In The Spotlight
Last year was the first year that the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree was ever shown live outside the live performance and we were so excited and so incredibly honored to be able to show the rest of the world this incredible spectacle that happens annually for 35 years now right here in Muskegon. When we first had the idea, we were certain of a few things. One, we wanted to make sure that our production of the show could live up to the tireless effort put in by everyone involved with the tree. Two, we wanted to make sure that we lived up to the incredible beauty and splendor that happens live and, Three, we wanted to make sure everything on our end was satisfactory before we said a word that we were going to be showing the Tree live! All of that worry and preparation left us with about 3 days to get the word out once we were sure we could pull it off. 
Follow the Singing Christmas Tree on Facebook
Well, the word spread quick. In those few days, we saw what was almost unthinkable. The word spread world wide and as the show began, the number of viewers was staggering. We had a few sample viewers in different areas watching during the rehearsals for things like sound, and picture quality. We also had a unique situation pop up in the fact that everyone in the production of the tree got nightly review "tapes" to see where they could make tiny improvements as the final Saturday show got closer and closer. In our few days of spreading the word around, when the final count was done at the end of the night, 10,200 live viewers had watched from every corner of earth. United States, Canada, Germany, India, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Guatamala, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Bolivia, New Zeland, Phillipenes and more.
We learned too that with the size of the audience, came a few issues. Mostly, problems came with slower internet speeds on the receiving end. Those with DSL or slower speeds seemed to experience some lag in the broadcast. There were some on DSL who saw everything just fine, and an explanation was not able to be found. It was an isolated problem we think and we're hoping this year that the frustration doesn't repeat. We'd recommend that if you do use DSL internet, that during the time of the live show, that you limit what's taking up bandwidth in your house to help avoid the lagging.
Some other ideas. Maybe gather some friends together to watch. Have a watch party and spread a little holiday cheer together! We know of one town hall outside of Berlin Germany that did that last year! Do you have a mobile phone you can cast to a television? We were getting word last year that people were driving around and able to watch on 4g and higher speeds with no problems. That might help if you have a slower service at home. Are you a Comcast Cable subscriber in the Muskegon area? We will also simulcast the Singing Christmas Tree on Channel 96 that evening, although it will not be in high definition as Channel 96 is the PEG channel and only operates in SD. The Singing Christmas Tree will NOT be live on the Muskegon Channel's app for Roku or Amazon Fire TV. unfortunately, streaming life to those is not available yet.
We are thrilled to be bringing you the tree once again, and we hope you enjoy the show!! We'll have a special screen up early on December 7th alerting the audience about the start time and how to begin to watch the stream at 7p. In the meantime, below you'll find a very quick sample from last year to get you ready!! Tell some friends and let's all celebrate the accomplishment of some of our young people in Muskegon this holiday season with another remarkable showing of the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree!
We were given the great honor to be invited to help out on Veterans Day of being asked to accompany The Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Zaneta Adams on a tour of West Michigan to meet Veterans and find out from them first hand what their needs are and how her office can assist them. Making sure that what's in place to help those who were willing to protect our great freedoms are being used to their full potential and that every benefit they are entitled to, they are aware of and that they know that if they are not aware of them... there is someone there to help them understand how to access the help they have coming.
Follow The MVAA on Facebook
We move from a bench and a couple of dumbbells to a stability ball and a dumbbell or two for this weeks work out with Becky from The Gym in North Muskegon! Every week, Becky works to bring you new and fun options to help you keep interested in working out and getting the most out of what you're doing with limited cost to get you started. It's a commitment to get going, it's an even bigger commitment to stay on track so to keep up on the adventure as well as limit the expense....you see quickly what she's up to.
As always, consult a physician before you start this or any workout program. Remember to warm up, stretch out and drink plenty of water!
Here comes episode 123 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel!
Boom! Being a Certified Personal Trainer, is going to push you for more! Here's a link to her website so if you're inspired by what you've done here today, you can contact her to learn more about some of the group settings she offers or maybe one on one personal fitness opportunities!
We were incredibly honored last year to have been given the chance to show the world one of Muskegon's biggest and best annual events.
It's a growing and booming market. Sports memorabilia and collectibles are something that everyone enjoys and as the hobbies continue to be fueled by interest from collectors as well as companies wanting to feed the beast, collecting, trading and swap meets have taken on a whole new level of fun while maintaining that classic feel of being able to go to an event to find that "magical unicorn" of an item that you just have to have to round out that card collection of a certain team from a certain year or maybe it's that one item you had as a kid that you've been looking for ever since.
We've seen the emergence of the "Con". Where it's an entire weekend of dress up and cos-play around everything pop culture. Toys, games, gamers, movie stars, developers, computer nerds....you name it. Entire Garrisons of Star Wars characters show up and a sensory overload ensues. All a lot of fun but there are those collectors too who like to stick to sports and maybe dip into some of the pop stuff as well. 
See Bill's Detroit Tigers Collectors Page on Facebook
As Bill Welch and Rusty Morningstar saw it, Muskegon was a little behind on the sports card and collectible shows. Sure, they remember going to the mall back in the day for the shows and of course anyone can go on Ebay and buy stuff, but it's the combination of a lot of things that make the collecting fun. It's the strolling past the vendors, the random chats about sports memories, the anticipation of what you might find minus the search engine on some website and maybe, you'll see something there you have and had no idea how much it was worth till you saw it's match at the show! Oh ya, there's another great thing about sports card and collectible shows... meeting the sports stars themselves!
This Saturday, at the VFW located at 5209 Grand Haven Road, Bill and Rusty open the doors at 9am for the fun! You'll be able to meet and get autographs from Denny McClain of the 68 Detroit Tigers, Dave Rozema of the 84 Tigers, Larry Foster of Detroit Tiger fame as well as Terrance Taylor from the University of Michigan and Jay Vincent of MSU fame! Admission to come in to the show is free but some of the signers do ask for a small fee. There will be awesome food catered by Bone Ends of Whitehall, which Rusty happens to own and that timeless atmosphere of the collectors show will be back once again.
I met up with Bill and Rusty to talk about the event. Take a listen.
A great time coming up. If you're a long time collector or just see it on TV, stop in. If you'd like your kids to meet some of your favorite sports hero's, they will be there. If, like us you want to help a couple of local guys trying to keep alive a great tradition and pretty timeless event...get there from 9a-3p this Saturday!
Behind The Mask Masquerade Ball RED CARPET 2019
Previously live from the Trillium Event Center
During a recent interview, Mary Suarez of The Hope Project has revealed that Sex Trafficking is a very real problem in Muskegon County. The Hope project is currently helping 68 women & young girl that had been the victim of trafficking in the county, with three new 'clients' just this week.
Today Paranormal Muskegon visited the U.S.S. L.S.T. 393, A World War II vessel moored at the Mart Dock, in Muskegon, Michigan to learn about some of the history as well as some of its mystery. Patrick McKee, member of the Board of Directors of the LST 393 Museum and Ike Villapando, were kind enough to show the Paranormal Muskegon team around and tell us a little of its background, including touring it. He explained that it has the distinction of being only two of the remaining LST vessels left out of the 1,051 that that were built in July 1942 . They were launched on November 11, 1942 and commissioned on December 11, 1942, being launched in response for the need for ships for combat vessels that could invade by sea. The LST measured 328 in length with a 50 foot beam. Built in “Cornfield Navy” Shipyard in Seneca, Illinois and several other states, these hardy ships were built in a mere 60 days, with over a 1,000 of them being built in just three years. 
Visit the LST on Facebook
Visit the LST on FacebookThe LST’s extensive military campaigns were a major participant in WWII, serving in Sicily, Italy; invasion of Normandy in 1944, Omaha Beach, the liberation of the Philippines, capture of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. A few of the ships were in service right up until the Vietnam era. I asked Patrick what the letters LST stood for. He chucked a bit and told me that while LST actually stands for Landing Ship, Tank, the men serving on board liked to call them, “Large Slow Targets,” but in reality they stood tough; with only 25 losses in combat, nine were sunk. Unfortunately though, Patrick stated, after WWII, there was no longer any need for them as militarily, thus half were scrapped, some were sold to commercial use or foreign countries. Luckily for Muskegon, efforts were made to purchase one of last two remaining. It was brought to Muskegon, coming up the Mississippi river to our port where it sat, languishing and in sore need of repair for many years. Efforts to revitalize it were slow but through the efforts of several groups; one of which was headed by Dan Weikel and Bob Wygant, the ship was able to be returned to its glory days as a museum, housing thousands of artifacts, photos, and memorabilia as well as restoration to commemorate and honor the lives of those who served. The walls are lined with photographs of those having serviced, including Patrick’s father and grandfather. Many of the photographs have been submitted by family members who wish to commemorate their loved ones service. The museum will display the photo ad information about any service personal, as along as they are a veteran, for a small fee. One especially poignant exhibit that he showed us depicts photographs of those who did not make it home.
In keeping with Paranormal Muskegon’s quest to seek out Muskegon history as well as some of the goings on of a more mysterious nature; I asked Patrick about the stories that are told about the LST 393 being haunted. Patrick said he indeed has heard strange creaking, groaning, and other noises at night when it is quiet. He has had the occasion to sleep there at night, a few times, bunking in one of the Commissioned officer’s quarters, upstairs on the third deck. He told us that he as well as other have often felt a presence on this ship, especially in certain areas; but Patrick feels this spirit is happy because they are not forgotten and enjoy having people aboard to come and find out about the men who serviced valiantly on this vessel and that they are still with us; in the memories of them; memories important to their family members in keeping them alive in spirit. Because when we remember them, they live on. Perhaps this is what people feel when entering the ship; the connection to these men’s lives; how they fought, how they perished; and this feeling they get is that they can sense that walking amongst who selflessly gave service to their country, even though they left loved ones behind at home. So while Paranormal Muskegon found no real, tangible proof that there were apparitions aboard, the best take-away to all of this is that in keeping the memory alive of how vital this ship was to the world in some of its darkest days, and remembering those who served on it and in other wars; we will appreciate the sacrifice they made for us and continue to make.
Here's the chat I had with Patrick in the bridge of the LST. Take a listen.
It's hands on history in Muskegon. To Learn more about the LST 393 you can click on the photo below to visit their website. Our thanks to Patrick and Ike Villapando who helped open the ship for us for today's story.
Muskegon Voyagers Hockey Club announces new logo, jersey and plans on moving forward. The team is currently working on bringing back semi-pro hockey to Muskegon, Michigan in winter 2020.
It was quite a night for the return of Muskegon Tonight to Smash Wine Bar and Bistro! We had spent 2 months up at Pub 111 in Whitehall enjoying what the White Lake Area had to offer a little more. Pub 111 was nothing but awesome and we're excited to go back, but Smash is where it all started and we were so glad to to be back in the warm surroundings talking about all things Muskegon and surrounding again with a great audience and outstanding guests.
I’ve said this for the past 20 years… “Lewis Farm Market is the BEST PLACE ON EARTH!”...and I still stand by that statement today! I had the privilege of chatting with my great friend Scott Lewis...he and his wife Cindy are the very proud owners and operators of Lewis’ Farm Market and Petting Farm in New Era Michigan. I know personally how much they have grown this wonderful place over the past couple of decades because my (now adult) children have been raised enjoying Lewis’ since birth….and STILL DO!!! When I say that Lewis’ is my favorite place on Earth it’s because of SO many reasons...but mostly because they treat every person that comes to the farm like family. 
Follow Lewis' Farms on Facebook
Follow Lewis' Farms on Facebook
It was a great event to be a part of last year as Padnos Muskegon (formerly Shoreline Recycling) came to us to ask if we'd be be willing to partner with them on helping out the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs with some of the things that they do that go so far above and beyond what's required of their services. It was an even greater day when Kurt Aldreink got a hold of us again this year and asked if we'd return to help the push and spread the word so that Padnos Muskegon could again give a hand to some remarkably deserving folks the Vet's Affairs takes care of, as well as their customers who donate a little something who will be given a little incentive for their participation. 
Like last year, the Padnos customers are the key to this. If you're bringing in a load of recyclable material that Padnos handles, bring in a canned good or two, up to 10 and for every canned good you'll get an extra $1 per ton on your pay out. This also applies to personal care items too, like soap, toothpaste, deodorant etc. The do have to cap it off at 10 items per ton, but don't let that slow down your generosity if you are able to give more. Padnos will also be looking for a Veteran here in town who can use a night out and gifting them some tickets to a hockey game, dinner out and an overall relief from the day to day.
Padnos as you may remember back to a couple months ago is undergoing some major renovations on their property. They are located on Ottawa Street in Muskegon and they are one of the first places many see as they come in to town from the North. With their long time presence here in Muskegon, and long standing building, the time had come for a major face lift and it's just now getting under way. Don't let that stop you though. As the work gets underway, watch it happen! See the renewal happen first hand and help support a company deeply rooted in Muskegon and who places so much stewardship in it's people. Business as usual for the customers of Padnos outside of a new spot for the scales and a temporary new spot to collect the cash for your recyclables.
Kurt Aldreink and I sat down to go over this years canned goods drive and talk a little about the renovation again. It might very well be the last piece of video ever filmed in the old building... take a listen.
Love what Padnos does for our community. Padnos helps reclaim finite resources, keeps the level of junk down in Muskegon and all surrounding areas while providing top dollar to their customers for doing what needs to be done anyway. Add to that their commitment to making sure that our Veterans are taken care of in return for being willing to pay the ultimate price for all we know and love.... Padnos Muskegon is exactly the kind of company Muskegon should be proud of! Make sure when you stop there in November you get that added bonus and even if you're not in the scrap world, stop in to Padnos and help the effort. You can learn more about their renovation project if you click on the photo below! It will take you to our story from a couple months ago when Kurt joined us for the announcement.
Rotary in any community has a simple creed. Service above self. The idea from their website is that Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem solvers, join leaders to take action to create lasting change. Not a bad set of standards at all in a world where we are increasingly drawn into our own little silos more and more. There are currently about 1.2 million Rotarians in 35,000 clubs who actively work to improve their communities and the people in them. From working to end Polio, to helping provide clean water, Rotary digs into some heavy tasks all to make the world a better place. 
Get Tickets to Matt Williams
The White Lake Rotary is made up of members from Whitehall and Montague. They have worked tirelessly to make improvements around the area. New band shell to name one, and of course other areas that need a hand from community minded people who want to see better things happen. Their meetings are held in a picturesque setting and like a lot of other Rotaries...they are a great place to connect. To meet others who'd like to do the same you do when it comes to something good.
There is a great night of fun coming up to benefit the group. It's going to be November 2nd at the newly renovated Playhouse at White Lake and it's got two levels of fun! Country artist Matt Williams is coming from Nashville to play. If you really want to do it up, you can get the $100 ticket that includes food, a silent auction a concert and more. If you're just in for the concert, you can get a ticket for the show only for $25. For the premium ticket...talk to a member of the Rotary or maybe stop in to the White Lake Chamber. If a ticket for the concert will suit ya you can find a link for that in the picture to the right!
Amy VanLoon and Jeff Johnson are members of White Lake Rotary and they joined Andy O to talk about the event, the White Lake Rotary Group itself and how you can be a part. Take a listen.
A great night out and a great chance to see the newly renovated Playhouse! It really is remarkable inside and an awesome venue to see something in. Head up to Whitehall for a fun night with some purpose behind it on November 2nd and maybe find a spot for yourself among the Rotary bunch. It's a great way to get involved and make a difference. To learn more about White Lake Rotary, click on the photo below to visit their Facebook page.
It's the return of Chef Char to the Muskegon Channel!! After a super busy Summer filled with appearances at festivals and of course her TV schedule and classes for all ages at Kitchen 242 in the Muskegon Farmers Market, Char is back on the Muskegon Channel just in time for a Halloween treat that will delight all the little ghosts and goblins out there and....fill them up before they head out trick or treating.
We'd like to introduce you to a new member of the Muskegon Channel. In fact, she's so excited to get going, she wrote her own welcome piece. :) That's initiative!
I met with Montague resident, realtor and business owner, Rhonda Brewer last week. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and October 13 was Metastatic Breast Cancer Day.
Rhonda was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer two years ago, and since then has joined the ranks of activists doing the major lifting to raise metastatic breast cancer to a higher priority. Metastatic breast cancer has no cure and kills 116 people every day. Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast and lymph nodes to the bones, liver, brain, and/or lungs. Once diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, remission is not possible, and treatment is continuous. The life expectancy for metastatic breast cancer patients is three to five years and many get the diagnosis before they are fifty years old.
Breast cancer is the number one cause of death for women under the age of 50. One in eight women will develop breast cancer, the second leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Very little, about two to five percent of funds raised for breast cancer, goes to research on metastatic breast cancer.
Understandably, Rhonda and others with metastatic breast cancer are not always fans of the “Pinktober” paraphernalia. In fact, it can be off-putting to many of them, as they know they will be in treatment the rest of their lives. They are dealing with a terminal illness, symptoms of the disease, medication side effects, emotional issues, financial strain and regular life stressors. The way Pinktober is sometimes promoted can cast a “playful” pink demeanor over this disease.
Learn More About METAvivorBut there is some good news. Organizations such as Komen, which traditionally have provided little funds to research (19% in 2017/2018) are now agreeing to make it a higher priority, as of this month. And there are several organizations that only support research for metastatic breast cancer, such as Metavivor, which donates 100% to metastatic breast cancer research. Many White Lake area folks are familiar with Lara Plewka MacGregor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 and metastatic breast cancer seven years later. She started an initiative, Hope Scarves, to provide colorful scarves and support to women going through cancer. Hope Scarves has a separate fund for metastatic research. These donations are matched 1:1 by a private donor, with all monies going to research.
Another important step forward is the HR 2178 Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act Bill at the Congressional level. This bill would make it faster and easier for those with metastatic breast cancer to get disability and Medicare. Please reach out to your representative about supporting this bill that would allow these women and men to skip typical waiting periods they just don’t have time for.
So far, most of the leg work for metastatic breast cancer are the people living with this disease. It is well past time for us to step up and help.
We're giving you a week with no requirements other than a mat. Don't have a mat? well, good news there too. You don't even need that. It's never about the implements. It's about the desire to give yourself a little better attention and care. It takes a first step and that's what we strive for here with Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel. Short samples of different techniques to get you started, keep you coming back and maybe get you on to the next level.
This week, it's all about using the goods you already have. No barbells. No need for any stretchy bands or straps on the wall! Let's get to it! It's episode 120 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel.
There! As we mentioned. Come back and do it again, or if you're inspired...take it to the next level. Get in touch with Becky for one of her group or one on one settings. She's also offering a healthy cooking class at Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers Market to help you with the nutrition end of things! Take a look at the photo below and give her a call to get in on the class!
She's back, it's Monday and it's time for another round of Fit and Healthy with Becky on the Muskegon Channel!! Becky is all about the kettle bell this episode. It's a device that looks like it might belong in the Olympics getting thrown by some burly man, but the reality is that it's a pretty practical implement that can be used by yourself and unless dropped on your foot, should be fairly safe.
Becky is a Certified Personal Trainer and available for one on one or group settings. If you'd like to take your workout to the next level, get a hold of Becky! You can find her website linked in the photo at the bottom of the page.
The best advise is this. Before you begin this, or any exercise program, consult a physician. Make sure you warm up, stretch out and drink plenty of fluids. It's episode 119 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on the Muskegon Channel!
You got it! Great job! Pat on the back and an invite to come back and do it again! Fit and Healthy With Becky is here for you no matter where you are on your quest to be a little more fit! You can watch online or now, you can watch on the Muskegon Channel on your Roku device or your Amazon Fire TV stick! Get the Muskegon Channel with a free download from your channel store!
It's a tradition 10 years strong in Muskeogn. A living history lesson provided to the community about some of our more prominent members over the years in Muskegon. The names who made us who we are and got us to where we are! Stand out names like Hackley, come to mind immediately, as do names like Walker, Torrent and or Hume. But there are also names like MIllie Peck, Nelly Torrent, Emily Easton and Alberta Catherine Vandervwerf. They all have a story to be told and it happens this weekend at the Evergreen Cemetery as the cast of the City of the Dead Muskegon bring their annual living history lesson to life!
