IN 2019, interest in our Michigan Communicators group continues to grow as more journalists, authors and media professionals connect with our network and ask: When’s the next gathering?
FRIDAY MAY 17 (from 9 a.m. to Noon)—Cheryl Lovejoy, executive director of Angels’ Place, has invited us to meet at this pioneering nonprofit’s Administrative Center in Southfield. The address is 29299 Franklin Road, Suite 2, Southfield, Michigan 48034. The office phone line is: (248) 350-5989.
The major cross-roads are 12 Mile Road and Northwestern Highway. Franklin Road heads north off Northwestern and Angels’ Place is a white building with plenty of parking in those curving streets just east of Franklin.
AN INSPIRING STORY—Angels’ Place now helps adults with mental disabilities across metro-Detroit. Here’s an overview page within their website. But the powerful story behind Angels’ Place involves five women who, more than two decades ago, committed themselves to helping men, women and their families who had few good options as government programs and institutions began to shrink in that era. Today, what these women achieved—along with the many supporters who followed them—is one of Michigan’s nationally known success stories. Susan Stitt, marketing director for our Front Edge Publishing, and also retired Col. Clifford Worthy, who just launched his memoir The Black Knight—both are strong, long-time supporters of Angels’ Place along with their families.
AS ALWAYS, we will begin our morning with an overview of our hosts’ story. Then, at 10 a.m., we will begin our “roundtable” in which participants will share their latest news, projects and any requests for help. Remember to bring any handouts or business cards you care to share.
WE WILL HAVE a special guest with us on May 17. Lucille Sider, author of Light Shines in the Darkness, is coming to Michigan to visit our Michigan Communicators circle and to share some of her remarkable story of overcoming the trauma of childhood abuse. When Lucille reached adulthood, she earned multiple graduate degrees, worked as an administrator of a nonprofit herself, and now shares her new book as a way to bring help to others. Not a week passes without new front-page headlines illustrating why Lucille’s inspiring book is so timely. She wants to meet all of you. You’ll be pleased you came to meet her.
HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?
If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.Veterans in our network know that our gatherings begin with a walk-and-talk time with our hosts. Then, we settle in for a true “roundtable” in which everyone around the circle has an opportunity to share news about current projects, to ask for help, or to promote an idea that will interest others in our group. We also know that, on a practical level, not everyone gets to take the floor before we hit 12-Noon and our time runs out. So, make use of email—let me know if you are coming with some special news to share.
Have a colleague or friend you want to bring along? We always welcome newcomers.
Email me at [email protected] with any questions. Look forward to seeing you!
David Crumm
