Upper Michigan Radio – Music, News, Entertainment, and More

LANSING – The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fulfill consumer requests for travel information, including data entry services related to those requests.

“With the Pure Michigan Official State Travel Guide being extended to three publications annually and visitor interest in Michigan growing, it is critical that we ensure we are responding to consumer information requests in the most efficient, cost-effective manner,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney.

The RFP seeks a contractor for information packet fulfillment and inquirer data entry services for all consumer requests for Michigan travel information, including the Pure Michigan Travel Guide and a state highway map.

According to the RFP, it is designed to provide potential bidders with sufficient information to submit a proposal that meets the MEDC minimum requirements, but the minimum requirements contained in this RFP are not intended to limit the proposal’s content or exclude any information the bidder feels is relevant or essential to their bid.

RFP Timeline

· June 11, 2013 – RFP released.
· June 18, 2013 – Applicant questions due via email (3:00 p.m. deadline).
· June 28, 2013 – Q&A posted to MEDC website.
· August 9, 2013 – Electronic proposal submission deadline.

Questions regarding the RFP should be sent to: contracts&grants@michigan.org. Please note: The MSF will not respond to questions that are not received by the above date in time. In addition, questions that are phoned, faxed or sent through regular mail will not be accepted.

Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

Fast Facts:
- Bicycles have played an important part in Michigan’s history.
- MDOT is promoting two bicycling safety videos.
- May is National Bike Month; May 13-17 is Bike to Work Week.

May 16, 2013 — Bicycles have played an important part in Michigan’s history. The State Highway Department, as it was called at the turn of the century, began with a young entrepreneur nicknamed Horatio “Good Roads” Earle, who was a bicycling enthusiast.

            Today, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is still grounded on principles of safety and mobility. In 2013, State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle was awarded the Governor’s Fitness Award for his efforts to enable local communities to be more fit and encourage people to bike more and walk more through investments in things such as bike lanes and Safe Routes to School.

            To promote safety during National Bike Month, MDOT is sharing two previously produced videos on its YouTube channel. A 30-second video safety message demonstrates safe passing of a bicyclist and sharing the road respectfully, even when there are centerline rumble strips. A second video describes newly dedicated bike lanes on M-10 in Oakland County. The new bike lanes are called “buffered” lanes, which help separate vehicles from bikes and help provide order in the roadway at dedicated right-turn lanes. The buffered lanes prevent right-turning vehicles from turning in front of bicycles. A similar buffered bike lane was installed by MDOT on M-43 in downtown Lansing.

            May is National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week is May 13-17, with Friday, May 17, designated as Bike to Work Day

The Superiorland Chapter of Toastmasters International meets every 2nd
and 4th Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room at the
Peninsula Medical Center. Come join us and work on public speaking and
leadership skills. See us on Facebook!

LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced that the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a $503,592 Michigan Community Revitalization Program incentive for the redevelopment of the historic Vogue Theatre in Manistee.

“The renovation of this historic theatre into a vibrant entertainment venue will bring new vitality to downtown Manistee and serve as a catalyst for further positive activity in the community,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We are pleased to support the efforts of the entire community in restoring the Vogue Theatre and bringing new life to the downtown area.”

The Historic Vogue Theatre of Manistee has been awarded a $503,592 Michigan Community Revitalization Program incentive to renovate the historic Vogue Theatre into a 900-seat movie theatre. The project will include renovating both the interior and exterior of the building, making structural improvements, installing new sound and lighting equipment and new seating, and improving the surrounding sidewalks. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of approximately $2.4 million.

The City of Manistee Downtown Development Authority is offering support to the project valued at $308,250 in the form of land contribution, locally committed grants and low interest loans. The project has also received more than $127,000 in donations from residents and local businesses.

“The restoration and reopening of the Vogue Theatre will be a change agent for the Manistee community and this grant from the MEDC is the catalyst needed to make our vision and reality,” said Cyndy Fuller, Chair of the HVTM Board of Directors. “It is with the profound thanks of an entire community that we express our appreciation to the MEDC and the many staff throughout their organization that support our grant request.”

The Michigan Community Revitalization Program provides grants, loans, or other economic assistance of up to $10 million to projects that will revitalize regional urban areas, act as a catalyst for additional investment in a community, reuse vacant or historic buildings and promote mixed use and sustainable development.

The MEDC markets the state with a focus on business, talent, jobs and helping to grow the economy. For more on MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

EASTON, Mass. – Family Rosary has selected siblings Tyler and Jamie Rivard of Cornell, Mich., as first-place winners in the 2013 U.S. “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest, a national competition that encourages students to express their faith through art, poetry and prose. The brother and sister were selected from more than 1,100 finalists and more than 22,000 entries in the 18th annual contest.

Each year, children and teens from Catholic schools, parishes and other Catholic organizations utilize their creative skills to illustrate a different faith-based theme. This year, the theme was Joy to the World and students from Kindergarten through 12th grade creatively depicted in various art forms how their families are united by daily prayer and faith.

Tyler won first place in the Grade 10 Division with an essay that included illustrations about the ultimate family moment: the Nativity with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. For her award-winning entry in the Grade 6 category, Jamie submitted a moving narrative with a colorful drawing about the Nativity. She tied for first in the sixth grade division of the 2013 contest. Tyler and Jamie are home-schooled by their parents.

“The contest enables children of all ages to express the importance of prayer and faith in their daily lives,” said Father John Phalen, CSC, President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “This year’s theme is based on the Nativity, which helps us appreciate the importance of family, caring and God’s unconditional love. This Third Joyful Mystery teaches us that joyful compassion for all God’s people is essential to a strong faith. When we embrace this, we truly know the meaning of ‘Joy to the World!’”
In addition to the “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest in the United States, separate competitions are conducted in Mexico, East Africa, West Africa, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Ireland, France, Chile, Peru and the Philippines. Entries are judged on content, ability to capture and interpret the theme, artistic and technical proficiency, and adherence to rules.

In the United States, up to three winners are chosen per grade: first-place winners are awarded $100 U.S., while the sponsoring organization earns $200 U.S. Runners-up win product from Holy Cross Family Ministries on the Rosary.

Family Rosary was founded in 1942 by the late Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC. The “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest derives its name from an experience in his life. While a seminarian, Father Peyton was stricken with severe tuberculosis. At one point, a frustrated physician said, “Try prayer! We have done all we can for you.” Father Peyton prayed his Rosary to the Blessed Mother and he made a miraculous recovery, which he attributed entirely to Mary’s intercession.

This experience – coupled with his spiritually rich family life as a youth in Ireland – inspired Father Peyton to devote his life to Mary, Mother of God, and to the spiritual well-being of the family. His famous slogan, “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together,” still resonates today.

In the spirit of its founder, Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, Holy Cross Family Ministries serves Jesus Christ and His church by promoting and supporting the spiritual well-being of the family. Faithful to Mary, the Mother of God, Family Rosary, a member ministry, encourages family prayer, especially the Rosary. For more information, call 800-299-7729 or visit www.FamilyRosary.org/TryPrayer .

Ellaville, GA, March, 2013 – Jackie Carpenter always considered herself an ordinary person – a mom, wife, businessperson. She never dreamed her life would become an award-winning feature film,  A Cry for Justice (Triple Horse Studios). But when her life took a dramatic turn, she began to discover just how much adversity she could withstand. It all began with the insistent shrilling tone of a late-night phone call. Her son had been arrested and faced charges of murder. A capital crime in Georgia, it can carry the ultimate penalty: death by lethal injection.

He had been plagued by thefts on a home construction site. The security service he hired could not start immediately;  on the advice of a police officer, her son set out with a gun to watch for the culprits one night. The would-be thieves showed up, and the gun fired unexpectedly. One of the thieves was fatally shot, and Jackie Carpenter’s son was arrested and jailed.

It seemed such an obvious miscarriage of justice: her son was only protecting his property, the gun discharged by accident. The defense relied on a now-controversial law, often known as the ‘stand your ground law.’ They maintained that their client had every right to defend his property. The prosecutor argued with equal passion that he was a cold-blooded murderer.

The movie and the books it is based on are a white-knuckled, fast-paced chronicle of a woman’s struggle to keep her family whole. A Cry for Justice is based on Jackie Carpenter’s two books: The Bridge: Between Cell Block A and a Miracle is Psalm 91 and Georgia Justice: A Journey to Faith. Watch the movie trailer at: http://acryforjusticemovie.com.

The movie has won several awards, including one for best screenplay. Just last month, Jackie Carpenter was nominated to the category of “People to Watch 2013” at the first-ever Annual Georgia Entertainment Gala.

Jackie Carpenter has been a featured guest on television, radio, and in newspaper articles. For more information on this author and her remarkable story of faith, hope and love, visit her website at: www.bridgetoamiracle.com.

Madison—Domestic violence victim advocates throughout Wisconsin are spending this month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, focusing on abusive relationships among young people.

Teen dating violence, which advocates define as a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner, is increasingly recognized as a widespread problem. One in three teens in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.  This rate is higher than all other forms of youth violence. Over half of teens, 57-percent, know someone who has been physically, sexually, or verbally abusive in a dating relationship.

“Teen victims often don’t know where to turn,” said Patti Seger, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV). “They many times feel adults will blame them for the abuse they have suffered. We need parents, teachers and other adults to recognize the signs of abuse and know how to support teen victims.”

Advocates say Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is also a time to increase efforts to prevent abuse in future generations. In addition to reaching out to current victims, advocates work to foster better appreciation for healthy relationships among young people.

“Each new generation brings enormous potential,” said Seger. “With greater understanding that harmful relationship dynamics take hold during teenage years, we can now more intentionally instill values of equality and mutual respect in the next generation and thereby lower the rate of domestic violence in the future.”

One Billion Rising

During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a number of awareness raising events will be taking place on February 14 in connection with a global movement called “One Billion Rising.” One Billion Rising seeks to engage people of all ages in creative demonstrations to end violence against women. Approximately 20 dances, flash mobs and other One Billion Rising events are planned across the state.

“The creative energy and spirit of One Billion Rising and the many events around the state offer wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in the movement to end violence against women and increase their knowledge of domestic and sexual violence,” said Seger.

Information about One Billion Rising and other Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month events can be found here: http://wcadv.org/content/resources/teen-dating-violence-prevention-and-awareness-month-2013-events

Sat, March 2nd at 6pm at the Fire Hall In Caspian. 20$ entry, chip
bonus for those who sign up early.

Questions contact Matt 906-284-0036

Proceeds for our equipment fund

DETROIT – The 2013 Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan today was named the winner of the North American Car of the Year award.

A jury of 49 automotive journalists considered every new car released in the past year, and selected ATS as the winner. The award was announced at a press conference opening the 25^th annual North American International Auto Show.

“This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers,” said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, global Cadillac. “A car like ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That’s the only method for creating a great performing luxury car.”

The new ATS is the lightest car in its class with a unique architecture designed for nimble driving performance. The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in a growing list of accolades for the ATS, which was named Car of the Year by Esquire, and   the Motor Press Guild, as well as several other awards.

A compact sport sedan, the ATS is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of powerful and efficient four- and six-cylinder engines. It recently received a 5-Star overall crash test rating and received five stars in every category in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.

A partnership has formed between Leigh’s GardenWinery and Lakestate Industries in Delta County .  The winery and the nonprofit organization have joined forces to create a symbiotic product that represents what the Delta County community is all about.  Cheryl Ohman, Director of Lakestate Industries, contacted Leigh Schmidt, owner of Leigh’s Garden Winery to pitch an idea to make wooden crates for wine bottles, a simple concept with significant collaborative merit.

Lakestate Industries has recently started fabricating crates of all sizes to showcase their famous “fire starters”, and almost immediately the crates became a desired item for wedding centerpieces, wedding favors, and gift baskets.  The crates are adapted to each event with customized engravings that may include name, venue, date, or logo.

The organization is a private, non-profit agency that serves people in the community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.  Lakestate Industries provides career exploration, job development, work training and job services to adult and student populations. They provide contracted services to businesses that make a significant impact on their community.  

“We are always looking for ways to expand and utilize our tools and materials.  We look for new projects to involve our employees,” explained Ohman.

Initially, Cheryl just requested Leigh’s permission to use his Logo.  Being the friends they are, he didn’t see an issue.  A few days later she called to schedule a meeting and said, “I need to show you something.”  The final product was an elongated crate to fit a wine bottle with Leigh’s logo. The project went a step further by creating a crate that would fit two wine bottles.

Leigh’s Garden Winery, Inc., is a small locally owned and operated winery in Escanaba , Michigan .  Leigh Schmidt is the owner and vintner.  The winery features wines made from cold climate grapes and a variety of northern grown fruit.  Their selection has grown from 3 wines to 11 wines including: Old Escanaba, a dry red that won the bronze medal in 2011 and 2012; Beka, a rose’;  C. Marie, a sweeter white; Ludington Street Blues, also a dry red; Montmorency Cherry, a semi-sweet cherry wine; and Whispering Vines Frontenac Gris. a sweetwhite.

“The crates are a great gift idea for any occasion. But what I like the most is working together with a fellow friend to expand both their products and mine,” Leigh commented.  “Collaboration is our way. We also encourage our winery visitors to take a walk and visit local businesses, and eat at our local restaurants. It is a thing that many Downtown businesses do for each other. We point visitors to which restaurants have what kind of food and prices, where to shop for additional wine related products, where local beer is made for customers.  Tourists seem to like this about our downtown shopping,” he concluded.

Leigh’s Garden Winery, Inc., is located on 904 Ludington Street Escanaba , MI 49821 Phone: 906-553-7799 http://www.leighsgarden.com

Lakestate Industries is located on 1830 North 21st Street, Escanaba , MI 49829 Phone: (906) 786-9212 www.lakestateindustries.org