Building momentum for the 2010 election....and what we've been up to for the last month!

Because we are very aware of the niche we fill and critical role we play in politics (and in the environmental movement) we are continuing to prepare for the 2010 elections. Our strategic planning has focused us in on key districts where we know we will make a difference.

That’s why in August, Michigan LCV held receptions in Chelsea, the Leelanau Peninsula, and Grand Rapids to highlight local, state and federal leadership who have made protecting Michigan’s environment a priority, raise awareness about current water and energy legislation, and celebrate the beauty and bounty of Michigan!

First, we gathered at the lakeside home of Michigan LCV board member, Christine Manninen, in Chelsea. We mingled with new and existing Michigan LCV members and board members, and listened to elected officials, Representatives Rebekah Warren and Alma Wheeler-Smith give an update on the status of Michigan’s current water legislation as the sun set over Island Lake.

Next, we ventured northwest to the Leelanau Peninsula for an event honoring Governor William Milliken and his wife, Helen. Black Star Farms winery owner, Don Coe and his wife graciously opened up their tasting room for us and local Traverse City craftsman, Nate Richardson of MIssion workshop, donated a chair made from recycled wooden pallets that we raffled off. Our featured guest speaker, Representative Dan Scripps, captivated the crowd with his compelling story of how Michigan LCV helped him in his 2006 and 2008 campaigns and how his office and Michigan LCV are working together to strengthen Michigan water legislation. We were honored to celebrate the legacy of Governor Milliken’s conviction and look forward to supporting the new generation of environmental champions led by Representative Scripps.

Finally, we headed south along Lake Michigan to find ourselves at the home of Wendy Falb, a recently elected School Board member in Grand Rapids. We were privileged to have U.S. Congressman Gary Peters give remarks about the importance of the work Michigan LCV does to elect people all the way down the ballot who understand the relationship between our clean energy future and strong protection of our natural resources. In addition, we were thrilled to have environmental champions like Philanthropist John Hunting and Mayor George Heartwell of Grand Rapids in attendance. We ate and drank the night away, celebrating Grand Rapids - its people and businesses - emerging as a nation and worldwide leader in sustainability. Michigan LCV was very grateful to have local Grand Rapids artist, Shelly Klein of k studio, donate a piece from her collection that we raffled off too. Michigan LCV is proud to call this great city home to one of its offices.

A special thanks to all those who joined us, our special guests U.S. Congressman Gary Peters, Mayor George Heartwell and State Representatives Dan Scripps, Rebekah Warren, Alma Wheeler-Smith and Roy Schmidt; and hosts, including Brian Beauchamp, Becky Pearson, John Austin, Tim Eder, Lisa Sessa & Bob Martel, Sanjiv & Ana Sinha, David LaGrand, Wendy & David Falb, Tony Baker, Rosalynn Bliss, Brandon Dillon, Bill Farr, John Hunting, Gerald & Elizabeth Lykins and Christine Manninen. Thank you!

For more pictures of all our events, please visit us on Flickr.

PS---If you missed us this summer, please join us and musical guests, May Erlewine and Seth Bernard, at the Ark in Ann Arbor on November 5th for Earth Tones 2009! Please contact us rsvp@michiganlcv.org at 734.222.9650 for tickets.