. MacKenzie expects the LiveWall to act as an urban oasis attracting mourning doves, hummingbirds, butterflies, and honeybees.

The B.O.B.’s green wall will be the third publically visible LiveWall system in Grand Rapids. Currently there are 800 square feet of LiveWall on the south and west walls of Grand Rapids’ new Downtown Market, and just recently John Ball Zoo installed a LiveWall on the rooftop of the chimpanzee house.

The LiveWall is one of the features of the Downtown Market which contributes to its environmental statement, energy savings, and its ability to achieve Green Building Council’s LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Certified LEED buildings cost less to operate and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.

About LiveWall
Based in Spring Lake, Michigan, LiveWall®, LLC (www.livewall.com) is the top horticultural science company in the planted wall industry. Exceptional in design and function, the LiveWall System is developed and manufactured in West Michigan and offers the most effective horticultural solution for vegetated walls.

Click here for Project Photos

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS WELCOME. TO ARRANGE INTERVIEWS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT AMBER PONCE, 616.935.1964.

 Early Detection is Important; Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

The holiday season can be busy with travel and visits from family and friends who might not often see one another. This time together may raise questions about a person’s physical and cognitive health. Although some change in cognitive ability can occur with age, memory problems that impact daily living are not a part of typical aging. Recognizing the difference between typical aging and potentially more serious problems can help identify when it may be time to see a doctor.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support services. Following are additional benefits to receiving a diagnosis as early as possible:

Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
• Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer.
• Have more time to plan for the future.
• Sign up for and participate in a clinical trial through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® – a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.
• Participate in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters.
• Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners.
• Benefit from care and support services, making it easier to manage the disease.

Individuals may experience one or more of the 10 Warning Signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.

Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on one’s own.
What’s typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What’s typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What’s typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What’s typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What’s typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.

 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
What’s typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What’s typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What’s typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What’s typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What’s typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 toll-free Helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org®. Experts are available to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive health, as well as from family members and friends concerned about a family member and seeking resources.

Bill would improve third-grade reading proficiency across state

State Rep. Amanda Price today introduced legislation to create a “Third Grade Reading Guarantee” in Michigan’s public schools.

House Bill 5111 improves third-grade reading proficiency by requiring that students meet a minimum benchmark for advancement to the next grade level.

“Reading proficiency is one of the most important measurements in public education, and it is time we make this a top priority for our students,” said Price, R-Park Township. “Similar legislation has been proven effective in Florida and other states, where illiteracy rates have declined because of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.

“If we fail to teach our students to read, we have failed them for the rest of their lives.”

A total of 32 states and the District of Columbia have policies in place to improve third grade reading proficiency, and 14 states require retention of students on the basis of reading proficiency. Most require assessment and remediation for kindergarten through third-grade students.

“Up until third grade, students are learning to read, but beginning in fourth grade, they being reading to learn,” said Price, R-Park Township. “This bill ensures a solid foundation is laid, so we can build a truly competitive, top-notch education on top of it.”

In 2012, 32 percent of third-graders did not meet the minimum reading proficiency benchmark, but less than 1 percent of the 113,000 third-graders in Michigan were retained in their public school.

House Bill 5111 was referred to the House Education Committee.

Nine community leaders and initiatives have been recognized as the 2013 Agents of Change. Each year, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals or projects that have made a positive contribution to the Muskegon Lakeshore and awards them as Agents of Change.

This year’s Agents of Change were recognized at the Sixth Annual Agents of Change Business After Hours celebration, November 7, at Fricano Place.  Here, more than 200 business and community leaders gathered to celebrate.

“The Muskegon Lakeshore community has so much passion and each year we are amazed by the hard work, dedication, and activities these ‘Agents of Change’ bring to our area,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

“This program is a great opportunity for the members and projects of our community that go unnoticed to be recognized for the difference they are making,” said Gary Allore, CFO at Mercy Health and Chairman of the Board for the Muskegon Chamber. “It’s the work of these great community members that make Muskegon such a great place to live, work and play.”

Each year the Chamber partners with WGVU to host this event.  Each of this year’s recipients was interviewed by morning show host, Shelley Irwin. These interviews will air on WGVU FM (95.3 Muskegon, 88.5 Grand Rapids) from 10 – 11 am on Friday, November 22, 2013.

ABOUT THE 2013 AGENTS OF CHANGE

The Muskegon Angels LLC  – Angel Investment Group
The Muskegon Angels LLC, an Angel investment group, was formed in 2012. This group of businesses and economic development leaders are committed to entrepreneurial expansion. Their priority is to assist local businesses and attract other businesses to the area.  The members of the group, Larry Hines, Mike Olthoff, Paul Jackson, John Pridnia and Eric Seifert, started seeking investors for the LLC and currently have 24 committed individuals investing $25,000 per year for five years, which equates $600,000 per year. Their first investment in a new manufacturing company will take place this fall.

Capture Muskegon Public Art Murals – Capture Muskegon Committee
Walldogs, a group of world-class mural painters came to Muskegon after two years of campaigning by Bob Lukens, Director of the Muskegon Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. A committee including co-chairs Sherri Balaskovitz and Len Piasecki, and committee members, Judith Hayner, Bob Lukens, Cathy Bruebaker-Clarke and Ellen Berends put out a call for financial support. This call was answered by Eagle Alloy and the first mural, MUSKEGON PROUD, was dedicated in June 2013. A second mural, underwritten by Alcoa Foundation, MUSKEGON SOARS, was dedicated in September 2013.

Movies on the Beach – Kerry Halloran, winner of a Love Your Community $500 mini-grant
Movies are played during the summer at Pere Marquette Park, on Lake Michigan, where families can bring their beach chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy free movies. Screens and sound systems are donated and the Cinema Carousel Theater provides free popcorn. Kerry submitted an idea for Movies on the Beach to the Love Note grant program of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and was a 2012 winner. Her $500 was used to create Movies on the Beach.

Tom Anderson – Advocate of non-motorized trails
Tom Anderson, owner of The Bicycle Rack in Muskegon and board member of the West Michigan Trails & Greenways Coalition, has been a long-time advocate of non-motorized trails. Tom has been instrumental in the grant approval process that has resulted in millions of dollars being spent to build and/or improve the trails of West Michigan. Tom’s experiences and connections with the railroad and as mayor pro-tem of North Muskegon have provided pathways and support that have been invaluable to the Coalition.

Carla Flanders  – Lakeshore Art Festival
In 2013, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce took over the Art in the Park event with the goal to reinvent it to become a true arts festival. Carla Flanders, an outside consultant, was hired to take on this challenge. Her efforts were extremely successful and in a short period of time, Carla put together a committee of people who had prior festival experience as well as a strong volunteer contingent to assist with event logistics and to comfortably share ideas and opinions. The first year festival yielded more than 50,000 people in attendance over two days and plans are already underway for 2014.

Girls on the Run  – Melissa Reid
Girls on the Run is a positive youth development program which combines training for a 5k with an interactive curriculum to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles in 3rd through 8th grade girls. In fact, the Muskegon County program is one of the fastest growing Girls on the Run programs in the nation. During the 2012-2013 season, over 1,200 girls participated representing 39 schools in Muskegon County. Melissa and her husband brought this national curriculum to Whitehall 8 years ago. With Melissa’s leadership, the program has been rapidly growing.

VanKampen Boyer Molinari Foundation/Hampton Green Farm -Joan Mack
This family foundation is dedicated to the needs of non-profit organizations in Michigan and Florida. The foundation is focused on family and community welfare, the arts and equestrianism. Hampton Green Farm, a world class dressage training facility in Fruitport, is the Foundation’s host location for non-profit organizations to hold fundraising events in Michigan. The Boyers open their farm to 14 non-profit organizations every summer. The Foundation will pick up all costs associated to the event, with the non-profit keeping all of the proceeds. Over the last four years, hosted non-profit events at HGF have garnered $200,000 in revenue.

Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce  - Dancing with the Local Stars
Dancing with the Local Stars began in 2009 as a fundraiser for local food pantries. In five years, this event has raised over $310,405 benefiting more than thirty local organizations. DWLS is a local version of the nationally-known Dancing with the Stars. Stars are high-profile members of the community who volunteer their time practicing endless hours to entertain sell-out audiences. Planning and executing this event takes hundreds (maybe even thousands) of volunteer hours and about 50 committee and sub-committee members from WDCC.

Kid’s Food Basket – Kris Collee, Program Manager
One in four Michigan children goes hungry every day. Kids’ Food basket, based in Grand Rapids, helps children get nourished to be their best in school and in life through the Sack Supper program. Kids’ Food Basket is the only organization in West Michigan focused solely on childhood hunger. Muskegon was blessed to become the program’s first satellite operation. Today, two full-time employees and hundreds of volunteers and donors are packing and delivering 600 nutritious Sack Suppers EVERY DAY for children in our community’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

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.

The Friends of Hackley Public Library of Muskegon, Michigan announces the launching of its new annual Corporate Sponsorship and Membership program. This program is designed to attract corporations, businesses and business professionals to join the Friends in its many fundraising efforts aimed at preserving and enhancing the venerable Hackley Public Library’s programs and facilities for the lasting benefit of the greater Muskegon community.

The Friends current project is to raise $100,000 to fund the development and furnishing of a community gathering space in the library’s lower level, creating a much-needed meeting facility in centrally located downtown Muskegon.

Several sponsor levels may be selected, each of which will provide recognition at one or all of four signature events held throughout the year – the Hackley Distinguished Lecture series, the annual Friends Book Sale, the Bling Thing jewelry sale and the member’s Candlelight Evening event. A Champion Sponsor level which includes all four signature events as well as a basic Corporate Member level are also available.

The Friends of Hackley Public Library was established in 1973 as an independent non-profit charitable 501(C)3 organization dedicated to promote, support and benefit the library through memberships, fund-raising projects, events and other activities designed to enrich our community.

For additional information contact Carolyn Madden, President at (231) 286- 3687 or
cmadden@aol.com.

Bob Lukens, CDME

Muskegon, MI – Muskegon County will kick off construction for its new Juvenile Transition Center (JTC) by hosting a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at its new location at 205 E. Apple Avenue. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Currently, the JTC is located on a rural site 12 miles from downtown Muskegon. The new 25,000 square-foot facility will expand its capacity from 12 to 32 residents. The new facility will be built at the county’s Pine Street South Campus near other downtown county offices, with completion slated for September of 2014.

“We’re thrilled to see this project come to fruition” said Vernon Oard, Muskegon County Youth Services Director. “Having this new facility closer to other county services will greatly increase the treatment and support options for Muskegon County youth and their families.”

The JTC, a Secure co-educational caring institution functions within the Muskegon County Department of Corrections, will look and feel different than the existing facility. For example, the new JTC will feature brick veneer and a pitched roof looking more residential than institutional, and interior spaces will feel more like living areas than confinement areas.

The new center will promote the county’s contemporary approach to juvenile rehabilitation with an enhanced focus on education. Individualized learning programs, substance abuse counseling, social skills, character development and recreational programs will give each person an opportunity to develop accountability and achieve personal growth.

“The goal is to provide a safe and secure environment that will allow these young people to transition back into their families and society so they can become successful students, citizens and employees,” said Oard.

Granger Construction Company will serve as Construction Manager for the new JTC and the Adult Detention Center project, designed by GMB Architects and Engineers of Holland, MI and Goldberg Group Architects, PC, a criminal justice architect from St. Joseph, Missouri.

Brides and grooms from around the state and even the country are choosing Muskegon as their wedding location.

Muskegon has dozens of unique venues for weddings and many with lakefront views. These locations have seen a recent uptick in couples coming to Muskegon to celebrate their vows.

“The majority of the couples, with no family ties here, are coming from the east side of the state. They want to get married along Muskegon’s waterfront,” said Laurel Sass, Watermark 920 General Manager. “We have even had a couple travel from as far as Florida to get married here,” she added.

Ying Woellhaf, Event Coordinator at the Century Club Ballroom said they just had a bride from Detroit who found their venue online and chose Muskegon to have her wedding because of the unique vintage chic space and the friendliness of the vendors in Muskegon.

Darlene Witham, Director of Sales for the Shoreline Inn and Conference Center said, “People are becoming more familiar with the beauty of the water here and we have a growing potential to see the number of destination weddings increase over the next couple years.

By Pamela Sherstad

Media headlines like “Glitches hamper rollout of Obamacare website” and “If you like your plan, you can keep your plan” have hounded President Barack Obama as national health care reform struggles for traction.

Testimonies of families who received notices of discontinuing health care coverage have reminded the country that national health care reform is not going as planned. Terminally ill people are saddled with the challenge of finding new health care plans and confusion abounds. With so many problems making headlines, one serious issue with the Affordable Care Act that is not getting the attention it deserves is the hidden coverage of abortion in Obamacare insurance plans.

Before Obamacare was passed, prolife people consistently warned the public there was nothing in the law to prevent abortion from being covered in the tax-subsidized plans in the Obamacare insurance exchanges. Instead of being transparent, the Obama administration has attempted to hide which plans cover abortions. While some states, like Michigan, have moved to ban abortion coverage, others have not.

During an October 30, 2013, hearing, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about this lack of transparency and if she knew which plans covered abortion as a number of his constituents did not want to have plans which included paying for the killing of unborn children.

Secretary Sebelius responded by saying, “Sir, I don’t know. I know exactly the issue you’re talking about. I will check and make sure that is clearly identifiable.”

Shimkus followed up and requested that the administration provide the committee with a list of insurers in the exchange who do not provide abortion coverage and Sebelius said, “We should be able to do that.”

Knowing the history of the Obama administration’s previous attempts to hide the abortion coverage in Obamacare, Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) has introduced the “Abortion Full Disclosure Act of 2013.” The bill would require abortion coverage to be disclosed and prominently displayed by insurance companies when plans are offered on the Obamacare exchange.

Representative Smith said, “Americans have a right to know upfront and with full transparency when they are purchasing a plan that subsidizes the killing of unborn children. Even the most ardent advocate of abortion should embrace full disclosure.”

To learn more about prolife legislation, please visit Right to Life of Michigan online at www.RTL.org.

Fenton Kelley, owner of WMKG television announced today that WMKG TV CH38 will be going digital and adding three additional broadcast channels.

Construction is underway to add digital channels by the first of December.

There will be a Channel 49 – 1 which will be Channel 38’s regular programming. Channel 49 – 2 is scheduled to be country videos along with local music videos, and channel 49  – 3 is yet to be determined.

This move will increase the range of the broadcast  to 45 miles or more.

Acme Antenna and tree service will be installing the large antenna by late November.

Channel 38 which was originally Channel 40 went on the air in 1990 and is still family owned although Fenton has placed the station up for sale and wishes to retire.

WMKG Channel 38 is one of the few independently owned television stations broadcasting 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Channel 38 will remain on the air with it’s regular programming which includes local church services, bible studies, square dancing and high school sports along with many syndicated programs.

OTTAWA COUNTY – Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) was chosen as the recipient of the 2013 Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director’s Award for Excellence in Local Public Health. The department was selected for their innovative collaboration and leadership efforts demonstrated through their Beach Health Educational Campaign. “We acknowledge the significance of Ottawa County Department of Public Health’s active engagement in the protection of our natural resources and prevention, through the reduction of determined health risks, on behalf of Michigan citizens and visitors,” said Melanie Brim, Senior Deputy Director of the MDCH Public Health Administration.

Pictured from left: Lisa Stefanovsky M.Ed., Public Health Administrator/Health Officer; Adeline Hambley, REHS, MBA, Environmental Health Manager; Kristina Wieghmink, M.Ed., Communications Specialist; and Randy Rapp, RS, On-site Team Supervisor

Submitted by Katie Courtade, 4-H Program Coordinator, Muskegon County Extension

4-H Leader of the Year Award:
The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Leader of the Year is Nancy Hartman.

Nancy has been a 4-H Leader for 11 years. Today she is the administrative leader for the THUNDERhoofs 4-H club. She currently serves as the 4-H Leaders Council Secretary. She has spent numerous hours helping with Leaders Council fundraisers and even when things got tough she always had a positive attitude and smile on her face.

Nancy was always first to volunteer to help with the following activities: the petting zoo at Pioneer Park, 4-H Livestock Clinic, TSC Paper Clover Campaign, or taking pictures of the 4-H members during activities.

Nancy has a great personality and remarkable attitude. She has exceptional leadership, expresses genuine love for people and animals. Nancy exemplifies the true meaning that it is all about the kids.

Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council Community Service Award:
The Spur of the Moment 4H Club painted Mr. Lyn Krolczyk fence. They donated the paint, supplies and time to paint the fence The club painted the fence on 4 separate/2 hour sessions. Thirty-three of the members attended at least one session. Some members were able to help at multiple meetings.

Mr. K has allowed the Spur of the Moment 4H Club to use his barn for the last 5 years for meetings. He also supports us with shavings, pop can donations and wisdom. Spur of the Moment was looking for a Community Service effort and we noticed that Mr. K’s fence was badly in need of a paint job. They thought that was a way the 4-H members could give back to a man who gives so freely to others.

The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council Community Service Award belongs to: Spur of the Moment 4-H Club

4-H Horse Developmental Horse Sportsmanship Award
The Horse Sportsmanship Award goes to a 4-H member who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship during the Muskegon County Youth Fair.

The 2013 Horse Sportsmanship Award goes to Jackson Fitzgerald.

Jackson has spent countless hours, both in the saddle and out, learning and practicing her skills to be the best of the best in competition. Jackson is a humble winner and also a gracious contestant when she doesn’t win. She is an inspiration to younger members as her best friend, Addison Walstra, is one of her fiercest competitors.

“Jackson Fitzgerald is a strong positive influence to all the younger members of our 4-H Club. She works hard at practice and at showing. She also helps me with the other members at our practice meetings and always jumps right in without being asked. She never complains and never says anything negative at practice or to the other members. She is willing to loan out her great horse Dusty any time a younger member needs a horse to practice with. ”- Christy Deal

Marian Judd 4-H Award
The Marian Judd 4-H Award was established by the Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council in memory of Mrs. Marian Judd, who served as a 4-H club leader for over 40 years. Mrs. Judd took special pride in recognizing those 4-H members who showed the greatest personal growth and improvement in their 4-H projects and activities.

The 2013 Marian Judd 4-H Award goes to Ashley Leonard

Ashley was nominated for her improvement in her swine project. Ashley has participated in the swine division for several years. Last year Ashley’s pig was very heavy and she was determined to do better this year managing her pigs weight. By keeping a close eye on her pigs weight using a portable scale the weight of her hog was right on target which brought her great satisfaction. Ashley has shown amazing improvement in her knowledge of the swine project area. She serves as a mentor to cloverbuds and helps whenever needed.

Friend of 4-H Award
The Friend of 4-H Award is awarded to an individual who has provided significant contributions and assistance to 4-H programming and is not presently enrolled as a 4-H leader.

The 2013 Friend of 4-H Award belongs to Ron Ballard

Ron Ballard has served on the Muskegon County Fair Board for a number of years, contributing to the growth and improvement of the fairgrounds and the Youth Fair. Ron has been a huge supporter of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Ron continues to help the 4-H members with numerous projects. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to be sure the fairgrounds is ready for the Youth Fair.

4-H Teen Leader of the Year:

The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Teen Leader of the Year is Emily Erffmeyer.

Emily has shown tremendous growth in the area of leadership over the past several years. She is willing to help other 4-H members in the areas of livestock and shooting sports.

This past spring, Emily attended the 4-H Shooting Sports Training Program at the Kettunen Center. She is a certified teen leader instructor for shooting sports. Emily also taught a shooting sports session during 4-H Winterfest at the Kettunen Center. She helped 8-12 year olds learn more about trap shooting, gun handling and safety.

Emily serves as a mentor for many 4-H members within and out of her 4-H club. Her positive and uplifting spirit make it easy for any child to ask for her help. She has also served in several officer positions within her 4-H clubs. She has been active member in the Ravenna FFA and Ravenna High School National Honor Society.

Pam Sherstad, Right to Life of Michigan

Keeping tax dollars and insurance premiums from paying for the destruction of innocent human life as part of health care is a high priority for registered voters in Michigan. Volunteers across the state circulated petitions throughout the summer to initiate Abortion Insurance Opt-Out legislation. More than 315,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State’s office on Friday, October 4, sending a strong message to Michigan lawmakers that abortion is not health care.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Prolife people from every county in Michigan responded to the need to keep our tax dollars and health insurance premiums from paying for abortion. Because of their efforts, the petition drive was cut-off more than 2 months early. Volunteers organized opportunities for people to sign at churches, county fairs, family reunions, athletic events, and we even heard of a bride circulating petitions at her wedding reception. The dedication of people is inspiring.”     Continue reading →

LANSING, Mich. – More than 600 registered Michigan voters, verified as non-U.S. citizens by federal records, will receive a notice this week asking them to contact state election officials to be removed from Michigan’s voter rolls.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said the notice is part of ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in the state’s voter rolls while at the same time protecting non-citizens.    Continue reading →