The Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon - The "Best Kept Secret" of Mental Health Support

 

We got an invite to visit a spot that you may have driven by a few times, just like we have.  The Recovery Cooperative is on Getty Street in Muskegon is focused on those who struggle with mental health issues.  Operated by people who all have lived experience, it's a save spot for people who've been diagnosed with mental disorders that include more than just an addiction.  Recovery in Muskegon is at an all time high point today, and we cannot forget that a struggle is often a multifactor problem involving mental health and substances.  The Recovery Cooperative understands both....and it's led by one incredible advocate for all.  Meet Monica Ortquist. 

Monica is the Director of the Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon. She began at square one. Her journey through mental health recovery has given her a depth of understanding that most can't even begin to imagine. Her path has brought her to where so many of us who've gotten away from the "dark days" are and that's the ability to carry an amazing amount of empathy and compassion for others who are at the end of a struggle and ready to change....everything. 

You can actually feel it coming from within Monica. Those who seek the fellowship and support are truly in the hands of a deeply caring organization led by someone who understands life from a spot that no book can ever teach you.

The space itself is accessible to anyone with a mental health issue diagnosis. In the group the most important thing found is that you're not alone. No one is. The isolation felt with a mental health issue is one of the things that add so much weight to the issue. You may feel like an "outsider" for a few minutes, any place that's new would give that feeling, but in short time...you'll see you are not alone. There are support groups. There are activities for individuals and ways to interact like games and computers on hand. Group outings are a thing and they help with transportation and food too for their verified members. 

 It's a labor of love and commitment that's being put in to the community with some grant and donation funding, but most of all the need to share the gifts that have been given to those who've gotten past the hard times and know that keeping what they've got, also means that you have to give it away to those who need it.

 
The Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon is open 9a-4p Monday through Friday. You'll find them at 1122 Getty. You can call 231-722-3741 with any questions. Peers supporting peers. Truly a place to be free to be yourself and if you need to, work to improve some areas of self...know that what Monica and her staff have built....it's the real deal. You'll feel it the moment you walk in.


Visit the Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon on Facebook. CLICK HERE

At 70 - Howard Bernard Proves It's Never Too Late to Start - Dark Blue - Live at the Stage 8-8-26

 

Is there anyone who didn't think at one point they wanted to be a rock star?  A movie star?  We all have "that dream" at one point or another....and then along comes life.  Reality.  In fact, I have a quote from a song.  Sister Hazel - "There's a wedding dress, And the children were next, And rainy days and baseball games, Then they're grown and they're gone, And you wish they were home, But you're left sitting all alone."  It "All Goes By So Fast".  Ya, it really does.  But Howard Bernard is here to remind us, that it really is never too late!  He and his hard rock band are making a debut performance at The Stage at The Corner August 8th.  Howard come in full rehearsal attire ready to share the story and the anticipation of the debut show.  Keep in mine...rehearsal attire.....we're saving the leather and costuming for the show. 

70 years old, and very fortunately....Howard still has his mom in the picture.  "Rainy Days and Baseball Games"?  6 kids, 23 grandkids. Probably a few of those.  Incredible wife, and life should be on cruise control, right?  Well....there's a missing piece still.  Mom turned Howard on to a song called "House of the Rising Sun" once upon a time and from there, Howard began to play his own and write his own.  Played in some garage bands, maybe a cover band or two while out west, but it's here in Muskegon where he and his band "Dark Blue" are going to take the stage after years of practice, patience and persistence.

The show is August 8th at The Corner in Muskegon.  It's a magnificent addition to Downtown.  It's a multi-purposed building with a theater setting in it that seats a few hundred.  It's been a great addition to live entertainment options adding music, plays and other intimate setting shows since it's opening.  Dark Blue.....it's a heavier rock act.  Howard mentions Black Sabbath in our chat as one of the influences of his earlier days...so chances are, it's going to pack plenty of loud on the 8th.  It was actually a nudge from a bandmate that helped pull it all together as Howard mentions in our talk.  Whatever it takes...Howard does lean into the idea that at 70, no one is getting any younger....it's probably time to get out there and do it.  Here's to 70!  I heard it's the new 50.

Tickets will be available at the door.  It's not going to break the bank, and if you'd like tickets early, there's a QR code on the show poster below.  Snap them up and head on down to see The Corner if you have not yet and help support a really great guy who's not going to left life sail by without taking that shot.... Check out Dark Blue on August 8th and help a life long dream come true! 

CLICK HERE to visit the Facebook page for the Dark Blue show at The Corner. 

The Regal Revival Brings Vintage to the North Side - Meet Dawn Britton

  

 

To begin, let's say that you're about to meet someone who'd literally drop anything she's doing to help someone else.  Her husband, is the same person.  Gerald and Dawn Britton are two people in Muskegon who have done WAY more than their fair share in ways that are unseen, un heard and unmatched.  They recently downshifted a little from owning the Sand Bar in Ludington along with Big Round Sound, who provides the equipment for live music events all over Michigan and while BRS marches on, Dawn has opened a new spot sure to please just about everyone.  Welcome to the Regal Revival. 

Located at 1081 Holton Road in North Muskegon, Regal Revival has been open for 9 days!  It's a vintage, collectable and consignment shop and it's filled with a combination of attitude and charm.  I'd had it in the back of my mind for a quick visit, until this morning when I saw Dawn doing a Facebook live and noticed an incredible about of KISS collectables in the background.  That put some urgency in my stopping by.  I am not going to let a collection of KISS stuff go unpicked for long.  

Upon entering, that's kind of the first thing you see.  The corner in eye sight has rock memorabilia as well as vintage shirts and clothing.  There are some classic beer adverting items as well and of the KISS stuff...nothing I didn't have already...but that could easily change.  Around the rest of the store?  Antique furniture, classic cookware and dinnerware, some clothing that isn't necessarily concert shirts and plenty of home decor that suits a casual home or lake living.  

The bug began as Dawn would head out for work a little early to go to the Sand Bar.  Stopping at the vintage and collectable shops along the way.  Once they left the bar business, it was garage and estate sales....finally, the "collection" got to the point of inventory, and voila...we have a brand new "vintage" retail store.

This is also a great place for consignment!  Stop in and see if there's space!  If you are an artisan, crafter or vintage junkie, the more the merrier.  Do it quickly though...it's a small space and will become a place to spend 45 minutes to an hour enjoying the nostalgia and the company in a hurry.

Make sure you follow the store on Facebook.  CLICK HERE

Our many thanks to Dawn and her awesome hubs Gearld for their countless acts of helping others and never expecting anything in return here in town.  There's a 99.9% chance that you've been touched by these great people in one way or another at some point, even though you didn't know it.  Stop in and shop! 

Spring Craft Show at The Salvation Army Muskegon May 2nd 10a-3p

 

Over the last year, I was invited to be a member of the Board of Directors at the Salvation Amry in Muskegon.  I agreed and it's been a great learning experience to see just how far the reach is coming out of the small space on Shonat Avenue into all of Muskegon County.  After a few meetings of "getting to know you", up came the elections for the Officers of the board, and while my vote went to someone who'd been part of the organization much longer, the concensus picked me.  

Sooo...as I find myself the President of the Board at the Salvation Amry Muskegon, I also see that helping share what's happening there will be part of our work for a while.......not that it wasn't already, but....you get it.  

One of those seeking me out to be a part of the Board at the Salvation Army Muskegon was Lorri March.  She's the Development Director and helps the organization locally raise the funds needed to do the work the Salvation Army does, and it's extensive.  From serving directly, to being a hub for relief to other agencies in Muskegon County The Salvation Army lives up to it's mission that began so long ago and continues to strive to even today.

Fundraising is a tough world.  There's the standard ask, but there's also some inventiveness that needs to happen and Lorri is REALLY good at coming up with ideas.  A Spring craft show is on the horizon this Saturday from 10a-3p.  There will be a LARGE amount of artisans and crafters on hand.  You'll find all kinds of handmade products as well as some hand made things that will tempt the taste buds.  There will be a simple ask for admission, a couple of non perishable food items as the school year is drawing to a close and kids will be needing a little more at home that they won't find in school.  There will be over 30 vendors presenting, so you'll have plenty of time to stroll about and enjoy the sights and scenery.  

If you find yourself hungry, there will be a light linch available with the proceeds going to help out the Salvation Army as well.  Enjoy hotdogs, and soft drinks etc that will be super affordable and more importantly, take some time to meet some of the people who are with the Salvation Army and learn about the work they do in such a purpose driven mission.

Lori and I wrap up talking about some of the upcoming events that will be along this summer.  Some new, some are new "standards" which are growing, so stay tuned for more details as we work to help share the word about the great things happening at the Salvation Army Muskegon. 

To get a look at some of the vendors coming, CLICK HERE to follow the Salvation Army Muskegon on Facebook.

CLICK HERE to visit the Salvation Army Muskegon online. 

Eleanor Galant Celebrates her 99th At Orchard View Community Ed

 

99 Years.  It's a long time.  Imagine what one life has seen in that time?  99 years ago whas the end of production of the Ford Model T.  The "Horseless Carriage" had changed the way we travel.  A fun fact about the Model T?  Customers could have any color they wanted, as long as it was black.  The cost and durability of the paint was the reason according to Henry Ford.  99 years ago was also the time that Eleanore Galant made her entry into the world, and her friends at Orchard View Community Ed wanted to honor her birthday with a little visit.

Could Eleanor have been helping supply parts for one of those Model T's?  She worked her entire life, and that the advice she's got for the younger crowd.  Work hard, be honest and live clean.  She's also quick to boast about her job being "right out there with the men".  In the earlier years, it wasn't so common for women to have roles outside the home let alone a 'mans job" but as time went by and wars bega, men were gone and it was up to the women to jump into their roles and take care of business.  A life long fan of polka music from her heritage, there's also still quite a spark in her eye about knowing how to have a good time.  

The group honoring Eleanore has invited us out before.  Orchard View Community Education and the Muskegon County Senior Millage work in tandem to help provide activities for our senior community like this bingo game and luncheon.  The seniors all pitch in and bring a dish to pass while the space and staff are assisted by some funding from the Senior Millage.  The importance of this is that it helps relieve the isolation and also helps focus on the proper nutrition of the seniors.  Their lunch is a group effort, but they are also sent home with a meal for the evenig or the next day.  On the occasion of the birthday, the buffet included a wide variety of everything from wings and salads to deserts and a special cake of course, and the to go meals were good old all American hamburgers!  Congregate meals are so important for our older population to connect, check on one another and to prevent linlieness and depression.  The group at Orchard View is vibrant, fun and as we've visited over the years, they keep coming back.  They must be doing something right.

Activities like the bingo game and lunch at Orchard View supported by the Muskegon Counnty Senior Millage are so very representative of what our community is all about.  It's a remarkable group.  It's a remarkable program and it's also our duty to help support the activities that the Senior Millage supports.  These are our parents and grand parents.  We kind of owe it to them.

Stick around until the end of the video.  Watch the smooth moves of the host of the show as the final wish for a Happy BD is given to a lady with an incredible spirit, incredible story and remarkable journey to look back on.  

Help Michigan Heroes - Joe Stapel Continues His Work for Frontline Service Workers Who Suffer PTSD

 

Joe Stapel isn't a man that's planning on quitting his commitment to "The Force" anytime soon.  We're not talking about the Star Wars kind either.  Joe is a retired Police Officer and way back when, when he was on the street, it's was the Police Force that kept our neighborhoods safe and sound and we all slept good at night right?  That may be a bit of a romanticized view of police, fire, ambulance or ER workers, but it was certainly a different era that Joe knew, but the "job".....it doesn't really change what happens to those who do it, and sometimes, that requires some help from professionals during or after the job is "done".

PTSD isn't a condition exclusive to those who have served in the Military.  The letters actually stand for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and that an be applied to any kind of situation that causes a great deal of panic and chaos once or multiple times.  Imagine the life of a policemen, firefighter or EMT that sees the repeated worst of all of us?  Not because we're necessarily bad people, but chances are if you are interacting with any of our frontline people, you are not in the ideal situation of life at that moment.  There's more than likely been a tragedy, a loss or a situation that's presented itself that requires special training to handle.  If you are one of those specially trained, you are going to carry a lot of memories with you for a long time and to try and manage them on your own....it can get dicey.  The day to day can lead to the need for some mental health help, and the cost of the copays...that's where the Help Michigan Heroes fund was born.

Joe and some friends began the non profit to assist those still working in or retired from their specialty of those frontline jobs.  There's a remarkably unique bond between those who work in the field and an understanding about people and life that not many get to embrace.  There's a lot of call to be stoic in situations that make anyone else crumble.  Accidents, violence and illness and death are daily occurrences for those of us who serve in this way, and to help those who need it, it's the least we can all do.

The Help Michigan Heroes fund invites you to a wonderful kick off to a Saturday at the Muskegon Central Fire Station on Terrace Street September 20th starting at 8am.  The Muskegon Host Lions will have the griddles fired up and ready to go with the pancakes and sausages for only $5 bucks!  Kids under 8 are eating free thank you very much, and please...feel free to donate a little something in return.  You'll get to learn more about how the organization works and helps.  Your kids will get to be up close and personal with the big trucks and fire equipment and of those who work in the field of police, fire and rescue...what a gift to be able to interact with the public in a way that's anything but what they usually endure.  For all of us...what a way to say thank you in a deeply personal and meaningful way both with a handshake or a hug and some funding to help the long term of it all. 

Don't miss the event on September 20th. 

Let's Catch Up With Nathan Grenell - SDS Doesn't Stop This Flower Shop Owner

 

It was 2018 when we first met Nathan Grenell.  Nathan has SDS which is the acronym for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome.  SDS is a rare congenital disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic deficiency, bone marrow dysfunction, skeletal abnormalities and short stature. When we fist met, Nathan was just 5 and dealing with an awful lot for a little shaver, and his parents were busy too working with Nathan and advocating for others with rare diseases.  Nathan is 11 now, and he's in the business of selling flowers.  We caught up recently. 

While there still is no cure for SDS there's an amazing amount of progress happening on the front of all kinds of once though incurable diseases.  We see and hear daily about the drive to end one form of human disease or another on the news and it's with utter amazement that we hear it.  However, to a family with that rare disease, it's never fast enough.  How can it be?  In a world where we are all living by instant gratification, fixing things "right now" is what we are accustomed to and if it's our child, grandchild or someone close to the family....you can see how that desire is amplified immensely.  Mom and dad Michelle and Justin continue to work on the advocacy and education stuff.  If you'd like to learn more CLICK HERE.  

Nathan on the other hand.  He's busy being 11.  It's about RC cars, school, scraped knees his small home farm with some chickens out back and his siblings.  He's got the right mindset started though.  Some of his proceeds he hopes to get himself a new RC car with, and he does hope to provide some help at a local food bank with what else he sells.  He's been helping at a food bank some and he's been exposed to the idea of making sure that no matter the circumstances faced, it's really important to do something for others.  Nathan was one of the honorees of the annual Guns and Hoses hockey game here in town and there's a very, VERY special bond among the police, fire and families who participate in that.  In fact, in all of the years I have been a part of the game, the return rate of the families who have been part of the benefit to help others has been stronger than I have seen elsewhere.  

His flowers are all grown around the house.  Vases?  Didn't ask, but they are generally found fairly easily.  Arranged wonderfully and priced at a level anyone can afford, $5-$7 bucks, they are a sure way to make hearts go pitter pat for anyone who is lucky enough to receive bouquet.  Nathan is open from "3-8 or 9 or so" on Russel Road.  You can see when he's open on his FACEBOOK PAGE.  You'll be greeted with a smile.  You'll find a fantastic family and Nathan will prove to you that the future ain't all lost.  There are great kids coming up down the road behind us.  Let's help them all succeed.