The Muskegon Central Dispatch Authority is once again coming to voters and asking for a surcharge on phones in order to replace an obsolete 911 system that is failing fast and going to be rendered inoperable in a short amount of time.  As it stands, the 911 system in Muskegon is being held together by parts that are only available on Ebay and the technology currently in use, if not upgraded will leave Muskegon County unable to communicate with any surrounding communities should we need to put in a call for mutual aid.  Follow Muskegon Central Dispatch on Facebook

It's so much more than just some new walkie-talkies.  This is a complete revamp of the entire system.  It will require new radio towers strategically placed across the county.  It will also be upgrades to the computers in responders vehicles, servers in the Central Dispatch handhelds and everything in the chain to keep those in the field in contact with the support they need in life and death situations.  This is a critical and necessary time to make the upgrade. 

When asked last November, voters passed on the idea, but the Central Dispatch Authority is back with the ask again.  They have revamped the language, they have also capped the term for the surcharge and hopefully this time the message will get through the negativity that was put out by those opposing the surcharge.  No one is all for paying more for something, but the can can no longer be kicked down the road on this issue and it's got to be fixed. 

We brought together three of the top authorities on the subject, Shawn Grabinski of Muskegon Central Dispatch, Police Chief Roger Squires of Whitehall and Muskegon Heights Fire Chief Christopher Dean.  Take a listen to the conversation.  This in no way is a bait and switch to fund anything but the necessary upgrades to the communications system.  Please take a listen to the call from an officer in the field to dispatch as well, it's embedded in the interview so you can hear first hand what's going on.

As Chief Dean pointed out, it's less than a cup of coffee of a Big Gulp.  Everything is expensive and it seems to be coming from every direction, but if you take a look at the cost/risk factor here, it seems to be pretty clear that this is an essential need we have to come together on.  Please, follow the link below and get the facts on why we're being asked to help fund the new system and then ask yourself "what if".  What if it was you in need of the service and it wasn't working?  What if it was a family member? 

It's crazy how people get dropped into your life.  A while ago, I got a call asking if I would be willing to emcee an event for a group of young ice skaters.  I kinda don't mind helping out kids endeavors so I agreed and it really opened my world up to an entirely new community of people.  The skaters ranged from maybe 5-18 or so and their performances were fantastic.  One of the older skaters, named Anna asked me the night before if I would just make up something "random and stupid" about her when I made her introduction, it didn't even have to be true.  Ok, she wanted funny, I got that.  But, as time went on I also found out it was Anna's last time skating in the clubs Christmas show and that she'd be moving on after that.  I watched Anna interact with the younger skaters and how she made sure they were involved, included and all felt that they had a friend and mentor.  She was an amazing example to all the kids, and when it came time for her intro, I took it upon myself to forego the random stupidity and I chose to elevate her and point out just how awesome of a young woman she is and for her to soak up the love she so clearly paid forward in her last holiday performance.  The crowd was hers.  She skated like a dream, she blushed a little at being singled out....but where did she get the ability to help the youngin's like she did?  Turns out, it was a case of the apple not falling far from the tree.  Click Here to Visit Teresa Online

Teresa Heger is the mom of this ice skating dynamo.  Teresa started off in the working world helping to fix process' in companies, but found in no short order that fixing a process was really only successful if a change came within the people applying the process.  She found a calling more and more to learn what it took to help people adapt to change, to bring out the best in themselves and to overcome the obstacles that somehow, someway seem to get built in their minds that seem to hold them from making it to the next level.  It's a field called "Coaching".  It's not really a new endeavor.  Top executives have been using coaching for a long time.  It's a matter of changing perceptions and perspectives. How to effectively change the way you see the world and the results you expect from it.  The lasting message is coaching changes lives.  Teresa also explains how she's feeling a very deep calling to get involved in Muskegon as we are evolving and growing.  She too had a perception of Muskegon at one point, and with a different viewpoint, that changed too.  

I met up with Teresa Heger to learn a little more.  I also played devils advocate a little.  After all, like anything that's "new" to some there are a lot of questions that come along with it.  The Coffee Factory in Muskegon is our backdrop and Teresa explains what she does and why, and how it helps!  Take a listen.

Hey, a little motivation, a little affirmation and quite a few years of experience of managing people and business reformed into helping people make the maximum of who they are and what they do.  As we talked in the video, it's not really counselling it's more guidance from someone who's been there and is willing to give you the hand you need to get to the next step.  If you'd like to know more, please click on the photo of Teresa above and visit her website.  You may just be able to unlock some potential you didn't know you had with a little help.  

It was a great night!!  Our first show at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro at the end of January was in the "Polar Vortex" and we had a great time and all, but it was a little rough being the debut and all.  The weather kept some people home understandably, everything and everyone was new to the production and like any opening night, we wondered "what if"?

Well, it all seemed to be seamless on the second go around.  We welcomed County Commissioner Bob Scolnick, dropped a new Freak Your Geek Out, Magician Bill Blagg came in advance of his show at the Frauenthal Theater on Friday March 1st and we had visits from Pete McCarthy from Muskecon and Cindy Larsen from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce to talk about the Home Garden and DIY show!

It was quite a time!  If you missed it, here it is again, on demand for ya!  It's episode 2 of Muskegon Tonight Live! from Smash Wine Bar and Bistro on The Muskegon Channel.  You'll find links to everything below!

Thanks to all who came out and to all of our guests!  Click on the images below to visit the respective web sites.  Don't forget too, Smash Wine Bar and Bistro is debuting a brand new menu, so head down and try it soon!

Follow Bob Scolnick on Facebook

Visit Bill Blagg's Website

Muskecon on Facebook

Lakeshore Home Garden and DIY Show

Becky has a workout for you this week that takes nothing more than a couple of dumbbells!  Why the simplicity?  Well, it's easy!  Working out is simply a commitment to yourself!  There are chances to go to some big flashy club with all the bells and whistles and everything.  You could join one of those places that has all the different packages and pricing that get confusing.  You could try to start on your own with no direction or any other path, but with Becky, it's some simple direction and a chance to take that first step and get going.  When you're comfortable, you can always remember she is a Certified Personal Trainer and offers both group and one on one settings to help you take it to the next level. 

As always, make sure you consult a physician before you start this or any other work out, warm up and stretch out and drink plenty of water!  Here comes episode 87 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel.

Complete!! Congrats!  Now, as we spoke before, Becky is all about making you a better you!  If it's an exercise program or maybe one of her dance classes, she's awesome at what she does and makes it a fun experience!  Click on the photo below to get in touch and see about taking it to the next level! 

Oh what a night!  The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex had a bit of a slow start to the season, so the Watermark 920 thought it best to throw a grand gala to help raise some much needed funding for all of the incredible things that go on at the park and all that's to come.

It's a pivotal year for the Winter Sports Complex.  They are in the process of transitioning into a year-round destination.  There will be added amenities like zip lines, canopy tours in the trees and dunes, they will have an air rifle area and so much more.  We will be watching our winter destination turn into an all seasons spot for people to enjoy.  It's a giant step for the good and the community showed up in force Saturday night to support the mission. Visit the Watermark 920 Online

The Muskegon Channel was on hand live with Britta Cleveland broadcasting live for the first hour.  Not only to meet and greet the audience, but to highlight those involved with the park, the venue and some of the sponsors of the event who helped make it happen!  We saved the live show for ya, so if you were not able to make it out, or if you want to see if you made it on the show, sit back, relax and enjoy!  Take a look at Fire and Ice Live on The Muskegon Channel.

We're sticking to our plan!  Media should be part of the solution in any town.  In Muskegon, let's show how we come together and get things done and who does them.  To highlight great things in action is part of community pride and showing the better part of all of us...we're all about it.  Would you like to learn more about or make a donation to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex?  You can find their website linked below.  Thanks to everyone who came out and thanks to the Watermark 920 for inviting The Muskegon Channel to be a part of the evening to share the story. 

SO EXCITING!!!!... a new MISS SHORELINE 2019 has been crowned!!!

 This past Saturday evening I joined a packed Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor Ballroom crowd....anxiously waiting and watching to see who would be crowned the new MISS SHORELINE 2019.... To proudly represent our Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa Counties in the coming year....as well as in this coming June's Miss Michigan competition at the Frauenthal Theater in Downtown Muskegon.  Follow Miss Shoreline on Facebook

If you would like to find out more about our beautiful MISS SHORELINE, Emily Krejci....or any other information about involvement in the upcoming competitions.....please check out the links and contact numbers below.

"A Miss America Local Organization"

Muskegon, is booming.  We all know that.  Muskegon is also not exactly all about things changing in a flash.  We like to take our time with things changing and spend a little time warming up to things.  The good thing is, while our pace of change is speeding way up so has our ability to adapt and accept new things, ideas and experiences.  It's a combination of things.  We're seeing a huge uptick in things to do and see in town combined with a renewed outlook and our embracing what's to come.  Watch Us Go seems to have some teeth to it.  

Well, with the renewal we have an opportunity to do things in ways that will assure that some of what was won't be again.  Our eras in Muskegon left a mess or two.  Not that it was really intentional of the lumber of industrial years to do some of the damage that was done, but the clean up efforts have been monumental.  Pollution, debris, poorly regulated practices all led to some tough jobs cleaning up lakes, streams and communities.  We learned from past mistakes and as we go forward, there are plenty of great ways to pitch in on so many levels to avoid "the bad stuff".  It's called sustainability.  Follow the WMSBF on Facebook

But, sustainability is a word that some, including myself, don't really have a handle on.  Is it recycling?  Is it re-purpose/  re-use?  Do we all have to have a compost pile out behind the house?  Are they taking away straws?  Well, slow down a little.  Before you get all in a kerfuffle over things, it's a little more simple than that.  Can you get by without something?  Can you use a little less energy?  Can you recycle a few more things that don't have a deposit attached to them?  If you answered yes to any of the previous questions - YOU my friend are on your way to sustainability!  You get a gold star today!

If that made you feel good, there's a way you can learn more!!  The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum works to explain sustainability on many levels.  How can business make less of an environmental impact with how they work.  How can new construction put things in place to minimize energy use or water use?  The research has all been done and the flood of info is huge so to unpack it all The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum comes to Muskegon to help people understand how to get involved. 

There are a series of lunch and learn events coming up.  I met with Daniel Schoonmaker who is the Executive Director of the organization.  We open the conversation with some explanation of the whole thing and then knuckle down on some of the nuts and bolts of it and tell you how you can join some of the informational events coming up right here in Muskegon.  Take a listen.   

See, it's not as big and scary as it seems and it's sure not how some picture it. Hugging a tree is great, but that idea has given way to sensible and practical ways to protect the environment, business and community.  Make plans to head to one of the lunch events.  Take a look at the WMSBF website, linked below and learn a little more.  If "sustainability" seems huge...think of one small step at a time...it makes it a lot easier and it's the collective small steps of all of us that make the impact.

We're no strangers to Girls on the Run!  Girls on the Run is a program for girls ages 8-13 years old.  It's focused on life skills through conversational learning lessons and running.  It's all based on showing the participants know, and activate their limitless potential and gives them the freedom to pursue their dreams!  It's simply a fantastic thing to be a part of and their commitment to the young women of Muskegon is hard to beat.  Click Here for Lunafest Tickets

Being a part of the run itself for a couple years now, and seeing first hand the sense of accomplishment of the girls as the event ramps up and the start takes off, and the first to the last complete the 5k has been an amazing experience.  The race is the "reward" for completing the program leading up to the day and to have an idea of what's taught along with the dedicated people who help guide the students celebrate a victory in more ways than one.  Steps have been taken to show these young people their value beyond what they see or hear in the "mainstream" and when they cross that finish line, they know first hand that they can accomplish something as difficult as a 5k run!  

One of the benefits held to help support the program is called Lunafest.  It's a short film festival of, by and for women.  This year, it will be held at The Block in Downtown Muskegon on March 7th at 5:30.  It's recommended for high school age and older and along with the film, you'll find some great food from The Hearthstone, a cash bar, plenty of information about Girls on the Run and chances are, you'll find more people just like you who believe in the future of our youth.  

We've welcomed Molly Barker, the founder of Girls on the Run in to Muskegon.  We've talked plenty with Sue Gifford locally too about the events happening here in town.  Today, meet Beth McEwen with Girls on the Run who's going to talk about Lunafest a little more and how you can be a part of the film festival and help benefit such a terrific program.  Take a listen.

It's a great program. If you have a daughter or granddaughter between 8 and 13, it's worth exploring what Girls on the Run is all about.  If you'd like to know more click on the photo below.  It's a pretty great thing and my thanks to GOTR for having us out again to help spread the word!

It's hard to believe, but what was once a grocery store in Norton Shores has become a vibrant center for so many incredible things for our senior citizen community.  The site that was D&W is now known as Tanglewood Park and within the walls you'll find Senior Resources, who help older folks navigate their way through the vast amounts of benefits that are there for them and resources they might not even know about.  You'll find AgeWell Services who handle things like Meals on Wheels, nutrition education, fitness, yoga and more.  You'll find a delicious cafe that's open to the public and, you'll find Life Circles PACE, who are the focus of our story today.

Life Circles PACE is a comprehensive medical program for senior citizens designed to help keep people in their home as long as possible.  The offer primary medical care, day center activities, in home care, medical transportation ans so much more.  A visit to Life Circle PACE and the first thing you see that they truly offer is a place where people don't have to feel alone.  To suffer the isolation that so often comes with aging, and the rest of the world carrying on at a bullets speed when it's time for the elderly person to slow down a little.  With isolation quite often comes fear.  What if I fall?  What if I am forgotten?  What if I run out of food?  All of those "what if's" are answered by fellowship and caring and truly good people who devote themselves to the care of our older generation. Follow Life Circles PACE on Facebook

Is it a sad sack of a place?  Not in the least!  People are interacting, talking, playing games, doing some physical activity and really, making the most of what they have.  The care is top notch and as mentioned, the staff takes a great deal of pride in knowing that they are fulfilling to the best of their ability the days of those in their advanced years.  

It's a milestone for Life Circles PACE this year aw well!  It's the 10 year anniversary of their service in Muskegon and to celebrate, they are working to bridge the gap a little between ages and, some people that might share a touch of the same things the senior citizens face, the "what if's".  The focus will be on building bags for kids who for one reason or another have to go into foster care.  Sometimes, when the situation comes up, the child has only a short time to grab their belongings and put them in a garbage bag to head to their foster home.  It's a sad a scary reality, but...Life Circles PACE has a plan to help it easier.  They are building backpacks to provide to the kids to take with them and have as their own.  

I met with Barb Dekker and Pam O'Brien from Life Circles Pace to talk a little more about their program as well as the incredible give back for the foster kids.  Take a listen.

It's an amazing program, and an amazing give back. It crosses some generations and the fact that a little love is coming from someone, to someone they will never meet...that's a pretty great thing too.  After our visit, Barb took me out on a tour of the campus and I was able to meet and talk with a lot of really remarkable people who were just grateful to have someone to talk with.  Smiles, handshakes, kindness....I'm here to tell ya, the world needs more places like Life Circles PACE, and it's right here!  To learn more click on the photo below to visit their website.

Ready for something delicious?  Chef Char is at it in Kitchen 242 and rockin' some awesome home made ravioli.  Let's start with an editorial note.  Someone has to be there at the completion of the dish to make sure it's good right?  Not being overly exposed to ravioli growing up, outside of the occasional canned Chef Boy Ar Dee, this post shoot sampling REALLY hit the spot. Follow Chef Char on Facebook

This recipe is as much of an art as it is a cooking class.  The care that went in to the hand made noodles and the patience involved was meticulous.  The good thing about this...practice makes perfect, so as you hone your culinary arts, those involved in the end result will be happy with your bew found dedication.

You're going to see the entire process minus the gluttony at the end.  From the home made noodles to the gentle frying and then topped off with the sauce... SO good!  Let's get down to Kitchen 242 and watch Chef Char work her magic!

Delicious!  We should be filming with Chef Char every day!  Want to learn how to learn how to cook like Char?  She'll teach ya!  She's got all kinds of fun and informative cooking classes for adults, and kids at Kitchen 242!  You can visit her website for a list of times and class themes!  Click on Chef Char's photo to visit her website and the recipe for the ravioli...right below that!

Cheese and Herb Stuffed Tomato Ravioli with Chef Char
Tomato Pasta Recipe
6 oz. can tomato paste
1 cup semolina flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
Pinch of sea salt
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pasta directions: Add all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using a dough hook on an electric mixer, combine the pasta ingredients until a large ball of dough forms. Remove the ball of pasta dough from the bowl, cover the dough and allow it to rest about 10 minutes before rolling into pasta sheets. Note: If pasta comes out sticky, add small amounts of all-purpose flour until the pasta dough forms a tight ball. If the pasta feels a little dry, it is okay to add a small amount of water.

Cheese Herb Filling Recipe
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Greek yogurt
6 ounces feta cheese
2 eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Herb Cheese Filling Directions:
Add all cheese filling ingredients in a bowl and stir until well-combined.
To Assemble Ravioli:
Place two freshly rolled pasta sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a small scoop, form small piles of filling along one of the sheets of pasta. Coat the edges of the pasta sheets with egg wash. Place the second pasta sheet over the cheese piles and press the dough onto the areas where there is egg wash and seal ravioli.

Dip sealed ravioli pillows into egg wash, then into Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry in a 350 degree pot of vegetable oil for 5 minutes or bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve with roasted tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.

It was the premiere episode of Muskegon Tonight at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro.  The "polar vortex" was on everyone's mind, but it sure didn't stop a great crowd from turning out to be a part of the launch!

The show, hosted by Andy O'Riley and Jeremy DeWitt welcomed Muskegon Mayor Steve Gawron to talk about all things Muskegon, Jim Rudicil of the Muskegon Luge and Winter Sports Complex and Comedian Ricarlo Williams-Winston entertained the crowd at the end of the night with a short set of his great material.

The atmosphere was warm, the food was delicious and as far as the launch of a new shw goes, it was pretty dog gone good!  If you missed it live or would just like to see it again... here you are, it's the premiere if Muskegon Tonight on The Muskegon Channel.

Our thanks to everyone who braved the cold to come out and to out very gracoius hosts at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro for the awesome venue to hold the premiere show! If you're looking for a great place to have a night out in an intimate setting, may we invite you to check out Smash! in the lower level of the Frauenthal Theater in Downtown Muskegon. You can have a look at their menu by clicking on their photo below.