Golden Girl Still Glowing at Olympic Homecoming #Olympics #OlympicWinners #TellUsUSANewsNetwork

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Allison reacts to the adoring hometown crown in Canton, MI. (Dan Brenner/AnnArbor.com)

By Raymond Rolak/Sports Editor-Tell Us Detroit

CANTON TOWNSHIP– When swimmer Allison Schmitt stopped home after her 2012 London Olympic experience she exclaimed, “I haven’t been home since December.”

Schmitt went on to say in front of an energized and overflowing audience in Heritage Park, “To be able to relax and share this with my family and supporters is great. Being here is amazing. I’m just so glad to be home.”

As the crowd listened attentively, she also singled out some of her teachers from both elementary and high school. She tried to acknowledge as many of her classmates from the 2008 Canton High School year as she could see. There were so many people. All in all, Allison was besieged.

The five time medal winner stopped home for three days before heading to Athens, Georgia for school obligations later in the week. She was peppered with questions regarding London, Michael Phelps, the Olympic pool and her Olympic routine in London.

Swimming was front and center during broadcast coverage at these 2012 London Olympic Games. The 22-year-old swimmer had become a familiar face nationally with all her NBC prime television time.

At this event, her patience and grace were a compliment to Coach Jack Bauerle’s varsity swimming program at Georgia. Schmitt is working toward a degree in psychology. Later she signed autographs, posed for photos and always displayed her ever-present smile.

“I’m definitely thinking about Rio,” Schmitt said. “I am planning to do four more years, I had a great Olympics this past time, it was a lot of fun and I want to repeat it. So I am definitely looking forward to Rio in 2016.”
Schmitt finished her address to the crowd with, “I have one more day with my family. I’m expecting to go back (Athens) and be the same exact person. I don’t know if I will be, I don’t know if people will look at me different. But I’m the same person – if I came back with no medals or if I came back with five medals – I’m still the same person and I hope people treat me the same.”

Earlier, she appeared at the Summit-on-the-Park recreation building with her family for a photo opportunity. “It’s something I want to share with everyone,” she said sitting between her parents Gail and Ralph Schmitt. “Every person that’s helped me get to where I am today, just being able to share my success with other people means a lot to me.”

Later the Canton Township community presented her with a personalized embroidered Olympic flag and a proclamation from the township supervisor.

 

 

Fash Bash holds extravagant evening at the @DIADetroit #FashBash12 #TellUsDetroit #TellUsUSANewsNetwork story by @AngelinaCzar

Cheryl & Rachel, 2 body art models pose with Tell Us Detroit reporter Angelina Czarnecki at the 2012 DIA Fash Bash. The artwork was done by Andrea O’Donnell. (Photo by Scott Sullivan/Tell Us Detroit)

By Angelina Czarnecki/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – The Detroit Institute of Arts was filled with the latest couture and the “who’s who’ in the city during Fash Bash the fashion event of the summer. Due to weather conditions the event was brought indoors, but what better place to experience great fashion and art than the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Founders Junior Council (FJC), a young professionals auxiliary of the Detroit Institute of Arts, presented the event and has outdone themselves each year. During the early years this glamorous event was not held at the DIA, Nicole Eisenberg DIA Board of Directors member, spoke with us about the event and location.

“We’ve brought it back to the Detroit Institute of Arts, and it was the most important place we could have it right here in our city” Nicole Eisenberg.

For the evening guest were dazzled with featured show “Art of Fashion” Neiman Marcus’s signature show in the DIA’s Great Hall. Those who purchased the “Fashionably Late” tickets enjoyed the runway show through a live stream in the DIA. Guest strolled from various rooms enjoying fashion , music and the body art put on display. Models painted in full body art strutted their stuff off the runway as well.

“The growth of Detroit and the creative edge that Detroit is getting has helped my art grow as the city has” Andrea O’Donnell, body art makeup artist.

During the end of the night attendees enjoyed the post- show Paparazzi Party and after glow celebration. Spotting the next Fall fashion trend could have been seen both on and off the runway, as guest were dressed in high fashion attire.

The Founders Junior Council are committed to inspiring new generations of art lovers to show their support for the DIA. More information for being a member may be found at www.foundersjuniorcouncil.org

 

African World Festival @AWFDetroit1 in new location at @TheWrightMuseum #AWF30Detroit #TellUsUSANewsNetwork story by @AngelinaCzar

By Angelina Czarnecki/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – The African World Festival will be celebrating it’s 30th year at the Charles H.
Wright Museum of African American History. The festival will kick off Friday, August 17 at noon and will be free to the public. During the festival the museum will have extended hours and feature many exhibits free to the public.

Beginning this week through the festival weekend traveling exhibit, The King Center Imaging Project, from The King Center in Atlanta will be displayed in the museum’s Ford Freedom Rotunda. Digitized archives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., all courtesy of JP Morgan Chase are set to entertain the crowds as well.

Outdoor stages and more than 100 marketplace vendors will be on the outdoor festival grounds. The new location at the Charles H. Wright Museum has the advantage of a culturally thriving area and institutions Wayne State University, Midtown Detroit Inc. and the Scarab Club are cooperating in welcoming the new event in its new location

Visit the festival website at www.AWFDetroit.com , or call the festival office at 313-494-5824 for more
information.

 

@KidneyMI Kidney Foundation of Michigan holds 6th Annual Cool Blue Monday #CoolBlueMonday #NationalKidneyFoundation #TellUsDetroit

By Mary E. Moore/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan-Detroit Branch Office held its signature fundraising event at the MGM Grand Hotel on August 13, 2012. The theme of ‘Cool Blue Monday’ is unique because it draws people together on a day that usually is reserved for the cool down from the
weekend. This did not deter supporters who came with enthusiasm because their contributions were being donated to the Foundation that helps more people across Michigan than any other organization.

It is alarming to know that on June 1, 2012, there were more than 2,400 people waiting for a lifesaving kidney
transplant. Even more starling is that ‘more than 900,000 Michigan adults (20+) have chronic kidney disease.’ The excitement and commitment of the Detroit Branch is evident as it strives to offer programs of awareness and
support.

The strolling buffet, live entertainment and auctions were being held to entice supporters to bid generously. The silent auctions were especially exciting because of the quality of items ranging from golf sets, handcrafted
jewelry and paintings, luggage, and spa services, and many other items. Getting something in addition to knowing that the dollars are being used for countless services to those in need makes one burst with pride and appreciation.

It is with great pride that we offer our congratulations to all the volunteers and sponsors who keep this vital organization moving with education and services. Looking ahead: Saturday, December 1, 2012 is the date for the
black tie Kidney Ball. Fun is promised as well as knowing that the proceeds go toward helping many people.

Women of Faith Show Support for DPS Students #DPS #Detroit #TellUsDetroit

Rosemary Moore, 1st Lady of Greater Southern Baptist Church signs a large poster-size first-ever public pledge to be present on opening day of school and invest in long term partnerships with local schools. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – More than two dozen Ministers’ Wives joined together Saturday morning to sign a first-ever pledge to support DPS schools on the First Day of Teaching and Learning, and invest in long-term partnerships with schools. A breakfast was held at Detroit International Academy to earmark the-is important event.

Each of the attending guest signed a large poster-size first-ever public pledge to be present on opening day of school and invest in long term partnerships with local schools. The pledge was signed following at Detroit International Academy, DPS’ and Michigan’s only all-girls public K-12 school. Another example of the women’s group commitment to stay involved in the 2012 Enrollment and Successful Opening of Schools Campaign.

Saturday’s event is the first public kickoff of Detroit Public Schools’ month-long campaign, which includes hundreds of school-based events showcasing programs and community partners, an intensive neighborhood by neighborhood grassroots campaign, a week packed with popular citywide events including the annual Woodward Ave. Back-to-School parade, and brand new partnerships with faith-based organizations.

The campaign lasts now through the first day of school on September 4. Go to www.detroitk12.org/DPSWEEK

 

DPS @Detroitk12 kicks off back to school readiness campaign #DetroitPublicSchools #TellUsDetroit

Campaign promises to be the most grassroots to date through intensive door-to-door canvassing, new initiatives to involve faith-based organizations for a new DPS Church Sunday event and pledge, special outreach to DPS’ largest ethnic groups, and a focus on individual school/community campaigns

DETROIT – Hundreds of school-based events showcasing programs and community partners, a month-long intensive neighborhood by neighborhood grassroots campaign, a week packed with popular citywide events including the annual Woodward Ave. Back-to-School parade, and brand new partnerships with faith-based organizations including a pledge of support from ministers’ wives associations, highlight Detroit Public Schools Summer Enrollment Campaign efforts beginning today through the first day of Teaching and Learning, September 4th.

“It’s critically important that we raise more awareness than ever before about the importance of the start of the new school year, exemplary attendance for all students, the essential value of parental involvement, while communicating our new programs and services to everyone inside and external to Detroit Public Schools,” said Emergency Manager Roy S. Roberts.

DPS will be showcasing new programs and three brand new schools, new initiatives to put technology in the hands of students and their families at home, new Individualized Learning Maps for children, and parent involvement programs, transportation, healthy meals and safe routes to schools. New opportunities for alumni to become involved will also be introduced.

Throughout the month, Detroit Parent Network parent organizers, volunteers and partners will work with new families looking for school choices, young families with new PreK and kindergarten students, parents affected by school transitions, and families whose children attend DPS’ 12 schools in southwest Detroit.

DPS’ new “Detroit Rising College Preparatory Schools” will be specially featured. This fall at nine DPS schools, decisions about hiring, curriculum and budget will all be made at the school level. These schools have a commitment to work with parents to ensure each child graduates from high school and goes on to college or technical school. They also feature small class sizes, a college prep curriculum, school uniforms and strong discipline to ensure safe, orderly schools that support learning. The nine schools, including the small schools at Cody and Osborn, Ben Carson, Detroit Collegiate Prep and DSA, are self-governing, where key decisions are put in the hands of the principal and teachers who know each child best.

A highlight of the month will be “Detroit Public Schools Week, Presented by Comcast” including:

DPS Church Sunday – August 19
25+ faith-based supporters spread a positive back-to-school message!

Dressing of the Spirit of Detroit Statue – Monday, August 20
Spirit of Detroit Statue: Dressed in an authentic “I’m In!” T-shirt August 20 – September 4.

Taste of DPS Multicultural Day – Tuesday, August 21
Participants can enjoy foods, sights and sounds from various cultures representing DPS! The event will be 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Davison, Earhart, Gardner and Garvey.

DPS/Comcast Back-to-School Parade, downtown – Wednesday, August 22
ALL DPS schools will participate in the DPS/Comcast Back-to-School Parade, downtown, coordinated by The Parade Company. It will include the DPS All-City Marching Band, alumni marchers, school step teams, parent marchers and more! Step-off is 11 a.m. at Grand Circus Park, Woodward at Adams. Limited backpack vouchers and uniform vouchers from Forman Mills will be passed out and redeemable at the All-Schools Open House!

Detroit Branch NAACP-DPS-Black Family Development, Inc. Back to School/Stay in School Education Day – Friday, August 24, Delores Bennett Park, New Center area
Hundreds of students will receive school supplies, food, and entertainment.

All-DPS Schools Open House and Alumni Celebration – Saturday, August 25
All schools will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with giveaways, opportunities to meet staff, program showcases, and more! A “DPS Pride” incentive will be available for the first 1,000 alumni at schools!

The Saturday, August 25 All-Schools Open House builds upon the successful first open houses held at all Detroit Public Schools during the earlier Open Enrollment period in March at which 5,000+ guests participated. Recent surveys reinforce the influence that personal visits to schools and testimonials from other parents are among the strongest influencers for parents choosing schools. New for the August 25 Open House, all alumni are being encouraged to visit their alma maters that day, with the first 1,000 DPS alumni at schools receiving a new DPS Alumni Pride license plate holder.

As an example of the depth of support from community associations, corporations, non-profit and service groups, fraternities and sororities, 100 or more ministers’ wives will sign a public pledge to be present on opening day of school and invest in long term partnerships with local schools, during a new event being held as a brunch on Saturday, August 18 at Detroit International Academy, DPS’ and Michigan’s only all-girls public K-12 school.

The district will send information home to all households in the city and provide additional informational cards, flyers, and magazine inserts. New social media and video contests will be announced. Giveaways including T-shirts, wristbands and fans will take place at stops along the route for the DPS Blue Enrollment Van, which is scheduled to visit dozens of block parties, reunions, cook-outs, and sponsored back-to-school events during August.

“It’s a new day in Detroit and anything is possible!” Roberts said. “Detroit Public Schools has never been more focused than the present at making sure that no child is denied access to a high quality education.”

 

Men’s Wearhouse & Jackets for Jobs Make a Difference #DetroitCommunityService #JacketsForJobs #TellUsDetroit

left to right: Peter Ciak, Regional Manager Men’s Wearhouse, Betty Henderson, Norman Snedacar (BeBe Winans Suit Recipient) and Alison Vaughn, Founder & President of Jackets for Jobs

By Emma Lockridge/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – When Detroiter Norman Snedacar goes on job interviews he’ll have a little more pep in his step because he’ll be wearing a gently used suit donated to him by gospel music superstar BeBe Winans. He received the smart suit through a successful partnership between the Detroit based Jackets for Jobs, Inc., and the Men’s Wearhouse, a clothier with 900 outlets nationwide. “With this amazing suit and a great resume, I definitely have the right look and skills for a new job,” Snedacar stated. “Being gifted with this suit from such an outstanding person is truly flattering and a blessing.”

Following a successful career as a truck driver for 25 years, Snedacar joined the ranks of the long-term unemployed in 2006. Now affiliated with Michigan Works, he graduated from Baker College where he completed training to become a Medical Laboratory Technician. Receiving the suit supports the look he needs to make a great impression during interviews.

Jackets for Jobs, a non-profit organization that provides career skills training, employment etiquette and professional clothes to individuals seeking employment, joined the Men’s Wearhouse for the fifth annual National Suit Drive, the nation’s largest collection of gently used business attire for men and women. The successful clothing drive wrapped up in July.

“The celebrity component of this year’s drive was uplifting and took us to a new level,” stated Alison Vaughn, Founder & CEO of Jackets for Jobs. “We are grateful to BeBe Winans for his suit donation and FOX 2 staffers anchorman Alan Lee and reporter Jason Carr.”

Donors were encouraged to give their gently used men’s and women’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts and shoes to drop off points at Men’s Wearhouse store locations around the US. For every suit donated Men’s Wearhouse donated two business ties and donors received a 50% off coupon off all regular-priced items (excluding shoes) for a next purchase at the store.

“Our donation expectations were exceeded,” stated Peter Ciak, regional manager for Men’s Wearhouse. “This year’s collection was 130,171 units compared to a target goal of 110,000 of which Jackets for Jobs will receive nearly 800 units. Our founder George Zimmer is thrilled about the outcome because he encourages philanthropy. “

As the national unemployment rate edges down, there are still 12.5 million Americans still out of work and many are feeling discouraged,” states Vaughn. “The clothing they receive through the National Suit Drive gives them a confident first step toward reentering the job market. Nonprofit/private partnerships, like the one forged between Jackets For Jobs and Men’s Wearhouse, are paving the way to put people back to work.”

About Jackets for Jobs, Inc.
Jackets for Jobs, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides career skills training, employment etiquette and professional clothes to individuals seeking employment. Since its inception, JFJ has assisted over 12,000 individuals with employment. Nationally, the organization has been supported and recognized by Donald Trump, the cast from The Apprentice, ABC’s The View, and NBC’s Today show. JFJ also has had the distinct honor of ringing the closing bell on NASDAQ in New York City. For more information, visit www.jacketsforjobs.org

About Men’s Wearhouse
Founded in 1973 by George Zimmer, Men’s Wearhouse is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel, with 1,162 stores. The Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of men’s designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection. Most K&G stores carry a full selection of women’s apparel. Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men’s Wearhouse, Moores Clothing for Men and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores. Additionally, Men’s Wearhouse operates a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Twin Hill in the United States and Dimensions and Alexandra in the United Kingdom.

Long night yields expected results, few upsets #MiPrimary #TellUsDetroit #TellUsUSANewsNetwork

By Karen Hudson Samuels/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – U.S. Rep. Gary Peters won a faceoff with Hansen Clarke which leaves Detroit without two black members of Congress for the first time in nearly a half-century.

Fewer than fifty Clarke supporters left the Burton Theater in Detroit at about midnight without hearing a concession speech. A senior staff member, said Clarke “was with his family” and would have a statement Wednesday.

John Conyers – one of the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus – easily survived a crowded primary fight of his own. The broad field he ran against was Conyers’ biggest ally due to other candidates splitting the vote.

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra won Michigan’s Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, beating back a challenge from two candidates who questioned his record as a conservative.

Hoekstra’s victory over charter school foundation executive Clark Durant and former Kent County Judge Randy Hekman sets up a November matchup with two-term Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow.

Detroit has had two black representatives since 1965, when Conyers took office alongside then-Rep. Charles Diggs. But the GOP-controlled Legislature added suburban territory to the city’s two districts after results of the 2010 census dropped Michigan’s House delegation from 15 to 14.

By clinching the Democratic nomination, Conyers is considered the overwhelming favorite to win a 25th term in November.

Peters said he gained the confidence of black voters in the majority-minority district with extensive outreach and a focus on results. He visited about 50 black churches and won endorsements from Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and an activist group called The Black Slate, as well as leading unions and the Detroit Regional Chamber.

In a closely watched race that went down to the wire in the 6th district seat of the Michigan House, Detroit Democrat Maureen Stapleton lost to fellow State Representative Rashida Tlaib.

In metro Detroit two more incumbents faced defeat in races that pitted them against their Michigan House colleagues.

With a majority of precincts reporting, Rep. Jimmy Womack of the 3rd District lost to Rep. John Olumba.

Leading the count for most of Tuesday, Rep. Tim Bledsoe was ahead in three Grosse Pointes, which is his stronghold. However, by the end of the night, his opponent Alberta Tinsley-Talabi received 573 more votes, enough to win the nomination for the Democratic seat for the second district in the Michigan State House of Representatives.

In another closely watched primary race Tuesday, Republican tea party favorite and political novice Kerry Bentivolio prevailed over a former state senator in the district abandoned by former Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, who resigned after failing to produce enough valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot.

 

Media Giants Endorse State Rep. David E. Nathan #TellUsDetroit

 

By Trey Battle/Tell Us Detroit-Political Editor

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – Moving towards the home stretch, The Detroit News, Tell Us Detroit .Com and now The Michigan Chronicle have all decided to support Incumbent State Representative David E. Nathan for the New House District 8 seat. “We are humbled and grateful for the recognition of our hard work”, says Nathan. “Our efforts to canvas neighborhoods with our message on issues that impact our neighborhoods, the quality of education in our classrooms along with public transportation, has resonated with District 8 residents and we couldn’t be happier.”

In February 2010 and as State Representative for District 11, Nathan was appointed as Chair of the House Education Sub-committee on Academic Emergencies, which was formed with the purpose of reforming the laws surrounding Emergency Financial Managers. Representative Nathan also launched an Annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Project, where each spring he rallied business and residential volunteers to clean up some of the more down trodden areas within the district. Rep. Nathan’s latest project is his “Home Repair Program”. This program helps residents to repair their homes “at little to no cost” by way of their neighborhood block club or association.

“Having received the endorsement of these highly respected organizations means a lot. I now ask voters to follow their lead by voting for me on August 7th.” Mark your calendar to attend the Nathan Campaign – Election Night Watch Party to be held at 1917 American Bistro on Livernois’s Avenue of Fashion, Tuesday, August 7th from 8 pm to 12 midnight! RSVP at Election Night Watch Party

 

Celebrating 100 years of “America’s Black Eden”: Idlewild, Michigan’s Centennial visit: http://www.iaacc.com/ for more information

Dedication and Grand Opening of John Meeks Park

IDLEWILD, MI (Tell Us USA) – Long considered the “Black Eden”, Idlewild will mark its 100th year with the dedication of John Meeks Park, named in honor of educator, successful businessman, historian and longtime resident. An after party will be held like this area has never seen before. The ceremony will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm August 4, 2012 at M. L. King & Idlewild Boulevard in this historic and beautiful northern resort setting.

The celebration will continue with guest speakers, entertainment and activities for all ages, from 1:00 pm – until, so don’t forget your coolers, blankets and lawn chairs.

Idlewild, a vacation and retirement community in Yates Township located in a small rural northwestern part of Michigan, was one of only a few resorts in the country where African-Americans were allowed to vacation and purchase property before this discrimination became illegal in 1964.

Upper and middle class African American professionals from Detroit, Chicago, and other Midwestern cities were drawn to this rustic community a hundred years ago with residents the likes of NAACP co-founder, Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, cosmetic entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, Lemuel L. Foster, president of Fisk University, Dr. Albert B. Cleage, Sr. of Detroit, and the famous African-American novelist Charles Waddell Chesnutt.

 

Famous entertainers who performed in Idlewild were Della Reese, Al Hibbler, Bill Doggett, Jackie Wilson, T-Bone Walker, George Kirby, The Four Tops, Roy Hamilton, Brook Benton, Lottie “the Body” Graves, Sarah Vaughan, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis, Bill Cosby, Moms Mabley, Fats Waller, and Billy Eckstein and many other performers, entertained thousands of Idlewilders and white citizens in neighboring Lake County townships throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.

Long considered the “Black Eden”, Idlewild will mark its 100th year with the dedication of John Meeks Park, named in honor of successful businessman, historian and longtime resident.

For more information on this historic centennial or Free Picnic Table Reservation call: IAACC at 231-745-4742 or email: johnmeekssr2@gmail.com For rooms call Paradise Lake Motel: 231-745-9695

SPONSORED BY IDLEWILD AFRICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO BOX 435 IDLEWILD, MICHIGAN PHONE: 231-745-4742 www.iaacc.com