Detroit students teaming with homeless to turn old tires into new hope

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 8, 2009

For More Information:
Rebecca Martusewicz, 734-730-7359 or rmartusew@emich.edu

Detroit students teaming with homeless to turn old tires into new hope
Kids’ innovative ‘green’ project with Eastern Michigan University, Hope of Detroit Academy, Cass Community Social Services transforms scrap rubber into doormats

WHO: 22 seventh-grade students and teachers from Hope Detroit Academy are partnering with EMU educators, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, Cass Community Social Services staff and local homeless volunteers

WHAT: Collecting scrap tires from the neighborhood where the school is located in SW Detroit and taking them to Cass Community Social Services for conversion into new residential doormats (Cass provides training and jobs to homeless clients they serve by teaching them the conversion process)

WHY: The project is part of the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (www.glstewardshiporg) and Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition to improve K-12 education and protect the environment by having elementary, middle and high school students use “place-based learning” to study ecology and community issues

WHEN: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Tuesday, May 12

WHERE: Intersection Hope Detroit Academy, 4443 N. Campbell, and east of Livernois Avenue

The Country Club of Lansing Sponsors Fashion Show to benefit The Greater Lansing Food Bank

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2009

Contact: Cathy Lazar,
The Country Club of Lansing
Phone: 517-318-5201
Mobile: 517-290-1007
Email: clazar@cclansing.org

The Country Club of Lansing Sponsors Fashion Show to benefit The Greater Lansing Food Bank

LANSING, Mich. — The Country Club of Lansing (CCL), one of Michigan’s most recognized and revered golf, dining and family clubs, today announced that it is sponsoring the first-ever Fashion for Food: a Fashion Show to Benefit The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The event on Thursday, April 30th begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Country Club of Lansing, 2200 Moores River Drive, in Lansing.

The event will preview the latest Spring and Summer fashions by Carlisle, Doncaster and Etcetera women’s fashion collections. The idea for the fundraiser was a collaborative effort by several local women business owners, Jane Bitsicus, Marian Boulus, Melinda Doyle, Vivian Dwyer, Pam Harden and Elizabeth Vanis, to create an exciting, upbeat event that would benefit a very worthy and relevant cause in our community. “In these increasingly difficult economic times, we are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of people accessing the food bank, in fact a startling 49% are children.” according to Cheryl Wald, Chair of the Board of Directors, of The Greater Lansing Food Bank. “As summer approaches we have an even bigger need to provide for kids, and we appreciate fundraising efforts such as the Fashions for Food event”, said Terry Link, the new Executive Director of The Greater Lansing Food Bank.

The community is invited to attend the fundraiser this Thursday, April 30th, at 5:30pm at The Country Club of Lansing , 2200 Moores River Drive, in Lansing. The cost is $50 per person to benefit The Greater Lansing Food Bank. Hors d’oeuvres will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and the Fashion Show begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will be invited to stroll the collections following the show. There will be drawings for door prizes donated by the business owners of Carlisle, Doncaster and Etcetera. Bob Hoffman, Manager of Public Relations for the Wharton Center will emcee the fashion show and local models will model the collections. A number of local business owners have made donations to assist in the production of the fashion show on April 30 at The Country Club of Lansing.

To attend this event, please call (517) 484-4567 to make your reservation. In addition, please feel free to bring non-perishable items to fill the truck from The Greater Lansing Food Bank.

The CCL has long been known for delivering a first class dining experience, a premier clubhouse, beautiful and challenging 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and tennis courts and family-focused programs to enjoy all year long. Chris Freeman, General Manager, said,” We are pleased to provide a venue for such a worthy cause in our community.”

The CCL began on May 4, 1908 as the Lansing Golf Club. The organization incorporated and became the Country Club of Lansing in 1920. The CCL today continues to provide a traditional country club lifestyle for its members and their families and guests. Members enjoy personalized service, impeccable food and championship caliber golf.

For more information, please contact Cathy Lazar, CCL Marketing Director, at clazar@cclansing.org or 517-318-5201, or Chris Freeman, CCL General Manager, at 517-484-4567.

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Michigan college funds keep growing

Saving plans sound despite bad economy, leaders say

Michigan’s two college savings programs remain sound investments, despite the struggles with the stock market, leaders said Tuesday.

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) have seen modest growth in the economic downturn — up 1 percent and 10 percent from 2007, respectively, according to the state. And changes in the tax code, for this year only, may make MESP more inviting for families wanting to save early for college.

Families with questions about the Michigan plans are invited to talk with experts Wednesday in a live Web chat. Robin Lott, executive director of MET, and Renee Hill, program manager for MESP, will be available for a Web chats on WXYZ TV’s Web site from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 5- 6 p.m. today.

To participate, go to www.wxyz.com. The experts will provide verbal responses to questions typed into the chat window or called in to (248) 356-0077.

MET is a guaranteed tuition plan that allows parents to pre-purchase tuition at today’s rates for state universities and colleges. MESP is a 529 savings program that is investment-based and where money can be used to pay for tuition, as well as books, supplies, required fees and certain room and board costs at any qualified institution in the nation.

Parents and guardians should consider both when planning for a child’s future to reap the benefits of both, Hill and Lott say.

“With MET you are locking in the cost of tuition today and MESP can help you pay for all the other costs, (such as) room and board and fees and laptops,” Hill said. “There’s an opportunity for parents who have a long investment time frame. And for those who don’t, we still have very conservative options available.”

MET has sold 89,000 contracts; 35,000 have been paid out and a little over 15,000 are being paid out. On average, 3,500 contracts are sold a year, Lott said. The latest annual actuary review of the program in September found that program is sound, Lott said.

“It’s good to see the plan is adapting and responding to the economic crisis,” said Dennis Pace, 58, an advertising director from Dimondale who started an MESP account for his 3-year-old grandson two weeks after he was born.

Tuition on average among Michigan’s public universities increases 7.3 percent a year, Lott said. And if families can buy tuition contracts at today’s prices, the savings can be considerable, Lott said. “I think most folks have realized that tuition in Michigan doesn’t go down,” Lott said of the program’s growth.

For the MESP program, Michiganians have invested $1.65 billion in the program through more than 211,000 accounts, Hill said.

Due to changes in the tax code, investors in the MESP program will be allowed to change investment options two times in 2009, instead of once. This means families with students nearing college age, for example, can move into more conservative investments.

One MESP investment option guarantees the principal plus interest.

The latest investment options might be more helpful for parents of teens, Pace said, but “are great moves. That would make it more appealing for more parents. .. The longer you wait (to save), the more difficult it is.”

The IRS also has increased flexibility in the types of college-related purchases the money can be used for — laptops, most computer software and Internet service are now permissible.

Both plans provide a state tax deduction for Michigan residents and tax-free growth if used for qualified college expenses.

Michigan is encouraging families to consider investing at a time when other states’ 529 plans haven’t fared as well. Alabama’s prepaid tuition plan suffered significant losses and its board froze enrollment Tuesday over fears it wouldn’t be able to pay out tuition in the future.

Pinckney Recreation Area Offers a ‘Paddle to Hell’ April 1

Contact: Jon LaBossiere 734-426-4913
Agency: Natural Resources

March 24, 2009

Pinckney Recreation Area is announcing its spring “GO-Get Oudoors” recreational stimulus package with a “Paddle to Hell” on Wednesday, April 1, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Bruin Lake boat launch.

Under the best conditions, this is an easy four-mile paddle through Hell, Michigan. However, this early in the season the water is cold and the weather is unpredictable. This is an all-weather event and will be cancelled only if there is still ice on the lakes.

The cost of the paddle trip is free, but donations are being accepted for picnic table and grill replacements. Participants will need to register at (734) 426-4913. This event is limited to 20 boats, so participants are urged to register soon.

The Bruin Lake boat launch is located at 21237 Kaiser Rd. near Gregory, which is near Hell, Michigan. For more information about the park, this event, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park supervisor at (734) 426-4913 (or TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/pinckney.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks this year. Activities are planned throughout the year. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.

Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors

DNR is holding town hall meetings

TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a series of town hall meetings to discuss the state’s and agency’s conservation priorities.

DNR Director Rebecca Humphries will lead the sessions, while the public can ask questions and make comments.

Humphries is expected to speak about natural resource management, land management, recruitment of outdoor enthusiasts, priorities for the future and what citizens value most about outdoor activities in Michigan, among other topics.

One of the meetings will be on April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. in Traverse City.

Other meetings will be held in Grand Rapids, Midland, Marquette and Novi.

Those with disabilities who need special accommodations should call (517) 373-6919 at least five days in advance.

Ferris State University Hosts Second Michigan Energy Conference

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University continues to be at the forefront of teaching and meeting the needs of its students and community by hosting the second Michigan Energy Conference April 16 and 17. This year’s conference will focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.

The outcome of the conference is for participants to leave with an understanding of the carbon footprint; along with the opportunities and challenges with Michigan’s renewable portfolio and realizing sustainability through renewable resources. This includes the transmission and distribution of energy, alternative energy, energy efficiencies and solutions.

Bringing industry, government and educational leaders together to discuss our energy challenges puts Ferris in line with the State’s recent commitment to have Michigan a leader in renewable energy, said Ron McKean, associate dean of Ferris’ College of Engineering Technology. “The Energy Conference provides a forum to discuss important energy issues and foster ideas that will result in opportunities for Michigan,” McKean added.

Conference events are open to the public as well as students, teachers and faculty; and begin Thursday, April 16, with workshops during the day that include energy auditing for business owners, becoming a home energy rater, HVAC commissioning and understanding alternative fuels for transportation. The evening wraps up at Ferris’ G. Mennen Williams Auditorium with presentations by Paul Proudfoot from the Michigan Public Service Commission on Michigan’s new energy laws and initiatives, Jeff Goody from Vestas Blades of America sharing wind energy solutions and Bill Harper from Chevron Energy Solutions on responding to our energy challenges. Student poster contest awards will also be presented.

The conference starts in earnest on Friday with keynote speakers Michelle Buckler from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber introducing carbon footprint and Stephen Hamstra from GMB Architects discussing reducing carbon footprint. The rest of the day will focus on break-out sessions covering topics on creating and delivering renewable energy, alternative energy — site solutions, and energy efficiency solutions in business and industry. There will also be special guest speaker, Stanley Pruss, director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, during lunch on Friday.

The Michigan Energy Conference participation and support includes: The Association of Energy Engineers; ASHRAE; Cascade Engineering; Consumers Energy; DTE Energy, Greater Grand Rapids The Right Place, Inc./Innovation Works; Green Mechanical Council; NextEnergy; Viessmann; West Michigan Environmental Action Council; and West Michigan Strategic Alliance, among others.

Ferris has built upon some of these partnerships and is working closely with them on other efforts, including the recent award of a grant designed to build community partnerships promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use. Ferris’ Director of Corporate and Professional Development Tom Crandell said, “This is a countywide effort that ties into sustainability efforts at Ferris to become known as the energy efficiency center of Michigan. By hosting this conference we are providing a forum for the public to understand solutions for renewable energy and offer workshops targeted at industry professionals.

The first Michigan Energy Conference held in 2008 had more than 200 business and community leaders, faculty and students; and was highlighted with a speech from Grand Rapids businessman Dick DeVos. “We are planning for even larger attendance this year,” said Debra Fisher, Michigan Energy Conference committee member.

For more information, admission pricing, or to register for the second annual Michigan Energy Conference, visit www.ferris.edu/mec. If you are interested in sponsoring please visit the Web site and request information before March 31, 2009.

Ferris State University Selects Architecture Firm for New Optometry Facility

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University has selected Neumann/Smith Architecture of Southfield, Mich., to design and build the new facility for the Michigan College of Optometry/Center for Collaborative Health Education, for which construction is slated to begin in May 2009.

After years of lobbying efforts by Ferris and the Michigan Optometric Association, the state of Michigan has committed the funds for the new facility, which has a total projected cost of $26.9 million, with the state of Michigan providing 75 percent of that cost, or $20,175,000. Ferris is responsible for raising the remaining 25 percent, or $6,725,000. To date, more than $1,356,000 has been pledged to or raised by the university for the new facility, including a $1 million gift from the Dow Foundation.

“The new facility will be a tremendous asset in meeting MCO’s goal of educating students to become successful optometrists,” said David Eisler, president of Ferris. “Not only will a modern facility attract the best and brightest students and faculty from across the U.S., but it will provide patients with a more comfortable health-care environment,” added Eisler.

Specifically, the new facility will feature a ground-floor eye and vision care clinic offering clinical training for optometry interns and optometric/medical eye care to area residents; optical and contact lens dispensary where student interns receive practical hands-on training in the fitting of optical devices; a laser surgery room for staff ophthalmologists allowing student interns to gain experience on campus in the handling of pre- and post-operative care of patients undergoing eye surgery; classrooms, laboratories and faculty/administrative offices; distance-learning facilities; teaching auditorium; research laboratories; and an Optometric Center for Lifelong Learning and Competency for the continuing education of MCO/FSU graduates.

“The MCO family has dreamed of a new building for more than 15 years,” said Dr. Nancy Peterson-Klein, interim dean of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris. “We are extremely grateful to all those who have helped us secure funding for our building, and we look forward to our continued success in realizing our vision of gradating outstanding healthcare providers of tomorrow.”

Neumann/Smith plans to build the estimated 91,000-square-foot modern health-care facility on the proposed site at the corner of State Street and Ferris Drive, next to the College of Allied Health Sciences, creating an educational synergy within the health sciences complex of Optometry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences at Ferris.

The architecture firm is no stranger to the Ferris campus. The firm most recently designed the Interdisciplinary Resource Center connector, and they also designed the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education, and the Timme Center for Student Services.

Neumann/Smith’s design and management capabilities are complemented by the construction management firm Clark Construction Co. of Lansing and Petoskey; the medical expertise of Medical Design International (MDI); mechanical and electrical engineers from DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc.; technology specialists from The Sextant Group; site/civil engineers and landscape architects from Hubbell, Roth and Clark; and structural engineers from Desai/Nasr Consulting Engineers. Collectively the team offers extraordinary expertise and experience to complete the new Michigan College of Optometry facility at Ferris State University.

District putting finishing touches on Summer School program

The Northville School District is in the process of finalizing the details for the 2009 Summer School program. This is to provide information regarding dates for the Northville Public Schools Summer Connections program, along with an overview of the anticipated course offerings. Course offerings will be finalized over the next several weeks. A follow up ListServ communication will be sent to families as soon as the Summer Connections brochures are finalized and posted on the District website.
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NPS continues to offer a Summer Connections program which includes enrichment opportunities along with credit recovery options for students, as well as to give high school and incoming high school students the opportunity to fulfill some of the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements over the summer. This summer program opportunity provides students with greater flexibility in their schedules in order to explore elective courses and/or to take additional higher level courses.

The majority of classes will be held from June 22-July 23 for high school and middle school students, and from June 22-July 22 for elementary school students. All classes will be held at Northville High School, unless otherwise noted.

HIGH SCHOOL CONNECTIONS

A variety of credit classes will be offered to high school students including English Nine and English Ten, Algebra I, Biology, Earth Science Essentials, U.S. History, Civics, International Issues, Economics, Physical Education, and Seminar. New to the schedule this year will be an Algebra I Concepts & Skills class, Geometry, and Health.

Summer Connections will also offer Michigan Virtual School Student Direct courses for high school students in Algebra I, Geometry, English 9 and English 10, Civics, U.S. History, Biology and Chemistry. The online courses are an additional credit recovery option for students who have previously taken the course as part of their regular academic schedule and need to recover credit. These classes are student-directed, self-paced and entirely online with some support from a mentor teacher.

Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute Media Advisory

MEDIA ADVISORY
February 25, 2009

CONTACT:
Dr. Soji Adelaja
517.432.8800

John Kinch
517.432.8800 Ext. 111

What
A new report to be released by Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute, entitled “Chasing the Past or Investing in Our Future: Placemaking for Prosperity in the New Economy.”

Among the findings: Michigan’s metropolitan areas must do a better job of attracting and keeping young workers, retirees and well-educated immigrants for its job market to improve.

When
9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Where
House Committee on “The New Economy and Quality of Life,” chaired by Representative Ed Clemente.
Room 521, Anderson House Office Building

Who
Presenters include:
Dr. Soji Adelaja, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy, Director of the Land Policy Institute and Co-Director of People and Land
Bill Rustem, CEO and President of Public Sector Consultants and Co-Director of People and the Land

For more information, contact: John Kinch at kinch@landpolicy.msu.edu or 517.432.8800 x 111 or 517.993.7718.

Ferris State approves sharing of MSU’s Grand Rapids med school building

By Justin Harris
The State News
Published: February 20, 2009

MSU will share its College of Human Medicine campus in Grand Rapids with Ferris State University’s School of Pharmacy after the Ferris Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 10-year lease today.

MSU’s Board of Trustees approved the lease last week, which will allow Ferris’ School of Pharmacy to occupy the seventh floor of the Secchia Center.

“Both sides, us here at Ferris State and also at Michigan State worked very closely and very hard to put this partnership together, and we really think this is going to do great things for our pharmacy school,” Ferris spokeswoman Leah Nixon said.

“We’re quite pleased with the opportunity and looking forward to the partnership with Michigan State University.”

As part of the lease, MSU will fund and complete construction of the seventh floor according to Ferris’ specifications.

During the first five years of lease, Ferris will pay MSU back for construction costs as well as paying a base rent. Construction is expected to cost about $4.6 million.

The Secchia Center is set to open in summer of 2010.

Ferris will pay a base rent of $18 per square foot with a 3 percent annual increase, as well as its share of maintenance, insurance and utilities. For the first year of the lease, Ferris will pay about $420,000 in base rent, which doesn’t include operation costs or build-out payback.

Published on Friday, February 20, 2009