We've preached and we've been proud of our relationship with the Muskegon County Airport for the simple fact that we really have a jewel here when it comes to travel.  We've also eluded to some great things happening at the airport and some with the potential to come, and they have.  It's a very exciting announcement and one that will make travelling for business much easier for anyone in West Michigan with new flight times to Chicago beginning October 5th at 6a and 2:30p with returns at 2p and 9:15p.  Now, there is no longer a need to head to one of the "big city's" for a flight.  You can jump on a United flight right here in Muskegon and be pretty much anywhere in the country in half a day and get the work done you need without the need for an overnight or long layover.  It's a great new option for travelers and it comes from an airport that's known for convenience, affordability and passenger friendly amenities like no other.   Learn More About S&S Casino Tours

The word also came that the level of occupancy for flights into and out of Muskegon has increased substantially and that's good news too, because like any business with growth, comes opportunity for more, and more means that options will expand if people continue to use the Muskegon County Airport on a more consistent basis compared to the long and aggravating drive to Detroit or Chicago.  Like many of the other things we are "Watching Go" in Muskegon, the Muskegon County Airports growth is in lock step with the times and things here are looking up in more ways than one!

Add to the exciting news for business travelers the increased flights with S&S Casino Tours to Laughlin Nevada and Atlantic City New Jersey, which are just exceptional values for a quick get away, and the ease for a leisure traveler to not have to hassle with the headaches of a major airport when it comes to kids and crowds and everything else.  The Muskegon County Airport is firing on all cylinders and there is much to be proud of when it comes to the hard work of so many people.

I met up with the airport Executive Director Jeffery Tripp to catch up on all the details and...well maybe even get our next round of hints as to what's to come for our hidden treasure in the travel world.  Take a listen.

 It's a great time to be in Muskegon period.  But, if you have to travel, now is the time to make a statement and #FlyMkg!  Use this to your advantage and save time money and hassle when it comes to your ventures!  If you are a business traveller it will protect your bottom line, if you are a leisure traveller it will protect your sanity.  The Muskegon County Airport is not onle a great sponsor of our work, they are a huge asset to our community and all of West Michigan.  Fly Muskegon!  To visit their website, click on the image below!

Ready to run?  Well, The Muskegon Channel's Becky Biesiada is ready for you in Norton Shores in August 18th as she is the race director of the Arts and Dash 5k happening in conjunction with Arts and Drafts at Ross Park.  

It's a full day of fun for the whole family.  There will be plenty of music, food and fun.  Arts and crafts of all kinds.  A beverage tent to replenish the carbs you burn off if you go on the run and of course, the surroundings of one of the Muskegon areas must beautiful parks.  Sign Up for the Arts and Dash 5K

Now, on to the race details!  There is a $150 prize involved here!!  Both the top male and female finisher cash in on the loot and, there's a purpose behind the entire race as well.  Proceeds from the race go to No More Sidelines which also calls Norton Shores Home.  If you're not familiar with No More Sidelines, they are an organization of families of special needs young people who work together to make sure that the activities everyone else gets to do...are available for kids with different circumstances.  One thing about the race, there will be no race day registrations.  You need to sign up in advance and get your packet the night before the race at the home of No More Sidelines on Seminole Road in Norton Shores on Friday August 17th from 5:30-7p. 

Becky and I had a few minutes to sit down and talk about the race after we taped a new batch of Fit and Healthy With Becky episodes this week.  Take a listen to what's going on and how you can be a part of the run and the entire event.

It's a lot of activity to pack into a short window, but Norton Shores Arts and Drafts has a little something for everyone.  If you're a runner, or a walker, help Becky help No More Sidelines out a little by getting in on the Arts and Dash 5K.  You can register for the race by clicking the image above.  If you'd like a complete schedule of events for all things Arts and Drafts, click on the image below to visit their site!

  On every second weekend of August, the City of North Muskegon celebrates with their "Northside Family Fun Fest". This year the festival was kicked off with a Parade on Thursday Night on Ruddiman Drive, hundreds of people lined up alongside the road between Fleming Street and Charlest Street. The parade lasted for 45 minutes.

Video - 2018 North Muskegon Parade

  The Northside Family Fun Fest is a three days event. Other than the parade that already happened, The Taste of Northside will be taking place in Walker park Friday 8/10/18 at 6:00 pm until sunset. The Taste of the Northside consisits of local food vendors showcasing their specialties,  a beverage tent, inflatables, and live music featuring The Refurbrished. On Saturday 8/11/18 9:00am - 4:00pm hosts the 45th annual art fair. Walker park will be filled with local and traveling vendors with original crafters, art and homemade items.

Walker Park - 1512 Ruddiman Dr, Muskegon, MI 49445

City Of North Muskegon Facebook City of North Muskegon Website

Derek Wong / The MuskegonChannel 2018

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!

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!

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!

  Every third Friday in July mark the Dog Daze N’ Cruise-In in Ravenna, Michigan, an annual summer celebration of the town. About a thousand people showed up this year for the car show, food, raffles, beverages tent, free eye exams, kids games, bounces houses, kid tractor pull, face paint and many more with most of the vendors who represent different groups withinin the community. July 20^th 2018 marked the 8^th year of the event, let’s take a look.

 Video - Ravenna Dog Daze N Cruise-In 2018

  The Ravenna Lions Club is the organization that started Dog Daze, it begun as a “party in the park” style event, today it occupies several streets in town. The event is also supported by a variety of local groups and businesses to make it possible. While the Lions club oversees the event and hosted a 50/50 raffle this year, they’ve invited different groups in area to do raffles and food as a way to raise additional funds they needed for the year. Five local churches were involved in several areas, the variety and youth sports were doing raffle and foods, the FFA were doing a craft area with 22+ plus booths, the Ravenna Leos were in charge of the kid’s area with 10+ free kids games, 4 inflatables, kids tractor pull and two selfie booths. At the same time, The Leos were also collecting canned food for M.A.R.S (their local food bank), the Lions of Michigan brought their Kid’s Sight Trailer with provided free eye exams, while local firefighters were selling pork dinner for fund raising. Amanda Vandermolen - president of the Ravenna MI Lions club added “While this event does not net the Lions Club a lot of money, we view it as a way to give back to the community and bring them together.”

Links: Ravenna Dog Daze and Car Cruise-In Facebook Page Village Of Ravenna Website

 Derek Wong / The Muskegon Channel 2018

It's been a long time coming.  A long, long time.  Actually...a really long, long time and a lot of effort put in by lots and lots of people but it's finally done and the time to celebrate came July 20th 2018 at the official ribbon cutting ceremony happened.  Dignitaries spoke, applause was given and a major piece of the puzzle was put together in the bike path and trail system in West Michigan that connects miles and miles of bike trails in Muskegon and beyond! Map of the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail

The trail itself site between the shores of Lake Michigan and The Manistee National Forest and it's mostly peaceful forests, meadows and you do get a stretch of it that swings by a little place called Michigan's Adventure where you'll enjoy screams of delight as people enjoy time on the Shivering Timbers Roller Coaster.

To reach the southern trail-head from the south, take US 31 northbound, exiting left to North Muskegon (Exit 116). Keep right on State Route 120 north for 1.4 miles. Continue straight on Whitehall Road for 3.3 miles to McMillan Road. Turn right on McMillan Road and continue 0.3 miles to parking and the trail-head.

To reach the northern trail-head from the north, take US 31 southbound to White Lake Drive (Exit 126). Turn right (west) onto White Lake Drive and continue 2.1 miles to the trail crossing.

We brought the camera to the ribbon cutting and taped the whole thing. We thought maybe with all the work that went into it, you might enjoy hearing from those who helped make it happen so let's let the event play out as it happened live.  Take a listen below.

That's how it all got done!  Congratulations to everyone who helped and mad this happen!  If you'd like to know more about the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail, click on the image below to visit their site and learn more!  Now, go hit the trails!

It's a cross between the "good old days" and our future.  It's also a step into a world that some of us are getting further and further out of touch with and I am not sure that's necessarily a good thing.  Yes, there are still things going on like kids raising animals, making preserves, doing needlepoint, quilting, training horses and more.  It's not a time warp and it's not any reason to be alarmed....it's a chance to get out and support some kids who are doing more than staring at Ipads and spending time on Snapchat.  It's the Muskegon County Fair and it's been going strong for generations and is about to get underway for 2018. 

The site set up was happening on Thursday night and it was all hands on deck to get the fairgrounds ready for the show.  After all, there are plenty of things to see and do coming up and you certainly want the setting to be pristine back among the trees and barns at the fairgrounds.  Soon, the place will be alive with every thing from rabbits to horses, calves to chickens and young people who participate in agricultural endeavors will have the chance to show off their hard work and compete to see how they have done.  Who's going to get the blue ribbon?  Yes a blue ribbon is still a thing.  Follow the Muskegon County Fair on Facebook

There will be plenty of attractions.  Sheep judging, swine judging, cat shows, goats, a talent show, antique tractor pulls, mini horse pulls, a livestock auction, youth rodeo, a vendor and craft show...they will have an SJO Supercross one night, a beer tent for the grown up's and more!  This is a chance to get out of the every day hustle and bustle of the noise of life and enjoy a little feeling of days gone by that are really, not all that far gone.  It's also a chance to give young people a chance to see what other young people do that might spark an interest in something like canning....or maybe pie baking....or maybe quilting.  All wonderful arts and crafts that I for one don't think we should be in such a rush to let slip away.  Slow down a little and stroll the fair!

All this came about because I was invited out by Kristien Moyer and Veronica Villalobos to come to the livestock auction and bid on their calves and pigs. They are in the 8th and 9th grade in Ravenna. I reached out to their 4-H leader and asked if they could come on to talk about the fair and what it means to them. The graciously agreed and they took a break from set up night to talk about their fair experience. Take a listen.

This event is free to attend, there might be a cost for some of the special events and of course, if you are out bidding on a prized pig or cow...it will cost you a little, but you'll fill your freezer and you'll support some great kids.  This too might be a great chance to let your kids get a little dirty and dusty out at the fairgrounds and see up close and personal what it is to raise a cow or some chickens!  It's wonderful thing for all of us, so take some time and head out to the County Fair!  You can visit their site and calendar of events by clicking below.

Monday night, July 16th Muskegon Community College hosted a candidate forum for Democratic candidates who are running for the Michigan Senate as well as the Michigan House of Representatives.  The candidates were given the chance to speak on a number of topics and share their thoughts on them. 

Kimon Kotos is a local video journalist and he captured the discussion.  We have put it on Youtube and have left all branding off of it, to give both candidates equal chance to share their views with you. 

We've tried to share this direct to social media, however we've experienced some difficulty we believe due to the length.  We thought we'd run it here for you to view so you can make your best decision on August 7th when you vote.

Here is what Tanya Cabala and Andy O'Riley had to say during their forum.

We ask that you vote August 7th.  Thanks for watching. 

It's our third visit to Shoreline Recycling in Muskegon this Summer and today we're heading inside.  So far, we've shown you some heavy metal...we've given you a glimpse at what comes of used appliances and how you can make a few bucks off what others throw out.  Today, we're going to show you just how some less dense metal things get taken care of and how they get prepped for shipping and recycling. Follow Shoreline Recycling on Facebook

Enter "The Baler".  Yes...it's something you might see right out of the movies.  It might look a little scary but this is where materials you bring in like aluminum siding, castings, extrusions, stampings, turnings etc.  It might be that olive green house wrap you had in 1970 that needed a refresh or maybe it's waste from your shop where you're making the parts for future use in any number of applications.  Shoreline Recycling will pay you top dollar for what's left over and they will make sure our finite amount of resources on planet earth are reused to make sure that we have plenty for generations! 

Kurt Alderink joins me again from the gigantic property at Shoreline Recycling to talk a little about the lighter weight metals like aluminum and how they are spun around and put back in the game after YOU make a few bucks for bringing them down!  Take a listen and learn!

Recycle - Re-purpose - Reuse!  Simple enough and let Shoreline Recycling be your partner in all of it!  If you are a DIY type and are looking for a better way to unload the leftovers, or you want a partner in business to make sure that you are maximizing profits on the leftovers get in touch with Shoreline Recycling and let them show you what it's all about!  You can click on the image below to learn more about their services and get in touch with their team.

  Lakeshore Art Festival was held in Downtown Muskegon July 6th & 7th 2018. Out of the 350 fine art and craft exhibitor booths, about half of those were local artists and the rest were from all over the country. The festival is completed with street performers, live entertainments, activities such as chalk the walk and food vendors. The emerging authors tent and the kayak sculpture project were among the several special features for this year.

 -

  This year the Lakeshore Art Festival was expanded by two streets in comparison to last year's, they expanded into to Clay Avenue between Second and Third streets and Second Street between Clay and West Western avenues. This year's festival also coincided with the docking of the cruise ship Peal Mist at Heritage Landing, which boosted the number of visitors to the festival at the welcoming and beautiful downtown Muskegon.

Take a look at this year's festival

Links Lakshore Art Festival Website Lakshore Art Festival Facebook

Derek Wong 2018 / The Muskegonchannel

   July 7th, 2018 marked the 4th annual Standup For The Cure Muskegon that took place at the Harbor Towne Beach via Muskegon Lake in Muskegon, Michigan. Since 2012, Standup for the Cure has been providing free breast cancer screenings while uniting paddlers, fitness enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, medical professionals and the breast cancer community from California to Florida and Michigan to Washington in an effort to save lives. This year's Muskegon Edition, a festival style event, includes instructor-led paddle board demos and clinics, mobile mammography from Betty Ford breast care services, information from leading regional health care providers, live music, happy hour and lunch. All proceeds from the Muskegon event benefited Susan G Komen Michigan, every $125 raised will cover the cost of mammogram for someone in-need. Upwards of 700 people packed the beach and water from all over the state including Steven Gawron, Mayor of Muskegon and our very own Justin Abdelkader with the Detroit Red Wings. Hundreds of paddle boarders set sail by 10am resulting in a sea (lake) of pink, check out these videos we made for the events.

 The Event At A Glance

Interview with Dan Vandyk - Director of Standup For The Cure

Interview with Dr. LeRoux and Dr. Wright of Spectrum Health Cancer Center

Interview with Tanya Horan on Breast Cancer

Derek Wong 2018 / The MuskegonChannel

It's a remarkable thing to see a group of bikers come together for a cause.  Quite often, they come together for a cause you'd least expect too.  Here in Muskegon, we're used to seeing bikers doing remarkable things.  Benefiting cancer centers, making sure kids have toys at Christmas, food banks are filled and more.  The big, rough and tumble, leather clad bikers are truly good hearted people who want to make a difference in the lives of others and use their collective power to make a statement while helping out some of the more needful areas where things are sometimes forgotten.  Visit the Patriot Ride Event on Facebook

Every Woman's Place of Muskegon is a center that provides shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, children's services and education and prevention when it comes to domestic violence.  Founded in 1975 and growing ever since Every Woman's place has come to be a safe haven for those who are most vulnerable in Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana Counties.  They offer the services mentioned and so much more.  Their work is endless, and they are at the ready anytime domestic violence or sexual assault occurs with caring and kind people who begin to help the healing process and do what they can to stop the cycle.  They rely on community to help fund the work and this is where you come in if you are one of those bikers we were talking about in the previous paragraph!

The Patriot Ride kicks off from Muskegon's Bike Time Event Sunday July 22nd at 10am.  It's an escorted, non stop ride where you'll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Michigan with a couple hundred of your closest biker friends.  The registration begins at 10, the ride rolls off at 11 and you're back to Biketime at 12n to enjoy the rest of the days events knowing you've done a good turn for someone who you'll probably never meet, and realistically, you don't need to meet.  You helped a fellow human who needed you in their most desperate hour with your suggested donation of $10 for the great ride. 

I was able to catch up with Lori Rasmussen of Every Woman's Place to talk a little about the work that goes on as well as the fun of the ride to help benefit their work, take a listen.

The hope is domestic violence has never touched your life.  The reality is, it probably has and you might not even know it.  It's a control issue.  It's a dominance issue it's a matter of who's powerful and how they prove it and it's got to come to a stop.  We could go on to give you statistics upon statistics, but instead we'll recommend action.  Get out and be a part of the Patriot Ride July 22nd at Muskegon Bike Time.  Even if you are not a rider, it's a great chance to stop by and throw a small donation toward Every Woman's Place to help them in their crusade to help treat the victims of domestic violence and prevent it from happening again.  If you'd like to know more about the agency, you can click on the logo below to visit their website.

  Thousands of people attended Muskegon Rockstock 2018 at Heritage Landing over the fourth of July weekend. This year marked their 10th year anniversary as a whole and their 4th year being held at Heritage Landing. Rockstock is a family friendly event consists of live music, food and beverages, kids activities (with their very own Kidstock) and fireworks to celebrate independence day, with all proceed goes to charitable organizations such as No More Side Line and the Special Olympic. This year's live music line up were The Mega 80s, Electric Red, Flexa Decibel and Yard Sale Underwear. We've prepared a video clip to show you around. And in case you missed it, we have broadcasted the fireworks Live on Facebook.

• 4th of July Fireworks from Muskegon Rockstock
• Muskegon Rockstock Facebook
• Muskegon Rockstock Website
• Positively Muskegon on Muskegon Rockstock 2018

 

 

---

Derek Wong 2018 / The MuskegonChannel

We introduced you to Natasha Heykoop last year on Positively Muskegon.  She lost her brother to suicide on Thanksgiving Day in 2015.  He had served in the military and the battle never left his mind.  It's a story that's sadly all too familiar and all too often not spoken of because of the stigma attached to it.  In 2012 the VA issued a report on veteran suicides that said between 18 and 22 veterans commit suicide daily and that sparked a lot of different awareness efforts all based on the number 22.  But for Natasha, things hit a little closer to home and she saw a much greater need, more over she wanted to do something locally. Follow Lighthouse for Veterans on Facebook

2017 saw the beginning for the Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show and Benefit.  It was a first year event, being held on a day when nothing was ever really tried on a piece of land that was never really thought of as a "hot spot" for events and it turned out to be a pretty big success.  For a first year event to raise nearly $5000 to help any cause, let alone one that's considered "taboo" like veteran suicide is a pretty clear message that a hole needed to be filled and the time for awareness and action is here and now and people are ready for more than words on the subject.

Cars came, bands played, vets were honored and gears were turning.  How could the event grow?  What could be improved?  What could be added to bring in a few more and how could the funds raised be utilized locally?  Well, after the first event Natasha and her team went full on and formed their own non profit to work locally to benefit our local veteran community.  Once the paperwork got out of the way, Lighthouse for Veterans got to work on this years car show to continue their work to help with things like awareness for those not directly effected by life with a veteran, peer retreats for those who do live with the issues that veterans face and even funeral expenses for veterans families.  Anything to help offer a little respite for those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice or those who love them.

This year, cars will come once again to the corner of Getty and Airline, bands will play, vets will be honored, motorcycles will be added people will stroll and we'll see yet another incredible event built just like Muskegon does it.  We are incredibly blessed in our neck of the woods to be able to take a tragedy and turn it into a lasting and powerful triumph to make sure that no one faces this kind of nightmare again. 

I met up with Natasha to talk about year two for the Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show and Benefit, take a listen.

 What makes a hero?  You just saw.  The incredible grief that one family has to endure is turned into hope for others to never have to deal with the same.  It's become a community gathering to remember, reflect and hopefully help with the fight when it comes to the struggles faced by those who are still fighting a battle in their mind.  Got a show car?  Get out the Turtle Wax.  Want a destination for the biker group?  July 7th right by Babbitt's.  Be a part of this incredible endeavor and help Lighthouse for Veterans grow as only Muskegon and the Lakeshore can.  This is how we do it!  This is what sets our community a part and these are the seedlings of lasting and important events that take subjects out of the shadows and begin to truly heal, both individuals and communities.  To learn more, click on the photo below and visit the Lighthouse for Veterans website.

June 16, 2018 marked the 7th annual Ride United charity cycling event hosted by the United Way of the Lakeshore. The ride begins at downtown Muskegon, MI followed by four different return points and returns to Muskegon. A rider can pick any of the four routes - 6 Miles (North Muskegon), 25 miles (Pioneer Park, North Muskegon), 50 miles (Whitehall, MI), or 100 miles (Silverlake, MI). Its proceeds help support programs that promote health, education and financial stability for residents of Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties. Click to visit their website   About 150 cyclist signed up for the event while 25 of them signed up for the 100 mile ride. It was a rainy morning, and raining hard at times, but that did not stop participants from showing up. Sign up began at 7am in the morning and there were quite a few people there waiting already. The official start time for the 100 miles ride was 8am but some of them left shortly after their registration. By 9am all the groups has left and we followed along to give you a peek of what it's like.

Thank you for all the participants and volunteers who made it a memorable event. Links United Way Of The Lakeshore on Facebook Ride United on Facebook Ride United 2018 photo gallery on Facebook

Derek Wong 2018 / The MuskegonChannel

This Summer we're working with our sponsor Shoreline Recycling to show you the benefits form more than just one angle about just how beneficial recycling is for not only the community, but for your bottom line as well.  We were given full access and a guided tour through the entire facility to show you just what goes into the operation and how they work to not only keep Muskegon clean but take our precious resources and reuse them.  Believe it or not, we have a finite supply of things like metal on this planet.  We also have a duty to protect our big blue marble from the mounds and mounds of garbage we generate and if something can be recycled and reused why wouldn't you wan to take Shoreline Recycling up on their offer to PAY YOU for your stuff?  The landfill is one thing but...your junk is cash as Shoreline Recycling and we're showing you how to earn it this summer.  Visit Shoreline Recycling on Facebook

Today, Kurt Alderink is taking us out into the yard to talk about recycling things from around your home.  Washer or dryer give up?  Couple of dead computers sitting there?  Is your garage fridge about to die?  Maybe you've got something around the house like an old water heater or parts from cars you worked on etc.  Hey...all of that stuff is money in the bank.  There is hidden value in all of that stuff and there are those too who can actually get out and make a living by picking up these kind of things in bulk to bring down a few loads a day to Shoreline Recycling to take the money and run.  That line of work might not be for everyone, but, everyone does have stuff they need to get rid of so instead of just taking it to the dump...bring it to Shoreline Recycling on Ottawa Street in Muskegon and let them throw you a few bucks for doing the right thing.

Kurt and I are out by the appliance pile and talking about the process and pay off... take a listen.

Shoreline Recycling is not just a scrap yard.  I'll tell ya.  They are a customer service company first and foremost.  They take amazing care of their customers if they are occasional visitors or there daily.  There are special customer days, they do give away's for their clients and they even have specialists who can help your business if you generate a lot of scrap.  Think about that if you run a car repair shop or an industrial production outfit.  Get paid for your waste!!  Shoreline Recycling makes it happen.  They are great stewards of community and their work protects generations in the future by taking what was an making it new again.  Our thanks to Shoreline Recycling for their sponsorship of The Muskegon Channel and Positively Muskegon.  To learn more, click on their logo below to visit their website.

We're in full swing Summer mode in Muskegon now, that means that Hackley Park finds itself more busy than not and that's a great thing.  From food festivals to Party in the Park and events that combine a little of everything, Downtown Muskegon's continual growth and engagement continues to grow.  Coming hot off the heels of Taste of Muskegon, we're pretty sure everyone knows the way to Downtown,  so let's get the park sun around and ready for another great day of entertainment, fun and togetherness with a little twist focusing on some area business you might not even know about. Follow the West Michigan Business and Craft Fair on Facebook

We've got a pretty good thing going with our small business incubator places in town, they continue to give opportunities to those who have an idea but need a spot to get it kicked off.  There are the chalets on Western.  If you are a chef...you've got Kitchen 242 to use to help you grow.  The Farmers Market not only provides a place for agriculture, but it's also a spot for flea market type events and outdoor fun.  Where do you find out about the home based business?  The jewelers....the artists....the makes of pet treats, kids clothes, urban art area non profits who are looking for some awareness and more?  Well you head to the West Michigan Small Business and Craft Fair.

We first met Tony and Vanessa Davis last year. They are the organizers of this great event.  Vanessa had a family emergency, so we were unable to tape a segment with the couple, but with any growing event we try to cover what we can to help people grow and help them help others.  The festival will run from 9a-3:30p at Hackley Park.  It's family friendly.  There will be plenty of food and drink  with everything from ribs to tacos, shaved ice to soul food, baked goods smoothies and more.  Entertainment will abound with music, dancing and more.  There will be 60 or more booths to see and plenty of opportunities for you to register to win cool stuff from the supporting sponsors and vendors!  The newly crowned Ms. Shoreline is even expected to be on hand to meet and greet visitors.  There is also an incredible twist this year, a portion of all the booth registration fees will go to support Kids Food Basket in Muskegon.  That will make everyone feel good.

It's an effort to help support small business here in town.  It's an effort to spend some time together in a relaxed setting where you can stroll and enjoy the goings on and maybe get an idea or two for yourself.  Hey...you never know what's around the next corner.  It could be you next year in the West Michigan Business and craft Fair showing off your awesome creations.  Stop down and be a part of this fun event and help some of our area small business entrepreneurs grow!!  You can click on the photo below to visit their official website.

There is plenty of evidence out there that hiring a veteran is a smart move.  They come with the training, the skills, the drive and discipline that only come from the training they receive in the military and what they learned there, applied in the civilian world is irreplaceable in the work force.  In today's world too, finding the right candidate for the job isn't always the easiest task.  There seem to be about a million websites all promising you the best of everything.  The best jobs, the best employers, candidates and on and on.  Resume's, applications, interviews over the phone....what happened to the good old day's where you walked in, shook someones hand, talked a while and walked out feeling a little ahead of the game?  Well, Friday June 15th you'll have that chance in Muskegon. Visit The Muskegon Veterans Online

The Veterans Job Fair is happening again this year at the LC Walker Arena.  Employers form all over the lake shore will be on hand to meet with those looking for jobs.  This job fair is being put on by the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs but it is open to all and if you are in the market for a job, or maybe an improvement in your working situation, this is the place to be.  There will be 72 companies on hand looking to hire and one of them is looking to fill 92 positions.  That's an awful lot of hiring going on.

The event is free to attend and gets under way at 10am on Friday morning.  Mike Baauw joined me at his office for a few minutes to talk about the job fair and some of the opportunities presented.  Take a listen. 

 Opportunity awaits!  They say the jobless rate is at an all time low.  Now's the time to get in and get yourself a job on great terms or improve your working situation.  Stop into the LC Walker Arena Friday between 10 and 2 and see who's looking.  If you're a veteran, thank you for your service.  We wish you the very best in your job hunt Friday!

Come hungry.  That's the word when it comes to Taste of Muskegon that's happening June 15th and 16th at Hackley Park and surrounding areas in Downtown Muskegon.  Probably wouldn't hurt you to come thirsty and looking for a good time too.  Taste of Muskegon is another rapidly growing event in Muskegon where the best of the best in culinary creators come together to showcase their goods and compete for your growling stomachs attentions while the air is filled with wonderful smells, laughter and great music provided by some of the areas best bands.  Sounds like a typical Summer weekend in Muskegon right?  It's what we're best at!

Taste of Muskegon has been around a while, and like many other "foodie" type events in recent years, it's seen a growth spurt.  Tastes from around the world and around the corner will be represented.  Want to try something from Ghana?  They have it!  How about a trip to the Mediterranean for your taste buds?  You can do it!  Want to stick to a hot dog or a hamburger?  Ok, you can do that too.  Not everyone is a world traveler when it comes to grub...and that's ok.  There will be Cole's Breads inspired brews...after all, Cole's is the presenting sponsor of Taste of Muskegon this year in Celebration of their 75th Anniversary!  You can enjoy a tequila sampling area, wine and other craft beers, sweet treats, frozen concoctions and a feeling of community togetherness you won't find just anywhere. Visit the Taste of Muskegon Facebook Page

Entertainment?  They have entertainment coming out the wazoo.  Friday night kicks off at 4:30 with a powerboat street show.  Giant offshore racers line the streets for an up close look and lots of picture opportunities.  There will be face painting for kids, bounce houses,  a chance to meet the Muskegon Risers Soccer Team, music from Merchant and Corbin followed up by the Accidentals.  Saturday gets underway at 8a with Ride United and some other great Downtown Muskegon events.  The food and beverage gets served at 11 in Hackely Park.  It's another full day of activity with chances to meet The Ironmen, The Clippers and The Lakehawks.  A Kids Saftey Saturday with the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department, the Sports complex is bringing a 200 foot luge down for the dare devil in you, there will be a petting zoo award show for the vendors and then The Electric Red and Let There Be Rock take the stage to keep the party going into the night!

It's going to be an awesome weekend to celebrate community and there's an open invite to anyone to come and see just how fun Muskegon is....so....load up the family truckster and come on out!  Ann Meisch is the Clerk in the City of Muskegon.  She is also the event planner, the doer of all things and the glue that keeps is all together.  We met up to talk Taste at the Chalet's on Western to get the 4-1-1 on what's going on.  Take a listen!!

Since you're probably drooling already, we'll just say get it on the calendar and get down to Hackley Park.  It's going to be one for the record books as Muskegon continues to rise and our traditions continue to grow and flourish.  Bringing in new people and your friends and neighbors for a great time in beautiful surroundings sampling some of the best in food and drink you'll find!  We'll look forward to seeing you at Taste of Muskegon June 15th and 16th!  For the events official website, click on the photo below!

How about an alternative way to get yourself to work?  Day in and day out...you get up....you get ready....you head to the car, you might stop for a cup of coffee, you make the same drive with the same atmosphere and the same people around you...it's called the "routine" and once in a while, it might be a good thing to break up.  Visit the Muskegon Area Smart Commute Facebook Page

Kind of the idea behind the Muskegon Area Smart Commute Week happening June 11th-15th.  Think of your morning commute on your bike as a way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Muskegon we are so lucky to have.  Think of using the MATS system to see how our public transit system operates efficiently and on time.  Taken a walk lately?  Can you walk to work or a meeting?  Maybe call some friends and car pool....catch up on the gossip and news.  It's all an effort to do a few things.  Reduce the amount of pollution in the air, help you be a little healthier if you choose to walk or bike and it's a great effort to showcase Muskegon instead of going through it at 75 miles an hour on 31 as you try and do your hair and get in that last cup of coffee on your way in.

Sounds fun, but what's in it for me?  You might ask.  Well, area business and organizations have teamed up to provide some pretty cool prizes and gifts for those who participate.  You could find yourself dining out at one of our great area restaurants.  You could get your hands on some Lakeshore Community Cash that can be spent at any number of participating retailers and it's all based on the honor system.  You do the work, you enter your points and a the end of the week, they will be tallied up and you could be the big winner.  Of course, it's really not about the prizes...it's about a different way to do things, if only for a week and a chance to make a little difference in your life and the community.

Scott Blease is with the Muskegon Area Smart Commute and we met up at his office Access Health to talk about the event, the incentives and how you can participate in all of it.  Take a listen.

 Give it a shot!  Spend a day doing something different or spend a week trying different ways of doing the daily grind!  Get out of the "rut" and enjoy a little Muskegon Summer with the Muskegon Area Smart Commute Week.  To visit their website and get signed up, click on the photo below!

It's asparagus season in Michigan.  A delicious vegetable that annually Michigan produces 20 million pounds of on 9,500 acres of land and is raised by 120 Michigan family farms.  Michigan ranks #2 in the nation for production of asparagus with California being first and Washington being 3rd.  Asparagus is actually part of the lily family....bet you didn't know that.  We have until the end of June in the northern part of Michigan to enjoy it fresh off the farm as the growing season ends then and the average lifespan of a field of asparagus will last 20 years.  All these fun facts come from Michiganasparagus.org.   Chef Char's Cooking Events on Event Brite

Chef Char has several upcoming cooking classes scheduled for the summer in Muskegon.  Tickets and a list of upcoming classes with Chef Char are available on Eventbrite.  You can click on the photo to the right to learn more and sign up!

Follow Chef Char on Facebook for updates on where she is cooking and what she is making.

Now that you know a little about the star of the show in this episode, let's take it into Kitchen 242 with Chef Char to let her work her magic.  Today, it's a cheese and kielbasa soup and it's delicious!  She'll show you the process and the recipe will follow at the bottom!  

Easy huh?  Now, here's the recipe!  Grab some delicious asparagus from your favorite neighborhood roadside stand of head to the Muskegon Farmers Market and support our local growers!  We've got a great season in Michigan to enjoy this scrumptious and versatile stalk...eat it up!!  Here's the recipe from Chef Char!

Chef Char’s Cheese & Kielbasa Asparagus Soup
Ingredients:
32 oz. (4 cups) chicken broth or chicken stock
5 cups redskin potatoes, diced
2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced small
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet red pepper, seeded and diced
16 oz. kielbasa sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound asparagus, fresh or frozen, cut into 1 to 1 ½ inch segments
Salt and pepper to taste
½ oz. fresh chives, minced

Directions:
In a large pan, boil the potatoes in chicken broth (or salted water). In another pan, sauté the vegetables and minced garlic until onions are translucent and a slight caramelization starts to appear on the carrots and peppers. Add the cooked carrots, onions, peppers and garlic from the sauté into the soup pan with the potatoes and reduce the heat of the soup pan to a low heat. In the sauté pan, cook the kielbasa until the cut up sections of sausage turn a light brown and add to the simmering soup pan. Add butter to the sauté pan until melted, add flour and stir to make a roux. Cook the roux until it turns a very light brown. Add milk to the roux and stir until dissolved. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk and roux mixture and stir until dissolved. Last, add the cut asparagus to the soup pan then also stir in the cheese and roux mixture to the soup pan. Continue to cook the soup on low, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir until all cheese is melted and soup appears to thicken. Serve soup immediately, garnishing with shredded cheese and minced chives.

It's a year long celebration of the United Way of the Lakeshore.  100 years of service in and around Muskegon. In that time, so much has been done for the community that you'd think it should all be done, right?  Well, that's not quite the case unfortunately.  The United Way's work continues to help bridge the gap for so many in and around Muskegon.  They work tirelessly to help raise awareness about community issues.  Raise funds to help meet needs, provide funding for other community programs as well as be a spot for community engagement to to happen on both a large and small scale.  Everything from the United Way's Day of Caring to community labor partnerships, youth activities and engagement the Urban Safety Corps and emergency food and shelter programs are all facilitated through the United Way.  Visit the United Way of the Lakeshore on Facebook

Gets to be Summer, and The United Way could easily be part of our tourism here in Muskegon too.  What a chance you have if you a cyclist to enjoy some of the most scenic views in Michigan while you peddle away on your choice of courses from 6-100 miles in the annual Ride United event that's happening June 16th.  It kicks off for the 100 mile riders at 8am in Downtown Muskegon and as the ride unfolds, not only will you find the picturesque beauty of the shoreline, you'll find plenty of respite stops and aid stations along the way.  Need a drink or a snack?  They will be waiting.  Need a repair along the way?  They will be on hand to assist.  It's a first class cycling experience for any skill level and one you'll want to come back and do again.  Best part is, the whole experience will help you raise a few bucks for the United Way to continue their great work.  When it's over...you're returning to Downtown Muskegon and as luck would have it... Taste of Muskegon is going on and you'll probably need some "carbs"...so there will be some beverage tickets waiting for you to help wet your whistle while you talk about the days adventure.   

I was joined by Jana Routt and Kara Zielinski of The United Way to talk about the day and the event.  Take a listen to our chat about all things Ride United.

It's a great way to get out and have some fun...for a purpose.  Ride United is a purposeful event designed to showcase the best Muskegon and surrounding areas have to offer with the natural beauty of it all as well as help an incredible organization out who's focus for over 100 years has been making this community a more stable place for everyone.  If Ride United sounds like something you'd enjoy, click on the photo below to visit the United Way's page and get yourself signed up!  We'll see you here June 16th!!

74 years later.  It's an unimaginable reality that the majority of people alive today will never understand.  D-Day was an unspeakable endeavor that was undertaken by a President who faced a great amount of backlash from people who didn't want the US involved.  In the long term tho, it had to happen, the European theater was under siege by Hitler and he was showing no signs of stopping until he rid the world of anyone he deemed secondary.   Visit Muskegon D-Day on Facebook

It's been said that history that is forgotten is doomed to repeat itself.  While we certainly hope no one ever has to endure the horror or war, we can't let our younger generations go without the knowledge of just what a war does.  Our WW2 vets are dying at about 400 a day now, and it won't be long until there is no one left to tell the tale of the "Greatest Generation".  They were not the generation that was known to talk much about their accomplishments or even more, what haunted them in the long term.  We can't risk letting our future generations not knowing what it took to defeat the Access of Evil. 

D-Day Plus 74 is happening again this year at the Mart Dock and the LST 393 Museum.  It's a commemoration encompassing a history lesson, some entertainment, some opportunity to learn hands on and above all, it's a day to be a part of the community and remember together.  It's a free event with lots to see and do.  There are activities Friday night and all day Saturday, including a mock air raid, free tours of the LST 393, the Northside Lions Club will be doing their pancake breakfast on Saturday morning.  Need to bust a move 40's style?  There is a swing dance on board the LST Friday night for a small donation, like pin up girls...there will be some very tasteful period inspired pin up's.  It's a BIG couple of days.  

It's all being put on by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4.  It's a group that works to remind people that there are still POW/MIA men and women out there.  In fact, they are still finding soldiers from the Vietnam War today and bringing them home.  Part of the mission is to advocate for the POW's and part of their mission is to educate people on what we can't forget.  Chris "Lefty" Johnson is the guy we've been working with since D-Day plus 72.  We caught up with him at the LST 393 to hear about this years event.

Bring the family.  If you've got kids, slip in a history lesson while you give them and activity they won't soon forget.  It's going to be a beautiful day on the lake and Muskegon is excited to welcome you.  The LST 393 was part of the original landing and now rests here in Muskegon.  It's a natural treasure and we're happy to share it with those who visit.  Rolling Thunder will continue their mission to help the POW and MIA soldiers and if you'd like to learn more about their group, you can click on their logo below for more information.

75 Years is a milestone in anything, but when you think of 75 years for a company in Michigan, and even Muskegon Michigan, it's time to think about a serious party!  Cole's Quality Foods was founded back in 1943 as Cole's bakery by Caroll L Cole.  They made it all.  Cakes, doughnuts, specialty items and more.  They had a quaint store front a humble delivery van and a desire to make sure that quality and deliciousness were in every product they sold.  As time went on, they became the very first company to sell frozen garlic bread when Wes Devon took the helm in 1973.  From there...well, let's just say they had to build a 9 story freezer for a reason.  Things kind of took off and spaghetti night and the family barbecue was forever changed by the taste, ease and affordability of a ready to heat and serve loaf of delicious garlic bread that went from freezer to table in about 10 minutes.  Innovation happens in Muskegon every day and we can proudly say we innovated garlic bread.  Visit Cole's Website to Learn More About Their History and Products

Since then, Cole's has expanded and continued to offer new and exciting products.  Recently, they have added a line of gourmet flavored breads, tantalizing bread sticks and the most recent addition are "Middles" where you'll find bread, bagel and pretzel food items stuffed with cheesy goodness and flavors that will delight any palate.  The manufacturing continues in Muskegon.  The have some offices in Grand Rapids as well as North Liberty Iowa and the continue to employ a lot of great people who take a huge amount of pride in the products they make and communities they work in.

Now, on to the party!  It's free to get into at Heritage Landing this Saturday May 26th.  The events get underway at 5 with music fro Pop Fiction, The Ultimate Taste Band (Motown tribute), and Yard Sale Underwear leading right up to the huge fireworks show that's said to rival the 4th of July.  It's open to the public to enjoy the music and entertainment.  There will be food trucks and beverage tents.  It's open to all ages, but if you plan on drinking you will need your ID.  For the kids....lot's of activities...games, face painting, interactive activities and more.  There will be a VIP area for Cole's employees and guests, why shouldn't there be...it is after all their company party and we're being invited!  What a night it's going to be at Heritage Landing. 

Alexis Reininger is the Consumer Ambassador for all things Cole's.  We're going to talk a little about the history of the company, their outreach into the communities they serve and this big, massive, huge, fun and free party for everyone this weekend in Muskegon.  At the end of our chat, stick around because you are going to get an exclusive look into what goes into making some of Cole's products.  It's a really great thing to watch happen and to be there filming...the smell....heavenly.  Take a listen.   

 We have an awful lot to be proud of with Cole's rich history in Muskegon and for the company to make the party open to all says a lot about how they feel about their hometown.  It could be a swanky affair at a country club, or maybe they could just have cake at the plant...but they want a party for everyone, so pack up the kids and head to Heritage Landing Saturday night.  Gates open at 5 and we can all enjoy a night celebrating one of our longest standing business in Muskegon... Cole's.

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.  

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.

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

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 12^th 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 26^th 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 12^th. 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 12^th. 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 12^th is all it takes.  Click on the photo below to visit the NALC website to learn more.

100 years!  What an amazing thing to think about that the United Way of the Lakeshore is 100 years old and we're here when we get to celebrate it.  And, celebrate it we should!  Think about all that goes on through the United Way of the Lakeshore.  Not only the giving...but rest assured, there is plenty of that.  But, what about the advocacy?  Their push for the ALICE program in Muskegon.  ALICE being an acronym for asset limited, income constrained, employed.....yes, we're talking about the "working poor".  How about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - to inspire little learners?  Ride United? Day of Caring?  It never ends.  The United Way of the Lakeshore is alive...awake and active in so many ways it's something to celebrate.  RSVP for Free Admission

With everything going on today, you would think that in the last 100 years, it's not been all that busy.  Well, if you're a student of history at all, you know...things seem to repeat themselves again and again, and in the last 100 years, the story of the United Way has been much of the same as we're seeing now.  There are always needs that need to be met and those who roll up their sleeves to help meet them no matter where we are on the historical tie line.  Which is another really unique perspective about the 100th anniversary party of the United Way of the Lakeshore celebration.  It's going to be a very rich look at the history of Muskegon.  Who were the people who helped get things started?  Who were the "famous firsts"?  If you are thinking about heading to the party on May 10th, be ready for a serious history lesson on our home town.  You'll be hard pressed to find a better crash course on Muskegon history anywhere.

Along with the history, you'll find out about some of the current projects, some volunteer opportunities, maybe some future plans.  There will be a great silent auction.  A historic video presentation, live entertainment, singing, dancing and an all around feeling of community togetherness.  Something that everyone who's been shut in all winter could really use a dose of so plan on coming on out for the event where things get underway at 5p on May 10th at the Frauenthal Center. 

Christine Robere is the Executive Director of The United Way of the Lakeshore, we sat down to talk about the history and the event, take a listen! 

As we talked in the video.  We're pretty lucky Christine and I.  We see both the needs and the needs that are met and it's a pretty incredible view point.  Makes you pretty optimistic even in a world filled with pessimism.  If not for the get together, you should at very least head down to the celebration for the history lesson on what the United Way of the Lakeshore has done here in 100 years.  What better way to move forward than to know where we've been?  For more about the United Way of the Lakeshore, click on the photo below to visit their website.

Everyone wants the very best for their kids.  The best education, the best nutrition, the best opportunities and more...but where does it all start?  It's a pretty broad question, and of course, there's not one specific answer but...one thing has been proven and that's the ability to read is a key element to success early in life as well as later on down the road in any endeavor.  It's known pretty well too that early reading leads to a lot more than just the ability to read, it leads to a better one on one relationship between parents and kids and helps develop a bond that will serve a lifelong purpose.  

The Great Start Collaborative in Muskegon is an agency of educators, healthcare providers, parents and business leaders who all come together to work on some key factors like all children are born healthy, they are developmentally on track until 3rd grade and reading proficiently levels are where they need to be.  It's an all hands on deck effort and it all begins before birth actually.  The sound of the parents voice reading pre-natal and beginning right at birth...the chances of a successful entry into the school career are almost guaranteed.  It's a key factor not only for development but confidence and self assurance to have that bond formed. 

Follow Read Early Read Often on Facebook

Research shows that children who are read to at home, from birth are exposed to as many as 30 million more words before kindergarten as children who are not.  That's staggering figure and it doesn't always have to be "at home".  Think about where you are and what you are doing.  Are you in a store?  Is reading a box of your child's favorite cereal an incentive to get them to use some words?  How about a toy store?  Can they read a little about the toy they want as a goal to get it?  Can you just window shop and look to find words in things that are every day items?  It doesn't have to be you in a rocking chair reading, reading can be an adventure, it's all in the mind of the one in charge...and as a parent...that's you! 

Of course, The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District has an interest in this, after all, it's their job to help students perform at their highest level at any age, so they work very hard to help make sure that Read Early, Read Often is a message that gets out loud and clear and everyone in Muskegon gets the word.  Read Early, Read Often Week begins May 12th.  You will find a huge list of events and fun things to do all surrounding reading, libraries, story times, museums...some cool contests and special events.  There will also be a book drive all month with drop off points all over Muskegon County where you can re-purpose the books you've already read early, and often with your youngster so others can do the same.

I had a chance to meet up with Allison Keeson with The Great Start Collaborative, Dr. John Severson and  Stuart Jones both of the Muskegon Area ISD to talk about the importance of Read Early, Read Often and all of the excitement building around the events coming up in early May.  Take a listen!

As we spoke in the story, growing up at our house....reading was first and foremost.  It went on long into my teen years.  Cat in the Hat became Word Power out of the Readers Digest.  Lap time as a kid turned into a mind challenge to understand words, word origins and to be able to figure out what words were even if I wasn't quite sure of what was the meaning.  Take advantage of all that's going on in May to help get that spark underway in your family for the Read Early, Read Often campaign.  The resources are all here for you and there is no better time to start than now on the future for your kids.  To learn more about Read Early, Read Often, click on the photo below to visit their website through the MAISD.  

Its that time of year again. Time to get out with your favorite gal pal and help raise some money for multiple of the non-profits and different organizations here in Muskegon County. Visit the WDCC Online

The Tickets for this event are running out so if you want to be one of the lucky ones to partake in this event you will have to act fast. Tickets are just $35 and all you have to do is call 616-550-6084.0 This year there is a new auction called a Mobile & online silent Auction. This Auction is going to open the Friday before the event for you to preview the items that are available as well as pre-bid before event. Ticket holders are also going to be able to enjoy Dinner at 6pm with a cash bar, the style show and the Vendor Market place.

In 2017 this event is raised $39,587.95 and this year they need your help to reach the goal of $40,000.

The Women's Division Chamber of Commerce is holding their 14th annual Fashion and Frolic. This event is going to be held May 3,2018 at the Holiday Inn & Conference center down town Muskegon. Today I talked to CeCe Taylor one of the Fashion & Frolic Co-chairs about the event, Take a listen!

The WDCC does incredible things all year round in Muskegon. Fashion and Frolic is another on of them.  If you'd like to know more, or get tickets, click on the image below to visit their page for the event and help support the work they do all over Muskegon for so many worthy causes.

It will be a fun night with purpose May 11th as Music for Meds is set to take place at the Folkert Community Hub on Seminole Road in Muskegon to benefit Mission For Area People.  We've been no stranger to the work MAP does for the people of Muskegon.  Located right across from Muskegon Heights High School, MAP has been serving those in need in Muskegon for 50 years now in a variety of ways.

They have the Healthy Choice Food Pantry, with an added urban garden coming this Summer...there is the clothing and household needs pantry where people can come and get what they need for their home or wardrobe, rental assistance, help with holidays, back to school and more.  It's an amazing outreach and the purpose of this particular event is to help secure some funding for their medical and dental assistance programs.  Click to Get Tickets for Music For Meds

People who need a hand are often forced to make some pretty tough choices.  Like say for instance, do you get a tooth fixed or do you buy groceries?  Do you visit an urgent care or pay for a utility bill?  It's almost unimaginable to think that some are faced with choices like this day in and day out, but it's our reality and to know MAP works to help those who need a hand, it's a pretty heart warming feeling.  It takes all of us though, so if you are able to contribute, great and if you need a little incentive to do that...well, Music for Meds might be right up your alley!

It's a dueling pianos event.  It's a mixture of music and comedy featuring Matt Giraud of American Idol fame as well as Billy Ryan.  There will be an auction as well as some great heavy appetizers a cash bar if you like and an atmosphere guaranteed to be fun with a purpose as we come together to help out friends and neighbors who might otherwise not get the medical attention they need.

Dianna Stubbs is the Director of Mission For Area People.  She's no stranger to the shows.  A dear friend and undying advocate to help those in Muskegon who need a hand.  Take a listen to our chat below and find out more about this great event.

 It's a fantastic organization with a deep reach and very humble surroundings.  The work they do touches so many lives and we're always proud to be a part of helping spread the word on what's happening at Mission for Area People.  If you're looking for a great night out, or just looking to do your part to help out in the community, Music for Meds will be an outstanding time and it's priced affordably for you to come on out and enjoy.  To learn more about Mission for Area People, click on the photo below and visit their website.

It's been a while since we first told you about Muskegon's MARS FIRST Robotics team.  In fact, it was back in January that we first met Michael Gerstweiler and his team of kids from Muskegon area schools including Reeths-Puffer, North Muskegon, Orchard View, Oakridge and a few home schoolers.  Together they meet up and form the MARS Rovers robotics team and when we first talked they were minutes away from getting their orders on what this years project was going to be.  Once the task is assigned, there is a 6 week window for these teams from all over the world to design, build and make their robot function in the FIRST competition.  It's a STEM competition that pushes young people in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (thus STEM) and it's an intense experience for all of the competitors.  Click Here to Help the MARS Team Get to the World Championships

As we wrapped up our fist story, the group grabbed their seats and waited for instructions.  Flash forward to today, well, our MARS First kids from Muskegon are on their way to the World Finals to be held in Detroit April 25th-28th.  28 countries 400 teams, Cobo Hall and Ford Field will be in use.  Need a hotel in Detroit that weekend?  Good luck on that.  It's going to be filled with brilliant young minds..and probably some college and business recruiters who are looking for future developers and leaders.  The best part of it is....Muskegon has not only the MARS First team but the Wavelengths fro Mona Shores heading there to represent us on a world stage.  Possibly the best in the world....right here in Muskegon. 

As we wrapped up our story in January, I told the MARS team that I'd be excited to come back and follow up.  Actually was kind of wondering if I would hear from them again recently to be honest with ya, and just like that, Mike pops up on my instant messenger and says "Guess what...we're heading to the World Championships...want to come do another story?"  Threw the camera in the car and off I went to visit Mike and his son Nick.   Let's talk world championships!

What a bright future for these kids huh?  It's going to be a great weekend for them and a great weekend for all of us as they head to Motown to show off what they have accomplished and try to stack up against the best of the best on the planet!  Weeks of dedication, planning, preparing and competing to be a part of the excitement and hopefully bring back a win for themselves and all of us!  Our very best to both the MARS FIRST team and the WAVELENGTHS!!  For more on the FIRST Program, visit their website below.

I recently visited Diane Smith with Agewell Services of Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa Counties to talk about their 5th annual HEELS FOR MEALS fundraiser event taking place this coming Saturday, April 21st at Bella Maria's Event Center.  Click Here For Tickets to Heels for Meals

Being part of West Michigan is truly a blessing. We have some of the most beautiful beaches, lakes and trails all at our disposal. If you have not been out to the Michigan State Park on Scenic drive you really should go.

DUNEiversity is geared toward student groups and corporate groups. These adventure-based team building activities are tailored you your groups needs and budget. While you participate in this program you will learn how to become a stronger team through education about the local environments history and how to conserve it. Follow the Muskegon Sports Complex on Facebook

It is important to stay active throughout the summer months. One way to help our children do that is through a week-long summer camp that engages them through multiple outdoor team building activities. There are two different age groups for the half-day dune adventures camp: Salmon (7-11) and Eagles (11-14) and are held Mon-Fri for three hours. If you are interested in the Full day dune adventures camp that will be held on specific weeks. This camp will be from 8am-4:30pm and will be for ages 7-12 years of age.

No matter your age and group there is always something for you to do. Some of the things that you may look forward to trying are: Paddle boarding, archery, summer luge, Kayaking, a Trail Quest and ropes course. If you are looking to just visit the sports complex without a group you can try your hand at one of the many trails or even have a picnic lunch at the beautiful beach right across the street.

Today I stopped out to talk with Bill Bailey about the new program that the Sports complex is launching called DUNEiversity, take a listen.

Thanks to Bill for taking the time to talk a little about this exciting program at the Muskegon Sports Complex.  If you'd Like to know more, click on the image below to visit their website!

Jerry Maxwell!  Adventurer...cook....renaissance man and more!  The guy just loves showing off his passion for things and sharing his love for all things artistic, miniature and creative.  We picked up on Jerry a while back and asked if we could share his world with you on The Muskegon Channel.  He politely agreed!  

This episode, Jerry takes you to a a galaxy far away as he shares some of his miniature Star Wars collection and talks a little about some of the figures etc.  Enjoy!

We've worked on both Positively Muskegon and The Muskegon Channel to share the platform when it comes to kids and schools and what's truly needed at the area schools.  Yes, we are aware that there are plenty of people out there that think any time a millage comes along that it's to pad some slush fund account, fill in a gap somewhere hidden in a budget or it's just a school trying to make a grab for more money.  Well, we're always very open to the idea of sharing the need and what we ask from the schools who want to share the story is some transparency in what they are looking for.  It seems to be a fair trade that if they want to share their need they can just join us to talk about it.  We don't cut it up into sound bytes, we don't edit it down to fit into 30 seconds...we just talk and explain the need.  In this particular segment...you will see one bump, that is from our end...our camera records in 15 minute segments, and we did have to string two together for this and we did have to adjust the video a little because the camera wasn't centered properly.  We're up front too.

I was invited out to Orchard View by Superintendent Jim Nielsen to talk about their upcoming ballot request on May 8th.  There has been a tremendous amount of work done in advance of this request and it's all essential work that needs to be done on school properties that is long over due, and if neglected longer will end up costing much more in the long term.  It's also a great way to look at long term cost savings by adding more efficient mechanicals, assuring the roof's don't fall in and making sure the urgent needs of piping, maintenance and ADA requirements.  Are they the most flashy and cosmetic improvements, nope...but they are truly essential and they are a long term investment in the kids of the OV District.   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Click to Email Questions Directly

In a nutshell, it's going to come down to about $4.17 a month of a tax increase.  You can link over to the particulars by clicking on the image to the right, and you can also take a listen to my chat with Jim Nielsen, Jack Timmer and Matt Vandervelde of Orchard View Schools to learn a little more about the need, where the money will and won't go and how it legally has to be spent if the voters of the area approve this on May 8th.  Take a listen.

 I never had my own kids.  I have never too voted against something asked for by the schools.  I am not one that is all for more taxes, no one is, but our schools are truly one of the key factors in our community.  We don't pay into schools just for our own kids, we pay into them so the kid down the street can get an education.  We pay into them so that our future generations can do better than we did and this time around in Orchard View they are asking for the bare minimum to fix what needs to be fixed to maintain and improve what's there and start taking steps in the long term preservation of the facilities.  It's about $4 bucks a month that they are looking for over 10 years and in my humble opinion, it's a very small investment in our kids.  My thanks to Jim and the staff for taking a few minutes out of their day to explain the need.  For more, and some examples of what needs to be taken care of, there is another informational video below produced by some trying to help the millage pass.  If you'd like to know more about Orchard View Schools, click on the image below to visit the district website.  

17 years strong and the event keeps growing!  Guns and Hoses is the annual benefit hockey game between area police and fire fighters, with a few corrections officers and EMT's thrown in for good mix that's put on to benefit some pretty amazing causes here locally and it's done with the care and compassion that is needed to help grow an event to the gigantic reach it's attained. 

Going back to 2002 when it all got under way, the idea was sprung to raise a few bucks for charity and develop some goodwill among the community with the local police and fire fighters, because let's be honest..most of the time when we encounter a police of fire fighter, we're not exactly in the best possible predicament, so a little goodwill can't hurt.  In 2013 the event found some new direction with a leadership change and renewed energy which has solidified Muskegon Guns and Hoses into one of the marquee events in town.  Any event that can command the crowd they draw and the ability to raise over $20,000 in one day to be shared among 4 beneficiaries...that's a marquee event.Follow Muskegon Guns and Hoses on Facebook

In 2018 the event will once again be out to help some pretty incredible people.  Eric Zurlaut is a baby with a heart condition, Gavin Wilcox had a benign brain tumor which caused him to be found non responsive in school, and Craig Jones is dealing with a pretty aggressive form of brain cancer.  You can read more about their stories on the Guns and Hoses Page which you'll find linked at the bottom of the page.  There will also be a portion of the proceeds going to the Old Newsies and Goodfellows of Muskegon who work yearly to help make sure no child is forgotten at Christmas.  

It's an all hands on deck effort in Muskegon for this event.  From the list of people who donate time, talent or some money to this, it's really a great example of community togetherness and concentration of energy to do something good.  Conducting the whole thing are Lacey Koens and Chris Wilks and their teams of "Guns" and "Hoses" and the list of event volunteers and countless people who chase down donations, sponsorship's and generally go all in on making sure that the event is a fun way to raise a few bucks to help some really worthy people.  We sat down at Lakeshore Sports Center to talk about the event coming up April 14th, take a listen.

 The purpose is so good, the people involved don't give up and the togetherness around a great time for a great cause can only be found in Muskegon.  17 years of raising money and making sure needs are met and more over, going above and beyond the call of duty by so many awesome police, fire and EMT workers to assure that people that need a hand get it.  There is a lot to be proud of in Muskegon and you'll be hard pressed to find something more to be proud of than the Guns and Hoses hockey game.  To learn more about this years beneficiaries of the organization itself, click on the photo below for more details.  

It's getting to be that time of year.  Prom season is right around the corner and the temptation for our younger folks to go out and party will be present as it's always been.  I wish I could say from a personal angle that I was one of those kids who was always on the right path when I was that age, but as it's been told over and over, I was one of the group was was out securing the party supplies for everyone.  As a teen, we're all 10 feet tall and bullet proof, but a few years under your belt...you see just how very young the teen years are and just how much risk and gravity are attached to some of the bad decisions that were made, and you have to add in a lot of gratuity that through those bad decisions, nothing bad really happened.

Today, it seems the stakes are so much higher for our young people.  Back in the day, you got caught with some booze or maybe pulled over driving...you got an $80 MIP ticket or a call went home to your parents to come and get you off the road with the police pretty much leaving it up to them to give you the "what for".  Today, getting pulled over drunk driving will cost you $7000-$10,000 bucks and it's not a problem that you just pay the fine and move on from.  We have come to a point in society where we know the dangers of teen drinking are a lot more damaging than just a financial hit too.  The development of the young brain is still going on and the introduction of alcohol inhibits the proper growth as well as offers an early crutch in the ability to deal with situations by offering an easy way out.  Muskegon ALI Online

In Muskegon, we have the ALI Program, which is conducted by The Health Project, a community coalition of Mercy Health.  The Health Project is also a sponsor of The Muskegon Channel.  It's a group of law enforcement officers and concerned citizens who's mission is to reduce underage drinking and alcohol related injuries in Muskegon county by giving teens and parents the educational tools needed to make better choices and lead to a healthier and safer community.  There is the educational effort as well as the enforcement portion of things, where they will send a decoy into retailers to try and purchase alcohol, the decoy is underage but not carrying a fake ID, to make sure that the retailer is abiding by the rules.  This will be going on in the month of April in Muskegon County.

I met up with Shane Brown of the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office and Sara Delarosa to talk about the work they do to help prevent underage drinking as well as how this decoy operation works.  Take a listen to our chat.

It's hard to look back over some of the personal choices I made as a young person.  The risk doesn't seem to carry the weight it does when you see life through the eyes of the invincible young person.  But with a few years under your belt and a few years away from alcohol now, man...some of the chances I took were enormus.  The fact that I never was hurt, or hurt anyone was a miracle and today, to lend a hand to help young people avoid the mistakes I made....the very least I can do.  Parents, please know what your kids are doing.  Kids...please know that all of this goes on because adults care.  We've already made the mistakes and all we hope is that you can avoid the same things we messed up on.  It's really that simple.  You can connect with Muskegon ALI on Facebook at the link below for more information.

He's an unlikely adventurer and that's one of the things we love about Jerry.  Jerry Maxwell is a local artist and story teller.  He's also an avid gamer, photographer and contributor to society in so many ways.  Not only will he make you a mean hamburger down at Hamburger Mikey's, he'll take the time to show you what he does in his "off time" as he works on building miniature scenes, painting articulate figures and sharing his passion for creativity.

Today, a little head scratching is going on as the 3-D printer Jerry is working with seems to have a bit of a mind of its own. 

How about a nice night out for a great price and a great cause?  Well, it's happening on April 14th beginning at 4p at the Holton United Methodist Church at 9530 Holton Duck Lake Road and it's being put on by the Holton Fire Department to help benefit their canteen service that accompanies them to the scene of some of their work to provide some relief if needed.  Be it a fire or rescue type situation, sometimes a call to a fire department takes a long time and the canteen services provide things like food, water, coffee...shelter, warmth or a place to cool off while the work is going on by the men and women of the fire department.  The canteen services are not exclusive to the bigger departments you see in the city, and in fact, if you take a good look at the Holton FD canteen services, quite often it's made up of the spouses or family members of the Holton FD, so it's really a family affair.  Find the Holton Township Fire Department on Facebook

Holton's FD serves a pretty large population for a rural department.  There are lots of well traveled roads that run right through the area as well as plenty of rural homes on dirt roads and tucked away places for some rest and relaxation or maybe some secluded privacy back in the woods.  There are plenty of lake front properties they service and their types of service are right in step with what any fire department sees day in and day out.  Fire, rescue, medical, they are even seeing some of the same things seen in the city when it comes to responding to calls for people who are trapped in the opiate crisis.  It's hard to believe that problems like that effect a small community like Holton, but they do.

Now, on to the good part.  The Holton FD puts on an annual roast beef dinner with all the trimmings to help benefit their canteen staff.  The beef is slow roasted for hours first then carved up and served with everything you love for only $9 bucks!  You can't even buy a sandwich for that!!  The dinner will be held April 14th and Holton Fire Cheif Mark Hawk joined me to talk a little bit about the Holton FD as well as the dinner and some of the other fun events that happen in Holton over the course of the year, take a listen.

 It's still a thrill to visit a fire department and to know that so many good people risk life and limb to make sure the people in the northern tier of the county are taken care of is a great thing.  To know too, that there is a group behind our first responders in any community speaks volumes of everyone in our area.  It's a great dinner for $9 bucks.  You can get it dine in or take out and the proceeds will keep those who support the Holton Fire Department doing what they do to be a part of the fight!  I am thankful personally to the Holton FD as they would be one of the departments on the scene if we ever had a problem at the cottage up in Twin Lake.  We joked a little in the video about the cottage, but I know we're in good hands.  Thanks to Chief Hawk and the men and women of the Holton FD!  To visit the Holton Township Website, click on the image below.

Here's to a new week!  If you notice too, here's to Spring!  We taped this a few weeks ago, and if you pay close attention, you'll see hopefully the last of something in the background. 

With that, Easter is over and Spring has sprung.  Becky has a little something new for ya!  It's called PiYo.  It's a combination of Pilates and yoga!  She sneaks in all the cool stuff and you don't even know what hit ya.  Here comes episode 45!

Whoop!  Like that?  Well, Becky has group and individual openings for personal training.  She works at The Gym in North Muskegon, The Muskegon Country Club and even offers private in homes.  You can click on the photo below for more info.

As a mom of three young children having family friendly activities that are close and that doesn't break the bank are important. This coming week is Spring Break for a lot of local schools and not everyone is going to be able to leave town on vacation. If you are like my family and I you may be staying home but would still like to have some fun. I have done a little searching and I have come up with some ideas that are free or nearly free and are right here in Muskegon county.

The first stop on this staycation trip will be to the Lakeshore Museum Center to talk about their Spring Break Open House. The open house is going to be on Tuesday April 3rd from 10:30 am – 12:30pm. During the event you will be able to join in on the #hashtag game that is going to be going on. (Ask front desk for more information on how to play) You will also be able to visit one of the new temporary exhibits that will be at the museum until September. The secret of Bees exhibit is a fun way for you and your little ones to get a hands-on learning experience and don’t forget to visit the mastodon after you play in the wind tunnel.

Next I stopped at Frauenthal Center to talk about the free family movie night that they are having. On Wednesday April 4th the Frauenthal will be showing Where the Wild Things Are at 3-5pm. This is a completely free event thanks to some special donors. If you need more information you can call 231-722-9750.

The last stop is going to be the Muskegon Museum of Art to talk about their Pajama party that will be held Thursday April 5th from 6-8pm. At this party you will be able to listen to a story read by someone from the Hackley Public Library, participate in an activity with friends from the Lakeshore Museum Center. And you can get inspired by all of the art around you when you are making your own in the art activity provided all while you are having a hot drink from the hot cocoa station.

If you are looking for something outside to do with your family we have some of the most beautiful parks, trails and beaches in West Michigan. Pack some drinks and a sack lunch and take a literal hike with the kiddos.

I hope that you all have a wonderful and safe family spring break Staycation here in Muskegon Michigan.

If you're not quite familiar with this annual show, please do yourself a favor and check it out!  It is the absolute best way to catch a glimpse of the most incredibly talented, brilliant, dedicated High School Students in our West Michigan communities.  Over the course of two nights this show highlights the very best high school Athletes, Scholars, Literary Artists, Visual Artists and Performing Artists... All are honored for their dedication and for being considered the very best chosen from their schools.   Many of the Showcase honorees will be competing amongst each other for cash prizes as well as bragging rights for being chosen best amongst all their West Michigan peers.

The 2018 West Michigan Student Showcase will be honoring 216 High School Students from 32 different area schools from Muskegon County, Ottawa County, Oceana County and Kent County.  If you would like to find more information about the two-evenings performances and which schools will be featured on each night and also, if you would like to read all of the Literary Arts Honorees written works please click on the picture to the right.  

It was an exciting day in Roosevelt Park on Tuesday March 27th.  Sport Clips opened it's doors right on Henry Street across from Meijer and with the opening comes some new excitement and some clean new looks in style for the guys in the area.  Sport Clips has had a location out by the Lakes Mall for quite some time, but as the client base grew, it made sense to think about a second location in the Muskegon area and Roosevelt Park has been seeing quite a spike in new development and business openings lately.  Combine that with the location close to area staples, high traffic and population to draw from it was a perfect fit for Sport Clips. Click Here For Sport Clips of Roosevelt Park

Stacey Patulski is the owner of both Muskegon locations, and if that name rings a bell, it's with good reason.  He and his brother Jeff owned the Muskegon Lumberjacks for a few years.  Stacey has had great success running his Sport Clips stores and credits a lot of his success to the community outreach that goes on outside the shop.  They are heavily involved in supporting local athletics for kids.  They like to be a part of community events and bring something fun and unique to the things they participate in and they work to find charitable organizations that they can help along the way as well using some of the assets they get from the corporate level to thank their customers for helping them, help causes.  This first week, they are working to help No More Sidelines of Muskegon with a portion of every haircut going to help those kids and families.  

If you've never been in a Sport Clips, well, it's the place with "Guy Smart Stylists".  You get pampered while you relax for a few...a massaging shampoo...relaxing neck and shoulder treatment and finish it all off with a legendary hot steamed towel.  NICE.  No appointments are necessary, you can use their handy online check in to save a spot for ya and if you need more...you're immersed in sports everywhere you turn inside Sport Clips.  It's a pretty great experience. 

I was able to catch up with my long time friend, and new sponsor of The Muskegon Channel and Positively Muskegon to talk a little about the new place in Roosevelt Park and their philosophy about community involvement.  Take a listen to our chat.   

We're excited to welcome Sport Clips as a sponsor to The Muskegon Channel and Positively Muskegon.  It's been great to work with Stacey and his team on a number of levels over the years and his commitment to Muskegon and it's people is from the heart.  If you're a guy and you're looking for the MVP treatment when it comes to a new doo...stop in and see them at Sport Clips at their new location on Henry Street or if you are a traditionalist, you can always visit the shop out by The Lakes Mall as well.  We wish them much success at both locations and say thanks again for helping us continue our work here!  

Click Here For Sport Clips of Roosevelt Park on Facebook

What we've seen on the news lately, well... it sucks.  We won't skirt the issue and we won't deny that seeing and hearing tragic events...it takes a toll on us.  We're exhausted on the lack of sense any of it makes.  We're tired of being the victims.  We're suffering from the feeling of helplessness if that situation were ever to happen to us and we all seem lost in the middle of the arguments on either side of the debate.  

Current news aside, tragedy often is the mother of necessity and tragedy isn't always what's portrayed on the news.  Think about an accident at home?  How about an accident at a work site?  Maybe you are the first on the scene of an auto accident or maybe you're the one who know's CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver.  What if you were the one on hand and someone was experiencing a traumatic blood loss event?  Would you know what to do?  Would you be able to maintain your cool and help calm the victim?  What can you reach for in a pinch and what are the steps you need to take to get things under control until EMT's can arrive?  Well, there' a free class for that.  Register Online for Stop the Bleed

Mercy Health is presenting a Stop the Bleed class on March 31st at the Youngberg Auditorium on the Hackley Campus.  The class is in conjunction with Safe Kids West Michigan and The American College of Surgeons and is designed to teach you the immediate, front-line aid techniques you need in the event you encounter a sever bleeding problem.  The class goes from 11am-1pm and as we mentioned, is free to attend, but you do need to register in advance.  You'll find a link to register over to the right.  There will also be the same class offered on April 11th and May 2nd so if the March 31st class gets filled up, you can always sign up for a later date.

I was contacted by Heather Ruffin from Hackley Hospital about these classes as well as her upcoming visit to Lansing to educate some of our State Lawmakers about some critical funding needed in the State of Michigan, because if you can believe it or not...we are one of only 2 states in the entire nation that doesn't have permanent funding in place for trauma systems.  We were joined by Holly Alway from Safe Kids West Michigan for our chat about the class and the upcoming Lansing visit.  Take a listen. 

We all spent time with "Resussa Anny" learning CPR.  Chances are you were taught the best ways to prevent choking or poison control, now, it's time to learn another way that can save a life and make a difference.  The class is free and what do you have to lose by having a little more knowlege in the back of your mind incase the next time comes along an you need to know how to properly and effectivly stop bleeding until the professionals can get there?  It all comes back to the old saying "The More You Know".  My thanks to Heather and Holly for having me down today.

According to the July 1st, 2016 U.S. Census Bureau Muskegon MI. had a population of 173,408 people 15.9% of which were 65 years of age and over. This means that you should personally know at least one of those people. Today I was able to talk to Heather from AgeWell services of West Michigan. 

AgeWell Services of West Michigan provides meals and health and wellness opportunities to seniors in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa Counties. Like I said before I was able to talk with Heather about one of the Events that they are hosting at Bella Maria's called Heels for Meals. This is a fun way for you to get out of the house and help out raise money to help provide meals to our older community members that may be unable to make it for themselves. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Get Tickets for Heels for Meals

This is the 5th annual event and the second year being held at Bella Maria's. Tickets are just $45 a person and include a plated meal provided by Bella Maria's and a chance to win the door Prize. These tickets for this event are going fast so if you would like to attend you need to contact Heather at (231) 733-8636 or click on the photo to the right to email Heather.  One of the main events are going to be the heels hence the name. This will give you the chance to get crazy with your creative side and show us what you’ve got. There is going to be multiple categories for you to be in so don’t hold back, you may even win a prize. Being creative not your thing, you can join in on one or all of the other things available some of which include tasty signature cocktails, hand painted wine and martini glasses ($20) a delicious dessert bar, auctions and a live band.

The two of us meet at Bella Maria's to talk about an event that is going to be held on April 21st to help the seniors in our community.

To learn more about Agewell Serivices, click on the photo below to visit their website.

We introduced you to local artist and adventurer Jerry Maxwell not too long ago.  Jerry works at Hamburger Mikey on 3rd Street in Muskegon and when he's not there, he's working on his photography, his art and he's making the world a better place by sharing his passion for what he loves.  

Today, he's showing off some of his miniatures, talking about the process to make them, paint them and put them to use.

Jerry is Jerry...he's a story teller on his own....so....take a listen to today's installment on Adventures With Jerry