Developing a senior center for the Calhoun County area. This past year, I have engaged in marketing and publicizing the existence of the center and attracting volunteers. During this juncture, I have been seeking collaborating organizations and individuals who invest their talents making this center a focal point and meeting place for area older adults.

I am a flower farmer and we are in the process of expanding our ability to stretch our seasonal flower offerings. This year, we will be implementing a revised irrigation system and building a new greenhouse.

I assist with outreach for CareWell Services Southwest-Area Agency On Aging 3B. I am promoting county and regional senior programs that we offer: evidence based health programs, Mi Choice Waiver and MMAP.Currently, we are in the process of rolling out a new name change for our agency. Our structure and services and funding remain the same.

This is our second year raising vegetables, along with a cut flowers for sale at farm markets. I plan to expand into cut flower sales and flower arranging events. Again, my husband and I are fairly new to this venture. I will be updating our progress throughout the summer.

As a subsititue teacher, I specialize in teaching and assisting special needs children at the elementary level.

I recruit volunteers in Calhoun County for Meals On Wheels. I am increasing the agency visibility throughout the county. I am continuing my grant funded position until fall and I am building route participation with local organizations and groups capable of collaboration. I have increased the number of volunteers for Battle Creek routes and have developed a new route in the city of Albion. By promoting volunteer opportunities to the public and our community leaders and government officials by scheduling "Ride Alongs" and open house events to enhance our community presence.

I run all aspects of the day to day operation of the Marshall Area Farmers Market. In March of this year, I completed an eight week process as a MIFMA Certified Market Manager. The certification process includes class time, and webinars on branding, marketing, public relations, market management, and MDARD licensing requirements for specific vendors. We are hoping to increase vendor participation with our move to a different location within the city.

I worked as a substitute teacher and parapro assisting primarily elementary children. I sometimes had months long assignments assisting special needs children with ADLs, school work, encouraging them with tasks and supporting them throughout their day.

I was involved in planning strategic planning for office goals and for assisting the community and our non-profit service providers to assist senior citizens. I oversaw all grants and assessments of grant funded service providers and was a liaison to senior groups in the county. I participated in community based partnerships with human service groups, senior groups, and assisted with linking services to assist seniors in our county.