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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon Area Transit System is pleased to announce that its new MARC initiative began Monday, November 3, 2014. The first MARC bus was scheduled to leave the downtown Muskegon Herman Ivory Terminal at 7:15 am and head north, traveling through North Muskegon, Lakewood Club, south Whitehall and end its first route cycle at Water and Church Street in Montague.

In addition to staff being available opening morning, MATS continues to schedule “How to Ride the Bus” seminars to further aid new riders. Riders are also encouraged to frequent www.matsbus.com for additional upcoming seminar times and locations.

MARC route and schedule information is available from several locations in these communities and also on www.matsbus.com. Keep up with route and MATS information by liking Muskegon Area Transit System on Facebook.

Grand Rapids, MI –The Quit Whining Start Writing 2014 Writers’ Conference will be held at Grand Valley State University’s L. William Seidman Center, downtown campus in Grand Rapids, on October 17-18th, 2014. The conference is geared toward authors (beginner to published), and will connect writers of all levels, editors, agents, marketing and PR professionals. A full day of workshops will take place on Saturday from 9am – 5pm, featuring experienced speakers on a variety of publishing and writing topics. An opening reception on Friday will be held from 6pm – 8pm featuring Keri Topouzian, author of The Perfect Armenian.

Registration is open and limited to the first 200 attendees. Early-bird registration features a $25 savings (and an entry to win a free Kindle) that will run through August 18th for $150. The fee includes the Friday evening reception and the Saturday conference and luncheon. Regular registration begins on Sept. 1st, with the fee at $175.

A keynote and more than 15 group sessions will be led by authors, editors, creative writing professionals, designers, publishers and marketing representatives. The conference speakers and sessions have been announced.

Sue Silverman, author of The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life as a White Anglo-Saxon Jew; Love Sick: One Woman’s Journey through Sexual Addiction; and, Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, which won the Association of Writers and Writing Programs award in creative nonfiction.

Brian Jud is the author of How to Make Real Money Selling Books (Without Worrying About Returns). This is the ultimate do-it-yourself guide to selling books to non-bookstore buyers in large quantities. He also wrote Beyond the Bookstore (a Publishers Weekly® book), a primer on non-bookstore marketing.

Marc J. Sheehan is the author of two poetry collections, Greatest Hits from New Issues Press and Vengeful Hymns from Ashland Poetry Press. His short story “Objet du Desir” won the Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Contest sponsored by the public radio program Selected Shorts.

Denise Hill is the editor-in-chief of NewPages.com, an online resource for writers and readers, and the Associate Professor of English at Delta College. She has expertise in publishing and professional writing, including grant writing, interviewing, review writing, freelance, and new media writing.

Mark Vorenkamp will speak on the changing publishing climate and how e-books and the printed page can coexist in the future. He is a writer, e-book developer, and President of Inklings Writers Guild. Over 50 e-book projects have been completed under his guidance.

Carol Finke teaches writing at a community college in northern Michigan and served as editor of the national literary journal Controlled Burn from 2007 through 2012. A Hopwood winner at the University of Michigan and a Hogrefe Fellow at Iowa State University, her short stories and creative nonfiction have appeared in True North Georgetown Review, and other journals in print and online.

Cari Noga wrote her first novel, Sparrow Migrations, as part of National Novel Writing Month in 2010. The tale of five characters connected by 2009’s “Miracle on the Hudson” plane crash, the book about those events was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest.

Peter Jeff is the author of Leadership Mints for Busy Leaders, 101 Ideas to Freshen Your Leadership Breadth. He is also the author of a personal leadership book on goal setting, Get a GRIP on Your Dream. For more please see his blog: www.leadershipmints.com

Patricia (Trish) Harris has organized several exhibitions focused on intersections between literature and visual art. She is a curator, writer, teacher, artist, and teaches writing at Delta College. She is currently the curator for the transmedia Remaking Moby-Dick Project and edits the literary journal Pea River Journal.

Laura R. Holmes is the co-owner of FineLine Creative, a lakeshore-based marketing and advertising boutique. In 2013, the firm celebrated its 10-year anniversary and was named a finalist in the Top Women Owned Businesses Award by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Laura is also a travel writer, blogger and she published her first book in 2012, a collection of travel stories called, I’ve Gotta Pack. For book and blog visit: www.contentqueens.net

Tricia L. McDonald is the CEO of Splattered Ink Press and has a hands-on approach to guiding others in the writing process. Her Life With Sally book series are compilations of stories chronicling life with her miniature bull terrier. Her latest book Quit Whining Start Writing: A Novelist’s Guide to Writing will help writers put away the excuses and get the writing done.

Kim Bode is the principal of 834 Design, an award-winning communication, strategy, event planning, social media and media relations firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a speaker, Kim has presented on social media strategy, engagement, measurement and policy for organizations like Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs and the Michigan Association of CPA’s.

Melanie Hooyenga is the young adult author of Flicker Fracture, her second book in the series has been published and is getting rave reviews  She began writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to .that age group. She calls Michigan home now and balances writing with a graphic design day job.

Keri Topouzian is author of The Perfect Armenian. He will be discussing his book with Val Lego at the Friday evening reception. He is a physician who practices in Grand Rapids and Detroit and published his novel in 2010. His historic fiction account is based on his grandparents flight from genocide, who hailed from Armenia, immigrating to the US in the early 1900’s.

The conference goal is to help budding and experienced authors tell their stories, find their voice and learn how to publish and market their books and projects. For more information, visit the website at http://www.splatteredinkpress.com/writers-conference-2014/

Registration is available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quit-whining-start-writing-2014-writers-conference-tickets-11182574381?ref=ebtnebregn

Who:  Adult children, seniors, family caregivers, people with medical conditions and patient advocates
What:  How to Stay in the Driver’s Seat of Life, presented by CS Pimm, MSW, MPA, MM
Where:  Christian Care of Muskegon | 2053 S. Sheridan Drive, Muskegon MI 49442
When:  Wednesday, September 17, 2014 | 5:30PM Gathering; 6:00PM Presentation
How:  Call Susan at (231) 722-7165 ext. 26 to register your attendees

Living a long life brings opportunities like grandchildren, travel and fishing. As we live much longer lives we also have the opportunity to develop heart problems, have a bad fall, be diagnosed with cancer, or experience memory loss. In fact, the hospitalization rate of seniors is 3 times greater than the rest of the population. How do you ensure that your life will continue to steer in the right direction when you are not well enough to hold onto the wheel?

The key to staying in the driver’s seat of life is to be sure you have the right person sitting next to you in the passenger seat. While these loved ones are always given the burden of responsibility, they are rarely given the information and training they need to make good medical decisions and feel good about the decisions they’ve made. This presentation will provide tips and tricks to improve the effectiveness of patient advocates. Tools including decision-making worksheets, medication lists, smartphone apps, legal forms, electronic medical records, treatment preferences, internet resources, etc… will be provided.

Adult children, seniors, family caregivers, people with medical conditions, and patient advocates will all benefit from the “How to Stay in the Driver’s Seat of Life” program at Christian Care of Muskegon on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Gather at 5:30PM to fill your glass and plate; the presentation will begin at 6:00PM; you may even make it home in time to watch Jeopardy! Seniors, come laugh and learn, before your kids take the car keys away. The rest of you, come and see what they’re laughing about.

PRESENTER: Cynthia Pimm is not distinguished, published, or award-winning… in fact, my parents often call me by the dog’s name (the dog has been dead for 10 years). I am, however – able to make you laugh while you learn practical tips, tricks and tools that will help you steer clear of medical hazards on that road trip called life. You can request materials referenced in this presentation by contacting me at Hospice of Michigan, where I’ve been getting a paycheck since 1991. (616) 356-5214 | cpimm@hom.org
For  more  information  about  this  presentation,  call  Christian  Care  of  Muskegon  at  (231)  722-7165 extension 26. The Center is located at 2053 S. Sheridan Drive, Muskegon, MI 49442.

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon County Breastfeeding Coalition is seeking nominations for the Muskegon County Breastfeeding Friendly Business of the Year Award. To be considered breastfeeding friendly, the business must make it easy for women returning to work to continue nursing their infants. Examples of a breastfeeding friendly business include one that:

•Has a written policy supporting breastfeeding for employees and/or customers

•Offers a flexible schedule for breastfeeding mothers

•Provides a separate private space for breastfeeding or pumping/expressing milk

Nominations can be submitted online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/BFAward2014 and will be accepted throughout August in celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

Breastfeeding is an essential part of the overall reproductive cycle for the mother, resulting in faster recovery from pregnancy. It may also reduce her risk of breast cancer. A healthy mother means an employee who is able to contribute more productively to her workplace.

Breastfeeding is also the healthiest way to feed infants. Breast milk is full of important ingredients that boost an infant’s immune system and reduce the risk of many common childhood illnesses and infections. Breastfed children also have higher IQ’s and may be less likely to become obese.

Benefits to employers for supporting breastfeeding include lower medical costs and health insurance claims for breastfeeding employees and their infants, reduced turnover rates, lower absenteeism rates, improved productivity and raised employee morale and loyalty to the company.

Businesses nominated for last year’s distinction included the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at Public Health Muskegon County, The Lakes Mall, The Healing Light, Ryke’s Bakery, O’Brien Family Chiropractic, and the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District. The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District was the 2013 award winner.

In June 2014, Governor Snyder signed the Breastfeeding Antidiscrimination Act (Act 197 of PA 2014) into law giving women the right to breastfeed a child in any place that is open to the general public.

Also in June 2014, Senator Hansen worked to ensure $2M in state funds (SB 763) so that Medicaid-eligible women have access to breast pumps to support and encourage breastfeeding.

Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide break time for nursing mothers.

MUSKEGON – The Muskegon Civic Theatre board of directors has hired Teri Gust as its new managing director.

Gust replaces Ginny Sprague, who retired after more than 10 years working for Muskegon Civic Theatre, including the last eight as managing director. Gust began her new position in June. She is responsible for daily operations of Muskegon Civic Theatre, including season ticket sales, sponsorships, fundraising, marketing, and working with Artistic Director Kirk Wahamaki.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be a part of Muskegon Civic Theatre,” Gust said. “The theatre is something I’ve always loved, and now I get to be around it every day. My job is to see to it that MCT can continue doing what we do, through fundraising and awareness, community, education and entertainment.”

Gust has been involved in Muskegon Civic Theatre for many years, participating in stage productions since 2008. For the past 11 years, she has been part of First Lutheran Players, for First Lutheran Church. She has been an actress, director, producer, set and lighting designer for their productions. Gust also was vice president and secretary for Camcar Plastics, Inc., in Muskegon.

“We are excited to have Teri join the Civic Theatre team as Managing Director,” said board Chair Will Meier. “Her experience as an actor and producer for community theater and in the business world makes her a great fit for MCT. “

973 Tires collected by 34 hardworking volunteers.

Fruitport NHS and Sullivan volunteers

On Saturday June 14, 2014, 34 volunteers from Fruitport and Sullivan Township collected tires at no cost to residents from Moorland, Sullivan, Ravenna, and Egelston. This collection day was part of a series of dates paid for by a grant obtained by the before mentioned townships. Sullivan Township Volunteers and Elected Officials were joined by the Fruitport National Honors Society and Ben Gillette, Candidate for County Commission, for the event.

One student commented, “The Tire collection was hot, difficult, heavy, and dirty work.  It also was so much fun!  We met a lot of really cool and genuine people, and it was a great experience.”

Fruitport NHS

Organizers of the event want to thank the Residents, Fruitport Honor Society Students, Sullivan Township Board, and Candidate for 5th District County Commissioner Ben Gillette with his two children for helping to make this a success. And another thank you to Trustee, Kevin Aney (Pepperidge Farms), Elizabeth Grimm (Fruitport NHS Advisor), Sullivan Township, & Treasurer, Tammy Gillette for supplying Hot Dogs, Buns, Chips,  Apples, Bottle Water, Cookies, and doughnuts which was enjoyed by all.

The torn and twisted remains of an FDNY ladder of unknown origin is one of hundreds of objects salvaged from the World Trade Center site and held at JFK International Airport’s Hangar 17. The ladder’s grotesque distortion presents a chilling physical record of the violent events of September 11. Photograph by Amy Dreher, Photographer for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, New York. All rights reserved.

September 11 through November 9, 2014
REMEMBER AND REBUILD: Picturing the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Photographs by Amy Dreher

Muskegon Museum of Art | Established 1912  296 W. Webster Ave. | Muskegon MI 49440 t. 231.720.2574 | f. 231.720.2585 | www.muskegonartmuseum.org

MUSKEGON, Mich., July 15, 2014 – The American Red Cross is offering Babysitter’s Training courses at a reduced rate this summer.

Babysitting is a valuable first job for teens and pre-teens. Knowing how to better care for the young builds confidence to hold, feed, and care for infants and toddlers, work with children safely, and handle emergency situations. Babysitter’s training is also a great first step to learning entrepreneurial and career development skills.

The course is approximately six hours long and combines lecture, interactive video demonstrations, and multiple hands on practice sessions and training in first aid.  The course is designed for 11-15 year olds.

The classes will be held at the American Red Cross at 313 W. Webster, in downtown Muskegon, 49440.

Classes are scheduled for:
Tuesday, August 26, 2014 9:00am – 4:00pm

This course is open to the general public.  Pre-registration and payment is required for all classes. Call 1-800-733-2767, selection #3 or visit:
www.redcross.org/lp/take-a-class to register. Select the Muskegon location and the babysitting class category. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a certification from the Red Cross and a packet containing a book and CD.  PLEASE BRING A SACK LUNCH TO TRAINING

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid Classes are NOW OPEN

1 in 5 people will have a mental health crisis this year.  Muskegon has a suicide rate that is higher than the national average and higher than the state average.  The 3rd leading cause of death among young people is suicide.

This class will teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, how to intervene in a meaningful way during a crisis, how to recognize the warning signs and risks factors surrounding suicide, and so much more.

SIGN UP FOR A CLASS TODAY

It was nearly 1 year ago that we began instructing people in Mental Health First Aid.  Now we are beginning to hear stories back about how people have used the techniques that they have learned in this class to help someone in a crisis.  Some of those stories include helping people who were suicidal.  With 13 nationally certified instructors in Muskegon County, more than any other county in the state, we are working tirelessly to educate as many people in our community as possible.

We have just added two more classes for youth.  (And others for adult are in our calendar)!

Learn this for yourself.  Bring it to your family.  Change your community!

See Eventbrite.com for a list of these trainings!

The American Red Cross Offers Disaster Response Training.

For more information on how to give, get trained or get involved with the American Red Cross, visit: redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

If you are interested, please visit www.americorps.gov to learn more and apply online.

The historic Century Club Shops on Western welcomes their newest boutique, The Red Lotus Gallery to the lower level of the shops. Their goal is to provide West Michigan with a cultural refuge, a location that provides artists of various genres a place to create, display, perform and explore their art form. Regular classes and exhibitions also take place at the gallery. In addition, 669 Gemstone Jewelry opened in May. Owner Cindy Darcy has a wide collection of custom-made gemstone jewelry pieces that are unique, fun and fashionable.

The Century Block also includes the Muskegon Savings Bank building, which is the home to the Muskegon Winter Market. This summer, it is now home to the Love Muskegon Shoppes, an eclectic mix of items, food items and gifts. The shops include: Sugar & Spice Cake Design, Under the Pines (herbs and gifts), Y-Knot Embroidery, Light Up Muskegon, and more. Love Muskegon logo wear is available for purchase as well.

With summer’s increased activity, the Century Club will be open on Mondays through August: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For a complete list of shops, boutiques and events at the Century Block, visit their website at www.centuryblockmuskegon.com. Century Club Ballroom occupies the 2nd floor of the Century Club and is a unique urban venue for meetings, weddings and other events.

Legislation to make Michigan a more nursing-mom friendly state was signed into law recently by Gov. Rick Snyder, announced state Rep. Amanda Price.

Public Act 198 of 2014, authored by Price, protects nursing mothers by helping them feel as comfortable as possible when feeding their child in a public place. Together with PA 199’14, the measures ensure moms who are breastfeeding in public cannot be charged with indecent exposure or disorderly conduct for an act seen as natural and beneficial to many.

“Moms across our state need to know that they can — and should — nurse their child wherever and whenever they need to, without worrying about repercussions,” said Price, R-Park Township. “This is a common-sense measure to help Michigan mothers feel as comfortable as possible when breastfeeding, and I am glad it received such overwhelming support.”

The governor also signed PA 197’14, which creates the Breastfeeding Antidiscrimination Act so that business owners cannot deny service to nursing mothers. Michigan joins 25 other states with similar laws protecting nursing mothers.

State Rep. Amanda Price, third from right, joins Gov. Rick Snyder as he signs Public Act 198 of 2014 into law. The law, authored by Price, R-Park Township, makes Michigan a more nursing-mom friendly state.

(Submitted by Shelli Bell)

The historic Century Club Shops on Western Avenue welcomes their newest boutiques, LeFleur Flower Shoppe, Apple Valley Yarn West, Maggie’s Gourmet Food and Gifts, and Glo’s Repurpose on Purpose. Located at 356 W. Western Avenue, the Century Club Shops on Western is also home to such retailers as Stormy Kromer Outfitter, Banana Dog Teas, McDonald’s Candies, Collage (vintage furniture and books), Emmaj’s LadyBug Shop, and Sierra Skye Studios.

Deb Moon’s LeFleur Flower Shoppe has expanded down the main aisle of the Century Club with a wide variety of gifts, seasonal decor, greeting cards, and fresh and silk floral arrangements. Deb has owned LeFleur since 1999, managing a dedicated team of professional florists.

Apple Valley Yarn West offers all things yarn related, including knitting classes. This is the third store for owner Chantella Bentsen, who also has shops in Midland and Clare, Michigan. She offers many types of yarn, from synthetic to wool, in a wide array of colors and from all over the world. She even stocks the brand of wool used for the sweaters worn by Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.

Maggie’s Gourmet Food and Gifts opened her newest site at the Century Club in April. The store offers a wide selection of gift baskets, gourmet foods and specialty products. They have one of the largest selections of Michigan-made products under one roof. Maggie’s flagship store has been open since 1998.

Glo’s Repurpose on Purpose uses mirrors in a variety of artistic ways. Glo takes the “everyday” item and turns it into a “must-have” for your home.

The Century Club Shops on Western is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  It will also be open on Mondays during the summer. To learn more about the Century Club Shops on Western, visit their website at centuryblockmuskegon.com.•

(Submitted by Access Health)
Access Health, a Muskegon-based health coverage provider and continuous health improvement program provider,  is celebrating 15 years. Since its establishment in 1999, Access Health has provided health coverage to over 730 businesses and 5,650 employees in Muskegon and northern Ottawa County.

At the start of the year, 15,325 area businesses and over 1,250 employees are under an Access Health coverage program. Over the past 14 years, Access Health members have seen only a $6 increase in their monthly cost of coverage, starting with $38 in 1999 to the current cost of $44.

Access Health shares this anniversary with the initiation of the new healthcare reform, popularly known as “Obamacare.” The reform, designed to increase the number of people covered by health insurance, could lead to increased taxes and fees for businesses that offer health coverage.  Any additional fees seen on your bill will go to support lower-income individuals and families purchasing health insurance, help pay for the costs of running the Health Insurance Marketplace, and assist with conducting research that compares the effectiveness of available treatments.

Access Health’s C3 Health Coverage Program and Continuous Health Improvement (CHI) Program are services unique to Access Health that help businesses manage their costs for healthcare, fitting perfectly with the new healthcare reform transition.

C3 Health coverage is complete comprehensive health coverage offered to employee groups with median income less than $15 per hour. Among many other money-saving benefits, members receive free health improvement classes and educational courses for specific health needs, $44 monthly health coverage with no deductibles, and very low or zero cost co-pays.

The continuous health improvement process begins with a comprehensive risk analysis of data from medical and pharmaceutical claims, health risk appraisals, and biometrics. Predictive modeling software, developed by Johns Hopkins, is then used to measure the health status of each member and their changes over time.

“The CHI program lets us help local employers manage their health costs,” said Jeff Fortenbacher, Chief Executive Officer, Access Health. “The program includes one-on-one personal health coaching to establish health goals and action plans for each of our members,” said Fortenbacher.

With improved employee health as its starting point, Access Health’s C3-CHI Program ultimately helps Muskegon County businesses become more competitive in their market. Eagle Group, Port City Group, Fleet Engineers, Dynamic Conveyor and Lorin Industries currently offer the program at their companies, or will be in the near future.

“Access Health helps to manage health risk and reduce the cost of our health coverage, which is an area of risk that hasn’t been effectively managed before due to the ‘traditional’ health care benefit system,” said John Workman, vice president of Eagle Group.

Access Health provides courses, programs, resources, and low-cost health coverage to lead the community on a path toward healthier lifestyles. Access Health serves uninsured employees of small businesses and other low-income, uninsured individuals. For more information, visit www.access-health.org.•

The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 86th Regional Exhibition, the longest-established regional art exhibition in Michigan, opened for public viewing Thursday, May 22, and will run through August 20.

The MMA’s annual, juried Regional Exhibition, known for its competitive nature and for its professional presentation, is open to amateur and professional artists throughout Michigan. This year, 299 artists submitted a total of 501 works for the competition. Guest juror David L. Deming selected 200 works by 162 artists for the exhibition. This exhibition of artwork in many mediums, themes, and styles will be displayed in the MMA’s Walker Galleries throughout the summer. Most of the artwork in the exhibition is available for sale.

This year’s juror, Cleveland sculptor David Deming, was President and CEO of the Cleveland Institute of Art from 1998 through 2010. He developed the school’s first digital arts department, and launching the plan for the Institute’s new campus. He has participated in more than 100 competitive and invitational exhibitions, nationally and internationally, and in more than 50 one-and two-person exhibitions.

The 86th Regional Exhibition is underwritten by Shape Corporation, Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, and the MMA’s Ally for Contemporary Art, the Alcoa Foundation. Awards are sponsored by Huntington Bank. Additional support is provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and MLive/Chronicle.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon. Call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for information.

MMA 86th Regional Exhibition Artist Awards
CASH AWARDS

Best of Show | $1,500
Joshua Adam Risner, Alto, Inness’s Daughter

2nd Place | $750
Michelle Newman, Muskegon, Mid-Century Muse

3rd Place | $500
Lisa Olsen, Grand Rapids, Slumber II

Director’s Choice | $500
Janet Tyson, Spring Lake, Hive

Curator’s Choice | $500
Katherine Bourdon, Muskegon, When Women Were Birds

Gordon Hall Memorial Award | $300
Sy Ellens, Kalamazoo, Neglected

Friends of Art | $250
Lee Ann Frame, Fruitport, Escape

West Michigan Potter’s Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Award | $250
Cary A. Vander Veen, Lawton, Spring Fever

Robert and Veronica Youngman Memorial Award for Graphic Arts | $150
Armin Mersmann, Midland, Best Laid Plans

William L. “Bill” Rogers Best Photography | $150
Robert C. Stone, Grand Rapids, Perkins Cove

Docents’ Choice | $100
Shelley Dingman, Muskegon, Muskegon Door

Honorable Mentions |$100
Lee S. Brown, Muskegon, Bound Column X
Jennifer Green, Whitehall, Street #1
Nancy Oakes-Hall, Grand Rapids, Anger Management

SPONSORED PURCHASE AWARDS (sponsor listed first)
ADAC Automotive
• Lois Ann Rodgers, Holland, The Tulgy Wood

AGS (American Grease Stick)
• Neil Mullally, Muskegon, Tucson Mission
• Karen Hoekstra, Grand Rapids, And the Earth Responds

Sherry Becker
• Lindy Crandell, Grand Rapids, Aunt Marjorie at 3 – 1924

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
• Mark Kirby, Muskegon, Drasland
• Holly Sturges, Grand Rapids, Thoreson Outhouse
• Holly Sturges, Grand Rapids, The Flume

Carla Hill
• Michelle Newman, Muskegon, Mid-Century Muse

Grand Valley State University Art Gallery
• Marc Hoeksema, Muskegon, Forest
• Lisa Olsen, Grand Rapids, Slumber II

Brian and Jamie Lang
• Andrew Jagniecki, Whitehall, A Murder of Crows
• Nancy Oakes-Hall, Grand Rapids, Anger Management

Patrick J. O’Leary
• Janet Tyson, Spring Lake, Hive
• Robert C. Stone, Grand Rapids, Perkins Cove

Warner, Norcross, & Judd
• Dianne Carroll Burdick, Grand Rapids, Water for Trees
• Sy Ellens, Kalamazoo, Water Wonderland
• Gale Nobes, Muskegon, Being
• Gale Nobes, Muskegon, Treeline

West Michigan Symphony
• Abbey Fitzpatrick, Spring Lake, Almighty Grid #3

Chris and Stephanie Witham
• Kathleen Kalinowski, Comstock Park, River Banks, Spring Thaw
• Connie Kuhnle, Rockford, Market Hydrangea

Marilyn and Richard Witham
• Tom Tomasek, Ovid, Wetlands

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon.
Call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for information.

The Lakeshore Art Festival, in conjunction with the Muskegon Center for the Arts, is pleased to announce the first ever Community Canvas project. This unique event will be an interactive community painting project in which anyone can participate for free.  Multiple large-scale canvases will be positioned around the sculpture located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Western Avenue on July 4 and 5 from 10 am – 6 pm. All Lakeshore Art Festival guests are encouraged to join in the creative celebration and make their mark at this year’s festival.

At the end of both Friday and Saturday, the canvases will be cut into various sizes and stretched over wooden frames. The canvases will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit a local non-profit organization.

“The Community Canvas project assists both the Lakeshore Art Festival and the Muskegon Center for the Arts in achieving our goal by engaging the community to be creative while giving back and supporting local nonprofits,” commented Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival Director.

The Muskegon Center for the Arts (the MCA) is an organization whose mission is to provide West Michigan, Muskegon in particular, with a cultural refuge. MCA provides artists a place to create, display, perform, and explore their art form. A place where community is the key to inspiration and success, where synergy is born, and where artists have more exposure.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to engage and interact with our community in such an expressive way. Members of the MCA will be on site to assist and encourage everyone to explore the creativeness in themselves,” stated Ruth Bolles, Judicial Board Member from the Muskegon Center for the Arts.

For more information on the Lakeshore Art Festival, visit the website: www.lakeshoreartfestival.org and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LakeshoreArtFestival.  For general information, please email artfest@muskegon.org. Lakeshore Art Festival will take place in downtown Muskegon on July 4 and 5 from 10 am – 6 pm.

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.

[MUSKEGON], MI ., May 30, 2014 – The American Red Cross serving Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties held its annual Volunteer & Blood Donor Recognition Event on Wednesday, May 21.

“Each year thousands of volunteers and blood donors serve our communities through the American Red Cross. We are proud of the unparalleled record that the Red Cross has of helping people and meeting their local needs,” said Tim Lipan, Executive Director, American Red Cross.  “All of the services are made possible by our dedicated team of volunteers, blood donors, and through continuing support from our generous community.”

Recipients of Special Service awards were as follows:
Reese Award for Extraordinary Service and Leadership:  Penny Albertie of North Muskegon received the highest award in the local Red Cross.  The Reese Award honors those that provide exceptional leadership and personal dedication, leading to the establishment, expansion or improvement of service to the American Red Cross and the community.

Volunteer of the Year:  Bill and Sue Gray of Spring Lake received one of the highest honors given to a volunteer in the Red Cross.  Both are involved in the core of Red Cross services, providing relief to victims of disaster and support to members of the military and their families.  For the past year, they have given direction and support to a team of all volunteers at the Muskegon office.  Both also respond to local house fires and other emergencies.  Most recently, they coordinated flood relief efforts and response to Newaygo County. Susan is currently training caseworkers in a new system to assist victims of disaster and Bill is involved with the Legend Flight to honor Western Michigan’s WWII veterans.

Transportation Services Award:  Richard Heisser, Norton Shores
For the past eleven years, Heisser has been a volunteer with the Red Cross. He has driven blood products to hospitals and seniors to medical appointments. He has taken on the responsibility for fleet maintenance, monitoring the vehicle reports, taking cars or vans for oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

Community Services Award:  Pete Mulford, Muskegon
Pete Mulford received the Community Service Award for his volunteer work in the Senior Transportation Department. For the past two years, this volunteer has driven 3 shifts a week driving seniors to medical and dialysis appointments. Mulford also developed a business plan coordinating the transportation of dialysis clients for pre-transplant appointments.

Disaster Services Award:  Cheryl Schneider, North Muskegon
Cheryl Schneider was honored for her service for the last nineteen years as a responder for local and national disasters. Schneider, a RN, is one of the volunteer nurses who respond to the disaster calls for fire clients who need medical assistance. She is the Health Services team lead, the person who goes over health histories with Disaster volunteers before they deploy on a national disaster assignment. She has also been instrumental in recruiting and training new nurses.

Blood Services Award:  Jim Kremer, Spring Lake
Jim Kremer received the Blood Services Award for his commitment over the past six years driving blood products that have saved countless lives. Kremer drives the units of blood to Lansing as well as to nine hospitals from Allegan to Cadillac and is available year round to assist the Red Cross.

Recognized for 25 Years of Service with the American Red Cross:
•    PRICILLA ANDERSON, Spring Lake

For more information about volunteering with the American Red Cross, please visit: www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or contact the Muskegon Chapter Office at: (231) 726-3555.

Jason Flanders of Norton Shores and Steve Draft-Peppin of Muskegon have been elected new members of the board of directors for Disability Connection/West Michigan.

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.

They join present board members John Wahlberg, President, of Muskegon; Mike Hamm, Vice President, of White Cloud; Tom Grein, Treasurer, of Whitehall; Joe Doyle, Secretary, of Muskegon and Ernest Scheel of Muskegon.  Susan Cloutier-Myers is the Executive Director.

Draft-Peppin is Laboratory Information Systems Coordinator at Mercy Health. He has a BA in political science from Michigan State University, an MPA from Grand Valley State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M .Cooley Law School. He is a graduate of Mona Shores High School.

Flanders, a current councilman for the City of Norton Shores, is employed by Astellas Pharmaceuticals in healthcare sales. He received a BBA in management and economics from Adrian College, and an MPA with an emphasis in healthcare from Grand Valley State University. He is a member of the Muskegon Elks and Muskegon Rotary.

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, or visit the web site www.dcilmi.org.

Muskegon Community College (MCC) has named the following Fruitport students to the ACADEMIC HONORS LIST for the summer 2013 semester. Students who completed 6 to 11 hours per semester with at least a 3.5 GPA are included on the Academic Honors list:

Fruitport
Aimee Burnell
Joshiwa Farmer
Matthew Hoffman
Michelle Jonassen
Kaylee Poepoe
Ryan Sullivan
Charles Wilson

Grand Rapids,  Michigan (5/21/14) – Visiting students, ages 14-18, from around the world including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and China are seeking host families throughout West Michigan for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic school year. Host families are needed for students attending school for the fall semester and full school year. Visiting students are interested in learning more about life as an American teenager and participating in customs and traditions with the help of local families.

Host families (traditional families, singles, empty nesters, etc.) serve as mentors and a home base for their student. Visiting students participate as active members of the family and integrate into their host’s daily routines and traditions just like any other family member. Hosting an international student is a great way to open your family’s eyes to the world, and promote a sense of lifelong learning and adventure.

iE-USA, the sponsoring program, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.

“Every year our region plays host to hundreds of talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America,” reports Joseph Bissell, iE-USA’s Great Lakes Regional Director. Joe ads, “Michigan’s spirit of hospitality and focus on academic enrichment makes it an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level.”

Exchange student participants undergo an extensive application and orientation process in their home country prior to being accepted into iE-USA’s program. Each student is responsible for his/her own spending money and full health insurance coverage.

To learn more about how to make the dream come true for an international high school exchange student, contact West Michigan area representative Sarah Boucher at s.boucher@international-experience.net  or 517-331-3460. Host families may review prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families desiring to host an exchange student must apply by August 15, 2014.

January 2014 has been designated National Radon Action Month by the EPA.  Learn more about Radon — an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that occurs in nature and is found in homes across the U.S. — and the national effort to take action against it:
http://www.radonmonth.org/
and check out “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon” — http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

MICHIGAN BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS AGENCIES DEMONSTRATE SUPPORT OF
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH THROUGH SEASONAL EVENTS

Muskegon, MI  January 2^nd, 2014 – Established in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, National Mentoring Month (NMM) aims to bring national attention to the ever growing need for volunteers to serve as mentors for youth. The initiative provides a wealth of resources and strategies for individuals, companies, and organizations enabling communities to cohesively work together to recruit mentors. Youth paired with caring adult mentors have shown positive trends in social and scholastic outcomes including academic improvements, progressive views regarding higher education ambitions, the avoidance of risky behaviors including drug/alcohol usage and skipping school, and improved socio-emotional responses to both peers and family. Increasing the number of available mentors continues to support optimistic outcomes for our nation’s youth.

As the nation’s oldest donor and volunteer-supported mentor recruitment network, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies provide an evidence-based solution to recruiting and retaining program mentors, serving thousands of children through the U.S. annually. This January, in support of National Mentoring Month, the Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters Alliance comprised of 16 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in the state of Michigan, has planned a host of recruitment events and campaigns.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore will be hosting a dinner to honor our Bigs.  Littles who have nominated their Big for Big of the Year will read their nomination letter at the dinner.  The agency will be awarding the Big Brother and Big Sister of the year to those individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their Littles become Confident, Competent and Caring individuals.

The goal of each campaign and/or event is to continue to create community awareness of the need for mentors in the respective areas, as well recognize the ongoing commitment of current agency volunteers. Each agency encourages community participation as they look to celebrate the dedication of local mentors and recruit additional volunteers in support of the children waiting for a caring adult mentor.

For more information regarding local Big Brothers Big Sisters National Mentoring Month activities, contact Cindy Timmerman, Executive Director, at 231-789-1391 or cindy@bbbslakeshore.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore
Locally Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore has served thousands of children, volunteers and families in Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason and Lake Counties since 1969. The agency currently serves over 165 Littles through traditional one-on-one community based matches and will again serve up to 16 Littles at Edgewood Elementary in Muskegon Heights through a Lunch Buddy’s mentoring program.  For more information visit our website www.bbbslakeshore.org or follow us on Twitter: @BigLilLakeshore and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-of-the-Lakeshore

Start Something.  Be a Friend.  Be a Mentor. Be a Donor.  Just be there!!

Having a busy time getting ready for the holidays? While everyone is shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating and going to parties, the American Red Cross has holiday tips to help make the season a safe one.

1. Prepare vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Build an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope.

2. Drive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being taken to get there, and how long it should take to arrive. If the car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home if sick. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands.

4. Follow Santa’s fashion lead – dress in layers. When it’s cold outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed and monitor safe play. Some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. This is important because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.

7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED training. Visit redcross.org/training for details and to register.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired. If someone plans on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.

9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely. Never use a stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

10. Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking the heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater.

11. Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well rested and alert. Give full attention to the road – avoid distractions such as cell phones. If someone has car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. Get ready now in case someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012.

For more information on how to give, get trained or get involved with the American Red Cross, visit: redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org