A Sunday Special Report From Positively Muskegon.

Our first report was on October 19th of 2015.  Since then, we've gathered a bit of a following and for that, THANK YOU!

Simply put, Positively Muskegon is a grass roots effort to tell the story of Muskegon a little differently.  We certainly don't live in a "perfect" community, no one does...but the majority of what we hear is "the bad news".  Sure "bad news" draws people in, gets people to click to see the next level of shock to a story, but in the long run, without a little balance between the "good" and "bad" things tend to get a little lopsided, and unfortunately....some start to believe the bad.

Do you picture yourself living in a crime ridden part of the world?  Is your area controlled by violence?  Do you have neighbors that look out for you?  Do  you believe the power of good in people trumps the never ending stream of stories about robbery, death and blight?  I don't.

I live in a remarkable community with people in it that are willing to go to the mat for what they think is right, how they can be a part of the solution and share the same pride I do in a city that tends to get the brunt of the "bad news" most of the time.

Is it an idealistic outlook?  Ya...probably, but change begins with belief and is followed up with commitment and hard work and in a short amount of time, the truly great things that happen in Muskegon....well, they start to come your way!  Have a look at our story today!

Urgent News From Positively Muskegon

It's an urgent message that needs to get out before 5 today!  Please!!  Share this with everyone on your friends list!  We HAVE to spread the word!

Muskegon is proud of you!  You have an important role in the greater good for all of us and you matter!  Please....continue to do what you're doing and if you are able to do a little more...do it!

This is a good community, the people in it are caring, honest and willing to get you past just about anything.  You are surrounded by friends.  You're part of the solution and YOU are what makes Muskegon such a great place!!

Have an awesome weekend and please, don't drink and drive!

Matt Dirito of Pop Evil Offers Star Treatments

Matt Dirito of Pop Evil has a LOT going on.  With the band the release of their 5th CD "Up" was a pretty big moment in 2015 and the touring that they never seem to take a break from is helping continue the march of West Michigan's home boys!  Number 1 records....world tours and a growing fan base are all some of the spoil of the business, they have all worked their tails off and continue to leave a lasting impression of fans world wide!

Busy right?  Well, even with all of that going on Matt Dirito manages to make sure that his time and talent are paid back by doing something remarkable for kids and families who are facing treatment for illness.  

Matt's project?  Star Treatments!

Click to Follow Star Treatments on Facebook!

Imagine your family is facing the unthinkable of a child with cancer.  The thought alone is enough to send chills down your spine....but add in the cost, the endurance of treatments and the stress of the whole thing?  It's overwhelming.  Now, imagine a day when your kid has to go for treatment....but there is a giant tour bus out front of the house to really break up the stress and give that kid a chance to live like a rock star while they head in for necessary help!  

A week off and Matt came by the house to talk a little about the band...a lot about Star Treatments and what's next for everyone as the 2016 unfolds!  Take a listen to the interview below!

If you'd like to know more about Star Treatments click on their logo below!!  When the Spring and Summer tours start keep an eye out for Pop Evil and head to a show!  The new CD "Up" is available anywhere so pick up a copy of that too and help keep Muskegon's favorite sons out there representing us well and doing great things like taking care of kids who need a hand!  If you'd like to donate to Star Treatments - You'll find the link on their webpage!

Front Porch Church of Muskegon

Recently, we covered the story of Embrace Books of Muskegon and how they work to make sure that books of all kinds are free for people if they come in and ask.  Reading is fundamental and a building block for success, so when Taleah Faith invited us to tell the story of her work we jumped at it.

Did you miss the story on Embrace Books?  Click here!

Embrace Books is located on Southern Avenue in Muskegon and is housed inside a very unique place!  The Front Porch Church!

I had a chance to talk with their pastor Wally Harrison a little about the church, the mission and some of the statistics on faith in Muskegon.  I wasn't surprised to find the numbers of those who don't claim a denomination in their faith in Muskegon, but I was surprised at how some churches are able and willing to adapt to the current times and offer a service for worship and praise in a setting that is unique, comfortable and really, kind of cuts the old feeling of "do this do that" during a service.


Personally, I grew up Catholic and am very grateful for the 12 years of Catholic schools and parents that took the time to set my moral compass.  I am not a practicing Catholic anymore, but faith, belief and trust in a Higher Power are paramount in my life.  Yes, it took bottoming out with alcoholism to get me to understand God the way I needed to.  I don't think there is anything wrong with organized religion.  It's needed for community, it's needed for family and the fellowship it helps foster is truly a building block for any one.  Am I trying to force religion on you?  Not in the least...but if you are seeking a different way to praise....the Front Porch Church might just be for you!

Meet Pastor Wally and hear what makes the Front Porch Church of Muskegon such a special place!

If you'd like to know more about the Front Porch Church click on the photo below.  It will take you to their website and you can know a little more.  You are invited of course to join them Saturday evening at 5 for their service!

Welcome!! Ladas Hoopes and McNeill Law Firm!

It was a very exciting call to get!  The thought that a business in Muskegon sees the value in the Positively Muskegon blog and that people who are out on the streets...doing all they can to make a difference in Muskegon should get a voice!  A chance to tell their story and prove that Muskegon is truly a great place to live, work and play!

When the call came in from Ladas Hoopes and McNeill wanting to partner with Positively Muskegon, I knew it would be a great fit.  They are dedicated attorneys in family law, estate planning, Social Security and personal injury.  They are also very active in different boards around Muskegon and use their time and talent to make sure their clients, and their community both are represented in the best way possible!

It's our great honor to welcome them as a sponsor of Positively Muskegon.  If you find yourself in need of an attorney, don't hesitate to make Ladas Hoopes and McNeill your first call!  You'll find their office in North Muskegon right next to Brooklyn Bagels!

Our most sincere thanks to Ladas Hoopes and McNeill!

Embrace Books - Muskegon's Free Library!

The cornerstone of all education is the ability to read.  When I was young, there was no higher priority on my parents list of rearing kids was me being able to read and by the time I was about 4 books like the "Cat in the Hat" were easily read through on my own.

Click to follow Embrace Books on Facebook

Today, it's getting tougher and tougher to get kids to read.  Sure when I was 4, Dr. Seuss was about as exciting as it got, but today, television, internet, movies, hand held devices etc all seem to keep kids entertained but a portion of the necessary things are being forgotten by some.  A sincere focus has to be placed on the development of reading in our young people.  It's a commitment that has to be kept by parents and turned into an adventure....that will lead to a life long love of reading...imagination and thought.

Courtesy PC World

 While media delivery has had a paradigm shift over the last couple decades....simply put....no better place to read than books.  Embrace Books of Muskegon sees the need and they have established a spot just for you.

Located at 1050 W. Southern Avenue, Embrace books is a free library open to anyone who would like to get a few books!  Grab them for your kids, grab them for yourself and if you have a supply of books on hand....share them with others!  The library is only open certain times of the month for the moment, but as it grows I'd be willing to bet you'll see more time when it's open.

Offering over 10,000 books, all donated by the community Embrace Books offers reading for every level and life stage.  You'll find books on just about anything and the best part of it all.  It won't cost you a penny.  Everything at Embrace Books is free of charge.

I met with Taleah Faith, who runs the Embrace Books Library in Muskegon and we talked a little about the concept, the mission and the desire to make reading easy, free and accessible to anyone.  Have a look at the video clip below.

Embrace books will be open to the public on January 23rd from 2p-5p.  Stop in and see them and grab yourself a few books.  For your kids....for yourself and for the future!

#positivelymkg #freebooks #lovemuskegon #gomkg

Happy New Year From Positively Muskegon

Welcome to 2016!!  Not sure what 2015 did for you and yours....however....it was the year that the decision was made to tell the story of the people, the places and the things that set Muskegon apart!

Many of you know my story, I came here with nothing....I had a drinking problem and a couch.  The belief placed in me by the people of Muskegon has been without exception the most awe inspiring thing I could have ever imagined.  No, I am not filthy rich because of it, but I am lucky enough to have been able to get to know so many awesome people and organizations in this area that believe just like I do.  Our best days are yet to come, and if you peek around that next corner....I think you'll see them right there!!

It's my humble opinion that the really good things that happen here don't get the attention they deserve.  Media should be an economic driver.  Media should be an active participant in telling the story of the area it serves and media should accentuate the times we live in without worrying about how many clicks they get or how many corners they can cut!

If you have a story idea.....tell us!  If you like what you read....share it!  If you'd like to be a sponsor of this page and reach thousands of people in and around Muskegon....we promise you this.  Your investment will be well spent, and as a client, you'll be given so much more than the "take it or leave it" attitude that has been "the norm" for quite some time here!

I remain very hopeful for the future.  I will work in the medium I know to do my part to move Muskegon forward and highlight the truly remarkable people in it.

Thank you for making me a part of such a great fun loving place to call home.  They didn't come up with "Love Muskegon" because of me....but they could have!