Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Informational Seminar

A Dementia/Alzheimer’s Informational Seminar

Where do I look for help?

Our seminar is designed to help you navigate this challenge on behalf of your loved-one, and to provide you with resources where more information can be obtained.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

9:00 am – 12:30 pm local

East Bay Calvary Church

2225 E Hammond Road, Traverse City, Michigan, USA

NO CHARGE

Click here for more information.

Click here for reproducible flyer.

ALS Association Seeks Trademark for ‘Ice-Bucket Challenge’

From Chronicle of Philanthropy daily email - 29 August 2014

Citing concerns that profiteers are using the ice-bucket challenge for personal gain, the ALS Association has applied to trademark the phrase, writes The Washington Post. The disease charity, which has raised more than $94-million in the past month from the viral phenomenon, contends it owns the term “ice-bucket challenge” for giving purposes.

Erik Pelton, a trademark lawyer who drew attention to the application on his blog, told the Post he considered the bid “shameful,” adding, “I hope that they would never consider … preventing some other charity from using the phrase.” Other organizations with causes unrelated to nerve disorders like ALS have adopted the challenge to boost fundraisng.

The association did not originate the challenge, which went viral on social media in late July after it became linked with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The charity said it “secured the blessing of the families who initiated the challenge” before filing paperwork with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and that it took the step “after seeing many examples of unscrupulous profiteers trying to drive revenue to themselves, instead of the fight against ALS.”

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Ice Bucket goes over $100 million in giving - Click here

Help Wanted in Development

From NorthSky Nonprofit Network posting - click on link in the right column.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT  POSTING CLOSES SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy seeks a Director of Development.The Director of Development is responsible for administering the fundraising functions of the GTRLC, including supervision of the Development team staff.  

The full position description and application guidelines can be founded here. 

Qualified applicants please send cover letter, resume and references to mgarrock@gtrlc.org by September 22nd. Positions will remain open until filled. 

No telephone calls please.

NMC Marketing Class Seeks Projects

Via Northsky Nonprofit e-newsletter  - Click their site on the right column for more about them.

Marketing Class Seeks Projects 
An NMC Marketing class is seeking eight marketing plan projects to work on this semester. Students will work in teams to create a marketing plan for a business or organization, or for a specific product, service or event.

Interested parties should email class instructor Amy Schindler with the following info by September 5: name of business/org and brief description of the work it does, marketing plan project and objective, and contact info.

Sunrise Rotary celebrates 11 years, 14,000 donated backpacks

Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing - August 24, 2014

Courtesy photo Dozens of students and adults formed two assembly lines last Tuesday at Sabin Elementary School, filling more than 1,400 backpacks as part of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s “stuffing night.”

TRAVERSE CITY – The Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary Club gathered last Tuesday for its 11th annual ‘stuffing night’ to load school supplies into 1,400 backpacks for distribution to deserving students. With this year’s distribution the total number of backpacks that have been donated since program inception will exceed 14,000.

“So much volunteer time goes into this project,” said club president Sean Skarshaug. “And it’s worth every minute when you see the kids as they look through the pile of colorful backpacks to choose just the right one.

“It’s our way of letting the kids know we believe in them, we’re proud of them, and we want to support their education.”

More here ...

Sunrise Rotary celebrates 11 years, 14,000 donated backpacks - Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing

Pure Michigan leader George Zimmermann honored

Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing - August 24, 2014

Courtesy photo David Lorenz of Travel Michigan; Kathy Eiferle, Michigan Legacy Art Park Board President and Renee Hintz, Art Park Director, congratulate George Zimmermann as he receives the Legacy Award. 

THOMPSONVILLE – Guests at Michigan Legacy Art Park’s Legacy Gala on Saturday, Aug. 16, gave a standing ovation to George Zimmermann, the man who helped lead Michigan to national recognition through the Pure Michigan ad campaign.

Zimmermann received the Art Park’s Legacy Award, given to those who represent the spirit of the park, which celebrates Michigan’s arts, history and culture. Travel Michigan’s David Lorenz was at the event, recognizing Zimmermann with a speech and letter read on behalf of Michigan’s governor, Rick Snyder.

More here ...

Pure Michigan leader George Zimmermann honored - Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing

Cherry Festival Presents Checks to Charities

From the TC Ticker ...

August 28, 2014

National Cherry Festival officials conducted an event at Clinch Park in downtown Traverse City yesterday to thank the community for the "best Cherry Festival ever." Officials showcased a check totaling more than $28,000 to be donated to local charities and a check for $15,000 to be donated to the Boom Boom Club, which raises funds for Traverse City Fourth of July fireworks. Cherry Fest Executive Director Trevor Tkach also presented TC Mayor Michael Estes a comemmorative print of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as a gift to the city and an acknowledgement of the city's efforts during the festival. Permalink

Ice Challenge and ALS

Although, the last time I looked yesterday, ALS has raised nearly $88.5 million in this ice enterprise and this crowd fundraising has involved millions of people. I wonder ....

Here is the ALS site and release ... click here

TC Health Clinic Matching Giving

From Traverse City Health Clinic on-line newsletter

Community Rallies Around Matching Challenge Offers! Your gifts doubled! Again! First it was Rotary Charities of Traverse City who granted Traverse Health Clinic a $25,000 matching challenge. The generosity of you, our partners, quickly met that challenge! During this time, Huntington Bank offered to publicize the challenge on TV with their Connecting with Community ads, and then American Proficiency Institute put up another $25,000 challenge to the community! If you have not had a chance to donate to help increase provider time, please do, and American Proficiency Institute will double your generosity, up to $25,000. To make a gift, you may visit our website at traversehealthclinic.org or call our Development office at 231-935-0412.

Marketing Class Seeks Projects

from TC Ticker ... August 26, 2014

An NMC Marketing class is seeking 8 marketing plan projects to work on this semester. Students will work in teams to create a marketing plan for a business or organization, or for a specific product, service or event. Interested parties should email class instructor Amy Schindler with the following info by September 5: name of business/org and brief description of the work it does, marketing plan project and objective, and contact info. Permalink

Poverty Reduction Simulation

Send to me by Tom Emling, MSU ...

Dear Northwest Michigan Community Neighbors, Friends and Leaders;

Our Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) Steering Committee invite each of you to please join us for our next "Survive a 'Month' in Poverty" simulation workshop and community leadership conference on:

day/date:  Friday, September 19, 2014

place:       NMC Hagerty Conference Center 

                 715 E Front Street

                 Traverse City, MI  49686

time:         9:00 am to 11:50 am  (light refreshments served)

This 3-hour active learning opportunity fosters a deeper understanding about the daily challenges of living in poverty for more than 23,345 individuals, families, and neighbors throughout Northwest Michigan. Suggested $15/person donation or simply request a no-fee scholarship when registering.

For workshop details and to make your reservation today, simply click here. 

Please feel free to share our PRI invitation with friends, colleagues, neighbors, co-workers, board members, and ALL those who may also be interested in joining us on Friday morning, September 19… Thank you!

Paddle Antrim seeks executive director

Non Profit seeks Executive Director
The Director will supports efforts to maintain water quality in Antrim County's waterways. He/She will organize and facilitate a multi-day paddle event held to raise funds. details

Paddle Antrim is a non-profit group that supports efforts to maintain water quality in Antrim County’s rivers, lakes, and streams. Paddle Antrim supports investments in water trail infrastructure to facilitate public access.
The Paddle Antrim Festival will be a multi-day paddle event held to raise funds for the non-profit group.

Pickleball in Suttons Bay? Fundraising Campaign

TC Ticker ... August 26, 2014
A group of pickleball enthusiasts is hoping to raise $40,000 to build two pickleball courts at Herman Park in Suttons Bay. Pickleball is a cross between ping pong and tennis. The sport has seen an explosion of new players in recent years. So far, the group is a third of the way to its goal. More info on Facebook. Permalink

August 19, 2014 via email ....

Donate $20 and send a child back to school in new shoes!

$20 = 1 pair of shoes = 1 happy child

The Father Fred Foundation is seeking donations of $20 to help send area children back to school in new shoes - and a big smile - this fall. Every $20 donated between now and Labor Day will help us provide one child with a pair of brand new back-to-school shoes.

More click here

First crucial step of fundraising – building relationships!

Any nonprofit that relies on fundraising dollars for a major portion of their budget must also have multiple staff members who are comfortable with various aspects of the fundraising process. Anything less than total participation and maximum enthusiasm will be spotted by potential donors.

Far too often, most people discuss fundraising with terms and phrases that scare other members of their team – words like prospecting, asking, appealing, cultivating, stewarding, etc. This is usually not intentional. However, the result is still the same: we scare people out of the first crucial step of fundraising – building relationships!



Yes, this is a link to a good reminder about fundraising...build relationships first!

LIAA Hires New Executive Director

TC Ticker :

August 16, 2014

The Land Information Access Association (LIAA) in Traverse City has a new executive director - only the second in the nonprofit's 21-year history. Whitney Waara has been hired to lead the organization after LIAA co-founder Joe VanderMeulen stepped down in July to pursue writing and consulting opportunities, according to a company statement. Waara most recently served as Vice President of Operations at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C., and brings a background in strategic planning, grants, operations and organizational development. She will oversee all of LIAA's programs, including the UpNorth Media Center, which houses the public and government-access television services for northwest lower Michigan. A Marquette native, Waara now lives in Traverse City with her husband and three young sons. Permalink

Job Opening

The American Red Cross is seeking a Major Gift Officer/Chapter Leader for the Northwest Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan.  A brief job description is attached.

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and an advanced degree is highly desirable. Qualified candidates will also have a minimum of 2 years of major gifts fundraising experience, however we prefer more experience in all aspects of development.  The position would also be the “face” of the Red Cross in the community, developing relationships with individual and corporate donors,  the funding community, media and other community partners.

For more information and to apply visit the following link:

https://www.americanredcross.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=44496&CurrentPage=35&sid=106

Tim Lipan

Executive Director – Muskegon Office, West Shore Office

Senior Chapter Executive – West Michigan Region

American Red Cross

313 W. Webster Ave.

Muskegon, Mi. 49440

Office:  231-720-4222

Fax:  231-722-4126

Timothy.lipan@redcross.org

Fifth Third Donates Another $100k to Cancer Center

From TC Ticker

August 12, 2014

Fifth Third Bank has announced its second $100,000 donation to the Cowell Family Cancer Center project at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. With this donation, Fifth Third emphasized the hospital's use of local contractors. "We appreciate the economic impact this facility will have on northern Michigan residents and patients in terms of job,s access, and beyond that, Munson's commitment to the local economy through its support of local construction firms," says David Shooltz, community president of Fifth Third Northern Michigan. As part of its recent round of construction bids, Munson awarded $17 million in contracts to 12 contractors from the Grand Traverse region. The project broke ground in May and plans call for the center to open in 2016. Local firms working on the project include Advanced Fire Protection, Bay Masonry, Bloxsom Roofing, Comstock Construction, DW Mechanical, Floor Covering Brokers, Grand Traverse Nurseries, Integrity and Balance, Molon Excavating, National Coatings and Windemuller Electric. Permalink

ISEA has new staff

From the Traverse City Record Eagle - click here

BY SARAH ELMS selms@record-eagle.com | Posted: Monday, August 11, 2014 6:00 am

TRAVERSE CITY — The Inland Seas Education Association’s new lead scientist and director of education is working to update the schooner’s educational programs and strengthen relationships with other scientists and conservation experts.

Jeanie Williams, a Cadillac native, left her adjunct instructor position at Vermont Community College to move back to her home state and join the Inland Seas, a nonprofit organization that aims to protect the Great Lakes through education.

She said the position appealed to her because it combines scientific research and teaching.

“My degree is biology, and I fell into education and have never left,” Williams said.

Williams wants to start revamping the schooner’s educational opportunities once the busy summer season is over.

“We’ve been doing basically the same program for about 25 years, and it’s time for a change,” she said.

She wants to differentiate educational opportunities for the spring and fall seasons, as well as add more programs geared toward teens and young adults.

“High school and college groups can really utilize the research aspects of what we do,” Williams said. “There are really complex stories that we can engage our high school students in that would be harder to do with the younger students.”

Her goal is to survey the folks who participate in Inland Seas

programming and hear their suggestions before making changes.

“We’re trying to complement what teachers are doing in their schools, so we’re very interested in learning from teachers what they would like to see in their programming,” she said.

Williams also hopes to collaborate more with other scientists and collect data to establish a baseline for water quality and aquatic life in Lake Michigan.

Her team will work on shoreline monitoring projects, track the invasive goby fish population, research native species trends and soon will collect data on microplastics in the Grand Traverse Bay. Microplastics are plastic pieces smaller than five millimeters that pollute the water, a topic Williams said is new for Great Lakes researchers.

“We’re trying to expand our work in that way so that we’re collecting data that can be used by the scientific community,” she said.

Williams ultimately wants to see people connect their experiences with Inland Seas and on the water to everyday life.

“Science is really fun,” she said. “It’s not about memorization. It’s about experience. It’s about creativity. It’s about discovering.”

YMCA officials: Gymnastics, tennis programs to continue

From the The Traverse City Record Eagle - Click here

BY SARAH ELMS selms@record-eagle.com | Posted: Monday, August 11, 2014 5:34 pm

TRAVERSE CITY — Many Grand Traverse Bay YMCA members are worried about what's in store for the Y's gymnastics and tennis programs since the ouster of the organization's long-time executive director.

Tom Van Deinse, who left his post suddenly on Aug. 8, coached tennis at the Y. His two sons continue to run the tennis program, and his wife, Betsy Van Deinse, runs the gymnastics program with their three daughters.

Parents and children alike are left wondering how long the rest of the Van Deinse family will continue to work at the Y and if programs would last without them.

"We're very scared," said Jackie Dalke, whose two daughters are on the Y's competitive gymnastics team.

Dalke and Jamie Tabaczka have driven from Manistee to Traverse City four times a week the last six years so their daughters can train in Traverse City.

They could train at a gymnastics gym 25 minutes from their homes, but instead travel more than an hour each way to the Y's facility on Woodmere Avenue. It's not the gym that makes the commute worthwhile, they said. Rather, it's the Van Deinse coaching staff.

"If these coaches weren't here, we'd be gone," Tabaczka said. "The coaches make it."

Traverse City resident Nancy Earnest said the Van Deinses are more than just athletic trainers. They're family to her and to the other parents who leave their children in their care for up to 12 hours a week of gymnastics practice.

"The whole family, they are amazing role models. I don't know of any other place where I would drop my kid off for three hours (a day) and know she'll be safe," Earnest said.

Jennifer Gerling said the same belief holds true for the Y's tennis community. She calls the Y her "home away from home" because she and her two sons use the tennis courts five to six times a week.

"It's not the building that we love, it's the people," she said.

Lynn Schultz, the YMCA's board president, said all Van Deinse family members except for Tom Van Deinse continue to work at the Y, and the gymnastics and tennis programs will continue.

"It was never our intention to remove any other Van Deinse family employee from the Y payroll," Schultz said.

She refused to explain Tom Van Deinse's departure after 14 years with the YMCA.

Gerling said she's "desperately worried" about the tennis program's future and said the sudden leadership change blind-sided her.

"If we don't get this resolved within the next couple of weeks, instead of a grand opening, you're going to have 100 people picketing," Gerling said, referring to the long-delayed opening of the Y's new facility on Silver Lake Road.

GTB Awards Nearly $690,000 in Gaming Revenue

From the TC Ticker ...

August 11, 2014

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians has announced the distribution of $689,660 – the first installment of its twice-yearly two percent allocation of video gaming revenue to local units of government. Its largest allocation – $100,000 – went to both Suttons Bay Public Schools and Traverse City Area Public Schools for their Indian Education Program. Northport Schools received $45,000 and Elk Rapids Schools, $30,000. A government to government contract with Leelanau County for its prisoner housing contract received $63,875. Among the other recipients were the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, the Father Fred Food Pantry Program (via GT County), and the Leelanau County Senior Services Program. Since the two percent allocation began in 1994, the Band has allocated more than $32 million dollars to hundreds of local organizations. Permalink Copy of media release - 30 July 2014 - Click here

Local YMCA Looking for New Leader

From the TC Ticker ... August 9, 2014

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is looking for a new leader. The board of directors has announced a "new direction" in leadership and says a search for a new executive director will begin immediately. CEO Tom Van Deinse has led the organization since 1999. A capital campaign and subsequent construction of the first phase of the new YMCA on West Silver Lake Road has defined his tenure – a project whose fundraising efforts were significantly slowed by the economic recession and recently has been plagued by weather and construction delays. The new facility is now expected to open within the next 30 days, according to a statement by Board President Lynn Schultz. The Michigan YMCA USA Resource Director will consult with the local board and interim operational and financial management is already in place. Permalink

SwingShift Dancers, Charities Announced

August 8, 2014: TC Ticker

The 7th season of SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity kicked off last night with the announcement of the six celebrities and the participating charities at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City. They are: Beth Footh dancing with Hans Benghauser for BrickWays Jeff Haas and Meghan Daigh for Building Bridges with Music Brenda Sampson-Welch and Danny Brizard for Conflict Resolution Services Jose Lopez and Liz Reincke for Justice for our Neighbors Dr. Heather Rassel and Cliff Shanoski for Mariposa Pathway Troy Broad and Pam McCormick for Leelanau Christian Neighbors Dancers will take the floor for their first competition on September 19. See the season's full schedule here. Over the last six years, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for local nonprofit organizations. Permalink

Caring For Kelsey Fundraiser Friday

TC Ticker: August 7, 2014

Bill Marsh on South Airport in Traverse City is raising funds this Friday (Aug. 8) to support Kelsey Clous, a 21-year-old from Kingsley who is fighting a rare blood clotting disorder. The fundraiser includes hundreds of fresh baked items, a silent auction, lunch, Moomers ice cream, oil changes and car washes. Cash donations also accepted online. All funds go toward helping the family with non-medical bills. Permalink

Transitional Home For Women Closing

August 2, 2014, TC Ticker

My Sister's House, a transition home for young women, has announced it is closing its doors. The nonprofit opened in Kingsley two years ago, serving women who are homeless, at high risk of becoming homeless or who have "aged out" of the foster care system. In that time, it has empowered 22 young women, according to its founder Cristy Allen. Allen writes to the organization's supporters that the nonprofit does not "have the finances to continue," the home it has been leasing is on the market, and that it can not afford to relocate right now. The organization is operated solely by volunteers and private donations. "We are in the process of finding new housing and support for our current residents, with plans to close the doors on September 30th," Allen writes. "We will be looking at the viability of possibly reopening at a new location in the future." Allen asks that supporters, volunteers and others continue to provide support if able for the next couple of months, estimating the cost to care for the young women and other expenses related to closing at $7,900. Permalink

From TC Ticker Classifieds ...

Cultural Program Director
The Old Art Building in Leland, Michigan is seeking a Program Director. Knowledge of Excel, Word, QuickBooks, & Access is required. Candidate will be the primary contact for scheduling events, classes, programming, budgeting and grant writing. Working some weekends and evenings is required. Thirty hour per week minimum. Benefits include health insurance and paid vacation. Equal opportunity employer. For a complete job description visit www.oldartbuilding.com/programdirector. Send resume to lisukda@charter.net by August 15, 2014. details