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.