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 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. 

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

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 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.