the news of michigan...2020 mceo convention as chairman of the 2020 state convention, i have been in...
TRANSCRIPT
the MCEO news of Michigan
FOR AND ABOUT THE MICHIGAN COMMUNITY EDUCATION OUTREACH
OUR MISSION REACHING OUT TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE THROUGH EDUCATION AND
SERVICES.
SUMMER 2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT
It has been a
memorable winter, to
say the least! Change
is inevitable, but we
weren’t expecting to have to change
so much in so short a time. It is my hope
that you have been able to keep well
with all that is going on.
This newsletter reflects the hard
decisions that the MCEO Board has had
to make this spring. Due to COVID-19
we had to cancel our District Meetings.
Having a Stay-at-Home order had
made it impossible to have regular
meetings.
This past week, the Board voted on the
following:
1) The convention committee was
encountering obstacles in the planning
process - how to social distance at our
venue, etc; there were too many
unknowns regarding the course the virus
could take; the risks involved for our
members seemed high; and it was felt
many members would feel too
uncomfortable to attend the
convention this year. Convention
cancelled. The convention committee
has been asked to continue planning
for the 2021 Convention at the same
site. The Doubletree in Bay City is
holding September 22-24, 2021 for us.
Put this date on your calendar and plan
to attend next year. We can have the
best Convention yet!
2) The raffle for this year is also
cancelled because we are under time
constraints, and because we are not
out and about to sell as we usually do.
We just received our license last week.
Usually we receive the license in
February and distribute tickets in early
May. We plan on doing a raffle in 2021.
Eventually, it is my hope that you might
have some gathering this year - picnics,
perhaps, with social distancing.
Thank you for supporting the decisions
made. We continue to transition with
HOPE and FAITH that all is in good
hands!
Sheri Drake, President
2020 MCEO CONVENTION
As Chairman of the 2020 State
Convention, I have been in contact
with the convention committee and
Sheri spoke with all the Board members.
it was a unanimous decision to cancel
the 2020 State Convention due to the
uncertainty of COVID19 and not to put
any members at risk. We contacted the
West UP District regarding the 2021
Convention and since they have not
made any plans, East Central is going to
host the 2021 Convention in Bay City at
the Doubletree Hotel. We were on track
with plans for this year so we have put
them on hold and will continue with
them in the spring 2021. We were
unable to reserve any date for October
so we will hold our convention
September 22-24, 2021. We will conduct
a tour on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. We
are looking forward to hosting you and
to seeing everyone for a great time.
Sharon Rajewski
FIND THIS BOOK
The Test is a book written and illustrated
by Jenn Gregory, an art teacher from
Grand Rapids. She wrote it in large part
for her daughter, who graduates this
year, and for other 2020 graduates. In
an interview she said that despite the
fact that she is an art teacher, the words
came to her first, during the night, and
then she drew the illustrations to go with
the words She bases it on the fact that
this class is “bookended” by two events
that will change their lives forever. On
one end they have 9/11 and on the
other they have COVID-19. No other
class in recent history has such
monumental events surrounding their
young lives. The author believes in their
abilities to cope with and rise above
those events. Available on Amazon.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEEER OUTREACH
NETWORK (NVON) CONNECTIONS
NVON has cancelled their national
convention due to the coronavirus. It
was to be held in July at Spartanburg,
South Carolina. It was a difficult decision
for them to make, as it would have been
their 25th Anniversary this year. Many of
their member states hold their State
Conventions in the summer and those
were cancelled as well. We hope that
next year the situation has improved to
the point that everyone might hold their
conventions as usual.
Look for the NVON newsletter online at
NVON.org
Our State sent a donation of $494.26 to
NVON for WATER AROUND THE WORLD -
the program that purchases water filters
for underdeveloped parts of the world.
Thank you for your generous donations.
PRIMARY ELECTION
Primaries are important to establish who
will run for each party in our coming
Presidential election in November.
Please participate, especially this year
when everyone can vote by absentee
ballot. Vote AUGUST 4th.
LOGO ARTISTS (STILL) WANTED
We will still take any MCEO logo
submissions you may have. Please send
them to Sharon Rajewski, our Editor at
730 S Huron Rd, Linwood MI 48634. She
will take them until October 1st. At that
time. we will put a ballot together that
we will end out to the membership for a
vote. We have some very creative
people out there……let’s hear from you!
REFRESHING SPRING TONIC
Cook 3 cups chopped rhubarb and ¾
cup sugar in 3 cups water until soft.
Puree in a blender and cool. Add 1 cup
cold pineapple juice and 2 cups cold
ginger ale. Stir well. Try Splenda for
sweetener and diet pop to reduce sugar
content
CHARACTER COUNTS
We have a winner! Delta County’s entry
from Thomas Hansen on RESPECT was
very well done. He will receive a
monetary prize from the State of $75.00.
Congratulations to Thomas! The title of
his essay is “Respecting the Red, White
and Blue”. His artwork is from a very
unique perspective. Enjoy! See page 6
EDUCATIONAL NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT
What’s Your Sense of Purpose?
When you fill out a medical form listing
your health history, vital statistics and test
results, there probably isn’t a spot for
“sense of purpose”.
The term may be hard to define, but it
can be a big factor in overall well-being,
physical condition and even life
expectancy.
In all phases of life, it’s good for your
health, particularly cardiovascular
health, to feel a sense of purpose,
according to Dr. Lawson Wulsin, Professor
of Psychiatry at University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine. “We all need a role
in life that’s meaningful to us and the
people who care about us.”
Lacking a sense of purpose, Wulsin said,
can be a factor in depression, which is
increasingly linked to physical health
problems. Norman Cousins’ 1979
landmark book Anatomy of an Illness,
which popularized the idea of using
humor to foster healing, and current
retirement guides that tell seniors to be
active and engaged mentally promote
the long-time wellness themes in mind-
body connections.
Researchers in a recent study analyzed
data from a survey conducted with 7000
Americans over 50 who measured how
strong their sense of life purpose were less
likely to die of heart, circulatory and
blood conditions. This surprised the
authors as reported in the “Journal of
American Medical Association”. Dr.
Leigh Pearce found the results very
striking.
A sense of purpose is not a “one-size fits
all” definition. Each person may see it
differently. One may see raising children
and grandchildren as a way to achieve
purpose. Some get it from volunteering.
Each person defines it themselves and
then can work toward fulfilling and
achieving purpose.
This topic might be something that you
discuss with your physician as part of your
wellness examination.
DISTRICT NEWS
WEST UP - DELTA COUNTY
Hello Michigan members of MCEO.
What a year, WHAT A YEAR!!!! It has
been a challenge for the county
members but we are all staying positive
and it will come to an end one day!!!
Our club - Town & Country - Delta Co.
had our first meeting for 2019-2020 on
Sept. 23rd. We have eight members in
the club now. There was registration for
NVON which we did not send in until
after the state convention in October to
see how the vote was going to be. Kathy
Couchene had a program on Teddy
Bears and how they came about. It was
really cute. The members also made up
the calendar for the year and enjoyed a
bring-your-lunch and Judith Gereau
brought the dessert.
October 28th meeting was attended by
the members . . . Judith Gereau was the
hostess and arranged for a tour of the
Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. Marian
Cota is a member and resident of the
Home. We celebrated her Birthday after
our lunch there. It was a very interesting
tour and we received a lot of
information. It really makes you think!!!
Nov. 25th. This was our Holiday Party.
Mary Nault & Arlene MacFarland were
the hostesses. The members sign up for
the family members that we give gifts to
for Christmas and we had a wrapping
party. Each member shows the club
what was purchased for their family
member and then the ribbon & paper
start a flying. A delicious lunch was
made and served by Mary & Arlene. The
members also bring fruit, cookies, &
candy for the family members. One of
our former member takes the gifts and
delivers them to the family at a later
date. Their response is so gratifying!!!
Jan. 27, 2020 was the first meeting of the
year - 2020. Judith Gereau arranged for
a tour of the new U.P. Welcome Center,
Commerce Center Organizations, & the
Webster Marble’s Inventing the Outdoors
Museum in Escanaba. Dennis Moberg
was our tour guide and really did give a
very informative tour. There are a
number of museums within the one
building. There is the Marble Arms Knife
History Museum. That is a beautiful
display of the history of how it got started
in Gladstone. Also, the work is in progress
for a Veteran’s of the Upper Peninsula
Museum which will open around fair
time. And of course, the Chamber of
Commerce offices are there along with
the UP State Fair offices and the tourist
information bureau. It is a must see.
Afterward the members traveled to the
Family Inn for a lovely lunch and
meeting.
Feb. 24, 2020 brought our group together
again. Kathy & David Couchene were in
charge. The members decided to make
tray favors for the assisted living homes in
our area. They were little mail boxes with
two candy treats in them. A delicious
lunch was served.
The year was short but filled with a
variety of activities. In January, I sent out
the Character Counts information to the
fourth-grade class and the home-
schooled teachers. I got the entries
back and judged. The top winner was
then sent on to the state. We are just
awaiting the final outcome. The pillar of
learning word for this year was
“RESPECT”.
I hope everyone is staying home and
staying healthy and when out, do wear
the gloves and mask. This virus surely has
turned our world upside down.
Take care everyone, and I hope we will
soon be all together once again!!
Judith Gereau, President, Town &
Country of Delta County
NORTH CENTRAL
Hope this finds all our members safe and
well except for some bad cases of cabin
fever.
Nine members of NCD representing 3
counties met at Big Buck in Gaylord on
December 4th for our annual Christmas
Party. We were planning on 17 but with
weather only 9 were able to make it.
Though small in number we had a great
time celebrating the holiday together.
We missed those not able to make it so I
have been wondering if we are able
meet later in summer, maybe we could
do a picnic in August or September? Let
me know if you would like that and have
a suggestion on a site to meet.
I was disappointed that we had to
cancel districts and now convention.
Will sure miss seeing and visiting with all
my friends that I only see at these events
as I am sure everyone does.
This sure has been a strange year. Stay-
in, stay-safe and getting some of those
long-neglected projects finished or to
read a good book, maybe both.
Looking forward to seeing everyone
when it is safe to do so.
June Owen, North Central District
Director
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I have not received any notice of the loss
of a member but we have two
individuals from the State Board that lost
people close to them.
Past President Kathy Couchene’s father,
Gordon LeClair, passed away the end of
May. Condolences to Kathy and family.
On April 26th, Gerald Mueller, husband of
Kristine, MCEO President Elect, died at
age of 79 in Lapeer. In addition to
Kristine, he is survived by 7 children, 2
step-children, 17 grandchildren, and 3
great-grandchildren. Condolences to
Kristine and family.
HAPPINESS IS HYDRANGEAS
Everyone loves hydrangeas! Unrivaled in
the shrub world for beautiful flowers, they
are easy to cultivate, tolerate almost any
soil, and produce abundant blooms.
Varieties abound and gardeners’
expectations of blooms size and color
are boundless.
Growing Tips
Most hydrangeas thrive in rich, porous,
somewhat moist soils. They prefer full sun
in the morning, with some afternoon
shade; however, many will also grow
and bloom in partial shade. This is
especially true for the bigleaf
hydrangeas.
For the first year or two after planting and
during any drought, be sure that
hydrangeas get plenty of water. Leaves
will wilt if the soil is too dry. When growing
varieties in Zone 4 & 5, do not prune
unless absolutely necessary and then do
so immediately after blooming.
Otherwise, remove only dead stems in
the spring.
In the fall, cover plants to a depth of at
least 18 inches with bark mulch, leaves,
pine needles, or straw. If at all possible,
cover the entire plant, tip included, by
making cages out of snow fencing or
chicken wire and loosely filling the cages
with leaves. (Do not use maple leaves for
fill, as they tend to mat when wet and
can suffocate the plant.)
The pH of Pink and Blue
The color of some hydrangeas varies
according to soil pH. Blues are best
grown in acidic soil; pinks and reds do
best in alkaline or neutral soil. The white
stay white (color can never be
changed) and usually prefer the same
conditions as the pinks and reds. But the
relationship between color and pH is
more complex than just numbers on a
scale. It is the availability of aluminum
ions---and the degree to which a
particular cultivar can absorb them--that
influences color. It is possible to change
colors, but not instantaneously. Color
correction takes weeks--even months--
for the desired changes. It is easier to
change blue flowers to pink than to
change pink flowers to blue, and some
cultivars are more prone to color
variability than others. Have your soil
tested for pH, then check with your local
nursery for the recommended amount of
aluminum sulfate or limestone and
directions.
Here are a few guidelines to follow, once
you’ve given a plant time to recover from
the shock of its original planting and if it is at
least 2 years old.
To Go To Blue
To increase acidity (for deeper blue
flowers) apply a solution of ¼ oz
aluminum sulfate per gallon of water
three times per year. Soak the ground
with the solution after the plant starts
growing in the spring and repeat twice
at 3 to 4-week intervals. One a year in
the spring apply 25-5-30 fertilizer,
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
To Go Pink
To increase alkalinity (for changing blue
to pink): in the spring or fall, spread
ground limestone at a ratio of 4 lbs per
100 sq ft and water it well. In the spring
or fall, apply 25-10-10 fertilizer according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
(Old Farmers 2020 Summer Almanac)
2020 STATE BOARD
PRESIDENT
Sheri Drake
4905 Drake Road
East Jordan MI 49727
231-582-3577
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION
Joyce Weiss
2283 E North Union
Bay City MI 48706
989-415-0533
TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP
Faye Lipinski
51 Markel
Munger MI 48747
989-659-2567
NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR
June Owen
617 W Stewart
Gaylord MI 49735
989-619-2764
SOUTHEAST DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Rose Klein
187 Turrill Rd
Lapeer MI 48446
810-358-8312
APPOINTED EDITOR & WEBMASTER
Sharon Rajewski
730 S Huron Rd
Linwood MI 48634
989-450-8853
PRESIDENT ELECT
Kristine Mueller
2072 Kendra St
Lapeer MI 48446
810-356-5497
SECRETARY
Mary Lou Wisniewski
7187 N Portsmouth Rd
Saginaw MI 48601
989-893-2086
WEST U.P. DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Judith Gereau
4735 18th Rd
Escanaba MI 49829-9552
906-786-4725
EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Lorraine Rice
306 S Walnut St, Apt 402
Bay City MI 48706
989-686-1616
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Nancy Conkey
145 Vansickle Dr
Charlotte MI 48813
517-242-0996
APPOINTED HISTORIAN -
GRATIOT COUNTY
REMINDER: If you are interested in
running for a Board position, contact the
nominating committee for details.
If you are interested in being appointed
for a state committee chair, contact
your State President. They would love to
hear from you.
2020 STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS
BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR
Faye Lipinski
51 Markel
Munger MI 48747
989-659-2567
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Nancy Thomas
3100 N Morse Rd
Fountain MI 49410
231-462-3146
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR - UP
Accepting Applications
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR -
LOWER MI
Marie Haas
72 Edgewood Dr
Lapeer MI 48446
810-728-1187
NOMINATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Kristine Mueller
2072 Kendra St
Lapeer MI 48446
810-356-5497
CHARACTER COUNTS CHAIR
Virginia Neumann
1423 Thumm Rd
Gaylord MI 49735
989-705-1963
EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Joyce Weiss
2283 E North Union
Bay City MI 48706
989-415-0533
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Audrey Warren
120 Shimon Court
Marquette MI 49855
906-249-3083
WEB SITES
National = NVON.org
MCEO = mceo.website
Use google but if it won’t come up go to
internet explorer (icon of an e on blue
background)
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY
EDUCATION OUTREACH
730 S HURON ROAD
LINWOOD MI 48634
2020 DATES TO REMEMBER
July 20-22-NVON Conf., Spartanburg SC
CANCELLED
Oct. 13 - Convention Tour
CANCELLED
Oct. 14-16 - Convention in Bay City
CANCELLED
Nov 1 - MCEO newsletter deadline
2021 DATES TO REMEMBER
Feb. 1 - MCEO newsletter deadline
June 1 - MCEO newsletter deadline
Sept. 21 - MCEO Convention Tour
Sept. 22-24 - MCEO Convention Bay City