Conyers Announces Department of Justice Grants For New Police Hiring in Dearborn and Hamtramck

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This only happened by allowing me to work with the Hamtramck Police Department, Hamtramck Community Initiative and its Community Policing.


Our focus was to secure funding for a youth officer.  Fortunately, I was able to open the doors to the U.S. Department of Justice to target more opportunities to help our youth.


I thank the Hamtramck Police Force and the community for their dedication to the community and the future of youth.
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement applauding the Department of Justice’s decision to award Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to the City of Dearborn and the Hamtramck Police Department.  The City of Dearborn will receive a $1,125,000 grant and the Hamtramck Police Department will receive a $441,682 grant.
The COPS Program has funded the hiring of more than 123,000 state and local police officers and sheriff’s deputies in communities across America since its enactment under the Clinton Administration.  During a time of local budget shortfalls, the COPS program has helped stem the tide of officer layoffs by state and local law enforcement agencies and helped address the jobs crisis facing the U.S. today.  Studies have shown that the COPS program is a sound investment of taxpayer dollars.  A 2005 GAO Report found that for every dollar spent on COPS hiring per capita, there was a drop of 30 index crimes per 100,000 persons.  The program also provides resources to train police officers in community policing.  Community oriented policing helps law enforcement officers form vital partnerships with the local community, which stretches policing capabilities and improves the quality of policing services.

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“I am pleased to announce that, as a result of these grants, the citizens of Dearborn and Hamtramck will soon have additional officers on the streets to ensure that these communities remain safe and secure,” said Conyers. “The COPS program has been a successful nationwide effort to stem the loss of valuable police officers and jobs due to local budget shortfalls.
“In addition, by introducing H.R. 4098, the Shield Our Streets Act, I have proposed to do even more to fund state and local law enforcement, including hiring more police officers, particularly in areas facing high crime rates.” 

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Michigan Praised For Covering Up Its Child Welfare Horrors

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It is a very sad day when there is praise and that praise is accepted on the state of affairs in Michigan's foster care system.

Youth are still facing the reality that there is a lack of mental health services in placement leaving them without educational services or records.

No one is speaking about the rapes or suicides in child welfare.

No one is speaking upon the youth getting pregnant in foster care.

No one is even mentioning the questionable billing, the overmedication or the lack of due process in the courts.

What about the lack of oversight for contractual debarment, license revocation, or recovery of false claims.

But these items were never part of the Children's Rights action.  The case was about children in the foster care system.  No one mention was made of the Michigan Children's Institute in the legal proceedings.

So, let's stand up and give Madame Maura Corrigan her due credit for painting another pretty masterpiece to distract the world of the fact that very little has really changed.

If these changes are to be praised, let's see if there someone is going to do a longitudinal study to measure these improvements. Ask yourself this question: Would you trust your child in Michigan's foster care?

Much more needs to be done and we need to begin by letting the truth out for all to see.

State wins praise for improvements to child welfare efforts

Michigan continues to move forward with a top-to-bottom overhaul of its child welfare system four years after it settled a lawsuit that accused the state of running a "depleted and overburdened" system that threatened children's lives.

In a federal courtroom Monday afternoon, both a court-appointed monitor and the group that brought the lawsuit, New York-Children's Rights, lauded several recent measures by the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Among them:

• Extending foster care until youths are 21

• Establishing a centralized hotline for abuse and neglect reports

• Ensuring that youths transitioning out of the system have health insurance

• Hiring more than 700 child welfare workers

Just 18 months ago, the state repeatedly had failed to meet benchmarks set out in a settlement agreement signed in 2008 by DHS officials. The agreement, which dictated sweeping reforms in the system, settled the suit by Children's Rights. U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds said she wanted to give the state's new administration a chance to address the chronic problems. By July last year, Edmunds said changes were back on track.

DHS Director Maura Corrigan told the judge Monday that she hoped Edmunds would dismiss the agreement by the end of 2014.

Edmunds noted what she called "a different day, a different mindset, and a different atmosphere" in the courtroom compared to the struggles at the beginning of the reform efforts.
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Michigan Medicaid Program Stands To Loose $1 Billion Dollars

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The Michigan Auditor General released #391-0100-12 - Financial audit, including the provisions of the Single Audit Act, of the Depart ment of Community Health for the period October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2011.
To give a better understanding, Michigan has no functional oversight of its Medicaid programs.  This is known as fraud, waste and abuse.  Everyone has their hands in the cookie jar and as such, has spilled good cookies all over the ground that no one can eat.
So the feds said, "Bad Michigan!  We have told you over and over again not to do that.  Now you have to take responsibility and pay us back to learn your lesson."
What Michigan did was to take money from the general fund, money that is suppose to go to the people by cutting programs and put it in a trust fund to pull interest for when the federal ruling on their appeal to pay it back.
The story does not end there.
Michigan still has yet to pay back hundreds of millions in fraud, waste and abuse in its Medicaid programs.  Because of this, the feds are attempting to make Michigan to stop being naughty in its lack of oversight of its Medicaid program by penalizing the state in funding.
Yes, Michigan lost and stands to loose hundreds of millions more in its Medicaid programming because it refuses to get its act together.  It's called non-compliance.

This is just another reason why many, many people do not want me to go to Lansing.
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Conyers Office Engages In False Claims Of Child Welfare

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U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. Office announced an error that only I can properly identify.  My heart has grown heavy with the incompetence and indolence of his staff, particularly William Isaac Robinson, who was paid with federal money to launch his mother's campaign with congressional resources and attempt to run it by stealing from Mr. Conyers's federal campaign contributions.


Rarely do I come to the defense of the State of Michigan regarding its child welfare system, but this is a special occasion.  Michigan is making strides for improvement...in certain areas, but I shall not allow the residents of the state to become subject to false claims through fictitious legislative initiatives for the sole purpose of getting someone elected.


I must protect the people I love, and that includes Mr. Conyers, so with that said...


The following is my communication with Congressman Conyers' Office:


This is worse than I expected.  Are you aware that federal cannot make state policy in child welfare????  States have to adopt its own policies.  The notification is already written into Michigan law.

Enhancements?  Through unfunded mandates or with increased reductions of the federal percentages?  Perhaps there shall be incurred greater attorney fees with with this prolific publication of legal violations.  Here are some codified enhancements already in place:  http://www.scribd.com/doc/18954463/OMB-Circular-A133-Compliance-Supplement-2009

Then, there is included the religious component.  There is no religious preference in placement; this is federally codified.  Compliance comes down from HHS on the funding side with penalties in FFP rates, Block Grants and educational funding opportunities.
Close your eyes an imagine Michigan being denied, again, for any future "educational enhancements" like the "Race to the Top" grants.  Non-compliance of Title IV-E placements is why Michigan lost.  Guess with this legislative action, no one will forget the state is still non-compliant and loose more public school funding.  This is why Michigan is moving to a state wide educational authority.
Is anyone even aware that this code is already on the federal books?  Is anyone even aware that Michigan is under federal monitoring which jeopardizes releasing the state from federal oversight in the Children's Rights case? Does anyone realize that Michigan has an appeal into the HHS DAB on this matter?  A legislative action of this magnitude puts the State of Michigan in jeopardy of loosing hundreds of millions of dollars. 
Is anyone even remotely aware that Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services and Detroit are currently under investigation with its child welfare service contracts?  Is this an attempt to interfere with a federal investigation?
Does anyone even know that the U.S. AG has the Childhood Initiative Task Force, of which I have been working with since its inception last year, where its findings report will be published next month to launch new initiatives of departing from the current child welfare system as we know it?  This is a severe insult to the work of the AG and the multi-agency collaborative of POTUS Cabinet.
Did anyone even talk to the Congressional Children's Caucus or the Congressional Foster Care Caucus for input?  Obviously not because there are no co-sponsors.  
Did anyone talk to George Sheldon?  Of course not because if you did you would know that there are 2 out of 28 states that took advantage of the federal waivers that were approved a few years ago.  Why are the states not taking advantage of the waivers?  The answer is non-compliance.  That is why there are issues with the states on relative placements.  
Here is the background of the Michigan Amer Act: http://beverlytran.blogspot.com/2012/04/michigan-amer-act-is-already-federal.html#axzz1z21nXS93
The issue is how and why children removed from the home.  Here is a bit of background to what is going on in DC, just to bring you up to speed.  http://democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings/Testimony.aspx?TID=9633  Please note the date.
For the last two years I have been engaging this office to offer my subject matter expertise in this field, specifically the funding and compliance.  It is now quite apparent that JC's constituents have no representation in DC as reflected in political and economic climate of his Congressional District.
I am so embarrassed.  I am utterly speechless with the topor research of this Bill.  I was never conferred.
I truly hope Isaac Robinson's future State Senate campaign tactic proves to be for naught for his mother's, Rose Mary Robinson. campaign of which he is running, both out of Congressman Conyers' offices, and please note the plurality of my allegations.  This is nothing more than an empty campaign promise in hopes of securing campaign contributions from the tears of temporary joy for a sine die legislative action.
I shall make it a point to illuminate this throughout my international networks.  I have an obligation to the truth.  I lived through this and must still experience the episodes of my children suffering with their battles of survival, daily, from the results of apathetic, self-serving malfeasance of Detroit political miscreants.  
I am very passionate about the issue of child welfare and for the well-being of Mr. Conyers, so, please forgive me for being deeply disturbed with the wretched advisement of this office, but then again, it is not a secret.
On behalf of the Congressman, I would like to thank you for another riveting chapter in our book.

The following is the missive press release of Isaac Robinson:

Conyers Introduces Legislation to Improve Placement Decisions in Child Foster Care Programs  
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) introduced H.R. 6021, the “Rehab and Ahmed Amer Foster Care Improvement Act of 2012.”  The Act will enhance the existing federal policy of encouraging state foster care programs to place children in the care of willing and able relatives.  This legislation accomplishes this goal by requiring States that receive federal funding for foster care programs to add certain procedural enhancements to their foster care programs so as to ensure a more fair placement decision-making process.  Rep. Conyers released the following statement following the bill’s introduction:
“In 1985, Rehab and Ahmed Amer lost two of their children to Michigan’s foster care system after Rehab had been subject to criminal charges related to the death of her two-year-old son Samier, who died because of head injuries resulting from a fall in a bathtub.  Although Rehab had been acquitted in August 1986 of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with Samier’s death, the State refused to return the Amers’ other two children to them and, in fact, removed a third child from the Amers’ custody four months after Rehab’s acquittal.
“As a temporary alternative, Rehab’s brother petitioned to be a foster parent to the Amers’ three children, but was denied his petition even though he had previously served as a foster parent for other children.  It is important to note that the Amers are Muslim.  Nevertheless, the State, rather than placing the Amers’ children with a foster family of the same faith and cultural background, sent them to live with an evangelical Christian family, which re-named the Amers’ children –  Mohamed Ali, Sueheir, and Zinabe – with Christian names and raised them as Christians.
“Today, only the oldest of the Amers’ three living children, Mohamed Ali, now known as Adam, communicates with them.  In reaction to the Amers’ story, Michigan enacted what became known as the ‘Amer Law.’  That law requires foster care placement agencies in Michigan to consider and give special preference for relatives when making a foster care placement decision.
“The Amer Law is consistent with federal foster care policy, which also seeks to give preference to a child's relatives and, for Native American children, a family of the same cultural background as the child, when making placement decisions.  The Amer Law, however, has several provisions that go beyond current federal law to ensure due process.  In sum, this law gives parents, relatives, guardians, and the child in certain cases additional procedural rights, including the right to written notice and an explanation of a placement decision.  In addition, it authorizes judicial review of a placement decision by a foster care agency. 
“My legislation simply adds these enhanced due process features of the Amer Law to existing federal foster care law.               “The best interests of the child should always be the overriding consideration when making foster care placement decisions.  That standard, however, should also require foster care agencies to give special preference to placing a child with relatives, where the child can be raised in the same culture or religion as his or her own, all other things being equal.               “I thank Rehab and Ahmed Amer for bringing this issue to light and for their tireless efforts to make the foster care placement process fairer for everyone, first in Michigan, and, now, nationally.”
The Rehab and Ahmed Amer Foster Care Improvement Act of 2012 would require that a State, within 90 days after it makes a foster care placement decision, to provide notice of such decision to the following affected parties:
                ●             the child’s parents;                ●             relatives who have informed the State of their interest in caring for the child;                ●             the guardian;                ●             the guardian ad litem of the child;                ●             the attorney for the child;                ●             the attorney for each parent of the child;                ●             the prosecutor involved; and                ●             the child if he or she is able to express an opinion regarding placement.
Additionally, States must establish procedures that:
                ●             allow any of the parties who receive notice of the State’s placement decision to request, within five days after receipt of the notice, documentation of the reasons for the State’s decision;                ●             allow the child’s attorney to petition the court involved to review the decision; and                ●             require the court to commence such review within seven days after receipt of the petition and conduct such review on the record.

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POOR PEOPLE AREN’T GETTING EQUAL SHAKE IN COURT, GOVERNOR’S PANEL WARNS

Fridays in Ottawa County’s courts — when criminal defendants often are arraigned without legal representation — are referred to as “McJustice Days.” In Sault Ste. Marie, attorneys representing the poor have little time to prepare and wait in line to meet with their clients in the courthouse’s unisex bathroom. In Wayne County, court-appointed attorneys haven’t received a raise in decades and say they often take on more cases than they can handle. And in a report approved June 22, the Michigan Advisory Commission on Indigent Defense urged the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder to increase funding and implement statewide standards for the state’s system of providing attorneys for indigent criminal defendants — a system that has been criticized as one of the worst in the country. The panel advised that an additional $50 million per year is needed just to bring Michigan up to the national average for legal defense work. Lawmakers should create a permanent commission and staff to set and enforce minimum standards, urged the commission, which was created by Snyder last October. The state also should assume part of the cost for court-appointed attorneys now borne entirely by the counties, the commission advised. “I will review the recommendations and look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure that all criminal defendants, regardless of ability to pay, receive effective legal representation in our state,” Snyder said in an official statement. Indigent defense currently rests in the hands of the 83 counties, which has led to a wide variety of approaches. A few counties have public defender offices to represent the poor, others contract out indigent defense to law firms, while many rely on private attorneys appointed by judges. “It’s a patchwork quilt of all different kinds of arrangements,” said James Fisher, former chief judge of the Barry County Circuit Court who led the commission. “The way lawyers are compensated and the rates of compensation vary widely across the state. The system as a whole has not been adequately funded.” While some counties do a satisfactory job of providing attorneys for indigent defendants, others “do a very poor job of it,” Fisher said.

Under the microscope for years

A 2008 review commissioned by the Legislature found that Michigan ranked 44th among the 50 states for per-capita spending on indigent defense. The review also found Michigan was one of just seven states that left indigent defense funding for trials fully in the hands of counties. Michigan spent $7.35 per resident on indigent defense, or 38 percent less than the national average. In its unanimously approved report, the governor’s commission found that the state — not the counties — is constitutionally obligated to assure indigent defendants receive adequate representation. In many counties, the current system does not meet the American Bar Association’s “Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System,” the commission stated. It added that “the current delivery of indigent defense results in a public defense system that is too often subject to errors at the trial level, and, at its worst, results in a wrongful conviction. Michigan taxpayers are exposed to millions of dollars in unnecessary expense in these most egregious cases.” For example, the State Appellate Defender’s Office said that between 2003 and 2007, it caught sentencing errors missed at the trial (county) level that would have meant nearly $70 million in additional prison costs. Snyder charged the 14-member commission of defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, legislators and others with recommending how to improve the state’s indigent defense system. “On balance, the testimony presented to the commission from Michigan indigent defense practitioners, judges and prosecutors (including those defending their own systems) confirmed that the ABA Ten Principles are not met in Michigan,” the report stated.

County practices vary widely

In some counties, including Wayne, attorneys are appointed by judges to represent indigent defendants. Wayne County hasn’t increased the rates it pays court-appointed lawyers for 30 years, according to the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association. “The reality in Wayne County is lawyers have trouble making ends meet with what they are paid,” said Frank Eaman, one of the attorneys in a class-action lawsuit that claims the state’s current indigent defense system is unconstitutional. “They try to make up for it with volume.” As a result, many lawyers are so overworked that they are unable to spend enough time on any case to adequately defend their clients, he said. Court-appointed attorneys often lack the training and experience to handle complex criminal cases, the commission found, and most county systems do not evaluate their performance or require them to undergo continuing legal education. The report estimated Michigan’s counties spend a combined $74 million a year on indigent defense. While the commission did not recommend a specific amount, it estimated it would cost an additional $50 million a year to bring Michigan up to the national per capita average. (For context, $50 million is about half of what the state will spend on the Legislature in the current budget year, and works out to about $5 for every man, woman and child in the state.) Michigan should continue delivering indigent defense at the local level, with the counties and state sharing the cost, the panel advised. Each county should be required to maintain at least the average it has spent on indigent defense for the past three years adjusted for inflation, it recommended. The Legislature should appropriate enough money each year to bring funding up to minimum standards, the commission said. The Michigan Association of Counties does not oppose the commission’s recommendations, but has some reservations, said Ben Bodkin, the association’s director of legislative affairs. “The problem that we have is if there are new requirements that come out, those ought to be paid for by the state,” he said, noting that the Legislature has a history of breaking promises for additional funding. Any new requirements should come with a guarantee that “if the Legislature doesn’t fund it, then the requirements don’t have to be met,” he said. Various organizations and individuals have raised concerns about Michigan’s indigent defense system for years, warning it is so inadequate that it likely violates the U.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment, which assures all criminal defendants assistance of counsel, and 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. Despite such warnings, the Legislature has failed to improve Michigan’s indigent defense system, which prompted Snyder to create the Indigent Defense Advisory Commission. Former Chippewa County public defender Julie Beck told the commission that the Chippewa County Commission fired her after she warned that it was not spending enough for her office to adequately defend its clients. The two attorneys in her office handled 1,009 cases in 2010 — far above national standards — and often waited in line to meet with clients in the courthouse’s unisex bathroom, she testified. “This issue really strikes at the heart of what it means to be a democratic society,” said Peter Cunningham, executive director of the Michigan Campaign for Justice, a nonprofit group formed to promote a fair public defense system. “Government can’t unfairly take away your freedom.” He added, “It’s easy to get everyone in the room to agree there are problems withMichigan’s indigent defense. The stumbling block has always been, how do we pay for it? To me, the question is, are we going to ignore the constitutional rights because we don’t have the money?” This is one issue that unites conservatives and liberals, said Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills and a member of the governor’s panel. He is preparing legislation to implement the commission’s recommendations. McMillin stopped short of predicting the Legislature will go along with the recommendations, but he said the issue “transcends party lines, I hope.” “When we’re talking about taking away a person’s liberty, that’s a pretty high priority,” McMillin said. “As a conservative, I understand this is one of the things that we should get right.” A class-action lawsuit — Duncan v. State of Michigan – now before the state Court of Appeals claims the current system is so inadequate that it violates the constitutional rights of indigent defendants. If the state loses that case, it also could lose control over its indigent defense system. “The best way to address the issue,” said Fisher, the commission’s chairman, “is for the Legislature to step up to the plate and adopt the commission’s recommendations.”
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World Food Program Is June's On The Rise Nonprofit Partner

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(Cross posted from the Official YouTube Blog)

Please join us in congratulating WorldFoodProgram as YouTube’s featured “On The Rise” non-profit partner for June! Thanks to your support and the strength of of their channel optimization, this organization is featured in the “Spotlight” section of our homepage today.

The World Food Programme has been in existence since 1963, when it was established as a multilateral food aid program by the Food and Agricultural Organization Conference and the United Nations. Over the last 40+ years, the organization has worked tirelessly to fight hunger and poverty globally, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for food aid. Their channel features a variety of video content that describes the magnitude of the global hunger problem, highlights specific issues and emergencies, demonstrates the impact of the WPF’s initiatives, and identifies opportunities for supporters to take action to assist the organization’s mission.


Here are a few words from the WPF organization:

Thanks to everyone who voted for us, and especially to YouTube, for this incredibly cool opportunity. At the World Food Programme, we believe that hunger is the world's greatest solvable problem. It affects nearly a billion people worldwide and yet we have the means to solve it. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian aid agency on the front lines of hunger. When we're not saving lives in emergencies, we're helping families get back on their feet. When we're not serving meals in schools, we're protecting mothers and children from malnutrition. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and find out what it's like to drive across the Sahara, ride a yak through the Himalayas or fly a helicopter in South Sudan as we deliver food assistance to some of the most dangerous and remote places on Earth. We’ll see you there. 

You can learn more about YouTube's nonprofit program and the 17,000 organizations in the program here. If you’ve enjoyed this monthly On The Rise blog series and want to see more rising YouTube partners, check out our On The Rise Channel. Keep an eye out for next month’s blog post, as your channel may be the next one On The Rise!

Posted by Christine Wang and Devon Storbeck, YouTube Team

Www.HawaiiJobEngine.Com – Search For Jobs in Hawaii

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One of the keys to finding a job is to tap into new websites or job search services that aren’t so popular.  These types of sites are a great advantage for many job seekers because they can submit their resume for jobs as they are posted and have a better chance of it getting seen by a recruiter or hiring manager without all of the competition.  This is one reason why job seekers who live in Hawaii or are searching for a job in Hawaii should consider the job search website www.hawaiijobengine.com . 

The Hawaii Job Engine site is a great niche site for people to search for job openings throughout the state of Hawaii.  New employers are posting jobs to their site on a daily basis and job seekers who will take the time to bookmark the site and return to it on a daily basis will be able to take advantage of all of the new job offers that are posted. 

The website is very user friendly similar to most online job boards and also allows candidates to create a profile and upload their resume.  The site has opportunities from Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai.  It is a good idea to take advantage of new niche job boards like Hawaii Job Engine so you can be among the first ones to apply for jobs that are exclusively listed only on this website.

Visit:  Hawaii Job Engine

Www.ClarkCountyNV.Gov – Apply For City Jobs Within Clark County

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Individuals interested in a city or government job in Clark County, Nevada should visit the website www.clarkcountynv.gov.  At the website job seekers can view all of the latest job openings that are listed and apply for any position they are qualified for directly online.  All job opportunities include a thorough job description that explains in good detail what candidates should expect.  They also have the salary information and information concerning testing that may be required for some jobs.

Job seekers should visit the Clark County website often as new job postings are released daily.  There is always a closing date identified with each job which job seekers must have their applications returned by those dates.  It is also necessary to create an online account in order to apply for jobs.  Candidates must include their employment history and ensure all questions are answered to ensure their application will be accepted.

Currently at the Clark County website there is the following job openings that are listed:

•    Business Systems Analyst I/II

•    Deputy District Attorney

•    Employment Systems Coordinator

•    Fire Fighter I

•    Fire Fighter Parademic I

•    Principal Civil Engineer

•    Senior Financial Analyst

•    Senior Programmer Analyst

All candidates will need to undergo a background investigation that could consist of verifying your education, certification, employment, criminal history, and drug testing.  City or government employees enjoy great benefits such as group insurance, disability insurance, member of Nevada State Public Employees Retirement System, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Visit:  Clark County

Stream Global Services Hiring 400 Workers – Open House June 20 – 30

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Stream Global Services, a global business process outsourcing company, is hiring over 400 new employees at their Phoenix locations.  The job openings consist of technical support and customer service positions.  To expedite the hiring process the company has announced dates for upcoming open house events.  The location of the events will be at two locations:

1801 East Camelback Road, Suite 11

•    June 20 – 8am to noon

•    June 22 – 8am to noon

•    June 25 – 8am to noon

•    July 6 – 8am to noon

4611 East Baseline Road

•    June 20 – 1pm to 4pm

•    June 27 – 3pm to 6pm

•    June 30 – 11am to 2pm

Job seekers interested in attending an open house date will have an opportunity to meet with interviewers from the company.  In the meantime, candidates can visit the company’s website at the link below to see job openings that are currently available.  You can also apply for those positions online.

Visit:  Stream Global Career Site

VAforVets.VA.gov/detroit – 3 Day Veteran Hiring Fair Detroit June 26 to 28

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More than 22,000 jobs will be up for grabs for veterans at the upcoming 3 day job fair in Detroit, Michigan.  The event Veteran Hiring Fair Detroit is scheduled for June 26-28 at the COBO Center located at One Washington Boulevard.  There will be companies from the private sector and public sector on hand recruiting for positions.  This event is a great opportunity for veterans to hopefully land a job somewhere considering the vast number of openings that will be advertised.

Veterans are encouraged to attend and be prepared to do some onsite interviewing.  There will be companies there that will be looking to hire on the spot.  Candidates will also have an opportunity to take part in classes geared to help them improve on their interviewing skills.  Professionals will be on hand to give job seekers career coaching.  Representatives from VA will participate as well to assist veterans with questions about benefits and other services.

The 3 day event is open to all veterans of all backgrounds and education levels.  Please be sure to have extra copies of your resume so you can distribute.  If you do not have a federal resume already created please be sure to craft your resume or a resume in this capacity for the federal employers that will be in attendance.  To learn more about this event and further details please visit the link below.

Visit:  Veterans Hiring for Detroit

Green Film Series to present documentary on nuclear power and waste June 21

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HOUGHTON -- The Green Film Series will present the 58-minute documentary film Into Eternity, followed by coffee, dessert and facilitated discussion from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in GOO2 Forestry Building on the Michigan Tech campus. Admission is free, but a $3 donation is suggested.

Every day, all over the world, large amounts of high-level radioactive waste created by nuclear power plants is placed in interim storage -- vulnerable to natural and human-caused disasters and to societal upheaval and terrorism. Into Eternity explores the mind–boggling scientific and philosophical questions that use of nuclear power and associated long-term nuclear waste storage poses for human civilization.

Dr. Wayne Pennington, Michigan Tech Department of Geological Science and Engineering chair, will be the discussion facilitator.

The Green Film program is partially funded with a grant from the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, Friends of the Land of Keweenaw, and the U.P. Environmental Coalition.

Co-sponsors are Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative,
Keweenaw Land Trust, Michigan Tech Center for Water and Society and Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Click here for more information on this film.

Click here to read more about the Green Film Series at Michigan Tech University.

Kivajat Dancers to kick off "Music on the Menu" at Portage Library June 22

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HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring a lunch and enjoy "Music on the Menu," an outdoor series of events held on the dock outside the library.

The Kivajat Dancers, under the direction of Kay Seppala, will perform traditional Finnish folk dances from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 22.

The Kivajat Dancers began in the fall of 2004 and are sponsored by the Finnish American Heritage Center at Finlandia University and the Finnish Theme Committee of the City of Hancock.

Children ages 7 - 14 learn the dances and perform in colorful costumes funded by a grant from Finlandia Foundation International. They have performed in festivals in Finland, Canada, Minnesota and Michigan. Translated, Kivajat means the "Merry Makers."

Everyone is invited to eat and relax while enjoying the performance. In the event of bad weather, the program will be held in the community room.

This event is part of the library's Summer Reading Program and is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Michigan Tech archaeologists to host free tours at Cliff Mine site June 23-24

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HOUGHTON -- This weekend is the second of the three open houses at the Cliff Mine Archaeology Dig. Michigan Tech professors and students are giving free tours of their excavations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24. Tour groups will leave from Cliff Drive, starting at the top of each hour.

Michigan Tech industrial archeology students excavate the wooden floor of the 1850-1869 washhouse building, part of the Cliff Mine Stamp Mill complex. (Photo courtesy Michigan Technological University)
Last weekend, 73 people took the tours, noted Tim Scarlett, project co-director and Michigan Tech associate professor of social sciences.

"They gave us great feedback that enabled us to tweak the tours for this coming weekend," Scarlett said.

This 2010 photo shows part of the Cliff Mine site at the time Michigan Tech researchers were beginning their archaeological project. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Visitors can see many different parts of the Cliff Mine and Clifton town this year. Graduate student Sean Gohman and his team are showing off additional excavations in the Stamp Mill Complex, including the 1850-1869 mill and Warren’s Mill, which was built and operated in the early 20th century.

Three years of mapping have also been completed.

Sean Gohman, right, Michigan Tech graduate student leading the team of industrial archaeology students studying the Cliff Mine site, points out on a map some historic areas at the site to Gina Nicholas, second from left, of the Gratiot Lake Conservancy.  Nicholas was guiding a Reading the Landscape "Stamp Sand Remediation" tour of the Cliff Mine site in August 2010, when the researchers were in the beginning stages of their archaeological project. Stamp sand at the site is being stabilized to protect a branch of the Eagle River. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"We can now show people a foundation in the woods in the middle of the ghost-town of Clifton, point to an historic map, aerial photograph, historic photograph, or satellite image and say you are exactly here. 'This is that building,'" said project co-director Sam Sweitz, an assistant professor of social sciences at Michigan Tech.

After discovering indications of large, butchered animal bones buried deeply in one part of Clifton, another student team started excavating in an area between a group of houses.

"We think this may be a butchering area where cattle were slaughtered and cut up to feed the workers in the boarding houses," said Anna L. Sweitz, another project researcher.

Excavators should be uncovering a large deposit of those bones this weekend.

"We think this should be an exciting discovery, but with archaeology, you can never be sure!" said Scarlett. "If we knew what was there, we wouldn’t need to dig to discover things -- so as the saying goes, 'Don’t count your chickens!'"

Besides the open excavations in the Mill and in town, the teams will give visitors site maps with some freshly cut trails marked on them.

"We’ve cut new paths through the woods and placed historic photos and maps on them so people can walk through parts of Clifton on their own," said Scarlett. "We’ll also help them find the cemeteries so they can hike to see them if they wish."

The Keweenaw County Road Commission owns this National Register-listed site. They allow Michigan Tech’s Industrial Archaeology teams to conduct research and give tours to the public.

The project is sponsored by grants from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission, Michigan Tech’s Department of Social Sciences and private gifts to the Michigan Tech Fund.

Time to register or volunteer for July 21, 2012, Canal Run

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HANCOCK -- It's just about one month until the 37th Annual Canal Run! The event is set for Saturday, July 21. The long-standing tradition is held along the Portage Waterway on Highway M-203.

Both the 10-mile run and 10-mile walk start at McLain State Park and finish in downtown Hancock. The 5-mile run and 5-mile walk start on High Point Road, also finishing in downtown Hancock.

2011 Canal Run participants arrive at the Finish in Hancock. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

There are great ways to be involved.

First, you can participate in one of the four events:
10-mile run, 10-mile walk, 5-mile run, 5-mile walk. Registration is only $25 if completed by July 14. All participants will receive a bamboo t-shirt.

Local, hand-crafted awards are given out for many age groups. Visit http://www.hancockcanalrun.com/ to register or to obtain more information.

After the 2011 Canal Run, participants gather at the Hancock Tori market tent for refreshments.

Second, you can volunteer. On Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, volunteers are needed  at varying times.

Positions include Registration, Water Stops, Traffic Control, De-chippers, Back-up Timing and many more.

Visit http://www.hancockcanalrun.com/volunteer.php to fill out the form and the volunteer coordinator will respond to you with details.

This year, the Canal Run can also be found on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare social media.

Reception for Scott Dianda, candidate for Michigan's 110th District Representative, to be held in Iron River June 25

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By Michele Bourdieu
 CALUMET -- "Pizza with Scott," a reception for Scott Dianda, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th House seat, will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, June 25, at The Station Restaurant in Iron River, Mich. There is no charge for the event and it is open to the public. A variety of pizza and beverages will be available.

An RSVP can be made by calling 906-228-8196 or by e-mail to mbtc2@charter.net.

"I would like to invite my friends, supporters and interested voters to come and visit with me about the issues of concern across the 110th District," said Dianda.

Photo, top, left: Scott Dianda, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th House seat. (Photo courtesy Scott Dianda Campaign)

Dianda speaks to supporters in Laurium

Clarence McDonald, chairman of United Auto Workers (UAW) Retirees of the Western U.P., introduces Scott Dianda to supporters gathered at a reception for the candidate at the Irish Times Restaurant in Laurium June 13, 2012. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)
Public education, jobs, infrastructure, local control of government and PA 38 (which Dianda opposes because it will tax seniors' pensions and give tax breaks to wealthy corporations) were the main issues Dianda discussed during a reception held for him on June 13 at the Irish Times Restaurant in Laurium. Democrats from Houghton and Keweenaw counties attended the event and expressed their support for Dianda's campaign. He emphasized his wish to represent the people of the 110th District, which covers seven counties, from Marquette County and Ishpeming Township to Copper Harbor, to Crystal Falls and west to Ironwood.

Here is a brief video clip of Dianda speaking at that event:

Scott Dianda, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th District House seat, speaks to supporters at a reception held for him at the Irish Times Restaurant in Laurium, Michigan. Click on YouTube icon for a slightly larger screen. (Video by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)
Dianda also expressed his thanks to Democrats for their endorsements of his campaign, in particular, former state legislators Mike Lahti, Mike Prusi, and Paul Tesanovich; United Auto Workers retirees represented by Clarence McDonald; and the Michigan Nurses Association.

Lahti, former 110th District Representative, expressed strong support for his fellow Democrat and would-be successor.

"I think Scott's a good man," Lahti said. "He works hard. He understands what we in the UP are concerned about; for example, he wants strong schools and jobs so our people can stay here."

Keweenaw County Democrats attending the reception in Laurium included, from left, Jacquie Jaaskelainen, Keweenaw County Democratic Party chair; Frank Stubenrauch, Keweenaw County Commissioner; Angie Piche; Don Piche, Keweenaw County Commissioner; Gordon Jaaskelainen (not facing camera), Keweenaw County Road Commissioner; and Tom Renier.
Many local residents who attended the reception have known Scott Dianda, a Calumet native, for a long time and told Keweenaw Now of their support for his campaign.

John Parsons, a retired teacher who taught at Calumet High School for 33 years, said Scott was a student of his years ago.

"I do think he has a chance," Parsons said. "I support public employees. We've taken such a hit. We can't have the entire state government be in the hands of one party -- it's not good. We need balance.

Another retired teacher, Judy Rupley of Chassell, who taught elementary school in L'Anse for 32 years, said she herself is running as a Democrat to represent Houghton County District 5 on the County Board of Commissioners. It is her first time running for public office.

"We need Democrats running -- not only for District 5, but for all of Houghton County," Rupley said. "We're all in this together for the good of the people."

Judy Rupley of Chassell (left), candidate for District 5 on the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, is joined here at the Laurium reception for Scott Dianda by other Houghton County Democrats, from left, Mike Makinen, Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney; John Laitanen, Franklin Township Trustee; Reba Andrews; Pat Sohlden; Clarence McDonald, chairman of UAW Retirees, Western U.P.; and Janet Gregorich, Houghton County Democratic Party vice-chair.

Rupley added she would like to see District 5, which includes Chassell as well as Duncan, Portage, Elm River, Laird and Stanton townships, as a place where businesses would be welcome to create opportunities for employment and where people would want to live in a clean environment with good schools.

Another Democratic candidate for Houghton County Commissioner, Rick Kasprzak, who is running for County District 1 (Hancock and Calumet townships), also expressed his support for Dianda.

"I'm enthusiastic about supporting Scott because I know he will be the voice of Houghton County in Lansing," Kasprzak said. "We have a lot of possible representatives for our interests here in the UP, but it's going to take the rest of us to help put them in office. We have to knock on doors and talk to friends, relatives and neighbors and inspire them to go to the voting booth and make a difference. And one of the things I thought I could do to make a difference is to run for County Commissioner."

Rick Kasprzak, candidate for Houghton County Commissioner, and Scott Dianda, candidate for Michigan's 110th District House seat, chat with Joanne Thomas of Allouez (Keweenaw County) during the reception for Dianda in Laurium.

Dianda, in turn, said he supports Kasprzak's candidacy for Houghton County Commissioner.

"I've got everything good to say about this guy," Dianda noted.

While Dianda did not mention the name of his opponent, Republican Matt Huuki, who defeated him for the 110th District seat in 2010, Brian Rendel, Houghton County Democratic Party co-chair, did not hesitate to make a comparison.

"Scott works hard," Rendel said. "His heart is in the right place. We need a representative in Lansing who represents the people of the 110th District. We don't have a representative in Lansing right now. I don't think Representative Huuki is living up to his title. He represents special interests and Republican leadership in Lansing. He does what they tell him to do. We need a representative of the people."

Learn more about Scott Dianda by visiting his Web site.

Click here for a partial list of 2012 Democratic candidates on the Houghton County Democratic Party Web site.

Give Handmade for Mother's Day!

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We have new Mother's Day cards in our shop at The Lunch Studio!


Our amazing graphic designer, Yasmin Ladha, has created these witty cards for her Circle Cat Studio line of handmade goods.

We also have soap, jewelry, crocheted hats and many more items made by local crafters in the shop that would make perfect Mother's Day gifts!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13, 2012.  Give handmade!

"Yarn Bomb" Public Craft Project for Craft City at Buckham Alley Fest!

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Flint Handmade is again taking over the sidewalk next to the Rutherford Parking Structure during Buckham Alley Fest on Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Downtown Flint for the Second Annual Flint Handmade Craft City! 


Craft City is a self-contained DIY community within Buckham Alley Fest to support the craft businesses our generous members.

We will feature jewelry, bath & body products, clothes, accessories, plush toys, papercrafts and much more, including a free gift for visiting the Flint Handmade table.

NEW FOR 2012: We are featuring a "Yarn Bomb" Public Craft Project in Craft City! 

In addition to bringing craft to the streets during Buckham Alley Fest, the "Yarn Bomb" Public Craft Project will include opportunities for learning how to crochet/knit for beginners as well as social crocheting/knitting for all skill levels in June and early July in Downtown Flint!

For information on participating in the "Yarn Bomb" Public Craft Project, email us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com.

For information on vending at or attending Craft City at Buckham Alley Fest, visit OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE at flinthandmade.org.

Second Saturday Giveaway by Nicole Stevens: Win an Art Print from Patsarts!

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Posted by Crystal Pepperdine, Founder and Executive Director of Flint Handmade

We have another guest post for our Second Saturday Giveaway!
Last year, I annnounced that whenever possible, our featured crafter from the same month of the previous year will do the interview and take photos with a new featured crafter!
Our November 2011 Giveaway featured an interview and photos of Carla Gibson of Chuber Pottery by Ali Misner Harris of Alexandria's Soap Garden who was featured in our November 2010 Giveaway.
Our February 2012 Giveaway featured an interview and photos of Deanne Neiburger of Deets by Kate Kehoe of Chicaloo Photography & More who was featured in our February 2011 Giveaway.
This month, our May 2011 Giveaway featured crafter, Nicole Stevens, interviews and photographed her friend and fellow crafter, Pat Merewether.
Check it out!
Article and Photos of Pat Merewether of Patsarts by Nicole Stevens of Curious Goods for May 2012 Flint Handmade Second Saturday Giveaway

Walking up to Pat Mereweather's house is like stepping into a favorite movie. A rambling farmhouse with gardens, a gargoyle perched atop a balcony...right away you know you're at the home of an artist.
The inside of the house is no different - a pile of books here, a stack of sketches there, everywhere you look your eye is drawn to some other painting or curiosity.
The second floor of the house is Pat's studio, with vaulted ceilings, skylights and two balconies. Her husband helped her design the studio so that she would have a space of her own to work.

Pat began crafting when her children were young and money was tight. She wanted to give them gifts, so she made embroidered books, dolls and costumes.
Loving idea of making 'something' from 'nothing' Pat began making gifts for other people, too.  She added making candles and crocheted items to her ever growing list of skills. It amazed her when people began wanting to buy her crafts!
Eventually, she began using the name Patsarts when selling her goods. The name suits her, because she truly loves all forms of art.
One of Pat's current something-from-nothing projects is to take old wine bottles (collected from family and friends) and form beds in her garden for herbs and vegetables. The effect is eye-catching when the light glints off the bottles. Plus, it's a great way to upcycle a material that usually gets recycled or trashed.

Pat's garden is a craft project in itself! Everywhere you look you see another flower pushing its way out of the ground or another statue peeking out of the brush. The property backs up to forested land, so Pat has lots of space to create vegetable beds and intriguing little pockets of natural art. 
One of the best views from Pat's garden is back into the forest - an old hammock covered in moss provides cover for the tiny flowers springing up underneath. It's those tiny details that Pat notices and the kind of thing that will probably show up in a painting some day.

Back in the house, Pat's love of nature and gardening continues. Tiny sprouts are carefully raised in teacups on the kitchen windowsill.


While Pat's studio at home is wonderful, with a retired husband and three active dogs, it's sometimes difficult to get any work done at home. Her youngest dog, Boo, is especially “helpful” when she's trying to work!

Luckily, Pat was given an amazing workspace at The Elms Gallery in Flushing. The building was once part of McLaren Hospital, but now is a set of workrooms and a full scale gallery.
Pat's room was once a lab, and is equipped with cabinets, a counter-top and even a sink!
 
While painting, Pat listens to a lot of music. She loves classic rock, but after reading about the Mozart Effect (the idea that Mozart's music can create short-term improvement at certain tasks) she listens to more classical music now.
Pat finds inspiration in music, books, nature and even her family and friends. Her workspace is filled, not only with her art, but with the things that invigorate her creativity.

The Elms Gallery opened in April and Pat had paintings displayed in several hallways. With more events scheduled, Pat is planning to do more paintings as well as some mixed-media artwork in the near future.

You can find Pat's work online at Zazzle and in person at The Elms Gallery in Flushing.

For the Second Saturday Giveaway, Pat has donated a print entitled “Blue Butterfly." The print is a part of a larger watercolor piece that is very special to her.
For YOUR chance to win the "Blue Butterfly" Art Print (valued at $15) by Pat Merewether of Patsarts, just complete steps A and B:

A) Follow Flint Handmade via the blog, Twitter, Google Reader or whatever newfangled "following application" tickles your fancy. Or, if you don't do the whole following thing, email us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com and we will add you to our email list.
B) Leave us a comment in response to this blog post by 5pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012 answering the following 2 questions:
1) How do you follow Flint Handmade?
2) What is your favorite 'something-from-nothing' art/craft project?
Please be sure to answer BOTH questions to qualify for the drawing.
The winner will be selected at random and posted on the blog within one week after the deadline. The winner will have 30 days to claim the prize. You must check back with the blog to see if you won!
We hope to hear from YOU and we hope you enjoyed our May Second Saturday Giveaway by Nicole Stevens of Curious Goods!

June craftLAB: Decoupage!

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Join us for a FREE Decoupage Workshop at craftLAB on Sunday, June 3, 2012 from noon-3pm at The Lunch Studio!

Learn the basics of decoupage from Flint Handmade Founding Member Jenni Snyder!

Bring your own item for decoupaging, such as a photo frame, trinket box, wood plaque, vase, etc. 
All other supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own paper (e.g. vintage magazines, sheet music, photos, etc.) if you have something you specifically want to use for decoupaging. 
Flint Handmade hosts FREE craftLABs on the first Sunday of every month at The Lunch Studio in Downtown Flint! Come explore and express your creativity!
IMAGE CREDIT: Mod Podge drawing by Yasmin Ladha!

May 2012 Volunteer Work Party: Prepping for Craft City at Buckham Alley Fest!

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Join us at Flint Crepe Company in Downtown Flint on Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 11am to 2pm for a Volunteer Work Party!

Maureen (l) and Sarah tied ribbons on cardsat our March 2012 Volunteer Work Party.
We need help preparing for our upcoming event Craft City at Buckham Alley Fest.

Volunteer tasks may include making guitar pick keychains, stuffing Flint Handmade cards in business card holders, etc.

New and returning volunteers are all welcome!

Flint Crepe Company will be open for business (their crepes are DELICIOUS!) and each volunteer will receive one free beverage courtesy of Flint Handmade.

We hope to see you there! :)

P.S. If you can, please RSVP on our Facebook Event Invite. Thank you!

Second Saturday Giveaway: May Winner!

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We want to thank everyone who commented on our May Second Saturday Giveaway featuring Pat Merewether of Patsarts!

Special thanks to Nicole Stevens of Curious Goods for such a great interview and photos!

The awesome commenters for May were Teya, Amanda, Cplanck77, popantalone1 and Sandy.

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for! The randomly selected winner of the "Blue Butterfly" Art Print is...


...Sandy!!! Congratulations!

Sandy, send us an email at flinthandmade@hotmail.com and we will make arrangements for you to receive your item! You have 30 days to claim your prize. :)

We want to encourage everyone to participate in the next Second Saturday Giveaway to be posted June 9, 2012!

Summer 2012 Craft CSA: May Subscription!

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We are so excited to share the May Subscription of our Summer 2012 Craft CSA with all of you!

Craft CSA Subscriber Andrea picked up her bag at the May craftLAB on Quilling!

Our Featured Crafter for May 2012 was Dieshawn Holmes of Angelic Soaps and Gifts.
Dieshawn received $50 to develop and create handmade items for our 10 subscribers.  
She decided to make 20 bars of lemongrass sage soap.

Each of our 10 subscribers received two bars of the soap, a printed newsletter and two Bonus Crafts!
The Bonus Crafts for May were a felt flower ring (Value $5) from Amber of Handleber and a illustrated greeting card (Value $4) from Nicole of Sloe Gin Fizz.

Craft CSA Subscriber April was VERY happy to receive her featured and bonus crafts at the 5th Annual Spring Craft Market!
If YOU are interested in becoming a Subscriber, Featured Crafter or Bonus Crafter for Summer 2013, please email us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com!