Muskegon Rising

In this Muskegon Rising episode, host Nancy Crandall interviews Dr. Dick Kamps, a retired surgeon who, alongside his wife Lynn, co-founded Step Up Muskegon, a nonprofit helping young adults transition successfully out of the foster care system. After a distinguished medical career, Dr. Kamps turned his compassion and leadership toward addressing the staggering challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care—many without stable housing, mentors, or life skills. Step Up provides safe housing, mentoring, and accountability to help participants gain independence and rebuild hope. His story illustrates how retirement can become a second act of service, transforming lives and strengthening the Muskegon community.

Celebrate a milestone with us as Muskegon Rising releases its 100th episode. Host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, for an in-depth look at how the organization uplifts families through housing, trauma care, childcare, and employment support. Skoglund shares how the mission’s Bright Futures Child Care Center helps families break cycles of poverty by offering affordable care, licensed preschool education, and wraparound services that meet both parents and children where they are. The discussion highlights the Community Resource Center, a hub connecting families with over a hundred partner agencies, and the mission’s innovative, faith-based model that has reduced homelessness locally despite national increases. With community-funded initiatives, 400 volunteers, and deep partnerships across education, health, and housing, the Muskegon Rescue Mission continues to prove that hope and dignity can transform lives. 

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Kendrah Robinson welcomes Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, to share her inspiring journey and the organization’s evolving impact across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties. Tyler, a longtime community advocate and former journalist, explains United Way’s modern focus on collaboration, housing initiatives, early childhood literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and support for the ALICE population—working families struggling to make ends meet. She highlights volunteer opportunities like the Day of Caring, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and the 211 resource line connecting residents to vital community services. From fostering literacy to addressing homelessness, Tyler illustrates how United Way continues to “Live United” by convening partners and creating lasting change throughout West Michigan.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Tavernier, the new City Manager of Whitehall, Michigan, to share his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading a vibrant lakeshore community. Tavernier reflects on how his military background in leadership, crisis management, and teamwork prepared him for civic administration, emphasizing his lead-by-example approach and open-door policy for both staff and residents. He discusses Whitehall’s exciting future — including the West Colby Connector project, infrastructure upgrades, and efforts to strengthen tourism, retail, and manufacturing — all while preserving the town’s close-knit community spirit. His story exemplifies service, adaptability, and gratitude as cornerstones of effective local leadership.

Food insecurity in Muskegon County has reached an alarming new pitch, and in this urgent episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike talks with AgeWell Services’ Chris VanderStelt about the rapidly shrinking supply of charitable food, soaring demand following federal shutdowns, and the strain on seniors, students, families, and local pantries. VanderStelt highlights the 300 percent spike in 211 calls, collapsing federal support, and skyrocketing need at places like the Supper House, while urging the community to donate, volunteer, and support United Way’s rapid-response efforts. This conversation paints a clear picture of a community under pressure but also ready to pull together, calling listeners to action as the holidays approach.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Jeff Cave, CEO of Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM), to discuss nearly 50 years of orthopedic excellence serving West Michigan. Cave shares the organization’s growth from two founding physicians into a multi-specialty group offering urgent care, physical and occupational therapy, advanced imaging, and robotic-assisted surgeries. With 12 rehab locations and over 60 therapists, OAM ensures convenient, expert care close to home while helping patients recover faster and more affordably. Cave also highlights OAM’s deep community involvement through local schools, athletics, and nonprofits, emphasizing that Muskegon residents don’t need to travel far for world-class orthopedic care—the expertise is right here.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike speaks with Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean and Professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, about Muskegon’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect its downtown with its waterfront. Dr. Isely explores how redeveloping sites like the Third Street Wharf and Fisherman’s Landing can expand public access, boost tourism, strengthen industry, and increase property values—all while preserving Muskegon Lake’s restored ecosystem. He emphasizes that inclusive planning, environmental stewardship, and federal-private investment are essential to creating a thriving, sustainable lakeshore economy that benefits every resident.

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, Ken James of Muskegon Community College speaks with Barbara Lee VanHorssen, “experimenter” and executive director of the Momentum Center, about creating inclusive communities through mental health support, cultural immersion, and grassroots conversations. Barbara shares how initiatives like Across the Bridge build relationships between Muskegon and the Tri-Cities, breaking down stereotypes and fostering deeper understanding. From social recreation for people with mental illness, addictions, and disabilities to international immersion experiences and civil rights road trips, the Momentum Center is dedicated to addressing social determinants of health while promoting empathy and authentic human connection.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall sits down with Dr. Paul Lomeo to explore his remarkable journey from 35 years in emergency medicine to launching a family-run cannabis grow and retail business in Muskegon. Dr. Lomeo shares how the pandemic, personal passion, and groundbreaking science on cannabis receptors inspired his career shift, offering insights into cannabis as both a medical alternative to opioids and a growing entrepreneurial opportunity. From addressing lingering stigmas to navigating strict regulations, he reveals how cannabis is reshaping health, wellness, and community business in Michigan.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall speaks with Pam Curtis, Director of Senior Resources of West Michigan, about the vital role the Area Agency on Aging plays in supporting older adults and caregivers across Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties. Celebrating over 50 years of service, Senior Resources connects seniors to critical programs, including in-home care, transportation, nutrition, and advocacy, while partnering with more than 75 community organizations. Pam highlights the challenges of an aging population, the importance of Medicaid and millage funding, innovative behavioral health programs, and the ongoing mission to help older adults age safely at home with dignity and independence.