Michigan in Perspective 58th Conference Held in Sterling Heights

Don't miss on the most informative and entertaining event highlighting Detroit Southeast Michigan- Michigan in Perspective: The Local History Conference is held annually in the Wayne/Oakland/Macomb tri-county area and is open to anyone interested in state or regional history.  Last year over 500 history and cultural enthusiasts took part in captivating visual presentations, story-telling from well-known historians, authors, and distinguished academia covering topics related to this region's history.

This year will be especially popular with excellent presentations and keynotes to include:


Forged by Fire: Detroit’s Riots and Rebellions and

How Chaos Created a Community

Reflections on Representing Michigan With Former U.S. Senator Carl Levin

A Family’s Story: Asian-American

Immigrants 1965 – Present

Natural and Cultural Resources: A Marriage Made in Michigan

Enjoy two days full of “meet and greets,” refreshments, and optional meals.
In addition to the great presentations, nearly 50 exhibitors and vendors will be on hand to share and offer wonderful historic and cultural related items from books, services, tours, etc. 

The Friday Reception will feature the Dodworth Saxhorn Band.   

To end the icing on the cake, go out with a bang at the Saturday's Gala: Echoes of Yesteryear: A Cavalcade of Characters From Michigan’s Past.

Hurry and register now to get the affordable conference rate!  For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan, please visit www.hsmichigan.org or e-mail us at hsm@hsmichigan.org.

The Historical Society of Michigan is our state’s oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan’s rich history.

 

MICHIGAN HISTORY MAGAINE ROLLS OUT REDESIGN

 The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) is pleased to announce the redesign of its flagship magazine, Michigan History, starting with the January/February 2016 issue. New and enhanced features, such as “Made in Michigan” and “Trips by Topic,” have been wrapped up in a refreshed design that make the bi-monthly publication easier for readers to navigate through the content.

           “We are very excited about the redesign of our flagship publication,” commented publisher Larry J. Wagenaar, who also serves as Executive Director of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Our redesign team, led by Michigan History editor Patricia Majher, did an outstanding job in updating the look and feel of the country’s most successful state history magazine and made it an even more compelling read.”

Edited for an audience of popular history enthusiasts, Michigan History brings to life the exciting stories of Michigan people, places, and events and their impact on the state, the nation, and the world.

The updated magazine includes three new features. The first, “Made in Michigan” highlights great things that originated in the Great Lakes State—from the first practical highway snowplow and the first professional hockey league to cat litter, cornflakes and cubicles. “Trips by Topic” suggests themed tours of Michigan museums—for example, aviation museums, fishing museums, or Native-American museums—based on HSM’s Historic Michigan Travel Guide. And “Wise Words” contains quotes by Michiganians or about Michigan on the many topics that have shaped our history. In addition, the book review section has been expanded to include Michigan history-related music and movies as well as books.

The magazine is published six times a year and is available for $24.95 for a one-year subscription and $41.95 for a two-year subscription. Orders may be placed by visiting www.hsmichigan.org/michiganhistory or by calling (800) 366-3703. Individual issues may be purchased for $6.95 at all Meijer and Barnes & Noble locations as well as at many independent bookstores throughout the state.

The Historical Society of Michigan is the state’s oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan’s rich history.

History of Royal Oak Revealed in Visit

Just about 14 miles from downtown Detroit, the City of Royal Oak (home to the Detroit Zoo) is considered one of the most dynamic and prolific communities melding hipsters, artisans, foodies, young and old professionals together in once place with a common interest...the preservation of the city's historic past.

According to Gloria Moran Harper, local historian and author, The naming of Royal Oak began when Michigan Territorial Governor Lewis Cass, on his way through the area from Detroit to Pontiac, stopped to rest under a very large oak tree, located at what is now Rochester Road and Main Street.  He exclaimed this really was a Royal Oak, referring to Bonnie Prince Charlie of Scotland, who once hid in a large oak tree.

Then in 1838, Sherman Stevens plotted 9 square blocks of the already built-up part of a settlement and named it Royal Oak after the township.

Muriel Versagi, the Museum Curator for the Royal Oak Historical Museum and Historical Society, gave me the dime tour of the museum which was originally the Royal Oak Fire Department Northwood  Station built in 1928.

The museum has an extensive collection of historical artifacts and rotating exhibits depicting all aspects of life of citizens who resided in Royal Oak.  This season's exhibit focuses on "Your Schools" a historic look at public and parochials schools from the mid 1800's through the 1960's.  The exhibit will run through the middle of September.

Ms. Versagi, who has lived in Royal Oak since the early 70's is still a "newbie" to the community.  However, her passion and zeal for preserving local history and using her entrepreneurial and communication expertise, she's become a model advocate and organizer for smaller historic museums.  Along with her volunteer staff of 13, Versagi has maximized the technological tools of the trade in archiving, cataloging and of course the social media/electronic communication.


The most interesting collections housed at the Royal Oak Museum include:

A display exhibit of Orson Starr family - One of the town's pioneering families who were one of the first manufacturers of the "Cowbell" in 1831.  The display shows a number of types of cowbell's made by this family business who still have a Michigan Farmhouse built in 1845 and is located at 2123 N. Main Street, one block south of 13 Mile Road.

Vintage fireman's gear and a life net (pictured top right) to go along with one remaining fire pole when it was in service.

A comprehensive collection of High School class photos dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

An archive of The Daily Tribune paper which is easily accessible.

What I found to be most intriguing about the Royal Oak Historical Society is their matriculation of home and property records of every citizen who every resided in Royal Oak.  According to Ms. Versagi, there are many cases where newly arrived couples and families come tot he Historical Society to get some background history of previous owner(s).  It's a great way to bridge the dividing age gap of millenials and boomers.  This is a trend the organization hopes to see in the future.

The Royal Oak Historical Museum is located at 1411 W. Webster in Royal Oak.  To learn more visit www.royaloakhistoricalsociety.com.

Star Power Rally Supports Early Childhood

From the New Citizens Press - May 17th 2013

On May 14^th at the State Capitol steps they came by the thousands – Parents, children, educators, early childhood professionals, care givers and advocates all donned in a sea of red t-shirts emblazed with the slogan “Star Power 2013.”   What was most impressive was watching everyone do the “Chicken Dance” to celebrate the kickoff.

Over 2,000 residents from across the state arrived to celebrate “Star Power 2013” which symbolizes the growing support and understanding of the role a school ready child plays in developing strong communities by lawmakers and advocates alike.

Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley were honored as Michigan champions of early childhood along with the Michigan Sandbox Party and sponsoring lawmakers to include State Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Detroit, a strong advocate for young families, and Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, who leads the charge for young children.

“Michigan parents and their children – from Escanaba to Monroe, from Benton Harbor to Cheboygan made their voices heard on a broad range of issues that impact a child’s opportunity for future success,” said Sarah Triplett, Michigan Sandbox Party assistant director of communications and civic engagement, who also indicated that Snyder referred to his budget proposal to put $130 million more into the Great Start Readiness program (GSRP) for the next two years as an opportunity to help eliminate the “readiness gap” for the state’s most vulnerable children-The prime recipients of the state-funded preschool program.

The recognition from the Michigan Sandbox Party comes as Snyder’s plan to expand preschool funding in Michigan to 29,000 additional 4-year-olds is under tough debate in the state Legislature.
 “Studies which conclusively show at-risk 4-year-olds are more likely to succeed in school and in life if they attend high-quality preschool – there’s no better return on investment than that,” added Triplett.

Compared to plans put forth by the state Senate and House, Snyder’s proposal to expand the GSRP is the most comprehensive of strategies advanced in Lansing during budget negotiations.
Under current funding of $109 million, the Great Start Readiness Program serves only about 32,000 children, half the number eligible. The governor’s plan would add 16,000 slots next year and another 18,000 the following year for a total of 66,000 slots by 2015. Lawmakers hope to finalize the 2014 budget next month.

“To accomplish that we must make vital investments that benefit our children so that all students learn at high levels and are fully prepared for the future. With this additional support for early childhood education we can guarantee that 16,000 more young Michiganders will be off to a great start,” said Triplett.

“This year the focus is on preschool, but there is much more that has to be done – early childhood really is the big picture to put us on a path toward a flourishing state,” said Judy Y. Samelson, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corp., a publicly owned nonprofit charged with building and coordinating Michigan’s early childhood development system.

After the rally, parents, children and early childhood supporters met by geographic regions and met with their respective representatives and senators to share their success stories and illicit their support.
At the end of the day, there were tired but happy faces, including the young toddlers dozing off in their strollers.  Now that’s a way to lobby around the Capitol! 

Volunteering: It's the Right Thing

from The New Citizens Press 

One Saturday morning, my 14-year old daughter asked me to help her sew and stuff over 50 “Care Bears” at our dining table.  I asked her what they were for.  She explained that her school’s service club was making these dolls for little children who are diagnosed with cancer at a Children’s Hospital.  “That’s a great volunteer project,” I said to her.  She just looked at me puzzled and said, “Dad it’s not just a project, it’s something I want to do.”  

National Volunteer Week was April 21 – April 27.  The week was about engaging individuals in service, inspiring others to join in a movement to advance the common good, recognizing outstanding volunteers and giving meaningful ways of thanks from both the recipient and the public. 

National Volunteer week was created in 1974 when President Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering.  Every year since that time, every U.S. President, along with many governors, mayors and other elected officials, have signed proclamations or publicly promoted National Volunteer Week.

Volunteering has always been an American Ideal woven into the fabric by a wide-spectrum of citizens:  From high school students tutoring to retirees delivering hot meals to seniors or professionals providing pro-bono service to organized labor groups building an access ramp at a home of person with physical disability.

Never before have volunteering been more popular than now.  If you put these deeds in dollar valuation consider this:  If approximately 400 non-profit organizations in Mid-Michigan who benefit the efforts of possibly 10 volunteers at each organization averaging 10 hours a month or 120 hours a year – that’s about 4,800 hours performed.  Even If you factor in a minimum hourly wage of the in-kind services it would amount to about $35,200.   That extra pair of hands have leveraged employee skills and talents for the benefit of nonprofits.

With over 85 million baby boomers and 50 million Gen Xers, there is a gap among the workforce in relation to the idea of work-life balance.  For baby boomers, its balancing family and work; for the Gen X it’s the fluctuation and mobilization of family and self interest.   And of course, the 76 million Gen Y or Millenials are more altruistic and have no clear division between work and family.  According to a recent Deloitte survey, more than half of the workers in this group prefer employment at companies that provide volunteer opportunities.  Progressive Companies who provide time-off for community service are successfully luring this new pool of young talent.

Another good example of this generation of giving back is through the Alternative Spring Break program coordinated by volunteer organizations and collegiate campuses across the nation.  This spring, many college students opted out of the traditional “Spring Break” fling and spent their week refurbishing old homes in high-risk neighborhoods in Florida.  Others convened in New Orleans area to help with the clean-up from the aftermath of Katrina. 

No other nation in the world is more willing to give of itself through volunteerism than Americans.  This was especially evident in the late 19^th and 20^th century during wartime and pre-and post depression.  Agencies born out of these movements include United Way, Red Cross, Boys & Girl Scouts, Catholic Charities and Salvation Army.  Naturally faith-based organizations have always been heralded as volunteers with spirit.

With the arrival of spring, there’s even more of a reason to get out and do some good.  The call to action for volunteers is not to give a “Hand out” but a “Hand up.”  

Now, if only I could clone and harness my daughter’s passion.  Imagine what a better world this would be.

Spring Break - A Snowbird's Rite of Passage

Article from The New Citizens Press www.tncp.net

Bags-Check. Cooler-Check. Sunscreen-Check. After a long, cold, damp gray winter, the anticipation of escaping from the "Blahs" where black ice, brown grass and gray skies could drive a person mad - gives us a rite of passage known as Spring Break.

Growing up in Southern California, I could not differentiate winter from spring. My only reference of Spring Break was something out of the movie "Where The Boys Are." (Thank you Connie Francis!). I asked myself then "What's the point?"

Becoming a Mid-Westerner transplant for almost twenty years, I now understand the need to escape...No matter the cost. The price for admission give us golden sunshine - a needed commodity that we have lacked these last few months. It is known that the sun is a good source of vitamin D. Having that vitamin deficiency is a major cause of depression.

For the sake of our family's mental health, the road trip was imperative. It would test our bonding experience driving 24 hours to Sarasota, Florida crammed like sardines, smelling like sardines strewn with pillows, snacks and electronic devices to fight off boredom. The latter has killed the spirit of a family road trip. No longer do we find ourselves playing "I Spy" or the out of state license plate game or even the age-old whine "Are we there yet?". Perhaps families find that having their iPods' portable DVD's really help make the trip less bearable and stress-free. More power to them.

The beauty of trekking the interstate across this great country is discovering what we have in common (fast food, malls, cars, friendly and rude drivers) and what differentiates us from our home (early greening, different accents and cultural norms). Being a geography buff, I always insist I throw factoids at my girls and indoctrinate them knowing the names of states, capital cities and products that are indigenous to their statehood. This is my legacy.

So the quest for this golden elixir required my family to migrate like birds, who have incidentally been doing this trek for over ten millennia. Only our disadvantage is without wings and a cargo full of "Stuff". Somehow we can learn a thing or two from our fine feathered friends about packing "light". The funny thing about traveling during this time of year is finding other snowbirds-brothers in arms from our Great Lakes in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Like blood flowing from veins to a single artery, the Heartland caravan trudges down Interstate 75 and 65 with one thing in common..."Latitude Adjustment".

For those who were able to escape to other lands, be it beaches, mountains or out of town elsewhere, the absence for a short period makes you fonder for hearth and home when you return to a familiar smell, yet, somehow different when you first left.

Perhaps the concept of Spring Break is not just about combing beaches or walking barefoot with less clothing and getting a neat bronze, but about a prelude to another growing season of enlightenment and re-birth or a new lease to a healthier life.

Mom's Right...Don't Burn Bridges

There’s an old adage we’re all familiar growing up with:  “What comes around goes around” or “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

A few years ago, I interviewed a sharp, talented young man to lead a project.  His credentials were impeccable, references acceptable and his personality and public appearance seem well-suited for the job.  In the following months, I started picking up unsolicited feedback from his network in his previous work and learned that he was opinionated and arrogant.  Rather than to go head-on with my newly appointed find, I took a back-seat approach and started to piece his communications and followed up with my clients that were working with him.  Then one day I received a blind carbon copy (bcc) email from one of my colleagues of an email sent by my young employee.  The content of that document had harmful statements and potentially damaging repercussions that could negate our relationship with key business leaders.  Without putting my source in harm’s way, I turned my follow-up meeting with my young employee into a learned-lesson of life…To keep your affairs in order and to “Engage your thoughts before engaging your mouth or words.”

I’ve known many colleagues and intimate friends over the years who have either come a long way in their career path or unfortunately, sealed their fate by “Burning Bridges” from their previous employers and clients.

For those unfortunate ones, their problem was communicating unwarranted negative statements, derogatory comments and in some cases, defamation of an individual or company through electronic messaging via email, text messages or social media postings.  Consequently, their actions bit back from behind.  The trouble they ran into was not paying attention to their “intended” audience which mushroomed into many different audiences.   Additionally, there’s the difficulty of managing and differentiating your personal and professional social media handles from Facebook, LinkedIn or Google Circles to even your own email contacts.

Lessons can be learned from the downfall of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s 370,000 text messages which ultimately resulted in numerous charges of embezzlement and corruption to the CIA Director’s affair caught by FBI e-mail monitoring.

But back on earth as you interact and engage with people –be it your neighbor, friend or people who you deal with on a day-to-day basis - Remember that anything you say will leave an impressionable mark in people’s mind.  Unless you’re clergy or an intimate and trusted confidant, people do not forget and people ultimately “Kiss and Tell” given the opportunity or circumstance. This is how the rumor-mill begins.

As we see many talented young adults enter the workforce, these communication tools become inherently part of their daily life.  Surely, they must know that we all now live in a huge fishbowl and that the world is everyone’s eye.  Especially today’s employer, recruiter or human resource manager – where they could drill deep into your social media world and find out whether you’re a Red Wings groupie, love sushi or “liking” cute animal pages.  Although many of these superlatives have no real factor in hiring or firing – it’s the little things like posting inappropriate personal messages or photos publicly that might be construed as a risk behavior. 

My intent is not to scare or prohibit you from exercising your freedom of expression and choices, nor to put a paranoia bug in your head when communicating, but to be mindful and careful of the words and actions you choose that may impact and negate others, because it may one day haunt you.

So take it from a mother’s advice and play nicely.