Mission for Area People of Muskegon County is gearing up for a Fall fundraiser that will help with their incredible outreach for those in our community who need a hand with the essentials that are sometimes just not able to be met because of one reason or another. 

It's time to step it up a little.  Becky generally offers an exercise program targeted at beginner to mid level, but this week...we're kicking it up a notch.  It's a little more of an advanced work out so if you're new to the game, take your time with what you'll see and go at your own pace.  If however you've been chugging right along with the other 116 episodes of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel, it's time to step on the gas!  

You'll need a barbell and some weights, you'll need a kettle bell and a step and you'll need to check with a Dr. before you start this or any other work out program.  You'll want to warm up, stretch out and drink lots of water, because here comes episode 117 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel. 

Now, it's in to cool down mode!  Come back later and do it again!!  A healthy and happy you is what this is all about!  Need a little more focus?  Becky is taking on new clients for one on one or group training!  You can get in touch with her through her website and she'll customize a program for you no matter where you are in your fitness journey.  Click on the pic below and get in touch with Becky and watch your investment in yourself payoff! 

In November, voters in the White Lake area are being asked to approve a millage for a 5 year period where they are asking for 1.65 mills for some incredibly necessary upgrades and improvements.  It's not an indefinite period of time and it's being asked by those who daily, put their life on the line to protect the rest of us.  We at the Muskegon Channel have always sided with those in public service and what's needed at the White Lake Fire Authority, you'll see is truly a small ask for what's provided. Citizens Supporting WLFA on Facebook

Let's go back a bit.  The current main station in Downtown Whitehall has been there since the 50's.  It's unable to hold the equipment and tools needed in today's line of first response work.  What was once a "fire barn" with a dalmatian out front in the classic minds eye has become a central spot for fire trucks, EMT's, water rescue, life saving supplies, implements to extricate people from crashed vehicles and more.  The current building isn't even properly vented for the exhaust the trucks put out when started so, when a call comes in and the vehicles roll out...the lingering cloud lasts a while.  The administrative area of the fire department is smaller than a single axle travel trailer  and as the need for services has increased space has gotten so tight, even holding a department meeting requires the moving of all the vehicles out of the bays and the garage becomes a makeshift conference room.  There's one essential vehicle that can't even fit inside the old facility.

There is also a very large need to replace 2 of their trucks.  The average life span of an emergency service vehicle according to Pete McCarthy who you'll hear from in a little bit, is 20 years and White Lake Fire has one that's 25 and one that's 29.  Their life span has passed and and replacements are needed for the safety of their expansive community.  With the size of their service area, knowing what it's going to cost the average homeowner is best answered by calling your local municipality or consulting your taxable value of your home by .00165.  So, for an example if your house has a taxable value of $100,000 it will cost you $165 dollars.  No one wants to pay more taxes, but imagine if in your time of need the services are not there.  Makes $165 bucks seem pretty paltry.

As we mentioned, Pete McCarthy is a Captain with the White Lake Fire Authority and I caught up with him as he was setting up for the WLFA Open House held Friday night at the station.  We took a few minutes to talk about the growth of their services as well as the cramped space they have grown past and what's to come should the voters agree this is a necessary improvement for the booming White Lake Area.  Take a listen.  

We stand with our first responders.  We have yet to come across any ask from a public safety organization that's not been thoroughly researched and proven needed.  The White Lake Fire Authority is just that.  The White Lake area is filled with everything from multi family to huge stately mansions.  The calls for service range from dirt roads to one of the busiest highways in the state.  Showing up with a pumper truck is still a service, but so are calls for drug over doses and other modern social plagues.  A request like this is why society is set up.  Community is built on combined resources to take care of each other in time of need and supporting those who take the job.  Please know the facts and vote November 5th and help the White Lake Fire Authority serve their beautiful part of Muskegon County.

What a night!  We were so incredibly lucky to have had another completely sold out show and packed house at Pub One Eleven in Downtown Whitehall on Wednesday September 25th!  The food was amazing, the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere is one of inclusiveness and neighborly fun, just like you'd expect from a neighborhood pub in a quaint community.  It truly is a place where friends gather and community is built.

To break character a little is a way to draw a little attention to something that can often be a difficult subject to address.  When that difficult topic happens to be the abuse of women, it takes a little more of an effort.  For years now, in Muskegon, the men of the community have broken character, away from their day jobs and their normal demeanor to strut the runway in front of the community with designer purses that come in from donors all over the area and are combined with some incredible opportunities.  Is it a night of silly fun?  Yep.  Is it an effort on the part of all to raise a few bucks and a lot of awareness about domestic violence and the organization in Muskegon that's been at the forefront of the cause since 1975, Every Woman's Place.  Click here for Tickets to Power of the Purse

The work of Every Woman's Place goes so far in Muskegon.  They work to offer safe shelter, counselling, advocacy and supportive services to women and children surviving sexual and domestic violence.  Services also include parenting education, sexual assault crisis intervention, information and referrals and and a 24 hour crisis line.  And all of this is free to those who need the services.  Over the course of the year, the program relies on some fundraiser events like Power of the Purse, Cheers and Chocolate and more.  They also work to secure grants and donations in other ways to continue the essential and vital work they do for all they serve.

This year, the fun is set to take place at the Fricano Event Center on Muskegon Lake on October 10th.  300 plus guests will be in attendance...15 or more purse models will be competing for top bids and the food and drink will be second to none as always at a Fricano's event!  There will be silent auctions going on as well as music and more.  The highlight though....the runway.  Some guys embrace it....some nervously stroll up and down it, others....well others think they are on a Broadway stage and go all out!  Women leave with top notch designer handbags and the guys leave knowing that while they let their guard down, hey did their part to help women in crisis.

This year, Subaru of Muskegon, part of the My Auto Family has stepped up to be the headline sponsor of the event.  Elisa Hopper of Every Woman's Place and Maria Secord of My Subaru joined Andy O....who by the way....continues to show up Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund in the battle of U of M vs. MSU purses year after year...to talk about this years event.  Take a listen.  

Fun huh?  Does it have a bit of the "town follies" feel?  It sure does, and it's such an incredible thing to be a part of.  When we hear about domestic violence or sexual trauma...we all stand there, shaking our heads and asking "What can I do?"  Well, here's your sign.  You can be a part of an event like this.  You can make a small donation to Every Woman's Place.  You can learn the signs of domestic violence and you can advocate for those who are victims.  We hope to see you at the Fricano Event Center October 10th for Power of the Purse.  You an learn more about Every Woman's Place by clicking on the image below.

  For the 25th year, The International Buster Keaton Society’s will host their Buster Keaton Convention in Muskegon, Michigan, the summer home of Buster Keaton and his family in Bluffton / the Actors Colony, during many of their years on the Vaudeville circuit. Members of the society, who call themselves The Damfinos, will come to town from all over the world and participate in this three days event.

  For the regular fans, one of the main events is set on Oct 5, 2019 at 8PM -  the the showing of the double feature: One Week (1920) and The Camera Man (1928) at the Majestic Frauenthal Theater with LIVE organ accompaniment by Dennis Scott on the mighty Barton Organ. This event is open to public with tickets for $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

It's a seasonal favorite of Becky's.  Yes, it's time for bow season to open and in as much as Becky is absolutely awesome at making sure you are Fit and Healthy....she's also pretty good at filling up a freezer with venison once hunting season gets here.  In fact, when Becky's commitments to clients are complete from the end of September till deer season is done...she's on her way to a tree stand with her camouflage on and war paint on her face.  She LOVES the outdoors and everything about it!

Episode 116 is all about fitness through hunting.  What are some of the proper ways to work those arms and legs?  How to keep the stamina up to get out to the tree stand and if good fortune comes your way, how do you get that deer out of the woods?  She makes it all fun and adventurous in this weeks episode...and might let a little of her own excitement bubble over for the new season.

As always, consult a physician before you start this or any other exercise program.  Drink plenty of water, warm up...stretch and let's roll!  It's episode 116 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel. 

You're ready for the woods!  Or the streets or just an overall healthier life!  That's what we're here for with Fit and Healthy With Becky!  Come back and do it again, share it with friends or maybe head up to The Gym on the 4 Corners in North Muskegon where we film!  Becky is available for one on one fitness programs or group settings and The Gym is a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for grown-up's who want to have a great workout in a great setting.  You an click on the image below to visit Becky's page to get in touch!

Orchard View Adult Education is an AMAZING resource for those who would be considered "non traditional' students.  For some, the setting of a school wasn't ideal, or maybe it was a learning disability that was unknown and discouraged them from completing their diploma.  Maybe it was a life circumstance like the need to go to work or raise a child that took someone away from the ability to complete their education.  There are any number of things that can get in the way, and in days gone by, those who couldn't complete the K-12 process the way others do...well, we all know how that worked out.  It was generally a hill often hard to climb for anyone.  Follow Orchard View Adult Ed on Facebook

Today, the approach to education has changed and the shame and stigma of that classic mold not being completed as it should be isn't seen as it was.  Hey, sometimes life is hard and the path has to make some twists and turns.  That doesn't mean that when things are back to a little more normal that anyone should be denied a diploma or GED.  That's where Orchard View Adult Education Comes in.

Offering specialized focus on the student and customizing a learning experience for them is the key to their success.  No matter where the students are on their educational path, OV Adult Ed will access there needs and custom tailor a program with the support they need to get past the hard parts and give them the self confidence along with the paperwork that says that they did it!  Their campus out off Apple Avenue is still open and embracing students, but not long ago their Downtown Muskegon location had some changes and that left their students in the area in a bit of a lurch.

To the rescue came Muskegon Community College in the beautiful new Strurrus Center right across for Hackley Park which not only had the room to welcome the teachers and students, but they also have the technology in place to make the move in quick and above all....the students working on getting those basics done, they get a first hand look daily at just what the future can hold for them if they choose to continue on to a certificate or degree program with MCC.  This is an amazing win for all involved and getting the word out about the new Downtown Muskegon location is what spurred the call from Stephanie Agard to come down and learn a little more.

We did just that.  We met with Stephanie, Elizabeth DiRitio and Amber Silvis who are teachers with OV Adult Ed and Ashley Battle from Muskegon Community College and we talked about this amazing meet up of educational opportunity....take a listen.

Don't let the stigma of "what was" stand in your way.  Orchard View Adult Education is right there to help you every step of the way!  So, no matter the circumstance that kept you from completing high school or how long it's been, now is the time to grab life by the tail and finish it up.  There is help every step of the way and you will not find a better opportunity anywhere from people.  Click on the image below to get started.

I was back at the GVSU-Annis Water Resources Institute last week for a chat with Dr. Rick Rediske, scientist and professor of water resources. I have known Rick for decades. His work and assistance have been absolutely essential to cleaning up White Lake, as well as advancing Muskegon Lake’s restoration. Rick was always available to meet with me and other citizens to help us understand pollution issues, and he was the lead scientist on many important studies that helped to define environmental problems in the two lakes, as well as solutions. State of Michigan Pfas Site

My guess is that many in Muskegon County may not know that he helped citizens in Rockford, Michigan raise the issue of PFAS to the attention of state environmental regulators and public health officials and he is one of the state’s top experts on the subject. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a group of chemicals used in the industrial, food, textile, and even firefighting industries. They break down very slowly in the environment and are highly soluble, easily transferring through soil to groundwater.

Rockford citizens became concerned about pollution in their community almost 10 years ago. They were frustrated by the lack of attention by city and state government and asked Rick to help. What they uncovered was a massive pollution problem, extending throughout 25-square miles, and contaminating drinking water for almost a thousand households. The offending pollutants were PFAS-related chemicals in Scotchgard, the product used to waterproof shoes made by Wolverine. The state is now studying the pollution at sites across the state, as PFAS-type compounds are used in firefighting foam, and other products. Rick notes that they are also in many everyday products such as fast food wrappers, dental floss, and Teflon cookware.

PFAS compounds have numerous harmful health effects. They can affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. And to make matters worse, the federal guidelines are considered inadequate by many scientists. Fortunately, Michigan is developing its own guideline, which will lower the amount allowable for safe exposure to people.

To find out more, you can check out the state’s website, which provides all of the testing done to date on public water supplies. Muskegon County’s health department also provides information on this topic. A Great Lakes environmental group, Freshwater Future, is offering affordable tests for private drinking water wells.

Over the last year or so, Ricarlo Williams - Winston has kind of become part of the family here at the Muskegon Channel!  He was our very first comic guest on Muskegon Tonight Live, he helped arrange countless big name comedians to make an appearance with us while he was with the Back Alley Comedy Club in Sherman Lanes and he's also become a great friend and trusted partner.  Ricarlo is a very hard working and dedicated comic, husband, dad and event organizer and not so long ago, he decided it was time to up his game and venture out on his own to start his own career as not only a touring comedian, but a promoter for other comics and promoter of shows, large and small, to help bring a little more laughter to his hometown of Muskegon! Click Here to Follow Fresh Ghost Comedy on Facebook

The new venture is called Fresh Ghost Comedy.  You'll find the shows popping up at different venues in town.  Right now there are scheduled shows at Racquet's and our main spot for Muskegon Tonight Live at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro!  Fresh Ghost Comedy can also handle bookings for private functions like parties, fundraisers and more.  Ricarlo is plugged in really well in the Midwest region and can help find just the right comic for the kind of show you'd like to have!  He's also working to give young comics a shot to get started in what's considered one of the hardest disciplines of entertainment....stand up.  Smaller shows give that guy looking for a few minutes of stage time a chance to get up there and get going, and building a growing future talent is essential in any endeavor. 

Ricarlo and I sat down for a few at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro, and talked a little about the upstart of the business and his future plans to not only infuse some entertainment around town but to make his mark for himself a little and the other comics.  Take a listen! 

Boom! Love it!  We started all of what we do with a free blog website and a GoPro camera!  Ricarlo is light years ahead of us and poised to bring a lot of great entertainemnt to Muskegon and a lot of opportunity to venues, comics and fans!  It's been a great working realtionship with Ricarlo and The Back Alley and to add more laughter to the world...a noble endeavor on all accounts!   Stay tuned, the weather is cooling off and comedy season is upon us!  We'll tell you where to get the guffaw's, belly laughs and snickers right here on the Muskegon Channel!

Have you heard about these little things called the Little Free Library? Well let me tell you.. The Little Free Library is a non-profit focused to put books into hands that may not otherwise have had the access to them. These Little Free Library’s are meant to inspire the love of reading in all ages. When you visit a location you are able to pick a book out to take home, you can choose to keep it, bring it back or exchange it for another.  Visit the Lazy Oak Little Library on Facebook

I know that we have a few of these amazing library's around Muskegon county. Orchard View has one at the OVEE, OVE and OVM schools. You can also find one on Palmer Ave downtown Muskegon. Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Lindsay who is the one behind the newest Lazy Oak Little Free Library here is Muskegon located at the end on Lazy Oak Trail. on the turnaround in the cul-de-sac. Lindsay had said that she loves the idea and knew that she wanted to add one in her neighborhood. With the help of her husband and a filing cabinet from Ikea the Lazy Oak Little Tree Little Free Library was formed. Lindsay says that she wanted everyone of all ages to feel welcome to come and visit. You are able to take/leave a book, donate a bookmark or even leave a note of thanks or an uplifting message for the next person.

If you are able please go and visit one of these amazing fixtures in our community. Below is a short video that I took of the chat that I had with Lindsay. You can also click on the photo to the right to see some of the books that you can find at this location.

If you would like to have more information about Little Free Library’s, where they are or maybe how you can add one into your community you can find that information by clicking below!

So...you learn the family business, you get to know all the in's and outs of it, you grow a little on your own and then you spread your wings because you realize you can "fix anything that creates a stitch" and you've quietly built yourself a little empire in Muskegon providing a service that is essential, but most don't realize they need until it's the very last second and they are in a pinch.  Over the years, you grow to not only have a shop in a quiet little unsuspecting area, but you're travelling the region and country doing what you do and keeping sewing machines...all kinds of them, from home use to industrial applications up and running.  

This is the story of Wildig Services of Muskegon.  Family owned and operated, Wildig services is located out on Apple Ave. by the corner of Maple Island and while they have spent their time fixing up what failed for those who like to use a sewing machine for business or pleasure, they have also been incredibly resourceful in their business by building up their own stock of sewing machines.  Some came in on trade, some came in broken past repair....some were just let go because of an upgrade but all of them have very specialized parts that you can't just run into a store and get, so...the smart thing to do was to hang on to what you have to help with what you need!  Not everything in society today is disposable like we all think. Visit SoWild Custom Interiors on Facebook

So, with their years in business... the Willdig's have piled up over 1500 sewing machines.  All makes and models.  Some antique, some fairly new.  Some still in good working order and some are even ready to be run with a foot pedal should the right customer come along and want that option.  Their shop is quaint and they have also expanded in recent years to offer custom upholstering for cars and boats at their Apple Ave. location with their SoWild Custom Interiors, along with some more current sewing machines for sale...but the real story is what you find at their storage facility. 

Shelves....stacks and and square feet of floor covered in sewing machines.  It's such a site to see that when there was a Facebook post with a snapshot of one small area of the sewing machines...we reached out to see if we could come tell the story.  Sarah Wildig graciously agreed to let us show up with the camera and show you what's going on.  Take a look, and listen.

Wow!  It's a bit of a quirky story, sure...who would think of such a collection?  Smart, resourceful and practical when it comes to having what you need for your business!  As Sarah said though...they are looking to liquidate the collection and are deciding on how.  An open house maybe or possibly one buyer?  Time will tell, but our thanks for now go out to the Wildigs for a fun story...a very unique business in Muskegon and for keeping us "in stitches" of all kinds for years!  You can call their shop if you like.  231-788-6127 and if you need a sewing machine looked at, think of a local, family run small business that would be happy to see ya!  

It's episode 114 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel!!  It's a simple process really, a little added weight with a couple of dumbbells and a little added resistance with a step in your house or a small bench and we're going to be off to the races today!  It's not about how many gadgets you have or any of that, so don't feel that it's a competition to run out and get some of the stuff you see.  You can use a bottom step at your house...you could grab anything that would add a little resistance...it's all about just getting started and getting going.

Of course, like any Certified Personal Trainer, Becky wants you to make sure you've seen a doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to begin this or any other workout program.  You also need to warm up, stretch out and drink plenty of water!  

We're at The Gym in North Muskegon located on the 4 Corners, so...as you're doing your work out, take a look around, maybe The Gym is right for you!  Stop in to see for yourself...but here comes a preview in Episode 114 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel!

Feel good? Do it again!  That's the best part of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel.  It's always there, on demand for you to work out to again, share with friends or archive if you find it really beneficial.  Becky also has openings for one on one, or group settings for her fitness classes!  Click on the photo below to visit her site and get in touch!

Last week I met up with Dr. Steinman, Al, as I have known him for many years, to talk about the Institute’s important role in Muskegon County and a few of the top environmental issues of the day.