Have you heard about these little things called the Little Free Library? Well let me tell you.. The Little Free Library is a non-profit focused to put books into hands that may not otherwise have had the access to them. These Little Free Library’s are meant to inspire the love of reading in all ages. When you visit a location you are able to pick a book out to take home, you can choose to keep it, bring it back or exchange it for another.  Visit the Lazy Oak Little Library on Facebook

I know that we have a few of these amazing library's around Muskegon county. Orchard View has one at the OVEE, OVE and OVM schools. You can also find one on Palmer Ave downtown Muskegon. Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Lindsay who is the one behind the newest Lazy Oak Little Free Library here is Muskegon located at the end on Lazy Oak Trail. on the turnaround in the cul-de-sac. Lindsay had said that she loves the idea and knew that she wanted to add one in her neighborhood. With the help of her husband and a filing cabinet from Ikea the Lazy Oak Little Tree Little Free Library was formed. Lindsay says that she wanted everyone of all ages to feel welcome to come and visit. You are able to take/leave a book, donate a bookmark or even leave a note of thanks or an uplifting message for the next person.

If you are able please go and visit one of these amazing fixtures in our community. Below is a short video that I took of the chat that I had with Lindsay. You can also click on the photo to the right to see some of the books that you can find at this location.

If you would like to have more information about Little Free Library’s, where they are or maybe how you can add one into your community you can find that information by clicking below!

So...you learn the family business, you get to know all the in's and outs of it, you grow a little on your own and then you spread your wings because you realize you can "fix anything that creates a stitch" and you've quietly built yourself a little empire in Muskegon providing a service that is essential, but most don't realize they need until it's the very last second and they are in a pinch.  Over the years, you grow to not only have a shop in a quiet little unsuspecting area, but you're travelling the region and country doing what you do and keeping sewing machines...all kinds of them, from home use to industrial applications up and running.  

This is the story of Wildig Services of Muskegon.  Family owned and operated, Wildig services is located out on Apple Ave. by the corner of Maple Island and while they have spent their time fixing up what failed for those who like to use a sewing machine for business or pleasure, they have also been incredibly resourceful in their business by building up their own stock of sewing machines.  Some came in on trade, some came in broken past repair....some were just let go because of an upgrade but all of them have very specialized parts that you can't just run into a store and get, so...the smart thing to do was to hang on to what you have to help with what you need!  Not everything in society today is disposable like we all think. Visit SoWild Custom Interiors on Facebook

So, with their years in business... the Willdig's have piled up over 1500 sewing machines.  All makes and models.  Some antique, some fairly new.  Some still in good working order and some are even ready to be run with a foot pedal should the right customer come along and want that option.  Their shop is quaint and they have also expanded in recent years to offer custom upholstering for cars and boats at their Apple Ave. location with their SoWild Custom Interiors, along with some more current sewing machines for sale...but the real story is what you find at their storage facility. 

Shelves....stacks and and square feet of floor covered in sewing machines.  It's such a site to see that when there was a Facebook post with a snapshot of one small area of the sewing machines...we reached out to see if we could come tell the story.  Sarah Wildig graciously agreed to let us show up with the camera and show you what's going on.  Take a look, and listen.

Wow!  It's a bit of a quirky story, sure...who would think of such a collection?  Smart, resourceful and practical when it comes to having what you need for your business!  As Sarah said though...they are looking to liquidate the collection and are deciding on how.  An open house maybe or possibly one buyer?  Time will tell, but our thanks for now go out to the Wildigs for a fun story...a very unique business in Muskegon and for keeping us "in stitches" of all kinds for years!  You can call their shop if you like.  231-788-6127 and if you need a sewing machine looked at, think of a local, family run small business that would be happy to see ya!  

It's episode 114 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel!!  It's a simple process really, a little added weight with a couple of dumbbells and a little added resistance with a step in your house or a small bench and we're going to be off to the races today!  It's not about how many gadgets you have or any of that, so don't feel that it's a competition to run out and get some of the stuff you see.  You can use a bottom step at your house...you could grab anything that would add a little resistance...it's all about just getting started and getting going.

Of course, like any Certified Personal Trainer, Becky wants you to make sure you've seen a doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to begin this or any other workout program.  You also need to warm up, stretch out and drink plenty of water!  

We're at The Gym in North Muskegon located on the 4 Corners, so...as you're doing your work out, take a look around, maybe The Gym is right for you!  Stop in to see for yourself...but here comes a preview in Episode 114 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel!

Feel good? Do it again!  That's the best part of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel.  It's always there, on demand for you to work out to again, share with friends or archive if you find it really beneficial.  Becky also has openings for one on one, or group settings for her fitness classes!  Click on the photo below to visit her site and get in touch!

Last week I met up with Dr. Steinman, Al, as I have known him for many years, to talk about the Institute’s important role in Muskegon County and a few of the top environmental issues of the day.

Here we are.  It's the final segment of our conversations with Kelly DeVos.  Kelly is an Event Chair with the Walk to End Alzheimer's which is coming up September 21st at Heritage Landing.  It's an event to raise awareness and some funding for the fight against this horrible disease.  It's also a time for those who suffer and those who care for them a chance to get together and find some support and comfort in knowing they are not alone.  Click Here for the Muskegon Walk to End Alzheimer's

Kelly has been absolutely incredible in sharing her story.  Her father has Alzheimer's Disease and as we've heard her story from the first signs and diagnosis, we're now at the point where the disease has progressed to the point where home care for her dad is no longer an option.  It was 5 years of her dad living with her as a single mother, career woman and advocate for the fight.  The tension of agitation from Alzheimer's is building...memory loss is getting worse and physical limitations are growing.  It was time for some professional, monitored care, which means it was time for Kelly to let go a little. 

In our final talk, hear from Kelly the struggles of letting go as well as her feelings of relief to a degree.  How do you process the feelings of having to give up some care for the best her dad, but getting a little of your own life back?  We also talk about where her dad is now and how the constant care is helping her dad.  We also talk a little about her feelings of the possibility of the disease and it's generational tendencies.  Yes, we confront Kelly's own fears about Alzheimer's.

Take a listen to our final installment of Tuesday's with Kelly.  We've also added the first three below this weeks final chapter in case you've not seen what we've talked about so far.  These are intimate, honest conversations.  There are some moments of laughter, some of tears and the whole thing is a deeper conversation about Alzheimer's Disease than you'll probably hear anywhere else.  Kelly is a remarkable story teller.  Take a listen.

Powerful words and emotion.  It's been an incredible journey to share with Kelly, to share this story of an all consuming disease without many answers, no cure and an increasing number of those afflicted.  There will be a time, in the very near future, that much like cancer...we will all know someone who's been touched by Alzheimer's Disease.  While there might not be an answer yet, the hope is the first survivor of Alzheimer's has already been born, and the work will continue and intensify until the day it's eradicated.  

Our most sincere thanks to Kelly for her willingness to share so openly and honestly.  What would be the impossible for some, Kelly faced with the attitude that if she reaches one person who's dealing with the circumstances she is and has, she's made a difference.  This all stemmed from Andy O being asked to be the Spokesmen for the Alzheimer's Association in Muskegon and for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, but it's pretty clear to see....Kelly is the real spokesmen....or spokeswoman if you will, and the power to make a difference in the lives of people doesn't come from the loudest voice or the face most recognized, it comes from those who can share their experience, strength and hope from living it and healing is a gift anyone holds, if only they are willing to share. 

You can see the rest of Kelly's story by clicking on the first three segments which you'll find below. 

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

To visit the Alzheimer's Association's website, please...click on the photo below.

  The 40th West Michigan Annual Labor Day Parade took place this beautiful morning with close to 50 organizations participating in the event. The event was organized by West Michigan United Labor. The parade starts on Western Ave and 4th, head east to Jefferson Street, Right onto Clav Ave. and ends at Forth and Clay for a huge after-party at Hackley Park complete with Food, Drink, Music and Kids activities which everyone was welcomed. This year's Honorary Grand Marshal for the parade was Rita Kosheba of UAW local 1243.

We've seen a shift lately in what it takes to get workers in place, trained properly with the skills needed to get to work right away and make a difference for their company and community.  For years, all we heard was that no one was going anywhere without a 4 year degree from a prestigious university and a mountain of debt that would be a pretty heavy toll to pay for most of anyone's working life.  Then, a couple years ago, we heard that the skilled trades are in high demand and that you could get a job that pays more or better minus the debt.  Now, none of this is to say that you should take a quality education or anything and thumb your nose at it, we all need essential life skills and mastery of talents that will carry us through life, but life...it sometimes gets in the way and the best laid plans have to be but on hold for a while.  Sadly, that "while" can sometimes too, lead to never going back and finishing what you started and you never really get the chance to become who you wanted to.   Follow West Mi Works on Facebook

Well, what if you knew that right now, you have the opportunity through a very unique program offered through Michigan Works and Muskegon Community College to go back to get that diploma or GED and get a certificate to be a Certified Nursing Aid at the same time?  How's that for a jump start to a future?  It's a program being offered currently for those enrolled in adult education programs here in Muskegon, working toward the completion of that high school education and then on to the next level to become a CNA through Michigan Works.  Best part of it all.  Doesn't cost you a penny.  That's right.. it's free for those who qualify and you'll walk out ready to get to work and then on to the next level of education to maybe become an LPN, RN, Paramedic or any number of fields in the medical world.  The important thing is, that you call 231-332-3911 before September 9th to register!  

There are some in's and out's to qualify, and, time is short for this round of registrations, but, Kathy Rohlman of Michigan Works in Muskegon spells it all out for you in this quick chat!  Take a listen.

Opportunity is knocking!! Open that door!  Don't let what was stand in the way of your future and don't let any preconceived notions about what it takes to get an education, or a great start on a path to a rewarding career stand in your way!  Get involved today and make a better future for yourself and your family.  The ball is in your court!  Call 231-332-3911 before September 9th and get yourself in the program.  For more on Michigan Works, click below!

We had a great time at Ross Park over the last few weeks, but as the holiday weekend is upon us we head back to The Gym on the 4 Corners in North Muskegon to start to get ready for Fall but keep you moving and in the tip top condition you've worked hard to get to.  Your first time visiting Fit and Healthy With Becky?  Not a problem!!  Becky's workout's are designed to be a first timer or an experienced athlete!

This week, we're in the exercise room.  You get the sights and sounds of the weights banging, the sweat pouring and of course Becky keeping the beat showing you some great steps, with minimal investment if you need to work out at home, or if you are heading to a place to work out...you'll know how to blend in quickly and get right to it!  Of course, if you're in search of a place to work out...of course we'd recommend The Gym!  Locally owned and operated and designed to be comfortable and welcoming.  It's a great place where a lot more than good health comes out....good community is part of their results too.

As always, consult a physician before you start this or any workout.  Plenty of water...warm up, stretch out and good luck!  Here comes Episode 113 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel!

Just like that, you got a workout in on a holiday!  If you dig it...do it again, come do it again later today or maybe if you're so inclined meet up with Becky for a group, or one on one fitness experience!  She's a Certified Personal Trainer and can customize a workout for you no matter where you are on your fitness journey.  Click on link below to visit her website and get started!

It was a few years ago now, Muskegon had been assaulted by some who thought their message of hate was either cute, important or would be somehow effective.  Well, they were met with a quick clean up, no notoriety for their deed and a community who quickly rallied to make a clear and effective statement....hate has no home in Muskegon, in fact, Love Lives Here. 

It was a rally organized by Rotary of Muskegon, but it turned out to be so much more.  It was a moment of defiance in the face of people who were working to divide instead of unite.  It was a gathering of people from every walk of life, cultural background, faith and economic level.  In a time where we kind of all live in our own little "silo" we all came out to say no more to the spikes that try to keep us away.  From being there, I remember first hand how cool it felt to just be one for a while.  I saw members of the community I have never seen anywhere else.  Not in the store, at the park, at an event or anything.  Why was it that it took such an act of villainy and cowardly behavior to get us all to come together? Follow Love Lives Here on Facebook

Not only did the message permeate the afternoon at Hackley Park, it carried...far and wide.  To this day, you can still find "Love Lives Here" yard signs that were given out at the rally all over Muskegon County.  It's a great message to see in a yard, but to those who know what's behind the sign...it's a statement that they are there to defend what's right and that they are committed to standing in the way of divisiveness and hate.  

The 2019 Love Live Here event is coming up soon.  In fact, September 9th at Hackley Park 5-7pm is where it takes place.  We have not attained the perfection of a Utopian society just yet... it will always be a work in progress but the steps continue to be taken and as we watch Muskegon continue to grow, it's important to continue that unity and continue to bridge the gaps.

Muskegon Police Chief Jeff Lewis is a member of Rotary in Muskegon and invited me down to talk about the 2019 event.  It's going to be a little bigger, with a few more things for you to do.  Some food on site will help and music and dance will be part of the event as well.  We caught up at the Muskegon City Commission Chambers to talk about this years event, take a listen. 

Love Lives Here!  Love Grows Here and Love is a part of our future here!  Make sure you take some time on the 9th and head to Hackley Park to join in.  We stand as one.  

We here at The Muskegon Channel couldn't love our dear friends more at The HOPE PROJECT of Muskegon County!....so it's always a treat for me to sit down and chat with my girl Mary Suarez, who is the Development & Advocacy Manager at the HOPE Project. If you're not familiar with what The HOPE Project is all about, it is a wonderful agency located in Muskegon that is dedicated not only to helping victims of human sex trafficking with continued life saving counseling and living situations...but also transportation to and from counseling sessions,work and school and assistance with food, clothing and other day-to-day personal care needs. The HOPE Project also has made it their mission to help aid in the complete END to all human trafficking.  The Hope Project on Facebook

 

SO...fundraising is a vital component in helping save victims of Human sex trafficking. The HOPE Project does many fundraising events throughout the year...but the biggest event is the "Behind the Mask Masquerade Ball".  This year it will take place at The Trillium Event Center on Van Wagoner Road in Spring Lake...November 2nd. Last year the event completely SOLD OUT...(and then some)...for good reason, it is such a wonderfully fun event! This years' theme is Winter Wonderland...come dressed to the 9's...walk the red carpet (hosted by Andy O'Riley and myself on Facebook Live)...a wonderful meal, dessert, cash bar, music and dancing, incredible silent auction items, greatest needs live auctions, 50/50 raffle, the prize wheel and so much more!

 

If you are interested in being a proud sponsor...or donating auction items...volunteering or purchasing tickets all the contact information is posted below. Please join us on November 2nd, 2019 at The HOPE Project's annual Behind the Mask Masquerade Winter Wonderland Ball....We'll see you there! 

 

 

Click Here For Behind the Mask Tickets Before They Sell Out

2019 Behind the Mask Masquerade Ball on November 2nd
The HOPE Project
1516 Peck Street, Muskegon, MI 49441

Please contact MARY SUAREZ at (231)747-8555 or (231) 670-4923

With the thought of full disclosure...Andy O'Riley is the Mayor Pro Tem of Roosevelt Park and this article is appearing out of nothing but pride in community and a sincere wish for you to come and join us for an awesome day with a little something for everyone in the family at the annual day to celebrate in Roosevelt Park, which is Saturday September 7th 2019!!  Now that we have the disclaimers out of the way, let's get down to the fun!  The City of Roosevelt Park Online

Hey, for years in the Muskegon area Roosevelt Park Day was THE event!  Over time though, as things do a fresh approach was needed and while the party on Broadway was great, it had dwindled a little and the time had come to shake things up a little so, to utilize the assets that Roosevelt Park has the most of was the idea that came up and so set in motion a move to the center of the city at the expansive park at the Community Center where the park itself could be surrounded by food trucks with every kind of fare to please any palate.  We could also add in some extra free fun for kids with the grassy areas dedicated to kids games and inflatables from Kangaroo Palace.  Crafters and vendors all have plenty of space by the tennis courts do display and sell their incredible hand crafted items.  We can put up a stage, rope off an area for some ice cold beverages and while we're at it, let's call Lewis' Farms and see if they'll bring down the Candy Cannon and blast that off at the Del Mar Playfield at 3:30.  It all seemed to come together nicely.

Of course, it all kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Trinity Lutheran Church with proceeds going to benefit the Muskegon Rescue Mission.  Fill your family up for only $4 for those 13 and over and $3 for kids 6-12, kids under 5 eat free!  The breakfast will be held at the Roosevelt Park Community Center.  The parade gets underway at 10 lead by Grand Marhsall, Eagle Scout Jason Fitzpatrick.  It's free for entries if you have a business or organization that would like to join, but you do need to complete an application that can be found by CLICKING HERE.  Once the parade is complete, the morning set up will be done and you are invited to come get a taste of the trucks!  Delightful temptations of savory fare, sweets, deserts and more.  Sights, sounds and smells will abound and the music gets rolling with the Mona Shores Fiddlers, followed by Country Current a little later in the day, and the evening rounds out with everyone's favorite local party band Yard Sale Underwear!

The BIG moment for the kids happened last year for the first time though.  Scott Lewis of Lewis Farms came down for a visit and brought along the Candy Cannon!  Every Saturday and Sunday the Candy Cannon goes off at Lewis Farms, however, 3:30p is the time to be at the Del Mar Playfield as 80 pounds of candy goes boom and then rains down on the kids!  It's quite a sight to behold!

Andy O, Roosevelt Park City Manager Jared Olsen and City Clerk Ann Wisnewski gathered up to talk all about the fun and what's to come.  Take a listen. 

Consider yourself invited!  Roosevelt Park considers itself a "Proud Community" and it's our chance to throw out the welcome mat with great entertainment for all ages, delicious offerings of all kinds of food, great music, great community togetherness and with Mother Natures blessings...some perfect weather for such an occasion!  It's going to be a full day of fun September 7th!  We'll see you at Roosevelt Park Day!

It's really a staple if Muskegon.  Sitting down on Ottawa Street since the 30's when Fisher was the original spot for scrappers in Muskegon and then Padnos came along in 1999 to take over the operations the front of the building has pretty much remained the same.  It's seen it's better days for sure, and it might be a little past the "beautiful" stage of things...but all of these years the practicality and purpose of the operation has remained the same.  The business of recycling finite resources is essential not only for the environment and overall appearance of the area, it's also a great way for some to make a living, add a supplemental amount of income to what they make elsewhere and if that's not enough for you, it's an industrial ally in the fact that all of the "leftovers" from manufacturing and building have to go somewhere.   Find Padnos Muskegon on Facebook

Well, like so much we're seeing happening in Muskegon here and now, Padnos Muskegon decided it was time to spruce things up a little on the front!  What's to come over the next few months on Ottawa Street is going to match up nicely with everything Muskegon is seeing elsewhere in the county.  Renewal!  A HUGE project is getting underway right now...in fact, the old office space has been consolidated into a site trailer and the staff is currently "cozy" in there while the old office is empty and awaiting the construction crews!  They are coming quickly and by Spring, the renovations, upgrades and new facade will be complete and as people come into town from the North, they will be greeted by an incredible site to see at Padnos Muskegon.

Business as usual, for the most part while the construction is going on.  There are some way finding signs on the lot now to point you in the direction of the new scales that are in operation and the pay out area for their scrapping customers is also in that "cozy" site trailer, so once you empty your load and head in for the pay day, you'll just find it a little tight till Spring, but it will be so worth the wait and of course, Padnos is still your best bet for top dollar paid for all of the items they accept for recycling.

Kurt Alderink is the head of Padnos Muskegon and invited me down to not only share a few stories about the business over the years, but we also captured a last glimpse at the outside of the building as well as grabbed the designers rendering of what's to come.  Take a listen to what's going on at Padnos Muskegon!

We're proud of our partnership with Padnos over the years and we're so excited about their investment into Muskegon. Even the name shift from Padnos Shoreline Recycling to Padnos Muskegon speaks volumes of the pride they take in being part of our community.  It's a great improvement for all involved and we'll be first on hand in the Spring to show you the results!  Plus, Padnos Muskegon is also gearing up for another benefit for the Muskegon County Veterans Service Center's food bank in November, so keep your eyes on Positively Muskegon for details on that!  Congrats to all at Padnos and let those hammers start swinging!  Click below to visit the Padnos website.  

It was a great night of talk and fun as we took Muskegon Tonight Live to the northern tier of Muskegon County to enjoy the surroundings and awesome food and drink at Pub One Eleven!  It's an amazing spot and a sincere focal point in Whithall where so many amazing things come out of.  Not only amazing things like burgers, wraps and other tempting food specials, but programs that impact the community....an idea hub to make things better as a community and a place where friends meet to share special occasions or just swap lies for a while over a couple of cold ones.  

It's the 5th year of a remarkable event in Muskegon, Chef Prize is returning to tempt the taste buds of foodies from all over West Michigan from restaurants all over the Lakeshore and even into Grand Rapids.  It's an event like no other celebrating food and libation along with elegance and purpose at the Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport which is know for it's Olympic level PRE Horses and for being a steward of helping are non profits spread their message and raise funds for their incredibly important tasks.  Click Here to Get Your Tickets to Chef Prize 2019

Chef Prize has grown in size and scope over those 5 years.  Honing their event and always working to perfect what it's all about.  Last year, it would seem that the perfect partner was found in the Kids Food Basket of West Michigan which works daily to feed over 8000 young people who will leave school in a food insecure state, meaning they are not sure if they will have an evening meal provided for them when they get home.  Hear that again....over 8000 kids in our area who don't know if they will get dinner.  It's a staggering figure and what's more....there's a waiting list of schools that need the support of the Kids Food Basket.  So hard to believe that we struggle to feed kids in the world we live in today, but we do. 

How do we combat that?  We combine the areas love of food and the talents of our local chef's to come together at one spot, over one grand event and work to win YOUR vote for their dishes, and what dishes!  Exotic main dishes....fun pub fare....indulgent desserts and some of the finest craft beer and local wine you'll find.  A blue ribbon panel of judges...peoples choice awards.....local celebs....the list goes on and on and it's all to make sure that our precious kids don't go without. 

It's a public event and it's your chance to see the stunning Hampton Green Farm and their championship horses.  It's an opportunity to spoil yourself a little while you know your ticket price is going to help the most vulnerable and if nothing else...you get to rock out with Yard Sale Underwear, one of the areas most popular bands while enjoying the sites, sounds, tastes and smells!

I met up with mother daughter super combo Claudia Kerr Bryant from Hampton Green and Stephanie Kerr Cathey from Kids Food Basket to talk about this years incredible event.  Take a listen.   

An incredible team and an incredible event.  Chef Prize is a rapidly growing and impact-full event that makes a real difference in the lives of our kids.  It's becoming one of the "must hit" events on the Lakeshore and with the word spreading over to the restaurateurs of Grand Rapids....the future for Chef Prize and Kids Food Basket is looking very bright.  Don't miss the fun on September 8th at Hampton Green Farm.  We'll plan on seeing you there!  To see a list of participating restaurants, breweries, confectioneries and more...click on the Chef Prize logo below!  If you'd like to know more about Hampton Green Farms, you can follow the link by clicking on their photo below.