We all want to see everyone excel, we all hope to live in a world where barriers are gone and everyone can participate, but some things are pretty complicated and require years of training and devotion, like acting...and some might stop and say, well, that might not be for everyone. Well, stop right there. There are a group of young people that are going to prove that wrong quick fast and in a hurry right here in Muskegon!
The idea came about a year or two ago locally. It sprang from an idea back in 2004 kids with disabilities, be they developmental or physical, are cast in a modified version of a Broadway musical and paired with a peer mentor and they work side by side for 4 months in preparation and rehearsals all the way through the performance. To quote the Penguin Project's website - "The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self confidence and self esteem.
The Cast and Crew of Annie Jr.
Muskegon is the first spot in the state to put on a Penguin Project production, and Annie Jr. is the musical of choice. Rehearsals have been going on at the home of No More Sidelines, the Folkert Community Hub for the last few months. I am not stranger to the kids at the Hub or the families there, so I dropped in to watch a rehearsal before we taped the segment you're about to see and I have to level with ya, I was immediately taken back with everything I saw. On the faces of the parents, ear to ear smiles....radiant pride and genuine appreciation for what they have seen come out of their kids. On the faces of the mentors, a new appreciation for teamwork, art and their craft...the director, the choreographer, the people watching from across the room... every one of them...amazed and astounded by this group of young people and what this project has brought out of all of them. I grabbed a little footage of the practice and will overlay it in the video you'll see here in a few.
Here's the thing, this production need the support of the community. Tickets for the 2 performances are $10 bucks each and there is yet to be one single word anywhere about how awesome these productions are to see. Not only that, but, you'll get to witness first hand how truly remarkable it is when people come together despite some "differences" to work toward a common goal and find out along the way, that the similarities are greater than what they thought the differences were.
I was joined by Heidi Sunderhaft-Christiansen, Kim Harsch, Seth Witham and Kyle Sweetwood to talk about this entire project, take a listen.
If ever there was a reason to get out and support the arts, this is is. The play is compacted down to about an hour and the tickets are only $10 bucks. As mentioned in the interview too, there is still room for some sponsorship for this great event and you can learn more by calling 231-722-3852. Please show these kids your support for their hard work and bringing our community together a little closer. If you'd like tickets, order them in advance by clicking on the show poster below.
You hear YAC and the first thing that might come to mind if a hairy beast of burden that may emanate an odor or two and the thought of one being in and around Muskegon...well, might cause a call of complaint to a city council or two. But fear not...in our case, a YAC is something to be proud of and you get to meet one today.
Yes, YAC is an acronym. It's The Youth Advisory Council and it's an extension of the Community Foundation of Muskegon County. There is an appointed member from every school district in Muskegon County and they meet monthly as a team to discuss how they can help grant $60,000 in funds to help youth serving organizations and projects and causes. These are a group of young people who are very active in their schools as well as their communities and their work goes past just trying to decide where the funding goes. The plan and pull off community service projects, they visit the organizations that are applying for funding and they get to know the nuts and bolts of how they work. They are working at a young age at leadership skills and team building.
Community Foundation of Muskegon County
This all started back in 1989, the WK Kellogg Foundation challenged Michigan community foundations to find a way to help youth give...offering to match funds if the community foundation could raise enough money to create an unrestricted youth fund and Muskgon's Community Foundation jumped at the chance.
Since then, over $1,000,000.00 has been distributed to Muskegon area youth organizations and over $33 million across the state! Not bad for a bunch of kids huh?
I was able to sit down with Nirel Patel, who's a junior at Mona Shores High School to learn about his role within the group and how they work together to get the job done. He's got high hopes of one day being a physician here in Muskegon and taking what he's learned here and giving back... take a listen to our chat below
Amazing to thing that for every kid we hear that's fallen off the rails, or joined some gang that there are those young people out there that are community minded...want to better their surroundings and make a difference at a young age so that we can all continue to flourish. My many thanks to Nirel for taking a few minutes to "YAC" it up with me about the Community Foundation's YAC program.
We started back in the Spring. We introduced you to Adam Bayne and Stephanie Anderson who were looking to make their situation a little better and through the work of Habitat for Humanity, their dream is coming true. Well, since our last visit, a lot of work has gone on so we figured we'd pop in again to catch you up on where the progress is...and it's pretty exciting.
As you may recall, Habitat for Humanity is a program that is here in Muskegon but also operates nationally and globally to help people establish themselves as home owners and while they do that, they are given the tools it takes to make home ownership a success. It's not a "free house" by any stretch of the imagination. There are hours of sweat equity that go in to every single home. Work, financial literacy classes, home ownership counselling, and some income requirements all factor in to the project. The end goal is simple. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. It's a pretty remarkable mission.
Find Muskegon Habitat for Humanity on Facebook
Adam and Stephanie have put the time in, they continue to do so as the work goes on at their house on Grand Street in Muskegon. Their current residence is a little outdated and their growing family is in need of a little bigger space and new start. I will say that I have known them for a while, and to have watched their journey has been a remarkable thing. To see the joy continue to build and the anticipation grow...well, this Spring can't get here soon enough to see the completed home and the joy of them moving in.
For now, we met up to take a glance at the construction progress and give you a quick update, take a listen...over the generator and pounding...you'll hear too... great things are happening in Muskegon for Adam and Stephanie.
I am so happy for this couple. As you've seen, the house is going up so are the lives of Adam, Stephanie and their daughter Jaimi who just happened to be busy with pre-school at the time we recorded. Amazing things are happening in Muskegon, amazing things happening for good people and that makes me feel very good about our future. If you'd like to know more about Habitat for Humanity in Muskegon, click on the photo below for more information.
We'd like to introduce you to a group called the Muskegon Methodist Men's Ministry. It's comprised of members from 18 Methodist churches in the Muskegon area and was founded in 2013. They gather monthly for some fellowship as well as a spiritual message and on average, they have about 50 men come for the hour and a half service. A couple of years ago, they decided that community outreach should be a key part of their focus and so it began.
In the first year, they took on "The Angel Tree Project" which was a prison outreach ministry to provide Christmas gifts to kids who have an incarcerated parent. The program has continued to grow since. In the summer months, they help the youth from their churches out with great activities like Muskegon Risers soccer games and who can pass up the fun of some Whitecaps baseball? It's a great thing to see guys committed to making a difference where they can and being part of lives like those in prison or just showing young people that there is more to faith and community than just a Sunday morning service.
Learn More About the Muskegon Methodist Men's Minisrty on Facebook
The current focus is the question of "How do we build more excitement and community among Christian men?" Well, the steering committee decided to establish a special "Men's Day" program and it's happening Saturday September 23rd at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon from 8a-12:30p. The theme for the day is "Ignite Your Passion for God" and there will be some awe inspiring speakers on hand to help lend their stories to the day.
Reverend Jeff Bowman of the Temple United Methodist Church will speak on diversity, Reverend Dr. H Michael Lemmon of the AME Church 4th Episcopal District will speak on passion and retired Major Brian Shul USAF who piloted the SR-71 Blackbird will share his life, and near death story. If you're not familiar with just what an SR-71 Blackbird is, it's a mach 3+ recon aircraft ....it was flown from 1964-1998. Among airplanes....it's a legend.
Eddie Sanders Jr. sat down with Brad Hilleray who's a member of the Muskegon Methodist Men's Ministry to learn a little more about the event, it's free to attend and all are welcome so take a listen.
A day of inspiration and motivation! If you're in the market for a little of either, the doors are open. If you would like to hear the message of three great speakers or maybe just the tale of a guy who took one of the worlds fastest planes to the brink and almost lost it all, only to find a new purpose after that's here too. You can click on the link below to learn more about the event, you can click on the photo of Major Shul below to go to the event page.
50 years is a milestone in any endeavor. It's half a century and in human terms, it's generally more than half a life time. In the world of community service however, 50 years is really something to be proud of and in as much as Mission for Area People keeps it's surroundings humble, opting to put the resources back into the people they serve before they add luxuries to the office...it's time to celebrate 5 decades of making Muskegon a better place for all those in need.
Get tickets to the MAP 50th Anniversary Celebration
From humble beginnings, Mission for Area People has grown into a widely encompassing organization helping those in need in a multitude of ways. It might be the healthy choice food pantry for people who might need a bridge to get by, or maybe it's the supper house where hungry people can come and enjoy a meal and some fellowship...back to school programs, clothing pantries, emergency medical or dental funds, assistance with rental payment emergencies....the list goes on an on and quite sadly, the need continues to grow.
Mission for Area People relies on it's board of directors of course, but the heart and soul of this organization lies in those who help make the day to day operations happen. The might be called the "boots on the ground" in today's terms. Those who donate time, clothing, pantry items and help cook the nightly meal. Those who work in the office and go out into the community to fund raise and most of all, those who have at one time or another received a hand from Mission for Area People and now, they work to return the favor as they understand what it's like to live in the fear of uncertainty. It's a scary thing.
Dianna Wright-Stubbs is the Executive Director of MAP and we were able to sit down and catch up for a few minutes to talk about the first 50 years, the next 50 years and what's entailed in the 50 year anniversary celebration coming up October 5th at the Muskegon Country Club. Take a listen to our talk below!
It's one of those most special places we have in Muskegon. One of the places that will not quit and won't let anyone slip through the cracks. The needs are great but the fight within all of the people in and around Mission for Area People is stronger. As the first 50 years comes to a close, we look forward to the next 50 and hop that if you attend the celebration or maybe you just learned a little more about MAP by this article, you'll see the work being done is real and the people taking care of people is what makes Muskegon such an incredible place. To visit the Mission for Area People Website, click on their logo below.
In Muskegon, we're fortunate in the fact that the Lakeshore Museum Center is spread out into several different and very interesting locations. There is the Lakeshore Museum Center on Clay, The Hackley and Hume Homes Downtown, The Fire barn, The Scolnik House and of course the Michigan's Heritage Park up in Whitehall. The thing is, with so many locations keeping track of all the goings on might be a little difficult.
This Fall is full of things to do and we've got them all lined up here for you today!
September 15th is Family Fun Night at the Lakeshore Museum Center on Clay Avenue. From 5:30-7:30 bring everyone out for a special visit from the Blanford Nature Center who will be bringing some live animals for a meet and greet. Also, outside the museum there will be the Safari Club International's Michigan Chapter setting up their Sensory Safari. You'll find wildlife themed stations throughout the museum, a chance to get hands on with skulls and furs..animal track art and more! It's fun for everyone. September 21st The Hackley and Hume Homes All Access Tour! Want to see the basement and attic? Wonder what's in the closet? Wanna know what the view from the balcony is like or maybe look under the bed? These homes are 120 year old and not everyone gets to see all of the in's and out's on the regular visit. This is a pretty special tour and getting tickets in advance is probably a good idea for the event.
Lumber Barons' Ball 2017
September 23rd.... it's the big one. The Lakeshore Museum Center hosts one big fund raiser yearly and it's the Lumber Barons' Ball! Held at the Hackley Administration Building this gala affair is the must attend event for the community to support our wonderful museum. This year along with the gala, you'll find lots of experiential opportunities to bid on.
I got together with Joni Dorsett at the Lakeshore Museum Center to talk about all of it, take a listen to our chat below.
We're very lucky to have such a multifaceted and diverse museum here in town. The programming is appealing to all ages and the settings are fabulous. If you're out for a tour or maybe a Halloween haunt, or maybe you'd just like to support a vital part of the community. Plan a day to spend at the Lakeshore Museum Center soon. Their Website is linked below!
This one is going directly at your heart strings. No if's and's or but's about it. :)
We've been very proud to help further the cause of Muskegon Guns and Hoses over the years, a group of area police and fire fighters who have formed a non profit that usually centers around an annual benefit hockey game where some needs are met and families are taken care of, but this year they have decided that the work can be extended.
Chase and Bella
One of the beneficiaries of the game last year was a little feller named Chase Boucher. Chase has a genetic disorder called Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. The short and quick of the disease is this. In boys, it stunts growth, and it also attacks muscles. As Chase grows, his muscles won't and right now, he's at the stage where all the common stuff to a 7 year old boy is pretty hard for him to do. Run, play, kid stuff....it's all getting harder. The long term prognosis isn't favorable and hopefully before too long, they'll find a cure. For now though, Chase couldn't have found a better group of people to take him in and be his advocates. He's been crowned a fire fighter and I have found out that there isn't a much tighter wound brotherhood/sisterhood than fire fighters.
Here's where they need a hand. Chase is just seeing the early signs of what this disease will be. He's going to need the help of a service dog and she's already in the "get to know you" phase with Chase. Her name is Bella and she's coming from Lowell. She will not only be a part of Chase's life as things become more difficult for him physically, she's going to be there as emotional support for him as some of the "normals" in life pass him by. This is truly an needed support dog, and truly a little boy who needs a community to surround him.
Bow donated by Matthews
There have been a variety of fundraisers already. There have been spaghetti dinners, Go Fund Me pages. Fire department people gave up some days off to fence in the back yard of Chase's family so Bella can get out when she comes home in October. Of course too, there was the money raised by the Guns and Hoses game last year, but... a little more is needed and they have a chance for you to win a pretty cool prize if you so choose to enter for it. Mathews Archery has donated a Creed Bow valued at $1000 and raffle tickets for it are available for it.
You can even get them online or, if you'd just like to donate, we'll link the PayPal address below.
If you'd like to be entered for the bow just make sure you put raffle tickets and your phone number in the comments of your PayPal form. Simple as that.
I was joined by Lacey Koens and the rock star himself, Chase Boucher to talk a little more about what's all going on here and give you a little more information about the disease and how you can help, take a listen.
As a grandparent, the thought of a scraped knee scares me to death. I can't imagine the thought of a kid like this who's got a progressive disease and how it's going to limit him in his life and the challenges he and his family will face. I do know this though.. He's in the best town on earth to be looked after. Something I have never done on this blog is share a message I got from a guest, but I want you to read something from Lacey and I think it's pretty reflective of the fire fighters she serves with - "For us, Chase is more than charity - he's family our little brother, and we are with him until the wheels fall off" Imagine what kind of world we would have if we all looked out for someone like that.
If you'd like to get in on the raffle for the bow, or make a donation, you'll find the email linked below. Ask around work, take up a collection, cash in the change jar....Muskegon.... I am asking please.... let's do this for this kid and these amazing first responders that have taken him in as one of them.
