Our Last, Very Special Michigan Communicators gathering of 2018

See you 9 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2018

HOSTED BY THE JEWISH BOOK FAIR—Thanks to our friend Sheri Schiff, we will be guests of the Jewish Book Fair for our final Michigan Communicators gathering of the year. PLEASE NOTE—This is a Wednesday, not our typical Friday gathering. The reason for that date is to take part in a very special program!

Website: https://bookfair.jccdet.org/ has a detailed schedule of the many free programs at this year’s Book Fair. The entire Book Fair runs November 3-14. You will be impressed by the lineup of authors appearing at this year’s Fair. The majority of events are free of charge. (NOTE: Thursday night at 8 p.m., our own Joe Grimm is presenting a program about his new book from Wayne State Press about Faygo!)

Location: Set your mapping Apps to the Jewish Community Center at Maple and Drake roads in West Bloomfield. The specific street address is 6600 West Maple Road.

WE WILL START PROMPTLY AT 9 AM! For this very special gathering, we are breaking with tradition and we will start the “Roundtable” portion of our Communicators session at 9 a.m. (Usually, we start with a tour-and-talk by our hosts.) Because we are starting at 9 a.m., we will conclude the Roundtable before 11 a.m.

WELCOME MUHAMMED AL SAMAWI

THEN, AT 11 AM—The author of the acclaimed new memoir, The Fox Hunt, is scheduled to talk about his life and his book at 11 a.m. that morning. Our group plans to move from our Roundtable to enjoy his presentation—on themes close to all of our hearts.

The book has been praised by The New York Times. Bruce Feiler, who many of us know, calls this “an urgent and timely book that reminds us of the common threads of the human experience.” The Forward calls it “a tale of incredible liberation—viscerally compelling.” Rabbi David Saperstein, who many of us know, says, “Poignant, captivating, disturbing, yet, in the end, hopeful, The Fox Hunt is a haunting and memorable book that illuminates the humanitarian tragedy of Yemen through the life of one of its refugees.”

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

Michigan Communicators: We’ll See You Thursday (March 15) at Detroit Public TV in Wixom

See you Thursday, March 15 at 9 a.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, PLEASE!

As we announced during our wonderful January gathering at Zaman International, our friends at Detroit Public TV are hosting our March gathering—but on a different date than we usually schedule. This time, we’re meeting on a Thursday morning in the middle of the month. If you can possibly join us, please do. As your coordinator, I’ve led gatherings to Detroit Public TV several times in recent years. They’re always exciting experiences, packed with useful news and the Detroit Public TV folks really do want to learn from you about creative projects going on throughout the whole community.

Travel details are: Riley Broadcast Center, 1 Clover Court, Wixom, MI 48393-2247. Phone: (248) 305-3900 (This is the complex we all see on the south side of the freeway when we drive along I-96 west of Novi.)

 

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

Michigan Communicators: We’ll see you this Friday (Jan 26) at Zaman gathering

See you this Friday, January 26 at 9 a.m.

Najah at Zaman from a WXYZ TV report.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, PLEASE!

As you may have seen in statewide news reports recently, Zaman International is dramatically expanding its services. This nonprofit, founded by the internationally known trans-cultural nurse Najah Bazzy to focus on helping women and children, recently opened a large new Culinary Arts kitchen with community leaders from across the region.

One of Najah’s true stories is featured as the dramatic final chapter of the new WISDOM book, Friendship and Faith. So, for many reasons, we are very pleased that Zaman is welcoming Michigan Communicators for its first gathering in 2018.

LOCATION: 26091 Trowbridge St, Inkster, MI 48141

There is plenty of parking either beside the Zaman building or in a lot across the street. You are looking for a large building that resembles a warehouse, set in an industrial pocket of facilities in Inkster. Inside that facility, Najah and her staff have built offices for her nonprofit, plus small training centers for initiatives including sewing-and-tailoring. There’s also a thrift shop, an emergency pantry and the new Culinary Arts center and cafe.

For those of you who recall our two visits to Faith Fowler’s Cass Community Services in Detroit, this is another amazing resource that is rapidly expanding in metro Detroit. Najah is a remarkable woman on a mission to improve the world, one family at a time.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

Michigan Communicators: We’ll see you January 26 for Zaman gathering

See you Friday, January 26 at 9 a.m.

Najah at Zaman from a WXYZ TV report.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, PLEASE!

As you may have seen in statewide news reports recently, Zaman International is dramatically expanding its services. This nonprofit, founded by the internationally known trans-cultural nurse Najah Bazzy to focus on helping women and children, recently opened a large new Culinary Arts kitchen with community leaders from across the region.

One of Najah’s true stories is featured as the dramatic final chapter of the new WISDOM book, Friendship and Faith. So, for many reasons, we are very pleased that Zaman is welcoming Michigan Communicators for its first gathering in 2018.

LOCATION: 26091 Trowbridge St, Inkster, MI 48141

There is plenty of parking either beside the Zaman building or in a lot across the street. You are looking for a large building that resembles a warehouse, set in an industrial pocket of facilities in Inkster. Inside that facility, Najah and her staff have built offices for her nonprofit, plus small training centers for initiatives including sewing-and-tailoring. There’s also a thrift shop, an emergency pantry and the new Culinary Arts center and cafe.

For those of you who recall our two visits to Faith Fowler’s Cass Community Services in Detroit, this is another amazing resource that is rapidly expanding in metro Detroit. Najah is a remarkable woman on a mission to improve the world, one family at a time.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

Michigan Communicators: Save January 26 for Zaman gathering

See you Friday, January 26 at 9 a.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, PLEASE!

As you may have seen in statewide news reports recently, Zaman International is dramatically expanding its services. This nonprofit, founded by the internationally known trans-cultural nurse Najah Bazzy to focus on helping women and children, recently opened a large new Culinary Arts kitchen with community leaders from across the region.

One of Najah’s true stories is featured as the dramatic final chapter of the new WISDOM book, Friendship and Faith. So, for many reasons, we are very pleased that Zaman is welcoming Michigan Communicators for its first gathering in 2018.

LOCATION: 26091 Trowbridge St, Inkster, MI 48141

There is plenty of parking either beside the Zaman building or in a lot across the street. You are looking for a large building that resembles a warehouse, set in an industrial pocket of facilities in Inkster. Inside that facility, Najah and her staff have built offices for her nonprofit, plus small training centers for initiatives including sewing-and-tailoring. There’s also a thrift shop, an emergency pantry and the new Culinary Arts center and cafe.

For those of you who recall our two visits to Faith Fowler’s Cass Community Services in Detroit, this is another amazing resource that is rapidly expanding in metro Detroit. Najah is a remarkable woman on a mission to improve the world, one family at a time.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

Michigan Communicators are meeting November 10 at Holocaust memorial

See you Friday, November 10 at 9 a.m.

This is our last gathering of 2017.

In this turbulent year for vulnerable minorities, our final gathering will be hosted by Michigan’s most prominent center for education about the Holocaust—and the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting minorities. For more than a quarter of a century, the Holocaust Memorial Center has hosted countless tours and educational programs.

Location: 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Website: https://www.holocaustcenter.org/

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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

 

Michigan Communicators are meeting August 25

See you Fri, Aug 25, 9 a.m.

WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!

The new Chaldean Cultural Center and museum is hosting our group on Friday August 25 from 9 a.m. until Noon. This is a wonderful opportunity to see this new cultural landmark—and to have our roundtable, as well. Please try to arrive by 9 a.m. so our hosts have plenty of time to show us through the facility before our 10 a.m. roundtable session begins.

You can see a 3-minute orientation video by visiting this link to the museum site—or by clicking on the image with this email.

The street address (for your GPS) is 5600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323.

Mary Romaya from the Cultural Center, who has been helping us to coordinate this event, sends this additional helpful information: “We are located within the Shenandoah Country Club, between Farmington and Drake roads, closer to Drake (across the street from Temple Israel). Go to the East end of the country club to enter. Once in the building, the Chaldean Cultural Center Museum will be to your right, just a few steps from the entrance.”

 

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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
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Michigan Communicators are meeting June 30 with Bible Garden tour

See you Fri, June 30, 9 a.m.

THANKS TO ALLAN GALE, the “Michigan Communicators” network will gather once again on Friday June 30 with our hosts for the morning at Congregation Beth Ahm. That facility is at 5075 West Maple Road in West Bloomfield, MI 48322, a Jewish congregation with roots that extend back to 1892 in Detroit. Most notable for our visit is Beth Ahm’s adjacent “Bible Garden,” which “contains plants mentioned in the Bible and uses plants to illustrate themes in the Bible.” As usual, we will begin our visit at 9 a.m. with a tour—and Allan has worked with Beth Ahm to schedule a perfect June visit. The Bible Garden should be lovely.

 

AN IMPORTANT GATHERING—Our group “skipped” spring meeting this year, so there is a great deal to discuss at this meeting. As usual, from 10 a.m. to Noon, we will hold our “roundtable” to talk about projects we’re all pursuing, questions we are raising this summer and ways we can help each other in our collective work.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. And, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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
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.

Michigan Communicators meets January 27 at Christ Church Cranbrook

See you Fri, Jan 27, 9 a.m.

CHRIST CHURCH CRANBROOK will host our first “Michigan Communicators” gathering of 2017 at our usual time: 9 a.m. to 12-Noon on the last Friday of this month: January 27. Those of you who are familiar with metro Detroit know that Christ Church is a major religious landmark within the sprawling grounds of the Cranbrook community. It’s a treat for all of us to visit this historic site for our gathering!

For your GPS routing, the street address is: 470 Church Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

AN IMPORTANT GATHERING—Nationwide changes this month are prompting deep concern among leaders in metro-Detroit’s diverse cultural and religious communities. The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (the over-arching umbrella for faith communities) is especially concerned about resources we all can bring together to highlight vulnerable minority communities. At this Michigan Communicators gathering, you’ll hear more about these efforts, and ways in which you can play an active role.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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. Already, a couple of people have asked me to make time for them at this first gathering of 2017. I’m happy to do so when I know, in advance, of significant news our participants want to share. So, make use of email—let me know if you are coming with some special 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.

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
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See you on Friday Oct 7 at Michigan Communicators

A great morning for all of us!

The next Michigan Communicators gathering is Friday October 7, 2016, from 9 a.m. until Noon, at the First United Methodist Church of Royal Oak, 320 West Seventh Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067.

Our co-hosts are the ground-breaking Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (and you’ll get to meet the new MiIPL director), plus the leaders of this Royal Oak church who are newsmakers in various ways. Among other things, this church is a model of trying to turn a historic house of worship into an eco-friendly part of the community.

WHY OCTOBER 7? Veterans of our network know that, for most of the past decade, we tried to hold these gatherings on “the last Friday of the odd-numbered months.” However, we discovered a couple of challenges in the last couple of years. One is the perennial problem of conflict with Memorial Day at the end of May and Thanksgiving at the end of November. The more significant issue was: Our regular attendees challenged us to plan future gatherings around sites, hosts and issues that were sure to interest most of us.

This summer, we gathered at Faith Fowler’s center in Detroit and had one of our biggest gatherings in a long time. Earlier this year, we structured our morning around a visit with Michigan public television’s Rich Homberg (set at a major Jewish center) and again we had a big turnout.

Now, at your urging, we are planning our “Friday morning” gatherings to intentionally gather at sites (and with hosts) you’ll be excited to meet.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

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. Already, a couple of people have asked me to make time for them at this October 7 gathering. I’m happy to do so when I know, in advance, of significant news our participants want to share. So, make use of email—let me know if you are coming with some special news to share.

If something important arises that morning, just let me know that day. But, yes, you can email in advance to prompt my planning.

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