The Sled Wings Play Sunday the 27th at the LC Walker Arena and a Benefit to Happen at the Back Alley Comedy Club Feb 16th

We've been following along with the Grand Rapids Sled Wings for a while now.  After all, we are the original "Hockey Town" on the West side of the state!  The Sled Wings are an adaptive hockey team giving those who use mobility devices a chance to play a game that generally takes the full capacity of an athlete.  Now, this isn't to say that the Sled Wings lack athleticism in any way...in fact, traditional hockey players might even have a hard time keeping up.



The Sled Wings affiliated with Mary Freebed Rehabilitation Hospital and have been around since 2001 and have levels of participation for everyone from mini mites to adults.  They play in sleds as you can assume by the team name that help them navigate the ice, and the play...we'll, it's equally as exciting as any other hockey game and when "regular" hockey players give the sled hockey a try, they gain a new level of respect for the players almost instantly.

For Tickets to the Comedy Benefit Click Here

Like any other hockey program, it takes time, dedication and investment.  It's hard enough to find ice time for any hockey team.  They travel far and wide, all hours of the day to find time to practice and play.  We have a chance to help them out in a couple ways.  First, the Sled Wings will be playing their annual game against the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Sunday January 27th.  The Jacks love this game and the Sled Wings love to compete against the top tier of developmental hockey players in the USA.  Second, you'll get a chance to enjoy some laughter at a night of comedy at The Back Alley Comedy Club on February 16th where there will be a special event held for the Sled Wings.  There will not only be a funny show, but some silent auction items, maybe some raffles and more.  It all goes to help the program and players and families of this great sport!

Today, I met up with Ricarlo Williams Winston who's a great stand up himself and manager of The Back Alley Club and "Hockey Mom" Angela Reynolds who's 15 year old son plays for the Sled Wings.  Her story is one that should be told on it's own...we'll work on that....but for now, learn a little about the upcoming game and the great night of comedy coming up to help out some remarkable athletes.

We're proud to support the Sled Wings and their work to bring the awesome sport of hockey to anyone.  Make sure you check out the game at the LC Walker Arena on Sunday Jan 27th and then head to the Back Alley Comedy Club on Feb 16th for a great night of laughter to help the program along.  To learn more about the Sled Wings, click on their logo below to visit their website.

Soup and Serve for Martin Luther Kin Jr Day With The United Way of Muskegon

The observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day is Monday Jan 21st and since the holiday was established and first observed in 1986 the way the day is marked has evolved.  The "day off" idea changed into a day of service where people could aspire to follow in the footsteps of Dr. King and do something for their community as he would have.





When it comes to service, The United Way of The Lakeshore is the leader.  For over 100 years now, The United Way has been "inspiring change and building communities" with events like the "Day of Caring", "Ride United", "Fill the Truck - Give United" and of course "The Dolly Parton Imagination Library". All programs designed to engage the community and bring people closer together.  In honor of Dr. King, this is the 3rd "Soup and Serve" lunch that they are putting on so you can stop in and see first hand the work that goes on and learn a little about some of the programs at The United Way.

Drop in anytime between 10-2p on Monday and you'll be greeted by United Way staff and volunteers.  You'll enjoy some delicious soup and get to see fist hand just what goes on to make the organization tick and how their outreach goes so far beyond the walls at 31 Clay Avenue in Muskegon.  They will also have an action element going on that day with area groups out helping some of our senior citizens "Clear a Path".  It might be some work around the house or yard, or if it happens...maybe some snow removal.  Just a helping hand for a friend and neighbor.

Always great work from the United Way and a great opportunity for you to stop in and learn a little more while enjoying a nice lunch on Monday!  For more information, please click on the United Way logo below to visit their MLK - Clearing the Path web page!

Help The Noah Project - "Hug Your Ween" With Comedian Stu McCallister

Everyone wants to do their part, right?  We also know that if you want to give a pet a forever home that a rescue is the way to go.  The shelters are all bursting at the seams with pets who are looking for some love and attention.  The shelters are often run by loving volunteers and fund raising is always a key for the care of the animals.  We hear about the banquets...we hear about the kids who give up birthday presents to help....but what about the comedians?



Stu McCallister is a comedian from Grand Rapids.  He performs all over West Michigan and the mid west.  He's the founder of the LMNOPodcast and he hosted a show called Tonight Tonight with Stu McCallister and his annual Christmas card exchange is one of the most fun things on Facebook if you follow Stu.  He also uses his platform to do an awful lot of good.  He's been a part of Laughfest in Grand Rapids to benefit Gilda's Club for years and works to help promote the festival and the events surrounding it.

Follow Stu on Facebook

His good deeds extend to Muskegon too.  He's taken a shine to local animal rescue The Noah Project.  He's adopted 3 dogs from The Noah Project now, which includes the inspiration for the "Hug You Ween" project.  "Ween" is actually Winter the second adoptee from The Noah Project for Stu.  Winter seems to have taken on a starring role all her own.  Now starring in a series of stickers saying "Hug Your Ween", Winter is popping up on widows, coffee mugs, three ring binders...anywhere a sticker sticks really.  The stickers are available from Stu and they are 2 for $5 bucks and all of the proceeds go to benefit The Noah Project.  To date, a few hundred bucks have been sent to the shelter to help with the costs of food and care.  It's a way for one guy to give back a little to help the organization who's given him his forever friends.

It was adoption day for dog 3 Saturday.  I stopped in to see Stu as he was picking up BJ to go home and buddy up with Winter.  Take a listen to the chat!

A great friend and a great guy all the way around.  If you've never caught one of Stu's comedy shows, make it a point.  If you are an animal lover like Stu and would like to help The Noah Project out with a little contribution you can stop in to The Noah Project on Airline Road in Muskegon and pick a couple up or you can get a hold of Stu via his Facebook page and get yourself a couple of fun stickers, with a purpose.  If you'd like to know more about The Noah Project, click on their logo below.