google analytics

Sunday, September 27, 2015

My Reading List

Once upon a time, LinkedIn had a really awesome "Reading List" feature where you could add book titles and notes. I used that feature to make notes of books I wanted to read, so that the next time I was at a bookstore or library, I would remember the title.

Since the feature no longer exists, I'm going to save my Book List here instead. Chances are, I won't get to many of these until I'm done with my degree, but it's a good practice to create the list now so it's ready for me when I have the time to read.
  1. "The Chronicles of Doodah" as mentioned by my colleague Don Haberek.
  2. "Return on Relationship" as mentioned on http://tedrubin.com/defining-social-metrics/ which was mentioned in a lecture in my MKT554 (Marketing Management) class at Walsh College. 
  3. "The Power of Positive Thinking," as suggested by Ken Blanchard in this TEDxSanDiego talk, which I wathed in my IT510 (IT Strategy) class at Walsh College. A takeaway from the video: at the end of the game, it all goes back in the box.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Five Facts About Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County

The Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County is a local affiliate of an international humanitarian organization that helps to place the dream of home ownership within reach for low income households. Their goal is to end poverty housing in Oakland County.

Thank you to Dee K. for the suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts about Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County. https://www.habitatoakland.org/
  1. They have helped 160 families since the organization was founded. To qualify, families must demonstrate the need, ability to pay, and the willingness to partner with this organization.
  2. Volunteer opportunities include construction (general and core volunteers), but also are available in the warehouse (tools manager; cleaning and organization), office (data entry; volunteer department support, and hospitality (provide breakfast or lunch; site host; make snacks). https://www.habitatoakland.org/volunteer.html
  3. They feature a "Volunteer of the Month" on their website and profile that volunteer's contribution to the organization. Read about this month's volunteer of the month, Mike Evola, here: https://www.habitatoakland.org/volunteer-of-the-month.html
  4. Corporate partners for 2015 have included Faurecia, Rochester Adams High School, United Shore, Thrivent, Main Street Design Build & Brasscraft, Cars for Homes, Home Builders Association of Michigan, and more. https://www.habitatoakland.org/news-room.html
  5. In addition to new home builds, this organization provides Critical Home Repair for families in financial need. Learn more at https://www.habitatoakland.org/critical-home-repair.html.
On Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/HabitatforHumanityOC?ref=ts&fref=ts
https://twitter.com/buildhabitatoc
https://www.youtube.com/user/HabitatOakland


Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Five Facts About Autism Speaks

Do you know someone who has autism? Chances are, you probably do. It seems these days there are more and more diagnosis of children with the autism spectrum disorder.

This blog is dedicated to a family member who has autism. I hope that his mom and dad read this blog and know that I'm thinking of them and I love them, and that I often say prayers for their family.

Here are five facts you may not know about Autism Speaks.
  1. According to their site, https://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us "Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
  2. It is recommended that all children be screened 18 and 24 months, as early detection and intervention improves chances for success with treatment.
  3. One in 68 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism.
  4. Autism Speaks has launched an open source, web-based portal (named MSSING, pronounced "missing) for research collaboration and genome information sharing. https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/online-portal-lets-scientists-worldwide-explore-and-share-dna-clues-autism
  5. Resources are available by age: young children, transition age, school age children, and adults. For example, families may obtain a 100-day kit for the first 100 days following diagnosis of a child under four years old. https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit  in PDF: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/about_autism_0.pdf



On Social Media:

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Five Facts About Pancreatic Cancer Center

The University of Michigan Pancreatic Cancer Center is focused on research that helps with early detection of pancreatic cancer, and extending the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. Thank you to Carol Butler for this suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts about Pancreatic Cancer and the University of Michigan Pancreatic Cancer Center:

  1. You can read news and information about pancreatic cancer on the UofM blog: http://uofmhealthblogs.org/?s=pancreatic+cancer. For example, there is a blog that discussed that it is expected that pancreatic cancer will be the leading cause of cancer death by the year 2030. http://uofmhealthblogs.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer-will-be-second-leading-cause-of-cancer-death-by-2030/14451/
  2. Each of the three types of pancreatic cancer tumors have different treatments and prognosis. http://www.mcancer.org/pancreatic-cancer/types
  3. They offer a 56-page patient handbook, downloadable in PDF at http://www.med.umich.edu/cancer/files/pancreatic-cancer-handbook.pdf
  4. The most common age for pancreatic cancer is 60 to 80 years old.
  5. They offer suggestions to find a doctor if you are told you have cancer. http://www.mcancer.org/living-with-cancer/practical-matters/identifying-doctor-and-facility-when-you-have-cancer

On Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/UniversityofMichiganComprehensiveCancerCenter
https://twitter.com/UMCancerCenter
https://www.pinterest.com/umhealthsystem/




Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other organizations here

Friday, September 4, 2015

Five Facts About Caring Bridge

Caring Bridge is a non-profit organization that enables users to create websites to rally support for their love ones during a health journey. Thank you to Cindy Wyckoff for the suggestion this blog topic.

Here are five facts you may not know about Caring Bridge.


  1. More than half a million Caring Bridge websites have been created since 1997. Here is an example site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisholmes
  2. You can start a site by visiting https://www.caringbridge.org/createwebsite
  3. If you're active on Facebook, you can support Caring Bridge by following their tips on http://www.caringbridge.org/get-involved/volunteer/opportunity/view/545a35e5f294d45d69306fcf
  4. Updates to your webpage on Caring Bridge can be public or private. 
  5. Caring Bridge websites provide a way to share health updates as well as needs (meals, help with transportation, etc.) with concerned family and friends. 

On Social Media




Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here 



Five Facts About the Pink Fund

The Pink Fund provides financial assistance to those fighting or recovering from breast cancer, both men and women. Thank you to founder and breast cancer survivor Molly MacDonald for the suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts you may not know about The Pink Fund.


  1. Their slogan of "real help now" is seen in their logo. 
  2. You can read "Notes of Gratitude" from fund recipients. http://thepinkfund.org/notes-gratitude/
  3. Funds are provided for the short-term, up to 90 days. Read more here. http://thepinkfund.org/do-i-qualify/
  4. You can support the organization by shopping The Pink Fund store at http://thepinkfund.org/shop/ One of the items is by Ruma Organics, and is natural deoderant. 
  5. Upcoming events include a "Dancing with Survivors" event on October 1, 2015. http://thepinkfund.org/2014-calendar/

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here 

On Social Media:



Five Facts About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is dedicated to the fight against heart disease and strokes. Thank you to Jessica Knapik for the suggested blog topic.
Here are Five Facts you may not know about the American Heart Association. 


  1. Their slogan is "Life is Why." Simple and it says it all. 
  2. They offer tips on how to see the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest here: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/911-Warnings-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp
  3. Hands-only CPR can be just as effective as giving breaths. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/HandsOnlyCPR/Hands-Only-CPR_UCM_440559_SubHomePage.jsp
  4. You can support the American Heart Association by purchasing wearables and other items from their store. Check out the mug with the bling. http://www.shopheart.org/complete-your-look?a=slider-1
  5. You can join the pledge to reduce your sodium intake here.
On Social Media:




Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here 

Five Facts About Gilda's Club

Gilda's Club of Detroit is an organization that provides free social and emotional for any man, woman, teen, or child living with cancer. Yes, it's name echos from the famous and hilarious Gilda Radner of Saturday Night Live who lost her life (but never her sense of humor) to cancer. Thank you to Jessica Knapik for the suggestion for this blog topic.

Here are five facts about Gilda's Club of Detroit.
  1. This organization offers membership, with a simple 3-step process. It's free to join. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/program-membership/how-to-join/
  2. New member meetings are held on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by calling 248-577-0800.
  3. Their staff consists entirely of women and photography was done by my friend Dan Lippitt. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/our-organization/staff/
  4. When you read the stories on their "Our Stories" page, you will feel like you know these people. They are such well written, you can picture sitting down and getting to know each person. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/our-organization/our-stories/
  5. Camp Sparkle is their summer day camp for kids aged 5-12. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/program-membership/camp-sparkle/


On Social Media: 



Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Five Facts About International Asherman's Association and Asherman's Syndrome

The International Asherman's Association is an organization dedicated to bringing awareness of Asherman's Syndrome to others. Their focus is on information and support for those suffering from this condition, which is a cause for infertility that is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

As a side note, I owe this organization so much. Without the support and knowledge I gained, we may never have had a second child. She was definitely worth the wait.

Here are five facts you may now know about the International Asherman's Association and Asherman's Syndrome:

  1. Asherman's Syndrome can cause infertility and miscarriages. There are symptoms and Asherman's is treatable. http://www.ashermans.org/information/symptoms-and-causes/
  2. Stories of those afflicted with Asherman's Syndrome are shared in multiple languages: English, Serbian, Croatian, Farsi, Japanese, Portuguese, Romanian, Finnish, Indonesian, Arabic, Lithuanian, and Icelandic
  3. The mission of the organization addresses preservation of women's fertility, prevention of interuterine adhesions, and support/education for those struggling with infertility and miscarriages.
  4. They have a closed group on Facebook where women can ask each other questions, share advice, and photos of post-Asherman babies (success stories). https://www.facebook.com/groups/92888865008/
  5. Women in this organization have created a list of A-list doctors across the world, one of which appears in the photograph on this page, being presented an award by a child who would not be here without his care. http://www.ashermans.org/about-us/our-work/



Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here

Five Facts About Angels of Hope

Angels of Hope is an Michigan based organization that helps to provide financial assistance to children fighting cancer as well as families of these children. All individuals who help are volunteers. Thank you to Gary Lusk for suggestion this organization for this blog topic.

Here are five things you may not know about Angels of Hope.

  1. 165, 97, and 22. These are all relevant numbers to Angels of Hope. In 2014, they helped 165 families. They delivered Christmas to 97 families. And they stood beside 22 families who lost a loved one to cancer. http://www.angelsofhope.org/2014/three-important-numbers-165-97-22/
  2. You can watch videos on their website to learn more about families they help. This video really got me at the point where Ava and her sister Sophia are holding hands. http://www.angelsofhope.org/video/
  3. You can help with a gift of money or time. http://www.angelsofhope.org/how-to-help/
  4. One program offering is complimentary photo sessions for families. http://www.angelsofhope.org/our-programs/
  5. Teachers can volunteer to help with tutoring and educational support for children undergoing treatment. http://www.angelsofhope.org/our-programs/



On Social Media:
https://twitter.com/angelsofhope_MI
https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOfHopeMI


Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Five Facts about Mcrest Macomb

The Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to individuals who are homeless or displaced. Thank you to Gary Lusk for suggesting MCREST for this blog topic.

Here are five facts you may not know about MCREST:

  1. MCREST provides services (food, shelter, training) for Macomb County's homeless for up to 90 days, for 365 days of the year.
  2. The organization began in 1988 with the concept of a day camp organized by the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton Township.
  3. There are 90 churches throughout the area who support this program. You can view the directory of churches who participate in this program at http://www.mcrest.org/member-churches/. My church, St. Ronald, participates in this program.
  4. Each year, 500 adults and 100 children benefit from the MCREST program.
  5. While monetary donations are appreciated, MCREST is also in need of many items including diapers, toddler snacks, and travel size hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.). Learn more at http://www.mcrest.org/get-involved/.

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. And the next time your church hosts MCREST, please consider participating, volunteering your time, or donating needed resources. Read about other charitable organizations here



 
 
 



Sunday, August 23, 2015

Five Facts about New Day Foundation for Families

The New Day Foundation for Families is a non-profit organization that helps provide financial stability and hope to cancer patients and their families. http://www.foundationforfamilies.org/
Thank you to Josephine Dries who suggested this organization as a blog topic. Here are five facts I learned while visiting their website.

  1. This organization provides support to cancer patients of all ages, from child to adult. http://www.foundationforfamilies.org/our-values/ 
  2. Their programs and services include: bill payment (utilities, auto, insurance, and even funeral expenses); children's services (daycare, school supplies, activities); and counseling services.
  3. The New Day Foundation for Families was created when two families became joined as a result of surviving spouses of cancer patients uniting. Their story was made into the movie, "The Color of Rain." I got chills reading this. https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/who-we-are/color-of-rain/
  4. There are many ways to volunteer to help this wonderful organization. These include making blankets, stuffing envelopes, making cash donations, or hosting events.
  5. If you shop at Kroger, you can link your loyalty card to the New Day Foundation for Families which receives a donation every time you shop - at no cost to you. Learn more at https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/donate-now/donate-while-you-shop/.
https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/who-we-are/color-of-rain/the-color-of-rain/

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. And if you are fighting cancer or supporting a family member who is, please check out the New Day Foundation for Families.
Read about other charitable organizations here

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Five Facts About the Dearborn Animal Shelter

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is a non profit organization in Dearborn, Michigan. Here are five interesting facts about this wonderful organization.

 
A rendering of the new shelter
  1. In 2014, this shelter handled 2,725 total animals. This included 1,470 cats and 1,054 dogs. If you're doing the math, you'll see this doesn't add up. That's because they have also handled 201 other species.
  2. There are 12 full-time employees and 18 part-time employees. In addition, over 113 active volunteers help this organization. Volunteers can help with daily operations, cleaning, and of course caring for the animals. All volunteers are required to participate in orientation.
  3. They are in the process of building a new shelter. Their recent "Raise the Woof" fundraiser raised $247,000, just shy of their $250,000 goal. Can we all just pause (or should I say "PAWS" for a moment to reflect on how adorable that "Raise the Woof" name is, on multiple levels?)
  4. The shelter organizes doggie playdates, appropriately named "paw-ties." Learn more at https://www.dearbornanimals.org/what-we-do/pooch-paw-ties-and-play-dates/.
  5. Their current need is advertised at the top of their website, which is Pedigree dog food.
Thank you to Anne Garbus for recommending the Dearborn Animal Shelter for this blog topic. When we're ready to adopt a dog, I'm definitely going to look to this shelter.

Read about other charitable and nonprofit organizations in this blog: http://mellermarketing.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-big-4-0.html

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Five Facts about The John Paul II Medical Research Institute

The John Paul II Medical Research Institute (aka JP2MRI) supports medical research while respecting the dignity of human life. Their focus is on supporting research that is ethical and cost-effective. Here are five facts about this important organization:

http://www.jp2mri.org/#!jp2mri-video-gallery/cm0b
  1. JP2MRI differentiates itself by committing to not support embryonic stem cell research. In addition, they commit more than half of their budget to medical research. 
  2. Visit their video library to learn more about the JP2MRI.
  3. Physicians who wish to sign up to help support research can do so at this link: http://www.jp2mri.org/#!patient-registry/c1kr5. Some of this focus includes Rare Disease Research (Flyer: http://media.wix.com/ugd/d8f730_0b148921f308455ea9790cb2651275ff.pdf) as well as Cancer Stem Cell Research (Flyer: http://media.wix.com/ugd/d8f730_60200f4998c24ab3a15ea18366c65daa.pdf)
  4. Information about the ethics of medical research including the Nuremberg Code can be found at http://www.jp2mri.org/#!nuremberg-code/cz3o.
  5. One of the ways that "You Can Help" this institute is by sharing their website and information on social media. Click to share this post and you've done just that.
Thanks to John for the suggestion to add this organization to my big 4-0 blog list.

Read about other charitable and nonprofit organizations in this blog: http://mellermarketing.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-big-4-0.html

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Five Things About Mary's Mantle

Mary's Mantle is a Catholic community supporting expectant mothers. Here are five things you may not know about Mary's Mantle. http://marysmantle.net/


  1. Mary's Mantle was created to support young pregnant women (aged 18+) who feel they have no options. The site shares the story of one such woman who ended her pregnancy because she felt she had no other choice. http://marysmantle.net/about/
  2. They house up to four expectant mothers.  
  3. Their waiting list averages from five to 15 women. In 2012, they received 200 calls for expectant women needing a home.
  4. The site has a blog where they share video testimonials. http://marysmantle.net/news/ This gave me chills to see the silhouettes with the stories written on them. One was of a 20-year-old woman who chose adoption for her child.
  5. In addition to donations, volunteers are always needed and include prayer groups, charitable (fundraising) groups, babycare classes, new mom classes, and more. Pat Parker is the volunteer coordinator. 

Thanks to Caleb for the suggestion to add this organization to my blog list. 

Read about other charitable and nonprofit organizations in this blog: http://mellermarketing.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-big-4-0.html


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Five Facts About Gift of Life Michigan

Are you signed up to be an organ and tissue donor? I am. You should consider doing so, as you could save lives for others.

Here are five facts you may not know about the Gift of Life Michigan.

  1. You can sign up to be a donor online. http://giftoflifemichigan.org/become-donor/?_ga=1.250582982.111630397.1433378990 Plus, you can view the campus challenge rankings on this page, which shows 1,556 rankings as of today (June 3, 2015).

  2. Transplant support groups meet across the state. You can search for groups at http://giftoflifemichigan.org/recipients/transplant-support-groups

  3. Family members can create a quilt square for the Donor Memorial Quilts. The quilts are displayed at events and memorials. Plus you can view the square online, like this one: http://giftoflifemichigan.org/donor-families/quilts/lucas-michael-schmidt. 

  4. View the map of the state of Michigan showing other donors in your area.
    Visit http://giftoflifemichigan.org/news-calendar/map-michigan-donors

  5. My friend Christy is a part of the leadership team as shown on http://giftoflifemichigan.org/about-us/our-leadership-team.

Please consider signing up to be a donor. You can't take it with you, and you might save one or more lives in the process. Please click to share and spread the word. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

What You Missed at the State of the City Address for Troy Michigan

Today I attended my first State of the City address for the city of Troy, Michigan. I took notes as "Key Takeaways"that I would share with a colleague or manager who was unable to attend the event. And also as takeaways for my team to consider as we are planning our own "State of" event later this year. So if you missed the event, here's what you missed. Feel free to share this with others and add anything I missed with a comment to this post.


PEOPLE
Mayor Dane Slater gave the remarks for the event. At the end, I went up to him and said that my husband and I were considering moving to Troy someday, and his remarks confirmed our plans. It was my first time hearing him address a large group, and I was really impressed.

Council Member Doug Tietz stopped by the Walsh College table to say hello. Such a great guy. Doug and I were once Toastmasters together and we've kept in contact since. Doug's wife Amy is an alumni of Walsh College where she now teaches as an adjunct faculty. They are a great couple and I'm sure they have the whole world and family-life balance figured out. Whenever I see Doug at an event, I know I'm in the right place. Doug is now the District Director for Congressman Dave Trott.

Troy Rotarian and fellow Troy Chamber member William (Bill) Cowger was at the event along with two full tables of Troy Rotary members. Bill filled me in on some of the goals and focuses of Rotary International, where he has been a member for many years. It's on my "someday" list to be a member. Bill is also a photographer that I highly recommend. Great work, great prices, and excellent service.

There were many others from the city and from around the region.

James Robertson (the Detroit resident who made news due to walking 21 miles a day to work) attended the event and it was announced that he now makes his home in Troy, Michigan. Mayor Dane Slater presented James with a key to the city. It was a heartfelt introduction and you could tell how much the warm city welcome meant to James.


THEMES & VIDEOS
Storytelling. Teamwork. Community collaboration. 

Mayor Dane Slater warmed up the crowd by welcoming multiple audience VIPs, including my group from Walsh College as well as many other community leaders and partners.

Following the introductions, the Mayor played a video which told the story of the City of Troy's strategic planning process. Kudos on the video. It was informative, entertaining, and provided simple explanation with engaging visuals. I don't see the video posted yet, but I'll add it to this blog once I find the link. Video was done by Maggie Hughes, said Mayor Dane Slater.

Several videos in the "Dane and Dave" show series were shown to the group. Hilarious, informative, and entertaining. The videos feature Mayor Dane Slater and Councilman Dave Henderson. Please give this page a like and help them get to 100 fans. https://www.facebook.com/Thedaneanddaveshow. As of the time of this post, they are up to 97 likes (up from 91 earlier today).

There was a huge theme of teamwork and collaboration throughout the event. Posterboards throughout the room celebrated team members with their headshot photos and key accomplishments under their leadership. The poster boards will be available for viewing at the Troy City Hall after the event.

A nice shout out to Walsh College plus numerous other businesses and organizations who make their home in Troy, Michigan. They also showed a picture of the Walsh Troy campus renovation. Both mentions made me and the Walsh table very proud. We have been a part of the Troy community since 1922 and it's great to see such a strong partnership between our institution and the City of Troy.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
Some key facts about Troy were shared with the group.

  • Troy was named the "Safest City in Michigan" again for 2015. Details.
  • Troy was named the 7th in the nation as "Best Cities to Live In" by 24/7 Wall St.
  • The city is focusing on businesses in Troy on Maple Road in its new series, "15 on Fifteen." Check out the videos on http://15forfifteen.com/. They are rolling the business videos out one-by-one. Clever. So far, there have been features on the new MJR Cinema, Media Genesis, Troy Auto Glass, and a few others. 
  • The City is focused on Top 10 Strategies which you can read here. The strategies range from public city to diversity and more. Clear. Focused. 
  • The Troy Transit Center's October 14, 2014 ribbon cutting was announced. I've taken the Amtrak train once to Chicago and look forward to my next trip leaving from the Troy Transit facility.
  • If you omit Ann Arbor from consideration (which is skewed due to its international student population), Troy is the #1 city for diversity in the state of Michigan.
  • The Arab-American & Chaldean Council recently moved to Troy.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Mayor Dane Slater issued one challenge for Troy residents and businesses: help others. 

He suggested numerous organizations including:
Also, the City of Troy is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and the Mayor invited all of us to save the date for the Saturday, June 20th celebration.

A great time was had by all. Please spread the word by sharing this post.