Hostelling International USA, Michigan Council

Mollika Biernat

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:46:31 +0000

Mollika Biernat has served as Treasurer for the Hostelling International Michigan Council Board of Directors for the past year and a half. She is interested in remaining on the Board of Directors in order to explore possibilities of developing hostels in the state of Michigan. She looks forward to training a new Treasurer for the HI-Michigan Board of Directors. Mollika loves backpacking and camping around Michigan. She currently works for Issue Media Group in online publishing and holds her MBA from Wayne State University. Mollika is passionate about hostelling, the state of Michigan, the city of Detroit, and delivering presentations on budget travel.

Jay Biernat

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:45:13 +0000

Jay Biernat has served as interim Secretary for the HI-Michigan Council since February of this year. He is interested in remaining on the Board of Directors. Jay loves kayaking, camping, and backpacking. Jay is a student at Marygrove College in the Biology program and is spending the summer developing educational environmental programs at the River Raisin Institute in Monroe, Michigan. Jay has also served as Secretary for the Science and Math Club at Marygrove and is now serving as President of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Zeta, a national science and math honors society. Jay is passionate about budget travel and sustainable environmental initiatives.

Annual Meeting 2010

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:16:52 +0000

An open letter from Michael Willihnganz, President of the Michigan Council of Hostelling International

Welcome Travelers!

The Michigan Council Board of Directors of Hostelling International (Formally known as American Youth Hostels) would like to invite you to join us for our Annual Meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

The location will be Heavner’s Canoe Rental at the Proud Lake State Park in Milford, Michigan.

This will be our annual membership meeting. We will be taking nominations and electing a new board of directors. Current serving board members and those wishing to serve will have their biographical information on our web site soon. Anyone interested in serving on the board may send in a bio to be posted on our web site. Otherwise, anyone may nominate a candidate at the Annual Meeting provided the candidate is in attendance at the Annual Meeting. The term of office is two years.

We will vote in a new board of directors

We will review our past, present, and future activities

We will update you on the new and exciting directions that HI is taking

We will discuss participation in the programs we run

Refreshments will be available

Complimentary canoe and kayak rental will be available for members from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. before the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

Please note that there is a $6.00 daily use vehicle fee. The booth may or may not be staffed. Passes will be available at the meeting if necessary and the council will refund you if requested, thank you.

~ Mike Willihnganz

Email nomination bios to: HIUSAMichigan@gmail.com

Phone Number of the Council: 248-302-8026

Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:06:58 +0000

Currently serving as interim vice president for the Michigan Council, Michael Dwyer is a past board member, volunteer, and former employee to the council and seeks to continue with the Michigan Council board of directors. He would offer years of experience in travel education, public relations, and media. Dwyer is a travel writer and broadcast journalist. He is also a lifetime member to HI and has stayed in hostels around the world. Michael understands the needs of our council and would work hard to complete the goals of the Michigan Council of Hostelling International.

Sonya Julie

Michael Dwyer — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:38:10 +0000

Sonya Julie is interested a position on the HI Michigan Council Board of Directors. Sonya enjoys travel, adventure activities, and writing. She has over 10 years of financial and business experience and has been involved in accounting, management, reporting, and team building. She is analytical, organized, efficient, and quick to learn. She is passionate about non-profit educational activities and wishes to use her abilities to support and promote the HI Michigan Council and is personally committed to its goals and objectives.

2010 Paddle to the Symphony

Michael Dwyer — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:17:44 +0000

This year’s Paddle to the Symphony will be Friday, June 25, 2010. Once again The Michigan Council of Hostelling International is partnering with Heavner Canoe to provide a fun evening on the water while enjoying the sounds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Meet at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the North Martindale Picnic Shelter.

2010 Paddle Options:

Canoe with Refreshments (adults only) - Skilled canoeists will paddle across the 1/4 mile span to the amphitheater to the opposing shore. Canoeists will return as the sun goes down and the music keeps you going. Price is $25.00 per person.

Paddle Wheel Ride with Refreshments (all ages) – For those interested in being on the water but without all the work, you may board the Island Queen II. This large pontoon-style paddle boat will anchor offshore near the concert providing guests a unique opportunity to hear the DSO. Space is limited. Price is $25.00 per person.

On-shore Experience Only (all ages) – To enjoy the evening without going on the water, guests may choose to hear the music from shore. Price is $10.00 per person.

Price includes light refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) for any option you select. You may want to come early and picnic or BBQ before the event. Everyone going on the water should arrive by 6:30 p.m.

Please Note: With any option you choose, you will still be responsible for the park entrance fee of $5.00, so carpool if you can.

4:00 p.m. Meet & Greet, Picnic, Socialize

6:00 p.m. Reception

7:00 p.m. Island Queen Departs

7:00 p.m. Canoe Safety Meeting

7:30 p.m. Canoe Launch

8:00 p.m. DSO Concert Starts

9:00 p.m. Canoes Paddle Back

9:30 p.m. Canoes Return

10:00 p.m. Island Queen Returns

What to bring:

· Sunscreen and/or Hat

· Change of clothes if you choose to canoe (just in case)

· Jacket

· Lawn chairs

· Picnic food, BBQ stuff, and/or additional beverages

Directions to event

Registration is now closed - thank you!

Event Hotline Number: 248-302-8026

Community Walls 2010 – Girl Scouts of South East Michigan Represent

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:52:16 +0000

On April 24^th, tucked between Howell and Pinckney, Michigan, at Camp Innesfree - approximately 55 miles southwest of Flint and 60 miles west of downtown Detroit - Girl Scouts from across South East Michigan got together to share the stories of their communities.

Girl Scouts are a naturally adventurous bunch, many who have traveled in state camping, nationally, and even internationally. HI-Michigan has trained troop leaders to use the hostelling system to plan trips that would otherwise have not been possible due to the high cost of traditional lodging.

Partnering with Hostelling International Michigan has encouraged the girls to be proud ambassadors of their communities through the Community Walls Program.

Here is what they had to say:

“We want everyone to know that our community gives us a chance to succeed at life. We have to fight for what we want in a positive way. We are the next generation & it starts with us. When our neighborhoods soar up, we soar up as well.”

“We wanted to show how different communities form into one. All of our communities can come together & be one big family. We feel it is wrong to be shut out because of differences. We all come from different neighborhoods, but we all share the Spirit of Detroit. We want love, no hate.”

“We believe that with hope, faith, & unity, our community will continue to prosper & continue to improve. As we go through life’s daily tasks, trials & tribulations, we are driven by the hope of tomorrow’s blessings, the faith through God’s grace and mercy, & the unity of our people’s strong ties to our ancestor’s trials and dreams.”

Rebuilding Hostelling International’s Michigan Council

Michael Dwyer — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:18:10 +0000

Yesterday - February 24, 2010 - the law offices of Evans & Pletkovic offered their unique modern space, tucked in Huntington Woods, for our first meeting of 2010. 2009 was a tumultuous and successful year for the board. We were sad to see our President Sue Trudeau leave, grateful for Sally Janecek for filling her shoes as Interim President, and finally grateful to Blaine Franz – from the Hostelling International USA office – to guide us through to this day. We are financially sound, up to date with all our reports to the National Council, and excited to start the new year with a full board.

Yesterday, the following members were officially appointed to the board in an interim capacity per our Bylaws:

Michael Willinganz, President & Director

Michael Dwyer, Vice-President & Director

Mollika Basu Biernat, Treasurer & Director

Jay Biernat, Secretary & Director

Janel Yamashiro, Director

Melissa Smith, Director

Gwen Bowlby, Director

Nate Hill, Director

We had great discussions about furthering our mission through leveraging social media, our successful travel presentations, our hikes/bikes/canoe outings, and hostels in Michigan. Our official minutes will be posted to the site shortly, as will nominations for the board, and we will be announcing our Annual Meeting in May. The annual meeting will be a celebration of all that has been, all that is, and all that will be for the Michigan Council. Thank you for your continued support of the organization. We look forward to seeing you soon. Please e-mail us with nominations, with a brief bio – either for yourself or another person – at hiusamichigan@gmail.com.

Best,

Mollika Basu Biernat

Discover the World Girl Scouts Go Hostelling!

Michael Dwyer — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:59:26 +0000

HI-USA Patch (Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts) Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:00 am-12:45 pm
Arab American National Museum
13642 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, MI 48126

Girl Scouts love to travel and the Michigan Council of Hostelling International can help them get anywhere. Our programs for teens, Opening Doors, Opening Minds can do more than just them there; the programs can help teens become more culturally sensitive, at home or abroad. Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to complete two of the three steps necessary for the Discover the World, Girl Scouts Go Hostelling! patch. The workshop may be used as part of the New Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which girls gain a global and multicultural perspective.

The Discover the World, Girl Scouts Go Hostelling! patch is focused on intercultural exploration and budget travel. The girls will attend a travel planning workshop and tour the museum. To complete the requirements of the Discover the World, Girl Scouts Go Hostelling! patch, girls will create a personal understanding project. Some of the requirements for the STUDIO 2B ON THE GO booklet, will also be completed.

Questions? Contact the Michigan Council of Hostelling International at 248-302-8026 or at HIUSAMichigan@gmail.com.

Visit our website for more information on Girl Scout programs.

SORRY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

New MeetUp at Blue Tractor in Ann Arbor

Michael Dwyer — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:43:24 +0000

If you’re wondering how you can be part of HI-Michigan, please join us on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at the Blue Tractor BBQ and Brewery, 207 E. Washington, Ann Arbor. It’s going to be a very informal meeting, it’s just a chance to get to know each other.

To RSVP, please join our MeetUp group: Hostelling Intermational-Michigan Council. Space is limited!

Hope to see you!