The last pure sport... High school sports...

I have cut and pasted this from an earlier blog about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline... Good Morning America's vote for the most beautiful spot in the County.  That is pretty impressive!   I wanted to fast forward to my thoughts on what I will call "the last  pure sport" in high schools sports.  After watching professional sports as a fan for years... I have grown tired of the "drama" that ESPN would like you to think is keeping the world spinning on it's axis!  Collegate sports has become so corrupt that is almost a given that any winning program today is cheating or has not yet been caught!   Just last week I turned OFF Sports Center out of disgust for the endless coverage of school after school... program after program... being hit with fines, suspensions, and irrevocations of records.    I don't care about Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds shooting up in the butt cheek!  Buy the way... if your an athletic trainer... do you really have to do that? 


So.. it is with that in the past... that I look forward to the future of this season of .... Pure Michigan High School Sports!  




......Last thing on the M 24 thing for now.... I was pleased and honored to attend a community happening last evening in the newly refreshed Children's Park in Down town Lake Orion.  The DDA decided to hold a pep rally in the park to acknowledge the participants in the fall sports programs through the Lake Orion High School district.  As I sat in the middle of this beautiful park.... I thanked God for being brought to such a special place and time.   The scene was nothing short of a movie set... small town America... families sprawled out on the newly placed rock wall and grassy spaces.... gazebo in center stage... clean fresh water flowing over the damn and into a winding river with mother ducks tending to the now maturing ducklings... really no different than the proud parents tending to their babies who are now almost ready to leave the nest!

Seriously... It was a great moment and I could not have been prouder of my children in Alex, Julia, Amanda and Molly.  Julia is a volleyball player dedicated to a sport like no other.  She is bumping and setting out on the driveway and has become a master.  In fact... one of my favorite memories from this months vacation will be the time as a family we spent.... yes... in the clean fresh waters along the Lake Michigan shore line.... bumping... and setting in the waves... Pure Michigan... Let's not forget to give props to the Lake Orion Dragon Football Team.  My son Alex is a senior this year and they will begin the defense of their Division I State Championship next week.

Now the tie in.... M 24 connects Orion to Oxford with a mile or so long patch of highway.  But the connections run much deeper.  You see year ago... way back in another time... this was a rivalry like no other.  It was bad... and bitter.  So much so.... that the powers that be decided it could not continue and was split right down the middle.  Thrown away and the door slammed... for over 25 years the Oxford Wildcats went their way to the Flint league.... and the Lake Orion Dragons did their thing in the Oakland Athletic League.  Time went by and both communities kind of co-existed.   Kind of tolerating each other.   Time passed... the economy expanded... people went on the move... and because of the unique qualities of these "sleepy, little, bed-room" communities... people flocked to the area to "Live, Work, Play...."  and the businesses soon followed... which allowed the newbies settling in to take their hard earned dollars to "Shop, Dine, and Stay..." .  They brought their families to the Lakes, Rivers, and trails.... they "Celebrated" what they had found... and hurried home from work because they had discovered that they had moved to a place "Where living was indeed....a vacation....".

Someone.... I suppose now grown and mature or perhaps someone who moved to the area... not knowing or caring about the past history.... suggested... "Why don't we get the Oxford and Orion kids back together again for a little football game?"  The conversation was started and before you knew it... it happened.  Renewal of a Rivalry.... and Oxford came to Lake Orion for the first game in 25 years.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnbpHV-pTrw

Rivalry Renewed!  This year the game will be in Oxford and the Wild Cats have their own special "Celebration" this year.  You see... some Cat's don't take "NO" for an answer.  My friend Ron Davis is the big cat who would not except NO.  The voters said NO two times at the poles to the vision of "Blue Turf" in the Cat stadium.  No does not mean know to Big Cat Ron!  He and a group of supporter formed the Blue Turf Committee.  This group was locked and focused on one thing... raising seed money to privately get the Turf stadium.  When you look at the business case... it surely makes great sense.  A modern synthetic turf hold up the punishment laid down by the pounding cleats of football, lacrosse, soccer.  It makes for a smooth surface for the marching band, flag football, and all levels from varsity down to pee wee.  It is a money maker if you can get the people on board.  Ron got it done....some how... he raised enough seed money... and attracted the interest from a mysterious third party who offered up what became known as a new term in a "loan-ation".  That would be a donation to the turf through the extension of a loan.  The voters did agree through a bond to offer up new soil, seed, and irrigation...  When Davis and his group showed the business case to the Oxford Community Schools Board... they could not turn down the deal...  AND the turf came to be.

So... I have set the stage for "The Battle of the Blue Turf" and "Rivalry Renewed.. Round Two" . The Cats got the blue turf... the Dragons got the Division I State Title to defend.  This is a high school AD's dream come true!  In fact... the hype is huge... rumors of ESPN coming to cover the game... Air force Jet fly overs... Bud Rowley going with something other than glaring Cat Yellow pants this year... RUMORS ABOUND!

To celebrate the renewal of this rivalry, Blue Turf install, and the defense of a D I Title... we have created a collect able and iconic Rally Towel.   In fact... last evening we donated over 200 plus rally towels to players at all levels in the Lake Orion program.  We intend to do the same for the Oxford Wild Cats later this week.
       http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=2&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=220&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133

Proceeds from the sale of this collectible souvenir will go to support both programs.  Get um early because we have just over 1,000 left for an expected crowed of  8,000 to 12,000 fans!  Are you ready for some football?


 

The most beautiful place in America....Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

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This was bound to happen sooner or later.  We tried to keep the secret safe in hopes to preserve the place we love like no other.  A place so beautiful that is was voted the most beautiful place in the USA by Good Morning America.  Not that GMA is the ultimate authority on such things.   The cat is out of the bag.... and I am concerned that the place we love so much will for ever be changed.

You see... when there is a place so beautiful and peaceful that gets this type of major national attention... "they will come...".   Like my favorite restaurant locally her in Lake Orion,  Michigan.... once  word spreads about the love of such a place... well... things change.   Things like a two to three hour wait to get a table at the Sagebrush Cantina.  People hanging out on the streets with a power packed vibrator in their pocket... waiting with eyes glazed over.... for the lighted red ring to come to life....bringing the pocket to life... and signifing that they are now the chosen one.  Get ready for a culinary reward like no other.   I have seen children smaller than their Grande Burrito!

http://www.mysagebrushcantina.com/

Back to Sleeping Bear.... and my concern.  This place is so special that people who visit here often return year after year to renew and refresh.  In fact.... one of my favorite vacation spots... The Homestead ... is know as America's Fresh Water Resort.   It is a wonderful and relaxing place with unique features you cannot find anywhere.... I mean.... anywhere.  But again... if I say anymore... I've said too much... because now you might be likely to want to go there....  and crowd up my experience.  Like the people flocking to Sagebrush.... my experience is changed with people everywhere.  R.V.'s pulling tiny cars....pulling boats....stacked with bikes.... lined with lawn chairs.  

  http://www.thehomesteadresort.com/

So... things change.  The sleepy little town we love so much becomes over crowed with tourist AND those seniors rolling around in massive mobile homes on wheels...spewing exhaust into the air... and again... upsetting the balance of my quiet place.   If you haven't clicked on the link for the homestead your already missing the boat.  In fact.... go back and do it now.... and enjoy the wonderful gift they have loaded to the site in the recorded sounds of the wave action working the shore line.  It is peaceful and puts you into a relaxed state right here and now.

This shore line is so loved by Michiganders .....(or is it Michiganians? ) that the highway known as M 22 has become the icon that visitors proudly display on their rear bumpers or windows in the family car. What would drive someone to celebrate a long winding section of highway??  Could it be the fond memories of the experiences they had while traversing the long and winding road?  I think yes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC9Vt1xQ5Kw

I have in fact become so impressed with the success of this grass roots iconic symbol.... that I have borrowed from its success in hopes to capture some of the benefit in the Orion - Oxford community.  We surely don't have the same offerings here of mammoth sand dunes,  miles of lapping waves upon sand and stone covered shores... But we have our own set of unique qualities surely worth celebrating.  What does M 24 have to offer to the world?   Follow the newly unveiled M 24 branding campaign over the next several months and find out.   The campaign was unveiled just this past week at Celebrate Oxford.   It comes in the form of a unique "organic cotton" tee shirt en-blazed with a celebratory message surrounding the M 24 badge.  Orion- Oxford... Live, Work, Play.... Oxford-Orion... Shop, Dine,  Stay.... Orion-Oxford...Bring your family/business....Oxford-Orion... Rivers, Lakes, Trails...
Finally,  how can you not love a community that "Celebrates" itself.... and where "Living is a vacation"?

http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=219&category_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133

FYI... sales of this special tee are going well... proceeds from the sale of this iconic tee will go toward the Oxford and Orion Chambers of commerce.

Last thing on the M 24 thing for now.... I was pleased and honored to attend a community happening last evening in the newly refreshed Children's Park in Down town Lake Orion.  The DDA decided to hold a pep rally in the park to acknowledge the participants in the fall sports programs through the Lake Orion High School district.  As I sat in the middle of this beautiful park.... I thanked God for being brought to such a special place and time.   The scene was nothing short of a movie set... small town America... families sprawled out on the newly placed rock wall and grassy spaces.... gazebo in center stage... clean fresh water flowing over the damn and into a winding river with mother ducks tending to the now maturing ducklings... really no different than the proud parents tending to their babies who are now almost ready to leave the nest!

Seriously... It was a great moment and I could not have been prouder of my children in Alex, Julia, Amanda and Molly.  Julia is a volleyball player dedicated to a sport like no other.  She is bumping and setting out on the driveway and has become a master.  In fact... one of my favorite memories from this months vacation will be the time as a family we spent.... yes... in the clean fresh waters along the Lake Michigan shore line.... bumping... and setting in the waves... Pure Michigan... Let's not forget to give props to the Lake Orion Dragon Football Team.  My son Alex is a senior this year and they will begin the defense of their Division I State Championship next week.

Now the tie in.... M 24 connects Orion to Oxford with a mile or so long patch of highway.  But the connections run much deeper.  You see year ago... way back in another time... this was a rivalry like no other.  It was bad... and bitter.  So much so.... that the powers that be decided it could not continue and was split right down the middle.  Thrown away and the door slammed... for over 25 years the Oxford Wildcats went their way to the Flint league.... and the Lake Orion Dragons did their thing in the Oakland Athletic League.  Time went by and both communities kind of co-existed.   Kind of tolerating each other.   Time passed... the economy expanded... people went on the move... and because of the unique qualities of these "sleepy, little, bed-room" communities... people flocked to the area to "Live, Work, Play...."  and the businesses soon followed... which allowed the newbies settling in to take their hard earned dollars to "Shop, Dine, and Stay..." .  They brought their families to the Lakes, Rivers, and trails.... they "Celebrated" what they had found... and hurried home from work because they had discovered that they had moved to a place "Where living was indeed....a vacation....".

Someone.... I suppose now grown and mature or perhaps someone who moved to the area... not knowing or caring about the past history.... suggested... "Why don't we get the Oxford and Orion kids back together again for a little football game?"  The conversation was started and before you knew it... it happened.  Renewal of a Rivalry.... and Oxford came to Lake Orion for the first game in 25 years.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnbpHV-pTrw

Rivalry Renewed!  This year the game will be in Oxford and the Wild Cats have their own special "Celebration" this year.  You see... some Cat's don't take "NO" for an answer.  My friend Ron Davis is the big cat who would not except NO.  The voters said NO two times at the poles to the vision of "Blue Turf" in the Cat stadium.  No does not mean know to Big Cat Ron!  He and a group of supporter formed the Blue Turf Committee.  This group was locked and focused on one thing... raising seed money to privately get the Turf stadium.  When you look at the business case... it surely makes great sense.  A modern synthetic turf hold up the punishment laid down by the pounding cleats of football, lacrosse, soccer.  It makes for a smooth surface for the marching band, flag football, and all levels from varsity down to pee wee.  It is a money maker if you can get the people on board.  Ron got it done....some how... he raised enough seed money... and attracted the interest from a mysterious third party who offered up what became known as a new term in a "loan-ation".  That would be a donation to the turf through the extension of a loan.  The voters did agree through a bond to offer up new soil, seed, and irrigation...  When Davis and his group showed the business case to the Oxford Community Schools Board... they could not turn down the deal...  AND the turf came to be.

So... I have set the stage for "The Battle of the Blue Turf" and "Rivalry Renewed.. Round Two" . The Cats got the blue turf... the Dragons got the Division I State Title to defend.  This is a high school AD's dream come true!  In fact... the hype is huge... rumors of ESPN coming to cover the game... Air force Jet fly overs... Bud Rowley going with something other than glaring Cat Yellow pants this year... RUMORS ABOUND!

To celebrate the renewal of this rivalry, Blue Turf install, and the defense of a D I Title... we have created a collect able and iconic Rally Towel.   In fact... last evening we donated over 200 plus rally towels to players at all levels in the Lake Orion program.  We intend to do the same for the Oxford Wild Cats later this week.
       http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=2&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=220&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133

Proceeds from the sale of this collectible souvenir will go to support both programs.  Get um early because we have just over 1,000 left for an expected crowed of  8,000 to 12,000 fans!  Are you ready for some football?


 

Let the games begin...!

Yes... summer time is fine... like a flowing cup of wine that over flows.... eternal and unending.... WHHHAAATTTT THE?   Holy hot spells... it's almost mid August.  Why... that means... you know.... summer is now measurable short on days.... Christmas is just around the corner for that matter.  I've got to get moving... put up the tree... lights... well... maybe that is a stretch.  Fact is... some of you still haven't taken them down from last year!

To the point... you can feel it, taste it, and yes... now you can almost see it.... FOOTBALL... You Bet!  And no where in this great land from sea to shimmering sea is it more celebrated at the high school level than in North Oakland County Michigan.

Unless you've been in a cave... by now you've heard about that crazy cat program in Oxford Michigan AND the "Blue Turf".   This has a long and storied history which I will leave out of the story at this time.
Fact is... Cat's got Blue Turf!  Nooo body else at this high school level has it.  Can't say they do... can't even wish they could.  Too late!  Bud Rowley and his Oxford Wild Cats can without a doubt... unequivocally state...."WE GOT BLUE TURF!"   

http://www.oxfordschools.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=6163

Now... the drama begins... because on August 26 th 2011....which up until last season was a 25 year hiatus. The school down the road in Lake Orion will be coming into town to defend their State Championship run and Division I title from last season.

Folks... throw out the turf factor... and throw out the record from last season.... cause this is "Rivalry Renewed... Round Two".   DING!

Down Goes Frazier!
http://www.hark.com/clips/zdhdrwzxps-down-goes-frazier

This year the Greenfundraiserstore.com has a special project that has been in development for months now.  You can say it has been kept under wraps up until today.  You might even say that a little bit of good old fashioned right out of the playbook action took place in the development of this iconic and collectible item.

Early this year we began a conversation about doing a fund raising event for both programs.  We wanted to do something special to commemorate the inaugural game  on the new turf.   As the conversation started... it began to grow... like an urban legend... it grew and it grew.... and it grew...

Turf... yes... but we need to do more.  How about a giant American Flag?  Yes... that will add another element to event and thrill the expected crowd of 8,000 to 12,000.  Hey... I love my country and sporting events are the way to show that love.   But wait... what about media coverage... perhaps we an get ESPN to televise or at least make mention of this?   Is it not worthy of some mention on ESPN.  My golly... it has happened.... and Sports Illustrated has got a mention of it on their on line site.

http://www.oxfordschools.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=6163


ESPN might show up and I'm not kidding!   But there is more... you see it would not be special unless... well... a fighter jet flow over the crowd at super speed.... barley at the legal limits... and rattle our brains just before the end of the Star Spangled Banner!   My gosh.... I won't be at all surprised if that happens to!        

So... with all this pomp and circumstance.... we felt it was only right to unveil the "Battle of the Blue Turf Rally Towel".  Proceeds from the sale of this iconic and collectible towel will go to support BOTH football programs.

  http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=2&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=220&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133&vmcchk=1&Itemid=133

Don't have to wait in line at the game AND you can acquire your Rally Towel supply with an on-line discount.  Get them on line priced at $8 with a limit of 250 per order.   Or.... you can wait the day of the game and pay the full $10 price.  Just like at the ball park... you pay more for everything the day of the game!   Speaking of which... $8 for a pop at the ball park is kind of excessive?  Don't you think?

Regardless if your a Wild Cat or a Dragon fan... get to the game... support the greenfundraiserstore.com  "Rally Towel" fund raising event... have a good time.  Because... all the hype aside.... there is a game to play... let's bring that back to the front AND center.

FYI... I am in a touch spot... my business is in Oxford for the past 23 years... Coach Rowley is a personal friend of mine... we have push up contests when he comes by my office... and at his age... he still schools me!
My son is a Lake Orion Dragon and so are his friends, team mates and classmates.

Last quick and short story... Bud Rowley stopped in last year for our annual visit and support for the annual sports program fund raiser.  It's been 25 years since these two programs have squared off on the grid iron!   As always... we support the local sports programs and this year is no exception.  The Wild Cats are in my yard!   Bud looks at me... and extends a parting handshake....his steel blue eye's locked on mine...and says "Don... thanks for your support... but... you go with your son... you go with the Dragons... Good Luck!"

Wow... what a relief... to get let off the hook by the Oxford legend himself!

Good luck to both programs!  Like I've always taught me kids... when the game is over... reach out and extend your hand to your opponents hand and say "Thank you for the great challenge you gave us today"!

Nuff said...    ;)

08/25/2011
The "Rally Towel" fund raiser is off to a great start.  Look for our table outside the gate today at the Junior Varsity game at 4 pm in Lake Orion.  Later we will be at Centennial Park in Oxford from 6:30 to 7:30.
Look for us on Game Day out side the gate before entering the stadium.  $5 sale price with proceeds going to both football programs.  You gotta love high school football in North Oakland County!

But.... I have the right to.... Do you really?

Now that much of the debate has subsided and we are on to the news headlines of this week.... I am compelled to take another look at the controversial CFL (compact florescent lamp) issue.   Funny thing... I had a working experiment going on during the week of this story as it made it's way across the news just a couple of weeks ago.  You see... one of the exhibits in the "green tent" that I was encamped in at the Oakland County Fair was in fact a simple display on how the CFL performs vs. the incandescent light bulb.   I can't help to think this is not the first (or last) time this conversation has taken place.  Consider the advent of the motorized bicycle or buggy.  I imagine that those who really liked the way their current offering of bicycles performed were not at all impressed with the motorized version.  I can imagine the push back...." That will never work.... why would people not want to just peddle.... It's too loud... smelly... scares my horse!"

During my week in the tent... I heard a lot of those same statements coming from the visitors who stopped in to visit.  Please don't misunderstand... I DO appreciate the visitors AND accept the opportunity to have open discussion on the issues of the day.  It's just that I see some type of common thread that runs through some people.  There is a stubbornness in the air when it comes to accepting new idea's and innovation.   Perhaps stubbornness is not the right word... but until I find a more accurate word.... I will stick with it.   Here is how the typical conversation might develop.... The individual approaches with curiosity... and almost always a smile.  Now that is not always as it might appear because sometimes smiling faces.... don't always tell the truth. 

The demonstration is pretty simple and is not unlike something you'd find in a school science fair.  A basic series of three light fixtures running CFL's lined up next to a series of three incandescent bulbs.  Kind of like a series of three horse drawn carriages lined up in a race with three motorized carriages.  The two are run through a volt meter intended to demonstrate the draw of electricity required to run each type of bulb.  It comes at no surprise that the CFL shows a draw of about 33-35 on the meter and the incandescent is drawing 100-105 on the meter.  What do we see on the surface?  The data shows that there is an net reduction in electrical use by roughly one third.  "Wow... that's pretty impressive... what you've got there."  Here is where things start to blur.  "But... ya know... I don't like the type of light that comes from those new bulbs... I just can't see as good, takes too long to warm up (5-15 seconds in cold rooms), and they don't work in my garage in the winter."   It begins to sound what I imagine the early nay Sayers might have said about the motorized buggy.

  But... there is much more to the story.... you see... because inevitably this type of person feels the need to bring the Constitution into the discussion.  Yes... the United States Constitution is being sited as given this person the freedom to choose what they feel is their... "Constitutional Right" to chose what ever type of light emitting diode they deem is best for their discriminating eye sight...regardless of the performance facts displayed as evidence before them.  Really?  Do you really have the right to make that choice??   

Let's take another look at the volt meter again.  There is a one third factor in reduced electrical consumption with the newer technology and this will undoubtedly get much better with the next generation of LED lights now taking the world by storm.   Let's take this and apply the numbers to say a simple number of 1,000,000 current users of light.  That would be 30,000,000 vs 100,000,000 and now that is a 70,000,000 saving in electrical consumption.  That is some serious KWH we are talking about here.  Consider the amount of coal that is needed generate that extra 70,000,000 and the cost to un-earth,  process, transport to the production facility... add in the impact to the land mined, emission produced to transport, and then the emissions released during the combustion process.  That is pretty significant!

Now the politics come into the equation.  Wait a minute... that may be true... but the Constitution still protects my rights to choose.  Really?  And... the guy on the radio show I tune into every day.... say's it's not true.  Those guys over there... they are wrong... there is nothing harmful about any of this.... and... besides... it protects jobs!  What?  You have to consider the effect that this type of mentality has had on a good portion of the population.  The same droning drum beat day after day... year after year... from morning until late into the night and then again the next day... over and over... and what do you get?  People stop thinking for them selves and in effect... become walking... talking.... extensions of that same drum beat... over and over... even after it the thought of being rational has long since passed.  I see it as a kind of brain washing or thought engineering on society.  People are so hung up on the politics and stop thinking about what is best for the masses in favor of what is best for the party or political agenda. 

Well... that takes me well of track... but the point is made that when the right to free choice that has negative consequences on the majority (think globally) exceeds the free choice of the minority (think political party) then what happens?   The answer here is usually some type of mandate or legislation is put into place designed to protect the masses from the minority.  Think of mandates like.... speed limits. Why do we have speed limits on the Federal Highway system.  It is not a suggestion that you drive at or near the speed limit.  In fact... if you drive too slow... that is a violation as well because it creates a hazard to the majority.   There are no signs I've seen posted that say.... " The suggested speed limit is 70.... or  " We suggest you drive slower in construction zones... since the death of one of the workers may be a distraction to our work... not to mention a loss to a family..." . 

   

What about automobiles and seat belts?  I personally find them uncomfortable and restrictive.  When we were kids... seat belts were an optional choice. Heck... for that matter... I recall seeing children sprawled out on the rear dash like a rag doll... unknowing of the potential of what physics had in store for them in the event of a sudden stop or worse yet a collision.   This is a perfect example of the mandates made to protect the masses from the potential for disaster even against those who might prefer the freedom of choice.  Try and pull out your pocket Constitution when the officer is writing you up for speeding in a construction zone with no seat belt on!     

The bottom line on this story is... enjoy the freedoms you have today provided by the Constitution... since so many in the world have tried other systems and failed while our's is still a work in progress.  Enjoy the freedom to choose... incandescent, CFL, LED, Candle, or natural sun light.   One thing is for sure.... there will be more developments and probably mandates coming to a town near you.  Stock up on your bulb of choice since change happens when we least expect it. 

Forgot to show you a simple and easy CFL Recycling solution with pre-paid recycling kits.

http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=208&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133

Each household only goes through a small amount of CFL's per year.  This system provides easy, convenient, and eco responsible options for your house hold and business recycling needs.  There are also kits available for house hold batteries, florescent light tubes ,  ballasts, and mercury containing devices.    These kits make great fund raising opportunities for your school, civic group, church group, or any community group.  Learn, teach, live.... cleaner and greener!

      

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall.... Who is the Greenest Fair of them All?

The title begs you to select from a choice of two very difficult and qualified options for this week.   The first option is.... The Oakland County Fair.  Huh?  What you talking about Willis?   Yes... how can the Oakland County Fair not be considered on of the greenest of them all?  Let me tell you... this fair bleeds green,  looks green, and yes... smells green.  I have been embedded in this fair since Tuesday of this week and have provided periodic updates to you.  Today.... I am continuing as promised to update you on the happenings at the fair.  There is so much to report that I will have to keep it limited to just the high lights.  First I will start with a shameless plug for the Oak-Green Challenge Tent.  It is really no stretch at all to say that this is possible the greenest tent on the plant this week.... except that to avoid confusion I will admit that is in fact a blue and white stripped tent.... loaded with "green" content.   

It is no stretch to say that I have become friends with several participants showing some.... well... pretty amazing and "cutting" edge education and content.   We collectively created a game called "The Green Challenge" for each visitor who enters our tent.   I will not go into detail on this at the moment since it will potentially tilt the scales of fairness to those who may come out today or Sunday.   Let me just say this.... I have never seen anyone with the ability to "re-purpose" wood like my new buddy Ray.   This kind fellow is part of a group of folks known as the Detroit Wood Turners.  They save wood from going into the landfills AND create amazing things from the material that was dare I say... once on the "Chopping Block"... get it... Wood...chopping block? 

I will include the following photos of a hat made from recycled wood content.  You might say this could make you "hard headed" if you where to try and purchase this from Ray.  

We turn now to the coordinator of the Green exhibit... Lori Bosetti.  She is showing an excellent demonstration on one of the most talked about issues in the news this week.... no it is not how to balance the Federal Budget... but how a CFL light Bulb out performs the horse and buggy version called the incontinent light bulb.  Lori has no fear and will take on any and all on the facts.  As Will Rogers once said...."I only know what I read in the paper...."  and that may in fact apply to what you are hearing about CFL's.  Lori will set it straight for you. 

This next exhibit is all about.... deep fried food.  What how can deep fried food be green?  And to that note.... this fair does have a pretty serious issue with fried food offerings.  I did not say it was a healthy living and nutrition fair!   These vendors deep fry everything!  Twinkies, candy bars, fries, chicken, elephant ears,  and for gosh shakes why would you deep fry vegetables?  THEY DO! 

The point hear is that my new buddy Lee has a Mercedes diesel that has been retrofitted to run on re-pursed vegetable oil from deep fat fries.   Amazing.... just see the future of the fast food industry model... you pull up to the drive-thru and order up your burgers and fries, have them give you and oil, lube, and fill up.... window cleaning... and your off and running again?  

My buddy Damon Dotson has a pretty amazing display of solar panels, wind turbine, and solar water pump.  One of the high lights of the week for me was a little toddler waddling up to Damon's baby sized pool display with a solar powered water pump... picture in the child's mind a giant drinking fountain.... this sent us running to tell the boy...."don't drink the water" as he was already in the squat position with lips pursed.  It must have been disappointing for him! 


http://www.solarworksllc.com/

We have an ecological awareness presentation by my bud Chris.  He has an excellent presentation on the controversial practice of "Fracking" or Hydrolic Fracturing of the bed rock deep in the earth.  Chris has some pretty amazing stories and facts to share about what this is doing to the drinking water in many wells around the world.... and now coming to a water shed near you.... unless you speak up and sign off on his petition to ban this practice in Michigan. 

We have a representative from Shaklee Products know as Down to Earth Enterprises.  Angela has some very impressive products that help you go green and stay clean.  Being the science junkie that I am she amazed me with her "How to make water... wetter..." display.  You will have to stop in  and see her to get the science behind this mysterious phenomena.            

The folks from the Oakland County "OakGreen" Challenge have material here available to better understand what is happening on the County level to support green initiatives.  This is a county wide initiative and Challenge thrown down by Brooks Patterson himself to reduce energy consumption by 10% by the end of 2012.  That applies to homeowners, businesses, and local government.   

http://www.oakgov.com/oakgreen/oakgreen_challenge/index.html


Its already half time for 2011 so you'd better get started on this!  Materials are available on line with the link located above this content. 

Last we have yours truly...   The Greenfundraiserstore.com on display.  We are doing our part to tell people about our education and awareness programs... now booking for fall of 2011.   People generally express their words of encouragement and show of support for what were trying to accomplish in the way of "green shifts" and the fundraising that makes sense message.   Thank you for that support AND we have added several tens of new "green advocates" this week.  


http://www.facebook.com/donaldman.1


This week has been exceptional.  I am a big believer in quality over quantity.  That best describes the flow of the week here at the fair.   We really are a side show of a much larger and well established fair of many long standing traditions.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the grass roots nature of this fair.  Those who know... know.  Then there are those who don't.... and likely don't care.  I feel connected here with the families camping out with their kids AND animals.  I love watching the youngsters come and go with their "western" gear on.... boots with spurs include.  In fact... I have even fell in love with my truck again this week.  With new front shocks its good as new pushing 100K.  I enjoy the gravel roads, the green fields, the beautiful barns.... and.... the MONSTER TRUCKS!  

  Which now brings me full circle again... you will notice the signs posted throughout the fair grounds  letting you know that the fair in of itself... has made some significant "green shifts".  There were many involved in the process to make this happen.  The fair Board in of itself is responsible for coming to the realization that this could be and should be done.   As the signage indicates the Michigan Soy Producers helped make this possible with a grant that funded much of the soy based products used through out the fair grounds.  From the Soy Bio Diesel running the rides all the way to the "Stinkey Pee Eater" (did I mention how much joy this brings me to say this?  You should try it too!) the fair indeed make a significant shift.  It is clear that this was the right thing to do.... simply because it is "clear".... meaning that with all this equipment running... I did not detect a scent of diesel and the sky was clear as evidence by the photos.... although truth be told... the monster trucks did blow out a few rather large belches.... but hey.... you gotta be realistic and those trucks are nothing but magnetic for the crowds. 


      

Now... on to the other end of town to Ferndale Michigan and the "Live Green Fair".  I stopped out to the location on Friday to visit with local on line publication owner Crystal Proximire to get the low down on her venture AND the fair. 


  http://www.facebook.com/ferndale115news


Crystal.... it turns out also has a relationship with Western Market... who we are working with and promoting the composting systems with.  This weekend my good friend and the hardest working (and event media point person) man in the "Green Business".... John Carlos of Greendetroit.com will be showing those small yet significant composting systems.  


http://www.facebook.com/WesternMarket




These systems are a super easy way to ramp up or get started with household composting.  The key features are... no smell, no bugs, no mess, AND the corn starch based liners can go right into your system.... contents AND bag... no muss... no fuss... 


http://www.greeningdetroit.com/     


If you don't know John... chances are you will.  


http://livegreenfair.com/index.php


I can tell you that this fair is in fact the show.  In other words... it is not a Fair with a green side show... it is a green fair no question about it.  These visitors are here for a purpose and that is to find out about the latest and greatest in the green industries.  This crowd is not thinking about going green... they have gone there.... a long time ago .... and are looking for the next level.     


Do I wish I were at this fair for the weekend?  I told a good friend of mine that it is like the little angel and devil on both sides of my head.   I hear them fighting it out... (Devil) Don... you've been locked down at this country fair for almost a week.  Pack it up and head to the action!....  (Angel)... Now Don... you made a promise to be here all week... and that goes to Sunday.  So... even if I see conflicted.... I am content to stay firmly planted and hope that we grow enough to cover both events in the coming year.   Ferndale has done an amazing job of reinventing itself with the times.  There leaders in the County with the Main Street Program.  They have a very strong DDA and Chamber of Commerce.... and the occupancy rates seem to bee stable.   Note the recent improvements to the Walk ability of their down town.  Even Woodward is now much more manageable by pedestrians and bicyclists.  Yes Oxford... it can be done....  

With that in mind.... the mirror on the wall will have to settle on a split decision.  Both fairs offer excellent opportunities and my recommendation would be to hit one today and the other on Sunday! But... I can guarantee you will not get elephant ears and deep fried veggie's in Ferndale! 
I'm out.... off to another day of paradise in the country side... ;)  

Greening of the Oakland County Fair July 12th-17th

Summer's has officially arrived by all accounts.  The July 4th fireworks are still going on in some communities and believe it or not.... dare I say.... the days are getting incrementally shorter from here on out.   This year's annual celebration of freedom was especially beautiful with a back drop like non other provided by mother nature.  With the sun still glowing in the north western sky and a series of clouds radiating out from a central point like the spokes in a wheel... the stage was set for the fireworks to begin.

Oakland County 4-H Fair Association Mission Statement The Oakland County 4-H Fair Association Mission is to provide a public educational showcase of our youth through hands-on experience with exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations as young people develop life skills in a family atmosphere.

All that being said.... the stage is set for the next big event of summer.... The Oakland County Fair.  For those of you who have attended the fair annually or are considering a visit for the first time there is plenty to do for everyone.   The fair has been well known for its agricultural history and will stay true to its roots.   You can expect the traditional Miracle of Birth Barn, 4-H events, Racing Pigs, Show Me Petting Zoo, Frog Jumping Contest, Demolition Derby and Monster Trucks events.  You will see show-case animals on display at the small animal auction. Let's not forget the Play-world Carnival and nightly events in the arena starting at 7 pm.   Many of these are free events while others are chargeable events.  The Carnival has special pricing for opening night with a reduced $17 fee and open from 1 to 11 pm.  All other days are priced at $20 with hours of 1 to 11 pm.   Did I mention the Circus?  There are 3 show's daily so plan to see the show.   

So what is new at the fair this year?  The Oakland County Fair is going Green!  Not that the fair isn't already green in the agricultural sense of greenness.   Earlier this month I met with L.C. Scramlin, the General Manager of the Oakland County Fair, and talked about some steps that could be taken in the the greening of the fair.    L.C. indicated that there has been a desire to take some small steps toward greening up the fair and took the bull by the horns (so to speak) this year.  The first small... yet significant shift you will notice is the change over to eco-friendly coffee cups.  L.C. indicated "There so many things we can change over we want to start with every cup of coffee we serve in an eco-friendly cup will be a good start".   With well over 80,000 plus guest expected during the week that could stack up to a lot of coffee cups.  

You will notice the world art on each cup indicating the message of thinking globally here in Oakland County when it comes to use of resources and the effect on the world.  Small... yet significant.  The cup is a biodegradable cup that will break down naturally.  The traditional polystyrene cups are not biodegradable and will be here long after their one and done use.  The lids are made of recyclable plastic and can be re purposed with the right collection processes. 

The next shift is the big shift that should turn some heads this year.  When you can make a shift to a major process of the maintaining of the operation using an agricultural based product... that is a true "Win-Win" proposition.   Enter the Soy Bean!  L.C. indicated to me that the fair had applied for a grant through the American Soy Bean Association   http://www.soygrowers.com/ .   However,  as luck would have it a grant came through from the local Michigan Soy Bean Association  http://www.michigansoybean.org/MSASite/msahome.html .

The grant funds were used to supply the fair with a variety of unique cleaning supplies that are required to operate AND clean for a crowd of 80,000 plus.   Let's take a look at a list of some of the cleaning supplies you can make from a soy base.  Here is a short list:  Glass cleaner, clinging toilet bowl cleaner, BBQ grill cleaner, all purpose cleaner, heavy duty hand cleaner, drain and septic cleaner, dry erase board cleaner, driveway sidewalk and patio cleaner, kitchen cleaner and degreaser, and my favorite... go ahead and say it with me.... Stinky Pee Eater.  How would you like that job?   This is just a short list of items we discussed and many will be on hand next week to do the job they are intended to do.  All of these soy based products are available (currently being loaded) at Greenfundraiserstore.com for use in your home or business.  A portion of the proceeds for any soy based product purchased at Greenfundraiserstore.com  http://greenfundraiserstore.com/ during the month of July and August will go toward the Oakland County Fair.  

Fun to use AND say.... 

  

Fund Raising that makes Sense.....

May I take a minute to thank all those who help make the fund raising effort for Michigan Green Schools a success?  Thank you.... and Thank you!   If I start to name individual names and companies I will leave out some one since there are soooo many.   They came out or allowed me to enter into their worlds during the months of April and May 2011.   We had cold, we had rain, we had heat, we had... well you get it... spring is always a roll of the dice.

On May 25th, 2011 Greenfundraiserstore.com was there front and center for the Michigan Green Schools Awards Ceremony held at the Oakland County Intermediate School District Building in Waterford.   Over 190 plus schools attended to be recognized for their accomplishments.  They did not come in Priuses or hydrogen powered buses.  They are regular people like you and me trying their best to inspire kids to do the best they can.  I was pleased to see my own children's school district performing well.  It was great to see Brian Kaplen and his green staff from Orion Oaks Elementary on hand.   Brian and I go back many years when my now 17 year old son attended his school.  My 14 year old daughter also went to school there and so do my 10 and 7 year old.  It is foolish to say that time goes by fast... since it really is the same 24 hours in a day 365 in a year.  Amanda is moving up and out of Orion Oaks and that means Molly will be the last.  I told Brian years ago that when Molly was born that this was "job security" for him and his staff.   I am sorry to hear that Brian will be moving on as well at the end of this school year.  He has taken an opportunity in another district and I want to wish him and his family the very best.  He is a very dedicated man and has built a great surrounding cast in the Orion Oaks staff.

Now it's time to re focus on the next big thing and that is a new fund raising campaign for the Oakland County Fair.   This event is held every year at Spring Field Oaks park ground and lasts from July 12-17th.  It has changed only in name since it used to be known as the Oakland County 4-H fair.  I believe it is a good decision to change the name in order to change the perception that this fair is only about farm animals and getting a chance to watch a calf being born.  Not that this isn't something for everyone to see... but I've heard plenty of stories from my old farmer friend Wayne Nolan up in Thomas (small berg of Oxford).  Wayne would always like to make us city folk uneasy with the stories of late night berthing of calves.  I will spare you the details.... but one episode had to do with a breach birth and a tractor and chain hook up.  The fair is much more than that so plan to mark the dates and come on up to the great northern part of Oakland County and see what is going on at the fair.

In the mean time.... we are shifting gears from composting pales to another more frequently used item that we all use in the course of daily living.   This is a simple kitchen liner that we don't think twice about when we pull out the full bag of "garbage" and slid in a new liner.   What is in a common liner? Well... it is poly plastic that is really a petroleum based product.  That means it is another link to our unquenchable thirst for foreign oil.  How is our liner different?  Once again we make a small yet significant shift to a liner that is corn starch (plant material) based.  The bag is also biodegradable and compost able.  Today I spent several hours with a display in Orion Township and was explaining this to a nice lady who stopped off at the exhibit.  She asked me "So how is your liner any better than the plastic liner if they both end up in the land fill?"  That was a great question and had been prepared for it with a three part answer.  ONE:  Less dependence on foreign oil.  TWO:  Plastic has zero chance of bio-degrading/compost ability.  THREE:  It makes you feel good.

So.  Operators are standing by right now.... we can offer you a 20 gallon liner in rolls of 10 that will easily fit standard size kitchen waste cans,  13 gallon liners in rolls of 12 which will fit the "shorty" office waste cans, and 3 gallon liners in rolls of 25 which will fit in those little tiny under the bathroom counter cans.  Each goes for $5.99 and $6.99 on our web site however we have special pricing for our Oakland County Fair Fund Raiser.  They are on sale for $5http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133&category_id=1&page=shop.browse&limit=20&limitstart=40 per roll... all sizes and Greenfundraiserstore.com will make a donation of .50 for each roll we sell during the period of June 1st through July 31st, 2011.  Support your Oakland County Fair and make a small yet significant shift to an activity of daily living that is cleaner , greener,  never meaner!

Now... if you like stuffing your used cotton balls, q tips , facial tissue, in a plastic bag and tying it off to be preserved for who knows really how long.... that is one of those choices you have to make. Kind of like the guilt I used to have with throwing those used AA, AAA batteries in the waste stream.  We know it's not right... but well only a couple won't hurt.  Wait... if we all use that logic and we all throw 4 out times say 2.5 million people.... well... that's.... a lot of batteries.          

 Thank you... and Good Night!