RC goes purple in support of Purple Martin Mania
by Angie Asam–Staff Writer
The Purple Martin Inn and the city of Rogers City are proud to present the second annual Purple Martin Mania event this Thursday and Saturday in Rogers City.
Thursday the event kicks off with child advocate and author Jeanne Fowler speaking at 6 p.m. at the Rogers City branch of the Presque Isle District Library. Fowler will discuss the plight of at-risk and foster children and share from personal experience what goes on in the foster care system.
“Jeanne is a wonderful, engaging speaker and I am honored to have her speak at Purple Martin Mania. Her advocacy for children is inspiring and it’s important people hear what she has to say,” said chairperson Cindy Vezinau.
In addition to being a well-respected speaker, author and warrior for children without a voice, Fowler also began her own nonprofit organization in 2000, Big Family of Michigan. Founded in memory of her brother Peter who was killed by her mother after enduring years of child abuse, Fowler’s story is not one of sadness but of triumph over adversity.
Fowler’s book, “Peter’s Lullaby: A Song Without Words That Held a Little Girl’s Life Together,” will be available for purchase and she will sign copies following her speech.
PURPLE MARTIN Mania begins again Saturday with many events planned. A sidewalk chalk art contest will be held at the Domaci Gallery at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m. a pet walk will be held at the intersection of Huron Avenue and Third Street. The Super Scoop will host an ice cream social at 6 p.m.
From 8-11 p.m. a dance will be held under the only stoplight in Presque Isle County as Third Street will be blocked off under the light. Remembrance wish lanterns will be released during the dance at 10 p.m. Following the dance, a community bonfire will be held at North Shore Park.
The dancing under the streetlight was an event highlighted by city manager Mark Slown recently at a Michigan Municipal League (MML) conference. Following his presentation it was announced that Rogers City was MML’s Region 6 Community Excellence Award winner.
The city will now be up for the statewide Community Excellence Award against the other six regional winners at the MML annual convention Sept. 17-20 in Detroit. The Community Excellence prog
The Purple Martin Inn is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 2011. For two years the organization has donated Christmas gifts to at-risk youth in two counties and put together and delivered Easter baskets in three counties. In the fall of 2011 students from Central Michigan University worked with the Purple Martin to promote social change and environmental causes as well as held a flash mob in Rogers City to raise awareness for the Purple Martin.
Rogers City High School senior Darion DuVerney won an art contest and her artwork is featured on the flyers for the event as well as online. Local establishments will also be holding a drink-making contest.