Olive Township

Individuals of all abilities can experience adaptive ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park on Jan. 4.

February things to do: Theater productions, festivals, music, movies, chili contests, documentaries

This month, you can make candles, learn about Michigan mushrooms, see a play, participate in an indoor triathlon, get out some energy by dancing, and celebrate Black History Month, the Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day.

Get ready for a jam-packed Saturday as Muskegon’s largest winter festival returns on Feb. 3 to Downtown Muskegon. Activities include ax-throwing, a bloody mary contest, snow volleyball, and the ever-popular cornhole tournament.
February things to do: Hair and history, Snowfest and mystery, chili and cello

The air is brisk and the events are plentiful. February brings Snowfest, a cello quartet, a journalism exhibit, a murder mystery, and a celebration of the art of Black hair.

The 123-acre as seen from above in Olive Township. (Ottawa County)
Michigan’s fastest-growing county remains committed to preserving farmland

Ottawa County is both the fastest growing county in the state and an agricultural powerhouse. The challenge is preserving farmland that also is in demand for housing developments. That’s where the county’s PDR program plays a pivotal role.

Step it Up group walks are led by an Ottawa County naturalist.
Step it Up with walks through nature

Ottawa County’s Step it Up program is encouraging area residents to take to the parks — on their own or as part of one of the county’s organized group outings — and enjoy nature while being active.

Experience a traditional Dutch Christmas Market without ever leaving the country.
December Along the Lakeshore: Sparkle, Sinterklaas, and shopping

The Lakeshore is packed with many December activities, including parades, Sparkle, and Sinterklaas. There’s even a hip-hop-inspired art exhibit. There are lots of ways to enjoy the month with family and friends in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties.

Ottawa County's humanoid robot, dubbed Francesca, helps visitors to the Fillmore Complex find their way through the building to the correct department.
Wayfinding robot ‘Francesca’ returns to Ottawa County

Francesca, who helps visitors find their way around Ottawa County’s Fillmore Administrative Building, is back in service. The wayfinding robot was idle after COVID-19 hit because her touch screen risked spreading germs. Her interface has been updated to be touchless with voice activation and facial recognition.

Ottawa County peer support specialist Kelly Chapman with the county customer service award she received for helping a client to vote for the first time.
County employee awarded for helping first time voter

Kelly Chapman doesn't see what she did as noteworthy, but helping a senior client struggling with anxiety to vote for the first time has garnered praise from Ottawa County.

A trove of on-demand e-learning and Zoom classes —183 in all — paved the way for Ottawa County emploees to stretch their work knowledge. Pictured from left: HR Director Marcie VerBeek and employees Sarah Allen and Kara Bostrom Young.
E-learning, Zoom pave way for Ottawa County employees to expand skills

Ottawa County employees “thrive on being in a learning environment,” says HR Director Marcie VerBeek. E-learning opportunities and Zoom classes allowed county staff to soak up new knowledge in spite of pandemic constraints.

Land O'Lakes donated 10,000 pounds of its dog food to Harbor Humane. The food will serve pets at the shelter, in foster care, and at the pet food pantry.
Land O’Lakes helps hard-hit pets with large donation to Harbor Humane

A 10,000 pound dog food donation from Land O'Lakes will help Lakeshore area pets served through Harbor Humane Society.

With more than 10 miles of groomed ski trails winding along the Pigeon River, Pigeon Creek Park is a popular cross-country ski destination for classic and skate skiing.
Things to do in January: Find post-holiday bargains or enjoy the ice and snow

January brings a fresh start to the new year and a fresh list of fun, exciting things to do along the Lakeshore. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

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