Make Waves on the Lakeshore: Turn on your heartlight

From ice fishing to drag shows, warm your heart and the hearts of others by giving your time, talent, or cold hard cash. The following volunteer or fundraising events take place from mid-February to mid-March. If your organization has an upcoming volunteer or fundraising event, please let us know by emailing contact@thelakeshorewm.com.


Ladies of the 80s: A Drag Benefit for Red Project

When: 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12
Where: Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

The '80s produced some of the best and most iconic songs written and performed by the greatest vocalists of our lifetimes. Dust off the dancing shoes and join Beauty Beyond Drag Productions as they raise awareness for the Grand Rapids Red Project. The Grand Rapids Red Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, reducing risk, and preventing HIV. Since 1998, Red Project has served the city of Grand Rapids by providing people with access to the tools, information, resources, and support that they need to stay healthy. Tickets for this fundraiser are only $15 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/ladies-of-the-80s-a-drag-benefit-for-red-project-tickets-243307167287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 


Second Annual Special Olympics Michigan Ice Fishing Tournament

When: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19 
Where: Wolf Lake, Muskegon

Registration begins at 6 a.m. Check-in is located at the east boat launch on MacArthur Road off of Hilton Park Road in Muskegon. Tournament fee is $20 with an option to create a fundraising link to raise additional funds for Special Olympics Michigan. There will be three first place prizes of $200. First place will be decided by the length of fish in three different species: pike, bluegill, and perch. Concessions, auction items, and sale items will be available. For details and to register early visit classy.org/event/wolf-lake-fishing-tournament-22/e379122.


National Weather Service SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program

When: Late February through April
Where: Check links below for class location in your county

Did you know volunteers helped spot three tornadoes in Michigan in February of 2017?

Volunteers are needed to warn their communities of severe weather. Spotter training classes are conducted around lower Michigan from late February through April each year. Keep an eye on weather.gov/grr/spottertraining for the upcoming course schedule. Learn more about the basics of weather spotting here: meted.ucar.edu/education_training/course/23.
You'll learn:

• Basics of thunderstorm development
• Fundamentals of storm structure
• Identifying potential severe weather features
• Information to report
• How to report information
• Basic severe weather safety

For more information visit weather.gov/SKYWARN or weather.gov/grr/skywarn or email nws.grandrapids@noaa.gov.

 
Hoffmaster State Park Volunteer Stewardship Workday

When: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 19 
Where: Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. Meet by the ranger booth at the park entrance.

Take advantage of the low risk of poison ivy this time of year and romp around one of the lakeshore’s most beautiful state parks. Volunteers serve as true stewards of the dunes as they work to remove invasive shrubs and vines. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will be trained in plant identification. Register by emailing LeslieE1@Michigan.gov.

Additional information is available via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources volunteer stewardship webpage. For more information about invasive species, visit michigan.gov/Invasives.

Note: Dates occasionally change, and events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons. Call the event contact to confirm dates/times prior to your arrival.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. To make a camping reservation, visit midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-447-2757.


Piece Together Parks for the Birds!

When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26
Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 925, 20 North 2nd Street, Grand Haven

Join other birds of a feather for a fun fundraiser benefiting the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. In this bird-themed jigsaw puzzle contest you can compete against teams, win prizes, and learn about birds. Team names and themes encouraged! Minimum donation per team registration is $50. Each team will get to keep their puzzles. The winning team will receive a prize. Looking to update your current puzzle collection? There will be a puzzle swap table. Bring one or more puzzles you no longer want and swap them for ones you have not done before. Co-sponsored by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and the Grand Haven Eagles. *All participants should be masked any time they are not at their table. Please contact the organizers if you are unwell or in quarantine. For details visit eventbrite.com/e/piece-together-parks-tickets-241322581337?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.