Past Programs

By Frances Rose

The Ninety-Nines is the national organization of women pilots that promote the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships & mutual support while honoring their history. Michigan Chapter member, Frances Rose, a third-generation pilot, assists with social media and events including Girl Scout Aviation Day. Frances will be speaking on the past and current role of the Ninety-Nines in promoting women in aviation.

By Debi Robertson

Debi Robertson will examine the history of the women who shaped America in the footsteps of their Revolutionary War Patriots and introduce today’s Daughters of the American Revolution. Debi is the Regent of the Algonquin Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Michigan. Living in Berrien Springs, Michigan with her husband and dachshund, she is a retired educator who loves to share history and the work of the DAR. She has five sons and 13 grandchildren.

By JoAnn Flowers

Cognitive decline is not inevitable as we age. This session will equip participants with a basic understanding of dementia and brain health and address common myths. JoAnn Flowers, AARP Driver Safety Instructor, Medicare/Medicaid Counselor and volunteer extraordinaire, will describe specific steps people can take at any age to optimize their chances of maintaining their cognitive health. JoAnn will also offer ideas and resources that individuals, families and community leaders can share to empower people who currently have dementia to continue living with joy, meaning and purpose.

This program will be at Camp Channing
790 53rd Street, Pullman, Michigan
On-site only – NO ZOOM

By Lisa Galdikas

Join us at Camp Channing in Pullman Michigan. Current owner, Lisa Galdikas will give us a tour and tell us about Camp Channing’s history: the Division Street YMCA camp for inner city boys and girls located on Upper Scott Lake. Transportation is on your own. We will meet at Camp Channing at 1:00 p.m. for the tour.

By Valerie Marvin

Literary societies like the South Haven Scott Club were founded in the latter part of the 1800’s in response to women wanting to broaden their minds and pursue intellectual development. In March of 1874 in the capital city, twenty-five women gathered together to create the Lansing Woman’s Club for the purpose of “providing a forum for self-improvement through the study of literature, the sciences, and the fine arts.” The club is still strong and vibrant 148 years later. Lansing Woman’s Club member and Michigan Capital Historian, Valerie Marvin will talk about the literary club movement and the history of the Lansing club. Anna Krajecki will present a short history of the Scott Club, and it will be interesting to compare and contrast the organizations.

By Joan Bonnette

Artist-in-residence and retired art teacher, Joan Bonnette, will give tips on composing new photographs from photos that you already have. She will explain the elements of design and composition as you think about your photo subjects. Bring a couple of photos printed on copy paper. With Joan’s guidance, we will use the tips learned to compose our photos from an artistic viewpoint.

By Chuck Jager

In the summer of 2015, history teacher Chuck Jager hopped on his bicycle in downtown Detroit and set off across Michigan. Over a five-day journey, Jager attempted to retrace the old Territorial Road, the route of Michigan pioneers in the 1830’s. In the illustrated presentation “Pedaling the Pioneer Path,” Jager will not only share his adventures, but also the history of the road and the sites along Michigan’s 19th century Main Street. Part history, part travel guide, and part memoir, this presentation will take you on a bicycle adventure across Michigan and back through the past. Chuck Jager is a high school teacher who loves to include local history in his U.S. History classes and ride his bicycle to school. He is also the executive director of the Morton House Museum, “The Home of Benton Harbor History.” Membership meeting will follow program.

By John Wemlinger

Author John Wemlinger is a retired US Army Colonel who served 27 years on active duty. Since retiring he has authored five novels, the latest of which, The Cut, was named a 2022 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. The Cut tells the David and Goliath story of a small group of disgruntled homesteaders in northern Michigan in 1871 that take on Big Lumber who is flooding out their small farms in order to operate a water wheel-driven sawmill. John will join the South Haven Scott Club to talk about that story as well as the why and the how of his writing it. He will also have copies of all his books for signing. To find out more about him, he invites you to his website: www.johnwemlinger.com. Please join us to hear this award-winning author.