Mercy Health Muskegon and Public Health – Muskegon County hosted a discussion to update media and business leaders on the community’s COVID-19 response.

It's a voice synonymous with broadcasting in Muskegon and in all of professional hockey, it's one of the most consistent, and enduring names to have ever worked behind the mic.  Terry Ficorelli will be returning to what he loves most as the Muskegon Voyagers Professional Hockey Team debut their COVID shortened season in February. 

Kathy Moore from Public Health - Muskegon County updates us on COVID in Muskegon for Jan 14th. Where the numbers are of who's sick, hospital count and treated. How things have evolved in nearly a year of this now for everyone. Immunizations have begun and are continuing. We talk about the registration process and how that's working. How much of the vaccine has come to Muskegon and where it's gone. Mercy Health and Public Health will be hosting a meeting tomorrow that The Muskegon Channel will carry live online and on Channel 96 Muskegon television tomorrow at 11am.

Social media in a lot of ways is still kind of the "Wild West" as we have come to the stark realization of over the last year or so.  The amount of information, good and bad, right or wrong, slanted or not and above all nefarious in intent or paid agenda content has been like standing on a corner while someone comes by with a fire truck and sprays the hose at you.  It's a LOT to try and ingest and what's real and what's fake is almost indistinguishable to even the most scholarly of media observers.  It's also delivered at a pace that people who are on social media almost all day can barely keep up with let alone those who check in once in a while.  This is leading to a big problem.

Given the present state that our country is now in we could use some positive youthful inspiration. Nine-year-old Aaliyah Hughes who attends Timberland Academy provides us with just that.  Her innocent smile will bring joy to anyone’s heart. It's not often I have the opportunity to interview a young free spirited entrepreneur who is ready to take the world on by storms.

She created her own company, Lee Lee Kisses, while stuck at home during the pandemic last summer.  Despite the COVID-19 issues in which we are currently facing and the recent governmental issues, this little lady is doing one of the things that she loves the most, which happens to be making lots of money.

It was back in November.  Rick Shaffer walked out to his mailbox and felt a little out of breath.  Didn't think much of it at the time, maybe a little rest and things will be fine.  Pretty safe assumption for the average 61 year old.  He rested, and unfortunately things didn't really improve and he was off for the dreaded COVID test like so many others.  The test led to a hospitalization, which led to a ventilator, which led to a couple of months of the story playing out for Rick like we've all seen time and time again on our nightly news, on our social media, among our friends as we talk and in the back of all of our minds.

We're back in the new hot spot for warm comfort food in Muskegon Heights, Soul Filled Eatery with Chef LaKisha Harris and today, it's going to be an amazing combo with a little assistance from her assistant and incredible chef in her own right LaToya Blackshire.

As Muskegon works it's way into the second round of vaccinations, there's understandably some confusion about the procedure and who's eligible.  Dr. Justin Grill is the Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Health and he's joining us today to help explain what's needed, who's eligible at this point and you'll find a convenient link below which is directly connected to the registration to Public Health Muskegon to get the process started.  Please take not of what Dr. Grill has to say.

Yup.  It's another bunch of big scary bikers doing what they do best.  Yup, they are going above and beyond again to help where they can for the benefit of those in need, and they are doing it in a fun way that doesn't cost much, gives people a chance to rally behind their friends who are willing to participate and in the end, help fund direct assistance to people who need the help in their battle against cancer.

You know, the only dumbbell around Becky isn't the guy behind the camera!  Not even for a second.  Becky has more ways you can use a dumbbell than you can shake a stick at and the way's she's going to show you today are all about working those arms, legs and midsection.  Of course, yours are probably perfect right... (can you tell this is being written by the dumbbell behind the camera?)

Everyone needs that one person in life who can help them develop a different attitude on managing finances.  Well, Chauncey Williams is just that person. It was a pleasure listening and talking with this young man.

We all start somewhere.  All of what you see here and now on the Muskegon Channel, it began with a GoPro, free blog program and one sponsor who believed in what we were up to.  We were lucky enough to have a little more social media savvy than most, but they were truly the humblest of beginnings and ever since, we've done all we can to make sure that others looking to get started, launch a brand or show the rest of the community, or world what they got there was an affordable way to make it happen.  Yes, we gave away the farm for a little too long and as we grew had to think better financially for all of us, so the freebies had to kinda come to a stop, but we still work pretty hard to find an angle to help get the word out.  This is the case today.

It's a new week with Caitlin Anderson and Tranquil Waves Yoga on the Muskegon Channel!  We'd like to welcome back the hundreds of viewers from week one as well as anyone who might be trying it out for the first time!  Hey, we promise ya.  This isn't the kind of yoga that's going to get you into any kind of weird cult or far off world.  This is practical stuff that's designed to help you out on a few different levels. 

Weekly, Shon Cook joins us for a segment from her family law office in Whitehall to make some of the "tough stuff" in the legal world more easy to understand and cut through the "legal speak" that is quite often intimidating to those who are not involved with the legal system on a regular basis.  It's really one of the most intimidating parts of it all really trying to understand what and why while you are in the middle of a life crisis like a divorce, child custody dispute or something along those lines.  Shon and her staff are simply masters at making sure you are informed, knowledgeable and that you know their work is dedicated to the best outcome for you.  It's the above and beyond that sets Shon a part, like setting aside time weekly to come by and help you understand in advance that is the most invaluable part.

Muskegon, it's known for one thing and that's making sure needs are met no matter the challenge life throws our way.  It might be an economic downturn,  maybe it's a natural problem we can't predict or defend against, or maybe it's a pandemic that only comes along every 100 years that we never thought we'd see.  We know how to circle the wagons and make sure those who can't care for themselves are taken care of the best we can.  It's not that we're an overly affluent community, it's not that we've got the deep pocketed donors who can use the money they make off interest to give back a little...no it's much more than that.  We have people here who genuinely make a sacrifice to take care of each other.  This is the overly wonderful part of "us".  Most of us know what it's like to need a hand to and to give one in return is a payback to what's been given.

Muskegon may be small, but it is filled with lots of people with great big hearts such as Sara Wolovlek. Sara saw the good in which another community was doing for their citizens and decided to take a stand and bring that same process to life here in Muskegon. 

Happy New Year!!  It's time to shake it off and move it on.  Did you make a resolution to be more fit?  Are you already committed to staying in the best shape you can regardless of whatever gets thrown your way?  Look at it like this...you probably survived the worst year any of us will ever endure and you made it!  We all made it and we look back on the year that was and those we lost with reverence and hopefully some wisdom for the future.  All part of being Fit and Healthy. 

A new year and a new feature on the Muskegon Channel.  Caitlin Anderson operates Tranquil Waves Yoga in Muskegon and she's come to the Muskegon Channel to show off her passion and how the ancient practice of yoga benefits more than just your physical well-being.  It's an approach to your whole body, mind and spirit.  

Every week, we spend a few minutes visiting with our sponsor Shon Cook.  She's a Family Law Attorney in Whitehall and her advice, well, simply put it's amazingly helpful because she makes all the legal speak understandable for the average person and she also makes the legal system less intimidating for her clients.  Let's face it, Shon is not generally called upon when everything is smooth sailing and there's nothing to worry about.  Having an attorney that not only works for the very best outcome for you as a client is important, but so are the "soft skills" of the job which Shon is able to share with us here every week to a degree and how she implements them into her practice.

Good Afternoon, 

I thought it best to maybe take a minute today and speak to you directly instead of making a story out of our announcement today for a couple reasons.  First off, the level of gratitude we have to share is far beyond any short article we could post accompanied by a video and secondly, maybe a little story about how we got to today's announcement, what it took and how we plan on going ahead with it.  So here we go!

With the new year we thought we'd add a little something to the mix when it comes to the well being of the audience.  We've done so incredibly well with Fit and Healthy With Becky that it was clear that there was room for some growth when it comes to health programs.  Becky will be kicking off every Monday with the energy, amps and hustle but Sunday mornings, it's going to be a totally different vibe.

If you've spent any time in or around Downtown Muskegon and become a fan of any of the offerings of the food trucks that have been becoming more and more popular, chances are you've been able to spot the wagon that's painted up like no other with the beautiful colors, bold words and overall message of peace and love that's run by Tacitus Nana-Kwesi Yabani.  "Tac" as those who know him refer to him for short moved here from Ghana not so long ago and has since become a fixture of the Muskegon community.  His food is amazing, his character is unforgettable and he's added a little bit of the "old country" into all of our lives with a spirit that is unmistakable and inviting.  To Tac, a stranger is literally a friend he's not met yet and it shows in everything he does.  His vehicle for introductions.... FOOD!

Her name is Jocelyn Hines. She grew up in the Muskegon area and came home from college only to create a new social networking system for young African Americans, who are entering into the professional world. After graduating from college in 2016, Ms. Hines had a vision of reaching out to other young college graduates or students that were still in college, who wanted a comfortable place within peers of their own to socially network. This includes seeking guidance of young black professionals who have been where they are going or are are striving to get where they are.  

We've been so lucky this year to be able to showcase the incredible talents of our area young people.  With the state of affairs, their hard work over years and years building up to their chance to shine in front of a crowd has dwindled a little but just because the auditoriums can't be filled with the sounds of the season, that doesn't mean that these kids shouldn't be celebrated.  In fact...if they can't be in the local auditorium, let's go all in and put them out there for the entire world to see on multiple platforms, screens of all sizes and let people watch anytime they like.  Take that COVID.  Muskegon ALWAYS finds a way!

Welcome to another visit to the Soul Filled Eatery Kitchen with LaKisha Harris!  The Soul Filled Eatery is located on Glade Street in Muskegon Heights and serves up some of the most delicious meals you can find anywhere along with the warmth and hospitality you'll only find in a place that's dedicated to making you feel at home. The recipes are handed down by the generation, the sense of community is building from her little spot and the people are coming in from all over West Michigan to try what's coming out of the service window.  We've seen plenty of posts from Grand Rapids, Holland and even Detroit where destination diners are heading to Muskegon for a little slice of Soul Filled!

For the last week or so, we've had exclusive access to some of the incredible front line staff at Mercy Health in Muskegon to talk about their work through 2020 and all they have had to face with the pandemic that has taken so much from all of us.  The heaviest toll of course has been placed on those who have had to care directly for the patients that were admitted to Mercy Hospital with COVID-19.  We've spoken to everyone from seasoned veterans to first year nurses and their experiences with helping those suffering under the pandemic have been truly, remarkable.

"The Orchard View Show Choir did the "Zoom thing" and they mastered it.  It's as good as you've seen on any of the networks by producers who make a lot more than anyone in schools and the idea behind it all, is to give our local kids a chance to shine, when it seemed that all might be lost to a year that's taken more than it's deserved!  So, as they say, without further adieu... Ladies and Gentlemen...The Orchard View Show Choir!"

Up and at 'em!  You might even have this week off and that's plenty good reason to get yourself in the holiday spirit by banging some barbells in the comfort of your own home as Becky is bringing you an awesome upper body work out this week and suggests a set of 10 pound dumbbells to help increase the benefits!  If 10 pounds is past your level, that's perfectly ok, work to your comfort level with 5's or 8's.  What's most important is that you do it and stick to it!  Hey, this week is all about gifts and stuff, so give the best gift to yourself you can by simply staying "Fit and Healthy".

We film at The Gym in North Muskegon.  Like so many other small business, The Gym is doing all it can to stay afloat.  It's an incredible little place filled with everything you need for an amazing work out complimented by a neighborly atmosphere and grown up approach.  You won't feel like a number at The Gym, you'll feel more like a true member and you'll see in short order that what they have on the 4 Corners in North Muskegon is truly a gem and a great place to get your work out on when you are comfortable returning to such a setting.  Mary and her staff are amazing.

Before we get rolling, let's remind ya.  Before you begin this or any workout, please consult your Dr.  Make sure you drink plenty of water, warm up and stretch out...here comes Episode 171 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel.

Fit and Healthy With Becky is new weekly and available right here on the Muskegon Channel website, on the Muskegon Channel app for your Iphone or Android device or if you have a Roku of Amazon Fire TV device, you can get the Muskegon Channel free from your channel store and watch there!  

Don't forget too, if you are looking for a healthier diet that's affordable and hassle free... Becky has the amazing West Michigan Meal Prep.  She takes care of all the meal planning and nutrition elements, you sit back, make your order and magically, you get healthy food that's delicious and ready to eat!  Take a look at her website below and find out what's on the menu for next week!  Enjoy!

"Looking back over the past 10 years was not only fun and rewarding, but it was touching and heartwarming too. Seeing choir students from the past, always singing their hearts out for Muskegon and beyond, was simply wonderful. In the end, we did our best to include here some “fan and student favorites” with the idea of also doing our best to create a balanced and entertaining show. We knew too that we wanted to include at least a few things from this year’s choir, We decided on three auditioned specialty acts and felt including our entire choir, singing our classic “Siyahamba,” would also be most appropriate. "

Camry Burks is a twenty two year old self made entrepreneur who smiles shines as bright as her products. She has everything you need to pamper you and make you fall in love with yourself all over. Even in the names of her products she manages to spread positive messages to everyone not just women. Ms. Burks just everyone to fill confident in being who they are within themselves. She also believes that self love is important.