Calling All Poets

Press Release Contact Person:
Lois Robbins
(248) 969-2518
lois@robbinsmail.com



Calling all Poets: Ortonville CreekFest Poetry Contest

The Ortonville CreekFest Committee has announced its third annual CreekFest Poetry Contest, a Green Arts program supported by the Center for Applied Environmental Research at University of Michigan, Flint.

CreekFest, Ortonville DDA’s Main Street signature event for 2008, is a festival that celebrates and promotes the preservation of Michigan waterways. Thematic content in poetry pieces will be favored but not mandatory. All entries must be post marked no later than May 1st, 2007. Walk in submissions must be no later than 4:30 PM, Thursday, May 1st, 2008, at the Ortonville Village Offices.

Each entry (poem) must include:
2 individual copies of the poem
(do not write the author’s name on the either of these two copies).
A cover letter noting the author’s name, birth date, phone number, email address, and title of the poem.
A self-addressed stamped envelope
Entries that do not include the above will be disqualified.

Submissions should be addressed to:
Poetry Contest
Ortonville Village Offices
476 Mill Street
P.O. Box 928
Ortonville, MI 48462

Two categories will be judged:
Category I – ages 14 and under; and
Category II – ages 15 and older.

In each category, five awards will be given:
Category I : 2 Honorable Mentions;; 2nd Place - $50; 1st Place $75.
Category II: 2 Honorable mentions; 2nd Place - $75; 1st Place - $100.

Finalists will be notified by mail, post marked no later than May 27, 2008, with information noting the location of final registration and the time they need to be present for registration and reading. Final judging will take place at Ortonville CreekFest on June 7 and finalists must be present to win. Each finalist, or a reading representative meeting the same age requirements as the entrant, will be required to read their entry for final judging at CreekFest. Reading representatives and/or finalists must be present for final registration and reading, at the appointed times.

All works submitted must be original and unpublished. All finalists must be agreeable to the publication of their entry in a variety of newspapers and any Ortonville DDA promotions, including any future internet advertisement or publication. Works will not be returned.

Booklets featuring the winning poems for 2008 will be included in the updated CreekFest Poems booklet, to be available at the 2009 CreekFest. Booklets featuring the winning poems from 2006 and 2007 will be available for purchase at this year’s CreekFest.

For further information,
Contact Lois Robbins at (248) 969-2518 lois@robbinsmail.com

Science and Technology competition

Southern Exposure Renewable Energy Company of Ortonville is curious as to whether there would be interest in having a design competition for our students to design and create water mills for fun and to show their design talents.To be displayed at the Creekfest 08.

The water mill is a version of what one might have seen on the old mill except this doesn't have to power a large load. Just to translate the energy of the water moving into something external to the water. Perhaps the following utube could spark some imagination. The video describes animal looking objects being powered by the wind, why not design similar objects powered by the water. See: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/162. (If you do not have high speed internet to view the video go to the Library to use their computers.)

Treasures in Town

I spoke with Robin at Glass with Class, and he requested we put together a sign-up sheet for him to keep at his store for potential vendors. He has been the driving force behind this idea of having a "Treasures in Town" in Crossman Park. The idea is to give everyone an opportunity to hold their garage sale in the park. The CreekFest committee needs to put this onto the schedule of events flyer for CreekFest as well as into the press release. Debbie Baker is willing manage the market the day of CreekFest, June 7 from 9am to 3pm. The cost per 10x20 spot is $10.

If anyone is willing to manage future dates, this would be a magnificent way to bring people into the downtown area, as well as give them an opportunity to come together and make some connections as well as cash. This would make a nice article for the DDA newsletter.

GOB on board

I talked with the owners of GOB and they are looking forward to having the kids in to perform again this year. They were especially happy to hear that their spot will be in the parking lot adjacent to Health Care Reimbursements , in the shade!!!! Next we need to nail down their performance times.

First CreekFest Committee Meeting, 2/26/08

MAIN STREET – ORTONVILLE DDA
CreekFest Committee
February 26, 2008


Members Present: Kris Danikolas, Jane Derry, Brenda Timmermans, Jim Bates, Pam Belding, Molly LaLone
Members Absent: Lois Robbins, Debbie Baker, Dean Salley, Tim Dibble

OLD BUSINESS:

Workplan Update: Keep all the same minus $2000 for entertainment. Ready to send workplan to DDA BOD.

Critter/Membership Update: Jane Derry will update informational packet. Tim Dibble will check up on critters. Kris Danikolas will solicit sponsors with Jane Derry.

Building Permits: Molly LaLone will acquire the necessary permits from Ed Coy.

Poetry Contest: Jim Bates will look into a person to run the contest

Gymnast Show: Pam Belding will talk to GOB about performing.

Graphics: Brenda Timmermans will create an informational poster for CreekFest. A schedule will be created closer to event.

Press Release: Molly LaLone will send out Press Release in two weeks introducing Kris, the blog, the critter, a tentative schedule, and the major sponsors.

NEW BUSINESS:

CreekFest Blog: Jim Bates will set up a blog for the committee to use and the public to make comments.

CreekFest Committee Meetings: March 13, 2008, 6:30pm in Village Conference Room and March 25, 2008, 6:30pm in Village Conference Room

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Molly LaLone

Flint River Watershed

Flint River Watershed
Within Oakland County, four branches of the Flint River watershed begin in our northern communities. Kearsley Creek, Swartz Creek and Thread Creek are part of the Middle Flint subwatershed group and a small portion of the South Branch in Addison Township.The Middle Flint Sub Watershed Advisory Group is facilitated by Sue Kubic of Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office-Surface Water Management skubic@co.genesee.mi.us or phone 810-732-1590.The Flint River subwatershed group has developed a coalition to address watershed issues, the Flint River Watershed Coalition.Communities and other Middle Flint watershed partners have worked cooperatively to develop the Middle Flint Watershed Management Plan.
For more detailed information regarding watershed activities and programming in the Flint, visit Flint River Watershed Coalition website or phone 810-767-6490.