MCSC Latest Updates

Happy September!!!

Our next MCSC Board Meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 28, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Commissioner Joe Sowmick will be hosting us at the Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant (I have attached directions). A Native Buffet lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 am. We will be sending you the meeting materials next week.

Please RSVP for the meeting to me at harveyj1@michigan.gov. We look forward to seeing you on September 28.

Click here for directions to the Ziibiwing Center

Governor's Service Awards - July 2, 2007

A big thank you to all of you that attended the Governor's Service Awards and/or helped with the fundraising effort. The event was a huge success. The Miracles had people out of their seats dancing to all their favorite songs, the GSA winners had powerful and inspirational stories, and the local performers were very entertaining. Early estimates show that we raised approximately $80,000 - $85,000. Very exciting! Here are some of the comments we have received:

Rochelle Riley, GSA emcee and Detroit Free Press columnist: Rochelle said GSA was excellent and she wants to participate every year. She also said she was still tearing up about the Tuesday Toolmen as she walked to her car afterwards. "It's one of the best days of my life. I loved doing it, loved being there, and loved the people."

Carlas “C.J.” Quinney, winner of the 2007 Outstanding Mentor Award: “Thank you so much. What a wonderful night! I really appreciate you introducing me to the Governor … Please let the Governor and the First Gentlemen know how appreciative I am as well.”

Nick Metzger, public affairs specialist for State Farm Insurance Companies: “The Governor's Service Awards event was wonderful. Your team should be very proud of all your hard work, it certainly paid off. I've had many nice comments from our partners in the community regarding the evening’s events. Too, the Miracles were awesome.”

Shannon E. Dulin, senior public affairs coordinator for Comcast, Michigan Region:“We are so excited and honored to have won!!! Thank you!”

Mary Moellering, director of Brother Dan's Food Pantry (GSA finalist): “What an awesome program!!! Thank you for all that you did to help make it so special. Please thank everyone else that helped to recognize the volunteers in Michigan. Our bus didn't get back until 3:30 in the morning, but it was all worth it. All of our volunteers totally enjoyed all of it. And all of the winners truly deserved their awards. With all the bad news in the media, I think this should be put in the news all over the state!! … Thank you again for all that you do!”

Karen McDaniels, Gail & Rice, Inc. (secured The Miracles): “I was glad to be a part of this wonderful event.”

The event also received a lot of print coverage leading up to the event and the day of the event, including:

Battle Creek Enquirer (multiple articles)

Detroit Free Press (multiple articles)

Detroit News

Flint Journal

Grand Rapids Press

Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Jackson CItizen Patriot

Lansing State Journal (multiple articles)

The Mining Journal

Reauthorization Legislation

Last week, the House Education and Labor Committee approved bipartisan reauthorization legislation (H.R. 2857). This legislation affects Learn and Serve America and AmeriCorps programs and has a direct impact on the primary source of funding and activities of the Michigan Community Service Commission. We are reviewing the proposed legislation to determine what content is in keeping with the goals and priorities of the Commission. We will keep you informed of the progress of the legislation.

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 28 - MCSC Board Meeting, 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Commissioner Joe Sowmick will be hosting us at the Cultural Museum-Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Wednesday, October 24 - the Statewide Mentoring Conference will take place at the Holiday Inn West in Lansing. Last year we had over 400 attendees and are expecting the conference to grow this year.

Tuesday, November 13 - MCSC Board Meeting,11:00 - 3:00 PM

This meeting will take place at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing and will be in conjunction with the AmeriCorps Member Celebration. The times are tentative until the celebration agenda is confirmed.