5
2006 Celebrating our 37th year! th annual recognition dinner june 2006 Dear Friends, On behalf of the Board and Staff of Citizens for Better Care, I would like to welcome you to CBC’s 8th Annual Recognition Dinner. As a consumer advocacy organization, CBC is especially honored that John Dingell is joining us tonight. I note that his congressional biography begins with the sentence: “People living in Michigan’s 15th District know Congressman John D. Dingell as a tenacious, tireless advocate for their communities.” He is indeed an extraordinarily able advocate for his district, for the State of Michigan and for the causes he champions. And we are fortunate that among the causes he champions is making health care affordable and accessibile for all families. This is my last year as president of CBC and I would like to take the opportunity at this Recognition Dinner to acknowledge and thank 26 advocates, the staff of CBC. The staff is simply terrific and I am grateful for their hard work and dedication. From Nancy Turner and Cathe Florian and Lois Hitchcock, all who have been on staff for more than 10 years, to the ombudsmen who have just joined, the advocates of CBC are a passionate voice for consumers of long- term care. And by coming tonight, you are supporting the staff of CBC. We hope we can count on your continued support. Thank you for coming and please have a good time tonight. Sincerely, Henry Langberg Board President 2006 CBC 8th Annual Recognition Celebration 3 Inside Director’s Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Donors & Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tonight’s Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 CBC Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Outstanding Service Honorees . . . . . . . 20 Our Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Our Mistress of Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . 21 CBC Staff Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CBC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 4750 Woodward Ave., Suite 410 Detroit, MI 48201-1308 (313) 832–6387 or (800) 833–9548 Fax: (313) 832–7407 Executive Director Nancy Jackson, [email protected] Website www.cbcmi.org FROM BOARD PRESIDENT HENRY LANGBERG Welcome, friends, and thank you! COME LIVE LIFE WITH US. For sixty years, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) has served seniors of all faiths with a full spectrum of residential options including apartments (subsidized units available), Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s/ Memory Care Services, Respite Services, Medicare Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Services, and Skilled Nursing Care/Nursing Homes. Today, PVM serves 2,000 seniors in more than a dozen communities throughout Michigan. For more information, please visit our website at www.pvm.org or call 313.537.0000 for a brochure. PVMCBC.2005 For more information call 248.281.2020 • www.pvm.org 26200 Lahser Road, Suite 300 • Southfield, MI 48034 Fax 248.281.2060 Many thanks to our advertisers! Please patronize them! ACO Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Michael J. Acho, Lincoln Financial Advisors . . . . 10 Adult Well-Being Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Affirmations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Alternatives for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 American House senior living residences . . . . . . . 24 AmeriPlan USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dr. Anderson & Associates Family Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Architectural Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Boisvenu & Co., accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bortz Nursing Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover Liz Brater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bridging Communities, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ann & George Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Church of Christ Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Community Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Compuware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cox, Hodgman & Giarmarco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Anne Marie DeRosier, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Detroit Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Detroit Repertory Theatre/Dee Andrus . . . . . . . . . 25 Nihad Elyas, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Gray Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Henry Ford Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The IAM Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Integrity Home Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Chris Kolb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MAC LTC Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Marksman Roofing and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 23 MediLodge Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Michigan League Insurance Project . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Michigan Polio Network, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Michigan Regional Skills Alliances . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Mutual of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Olsman, Mueller & James . . . . . . . inside back cover Pilchak Cohen & Tice, PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Presbyterian Villages . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover Public Sector Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Region 2 Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Reynolds Water Conditioning Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 RiverPointe Realty Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 St. Michael Catholic Community . . . . . . . . . . 18, 35 Jim Schuster, attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Alma Wheeler Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Springhill Missionary Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Surnow Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Travel Time & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Valley Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Varsity Lincoln Mercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 33 Chas. Verheyden Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 WSU School of Social Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Roslyn Walton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Richard B. Weinerman, Sagemark Consulting . . . . 8 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1.888.COMCAST Using technology to bring people together is what we do at Comcast. Faster Internet and great entertainment can connect people and places in exciting new ways. Not all networks are made of wires and switches. Networks are also made of people—families and the groups that make up a community. Comcast is committed to keeping those networks strong. We live here too, and we’re committed to keeping the lines of communication open—across your neighborhood. COMCAST Community Outreach For the connections that matter most Dear Friends, I am so pleased to welcome all of you to CBC’s Annual Recognition Dinner. Citizens for Better Care has come a long way from the small group of advocates that met in 1969 at Old Mariners Church. We have five offices across the State of Michigan, a growing and dedicated staff, and new programs ranging from elder abuse prevention to regional family council support. Some things, however, haven’t changed since our very first meeting 37 years ago—and foremost among them is the spirit of advocacy that is as passionately felt as ever at CBC. Our mission of improving the quality of life for those in long-term care continues to drive our staff to excel in patience, persistence and sense of purpose. For the true advocate, there could be no better role model that U.S. Representative John Dingell, who, for more than 50 years, has worked tirelessly in Congress to promote the interests of seniors and all those who are not able to speak for themselves. It is truly an honor to welcome him as our guest this evening. We thank all of you who support Citizen for Better Care through your gifts and your presence. It is my hope that we will all leave tonight’s dinner with a renewed sense of dedication to the improved health and well-being of Michigan’s long-term care residents and their families and friends. Sincerely, Nancy Jackson, Executive Director Citizens for Better Care 4 2006 CBC 8th Annual Recognition Celebration 2006 CBC 8th Annual Recognition Celebration 5 Spirit of advocacy just as passionate today as 37 years ago FROM CBC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NANCY JACKSON I NTEGRITY HOME HEALTH CARE I NTEGRITY For times when home is the best place for health and care Nursing Services • Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy • Medical Supplies Medical Social Services • Home Health Aides For your peace of mind… We are a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency and the proud recipients of the 2005 MPRO “Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Home Health Setting.” For information, call us toll-free: (888) 302–0503 850 Stephenson Hwy., Troy, MI 48084 6 2006 CBC 8th Annual Recognition Celebration 2006 CBC 8th Annual Recognition Celebration 7 Many thanks to our generous donors Special Donors & Partners Peter Acho American House Suzanne W. Antisdel Blue Cross & Blue Shield Nancy Christ Anne Kraemer Florence Kramer LawDen Nursing Home Olsman, Mueller & James SEIU (Service Employees International Union) St. Michael Catholic Community Nate Shapiro UAW 1 CAP—Jimmy Settles Products & Services The Alley Grill Steakhouse @ Greektown Casino Creativity Personal Touch, Anita Powell Parafin hand & foot treatment By appointment only: 313–605–8220 Detroit Princess Party Cruises Lincoln Park, MI 48146 1–877–DET–Boat Detroit Opera House 1526 Broadway 313–961–3500 Diamond Jack Cruises Detroit, 313–843–9376 Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy 313–872–7200 Gordon Food Service, Inc. Hillberry Theatre 313–577–2972 Little Caesars Milano Bakery 3500 Russell 313–832–3500 Olga’s Kitchen Salt River Golf & Bowling New Baltimore, MI 586–725–0311 Small Plates 1521 Broadway St Detroit, MI 48226 313–963-0497 Target–Eastland Underground Railroad Living Museum 313–831–4080 Visible Ink Press (can be found at Borders Bookstore) 734–667–3211 Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers (Wildwood Beverages Inc.) And to our volunteers across the state Gary Convery Ed Ptasznik Harriet Woodards

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Page 1: Book Design

2006

Celebrating our 37th year!

8 t h a n n u a l r e c o g n i t i o n d i n n e r j u n e 1 0

2006

Dear Friends,On behalf of the Board and Staff of

Citizens for Better Care, I would like towelcome you to CBC’s 8th AnnualRecognition Dinner.

As a consumer advocacyorganization, CBC is especially honoredthat John Dingell is joining us tonight. Inote that his congressional biographybegins with the sentence: “People livingin Michigan’s 15th District knowCongressman John D. Dingell as atenacious, tireless aaddvvooccaattee for theircommunities.” He is indeed anextraordinarily able advocate for hisdistrict, for the State of Michigan and forthe causes he champions. And we arefortunate that among the causes hechampions is making health careaffordable and accessibile for all families.

This is my last year as president of

CBC and I would like to take theopportunity at this Recognition Dinner toacknowledge and thank 26 advocates,the staff of CBC. The staff is simplyterrific and I am grateful for their hardwork and dedication. From Nancy Turnerand Cathe Florian and Lois Hitchcock, allwho have been on staff for more than10 years, to the ombudsmen who havejust joined, the advocates of CBC are apassionate voice for consumers of long-term care.

And by coming tonight, you aresupporting the staff of CBC. We hopewe can count on your continuedsupport.

Thank you for coming and pleasehave a good time tonight.

Sincerely,Henry LangbergBoard President

2006 CBC 8th Annua l Recogni t ion Celebrat ion 3

InsideDirector’s Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Donors & Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Tonight’s Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

CBC Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Outstanding Service Honorees . . . . . . . 20

Our Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Our Mistress of Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . 21

CBC Staff Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

C B C A D M I N I S T R AT I V E O F F I C E

4750 Woodward Ave., Suite 410Detroit, MI 48201-1308(313) 832–6387 or (800) 833–9548Fax: (313) 832–7407

Executive DirectorNancy Jackson, [email protected]

Websitewww.cbcmi.org

F R O M B O A R D P R E S I D E N T H E N R Y L A N G B E R G

Welcome, friends, and thank you!

COME LIVE LIFE WITH US.For sixty years, Presbyterian Villages of

Michigan (PVM) has served seniors of all

faiths with a full spectrum of residential

options including apartments (subsidized

units available), Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s/

Memory Care Services, Respite Services,

Medicare Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Services,

and Skilled Nursing Care/Nursing Homes.

Today, PVM serves 2,000 seniors in more

than a dozen communities throughout

Michigan. For more information, please

visit our website at www.pvm.org or call

313.537.0000 for a brochure.

PVMCBC.2005

For more information call 248.281.2020 • www.pvm.org26200 Lahser Road, Suite 300 • Southfield, MI 48034

Fax 248.281.2060

Many thanksto our advertisers! Please patronize them!

ACO Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Michael J. Acho, Lincoln Financial Advisors . . . . 10Adult Well-Being Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Affirmations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Alternatives for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29American House senior living residences . . . . . . . 24AmeriPlan USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Dr. Anderson & Associates

Family Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Architectural Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Boisvenu & Co., accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Bortz Nursing Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back coverLiz Brater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bridging Communities, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Ann & George Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Church of Christ Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Community Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Compuware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Cox, Hodgman & Giarmarco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho . . . . . . . . . . . 8Anne Marie DeRosier, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Detroit Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Detroit Repertory Theatre/Dee Andrus . . . . . . . . . 25Nihad Elyas, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Gray Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Henry Ford Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The IAM Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Integrity Home Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Chris Kolb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12MAC LTC Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Marksman Roofing and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 23MediLodge Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Michigan League Insurance Project . . . . . . . . . . . 16Michigan Polio Network, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Michigan Regional Skills Alliances . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Mutual of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Olsman, Mueller & James . . . . . . . inside back coverPilchak Cohen & Tice, PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Presbyterian Villages . . . . . . . . . . . inside front coverPublic Sector Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Region 2 Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Reynolds Water Conditioning Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13RiverPointe Realty Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23St. Michael Catholic Community . . . . . . . . . . 18, 35Jim Schuster, attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Alma Wheeler Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Springhill Missionary Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . 15The Surnow Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Travel Time & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Valley Area Agency on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Varsity Lincoln Mercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 33Chas. Verheyden Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27WSU School of Social Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Roslyn Walton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Richard B. Weinerman, Sagemark Consulting . . . . 8

A D V E R T I S E R S ’ I N D E X

1.888.COMCAST

Using technology to bring people

together is what we do at

Comcast. Faster Internet and great

entertainment can connect people

and places in exciting new ways.

Not all networks are made of wires

and switches. Networks are also

made of people—families and the

groups that make up a community.

Comcast is committed to keeping

those networks strong. We live

here too, and we’re committed to

keeping the lines of communication

open—across your neighborhood.

COMCASTCommunity Outreach

For the connectionsthat matter most

Dear Friends,

I am so pleased to welcome all of youto CBC’s Annual Recognition Dinner.Citizens for Better Care has come a longway from the small group of advocatesthat met in 1969 at Old Mariners Church.We have five offices across the State ofMichigan, a growing and dedicated staff,and new programs ranging from elderabuse prevention to regional familycouncil support.

Some things, however, haven’tchanged since our very first meeting 37years ago—and foremost among them isthe spirit of advocacy that is as passionately felt as ever atCBC. Our mission of improving the quality of life for thosein long-term care continues to drive our staff to excel inpatience, persistence and sense of purpose.

For the true advocate, there could beno better role model that U.S.Representative John Dingell, who, formore than 50 years, has worked tirelesslyin Congress to promote the interests ofseniors and all those who are not able tospeak for themselves. It is truly an honorto welcome him as our guest this evening.

We thank all of you who supportCitizen for Better Care through your giftsand your presence. It is my hope that we will all leave tonight’s dinner with arenewed sense of dedication to theimproved health and well-being ofMichigan’s long-term care residents

and their families and friends.Sincerely,

Nancy Jackson, Executive DirectorCitizens for Better Care

4 2006 CBC 8th Annua l Recogni t ion Celebrat ion 2006 CBC 8th Annua l Recogni t ion Celebrat ion 5

Spirit of advocacy just as passionate today as 37 years ago

F R O M C B C E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R N A N C Y J A C K S O N

INTEGRITYH O M E H E A L T H C A R EINTEGRITY

For times when homeis the best place for health and careNursing Services • Physical TherapyOccupational Therapy • Medical SuppliesMedical Social Services • Home Health Aides

For your peace of mind…We are a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency and the proud recipientsof the 2005 MPRO “Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Home Health Setting.”

For information, call us toll-free: (888) 302–0503850 Stephenson Hwy., Troy, MI 48084

6 2006 CBC 8th Annua l Recogni t ion Celebrat ion 2006 CBC 8th Annua l Recogni t ion Celebrat ion 7

Many thanksto our generous donors

Special Donors & Partners

Peter Acho

American House

Suzanne W. Antisdel

Blue Cross & Blue Shield

Nancy Christ

Anne Kraemer

Florence Kramer

LawDen Nursing Home

Olsman, Mueller & James

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

St. Michael Catholic Community

Nate Shapiro

UAW 1 CAP—Jimmy Settles

Products & Services

The Alley Grill Steakhouse @ Greektown Casino

Creativity Personal Touch, Anita PowellParafin hand & foot treatment

By appointment only: 313–605–8220

Detroit Princess Party CruisesLincoln Park, MI 48146

1–877–DET–Boat

Detroit Opera House1526 Broadway313–961–3500

Diamond Jack CruisesDetroit, 313–843–9376

Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy313–872–7200

Gordon Food Service, Inc.

Hillberry Theatre313–577–2972

Little Caesars

Milano Bakery3500 Russell

313–832–3500

Olga’s Kitchen

Salt River Golf & BowlingNew Baltimore, MI

586–725–0311

Small Plates1521 Broadway StDetroit, MI 48226

313–963-0497

Target–Eastland

Underground Railroad Living Museum313–831–4080

Visible Ink Press (can be found at Borders Bookstore)

734–667–3211

Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers(Wildwood Beverages Inc.)

And to our volunteersacross the state

Gary Convery

Ed Ptasznik

Harriet Woodards

Page 2: Book Design

Galloping on Concrete

B R I D G E T B E T Z O L D

B R I D G E T B E T Z O L D

Includes “Phone Call,” winner of an Honorable Mention for poetry in the 2007 Current magazine Fiction & Poetry Contest

Gallopingon Concrete

Page 3: Book Design

A SociallyResponsibleGuide to theMagic of Writingand Researching

by Ken Wachsbergerwith a foreword by Robert G. Kraft

TransformingLives

Ken,

When I began this class I thought that I would simply learn how to

write a decent paper—I was very wrong!

Your class has given me not only a newly found confidence in my

ability as a writer, but also something much more precious—an

understanding and maturity that has allowed me to take the steps

necessary to develop a healthy relationship with my mom.

Through my I-Search project, I realized how important it is for us to

be a part of each other’s lives. Thank you for giving me the “nudge” I

needed to embark on this search.

“Finishing your manuscript, I feel grateful that this book has been written at last. It iswonderfully personal and anecdotal in the spirit of Ken Macrorie, and the I-Search. It assumesthe goal of life-long literacy, so that research is completely natural and self-fulfilling. It paysattention to the process more than comparable books that introduce formal inquiry. It evenaddresses the fears students bring with them to college. This is a valuable book.... I gained alot of respect for your teaching from reading this book. You have a gift for modeling difficultprocesses, and that is what makes this book an important contribution.”

—Bill Tucker, professor, English Department,Eastern Michigan University, YpsilantiÊ

ISBN 0-945531-03-6

Ken Macrorie’s brilliant essay, Searching Writing, introduced theteaching world to the I-Search paper, the logical result of hisbelief that students wrote best when they felt personal attachment

to their subject matter. Now, at last, Ken Wachsberger’sTransforming Lives: A Socially Responsible Guide to theMagic of Writing and Researching shows students howto turn the I-Search paper into a full-length, life-changing research project while arousing their

curiosity and awakening their dormant passion forexpressing themselves through writing. Intended for any

developmental writing, Freshman composition, or high schoolcourse where good writing and a research project are required.

Transforming Lives

Ken

Wach

sberg

er

w

Azenphony Press

A SociallyResponsibleGuide to theMagic of Writingand Researching

by Ken Wachsbergerwith a foreword by Robert G. Kraft

TransformingLives

1

Chapter 1:How a Writing Student in Recovery

Became a Writer

Ken,When I began this class I thought that I would simply learn how to write a

decent paper—I was very wrong!

Your class has given me not only a newly found confidence in my ability as a

writer, but also something much more precious—an understanding and matu-

rity that has allowed me to take the steps necessary to develop a healthy

relationship with my mom.

Through my I-Search project, I realized how important it is for us to be a

part of each other’s lives.

Thank you for giving me the “nudge” I needed to embark on this search.

At the beginning of every semester, I issue my students a dare. I say to them, “This

class is going to change your lives.”

It’s a gutsy dare because most students don’t even want to be there. The class I teach,

Freshman Composition, comes with as many bad connotations attached to it as any.

As a student yourself, you may know what they are: Essay. Composition. Paragraph

Development. Points Off For Spelling. Chicago Manual of Style.

Many of my students on the first day of class are scared silly just sitting there. They

hate writing. They fear writing. Worse, they hate the prospect of someone other than the

teacher reading what they write. Does that sound familiar? I hope not, but if it does

you’re not alone. In grade school and high school, they learned Mechanics, Grammar,

and Spelling. Then their teachers said, “Okay, write me a 500-word essay on a subject that

w

Part I: Writing the I-Search Paper

Chapter 1: How a Writing Student in Recovery Became a Writer

Page 4: Book Design

2001

recognize

3rd Annual Recognition Dinner

June 8, 2001

Detroit Golf Club

Page 5: Book Design