1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

At the Institute Two New Staff Members

Arlin S. Wasserman, a founding member of the Institute and its first board president, has joined the staff as Policy Specialist. In his new position Arlin provides technical, managerial, and advocacy expertise for all Institute projects. He is working with the Michigan Energy Reform Coalition, which is seeking to improve state oil and gas development policy, and the Public Trust Alliance, which is working to counter the radical property rights agenda in Michigan. Arlin also is staffing two new programs: to promote transportation alternatives for northern Michigan that would be less expensive and damaging than the multi-billion-dollar highways now proposed, and to strengthen the Institute's ability to serve grass roots groups across the state. "Arlin has added a new dimension to the Institute's work with his tremendous technical know-how," said Keith Schneider, executive director. "He's doing wonderful work for our members and our region." Before joining the staff Arlin was a professional risk management specialist for Environmental Solutions, a Traverse City-based consulting firm. Arlin's career also has included serving as the solid waste coordinator for Grand Traverse County, where he boosted the county's recycling program; as chief administrator of Recycle Ann Arbor; and as director of environmental services for Ypsilanti Township. Arlin has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, where he also earned a Master of Science in Natural Resources and a Master of Public Health Policy and Administration. He and his wife, Lisa Danto, live in Suttons Bay.

Arlin S. Wasserman

Alicia E. Harrison,who has fifteen years of secretarial and administrative experience, has joined the Institute as Office Manager. Alicia provides essential day-to-day services to ensure that our growing number of projects continue to run smoothly. She also is responsible for managing the computer systems and database, organizing public events, responding to inquiries from Institute members, and coordinating the volunteer network. In addition, Alicia acts as assistant to the Executive Director and the Associate Director, and helps with research to broaden the fundraising program. "Alicia provides the Institute with great energy, diverse administrative skills, and an intuitive knowledge of our region," said Keith Schneider, executive director. "We are pleased to welcome her as a member of the staff." Born in San Antonio, Texas, Alicia grew up in Benzie County and graduated from Benzie Central High School. She has served as a secretary for the Benzie County Commission on Aging, as an administrative secretary at Northwest Michigan Indian Legal Services, and as a public health technician with the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department. She currently serves as chair of the Northwest Michigan Migrant Resource Council, an alliance of non-profit groups and government agencies serving the region's migrant farm workers and their families. Alicia lives in Beulah with her husband, Ron Harrison, and their two children.

Alicia E. Harrison

'97 Open House

Our conference table was transformed into a bountiful buffet. Many thanks to the following business who donated canapes and desserts: the Glenwood Restaurant, Northern Delights Cafe, Watervale Inn, Mistwood Restaurant, L'Chayim Delicatessen, and the Cherry Hut.

Sara Szymanski, our summer Office Assistant, helped her mom Shelly Szymanski plant the Institute's flower boxes with colorful annuals donated by Westwinds Nursery.