CANCER.... Ugh!!!!.... It touches everyone's life in one way or another.... Whether we know someone or we, ourselves are battling this beyond horrible disease. But we all can help.... This coming Friday, June 1 at 2pm through Saturday, June 2 to 2pm we're encouraging everyone to join us at the Mona Shores High School track for the annual, bigger and better than ever MUSKEGON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE. 
Find Relay for Life of Muskegon County on Facebook
Find Relay for Life of Muskegon County on FacebookAfter sitting down with Jim Engels, Kasey Rose and Taylor Chrisman I found out so much more about the incredible staff of volunteers that is putting together an incredibly inspirational, uplifting, fun 24 event to help raise as many funds and awareness as possible for our Muskegon County cancer patients and families. Not only are these important funds raised helping to find cures through research....but they are also helping patients and families handle life more easily while going through treatments.
On June 1 and 2 at the Mona Shores High school track there will so many different touching, moving, fun events happening non stop for 24 hours. Amazing opening and closing ceremonies. ... Drum cardio, costume parade and contest, the Luminaria Ceremony, Fit Body Bootcamp, Kids Ceremony and kids activities, Silent Auction and so much more!
If you would like to sigh up yourself or a team there are multiple registration dates and times. Mercy Johnson Family Cancer Center located on Sherman Blvd.....1pm to 3pm on these dates:
5/17, 5/21, 5/23, 5/25....
For more information on the Muskegon County Relay for Life event, or to join up and help the cause... click on the photo below to visit their website.
We've shared the journey of the MARS 4004 Robotics team of Muskegon. They are the group of kind from area schools who convene at Pribusin here in Muskegon to compete in building robots for competition in local, state, regional and world competitions called The First Competition. Most recently, they headed to the Motor City to compete in the World Competition and they came home with the 2018 Industrial Design Award. That's right....world wide....the award came back to Muskegon! So much to be celebrated by these young people and advisers who help guide their career. But the competition is only part of the year for these young people, and you might wonder what they do in their spare time after their robot has done it's thing and won it's awards. Well, here's your chance to find out.
Michigan Kids on the Move is an organization who's mission statement reads as follows - "MI Kids On The Move's mission is to overcome obstacles to mobility in special needs children through the use of mobility aids. MI Kids On The Move's purpose is to enhance the quality of life in special needs children by providing modified toys that allow independent movement to children with limited mobility in order to promote social, physical, and cognitive growth". It's a group founded by a mom who saw her own child having some problems with the same things other kids did day in and day out as well as fitting in wit the other kids who had "regular" circumstances as part of growing up. It's a powerful experience to see some of these little ones getting their first taste of "normal" which you'll see in our video here in a little bit. They also make mini wheel chairs for kids at MI Kids on the Move. 
Click On the Mini Wheel Chair to Visit Mi Kids on the Move on Facebook
Being an upstart organization and knowing that it takes some talent to adapt your average electric toy type vehicle to work for a kid who might not otherwise be able to manage such a toy, the group reached out across the state to other robotics teams like MARS 4004 and asked if they were up to the challenge of lending a hand and the response was a resounding YES! Today, there is an application process for a parent who wishes to have a car done up for their kid, then a fundraiser is generally held and the robotics teams take over to customize these bad boys to be adapted to the needs of the child that gets them. Remote control operation, roll bars for safety, 5 point harness placement for the safety of the riders, the only thing missing is NOS Nitro and one of the kids dad's kept insisting he get a tank or two for his boys ride.
Kathryn Vancamp is the driving force of a mom who started all this. As we've talked before, there is no greater force than a mom who wants to get something done for her child. Her idea of adapting a car for her child has blossomed into something so much bigger and its connecting people who would have never met otherwise and bridging the gap between people and the unknown. What was once a difference is now only a challenge and young minds are getting to work on how to make life better for the next generation. If I may get right to the point....we're watching a miracle unfold right before our eyes. Meet Kathryn and see how a miracle happens.....
I have said it time and time again. Muskegon is a town of miracles. I believe it and I live it. There is no greater reward to me than to be a part of something so incredibly special and to watch a moment of life transformation like I saw at Pribusen with the MARS 4004 team. I'd like to add too, that meeting Kathryn was a special treat because the greatest hero's to me are the ones that stumble into it and change the world because they saw something that needed to be fixed. If you'd like to know more about MI Kids on the Move, you can visit their website by clicking below. If you have a heart...and I know you do....you might even consider making a donation to the efforts so more of this kind of thing can go on. This how the world changes.
According to the MDHHS youth binge drinking 2015 in Michigan survey 12.8% of teen Boys and teen 12.2% of girls admitted to have at least 5 or more drinks on any one occasion. If we look at drinking by grade in the High School then Seniors would lead with 23.4% of all teens in Michigan who binge drank at least once in a 30-day time period and Freshman are the least amount with 6.2%. To make this number more personal in 2016 there was 690 students in the Orchard View High School. Taking the statistics that I have just mentioned, out of those 690 students 88.32 Teen boys and 84.18 Teen girls would have drank 5 or more alcoholic beverages on just one occasion. 
Visit Muskegon ALI Online
Visit Muskegon ALI OnlineBecause of these statistics and many more the Ride with Pride Pledge was born. Ride with Pride is a collaboration between the Muskegon Township Police Department, Orchard View High School, the Muskegon Alcohol Liability Initiative and Great Lakes Ford of Muskegon. Ride with Pride is to promote safe driving and positive behavior. At the beginning of the school year the students have to sign a pledge with terms and conditions that they have to be able to follow. Some of these terms are: I pledge to not drink alcoholic beverages, I pledge to not text while driving, I pledge to wear a seatbelt, I will not get suspended, I will not exceed the attendance policy.
If the students are able to follow all of the terms the students will be entered to will some awesome prizes including a Moped and Car! After the local law enforcement and the school have checked the records of all the finalists each will be entered into a drawing that is completely random. From the drawing 5 students were chosen for each the Car and Moped to then have a chance to pull a key out of a bag to then see who the final winner was.
I was able to join in on all of the fun at the assembly that was held to end this awesome event. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and so much pride you couldn’t help but feel it. I hope that you are able to feel the emotions through the video, so join me as I talk with Vice Principal Samantha and the winner of the car and moped. Take a listen.
We're very thankful for the sponsorship of Shoreline Recycling of The Muskegon Channel and Positively Muskegon. We welcomed them last year and we started to show you a little about what they do and why. This year, we're going to do a series of stories about exactly what Shoreline Recycling is all about. 
Follow Shoreline Recycling on Facebook
The first thing. There's a pretty rich history here. Shoreline Recycling is a division of Padnos a company that's been around since 1905 and they help keep Muskegon and all the areas they serve clean and they will even pay you for your help in doing just that. They take recyclables of all sorts. They pay top dollar for your recyclable metal, electronics and more. They have the facilities to have you drive on the lot with your truck or trailer filled or they can get you a roll away or dumpster delivered and you can load it right up. Got a big job? Think about Padnos as your partner in clean up. They have staff who will establish a relationship with you and help you get every bit of value from what's being removed and you will be returning our precious resources back into use somewhere else instead of some landfill somewhere.
The next thing. The customer service. Any time I've been down at Shoreline Recycling, they seem to know their regular customers by name. They are welcoming to everyone and strive to build a relationship with those who do business with them. The reach out into the community to support events and causes and they are active in making Muskegon a better place for everyone in practice not just talking about it.
Kurt Alderink is the point guy in Muskegon and over the course of the next couple of months, Kurt is going to take us on a stroll across the facilities down on Ottawa Street in Muskegon. Today, we make an introduction and we take a look at stainless and cast iron recyclables. What they are worth...where they go and how you can make a few bucks! Take a listen!
Stay tuned! We'll be showing you more of what goes on at Shoreline Recycling this Summer! There are some pretty interesting shows coming up and they all feature ways you can make a few bucks for helping keep Muskegon clean and beautiful and preserving natural resources for years to come. If you'd like to know more about Shoreline Recycling and Padnos, click on the photo below to visit their website.
It's episode 51 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel. This time.. the "dumbbell" isn't behind the camera, they are in the hands of Becky and they are begin shown off on how to make you healthier, happier and now that the sun's out...you can get the "guns out" (your arms)
The idea here is to do the exercises for 30 second each. You can do these daily. You can do them a couple times a day. You can save the video and come back and do it again and again and you are welcome to share it with your friends! One thing we always ask is that you consult your doctor before you start this or any exercise program and of course, you warm up and stretch out and drink plenty of water.
It's time to get Fit and Healthy With Becky! Let's get to it!
Like what you see? Here's an idea! Follow Fit and Healthy With Becky on Facebook! Click below and give her a like! You can keep up to date on everything going on from fitness challenges to dance lessons and more. Becky isn't one to sit still long, so follow her on Facebook and try and keep up!
It's time to start thinking about the meat sweats. Yep, we're talking ribs as far as the eye can see and more smokey good flavor, fall off the bone tenderness....I could go on and on, but it's honestly making me hungry...so, let's just say...if you like ribs, beer, music and a great cause, you need to save the dates for the Grand Haven VFW Rib Fest. It's going on May 25th and 26th and all the proceeds go to benefit our local veterans on a number of levels. It's an awesome and rapidly growing event. 
Rib Fest 2018 On Facebook
It's been going on 14 years now and you know when an event gets to the point where it takes up the whole street, things are going in the right direction. There is an interactive tent for the kids sponsored by the USS Silversides Museum where they will have some underwater robot building going on. They will like that. There will be food form Big Moe's, Famous Dave's, Daddy Pete's BBQ, Stable Inn, Old Iron Bar and Grill, Up in Smoke, Paisley Pig Pub and Porkensteins! Bands?? Foundation and Perfect Storm play on Friday night and Saturday it's Bill Ellingboe, Three's a Crowd and Mr. Whoo Ha.
But you know, it's really all about so much more than that. Sure, it's all packaged up as a good time and all, but the proceeds to go help those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us at one point or another. Our local veterans. Men and women who served in our military need our support and it's provided at places like the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, The area Department of Veterans Affairs branch offices and more. They host a multitude of things for them. Everything from support groups to pantry needs. There are services specializing for women veterans with WINC which we've featured here on The Muskegon Channel and there is help for all vets to navigate the system to get the benefits they so truly deserve.
Locally, Mike Baauw is the guy in the Muskegon County Dept of Veterans Services. If memory serves me correct, Mike is retired US Navy and he makes sure that our area's vets best interests and needs are all met and then he goes on to help organize things like this to help even more. Take a listen to our talk about the Rib Fest and lick your chops!
If you're just in need of an early season outdoor festival or you want to enjoy some of the best ribs around with a couple of cold ones and some friends, or maybe you'd like your dining dollar to benefit some true American hero's...it's pretty clear you need to be at the Grand Haven VFW 2326 VFW on May 25th and 26th. Out thanks to Mike and his staff for their dedication and hard work and our thanks too, to the men and women who served. We hope it's a great weekend for the festival!
This week I had the extremely rare privilege to sit down with a truly amazing woman... Her name is Sharon Gabris...a lifelong Norton Shores, Muskegon native but once you hear about her long list of unbelievably amazing skills, talents....gifts...you would think she was raised personally by the Dalai Lama, a high ranking Indian Healer, the Surgeon General, a Geology Professor and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Sharon is a Reiki Master Teacher... So what is REIKI? When I asked her that question she said that, "there is no simple, quick explanation....but I'll do my best to sum it up"... She has learned the skills to (as she says simply) be the "jumper cables" for another person's body. Everything on our planet is made up of energy...and by naturally tapping into these energies... skilled individuals (like Sharon) are able to read the energies and simply discover what bodies are feeling, lacking, ailing from, mentally-physically dealing with, etc....the list goes goes on and on. The study of REIKI will tell you that every single person's body knows how to heal itself...and by simply "reading" aka "feeling" the energy of a person they will know more of what is "going on" inside. 
Honestly, it is truly difficult to describe... Sharon actually teaches others (anyone) on how to understand, learn REIKI for themselves through the seminars she teaches. Just sitting with her, while chatting on her back porch...I asked her if she could perform a quick REIKI on me?... She simply placed one hand on my shoulder and her other hand on my knee (for literally less than a minute) and was able to detect things going on in my body that externally nobody else would have ever guessed. AMAZING... In that one minute it blew my bind! ...and through a more extensive REIKI session she would have been able to see much more...for me, or anybody.
Sharon absolutely DOES NOT claim to be "magical" or "psychic" or any other "unworldly being"...REIKI has been used for thousands of years but she also firmly believes that Western Modern Medicine is also very vital to one's health. Sharon also is an expert on so many other natural remedies that can (and should be) used by everyone, every day. Sharon also teaches the art of Belly Dancing...with SO MANY natural health and wellness benefits that you can learn more about in this interview. Also, Sharon is an expert in Massage, Essential Oils, Crystal Therapies and even reading the "energies" in the Earth itself...assisting Farmers on their crops.
If you are interested on learning more about Sharon and all of her talents...and learning more for yourself please contact her any time. Just click on the image below to visit their website!
Nestled away behind an unsuspecting store front on Western Avenue in Downtown Muskegon, you will find a lesson that should be learned by all of us. Yes, there are bars and restaurants....breweries and pizza places....some business and apartments that line Western Avenue but there is one very unique and very important place that shows off what life was like in Muskegon for the people here and the work they did over the years. The Muskegon Heritage Museum is the place and although it's location and setting is a little unexpected, the history and exhibits are amazing and rich in the history of us! 
Follow the Muskegon Heritage Museum on Facebook
The Muskegon Heritage Corporation was founded in 1973 and in 1983 the museum itself was established to house the Corliss Valve 90hp Steam Engine. It's been a labor of love done by countless volunteers since and in 2009 a revitalization project began with the entire museum adding space next door, up a flight of stairs and expanding over and over to accommodate the items preserved to help us preserve our industry, our homes, historic happenings and people in Muskegon. You'll find an ode to those who harvested ice from Mona Lake. You'll see an actual working Brunswick Pin Setter. There is the Corliss Steam Engine... Raggedy Ann....Lumber...Foundries...Continental Motors...Bennett Pump. The list goes on and on, and yes...you might eve find some more of the odd-ball things like celery farms and a butchers block from a long forgotten staple in every neighborhood...the corner store.
Today, for a $5 admission for adults and $2 for kids, you can stroll the museum and see first hand all of the incredible things we're known for. Our famous ships...our long gone industries and ones that are still here, but have changed names over time or have recently become part of our history, like the Cobb Plant. They have just added a 1:300th scale model of the entire plant from about 1965 when it actually had 5 smoke stacks instead of the one big one. Some of the exhibits have a hands on element and others are strictly for observing, but they all give you a feeling of days gone by and what life was like in the era they represent up till today.
Anne Dake invited me down to see the new displays on opening day. I was given a tour of the place just before the doors open for the season and brought the camera along to give you a peek as well as talk to Anne about her passion for all things Muskegon and our rich history of good people who've worked so hard to make us who we are. Take a listen.
Hey, there's your free tour. Now, it's up to you. Pack up the kids and check it out. You can enjoy lunch right next door at the 557 Cafe or any of the other fine eateries on Western. You'll see some things you may have forgotten about and you'll be able to share with your kids what it was like to visit the corner store. We have an amazing place in the Muskegon Heritage Museum, if you're coming in from out of town, don't miss this. Come see for yourself that there is a rich and vibrant heritage in Muskegon matched by an outstanding path forward and it's all taken care of by people like Ann and her volunteers who LOVE MUSKEGON just like we do. To visit the Muskegon Heritage Museum online, click on the photo below!
We're seeing the signs everywhere in Muskegon of the corner being turned. In every corner of the county, there is new business and a healthy mix of business going on. We've got new destinations for food and drink, new construction happening when it comes to places to live. We have expanding business and business relocating to take advantage of good people who are ready to work and a community that has seen it's fair share of up's and down's and now...stands ready for the next phase. Watch Us Go still applies, but...watching has turned into action and with that action..well, there comes a few questions about where to find the resources for all of this growth and how can people best put to use what's available out there? You could really spend all week chasing after this lead or that...or...you could pencil in a chance to immerse yourself into a day where all the resources come to one spot...and you'll find some coffee and juice to help kick things off. 
Reserve Your Seat at the Muskegon Business Resource Connect
The Muskegon Business Resource Connect Event is in it's 3rd year. It's taking place at the Muskegon Innovation Hub at 200 Viridian Drive right Downtown Muskegon from 8a-11a and it's a free event. You are asked to RSVP to it so they can have an accurate count and there is limited seating, so please, if you plan on attending use the image to the right to click and reserve your spot. The event will be a concentrated effort to get anyone looking the right services to make your business prosperous. Need a hand on workforce development? How about strategic planning for growth? Employee safety on your mind? Talent recruitment and retention an issue for you? It will all be discussed and much more at this great event.
Highlighting the day will be Key Note Speaker Rob Ptacek who's topic will be winning at recruitment and retention through company culture. It's one of the hottest topics on the minds of business owners today. Rob will bring his expertise in the subject up from his work at Competitive Edge Training and Consulting where he's a principal with over 25 years of practical experience implementing continuous improvements in a variety of industries.
I was able to catch up with Dawn Johnson at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce to learn a little more about this upcoming event, and while I had her..I figured I'd get the 4-1-1 on some of the other business happenings around town, take a listen.
We're all in it together and if the resources are offered....grab 'em! This is a great opportunity to network, learn, expand your horizons a little and see what other business owners and start up's are facing. It's a much easier world when you know that others are working with you and can share in resources available! If you'd like to know more about the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber or Muskegon Area First, click on their logos below.
It's a milestone! We've hit 50 episodes of Fit and Healthy with Becky on the Muskegon Channel. It might be a couple more than that, we have had a couple of "special editions" but as with anything of this magnitude....you've gotta have a "special" once in a while!
Becky's mission? Hey, it's a simple one. Finding a way to get you into a little better shape, feeling a little physically, mentally and emotionally. She's got groups...she's got individuals and she's got the show here. She pulls out all the stops. There are dancing lessons for those who might not want the high impact and fitness challenges for those who want to compete. Wrap it all up inside a kind heart and passion for people....you've got Becky!
Let's get to it!! Episode 50 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel.
There you have it! Come back and do it again tomorrow...come back and do it again later today. Share this link with friends help celebrate the 50th episode of Fit and Healthy With Becky! Oh, hey, by the way...we talked a little about the dance lessons...if you'd like to know more about those...call the number below!
Look out Broadway! I recently caught up with a very talented group of students and staff from Reeths Puffer Middle School to chat about this weekend's production of PETER PAN Jr.... Taking place at the Reeths Puffer High School Rocket Center for the Fine Arts.
I'm here to tell you that this one show you don't want to miss!....fun for the whole family! 
Click Here to Visit the Reeths-Puffer Schools Website
Click Here to Visit the Reeths-Puffer Schools WebsiteReeths Puffer Schools music and theater programs have the reputation of being second to none in the state....even in the country!.... so I'm not surprised to see the unbelievable talent coming from these young students.
PETER PAN Jr. is Reeths Puffer Middle Schools annual production being put on by the Middle School's choir and theater students.... The really cool thing is that every student enrolled in the choir and theater programs is involved in this incredible production. Actors, lighting, sound, costumes, stage crew, set design and marketing and ticket sales all done by the students...all done under the wonderful direction of their Choir Director, Diedra Ross.
Shows taking place at the Rocket Center this Friday, May 4th and Saturday, May 5th. I encourage everyone to see the magical, musical production... Come support the arts in our schools....Next stop is Broadway for these talented kids!
REETHS PUFFER MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS PRESENT...
PETER PAN JR.
7pm Friday, May 4th
2pm Saturday, May 5th
7pm Saturday, May 5th
Reeths Puffer High School Rocket Center for the Fine Arts
Tickets are $8
Call (231) 744-4721. Ext. 4401
Click Below for tickets online
It’s easily the simplest way to help support our local food pantries from a giving stand point there is. You gather up some non-perishables, you put them at your mail box on May 12th and you’re done. Magically, those nonperishables get picked up and delivered to those in our community who are in need and that’s that….right? Well, from a giving standpoint, yes…that’s that, but like anything that is seemingly so simple, behind the scenes there are hundreds of people coming together to make it all happen and it’s time for some of the unsung heroes in our community to get their due recognition in this project. 
Connect With Stamp Out Hunger on Facebook
The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is actually a project of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union. They are the men and women of the United States Post office and this is the 26th year that this event has been going on. Since they are out through rain, sleet and snow anyway, why not take advantage of a beautiful spring day and use the routes they run to help out some who may be food insecure and the pantries that supply people. Along with your letter carrier, you will also find a giant hand form other labor unions as well as other volunteer’s in the area who relieve the letter carriers trucks, bring the food back to the sort site, then at the site it’s sorted packed and delivered to the distribution points all over the area. The best part is…it stays local….right here in Muskegon so you know your donation will benefit s friend or a neighbor, and chances are it might be someone you know but would never suspect might be food insecure.
This isn’t limited to food donations either. There is a need for other supplies. Personal care supplies, like soap, shampoo, deodorant are all in need. Feminine products, diapers, baby formula, baby food. All some of the staples that people need to make life happen day in and day out will be collected on May 12th. Just put your donation out by the road, or at the mail box and it will be taken care of.
Conducting the band behind the scenes….Jana Routt. Jana is the AFL-CIO Community Services Labor Liaison and works out of the United Way office in Muskegon. She does a lot of events in the area that are designed to help great causes and she also works to keep labor up to speed on where needs can be met and how they can take an active role in making the community a better place. Our labor in the area not only work their tails off, they go out of their way in their spare time to find ways to make the place better for everyone, and the NALC Food Drive is one of those days. I sat down with Jana to talk about the event and her role with labor. Take a listen to the details about the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive coming up!
Let the folks behind the scenes handle it all. If you’d like to be a part of it, get a hold of Jana and tell her you want to pitch in. If you just want to do your part to help make sure someone doesn’t go hungry, grab some canned goods and leave them by the mailbox Saturday May 12th. This is a great example of how we as a community can all come together to meet a need and how some who will never be seen in the process will make sure that those who might otherwise go without, won’t have to worry so much. Nonperishables, personal care items, canned goods and more at your mailbox in May 12th is all it takes. Click on the photo below to visit the NALC website to learn more.
More News
We Appreciate Our Sponsors...
Weather
|
Muskegon United States |
51 °F | Mostly Cloud (night) |