A while ago, we introduced you to local artist and gamer Jerry Maxwell. Jerry is a photographer, and he also loves to work in miniature and design some pretty remarkable things in his humble home in Muskegon Heights. Jerry "went rogue" for a little while and we kind of lost touch. Actually, Jerry had some life events pop up like we all do and just needed to take care of things at home....so he did.
Well, in his "down time", he decided to go a little bigger on what he's up to. He's worked to make more than just a corner of his house a studio. When we first met Jerry, he had an ideal little spot but he wanted to grow...so...he went big!
Jerry will continue to be Jerry. We'll continue to pick up his adventures and share them with you. There is a level of joy found in Jerry for the things he does that we can all learn from. He's detailed in his art. He's unassuming in his approach and he's one of the kind of guys Muskekegon should be famous for. Here's a tour of Jerry's new studio on Adventures With Jerry on The Muskegon Channel.
I've never been very anonymous when it comes to the whole "anonymity" part of my alcoholism. It's been 15 years since I have had a drink and I understand that while some may need to remain anonymous in their recovery, a huge part of keeping sobriety is being willing to give it away to others who are still stuck in addiction. I am a firm believer that addiction is a multi level issue and that the substance is only part of the overall problem. Self medication to treat an underlying issue is what addiction is all about, and once that "easier path" is found with self medication it's progressive and can lead to the end and to blame the addict is like yelling at a child for spilling milk.
In Muskegon. We don't have an inpatient care center for those who suffer from addiction, even though we are number 1 in the state for the problem. We also don't have a lot of doctors that are able, or willing for that matter to treat people who are addicted medically for a number of reasons. One, because of the specialized training it takes to use medications like Suboxone and quite sadly, some shy away from treating addiction because of the stigma of the whole thing. On a very personal level....even though I was "just an alcoholic", I wouldn't be alive today had I not had an inpatient detox when my days were done. I could have never quit without the inability to go get more. I needed to be isolated for a few days, monitored for a heart attack because of the volume I drank and had I not had all that, I wouldn't have made it through the first night. I would have drank myself to death, end of the story. Alcohol is hard to break, and opiates are even harder, and that is today's issue. 
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There is hope though. The Salvation Army of Muskegon introduced their Turning Point program here a while ago. It's a multi level approach to treating those addicted to opiates, prescription or otherwise that does include a doctor who can treat with Suboxone, inpatient care as needed at the beginning in Grand Rapids and then, comprehensive outpatient recovery and monitoring after the initial detox to help those suffering from their addiction make the turn to a life beyond their greatest imagination free of the chains they found themselves in. The program based in Grand Rapids had so many people from Muskegon going there, they decided to get it going here and they currently have 40 people in recovery and working toward a new life, post addiction.
This all takes some funding of course. There will be an event on board the LST 393 on September 25th to help raise some money to go toward the treatment and recovery of these folks. Ryke's will cater, there will be personal stories of those who have "been there" when it comes to addiction and you'll get to understand a little better the work that's going on and how the needs are being met. This is a great opportunity to help out and take a step in the right direction to end this slavery for someone.
I met with Captain Chris Karlin of the Salvation Army and Robin Henshaw also of the Salvation Army to learn a little more about the program and the event. I should add, that I don't pull many punches when it comes to addiction, recovery, resources and instances I have been a part of. Take a listen.
Folks, I am no saint. Never claimed to be and don't think that I am better than anyone for a second. My addiction began when I was 12 and progressed until I was 33. I know first hand how utterly devastating addiction is not only to the person suffering it, but to everyone around them. You can't buy your way out of it, you can't hope it goes away, you can't shun those who are wrapped up in the never ending insanity of trying to reach that higher high because they can't find their way out. There is NO reason I am alive today other than to be able to try and grab a soul or two when I can and pull them out of their addiction and on top of that, there is NOTHING that hurts more than when you try to make that happen and fail. We need better treatment options. We need better understanding of the root cause of addictions and we need to be willing to end the shame and stigma surrounding those who suffer. If the Salvation Army is willing to help people take that first step, we'll be right here helping them spread that word. To learn more about the Salvation Army of Muskegon, you can click on the image below to visit their website.
Love Lives Here! We work to show you that day in and day out! Muskegon is a great place filled with good people who strive to make a difference. It came to be last year that a level of hate was sweeping across the country and Rotary of Muskegon decided that it was time to add another voice saying that here in Muskegon, we wouldn't take it. It was a local incident that sparked the need for a gathering as you may recall, or, you may not...and honestly, that's fine. Why should a cowardly act of hate be brought back out into the light? Carry that positive vibe forward and let those who try to tread on it wallow in their own misery. 
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This year, Love Lives Here was celebrated once again at Hackley Park on Monday September 17th and the gathering attracted a key note speaker in Molly Barker who is the founder of Girls on the Run and went on to found The Red Boot Way working on teaching intentional communication where self awareness, connections and trust grow. Molly shared some thoughts with the attendees, and our Derek Wong was on hand to catch her message....take a listen.
VIDEO - Molly Barker
Love does live here! Work to be a part of it. This is our community after all and we are stewards of it. We have a new day dawning in Muskegon and a clean slate in front of us. Let love grow.
Time to get the blood pumping! Yes, for a weekend after Labor Day, it sure still felt like Summer out there. Needless to say, you might have been out living it up and are reading this thinking..... "Do I have to?". Ya, you kinda Do. Hey! It's the investment in you we're talking about so let's get you movin'!
We're back at The Gym located on the 4 corners in North Muskegon after a few glorious weeks at Ross Park. This is our home facility and it should be yours too! It's got everything you need. It's got a grown up feel and you'll be treated like a friend and neighbor, not some card holder who signed up for a membership online.
Let's get to it! It's Episode 66 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel!
Boom! JUst like that! Do it again, share it with friends get the most out of it and....if you want more, get it! Becky is a Certified Personal Trainer and has openings in both group settings and one on one focused training. You can click on the photo below to visit Becky's website! Here's to your health!
You hide behind a mask for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's for fun, others it's to add some mystery and others, the mask might not be visible, but it's silently there. These are the kind of masks that everyone wears sometimes. We all have elements of life we hide behind. Maybe it's something we're not quite as good at as everyone else. Maybe it's a family issue. It could be something we can control or something we have not control over at all. Our masks are part of who we are, even if it's just a mask you put on to grind it out during hard times until things clear up...we all know what it is to "grin and bear it." There are however those who's masks hide much deeper scars that no one ever planned on getting in life. Situations of unimaginable anguish and things so difficult to talk about, it's a mask that may never be able to come off. 
Click Here to Get Tickets to Behind The Mask
We're talking about human trafficking. Specifically sex trafficking and it's more prevalent than you might ever imagine. Sex Trafficking is defined as an adult that is being exploited for commercial sex through Force, Fraud or Coercion, or anyone under the age of 18 that is being exploited for commercial sex. It's happening right here, and right now. It's happening in neighborhoods like yours and it's happening to kids you'd least imagine likely to ever encounter such a problem. We're not talking about some creeper hanging around the local super center trying to throw a burlap bag over some kids head and run off with them in a van. More often than not, trafficking victims are coerced by a friend or relative. Maybe an older person that seems trustworthy at first, but in the long run their intentions are to win favor with the victim by "grooming" them and then, when the victim feels that they "owe" the person grooming them something, they are stuck. That's where the mask comes in. How can they live with the shame they face now that they are being used for a for profit sex operation? They don't have to, breaking the taboo and ending the cycle is what The Hope Project USA is all about.
Based in Muskegon, The Hope Project USA is a resource and recovery operation for female victims of sex trafficking. A woman, or a girl, can come to them for help and know that they will find caring, compassion, rehabilitation protection and more as they try to bring themselves back from the devastation of being trafficked. Founded in 2006 The Hope Project not only works to help the victims, it works to educate the public of how trafficking works and what to look for. It's a multi-faceted approach to the crisis and they are boots on the ground here in Muskegon to help end the problem.
It takes some money to provide for these women and the outreach to educate others, so like we always do in Muskegon, we roll up our sleeves and get to work on drumming up a few bucks. November 3rd there will be a gala affair at the Watermark 920. There will be glitz and glamour. There will be a LIVE red carpet walk up on The Muskegon Channel for the attendees and the evening will be filled with great food from Ryke's, entertainment, silent auction, 50/50's and more. There will be presentations, dancing, the list goes on and on. While it's a fun night, it's with purpose, and that's to protect the vulnerable among us and find those that prey on them and put an end to it.
Mary Suarez is the Lead Ambassador for The Hope Project and we sat down to talk about the event and some of the fun to be found at the Watermark on November 3rd. Take a listen.
Let's be honest. Who wouldn't love to sweep this under the rug and never talk about it again? Who wouldn't love to forget about all of the "bad things" like addiction, poverty, homelessness, strife, greed and evil. We've made great strides in so many of these areas. We can openly discuss them and face the problems head on. Why should we think of those pulled into the sex trade industry against their will any differently? The Hope Project USA helps their survivors come out from Behind the Mask and go on to a live a life of freedom and self worth and that is something an entire community can get behind. We'll see you November 3rd at the Watermark. To learn more about The Hope Project click below to visit their website.
They say, that the first person that will live to be 150 has already been born. Can you imagine that? Think of what they will have seen in that span of time. The amount of history that is held in a span of even 100 years is monumental. The amount of change, innovation, invention, process' and everything. Even the people who will come and go over the course of a century. It's a really long long time. Well, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has a little celebrating to do...in fact, they are sandwiched right in the middle of that 100 and 150 year mark as 2018 commemorates 125 years of advocating and assisting the Muskegon Area business community. 
Visit the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber Online
Making sure the climate is good for business is the main goal of the Chamber. If you are not in business, think about things like advocacy for the area...if a business is going to consider coming to town, they are going to check out the chamber. Think about best practices. What are business in need of to make their business better for their employees and our community? Where is a good place to network and meet other who are looking to build and grow business to help provide for the next 125 years? It's at the Chamber. Keep in mind too...the Chamber hosts some pretty incredible events like The Muskegon Art Festival, The Lakeshore Home Expo, Business for Breakfast and more! It's an active part of the community and made up of people who eat, sleep and breathe Muskegon!
So, let's party!! Thursday September 20th there will be a members only reception at the Muskegon Heritage Museum. One of those networking opportunities for the membership. For the non members, the celebration spills over to Saturday September 22nd when the Muskegon Heritage Museum will be open to the public, free of charge courtesy of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber Of Commerce. You are welcome to come down and see the industry that has moved Muskegon over the years, the industry that continues to drive us and gain a little more appreacition for this wonderful place we call home. I had a chance to sit down with Cindy Larson from the Chamber today to talk a little about the history, the mission and the events. Take a listen.
A former broadcaster herself! (I never knew that till today). Cindy is always great to catch up with and find out a little more about what's going on at the Chamber and around town. If you're a member of the Chamber, don't miss the event Thursday at the Muskegon Heritage Museum. If you are up for a tour and would like the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber to treat you and the family, their give back to you as a thanks for 125 years of success is Saturday September 22nd. Please, show your support by attending those events. To get an idea of what you'll find at the Muskegon Heritage Museum, click on the logo below and visit their website.
Introducing Muskegon Channel Radio!!
It's been brewing a while, and we have to give credit where credit is due, it wouldn't be here without Stormy Weathers at Custom Computer building Skeetown Stereo a few years ago. His creation had been running along and we'd taked a few times about growing it some, but The Muskegon Channel had to have a strong enough base to build on. We've got there and we're ready to roll.
The mobile app will be available for both Apple and Android VERY soon! On the app, you'll find links to everything... from Muskegon Channel Radio, to the Muskegon Channel Website, Positively Muskegon and all of our social media outlets! We'll also make it possible to get some exclusive offers from local sponsors through the app!! We're going to be online and on your phone exclusively. No heavy costs of transmitters or buildings to buy and maintain. We'll be announcing our air staff soon too but for now, enjoy a unique mix of rock, pop, classic hits and more. You can take a listen, share this page with some friends and help us spread the word! We're making local radio truly local again! Welcome to Muskegon Channel Radio.
We've taken you on a visit or two in the past to the Muskegon Heritage Museum. It's located on Western Avenue in Downtown Muskegon, nestled between The 557 Cafe and The Health Project, the Muskegon Heritage Museum centers on the industry that has thrived in Muskegon over the years. From the celery fields to the corner store, the industry large and small is all in focus and it's an absolutely tremendous salute to what's made us the community we are. It's curated by an incredible staff who take such amazing pride in what they have on hand. They lovingly tell the story about every display from The Cobb Plant to Continental Motors, our Lumbering Era, foundaries...you name it. Even Raggdy Ann gets a nod for her time here in Muskegon. 
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Well, as Muskeogn grows, so does the need for display space in the Museum and over the last couple of years, they have expanded to add the second floor of the beautiful building. Great for the exhibits, but...problematic if you have a hard time with steps and want to see what's been added. Well, like anything in Muskegon that needs doing, The Heritage Museum along with some pretty amazing folks from town rolled up their sleeves to find the funds it took to make building renovations happen and an elevator being added a reality so now, anyone can truly enjoy the rich heritage of the industry that's made Muskegon move over the years.
Ann Dake invited us down to bring you the ceremonies at the Heritage Museum and we just let the cameras roll to capture the event in in entireity. Have a look!
All this and, on September 20th, there will be a 125th Anniversary Celebration for the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce at the museum!! Stay tuned to the Muskegon Channel for details coming soon!
It's an amazing visit in Muskegon. It's a part of our story and if you've never taken the time to visit, it's time. If you're bringing frineds in from out of town or would just like your kids to see the rich heritage we have here, an hour or two in the Muskegon Heritage Museum is time well spent. Our thanks to The Dake family for the invite! To visit the museum website, click on the image below.
It's one of those diseases.....sooner or later, like cancer, diabetes or maybe high blood pressure, you are going to know someone or someone effected by Alzheimer's Disease. It's an incredibly devastating and incurable disease that effects over 5 MILLION Americans, 200,000 of which are under the age of 65. It's not just a matter of "Grandpa being forgetful". It's a matter of this progressive disease starting to effect memory and working it's way to other parts of your brain's functions like remembering to eat, or remembering to breathe or even remembering to keep your heart beating. If you've ever seen it's effects, you basically watch a life erased while a person is still there. Hard to watch, but imagine being in the mind that is going through that? All of the sudden, loved ones are strangers? The home you lived in your whole life seems like a strange place? You can't remember how to get places....what you like to do......it's a horror story playing out in the windmills of your mind and there's only one way out, the end. 
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The work continues. The Alzheimer's Association continues to do all they can to research, advocate, advise, lobby and more. The struggle continues too as there is no known cure although there have been some signs of promise when it comes to treating the symptoms of this dreadful disease. It's a global battle with the greatest minds available trying to unlock the mystery of what triggers the onset of Alzheimer's, what causes the spread and what can hold off the effects as long as possible so people can make the most of their life while trying to hang on to hope. That's where the communities and families effected by this disease come together to battle it head on. Sure, it's a David and Goliath story, but I don't know a soul who's not willing to fight to hang on and beat the odds. It's also a magnificent opportunity to see that in the coming together for a cause, that you're not alone in the struggle. No, in fact, you have friends and neighbors that are facing the same thing you are and that isolation is the last thing anyone needs in a challenging time like this.
Get involved! The Walk to End Alzheimer's is coming up at Heritage Landing September 22nd. This is an opportunity to help those effected by this disease as well as those who support them. It's a chance to learn a little more about some of what's going on in and around ALzheimer's and on top of that, it's a chance to network with others who are going through the same thins you are. It's a short walk and a beautiful setting at Heritage Landing in Muskegon and the impact you can have, can be monumental. I had a chance to talk with Tim Breed and Erin Murphy from The Alzheimer's Association a little about the walk at Tanglewood, take a listen.
It's hard to believe that we have another disease that has to be a "sooner or later". We do. It's great to pitch in to help with what you can by raising some funds, this is true.....every penny helps, but over all, it's knowing that the work is going on....it's knowing that others are sharing the experience, it's knowing that for all you do to help those close to you who suffered or are suffering, that you did just a little more to help them. Make sure you're at the Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 22nd at Heritage Landing in Muskegon. For more on the event and to get registered, you can click on the image below to visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
You have the Labor Day holiday week off and that was nice!! Now, we're back out to Ross Park one last time this Summer to let Becky work her magic for ya on Fit and Healthy WIth Becky!!
Becky is going to show you how easy it is to use what's around you to make the best out your work out. It doesn't have to be an expensive gym membership or a house full of the latest gadgets. It takes drive, determination and a willingness to make yourself better. If you need a hand with some of the best practices you can continue to watch here, or you can give Becky a holler and she'll help you get going on the right path or, she can be right by your side helping you accompish your goals!
Let's get to it!! Episode 65 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel!
Boom! Great job!! Do it again this afternoon, do it again tomorrow. Share this with some friends and stick with it. Keep coming back, Fit and Healthy with Becky will be here, Monday's and you'll be on your way to a better you! We appreciate you tuning in!
On September 7th 2017 was United Way of The Lakeshore's Day of Caring 2018 (previously mentioned in this article). Quickly rewind, Day of Caring is an event where volunteers will be assisting 19 local families with minor home repairs. We have followed them along all day, from start to finish. Here's the story about Day of Caring: OPERATION UNITED with one of our local veteran in need.
Video - Day of Caring Muskegon 2018
Thank you to United Way Of the Lakeshore and All of the Volunteers to make Muskegon a better place. Special thanks to Ssgt Furst and the Arconic's team to make this video possible. Learn more about United Way of the Lakeshore website or facebook and join them next year.
Derek Wong 2018 - The Muskegon Channel
Frauenthal.org
Through out the summer, The Frauenthal Center held several history tour inside the theater. It's a tour where people can get on the stage, backstage to the "green room" and up close and personal with the mighty Barton Organ. Did you know that Frauenthal Center, originally Michigan Theater, was built in 1930s with the idea of a Spanish castle in mind? And that it was designed by architect C. Howard Crane, the same architect that is responsible for the Fox Theater and the Detroit Olympia? Obviously, it would be the best to be there physically and see it for yourself. But if you haven't been able to make it to any of the tours, don't worry, we got you covered right here on Muskegonchannel.com
Video - Frauenthal Center History and Tour
2018 Derek Wong / The Muskegon Channel
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