Category Archives: Community News

AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van continue to provide Senior Curbside Meal Distribution During COVID-19 Outbreak with support from Senior Resources and Muskegon County Senior Millage.

AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van are continuing their work together along with various community partner locations to provide meals to seniors aged 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Various dates and locations from April 7 through April 17 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Meals will be served to adults 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Meals will be available for curbside pickup at various locations. The curbside pickup offers a quick, drive-through option to keep seniors and volunteers safely separated during the COVID-19 outbreak. Seniors that cannot drive or get out of the house can send someone to “proxy” for their meal.

WHEN & WHERE:

Donations for these meals are accepted and appreciated. Without community support we would not be able to continue serving and giving; without your contributions, our seniors would be isolated, unhealthy and malnourished. Please consider giving to our COVID-19 Emergency Fund to keep these wheels moving. Visit www.agewellservices.org or, if you need help making arrangements, please contact us at 231-412-7966.

News of an unexpected gift to the Harbor Hospice Foundation means health care staff can now have live, interactive audio and video conversations with their hospice and palliative care patients without meeting with them in person, keeping both patients and medical personnel safer amid concerns about the rapidly spreading coronavirus (COVID – 19.) Patients are thrilled with the new option.

“They love it for sure!” says Dr. Gerald Harriman, DO, medical director for Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care, just days into trying it out. “Our first use of it was with patients who have cancer and are receiving palliative care from us. They love the convenience and safety of it, and they are happy to be able to stay in close touch with us without leaving their home.”

Earlier this week, the federal government temporarily removed restrictions on the use of tele-health with hospice patients receiving Medicare. Dr. Harriman welcomed the announcement and held his first “virtual” conversation with one of his hospice patients Tuesday afternoon.

“The software platform is easy to use, and it offers a safe, personal way for patients to have face-to-face conversations with us,” says Dr. Harriman. “We can continue our close relationships with our patients while minimizing exposure to COVID-19 for them and for our health care workers.”

Each patient uses their own electronic device – a smart phone, a tablet or laptop with a camera, and internet access. A link is sent to the patient, and a click on the link brings the patient and medical staff person face-to-face. The program, according to Dr. Harriman, is secure, private, and HIPAA compliant.

Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care, serving residents in several counties in West Michigan, planned to initiate a tele-health program in the next year. But the urgency brought on by COVID-19 and a contribution from the organization’s long-time champion, Sue Wierengo, made it possible to launch it now and plan for the expansion of its use.

Wierengo’s gift came from a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County that she and her husband Andy opened in 1996. Their children learned about it when they became more involved with Sue’s care. Knowing her long-time commitment to Harbor Hospice — she founded its predecessor Hospice of Muskegon County in 1982 — they called the organization to ask what it needed.

While this program is a huge benefit to patients and healthcare workers now, Dr. Harriman says the organization will also use it to expand its hospice and palliative care into rural areas that would otherwise require long drive times for patients and medical staff.

The remarkable timing of Wierengo’s donation is no surprise to those closest to her.

“Our mother was a pioneer in founding hospice care in Muskegon County, so for her to be able to make a gift nearly forty years later that is pioneering a new technology for the organization’s patients is pretty amazing!” say her children. “She is incredibly happy and proud.”

Muskegon Civic Theatre was the first Penguin Project site in the state of Michigan. On September 12th and 13th the Artists and Mentors involved with the Penguin Project of Muskegon Civic Theatre will take the stage to perform The Wizard of Oz – Young Performer’s Edition at the Frauenthal Center located in downtown Muskegon, MI.

The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give individuals with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theatre not only provides individuals with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age-level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process on stage. They are on the stage with their partners in the same or complimentary costumes throughout the entire show. Among the many benefits, is the impact on the parents. For the first time, many of them have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their child perform and succeed in ways they never thought possible.

The production costs to cover such a memorable event is quite costly – approximately $350 per participant. Any amount contributed is appreciated to help our Penguins soar. For every 10 students sponsored, MCT will announce a show in their 2020-2021 Season lineup! Contributions can be made via check mailed to Muskegon Civic Theatre 425 W. Western Ave Ste 401, Muskegon, MI 49440; or online at

www.muskegoncivictheatre.org/support-us/
OR
Our Go Fund Me Page

24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 231-722-HELP (4357)

HealthWest will begin hosting free daily virtual groups to help individuals stay connected and healthy during the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Individuals in services at HealthWest and the general public will be able to participate in these daily online groups, which will promote mental wellbeing and support those living with substance use issues, beginning Wednesday, April 1.

“Social isolation can impact your mental health and lead some individuals to cope through use of drugs and alcohol,” said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. “These groups will help people stay connected and encourage healthy habits during this crisis.”

Groups will include Smart Recovery substance use recovery meetings, daily talk sessions where individuals can connect directly with mental health professionals, discussions on skills to help cope with the stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 crisis, and fun activities to allow participants to engage with others.

“Many people in our community live by themselves, including some of those we serve at HealthWest,” said Rupp. “We want to make sure they know that they are not alone even when they are physically isolated.”

HealthWest serves as a vital part of Muskegon County’s public health safety net and is responsible for promoting mental wellbeing throughout the community.

The groups will be hosted virtually on Zoom and Facebook Live. You can follow HealthWest on Facebook @HealthWestMuskegon.

The groups are open to everyone in the community at no charge.

Visit www.HealthWest.net/virtual-groups for a full schedule of available groups, instructions on how to join, and other mental health resources.

All schools plan to continue to provide meals for students the week of March 30. However, because the safety of our students, staff, and volunteers is our number one priority, distribution methods and schedules may change due to illness and the cold food selections may be more limited with lunch meats and cheese in short supply.

These meals are available to all children ages 18 and under and students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active IEP (Individualized Education Program) who either reside in or attend the district. All private and charter school students can access meals through the district in which they live.

It is also important for families to know that they may have have access to additional food assistance benefits as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak and may be temporarily exempt from federal work requirements due to a recent announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Fruitport Community Schools

Fruitport is providing weekly meal service on Tuesdays and Thursdays at multiple locations this week. LINK: www.fruitportschools.net. Locations: Fruitport High School, 357 Sixth Street, Fruitport MI 49415; student parking lot (between FHS and Edgewood); Shettler parking lot; Clover Estates clubhouse, 3239 Clover Pkwy, Muskegon, MI 49444; Country Estates clubhouse, 14700 State Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456; Crockery Trailer Park, 13251 State Rd, Nunica, MI 49448 – by laundry building; Broadway Baptist Church parking lot (behind Sam’s Club)

Hart Public Schools
Link to Hart Facebook page
No information has been posted at this time for the week of March 30. Last week’s distribution occurred on Wednesday at noon at Spitler Elementary using the 72nd Avenue entrance and exiting onto Johnson Street. For more information email Caryn Elam via email at mailto:celam@hart.k12.mi.us or call the Food Service Department at 231-873-6242.

Holton Public Schools is working closely with Hand-to-Hand community partners to provide weekly meal service delivery on Tuesdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. See http://www.holtonschools.com/ and their Facebook site and see this PDF for details. Locations: All meals are delivered

Mona Shores Public Schools will provide “grab-n-go” meals for all students at its high school stadium parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays only. Location: Mona Shores High School, 1121 W Seminole Rd, Norton Shores MI 49441

Montague Area Public Schools will provide meals through curbside pickup at Montague High School and the Rothbury Village Hall at 7804 S. Michigan Avenue in Rothbury on Tuesdays only from 10:00 a.m. – noon. In addition, a mobile route has been set up for delivery to three additional sites. See the Facebook page for details and locations.Locations: Montague High School, 4900 Stanton Blvd, Montague MI 49437 10:00 a.m. – noon
Rothbury Village Hall, 7804 S. Michigan Avenue, Rothbury MI 10:00 a.m. – noon
Oceana Shores (Meadowlane & 88th Avenue) 10:05 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Forest Glen (Forest Glen & Wilke) 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Robinhood (Robinhood & Webster) 10:55 – 11:10 a.m.

Muskegon Public Schools is delivering meals along the bus route starting at 11:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The plan is to follow the usual bus route and to add stops for students who typically walk to school. The route will drop off meals, as well as needed school supplies and worksheets. The bus route can be found on the Muskegon Public Schools Facebook page and on their muskegon public schools.org page
Location: By Bus Stop Throughout the District

Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System is providing free meals starting at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays along its usual bus route. Two days of meals will be delivered except on Friday which will increase to three days of meals for the weekend. All pickups will be at the 42 bus stops with the exception of door-to-door service for special needs students. See details on their website.Location: By Bus Stop Throughout the District

Children who live in North Muskegon Public Schools may access nearby districts for grab-n-go meals.

Oakridge Public Schools is distributing meals from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday, 3/30 2 breakfast + 2 lunches; Wednesday, 4/1 2 breakfast + 2 lunches; Friday, 4/3 3 breakfast + 3 lunches; Tuesday, 4/7, 3 breakfasts + 3 lunches; Friday, 4/10 4 breakfasts + 4 lunches. See their website at http://oakridgeschools.org/covid19/ for details.
Locations: Here is a link to all locations in Google Maps

Egelcraft Mobile Home Park – 2129 Arrowhead Dr.
The school bus will be parked near the clubhouse near the intersection of Ironwood Ct and Arrowhead Dr.
Apple Carr Village – 516 Courtland Lane
The school bus will be parked in the open space in the new vacant north section along Braeburn Drive. Traffic should enter from Hall Rd., proceed south on Braeburn Drive to approach our school bus. Then, continue down Braeburn after meal pick up.
Maple Island Estates – 7321 White Rd.
The school bus will be parked near the Birch Tree St. entrance.
Oakridge High School – Bus loop
Please enter the bus loop and drive toward the school bus at the end of the loop to obtain the meals then exit onto Hall Rd.
Holiday Park – 5700 Vine Ave.
Take South Wolf Lake Rd. to Vine Ave. The school bus will park on the dirt loop near buildings. Traffic can enter the dirt drive near the softball field then pull up towards the bus to obtain meals. Cars can exit using the entrance closest to S. Wolf Lake Rd.
Jibson Immanuel Baptist Church – 7960 Evanston Ave.
Traffic should enter the Church parking lot from Evanston then pull through the lot to the school bus to pick up meals, then exit on S. Sullivan Rd.

If your family is unable to pick-up meals from the meal sites at the designated times/locations, or coordinate with your neighbor, you may complete this form (link) or contact Melissa Corbit at mcorbit@oakridgeschools.org or 788-7525 to request FREE delivery or other special accommodations.

Orchard View Schools

On Tuesdays only from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Orchard View will continue to offer 7 days worth of breakfast and lunch, but this will only be offered from Orchard View High School. Lines will be set up in the east and west lots and will utilize a drive-through system that allows everyone to maintain social distancing and serve families quickly and efficiently. See their website for more details. Kids’ Food Basket offers K-5 Cardinal Elementary student meals on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Cardinal Elementary in the front bus loop.

Ravenna Public Schools will be distributing meals on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ravenna High School. See the district’s Facebook page.
Locations: Ravenna High School, 2766 S Ravenna Road, Ravenna MI 49451

Reeths-Puffer Schools will provide a week’s worth of cold meals for pick-up at the High School’s Roberts Road north entrance (student last names A-L) and Giles Road (student last names M-Z) parking lots from 9AM to 11AM on Wednesday. Pick-ups will take place according to student last names. See the school website for further details.
Location: Reeths-Puffer High School, 1545 N Roberts Rd, Muskegon MI 49445

Shelby Public Schools is offering five different locations for meal pick up Monday through Friday. See their website for information and who to contact for delivery.
Location: Oceana County Early Learning Center, 568 North Oceana Dr, Hart, MI 49420; Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 Stony Lake Rd, New Era MI 49446; Shelby Middle School, 525 N State St, Shelby MI 49455; Barnett Station Shelby, 64 S Michigan Ave, Shelby MI 49455; Ferry Community Center/The Ladder Community Center, 67 N State St, Shelby MI 49455
Walkerville Public Schools is providing meals on Wednesdays only at the School Main Street delivery entrance daily from 10:00-11:30 a.m. via a drive through, and again at Bitely Community Church from 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. Contact the school’s main office to request delivery. Locations: Walkerville Public Schools, 145 E Lathrom St, Walkerville MI 49459
Bitely Community Church, 1078 N Bingham Ave, Bitely MI 49309

Whitehall District Schools will be providing meals on Tuesdays only from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Whitehall Middle School, and at the Lakewood Club Village Hall from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays. Locations: Whitehall Middle School 401 Elizabeth Street, Whitehall MI 49461
Lakewood Club Village Hall, 6681 Automobile Road, Twin Lake MI 49457

West Shore Bank is offering immediate financial relief measures to assist customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Per Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2020-21, financial services is considered a ‘critical infrastructure’ industry and perform essential services. West Shore Bank is committed to being a source of strength and help to families and businesses through this challenging time.

“Our commitment to helping both the people and businesses of Michigan’s West Shore continues to be our first priority,” said Raymond A. Biggs, President and CEO of West Shore Bank. “As our communities continue to see the spreading impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we assure you that our ability to accomplish all your banking needs has not changed.”

If you are experiencing financial hardships related to family sickness or workplace closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are here to help you. West Shore Bank will immediately offer the following programs and will continue to evaluate considerations to extend:

• Consumer Loan Payment Deferral Program: For West Shore Bank customers facing financial hardship related to family sickness or workplace closures due to COVID-19, the Bank will offer payment deferral on all consumer loans with no late fees or credit bureau impact for up to 90 days.

• Mortgage and Home Equity Payment Deferral Program: For mortgage customers of West Shore Bank facing financial hardship related to family sickness or workplace closures due to COVID-19, the Bank will offer payment deferral with no late fees or credit bureau impact for up to 90 days.

• Business Loan Payments: For West Shore Bank business borrowers that have been forced to temporarily close, are reducing services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or are experiencing residual impact on their business as a result of the pandemic, a variety of relief programs are available, including payment deferrals up to 90 days. Please contact your Business Banker to discuss the best solution for your circumstance.

• ATM Fee Refunds: Effective March 9 through May 8, 2020, any ATM fee incurred using a non-West Shore Bank ATM, up to $7.00 per statement cycle, will be refunded and will appear as a credit on the last day of your account statement.

• Suspension of Foreclosure Program: West Shore Bank has suspended initiating new residential property foreclosure actions for the next 60 days.

• Repossession Halt Program: West Shore Bank has suspended initiating new repossession actions for vehicles, RV’s, or marine craft for the next 60 days.

To request hardship assistance, contact your West Shore Bank Business Banker or call Customer Care at 888-295-4373 during regular banking hours.

We also recommend customers use West Shore Bank’s digital banking and TeleBank services for 24/7 account access. For personal online banking, you may self-enroll at westshorebank.com or download the WSB Mobile app. Additional digital solutions include online loan payments, direct deposit, electronic invoicing/payment acceptance for small businesses, and ACH payment services for business customers.

AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van Provide Senior Curbside Meal Distribution During COVID-19 Outbreak with support from Senior Resources and Muskegon County Senior Millage.

AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van work together with various community partner locations to provide meals to seniors aged 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Various dates and locations from March 24^th to April 2^nd from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Meals will be served to adults 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Meals will be available for curbside pickup at various locations. The curbside pickup offers a quick, drive-through option to keep seniors and volunteers safely separated during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Donations for these meals are accepted and appreciated.

WHEN & WHERE:

Call before visiting HealthWest: Call 231-724-1111
24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 231-722-HELP (4357)
For Ongoing Updates: www.HealthWest.net/CoronavirusResponse

HealthWest is changing the way it operates to continue to safely serve the essential behavioral health and substance use treatment needs of the Muskegon County community during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

HealthWest will close most of its facilities, with only the Mental Health Center and Brinks Crisis Residential facilities remaining open to the public. Limited staff will be available at these facilities, and anyone arriving for services will be screened for coronavirus symptoms before being allowed into the buildings.

However, help will still be available to individuals who typically receive services at other HealthWest locations.

We are changing procedures to limit face-to-face meetings while staff continues to provide essential services, including an increased use of telemedicine and virtual meetings. HealthWest staff will begin contacting everyone in services weekly to ensure their needs are being met and to coordinate their care during this situation.

“The quality of care at HealthWest will not change during this outbreak,” said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. “We are simply changing the way we serve the community to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus while ensuring the behavioral health and substance use treatment needs are being met.”

HealthWest staff will conduct intake screenings over the phone for individuals wanting to start new services. Individuals seeking assistance should call 231-720-3200.

Our staff will also continue to assist those experiencing a mental health crisis to decrease demand on our community’s critical medical infrastructure.

Individuals in crisis can contact our crisis line 24-hours a day at 231-722-HELP (4357).

“The health and wellbeing of our community is our primary concern,” said Rupp. “By working together, we can make sure everyone stays safe during this crisis.”

Anyone with questions about their services at HealthWest is encouraged to call 231-724-1111 or their HealthWest worker.

HealthWest has also added a page to its website to provide regular updates to those in services and the community during the crisis. You can view those updates at www.HealthWest.net/CoronavirusResponse

Each school day an estimated 17,000 students receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch at schools in Muskegon County. Many families in Oceana County also rely on this service. To fill this void, public schools are finalizing their plans to provide grab-n-go meals. Some will even be providing deliveries. All private and charter school students can access meals at the district in which they live.

The free meals will consist of cold items like yogurt cups, string cheese, cereal, muffins, deli sandwiches/wraps with fresh fruit/vegetable and milk. Not all items will be included in every meal.

These meals are available throughout the school shutdown ordered by the Governor to all children ages 18 and under and students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active IEP (Individualized Education Program) who either reside in or attend the district. Kids Food Basket is also compiling distribution information and will share on their website at www.kidsfoodbasket.org/locations/muskegon.

Fruitport Community Schools will be providing weekly meal service starting tomorrow and have posted information to their website at www.fruitportschools.net and to their Facebook site. They are asking all parents to complete a survey on their website to help them better meet needs.

Hart Public Schools will be offering free meals for children today through Wednesday, March 18, at noon, at Crystal Valley Pour House located at 7203 N 126th Avenue in Hart and Fenton Trucking located at 5655 W 5th Street in Mears. For more information email Caryn Elam via email at celam@hart.k12.mi.us.

Holton Public Schools will work closely with Hand-to-Hand community partners to provide weekly meal service drive-through service or delivery. See www.holtonschools.com and their Facebook site for details.

Mona Shores Public Schools will provide “grab and go” meals for all students at its high school stadium parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They will offer an additional pick up time from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Norton Shores Police Department will be assisting with deliveries. See their website for updates www.monashores.net.

Montague Area Public Schools will provide meals through curbside pickup at Montague High School and the Rothbury Village Hall at 7804 S. Michigan Avenue in Rothbury on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – noon. In addition, a mobile route has been set up for delivery to three additional sites. See the Facebook page for details.

Muskegon Public Schools will be delivering meals along the bus route starting at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 16. The plan is to follow the usual bus route and to add stops for students who typically walk to school. The route will run once per day, but will drop off the equivalent of two meals, as well as needed school supplies and worksheets. The bus route can be found on the Muskegon Public Schools Facebook page and on their website muskegonpublicschools.org.

Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System will be providing free meals starting at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays along its usual bus route. Two days of meals will be delivered except on Friday which will increase to three days of meals for the weekend. All pickups will be at the 42 bus stops with the exception of door-to-door service for special needs students. The full schedule will be on the Muskegon Heights Tigers Facebook page.

Children who live in North Muskegon Public Schools may access nearby districts for grab-n-go meals.

Food deliveries for Oakridge Public Schools students are expected to begin Wednesday, March 18, and locations will be posted to the Oakridge Public Schools Facebook page. Six locations and times will be announced by the end of the business day today.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Orchard View Schools will be delivering food throughout the district for family pick up. Times, locations, etc. will be made available on their Facebook page today.

Ravenna Public Schools will be announcing their meal distribution plans by tomorrow through the district’s Facebook page.

Reeths-Puffer Schools will provide a week’s worth of cold meals for pickup at the High School every Wednesday, beginning on March 18. Pick-ups will take place according to student last names. Those starting with A-N will pick-up between 9-10 a.m., and O-Z names will pick up between 11:00 a.m. to noon. Additional pick-ups may take place between noon and 1:00 p.m. See FAQ’s on their website at reeths-puffer.org.

Shelby Public Schools is offering five different locations for meal pick up. See their Facebook site for information and who to contact for delivery.

Walkerville Public Schools will begin providing meals on Tuesday, March 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Main Street delivery entrance daily. Contact the school’s main office to request delivery or send a private message through Facebook.

Whitehall District Schools will be providing meals on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Whitehall Middle School, and at the Lakewood Club Village Hall from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. Updates provided at their Facebook site.