Rock Against Abuse September 10th at Hackley Park in Muskegon

Muskegon is long known for it's music scene!  We've had a great bunch of musicians and bands over the years and they have all kept people entertained at local bars, community party's and festivals as well. Some have made it all the way to "The Big Time" while others settle for a great crowd on a weekend night providing the soundtrack to the party.  Know this though.. Muskegon bands are no different than any of us.  They can combine to be a force for good and make a difference in lives.


This Saturday, Rock Against Abuse will prove just that at Hackley Park.  From 12n-7p fans will have a chance to check out some of their favorite bands in the cool and comfy setting of Downtown Muskegon and the stunning setting of Hackely Park.

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You'll get to check out Lakeshore Drive, Two Heded Chan, Product of Society, Of All We Cherish, Bianca Luz, Minus Two, Biffy the Beat Slayer,  and Kill Tomorrow.  Best part is, you can catch them all outside in the open air as opposed to some dark bar setting, not that there is anything wrong with a dark bar setting.  :)  It's going to be a loud afternoon for sure, but the big part of it all, is that it's a benefit for the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon.



The need is great and the services offered are immense when it comes to the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon.  They serve thousands of people in the Muskegon Area annually and they always find innovative and fun ways to raise a few bucks to continue their work.  Rebel Road is a big one, but it takes a sustained annual presence to make sure those effected by abuse are cared for, or the abuse is stopped before it starts.

Rock Against Abuse on Facebook

It's an all hands on deck effort by a lot of local people who want to do their part.  James Saville was able to take a few minutes out of his day at Excelsior Computers to talk a little about the event and what fans can expect Downtown Muskegon this Saturday.  Take a listen to our chat below.

We all do our part in Muskegon.  It's one of the best parts of being here.  No matter the nitch, someone finds a way to fill it while showcasing our local talent, beauty and state of mind.  If we can raise a few bucks for a worthy cause and have a good time doing it....let's do it!  Tickets for Rock Against Abuse will be available at Hackley Park next Saturday. Admission is $5 bucks and all proceeds go to the Child Abuse Council.  For the official Rock Against Abuse website, click on their logo below!

The Red Project - Empowering People to Make Positive Change

Right from the get go, I'd like to tell you....I am not sure that this story is for everyone.  There are those who will disagree with the path, the purpose and methods of The Red Project.  I am right in the middle of all the arguments and I am not sure exactly where I stand on all of this....but....the story deserves to be told so those in need can make a step in the right direction, even if it's a baby step to change their life and get past the issues they face with a clean bill of health and new awareness of how great life can be.

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Addiction is real.  To be honest....addiction is a growing problem and if you think it's limited to booze....you need a wake up call.  Heroin is killing people on a daily basis.  West Michigan has a serious problem with it right now as I have heard that heroin is easier to get and costs less than marijuana.  Again, that is just what I have heard through different people....I'd hope they are all wrong, but chances are...they are not.

The Red Project began in Grand Rapids but is putting down some roots in the Muskegon area too.  The goal of the program is to recognize addiction, the problems associated with addiction and provide the tools and education necessary to help people begin to recover while protecting their health the best they can.  The Red Project offers clean syringes, overdose protection and education, HIV resting and counseling and peer groups to help those who have found themselves caught in the world of addiction and can't seem to find their way out.  Trust me....I know the feeling all too well of not having a place to turn and in as much as I recognize the thought by some that a program like this enables drug use...drug use or alcoholism is not an over night fix in someones life.

The Red Project Online

I first heard about the program from Echo Brown of The Red Project when she contacted me about the upcoming event called "The Truth" at the Frauenthal Center on October 13th.




I'll be telling my story of alcoholism and addiction, Nate Johnson will discuss his days as a crack dealer and Anny Donewald will be talking about the sex trafficking industry and her work to get women out of it.  It's going to be a powerful night of speakers and there will be groups like The Red Project on hand to tell you more about their work and how you can get help if you need it.  I had a chance to catch up with Brandon Hool to learn a little more.  Take a listen to the video below.

I hope that this article is met with an open mind.  I understand the resistance to enabling people....but I also understand that there are those who are truly lost in a world they never imagined their life would be in and that thye can't find the way out.  It's sad...it's scary and until an addict is ready for change, I guess offering a way to prevent the complications that can be associated with addiction is a step in the right direction.  If you'd like to know more about The Red Project, click on their logo below and thanks to Echo Brown for taking the time out to talk about the work going on.  Hope comes in many forms whether we can see it or not.  Here's some hope for those still suffering from addiction.  If you'd like to meet the people from The Red Project - they will be at "The Truth" on October 13th.  You can click on the image below for more details.

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Dave Alexander Shares Some Thoughts on The Burning Foot Beer Festival in Muskegon

By Dave Alexander - MUSKEGON – At Pere Marquette Beach in the early evening of Aug. 27, I discovered the next “Big Thing” for Muskegon events: Burning Foot Beer Festival.

I must admitted I am not craft beer fan – I am partial to the products expected to be produced at the 18^th Amendment and West Michigan Rum Co. distilleries – but Burning Foot this year was on fire.

As a west-end resident, I was thrilled by the 4,000-plus craft beer fans taking over a swath of Pere Marquette beach on a Saturday evening. The place was energized with people from 22 states tasting the products of more than 50 vendors from three states.

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Some 50 percent of those attending Burning Foot this year were from outside of Muskegon County, promoters say. Now that’s introducing plenty of new people to what makes Muskegon special.

Hats off to the Lakeshore Brewers Guild, which conceived the Burning Foot concept last year and pulled off such an incredible second-year event. This again proves that Muskegon knows how to produce an event and in this case show off its best asset.

This event has “feet,” as they would say. The upside potential of Burning Foot is huge as promoters blend craft beer, millennials and their baby boomer parents with a drop-dead gorgeous location on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. And there was an eye-popping sunset to boot.

Promoters say that there is no other beer festival where so many vendors gather on a sandy beach and where patrons can dip their toes into a Great Lake. I’ll take their word for it. Patrons this year seem charged up about the beer, music and the environment.  

Courtesy Burning Foot Beer Festival

The next Big Thing?

During my reporting and editing years at The Muskegon Chronicle, I have seen local events and festivals come and go from the Muskegon Air Fair to Summer Celebration and Muskegon Bike Time to the Unity Christian Muskegon Festival. I remember asking county tourism officials what’s the next “Big Thing” for Muskegon as the Air Fair ended a successful run of annual events.

The answer quickly became Muskegon Bike Time – and now Rebel Road – arguably the largest event with the most economic boost to Muskegon and the surrounding Lakeshore region. There is no reason that Burning Foot can’t grow to be just as significant over time.

Who knows where organizers, vendors and patrons will take this event. From year one to year two, Burning Foot increased its footprint on the beach, boosted its vendors and brought in an incredibly festive and appreciative crowd. The evening was capped off with the first mass camping at Pere Marquette Beach in generations.

Courtesy Burning Foot Beer Festival

Talking to some of my west-end neighbors in the city of Muskegon’s Bluffton Neighborhood, it seems the event went over well with what at times can be a cantankerous bunch. Many of us realize that these events come and go and that the neighborhood and the city must share “our” beach with the community and the region for everyone’s benefit.

Events like Burning Foot are going to keep the momentum in Muskegon going. Mark my words, Burning Foot will be another Big Thing for Muskegon in three to five years as long as promoters grow it in a sustainable manner.

I can’t wait for Burning Foot 3 in 2017.

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Dave Alexander is the head of Downtown Muskegon and contributes to Positively Muskegon as a writer.  Our sincere thanks to Dave not only for keeping hie writing skills sharp but for his long devotion to making Muskegon a better place through his reporting.

OPA!! Celebrate the Pilaf Dinner at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Norton Shores September 11th

With a wife that works in Fruitport, we spend a little time going up and down Pontaluna.  To and from work, or to and from school functions we use the road a lot and if you have not noticed...the bridge construction over 31 is finished and it's a LOT wider and easier to cross.  This isn't a blog about traffic though...it's about a spot on Pontaluna that I've always wanted to stop into....but only got the chance now!

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The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is holding their annual Pilaf dinner September 11th from 11-5 and you're invited!  You can enjoy authentic Greek Food, Traditional Greek dancing, a baked good sale and more.  It's a great little event, like many other churches put on, but since I was invited to come tell the story..I thought I'd share a little something with you.

You may or may not know that I spent 12 years in Catholic schools.  There is a lot of religion taught in that time.  You get to learn more about different religions than you'd think and the Greek Orthodox religion always fascinated me, along with the people.  The church itself was founded by the Apostles in the first century AD and still maintain many of the practices established in this ancient religion today.  The don't have a "Pope" as a leader, however thy see Jesus Christ as the head of their church and they are governed by a small collection of Bishops called The Holy Synod.  Worldwide there are about 23-24 million Greek Orthodox church members and 50% of them are in Greece!




It's going to be a fun, and colorful event.  The dancing is amazing...the food is delicious and if you've never been exposed to Greek people...let me tell you.  They are hearty....they are fun....and they are very kind from my past experience.  They are strong in family, faith and food!  I was invited by Ken Hoopes who's a member of the church and his law firm, Ladas Hoopes and McNeill  is a sponsor of the Positively Muskegon blog so I couldn't turn down the chance to stop in and see the church for myself and meet some of the awesome people who are parishioners. Ken introduced me to Father James Honeycutt and Paul and Pat Ladas who join me to share the story. Take a listen to our interview below.

You're going to love it for the food and you're going to love it for the atmosphere!  Make sure you take a couple minutes out to stop by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church September 11th and enjoy the experience!  Thanks to Ken for inviting me out.  To learn more about the church click on their logo below!

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Community Encompass Wants You to Taste and See in Muskegon September 27th

How about a night out?  You could use on!  Why not make your night out that doubles as a tour of parts of Muskegon while finding out exactly what's happening in neighborhoods that are turning the corner and stopping into restaurants, schools, breweries, bakeries and more?  Tempting to the taste buds to say the least but the experience is just as important as the food and drink!

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The event is being put on by Community Encompass of Muskegon.  "What's Community Encompass of Muskegon" you ask?  Well thank you for asking.  Community Encompass is Christian community development organization for the core city neighborhoods of Muskegon.

The reach of Community Encompass is something I didn't even realize the scope of until I began to write this article.  You'll find services like "Sacred Suds".  A newly renewed center for people to get their laundry done and they offer showers as well.  How about "Yep"?  An outreach for people 15-20 years old who'd like to develop leadership skills, gain work experience, and help build neighborhoods through basic maintenance like lawn care and home rehab...oh, and while they are at it, they are preparing for college or the work place.  Then, there's the "Muskegon Learning Lab."   Computers, are available to search for a job, brush up the resume, complete college course work and more...and if that's not enough, there's the "Neighborhood Christmas Store".  Imagine a selection of new, unopened presents at affordable prices so no parent has to face a holiday without a visit from Santa for their kids.  It's an extensive list of services provided by people who care and want the best for Muskegon.

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Back to your night out.  You'll stop at some of Muskegon's best spots.  From Fatty Lumpkins to the Coffee Factory, Unruly Brewing, Curry Kitchen, Ryke's Bakery and more!  Tickets for the event are available until September 11th so plans can be shored up for all of the stops.  I was invited by Pat Thompson and Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga to stop in an learn a little more about the event as well as Community Encompass.  Take a listen to our chat below.

There you have it!  PROOF that for any bad news you hear in Muskegon...there are a minimum of 10 good things.  A number exceeded by Community Encompass of Muskegon under one umbrella.  If you'd like to know more, click on the Community Encompass logo below to visit their website.  Better yet...get off the web and get do to Community Encompass and lend a hand.  You'll find in no short order just how many people really do care and go the extra mile for our home!

Muskegon's Labor Day Parade - Workers of Muskegon Unite

Labor Day is rapidly approaching.  Hard to believe that the "End of Summer" is unofficially here, but it is and Muskegon's workers are planning a parade to honor those who work to keep the economy moving and who work to make sure that workers are treated fairly.

Labor Day dates back as far as 1882 as a machinist Matthew Maguire forst proposed the holiday while serving at the Central Labor Union Secretary of New York.  Today, it's still a vital reminder of the work done by so many.

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In Muskegon - you'll find a great parade happening.  You'll find internationals and labor unions marching, as will local non profits, politicians and many other partners of the United Way who is helping to organize the event.  The parade gets underway at 11am September 5th and is expected to  be complete by 12:30 with a fun event planned in Hackley Park after the parade.



You'll find food from Greek Tony's, plenty of activities for the kids with 7 bounce houses, sno cones, magic shows, balloons, face painting, arts and crafts and more!  Refreshments for adults as well.

The parade begins at the intersection of 4th and Western and ends up in Hackley Park.  I was lucky enough to snag a few minutes with Jana Routt and Waltrer Christofferson to learn a little more about the event as well as her role in working with the labor unions in the area with the United Way.  Take a listen to our chat below.

Our workers remain the backbone of our economy.  Those who continue to strive to get the job done and do what it takes for their bottom line as well as the countries!  It's important to stop and be thankful for our workers...as well as the work.  Labor Day is a reminder of workers doing their part to make sure the strength, prosperity and well-being of the country is protected.  Thanks to Jana for finding a few minutes to talk about the parade and thanks to to all the workers out there who enjoy Labor Day.  To learn more about the United Way of the Lakeshore, click on their image below

United Way of the Lakeshore

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Muskegon - How Bout a Hug? Get One This Weekend at the Muskegon Farmers Market

You know....it's a world of accusations....jaded thoughts....polarized views and news fueled by whatever the controversy du jour  is.  We're all quick to judge...quick to assume and overly eager to jump at the chance to stand our ground....fight for a cause....and quite honestly, it's getting tiresome.

How bout an event where all of that can take a break for a few seconds and peace can be attained by just a simple human touch?

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Well, Saturday September 3rd in Muskegon at the Muskegon Farmers Market is "Free Hugs For Peace".  Yes, there will be complimentary hugs given out to those who would like to experience just how powerful a hug can be.

I saw the event floating around Facebook and looked a little further into it.  The goal of the event?  "Hugging each other, heart on heart is a very strong way to give a peace sign and to reject racism fear and hate of a stranger" according to the event page on Facebook.  They go on to say that "By offering free hugs, you offer just a moment of unconditional love to others without asking anything in return"  Can you think of a more affordable way to simply give than a free hug?  Of course too....you might very well get hugged back and THAT is the pay off!  Remember....you get what you give!

There are all kinds of hugs, but one from a stranger?  Well, you might have to exit your comfort zone just a little.  It might be a big hug, might be a "bro hug" it might just be a "hug it out" moment or...you might just see that the touch of another human is a little deeper than that.  It's a quick path to see that we're all pretty interconnected .





This seemed like a good idea...so with the lightning quick powers I have as a blogger and all around promoter of good will and joy....I took action and got Jessica NeCamp on the line to tell us more about this awesome idea and how it came about!  Unfortunately, a stomach bug sidelined Jessica and she couldn't make it to come in to chat. So...consider this your invite to be hugged at the Farmers Market tomorrow!

Give a hug!  Get a hug!  For all the guff we get in Muskegon...it's time to show the rest of the world that we truly care..we truly know how to make the world a better place and that the simple act of a hug.  Step right up and get yours Muskegon!  If you'd like to know more....click on the photo below to go to the event page and learn more about the hug you will hopefully soon be getting in Muskegon.
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Free Hugs for Peace in Muskegon

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