Tribute to Eugene I. VanAntwerp
The Michigan WWI Commission pays tribute to Eugene I. Van Antwerp for his work to establish Armistice Day as a national holiday to honor our veterans.
Who is Eugene I. Van Antwerp
If you are like us, you didn’t know that Eugene I. Van Antwerp was a Michigan veteran of World War I who led the efforts to have Armistice Day declared a national holiday. Armistice Day eventually became what we know as Veterans Day after the Korean war. This is yet another inspiring story of real people doing outstanding work in service of their country that we’ve learned from the Michigan WWI Commission and its association with the Michigan Military Heritage Museum.
Eugene I. Van Antwerp was a Michigan native from Detroit who served as a captain in World War 1. He was an engineer with the 16thRegiment of Engineers from Detroit who served in France from 1917 through 1919. They were critical to moving tons of supplies to the front. Imagine being a young man of 28 years old in a foreign land where you are responsible for keeping supplies going for soldiers on the front whose lives depend on it. Eugene I. Van Antwerp was that man. This video from the Michigan WWI Centennial committee gives a fine summary on Mr. Van Antwerp’s life and accomplishments.
Special presentation to Dennis Skupinski
Our friends Scott Gerych, a Michigan Military Heritage Museum board member and Dennis Skupinski, the Michigan World War 1 Commission Chair told us about the event to honor Eugene I. Van Antwerp. The event was held at the Michigan Miltary Heritage Museum in Grass Lake, Michigan. Given this was yet another wonderful opportunity to learn, we headed over for the dedication.
Scott started the presentation by calling attention to the brilliant efforts of Dennis Skupinski. Dennis has led the Michigan WWI Centennial efforts to call attention to the intriguing stories behind Michigan’s veterans of World War 1 and the major events which shaped history. We have been happy to join the ride which included honoring the band Sabaton for their music which highlights military history and the “Over Here” event which told stories of the war effort on the home front.
Tribute to Eugene I. Van Antwerp
Dann Todd from VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post 10194 of Grass Lake led us with the pledge of allegiance and chaplain Bud Freysinger gave a moving prayer. Chaplain Freysinger’s message of peace was very inspiring and especially fitting given that we had just observed Veteran’s day and were approaching Thanksgiving.
VFW state commander Harry Les Croyle came up next to give us a brief history of Eugene I. Van Antwerp and his accomplishments. In addition to leading the efforts of the VFW to urge Congress to make Armistice Day a national holiday in 1938, Mr. Van Antwerp also went on to become the Mayor of Detroit from 1948 to 1950. He also used his position at the VFW to champion benefits for veterans.
To close out the tribute to Eugene I. Van Antwerp, Dennis presented proclamations from the Michigan House of Representatives, Governor Rick Snyder, and Detroit Mayor Mike Dugan to the surviving children of Mr. Van Antwerp. They were all very gracious and were happy to pose for a few pictures.
To relive this inspiring tribute to Mr. Van Antwerp, check out our video of the event.
We also have more pictures from the event in our gallery. Finally, please stop by the Van Antwerp family blog for other great moments of Van Antwerp family history.
City of Plymouth, MI. World War 1 Remembrance
The Mayor of the City of Plymouth, Oliver Wolcott recently signed a proclamation for the remembrance of World War 1.
Michigan Teachers Selected for National History Day WWI Program
To commemorate the centennial of The Great War, National History Day (NHD), in affiliation with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, will be spearheading a new educational program titledLegacies of World War I. Three teachers from Michigan, Ashley Stack of Galesburg, Marci Wiesemes of St. Joseph, and Traci Welch of Houghton, were selected by NHD to participate in the program.
The Michigan educators and other professionals around the world will receive access to webinars and discussions about World War I. The goal of Legacies of World War I is to ensure that the details of the Great War are remembered and to provide educators with information that can be implemented in the classroom.
World War 1 Speakers
10 presentations that are available from Michigan's WW1 Centennial Commission and the contact information:
1) Save The Flags presented by Matt VanAcker, Chairperson Donation PH 517 373 5157 mvanacker@legislature.mi.gov
Approximately 90,000 Michigan soldiers fought in the American Civil War and almost 15,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The bullet torn, blood stained battle flags that these men carried and died beneath were their proudest possessions, they stood for the Union, for their loved ones back home and also as the rallying point in combat. The Michigan Capitol Battle Flag collection, includes 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I. Talk includes flag terminology, the importance of flags in battle, some specific regimental histories in connection with the flags and the history of the collection including current conservation efforts.
2) Dress Rehearsal for the Arsenal of Democracy Chris Causley Donation chris.causley@mimths.org
During World War 2, Detroit became the Arsenal of Democracy but how did it get that name? Twenty years before during the Great War Detroit did the center for the United States war effort.
3) Michigan State Troops Chris Causley Donation
After the National Guard was Federalized, who could the Governor call on to restore the peace or help with natural disasters? The Michigan State Troops were form for this purpose. They are still in existence 100 years later as the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force.
4) The Battle of Jutland James Spurr Donation ph (513) 381-0130 spurr@millercanfield.com
The biggest Naval battle of the World War between Germany and Great Britain
5) The First Six Weeks of the Great War James Spurr Donation
What actually happen during the early part of the Great War before both sides were bogged down in trench warfare?
6) Peace and the Conference in Paris 1919 James Spurr Donation
A look at what went on at and during the Peace Conference for the “War to End All Wars”.
7) The American Legion and the World War Mark Sutton Donation mark@michiganlegion.org
Michigan’s effort in the World War and the birth of the American Legion.
8) Polar Bears; The American North Russia Expeditionary Force, ANREF Mike Grobbel Donations mike@grobbel.org
Polar Bears; The American North Russia Expeditionary Force, ANREF Michigan Military Technical & Historical SocietyIs proud to presentPolar Bears;The American North Russia Expeditionary Force, ANREF 1918-1919 A presentation by Mike GrobbelSunday February 18th at 2:00pmAdmission by donationDuring the Russian Civil War of 1918, the Western Allies, fearful that war material shipped to the old Czarist regime might fall into the hands of the Bolsheviks, asked the United States to provide men in order to secure the materials shipped there. Many of these men came from the Detroit area. Mike Grobbel is a historian with the Michigan Military & Space Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth.
8) Michigan in WW1, Stories of the Home Front Dennis Skupinski Donation ph 734 358 2099 dennis_skupinski@yahoo.com
Michigan’s contribution to the World War was more than just its service people. It was the center for a spy ring, starting point of the peace movement, center for airplane production and armaments and so much more.
9) Grand Rapids Airplane Company Dennis Skupinski Donation
Grand Rapids became bomber city during the world war, learn how the men and women of the city made this happen.
10) Rosie’s Mom and other stories of the WW1 Homefront Dennis Skupinski Donation
During World War 2, Rosie the Riveter becoming the symbol of the working women. Was she an orphan? No, during the Great War, twenty years before her mom worked building the armaments for the World War!
11) The Liberty Truck and How it Changed to World
In 1917, The United States went to war in France. The U.S. Army was short of everything and needed to ramp up the size of the Army to meet the demands of the World War. The Army logistics train included ships, trains horses, mules and trucks. The Punitive Expedition into Mexico during 1916 taught the army that it need a standard medium load truck to haul supplies from the railhead to the front line troops. During 1916, they had over 100 different types of trucks in service on the Mexican Border. This created a logistics nightmare and the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps and the Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.) joined forces to create the first military truck design called the Standard B Truck or the "Liberty Truck". This replaced the horse/mule carts and gave the army more mobility which would fundamentally change the nature of warfare.
Please contact Dennis Skupinski 734 358 2099 or dennis_skupinski@yahoo.com if you have any questions,
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From: dennis skupinski [mailto:dennis_skupinski@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2
Allegan County World War 1 Plaque
Remember and Honor Sometimes appreciation can be overwhelming and powerful. Such is the case for one man who discovered a local monument honoring WWI soldiers. It is best to hear Shawn tell his story. I am the Director of Facilities Management for Allegan County. Allegan is a rural farming county in the Southwestern Portion of MI. This beautiful part of America snugs up against Lake Michigan and boasts of being the largest county in the southern peninsula. Allegan County is the home to approximately 115,500 folks. I took this job about a year ago and while on a parks tour visiting our West Side Park, I saw this amazing monument that was constructed in tribute to the war that was to end all wars, WW I. It brought tears to my eyes and I choked up when I read the plaque (I am a retired US Army Veteran with two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan). The plaque on the monument is scribed with the following: In Memory Of The Dead In Honor of The Living World War Soldiers Of Allegan County, Mich. Erected By The Club Women Of The County - 1925.
In 1925, at the foot of this amazing monument, two saplings were planted. These saplings are now almost 100 year old trees that stand in testament to the memory of those that gave for our country. Their memory now towers over the monument with amazing grace; however, their strong stature makes it difficult for people to admire the monument or even know there is a plaque on it dedicated to anything at all. The structure is also in desperate need of some mason work. We will be refurbishing the monument with mason work and transitioning the plaque to the opposite side. The moving of the plaque will allow folks to admire the monument, the trees representing those veterans that died and the beautiful sunsets that fall over Lake Michigan. We are trying to get the monument squared away by Monday, May 28, 2018 (Memorial Day). We thought it would be fitting to hold a remembrance ceremony on the 100th year anniversary of the war the monument was dedicated to. Please come if you can.
Shawn Stenberg Director of Facilities Management Allegan County The Allegan County Community Foundation is accepting donations to assist with the restoration of the monument. The goal is $1,500. Please consider a gift to restore this beautiful monument honoring those who served our country. To make an online gift (memo Memorial) please visit alleganfoundation.org or stop in to the Foundation office at 524 Marshall Street with a cash or check donation.
Join us on May 28th - to remember and honor those who fought for our country.
The Tallis Scholars: War & Peace
Michigan Military Heritage Museum Color Guard and a Four Minute Man
On Saturday April 14 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, MI.
World War 1 soldiers and sailors from Michigan Military Heritage Museum were the Color Guard for the event. Tartanius Flynn gave Four Minute Man speech as a remembrance of the World War Centennial.
The Tallis Scholars then perform their War and Peace recital. England's world-reknown early music choir commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The music of Josquin, Guerrero, Pärt, Mouton, Lobo, Victoria, Tavener, and Palistrina loosely follows the form of the Mass, honoring all who passed in the conflict.
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS TO FORMALLY COMMEMORATE AND HONOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN WHO SERVED OUR GREAT NATION DURING WORLD WAR I; TO RECOGNIZE AND PAY TRIBUTE TO THE DISTINGUISHED MILITARY UNITS OF MICHIGAN WHO SERVED IN THIS GREAT WAR; AND TO PAY APPROPRIATE HOMAGE TO THE MANY MICHIGAN BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES THAT SUPPORTED AND CONTRIBUTED TO OUR NATION’S WAR EFFORT.
WHEREAS, World War I, “the War to End All Wars,” was a global conflict fought primarily in Europe during the period 1914 to 1918 with participation of the majority of the world’s then most prominent nations, to include the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, said Great War tragically resulted in the loss of more than nine million combatants and six million civilians and forever altered the course of world history; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Michigan signed into law Public Act 97 of 2017 on July 13, 2017 creating a World War I Centennial Commission, whose primary purpose is to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of WWI, and in particular to highlight and pay tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by Michigan citizens, private industry, and business organizations involved with or contributing to our nation’s efforts in said global war; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights deems that support of the work of said Centennial Commission is a tremendously important aspect of recognizing said contributions and sacrifices and in preserving the history of the State of Michigan and the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights hereby offers its unequivocal support and endorsement of the efforts and work of Michigan’s World War I Centennial to highlight and pay tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by Michigan citizens, Michigan military units, private industry, and business organizations involved with or contributing to our nation’s involvement in World War I; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights hereby designates Sterling Heights as a Michigan World War I Commemorative City in tribute to the contributions made by Michigan’s citizens in support of our nation during said Great War and in recognition of said Centennial; and
BE IT PROCLAIMED, that, I Mayor Michael Taylor, for and behalf of the City Council, in memoriam to all who lost their lives in said world conflict and in commemoration to the end of hostilities in World War I, the City of Sterling Heights encourages community participation in the national Armistice Bell Ringing Ceremony at 11 a.m. on November 11, 2018 to mark the cessation of said hostilities.
Michael Taylor
Mayor, City of Sterling Heights
Society of Automotive Engineers on the Western Front
S.A.E. Mobility History Committee
By Lindsay Brooke
SAE expertise developed the famous Liberty Truck that pioneered standardized military vehicle design—and helped win WWI. Soon after World War I began in 1914, motorized vehicles slowly entered military service, supplementing horse-drawn cargo wagons. By the time the U.S. entered the war in spring 1917, the Allies were operating dozens of different motor trucks, from dozens of makers, on the Western Front. Little if any parts commonality existed among any of them. This situation created a service and logistics nightmare for the Allied armies. In Paris, an entire 12-story building with hundreds of clerks was dedicated to managing over 2 million component part numbers for the army motor vehicles then in use, according to Albert Mroz, author of American Military Vehicles of World War I, An Illustrated History (McFarland & Co., 2009). Taking a page from Henry Ford’s well-known playbook, U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps planners moved quickly to develop specifications for a standardized truck design that could be produced rapidly by industry. The call to action was amplified by the influential trade journal The Automobile and Automotive Industries which editorialized, “For every hour of delay, men will die sudden and horrible deaths.” Presumably the writer meant death on the battlefield rather than in the parts office in Paris. The young Society of Automobile Engineers played a major role in developing the standardized vehicle that soon became known as the Liberty Truck. A group of SAE members, mostly employed by truck makers and all ‘on loan’ from their companies, spearheaded the Liberty program. In August 1917, the 50-strong team began work to meet the Army’s specs. The aggressive production date was just six months away. Trucks of two primary payload ratings were developed. The 1½-ton (1360-kg) model was called the Standard A. There was far greater demand for the larger 3- to 5-ton (2722-kg to 4536-kg) Standard B model with 160- in (4064-mm) wheelbase; it became the Liberty. Meantime, 150 suppliers were engaged to produce the 7,500 parts in the bill of material. The Liberty’s powertrain featured a 4-cylinder, 424-in3 (6.9- L) gasoline engine, with cast aluminum crankcase and cast-iron cylinders and heads. Bore and stroke measured 4.75 x 6 in (121 x 152 mm). Supplied by engine makers Continental, Waukesha, and Wisconsin, the mammoth four generated 52 hp (39 kW). Spark was provided by two separate (magneto and battery type) ignition systems to ensure reliability. A 4-speed transmission and worm-drive rear axle completed the robust driveline. Testing showed the unladen Standard B Liberty to be capable of 15 mph (24 km/h). The Army selected 15 truck manufacturers, including famous marques Brockway, Diamond T, Packard and Pierce-Arrow, to produce the Standard B Liberty. Their factories began shipping the first of 7,500 Liberty Trucks to France in February 1918—about 11 weeks after development began. Other OEMs not included in the program developed their own models for military use. Mack, for example, delivered over 6,000 of its famous AC “Bulldog” model, beloved by British and U.S. forces. Developed with SAE expertise, the Liberty Truck helped win WWI and established U.S. military vehicle standardization. More than 9,300 examples were produced before the remaining 43,000-unit order was cancelled following the Armistice on November 11, 1918.
Bells of Peace Ringing Ceremony
In 1918, on the 11th day, in the 11th month, at the 11th hour, the Allies and Central Powers agreed to a cease fire that would mark the end of World War One. The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. will hold a bell ringing ceremony at 11 am on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2018 to commemorate the centennial of the Armistice. Local churches, schools, courthouses, and other entities are invited to participate at the time of this nationwide occasion at each respected time zone.
It is with high hopefulness that we will all join in this nation-wide commemoration in hope and prayer for a perpetual world lasting peace.
#TollTheBell
Please Contact: Jerry Benson jbenson@legislature.mi.gov or phone: 517 373 2353 before signing up below.
National Sign up site: https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/commemorate/event-map-system/bells-of-peace-a-world-war-i-remembrance.html
Carillon and Tower Bells Repertoire for Armistice Day Compiled by Tiffany Ng, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Carillon University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
All tower bell instruments Firefighter’s Toll
A signal of three rings, done thrice with pauses in between (9 rings in total)
4.5+ octave carillon
Elegy (1991) - Roy Hamlin Johnson (GCNA 2006) O Rest in the Lord - Felix Mendelssohn, arr. Milford Myhre (Five Hymns for Carillon, ACME 1999)
4 octave carillon
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares - Andrew S. Allen (free download) Bist du bei mir - J.S. Bach, arr. Albert Gerken (ACME 1997) Circle of Sighs: Sonata da Requiem for Carillon - Geoffrey Cook (ACME 2009) Elegy - John Gouwens (Suite No. 3, op. 30, GCNA 2012) Elegy for 16 bells - John Franco (GCNA 1981) Elegy for Carillon - Mary Leahy (ACME 1988) Elegy for the Fallen - Eric Geer (ACME, out of print) Finlandia (Be Still, My Soul) - Jean Sibelius, arr. Don Cook (GCNA 1993) Gregorian Triptych - John Courter (GCNA 1990) Londonderry Air - Sally Slade Warner (Folk Songs from the British Isles, GCNA 1995) Memorial - Theophil Rusterholz (GCNA 2006) Mountain Flight for Peace - Frances Newell (ACME 2005) Prelude Solennel - W. Lawrence Curry (GCNA, out of print)
Reflection - Robert Byrnes (ACME 1999) Sarabanda - Ronald Barnes (Corelliana Suite, GCNA 1987) A Somber Pavan - Ronald Barnes (GCNA 1987)
3 octave carillon
Carillon Prelude on “Land Beyond the Clouds” - Ronald Barnes (14 Carillon Preludes on Appalachian White Spirituals, ACME 1997) Chorale Partita IV on "St. Anne" - John Knox (ACME 1998) In Memoriam - John Courter (free download) “In paradisum,” “St. Anne” - Roy Hamlin Johnson (A Carillon Book for the Liturgical Year, Part Seven: General, GCNA) Lament & Alleluia - Alice Gomez (ACME 1999) Reverie - Mark Peterson (ACME 2001) Sorrowing - Geert D’hollander (Ludus Modalis, Royal Carillon School 2011) Two Funeral Marches for Carillon - Chopin, Tchaikovsky, arr. Carlo van Ulft (ACME 2012)
Small-compass tower bell instruments
In Memoriam (2-octave version) - John Courter, arr. Andreas Friedrich (free download) Prayer for Peace - Jean Miller (GCNA, out of print)
Range unknown Hymn for the Men Who Fly - Johan Franco (American Composers Alliance, 1984) Prayer for Freedom & Fanfare of Liberation (1981) - Johan Franco (American Composers Alliance, 1981)
--Michigan World War I Centennial Commission
Beaverton WW1 Memorial Committee, 100 Cities/100 Memorials
A portion of Joe Bradley’s personal collection of World War One artifacts was on display inside city hall this Friday and Saturday as part of the Beaverton Area Business Association’s sixth annual Holiday Hunt, and Andrea Buditt (Left} said she has something she might share with the Harrison collector.
The granddaughter of veteran and former Beaverton businessman L.J. {Laurn} Budge is seeking a good home for her late WW1 cavalryman grandfather’s spurs and letters home from France.
Buditt stopped by Saturday to participate in the Holiday Hunt. and then related memories of her grandfather as she spotted the memorabilia and a quilt raffle aimed at raising money to restore the WW1 memorial in Beaverton’s Ross Lake Park.
The restoration of “The Survivor” by German-American artist Helmuth VonZengen is being pursued by Gladwin County American Legion Post 171 as part of a national American Legion effort to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WW1.
The memorial itself was commissioned by the Beaverton Manley Morris Chapter of the American Legion which has since merged with the Gladwin chapter to become Post 171. Budge was commander of the Beaverton chapter and participated in the 1925 dedication of the memorial.
By the end of the quilt raffle Saturday Post 171 had achieved a quarter of its $40,000 target for completing the project thanks to the generous donations of many local and area residents, businesses, organizations and a $2,000 matching national grant leading up to the raffle.
Donations have come from the extended families of WW1 veterans like the Gay Cohoon family, individuals like the $500 from 171 Post Commander Bob Schafer and the $1,000 from the Beaverton Lions Club. Many others large and small have come anonymously through the Legion’s WW1 fund at area Chemical Banks.
Watch for further fundraising events hosted by the Legion’s Beaverton WW1 Memorial Committee in the coming months as efforts continue to reach the $40,000 bar. Donations will also continue to be accepted at area Chemical Bank branches.
By the way, the lucky winner of the quilt drawing at the end of the Holiday Hunt Saturday was Heather VanTiem of Gladwin.
Michigan Humanities Council
The link to Michigan Humanities Council Grants. There are funds of up to $15,000 for humanities projects.
http://www.michiganhumanities.org/humanities-grants/
Belief Statement
We invest in the people of Michigan by creating and sustaining humanities programs that provide us with a deeper understanding of the past, the tools for stronger analysis of the present, or a more informed vision for the future.
Our Mission
To inspire us to come together in creative and freely expressed ways to deepen our understanding of ourselves and enrich our communities.
Our Vision
We are a sustainable, passionate, unifying force that is the humanities leader throughout the state.
Pillars
- Build awareness and excitement for humanities in everyday life.
• Achieve best practices and sustainability for all humanities programs and services in Michigan.
Programs
Our programs currently include:
Grants
Our grants to nonprofit cultural organizations, community groups, libraries and schools include:
Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointments to the World War I Centennial Commission
Friday, Oct. 27, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the initial appointments to the World War I Centennial Commission that was created to develop, execute, and promote programs to commemorate the centennial of World War I in Michigan.
The commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and is tasked with submitting a report of recommendations on ways to commemorate the World War I centennial to the director of the department, the Governor, and the Legislature.
"I am confident this group of individuals will work together to compile a list of recommendations that will properly commemorate the centennial of World War I in Michigan,” Snyder said.
Joseph Calvaruso of Galesburg is the executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management and economics from Albion College and a master’s degree in finance from Western Michigan University.
Christopher Causley of Eastpointe is employed by the Federal Government and is a founding member and president of the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society Museum in Eastpointe, Michigan. He holds an associate’s degree in automotive technology from Macomb Community College and a bachelor’s degree in military history from the American Military University.
John (Jack) Dempsey of Plymouth is a member of Dickinson Wright PLLC and a member of the Michigan Historical Commission. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social and political science from Michigan State University and a law degree from George Washington University. He also had a grandfather who serve during World War 1 in the U.S. Navy.
Edwin Fogarty of Hillsdale is an adjunct mathematics instructor at Jackson College and the great-nephew of a World War I veteran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in mathematics and statistics from Wayne State University.
David Hales of Farmington Hills is a social studies consultant for Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency where he supports K-12 teachers and schools in social studies curriculum, instruction, or assessment. He previously served on the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Hales holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies and language arts and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Michigan State University.
Ken Hibl of Clare has served as the Clare city manager for nearly 20 years and previously served 31 years of active service in the United States Army. He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Army Installation Management Course.
Shelly Kasprzycki of Jackson is the executive director of the Michigan Humanities Council, where she works with the board of directors to connect people, grants, programs, and communities to create quality cultural programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in public health education from Central Michigan University.
Dennis (Denny) Olson of Quinnesec served as Breitung Charter Township Supervisor for 14 years and is chair of the Dickinson County Township Association. He is a board member of the Michigan Township Association, the Great Lakes Timber Professional Association, and the Michigan Association of Timberman. He is the owner and operator of Olson Sand and Gravel, owns and operates a log truck, and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
Dennis Skupinski of Ann Arbor is retired and a World War 1 Aficionado . He has been leading the effort to commemorate the centennial of World War I in Michigan by producing Michigan’s World War I Centennial News Report since June of 2012 and being the state representative to the U.S. World War 1 Centennial Commission. Skupinski attended the U.S. Military Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Michigan State University.
James Spurr of Portage is a senior partner at Miller, Crnfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC. He has 36 years of experience practicing law and previously served on the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. He is the president of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and serves on the board of trustees of the Michigan Maritime Museum. Spurr holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Mark Sutton of Eaton Rapids is the public relations director of the American Legion Department of Michigan and the president of the Michigan American Legion Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Walsh College.
Members will serve terms expiring Dec. 31, 2018.
