January Along the Lakeshore: MLK celebrations, museum exhibits and outdoor activities

The snow has come and gone, but let’s face facts: It’s extremely likely there will be plenty more ahead. Now that “the holidays” are behind us, let’s revel in the wonderland that is The Lakeshore in winter. Options for seeing and doing include concerts, history lessons, children’s activities, theater productions, and even “A Conversation with Ukraine.” There are also several events celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy the month with family and friends in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

Week 1 (Jan. 1-7)

playland

Happy Mew Year — Take and Make Kits
Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while supplies last
Cost: Free
Did you know that Jan. 2 is Happy Mew Year for cats? In honor of our furry four-legged friends, we have put together two bookmark kits for “mew” to take and make at home. Our headband-and-felt kitty face is best for younger kids. Our ribbon-and-button kit includes a needle for hand sewing and is better suited for older kids and teens. 
You can pick up these kits on Jan. 3; they will be available while supplies last. Details: https://www.hackleylibrary.org/event/happy-mew-year-january-take-and-makes/

Special Needs Night at the Playland
Central Wesleyan Church Playland, 446 W. 40th St., Holland
Thursday, Jan. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Night at the Playland is exclusively for all kids with special needs and disabilities, with a parent, guardian, or aide, along with your whole family. The Holland Playland is a fun, safe place for your kids to play while you connect with other parents, volunteers, and staff.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/Playland

Nature Buds Winter Camp — Above and Below the Snow
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Saturday, Jan. 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 
Cost: Registration required, $7 per person 
Let's learn about animals in winter! Have you ever heard of a secret kingdom for animals? How about a swim under the ice or a muddy sleeping bag? We will investigate these mysteries and more at our first winter Nature Buds. 
Details: https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com

From Glass to Paper: The Harvey Littleton Printmaking Legacy
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Weekdays through Feb. 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Harvey Littleton is famed as a founding figure of the modern studio glass movement. He was also an avid printmaker and developed the printmaking technique of vitreography — using glass plates to reproduce various traditional print methods such as etching and lithography. John Littleton and Kate Vogel, heirs to Harvey Littleton, have gifted to the Muskegon Museum of Art a collection of 27 prints produced by the studio during its existence.
Details: https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/from-glass-to-paper-harvey-littleton


Week 2 (Jan. 8-14)

Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory

Salt of the Earth Concert Series
Salt of the Earth, 114 Main St., Fennville
Sunday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
Cost: $20
Salt of the Earth hosts its revived monthly concert series at 6 p.m. Sunday with Luke-Winslow King.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/event/salt-of-the-earth-concert-series-1/
 
Paws and Read with Breezy and Dolly
Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Monday, Jan. 9, 4-5 p.m.
Cost: Free (Call 231-722-8014 to register for a 20-minute timeslot.)
There are two new four-legged reading helpers in Youth Services. Practice and strengthen literacy skills by reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs, who are calm, non-judgmental listeners. They’re excited to hear all the stories — and receive all the belly rubs.
Details: https://www.hackleylibrary.org/paws-and-read-with-breezy-and-dolly/
 
Tales from the Archives: "Chief Waukazoo's Band of Odawa Indians" 
Virtual Zoom program with Eric Hemenway 
Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. 
Cost: Free, but registration is required; donations encouraged
The story of Holland begins with the Odawa under Chief Waukazoo's leadership. Join   Eric Hemenway — of Cross Village, Anishnaabe/Odawa and director of repatriation, archives, and records for the Little Traverse Bands of Odawa Indians — on Jan. 12 for a virtual Zoom program, Tales from the Archives: "Chief Waukazoo's Band of Odawa Indians." During the adult program of the Holland Museum, Hemenway will examine efforts the chief made to ensure the safety of his community and their place in their indigenous homelands of Michigan.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/Dnewsfeed
 
Free Dinner and a Movie: ‘The Sea Beast’
Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven
Friday, Jan. 13, dinner 5 p.m.; movie 6 p.m. 
Join the momentum center for free dinner and a movie: "The Sea Beast." This beautiful animated movie "addresses the teaching of history, the impact of marginalization, and the promise of redemption." Rated PG for action, violence, and some language.
Details: https://www.momentumcentergh.org/events-1
 
Astronomy Program — Women in Astronomy 
Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory,  8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
Saturday, Jan. 14, 7-8 p.m.
Cost:  Free, for ages 12+
Prior to the 19th century, little is written of women's contributions to astronomy. Behind every celebrated discovery from a male astronomer, you will find many women doing the meticulous and time-consuming research that supported such revelations. Our speaker will introduce you to these ladies of the stars. After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have the observatory open and telescopes available for night sky observation (weather permitting). Registration is not required but is appreciated. 
Details: https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com/womeninastronomy
 
 
Week 3 (Jan. 15-21)

Anne Frank and Emmett Till
 
 
MLK Day Celebration
Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St., Holland
Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Cost: Free to attend
Join the Holland Museum for its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "How Would You Change the World?" on Jan. 16. Activities are planned throughout the day for this free family event. Hosted by Holland Museum as a Cultural Lens Program.
Details: https://hollandmuseum.org/mlk-day-celebration-2023
 
Martin Luther King Celebration
Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (NOTE: Sign-up deadline is Thursday, Jan. 5)
Cost: Free, but tickets required, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/viewform
Join community members in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the 2023 "Why We Can't Wait" Celebration. Hosted by Holland Public Schools, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, the city of Holland, I Am Academy, Gentex Corp., and West Ottawa Public Schools, the event will begin with lunch at 11 a.m. The community celebration will take place following lunch, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Details: https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200023825735637 
 
 
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Lecture 
Dimnent Memorial Chapel, Hope College, 277 College Ave., Holland
Monday, Jan. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Among the many ways to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is to attend "Dr. King's Smallest Freedom Fighter," with Sheyann Webb-Christburg, civil rights activist, author, and youth advocate "who grew up in the Selma Civil Rights Movement with Dr. King and others — the youngest person involved in the struggle to achieve the right to vote." 
Details: https://stayhappening.com/e/civil-rights-lecture-E2ISV3Q90MI
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Film and Panel Discussion
Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. 
Cost: Free to attend
Sheyann Webb-Christburg will participate in a panel discussion following a screening of the 1999 film “Selma, Lord, Selma,” which was based on her book of the same title. The film will be shown at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Knickerbocker Theatre, with the discussion immediately following. Panelists include Webb-Christburg; Dr. Chuck Green, professor emeritus of psychology at Hope College; and Dr. Choonghee Han, professor of communication. Shomari Tate, chaplain of discipleship at Hope, will moderate.
Details: https://stayhappening.com/selma-lord-selma-E2ISV3TS4B1

Emmett Till, Civil Rights Presentation
Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
Monday, Jan. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The story of Emmett Till was silenced for more than 50 years after his brutal murder on Aug. 28, 1955. Herrick District Library will present “The Memory and Legacy of Emmett Till: A Story of History, Geography and Racism,” 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16. Retired history teacher Jim Herm will share his research into the post-Civil War South, the murder and legacy of Emmett Till, and the start of the civil rights movement. Attendees will discover the untold history of the injustice that followed 14-year-old Till’s trip to buy candy at Bryant’s Grocery in Money, Mississippi. Accused of whistling at the white store clerk, Till was abducted, tortured and lynched.
Details: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/Emmett Till
 
OAISD Bilingual Play n Learn
Herrick District Library North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District offers a Bilingual Play n Learn for ages 0-5. Stories, fingerplays, creative art, educational play, snacks, and a free book for each family. Caregivers stay with their children. Child development and reading readiness information are also available for parents.
Details: https://www.oaisd.org/learning/early-childhood-education/play-n-learn/
 
Presentation of 2022 Social Justice Awards
Holland City Hall, 270 S. River Ave., Holland
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The city of Holland Human Relations Commission's annual Social Justice Awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the virtues of social justice by promoting equal opportunity and equal access for all residents in the areas of Housing, Education, Employment, Government/Community Relations, and Health Services. The Social Justice Awards also has a Youth category for students ages 13-19; winners in this category are determined by the Holland Youth Advisory Council. See who’s moving the needle toward removing barriers for all at Holland City Hall on Jan. 18.
Details: https://www.cityofholland.com/914/Social-Justice-Awards

Janet Langhart Cohen’s ‘Anne & Emmett’
Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Jan. 13-21, 7:30 p.m. most days; 3 p.m. Jan. 15
Cost: $30
This one-act play is an imaginary conversation between Anne Frank and Emmett Till, both victims of racial intolerance and hatred. Frank, the 13-year-old Jewish girl whose diary provided a gripping perspective of the Holocaust, speaks with Till, the 14-year-old African American boy whose brutal murder in Mississippi sparked the American civil rights movement. Though this play deals with innocence, grief, hurt, and brutality inflicted on two young people, you will leave feeling uplifted with a drive to make a change in your own community. “Anne & Emmett” contains derogatory racial language and imagery that could be disturbing but reflects the realities of the lives and deaths of these two young victims of hate crimes.
Details: https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/anne-and-emmett/192/

StoryWalk Snowshoe Event 
Riley Trails, 16300 Riley St., Holland
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
A StoryWalk, "When Winter Comes," by Aimée M. Bissonette, will be offered from Jan. 20-23 at Riley Trails. On Jan. 21, if there is enough snow, Ottawa County Parks will also provide snowshoes for families to try from 10 a.m. to noon. Check miottawa.org/trails on Friday evening, Jan. 20, for a snow report. There is no cost, and these events are for ages 5+.
Details: https://countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com/storywalksnowshoe

Sandy Pines Winterfest 2023 
North Shore Center, Sandy Pines Recreational Community, 2745 136th Ave., Hopkins
Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Bundle up and head out to the Sandy Pines Recreational Community for Winterfest 2023. There will be a bonfire, hot chocolate and coffee bar, hot dog bar, cookie decorating, snowman building, family fun game, and a polar plunge. There will be two dog sled demonstrations —  11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — in the chapel parking lot. Sledding (weather permitting) will be at the hill by the chapel. Parking will be in the North Shore Center parking area, and overflow parking just off the road in front of the North Shore. 
Details: https://allevents.in/hopkins/sandy-pines-winterfest-2023/200023780756528

Chris Janson Concert
Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $45-$263
Platinum-selling recording artist Chris Janson, a “live legacy in the making” and “a consummate performer that few other artists can match,” will be taking the stage at Holland Civic Center Place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Janson is a high-octane entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, award-winning singer/songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member.
Details: https://www.hollandciviccenter.com/chris-janson


Week 4 (Jan. 22-31)


Hempy Keyboard Series
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2-3 p.m.
Cost: $25
The Hempy Keyboard Series features inspiring talent from professional pianists in a boutique setting at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. From classical to jazz, music lovers will relish the range of performers in our specially curated 2023 lineup. On Jan. 22, pianist Feng Kang, who began playing piano at the age of 10, will perform. He has appeared in recitals and concerts throughout North America, China, and Taiwan. He also has won awards at many competitions, including the Elevato Piano Competition in Poland, the Cambridge Music Competition in the United Kingdom, and National Taiwan Music Competition.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/event/hempy-keyboard-series/

‘A Conversation with Ukraine’
Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
Monday, Jan. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Join Bob Wood, who recently spent time traveling and volunteering in Ukraine. He volunteered to pack IFAKs at warehouses, weave camouflage nets, transfer supplies, and work with orphans and internally displaced people. Wood offers this: "Ukraine is filled with courageous people living life and committed to a free and sovereign state. I spent five weeks in the fall of 2022 working alongside, traveling and teaching, and getting to know these folks. I've recorded dozens of interviews and taken hundreds of photos. I have stories. Americans, young and old, need to know what I discovered.”
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/event/a-conversation-with-ukraine/

‘Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are’
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Through Jan. 27 
Cost: Free
Come to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and experience the amazing art from the “Ubuntu: I am Because We Are” collection and see what it means to be a local hero. A collaborative photography/printmaking series between the CultureWorks Student Advisory Council and students at I Am Academy of Holland, the exhibit reflects on black heroes and creatively explores “Ubuntu” —  roughly translated as “I am because we are” — in works by middle and high school students. process of printmaking. The exhibit will be on display in the corridor at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.  
Details: https://sc4a.org/event/ubuntu-i-am-because-we-are/