So we took the show on the road for one.  What's a drive over to beautiful Newaygo ever hurt anyone?  The rolling hills, the farm land, the "back roads" if you know them to keep from having to go all the way out Apple...or all the way up through Fremont.  Ya, I am pretty much that good.  Throw in the fact we can do a story for a guy who needs a hand, and ya...I'll take the drive over to Newaygo. Visit Jimmy's Roadhouse on Facebook

Got a call from Officer Justin Visser, friend of a friend thing, and he told me about his friend Rocky Wildfong.  Rocky got the business end of a motorcycle accident not too long ago and Aeromed had to be called in on him.  It was pretty rough.  He lost a leg, he lost a lot of blood and he has lost a pretty good portion of his vision field.  It's going to be a long row to hoe to get him back up on he feet and back to it at as a corrections officer in Newaygo County.  Terrible situation for everyone, but as we all seem to do in any corner of West Michigan, Rocky's friends, neighbors and relatives are all pitching in to do what they can to make sure nothing slips through the cracks while Rocky is on the mend...and ya....they do it in Newaygo just like we do here.  With a biker party.  :)

Jimmy's Roadhouse is the place to be August 18th.  There will be music, food and plenty of fun.  Bikers will be coming in from all over the state to participate.  HUGE silent auction with all kind of cool stuff to bid on.  There'll probably be a raffle or two.  Plenty of horse shoes and corn hole.  It's like the stole a page out of the Muskegon benefit playbook, but we won't hold it against them this time.

I caught up with Justin and Amy Stuck who's the General Manager of Jimmy's Roadhouse over in Newaygo for the details on the shin-dig.  Take a listen.

Hey, you might be itching for a ride, or maybe you have just heard about the great food and fun over at Jimmy's.  I've been there...it really is a great place to eat.  Or, maybe you want to do a good turn for Officer Wildfong and his family.  That's what neighbors are for.  Nice little drive over to Newaygo for a great cause, why not take it on August 18th and help a bunch of cops trying to help another cop out.  Personally, I am just kind of thankful they thought we were a big enough deal to share the story for them!  For more on Rock Wildfong and #RockyStrong click on the photo below for the event Facebook page. 

It's 5 years strong and bigger and better than ever.  Chef Prize makes it's triumphant return to the gorgeous surroundings of Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport September 9th and you are invited out to enjoy culinary delights, delicious libation, fantastic cooking demonstrations and music to play to the heavens all day.  The finest chef's from all over West Michigan and further will be testing their skills in all areas of taste bud delights to see who goes home with the awards from the expert panel, the peoples choice and more!  It's become an event of the grandest scale and not only does it give area foodies a chance to try something unique and fun, the proceeds go to a unique and very worthy beneficiary every year, and this year it's Kids Food Basket of West Michigan. Chef Prize Event on Facebook

The purpose of the event is what it's really about.  Every night, in West Michigan Kids Food Basket provides thousands of meals to kids who go home to food insecure houses.  It might be an economic issue, it might be the fact parents are working more than one job.  No matter the reason, Kids Food Basket makes sure that no kid goes home to no dinner.  They are provided a "sack supper" which includes a protein....such as a sandwich, a piece of fresh fruit and a healthy snack.  This provides the nutrition that a young brain needs to develop and a young body the energy it needs to grow.  You'd also be surprised to find out that the need, well, it isn't exactly "someone else's" problem.  This is an issue that effects people silently.  No one really talks about food insecurity.  It's not easy to admit that you're struggling when it comes to providing the basics, so...it could be your neighbor, or maybe even a relative who relies on the services of Kids Food Basket. 

The event itself, come ready to eat!  At the time of publishing this, there are 24 restaurants and chef's lined up to compete.  There will be everything from BBQ to beef and cupcakes to brews.  Great sampling opportunities will be in abundance and don't be shy.  You will probably find some pretty exotic dishes to try as well as some favorite standards that will bring you right back to center after your adventure when it comes to palate pleasers.   Breweries, distillers and wineries will be represented as will plenty of dessert places so if you need to wet your whistle or have a sweet tooth that needs to be taken care of, you'll find all you need.

Click Here for Tickets to Chef Prize

Entertainment will be provided by Ruth and Max Bloomquist as well as a return of Natchez Trace for an afternoon filled with acoustic folk and classic rock favorites and as a guest of Hampton Green Farm, you'll be able to see some of the worlds most beautiful champion PRE horses that have competed in the Olympics and more!  It's an actual working farm for these amazing animals, so take a chance to see them while you can.

Stephanie Kerr Cathey is the Executive Director of the Kids Food Basket in Muskegon and we met up at Hampton Green Farm to talk about this years Chef Prize event, take a listen.

It's a world class culinary affair set in a championship setting that most people don't even know is here in Muskegon County.  Take a Sunday afternoon off to enjoy the best of the best in everything to help Kids Food Basket assure that our young people don't go to bed hungry at night.  It's an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone when it comes to what you normally eat and it's a chance to be a part of the greater good.  You can click on the image below to visit the Chef Prize website to see all of the participating chef's and restaurants!  We'll see you at Hampton Green Farm September 9th!

All work and no play - we all know how that one ends!  Not good!  So, as we finish up our segments in Kruse Park in Norton shores, Becky decided to show you a thing or two about how to utilize playground equipment in ways that grown up's can benefit from them and get in a little play time and workout time. 

It's been a great time on location at Kruse Park.  We've done everything from stairs to yoga and now, some fun on the equipment!  Don't forget though, that you've got the chance to join Becky in a one on one setting or a group if you choose.  She's a Certified Personal Trainer.  You can join her at The Gym in North Muskegon or if you are so inclined, she'll come right to your house!

As always, make sure you consult your doctor first.  Warm up, stretch out, and stay hydrated!  It's time to hit the monkey bars for episode 61 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel.

How was that for fun?  There's more you know!  Becky took the reigns of the run this year coming to the Arts and Drafts event in Norton Shores and she needs YOU!  Yes!!  All the registration info is listed below and you'll have a great time!  Get in on the fun and be a prat of the event!

The Muskegon Farmers Market has done just what it was supposed to do.  It's become a focal point for all things Downtown.  If you're shopping for fresh food and want an atmosphere of community and fun, it's there.  If you're in the market for a flea market type setting and want to buy and sell something cool...it's right there.  Attached, you'll find Kitchen 242 which is a great spot for how to cooking gatherings and and incubator for upstart culinary endeavors.  There is an awful lot going on here already, so....let's add some more. Women's Division Chamber of Commerce Online

Wednesday August 1st will be another great edition of Downtown Dancing with The Women's Division Chamber of Commerce and since everyone will be working up an appetite...let's throw in 22-25 food trucks around the property to make sure every culinary delight is met.  Sounds like a party right?  It is!  It's an all ages hang out and it's a very family friendly atmosphere, so even the kids can come out and enjoy the music and atmosphere.  This Wednesday, the music will be provided by the West Side Soul Surfers and the food...anything from cannolis to pizza's, taco's to burgers and dogs will be found.  Plenty of desserts as well for those with a sweet tooth!

It all came about as a collaboration with The City of Muskegon and The Women's Division Chamber of Commerce.  The events were on different nights, but then a light bulb went off and the idea came about to combine them!  BOOM!  It's amazing when people find ways to mutually benefit each other's organizations and make 2 events 1 big one that everyone can enjoy!  What better place to do that than the Farmers Market?

Let's get all the players on camera!!  Perfect!  Ann Meisch joins from the City of Muskegon as well as Danielle Medacco and Lori Johnson from the Women's Division Chamber of Commerce.  We're talking about how all of this came together and how you can come down and enjoy it Wednesday night as the Summer slowly starts to slip by.  Take a listen.

Come down, fill up and enjoy a great night out in the community and be a part of the fun!  The food will be magnificent, the entertainment will be divine and we will all be able to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors!  Hey, you can't beat the price either!  You and your lawn chair for the dancing part is all it's going to take!  If you'd like to know more about the Muskegon Farmers Market and events that happen there, click on their logo below to learn more!

Becky's still in Kruse Park showing off some of the splendor of Norton Shores while showing you how to stay in shape and be a little healthier!  This week, she's got the TRX straps out again and they are mounted to a tree.  The last time, we were in The Gym in North Muskegon, but as you'll see in this weeks episode, this adaptable and multipurpose training tool has plenty of uses!

Of course, you'll want to make sure you're good to go fro your doctor before you start this or any other exercise program.  You'll also want to warm up and stretch out.  If you're a klutz....you may want to take it really easy with the straps until you're comfortable too.  (That's a little exercise humor for ya there.)

It's episode 60 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel!!  Let's roll!

You did it!  You can do it again and again, you can share it with friends, you can make the date on your calendar as to when Episode 60 happened!  Hey, it's Becky's mission to just make you a little more Fit and Healthy.  If the programs are good enough for you, great!  If you'd like a little more attention in a group or one on one setting, she can make it happen for you!  Becky's also got a great event coming up at Arts and Drafts in Norton Shores.  Get the details in the photo below!

Let's go back a bit.  For 68 years, there has been a pageant for young women here in Muskegon.  It's had a few different names, but the overall approach has been the same.  Giving young women a chance to compete for scholarships while showcasing some talent and learning some soft skills that will benefit them in the long run no matter what career path they pick.  They learn public speaking, one on one engagement, self confidence and more.  It also gives them a chance to get a good chunk of their education paid for and a pretty amazing once in a lifetime experience of the possibility of becoming Miss America.  To many young women and families, it's a builder of confidence while working to attain goals and develop as an adult.  

Get Your VIP Tickets to Cruise With Miss Michigan

This year, Miss Shoreline Emily Sioma went on to become Miss Michigan and will be heading off to compete in the Miss America Pageant, but not before she spends an evening out on the lake with friends and fans.  You have a chance to be a part of this great event too.  August 3rd you'll be able to be a part of the reemergence of what was the Port City Princess.  You'll be there for the new name, the christening and the first ride.  The cruise itself is 21 and older.  There will be food, drink and entertainment.   The event on shore will be free, but the VIP cruise is a $50 donation to the Scholarship Program.  It will be well worth the help you give to the organization.

Morgan Buck is a former participant in the pageant as well as part of the board who's working to revitalize this great program for young women.  I have also had the pleasure of knowing Morgan since she was a kid.  To watch her grow into the confident young woman she's become has been incredible.  We caught up in front of the LST 393 at the Mart Dock in Muskegon, as the ship formerly known as the Port City Princess is getting a makeover in a secret location.  We talk about the event as well as what the pageant experience has meant to her.  Take a listen.

If you're all about the pageant or just want a chance to be a part of the inagural cruise on the timeless ship here in Muskegon, August 3rd is a great chance.  Miss Shoreline has a new outlook and focus and the young women who compete in it, we hope go on to do amazing things and represent us well.  It's a time of great new things happening in Muskegon and some of the old standards are getting a new start as well!  It's good to know that people who had such a positive experience with the Scholarship Program in the past are pointing it in a new direction.  To learn more, click below to visit their website.

It's a storied history Muskegon's love of everything motorcycle, and it goes back nearly 100 years now.  August 5th we'll gather as a community to enjoy the fun and fellowship of Mt. Garfield in Norton Shores as high flying dare devils from all over the country face one of the toughest spots anywhere to launch a motorcycle from a stand still up a 55 degree bank in seconds.  It's not a sport for the faint of heart and it's built on serious technology and competitive advantage that the racers work every angle to maximize their performance under!  

Let's go back a few though.  We're rapidly approaching the century mark for the Muskegon Motorcycle Club.  It's easily in the top 10 of oldest active motorcycle clubs in the United States.  Their work is done to promote motorcycling, motorcycle safety and rights, community needs and fellowship among riders and non riders.  It's not what you'd expect from the traditional "biker gang".  The do an awful lot of good work for great causes and do it without a lot of pomp and circumstance or fanfare.  They do their work because it's the right thing to do.  So, take the 60's "B Movie" image out of your head and realize that this is a dedicated group to Muskegon and our community who's been at it for nearly a century...and we really have something to be proud of.  Follow The Muskegon Motorcycle Club on Facebook

They promote events like the Spring Run early every riding season.   Of course, there are plenty of activities for club members at Mt. Garfield or Dan Raymond Park during the year but on the even numbered years, the big one comes and that tiny little patch of land, with that monsterous hill on it comes to life in Norton Shores and we all get to see motorcycles think they are rockets as they hit the gas, or the methanol, and haul ass almost vertically for the points, payout and thrill of it all.

Attendance wise, it's usually a draw of about 3000 people.  Some will come and camp all weekend and enjoy the party atmosphere with the primitive camping and camaraderie, others will be in line early Sunday morning to get their seat as close to the starting gate as they can to be part of the action.  On site you'll find vendors, music and fun.   It's an all inclusive ticket, so if you're coming to camp, get ther early Friday and get your spot.  If you're arriving Sunday...get there early and avoid the traffic jam.

Rick Perreault of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club and I met up over at his place to talk a little about the rich history of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club, some of the common misconceptions of what they are all about and what to expect at the 98th running of the Muskegon Hill Climb August 5th.  Take a listen!

 Proud to be from Muskegon yet?  You should be!  Almost 100 years of community service, advocating for motorcycles and fellowship among it's members.  We have much to brag about when it comes to the Muskegon Motorcycle Club and to support some of their events is the least we can do!  Rick outlined the costs in the video, so pack up the camper and make a weekend out of it at Mt. Garfield and think of it as a warm up for the century mark in 2 years!  Our many thanks to the MMC for all they do for our community and those who love riding on two wheels!  To learn more about the Muskegon Motorcycle Club, click on their logo below to visit their website!