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. 

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.  

Muskegon Rotary Helps Mission for Area People's Youth Teams Program

 

Mission for Area People is one of our favorite area non profit organizations.  Located in the basement and extra rooms of an old church, MAP offers support to our area with a great clothing pantry, food for those who are experiencing a food crisis.  They help too with utility bills, transportation assistance, medical and dental care and there's even a free medical clinic.  It's everything I was taught a charity should be growing up, as the school I went to, all of it took place in the basement of the church across the driveway. 

While it's true, the look of Mission for Area People is humble, inside it's a team of driven innovators striving to find ways to help improves the lives of the people they serve on a regular basis and the growing needs of the surrounding community.  One of the ways is networking through the county and another is making sure people know what's going on with the organization.  Kristen Turgeon is the Executive Director of Mission For Area People and when she reached out to us saying that we could hit both with one meet up, we came running with the camera.  We also just happened to find a couple of critters at Reeths-Puffer Elementary who know a thing or two about sports, although, not so much about where the equipment comes from just yet. 

One of the best networking spots in Muskegon is our Rotary Club.  Their group is tight, on point and very active in making things in Muskegon better.  From parks and festivals to helping fund projects like we're here to share today, making our community closer and with a better quality of life is what they are all about and the idea of helping get kids on teams, when pitched.....it was a winning idea.

There's a cost to being on a team now.  Sports, STEM, maybe a club like Boys or Girl Scouts....there might be an entry fee.  There might be a cost for some equipment to get going.  There might be a few barriers to some kids being able to be in an among their friends and the activities that make childhood so memorable.  MAP asked Muskegon Rotary about maybe starting a grant program that could help offset the cost of participation to the kids, and it was accepted.  Families can apply to MAP through their website to get a hand if they need it to pay the entry fee.  Maybe it's the cost of a uniform or whatever.  The grant is there and applying is as simple as VISITING MISSION FOR AREA PEOPLE ONLINE.  While we have your attention too, MAP has their annual golf outing coming up.  CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FOURSOME IN AT STONEGATE JUNE 13TH.

We have a theme going this year across our platforms.  Taking Care of our Own.  Seeing how Rotary heard the call and answered to help Mission for Area People help our next generation out with what they need to be a part of the game.....there's no better example.  

Food for Life - Evangelist Tracy Dillon Discusses Sunday Dinner at Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church

 

Meet Tracy Dillon.  Tracy reached out to us to tell us about her work in helping those in need in and around Muskegon when it comes to food insecurity.  We are an amazing community who knows the value of what it means to "circle the wagons" and take care of one another.  We're so good at it in fact, it's the reason we launched all that we do with this site, and all of the people who believe they are called to do more.  People who are not looking for a lot of credit, just a way that they can know that they are giving back to their fellow man with the best they have.

Food 4 Life came about when Tracy noticed that our abundance of relief organizations were not regularly serving on a Sunday and that with the food drives we have around town, there may be a gap in what people can do with the food they are given if it's raw.  This is starting to dip down in to the idea that the homeless issue here is growing and while it might seem that needs are being met, it's pretty difficult to cook if you are living in a tent in the woods somewhere with a family.  Food 4 Life is designed to not only fill the gap on Sunday, but bring people into a little deeper understanding of what's "out there" and how they can best utilize it. 

"My Grandma used to say".....there really can't be 5 more words of wisdom that come from anyone.  In the case of Tracy, her grandma used to say "give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day, teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime."  With the meal that comes at Kingdom Embassy Church in Roosevelt Park, comes a supply of personal hygiene items, a Bible to help them understand the giving beyond the food and supplies and the examples set forth within.  They offer pick up service at both the men's and women's shelters on Peck and Laketon Streets at 1p on Sunday and the service and meal begin at 1:30.  3p things are wrapped up, no one is hungry, no one feels alone and we've found yet another way to protect our most vulnerable in our community while they are in a time of need. 

Tracy works over night.  Tracy also stayed up until we could meet up at the Hackley Library to film.  Tracy isn't a superhuman, multi-millionaire or philanthropic giant.  She's out to do as it was taught.  "Love one another as I have loved you."  She's putting her faith into practice and turning love into action.  This is a miracle happening right here.  This is how simple it is to make life a little easier for someone, once a day.  I love finding stories like this as really, that was all I ever set out to do when I decided that I was going to have a career in broadcasting.  To remember that somebody out there, somewhere, needed that moment of respite.  I was given the opportunity to do what I wanted to do for work instead of what I HAD to do for work.  Tracy, takes it one step further.  Let's all try to be a little more like Tracy.  

You can find Food 4 Life happening at Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church in Roosevelt Park  located at 3025 Glenside Blvd.  If you need transportation, call 231-220-7797.  If you would like to contact the church itself and see if you can be of assistance, I am sure they would love to hear from you.  231-747-6862

Your A- TENT- Shun Please - Lisa Keck Kujawa is Attempting Another World Record! Help if You Can November 2nd at the MKG Farmers Market

 

It was a couple of years ago that Lisa Kujawa brought her mission back to Muskegon to see about helping set a world record for collection canned goods and how far they could make a contiguous line of them.  Those who are "townies" may remember Lisa as a member of the Keck family.  Lisa now lives and works on the east side, but she's also continuing to push for attention and reach all across the state for help with her calling, Golden Key Camp.  Located in Gladwin, Golden Key Camp is a respite for kids with cancer and their families. To have someone from Muskegon making the push, we all know success is on the way.  

While the non perishable food item drive didn't quite work out as hoped, this time, the drive is for tents and the number isn't quite as high.  Lisa is reaching out to different communities across the state including her hometown right here in Muskegon to make the goal of 800 tents.  800 tents collected and set up together at Camp Golden Key will not only get them the world record, it will be a HUGE amount of publicity and attention for this camp, and in turn the idea will grow as will awareness.  Then kids with cancer will have a spot to call their own. 

From the Camp Golden Key Website - "What we do is gift the saddest and most difficult gifts ever, precious time together, but that is also the greatest gift. Will you please help by being a TEAM sponsor, we have made it easy to help, just seek people or businesses each willing to pledge toward your goal of $250 or a tent or maybe you decide to donate a few tents. Ask friends and family customers coworkers clients etc. to come together for YOUR team to make a gift so special its doesn't seem impossible in fact with you and yours impossible REALLY SENDS THE MESSAGE OF, I'M POSSIBLE!  Thank you so much for making the world a better place for these special children who have had their childhood stolen from them, your kindness will gift these families some childhood memories they wouldn't have gotten without you.

November 2nd is the day that Muskegon is being called to action.  The Muskegon Farmers Market is where the tents will be collected.  New, gently used or a cash donation toward one is fine.  Please, however, don't bring in broken or ripped tents.  Asking a non profit to sort out your broken stuff is really in poor form.  The best way to keep up with Lisa and Camp Golden Key is by FOLLOWING THEM ON FACEBOOK.  They also have a website that you can visit to learn more.  CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CAMP GOLDEN KEY WEBSITE. 

Lucy Plont - Family Rallies Around Little Girl With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis - June 1st Motorcycle Run Planned

 

The title of the article alone should tell you that it's a pretty rare condition that Lucy Plont is facing.  To know that she's missed too much of kindergarten because of this affliction too, well that tells you that there's a need to be met and when that happens, Muskegon goes to work.  In this case, the work extends over into Sparta too where Lucy's grandparents live and between the two places, there's a lot of great space for motorcycles.....so, let's ride!

From KidsHealth.org - "Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is a group of disorders that causes arthritis (stiff, swollen, painful joints) in children.  Children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (systemic JIA) have periods of arthritis along with a fever and rash. They also may have swollen glands and problems with the heart, lungs, and blood.  Treatments can help with symptoms, so children can live a full and active life. The symptoms can go away for a time (called remission). In some kids, the condition goes away permanently.  All types of JIA happen when the immune system, which normally attacks germs, mistakenly attacks the joints. This causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the joints and other problems. Systemic JIA can start anytime in kids 1 to 16 years old. Most cases start when a child is around 2 years old. The condition affects boys and girls equally.  Doctors don’t know exactly why kids and teens get JIA. “Idiopathic” means “from an unknown cause.” It can run in families but often does not. It’s likely due to a combination of: genetic (inherited) causes the way the immune system responds to infection and illness a trigger, such as an infection."

As any parents would understand, the onset caught Jodi and Miles Plont completely off guard.  How to handle a problem of such epic proportion and cost in finding out initially what the problem is and then how to treat it.  A grueling task and an immense weight to bare.  While they struggled to find an answer, the staff at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital became very familiar with the Plont family and treatments continue for Lucy to this day.  Lucy will have to give kindergarten another go next year, and that's ok, but the problem will persist for a while and that's where the community will come together to help.

June 1st there's a charity biker benefit which kicks off at 7 Mile Inn on S. Warner in Fremont.  It will be a picturesque ride to Jimmy's Roadhouse, Old Iron Bar and Grill, Kent City Lounge and then back to 7 Mile with cool events along the way.  Registration is at 9a and the bikes roll at 10:45.  When everyone is back at 7 Mile, food, raffles, silent auction, 50/50, gift baskets and more.  It's just the kind of benefit we can all pitch in on in some way shape or form and if you'd like more info on it, you'll find numbers in the photo below. 

Our kids, they are the most important part of all of our future.  Lucy is a tough, spunky little customer according to all accounts, but to see any child facing this kind of struggle, it's too much for anyone to be able to process.  It's a lifelong journey for Lucy and to show her early on that she's from a community that truly cares....it's what we can do.  

You can follow Lucy's journey on Facebook.  CLICK HERE TO VISIT HER PAGE. 

Benefit for Brett Belmarez June 29th at the Fruitport Eagles

 

The most essential part of any line of work is remembering the root system.  In 2015, all that we publish began with a video camera the size of a box of tacks and an idea.  How could we not only help make things in Muskegon a little better, but how could we utilize skills and ability to help anyone's cause get a little notice?  Through that, the idea would be to show the drive of a community.  Show those who take action that there's nothing they can't accomplish and that they deserve that moment in the "spotlight" for their efforts. 

We stand by that today, and it's not always the easiest.  Case in point, our story today.  Brett Belmarez isn't quite 40 yet and has been stricken with cancer.  A young husband and father, Brett is like so many of us here in Muskegon that would give the shirt off his back for someone else, and has more than once but now finds himself in need of the community to gather around him and help.  We found an entry from the Muskegon Pub Pedal site which is helping out too, that explains the situation best.

"Brett Belmarez was born and raised in Muskegon. He has been married to the love of his life, Desiree for 10 1/2 years. They have a 6 year old son named Roman. In the middle of December, 2023, Brett started experiencing flu-like symptoms.  Near the end of December, in addition to the flu-like symptoms, he began experiencing shortness of breath and lung pain. After having his blood work checked and a ct scan, they discovered a mass (6.1cm) on his right lower lung and some enlarged lymph nodes. After a biopsy, it was determined to be lymphoma. It is still early, so they do not have results on what stage or what specific type of lymphoma it is. A meeting is scheduled with the cancer center to begin working towards a treatment plan and obtaining a 2nd opinion with more information from U of M. They are not sure what the future holds, but they are remaining positive and keeping their faith in God."  We've got the pub peddlers in, that's great news. 

Brett also has his family in overdrive working to plan and pull off a benefit at the Fruitport Eagles on June 29th from 2p-8p.  If you've ever been to a benefit at the Fruitport Eagles, you know it's a day filled with family, community and love.  I have been to one or two there and seen the unimaginable happen by witnessing the generosity of friends family and strangers overflow and make a world of difference.  Brett's aunts, Sharon Shanafelt and Victoria Belmarez Brezina joined me to talk about the event.  Take a listen. 

Want to help? We all do, in some way or another.  It's a massive undertaking in a time of immense stress and emotional turmoil for anyone to put on an event like this.  To see it unfolding for Brett speaks volumes of what he must have paid forward already because the ground is rumbling loud for this event and there will be an incredible outpouring come the end of June.  It will be another day when collectively as a community we show the rest of the world that nowhere else can anyone circle the wagons and take care of our own like Muskegon.  

If you'd like to help you can reach out to Victoria at 231-740-1021 or Sharon at 231-769-9799

Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Brian Packard - Planting Seeds in Fruitport

 

We were invited to meet an exceptional individual who carries the title Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at Fruitport Schools.  By day, Brian Packard is a Landscape Designer at Mike Rose Landscaping in Norton Shores.  In his "spare time" he's found a calling that not many dare and in that, he's also found a purpose in life well beyond teaching things like dribbling, boxing out and lay up's.  His evolution as a coach, especially working his way up to helping craft young women, has become what movies are made of.  Meet Brian.

 

Beginning in much lower levels of coaching Brian worked his way up to the varsity role over time and found that's where his fit was best.  It was through experience and dedication that he also realized that there were some pretty remarkable challenges facing these young women at Fruitport and that coaching needed to be a little more than drills.  He was facing a struggling program, the effects of the pandemic and the inability for them to play and practice as well as keep that "teamwork" frame as tight as it should be.  There were also some immensely difficult life challenges for these young women to face with the loss of a classmate and a conference that they play in which is remarkably hard.  Loss, hardship, heartbreak and interruptions....not the key factors in putting up a seasonal record of wins and championships.  With a team of young women who wanted to win, there was a challenge set forth not many would have noticed, but Brian did.

As a team, Brian seemed to help everyone come to the understanding that a team is a perpetual endeavor.  It's a continuance of what was there and what's to come.  What was there...well, honestly, it wasn't much left to build on after all that they had been through collectively.  Brian brought wisdom to the forefront and said that only the understanding that rebuilding the team was going to be equilivant of planting seeds...and that it's going to take the current team, and their willingness to not only get out there and play like champions despite the scoreboard, but more importantly, it was on he and all he coached and saw over to be the foundation for the teams that follow.  Set the example.  Build from the ground floor with the basics and the support that entails the entire person through a sport.  Help the juniors and seniors of today be the leadership that the 7th and 8th graders will see, and emulate when they make it to the "big show" of high school athletics, and then on to life.  

This is a remarkable lesson in leadership that's being provided to an incredibly fortunate group of athletes in a school.  Where some only see trophies and titles, the true nature of competition is bring brought forth day after day and that is to not only achieve but to learn and lead.  To show the way for those to come and to share the understanding of winning in the "long term" is so much more than a buzzer beater.  Fruitport, these young women and our community as a whole....we're lucky to have the depth of understanding we do in people like Brian Packard.  Wisdom carries through generations because of people like him. 

A Benefit for Kenzie's Be Cafe October 28th at the The Starlight Room

 

From time to time, and then and again, our Positively Muskegon travels take us outside the county lines, but it's always for a purpose and this one is two fold as we're going to show you something amazing going on in Grand Haven and let you in on a benefit we're pretty dang sure you're going to want to be a part of when you hear all about it.  Welcome to Kenzie's Be Café on Washington in Grand Haven. 

Kenzie is a Junior at Mona Shores High School.  She just happens to have a café named after her "across the bridge" that is owned by her aunt, Erin Lyon.  Erin made a giant career switch not long ago from her chosen path of being an attorney when she saw a chance to get in to something a little more welcoming and less stressful.  She owned a Jumpin Java location, there was a desire to open another one, and the plan was reimagined to build a purposeful and sustainable place where people with different abilities of all levels could find a way to work, learn and see that those "different abilities".....well, they are not all that different after all.

Kenzie and I go back a minute or two.  She's been nothing but an inspiration to me as she fits right in to where she's planted.  Singing Christmas Tree?  She's in it.  Varsity Cheerleader?  Yup.  Life of the party no matter where she goes?  Usually.  What makes Kenzie this way?  Her heart is so gentle, her approach to life is so kind and her willingness to not be anything other than a young woman with a bright future in front of her sends a message that resonates to anyone who meets her.  Naming a spot where others can learn some of the skills that Kenzie has and then go on to succeed in other areas too, it only makes the best of sense. 

Kenzie's Be Café serves all of the proper coffee's and teas, as well as a menu that they have learned to make in house, daily, just like any other spot.  The open feel and the close knit group gives people who sometimes shy away from things because of their "limits" a chance to break right through it and build the confidence needed to go on to much larger endeavors, and they have.  As you hear Erin talk about in the video, some almost unthinkable goals have been attained just by seeing that anything can be accomplished if you are given the chance, no matter the circumstance.

While the café might be just over the county line, Kenzie is quite proudly one of ours, and with that, Muskegon knows how to throw a benefit like no other.  October 28th, there will be a night of music and fun at The Starlight Room.  Kenzie's Be Café will be the beneficiary.  The music is from Rockford's "Puffin Down" who are an outstanding cover band and since we're in The Starlight Room just two days before the party, we'll welcome Puffin Down as the musical guests on the Muskegon Tonight Live show on Thursday the 26th.  A lot of fun to come at The Starlight Room!  Come and join us!   

It's been one of the greatest gift's I have been given to be among people who I will readily admit that at one point, I was uncomfortable around.  To open up just enough though.... to see that differences are what make all of us unique and that the necessity for anyone to just be who they are....it's paramount.  No matter what label may be placed, it can be torn off and the truly remarkable part of the removal of a label....it's the realization that we are all more the same than we are different.  Kenzie teaches that every single time I see her.  A stop into Kenzie's Be Café and you'll see just what I am talking about.  

Kenzie 

Halloween Fun at the Muskegon Lighthouse Saturday Oct 14th

 

It's something we see yearly, where we live gives us pretty much three perfect seasons of sugar sand beaches and fun for everyone.  Even today as we were filming, a pair of travelers from Indy  were seeking a parking spot to head down to the Muskegon Lighthouse for a view.  I stopped and talked with them for a bit and asked if they'd come back in July sometime, when we could show them a little more. Those three seasons are busy and no one really wants to let go.  Including the Lighthouse itself.

Now staffed by volunteers and always looking to grow that list of people who can spend a little time helping the cause, the Muskegon Lighthouse is boasting one of the most successful seasons on record.  Over 1000 people took the trip to the top to see the stunning view of where we call home from the top of the lighthouse.  The gift shop is now all sold out and packed up, the show fences are on the beach and we'd love to see you at one more event before the snow fly's.. a Halloween Party this Saturday.   

Kimberly Lange invited us down again to sum up the season and throw out the welcome mat for one more great chance at seeing the Muskegon Lighthouse, all done up in Halloween décor inside as a treat for the fans of the ghosting and ghouling that seems to have taken over the entire month of October.  The Muskegon Lighthouse will welcome guests from 1p-4p Saturday October 14th.  Kids in costumes, they get to go to the top of the lighthouse for a peek for free...and adults....a $5 donation is asked.  If you can swing a little more, go ahead.   Costume contests, Halloween treats and a fun atmosphere with a gentle "spooky" approach is what to expect.

The Lighthouse planned the 1-4 on purpose.  It seems that they are not the only ones working to have some fun for the peanut gallery.  The Muskegon Farmers Market will be hosting trick or treaters in the morning while their vendors are on site, the Hackley Library has things Halloween themed for kids to do as does the Lakeshore Museum Center.  Seems that just about everyone is rolling out the red carpet for some spooktacular fun this weekend.

The Muskegon Lighthouse goes in to "winter" mode after this weekend.  It can be opened for private tours in the offseason and the work during the offseason is to recruit more who might like to be involved in 2024 and beyond to help learn about, and share the rich history and splendor of one of the most unique things to our community.  No one hear has to drive from Indianapolis to see a lighthouse!  We can all get behind it and preserve our treasure.

 

The Muskegon Magic - Travel Cheerleading Team - Carwash Fundraiser at Wet Wolf Wash Aug 13th

 

The sport of competitive cheer is an exciting and fun way to keep kids moving and active and doing anything but staring at a screen.  If you've ever seen a competitive cheer competition you know that the energy and drive it takes is incredible.  The focus and team work is second to none and the bond and trust built between the members of the team also leads to friendships that can last a lifetime.  In Muskegon, Gonyons Gymnastics is the base for the Muskegon Magic Competitive Cheer, and they are having a fundraiser.

On Sunday the 13th of August from 2p-5p the Wet Wolf Wash located at 5479 E. Apple will be hosting the kids and families as they make your car sparkle and shine for a hand in some of their team costs.  Roll on up in your Rolls, Beemer, Toyota or Ford and let them put their magic on it at Wet Wolf who are donating their space for the day.  You will also find a bake sale and something quite unique.  They are hosting a shoe drive.  Bring in your gently used shoes and they have an agency that buys them by the pound and then distributes them to developing countries and places where poverty is the main way of life.  Who even knew that was an option for donations?

The team has already brought home some brass from their travels.  Last year in their quests, the trip to Florida yielded a championship and to go back this year to defend it is the goal.  

Team tryouts for the Magic are held at Gonyon's Gymnastics on August 17th and the season runs from September-April.  What a great way to spend the winter months among friends while developing teamwork ethics and keeping physical activity as high as possible.  It's a great group of energetic and fun young people and to be a part of the excitement and fun can begin with a visit for a quick wash on Sunday where you can not only drive off with a clean car and some good baked snacks, you can know for sure you did something great to help some kids and families make the experience of sports as great as it can be.  

Give Heaven Some Hell Motorcycle Run Remembering Victor Gouveia June 10th

 

June 10th will be the 2nd Annual "Give Heaven Some Hell" Memorial Ride for a guy who gave to others in a way that was quietly spoken, shown by example and while never preaching "perfection", Victor Gouveia had a way about him that was able to communicate with those who found their way to him to think a little more of themselves and in turn, their lives would be changed by what they saw they could accomplish.  He was "That Guy" to quite a few in his time, and his friends and relatives are keeping that memory and work alive.

The inaugural event was held last year and we met with Catrina Chambers to talk about the life and times of Victor and how he directly impacted her son.  Victor showed him that talent is within all of us, it just needs a little coaxing out to get started but once that spark comes, the limits are removed and what's taught in one aspect of life, can be applied to many others.  Victor taught her son how to work on auto body's, motorcycles and other vehicles.  He also passed along how to mix deep and beautiful paints and work like Rembrandt to help bring visions to life.  Through those lessons, the boy...now a father of 2 himself, learned so much more than how to pull dents and spray paint....he was being taught life by a mentor.  It's a gift that will forever be a part of this young man, and one we can all give.

The first year of the run, well, they raised a whopping $25,000.  I've been around the fundraising world for a while and a first year event doing that kind of work....well, it speaks volumes of the people putting the event on and it speaks volumes to the memory and impact that the namesake of the event is being put on for.  The run itself kicks off at the Grand Haven Walmart, then takes off on a ride through Muskegon County and concludes with a party back on the other side of the bridge at the Hiway!  You'll find food, music, raffles prizes and more at the after party.  Sure, it's what happens at the end of most rides, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Catrina and I joined up at Pomona Park to talk about the first year and what to expect in year two.  If you are in need of a nice ride, filled with purpose, here's the details.

 

If it's a bike ride you need or to support those who are quietly and without much fanfare or expected accolades giving back to the next generation in more ways than one, this is is the ride for you.  Find the GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL event page on Facebook for more details and gather up your riding crew to get in on it!  Know that the proceeds will go to help other young people learn a trade and hopefully fall under the mentorship that Victor gave.  We can all agree, the world needs more Victors.

Aaron Coon Teaches Us All About Living By Example at 15

 

A remarkably special event took place at Bernie O'S Pizza on the 4 Corners in North Muskegon on April 12th.  It was a small private gathering of friends and family for an "uncles birthday party", or so thought Aaron Coon.  As the friends and family gathered and the air filled with the smell of the "Twist" the "4 Corners" and the "Fusion" excitement built and while most uncles probably are over birthdays, this uncle seemed pretty excited where he sat.

Aaron Coon was found with a brain tumor not long ago.  He was having headaches and his parents both needing glasses about his age just thought that it was probably time for Aaron to go get checked too so off they went to the optometrist.  It was also the first time that Aaron went into an exam room by himself.  It's a pretty big step if you remember being 15 and doing that for the first time.  The eye Dr. noticed some things, Aaron's mom thought that the visit was taking an awful long time....and when they had a chance to recap what was found, it really wasn't a recap.  It was a directive to go directly to an emergency room for further, much more extensive examinations.  It's a moment of upheaval no live ever wants to face.

The tumor was found and treated.  With the diagnosis, an organization that grants wishes came along and wanted to offer Aaron a wish.  The immediate idea from some was "Yay!  We're going to Florida", but Aaron had a different idea.  Something not quite so common for a 15 year old.

Looking back over what mattered to him up to that moment, he saw the need for more inclusion and more ways for kids to fit in.  He reflected back on his memories and where they were formed and how he could improve the lives of others and at 15, his exposure to life led him to the decision that the funding should go to Twin Lake Middle School to help improve the playground for future kids at the school so they too could be part of the fun, and curate the same memories he did at his cherished elementary school.  It's an amazing mindset for a young person, and one to give pause over to stop and think about purpose and living by example.

Well, led by Bonnie Nolan and friends, once the designation was heard about for the wish funding, the community came together to do a little something extra for Aaron as a thank you in return for his act of selflessness.  We happened to be invited to show you how it all went, so....enjoy the moment by moment happenings that you'll only find in a community who's best come to light in the service of others, and see it amplified for good.  

The ability to see that through giving, we gain more than we could ever get...it's a life lesson that comes at different stages.  It doesn't have to be a big gigantic give like Aaron did, but it's the idea that a little of you going to someone else could very well be the moment they needed to change life completely.  For kids at Twin Lake Middle school, it will probably be a lasting legacy.  For anyone you meet, it might be that momentary respite that gets them through the moment.  And that's just as big of a give...and a 15 year old showed us all today how it's done.

If you'd like to follow this incredible young man on his life journey, his INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT is here and please join us in our deepest admiration and thanks to a young man leading by example in Muskegon.....Aaron Coon. 

Muskegon Rail Road Historical Society - Train Show April 29th - Our Biggest Little Museum

 

To say there's not a romance still about trains, I cannot.  While we don't see the traffic from trains in Michigan we once did, without trains around the country and world, everything still grinds to a halt.  Across America freight, food and people are moved en mass by trains and while the days that made trains the exclusive elegant way to travel have long past, we'd be no where without their contribution to this society and commerce of our country.  They are stalwarts of industry and with all of the modern innovation, we're still nowhere without them.

If you travel at all, and get out of a "peninsula"  state like Michigan, you can see the level of heavy lifting they still do.  If you stick closer to home you can catch one once in a while and marvel at the motion, the level of ability and even the design of the vehicles.  Another really great thing about trains is the role they have taken in the tourism field.  Imagine some of the scenic things you can do on a train?  Even the ride in from Michigan City Indiana to Chicago for about $10 bucks will show you the world from a completely different perspective.  It's not always perfect, but it's real.  

Muskegon has a group of very dedicated people who are working to preserve the history of rail roads in Muskegon and the days that it played a vital role in town.  The Muskegon Rail Road Historical Society is located on Quarterline across from Cardinal Elementary and the work continues, beautifully on the inside of the museum, and to support the work, their annual fundraiser of a model train show is coming up at Cardinal Elementary on April 29th.

There are train enthusiasts coming in from all over the state to buy, sell and trade along with display some pretty dynamic set up's.  The museum itself will be open across the street to take a stroll though and see the progress and if you're a fan of trains or not...it's a great opportunity to take the kids out to see and maybe break up some of the "screen time" that they all seem to be so obsessed with.

Michael Wood is our ambassador of the museum and just like every other year, we got the call to come show you the progress and get the word out about the show.  Take a listen. 

If it's a stroll down memory lane, or a chance to share a little history with the kids...get out and check out the model train show.  Our idea behind this too is to help forward the purpose of this museum in Muskegon to show the rich history that rail roads once played in everything about our community.  The work going in to the building is articulate.  The dedication is real and the love of trains, it lives on.  Follow the MRHS on Facebook by clicking on the logo below.

The Bling Thing - Friends of the Hackley Library Benefit Feb 10th and 11th at Barclay Place Events Center

 

The annual call comes in and it's almost as exciting as any holiday, visit from an old friend or hearing from someone you admire so much because they give more than they take and their heart is in such a good spot. 

 Doing what I do for a living, well...yes, it's driven by purpose and in that you get to find the purpose of what makes many others lives complete and that is a gift that not many get to experience.  

When the phone rings and I hear "Klingenmaier Here" it's time for the Bling Thing.

Barb Klingenmaier is a member of the Friends of the Hackley Public Library and they work to help fund the programs the library puts on for adults and kids to help foster literacy and engagement with the historic spot in Downtown Muskegon.  They are a group steeped in tradition and pride in all things Hackley Library and they tend to the Bling Thing event as well as the used book sale and other ways to reach the annual goal of $20,000 to help aid the programs that happen.  They are also some of the hardest workers in preserving the amazing history of our treasured block that is "all things Hackley" with the park right across the street from the library sharing the moniker as well as the archives in the Torrent House across the street, which by the way... the Friends of the Hackley Public Library mobilized to save from the wrecking ball a few years ago.  Imagine that space a parking lot now?  It would be an insult to our Downtown.

Barb's passion is infectious and her deep caring is gold.  Sure we shot our interview giving you the who, what, where and why of this years Bling Thing coming up at Barclay Place Events Center on February 10th and 11th.  You'll find all the amazing jewelry at either the Friday night "advance" opening where with $15 donation will also get you plenty of delicious chocolate and tasty wine and then Saturday the event opens up to those who are looking to support the cause and shop away up until the 'big discounts" come toward the end.  After we filmed though, Barb made sure to stop and ask all about me...wanted to know how I was, made sure that things were ok and showed the deep level of care she puts into just about everything and everyone she touches.  To know Barb is a true treasure and to have her here in our community....well, she's an asset not many other towns are lucky to have.  

Come one, come all to the Bling Thing Friday Feb 10th and Saturday the 11th. The Barclay Place Events Center is just off Sherman in Muskegon, and it's a stunning facility. We actually filmed while the Bridal Expo was gearing up so you can get a peek of the facility while you hear the details.  There's something for everyone and you can even find some amazing estate jewelry that is as timeless as it gets.  Enjoy the surroundings, enjoy the company and enjoy the purpose that the Friends of the Hackley Public Library work so hard to preserve this coming weekend!  

Salt Dispersed - A Showing and Discussion About Slavery and it's Lasting Effect - February 5th in Muskegon

 

Black History Month begins February 1.  There will be events throughout the month teaching us about Black history.  Through the years that we’ve observed Black History Month, recognition of the significance of Black Americans’ contributions to our lives has grown, and hopefully so have we all.  Some of us are old enough to remember the strife of the Civil Rights era in the US.  With the generation responsible for that period of great progress “aging out,” and awareness and fairness not where we’d like to see it, it’s up to all of us to find new ways to learn and contribute to the effort.

Working to understand the long-term implications of slavery isn’t easy.  I am a 52-year-old writer whose earliest exposure to the concept of slavery was the TV mini-series “Roots,” which I was shielded from watching start-to-finish due to my age and the subject matter.  I was only seven at the time it was released, so I can’t really blame my parents for wanting to keep someone that young away from the brutality depicted.  But even viewing only portions of it left me with a clear message:  “Slavery was bad.  People were forced to work for free or they were beaten.”

As I became an adult, my understanding of slavery grew, and along with it, my loathing of the practice and of the mindset that allowed it to happen.  Most would agree that freedom should be equal, and many voices have screamed to end segregation and discrimination, but even legislation enacted with the goal of making our freedom more equal doesn’t necessarily address the impacts of slavery because they’re still not understood from the perspective of those who endure the unfairness.

 An event at 3:00 p.m. on February 5th at First Presbyterian Church of Muskegon (at the corner of Sherman Ave. and Wickham Dr.) aims to help the community understand the long-term issue.  First, there will be a showing of the video “Salt:Dispersed,” a one-woman journey by British performance artist Selina Thompson.  Like so many Black British persons, Thompson, when asked “where she was from,” found that explaining she was from England didn’t quite seem to be the answer people were looking for.  In time, she came to realize that through the enslavement of her people, her own ancestry had been stolen.  There was no path for her to trace back a few generations to see “where she came from,” because those who came before her had been rounded up by force, stowed on boats, and brought to some unknown corner of the world to be bought and sold like livestock.  The emptiness in that thought alone is enough to give you a moment’s pause.  And it should. 

The hour-long video will be followed by a discussion of the film and the issues it raises, hosted by George Barfield, nationally renowned as a National Consultant and Trainer for Cultural Sensitivity.  In the spirit of willingness to understand a point of view that otherwise may stay silent, it’s a free event and open to all.  I was invited to the church by Adam Bell and Roxanne Deibel to learn a little more about the event and their hopes that hearing the point of view of someone who sought to answer questions about her ancestry and its legacy will help us all understand the pain of racism a little more today.  Take a listen.  

 

We can all use a better understanding of history...all of history.  Recognizing that “slavery was bad” is a step; the abolition of slavery was a step. The Civil Rights Era was another.  But the declaration "Oh, now I get it” is not enough, and the broad strokes of legislation and viewing the impacts of slavery from the 1,000-foot viewpoint have not acknowledged the long-term losses of the individuals who were at one time viewed as commodities.  That’s the goal of the presentation:  to learn about these losses from a personal standpoint, and to learn how to discuss them constructively.

Our thanks to Adam and Roxanne for the invite today.