Thursday, December 13, 2018

NIRMV Recommended Reading List Tenth Anniversary Highlights

After a decade of creating and distributing the NIRMV Recommended Reading List, our dedicated team felt there was great cause for celebration. We had a great time throughout 2018 sharing news about our signature literature focus with diverse people from kids to seniors. Children at Metropolitan Detroit Area Boys & Girls Clubs enjoyed participating in NIRMV Adventure Land plus Face of Greatness Coloring Contest linked to kids list books and authors. The climatic event for the list was held at Detroit Public Library Main Library as a complement to a month and half showcase exhibit set up near library's Cass Avenue entrance. Featured authors of list selections were present to share insights and readings plus conduct book signings/giveaways. They included Anne Doyle, Jean Alicia Elster and Gwen Lewis. It was thrilling to hear selections from the Detroit Public Library Choir. Long-time NIRMV Recommended Reading List team member and supporter, educator Erica Dean, received an outstanding leadership award. Another highlight was presentation of award to the NIRMV The Next Chapter Teen Essay Contest Winner. To encourage inspirational reading of books from all genres, NIRMV gave away and donated list books throughout the year. Read on!





Monday, December 3, 2018

NIRMM Redford Township District Library Acknowledgement




Grateful to Redford Township District Library director and staff for graciously greeting NIRMV team both on set up and dismantle days for annual National Inspirational Role Models Month (NIRMM) showcase.






Giving Thanks


Thanks to everyone who donated to/supported NIRMV on #GivingTuesday and throughout the year.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

NIRMV Inspirational Insights Series Launch Highlights



NIRMV Inspirational Insights Series was launched with an enthusiastic group of participants on November 3, 2018 at Detroit Public Library Redford Branch.

(Photo: NIRMV Founder Darlene House (left) and speaker Dr. Paula Duren, Universal Dementia Coach)






This successful event was an official celebration for NIRMM 2018. Thanks again to the highly-informative and engaging speakers -- Make Your Date Detroit's Monica Zdanukiewicz, MPH, OMS-II; Dr. Paula Duren, Universal Dementia Coach and Jacqueline Butts, Creator of "My Life is in a Bag."

(Photo: Speaker Monica Zdanukiewicz, Make Your Date Detroit)
















(Photo: Speaker Jacqueline Butts, "My Life in in a Bag)















Congratulations to NIRMV Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Cathleen Hagan (left) and NIRMV Literary Award Winner Significant Scribe Supporter Karen White-Owens (below center). Stay tuned for more events in the series.



Wednesday, October 3, 2018

NIRMV Adventure Land Highlights


The first partner program with Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan Lloyd H. Diehl Club was a fun time for participating youth as well as NIRMV directors and volunteers.






Wednesday, September 12, 2018

NIRMV Recommended Reading List Nominations Reminder

Don't forget to make your 2018 NIRMV Recommended Reading List nominations by Friday, September 14, 2018. Remember there are both kids and adult list editions. Nominations are welcome for books in any genre with inspirational themes or characters. We appreciate the support of avid readers/book clubs during the list's first decade. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Send nominations to nirmvdetroit@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

NIRMV Supports Redeemerette Chapter School Supply Drive




When it is almost back to school time, NIRMV seeks special ways to support students. It was a pleasure for us to contribute to Redeemerette Chapter #54, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Michigan Jurisdiction School Supply Drive benefiting Marvin L. Winans Academy of Performing Arts. Our contribution was requested folders. May happy and organized school days lie ahead!




Friday, August 24, 2018

NIRMV Inspiration Caravan Fun Way to Support ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day



On August 4, 2018, NIRMV Board of Directors toured Metropolitan Detroit area supporting events on ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day. Stops included The Literacy Project, Detroit Historical Society Event and Grandmont Art Fair. Thanks to leaders for allowing us to join in your celebrations.








Thursday, May 24, 2018

NIRMV Student Support Reflections

NIRMV was thrilled to make Bowling for Books donation and engage in other student support opportunities during the 2017 - 2018 school year. Congratulations to all of the students and educators. Your efforts and achievements earned an inspirational salute from us.

NIRMV Recommended Reading List Memory

NIRMV President Darlene House enjoyed discussing NIRMV Recommended Reading List nominated books with avid reader and nominator Erica Dean. 2018 marks the 10th anniversary for Recommended Reading List. Stand by for great celebration activities and events.

NIRMV Book Club Planning Session


NIRMV Book Club Co-founders President Darlene House and Director Nancie Coley enjoyed having a planning discussion during Texas de Brazil dinner. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities for book club members/inspirational readers. Great experiences and venue adventures await you.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Money Smart Week Acknowledgement

Darlene --
Congratulations on a successful Money Smart Week 2018!
Money Smart Week is about helping consumers take a step toward financial sustainability and well-being, and the campaign has a broad reach thanks to the efforts of all of our partners. With your participation, we are able to collectively provide thousands of free seminars and events each year to help people of all ages better manage their personal finances.
After 16 years, we continue the Money Smart Week Campaign because we believe that when people move toward financial well-being it not only benefits the individual but their children, their families, their communities, and the broader economy, as well.
Thank you from the Money Smart Week Team! It is partners like yourself who make Money Smart Week happen in cities and towns across the country.  Thank you for your commitment and support!


Money Smart Week
http://www.moneysmartweek.org/

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

NIRMV Shares Wealth From Money Smart Week


NIRMV was delighted to share the wealth of  information and wisdom in Money Smart Week handouts remaining from its Smart Money Decisions event. The handouts were given to Detroit Public Library Chaney Branch Manager Barbara. She was delighted to accept them and vowed to distribute them to the library branch's patrons. NIRMV and its president has previously partnered with the Chaney Branch for programs, events and information distribution and sharing for its patrons.




Saturday, April 28, 2018

Smart Money Decisions Equals Success

Thanks to everyone who supported NIRMV's first Money Smart Week event. Let's Talk About It! Smart Money Decisions was a well-received, enlightening and interactive event. The featured speaker, Terri MacNear, Owner of Real McCoy Bookkeeping, did a wonderful job. Check out the photos, courtesy of Socialettes of #54 President Jackie Butts, for some highlights.#MoneySmartWeek #MSW2018





Thursday, April 12, 2018

NIRMV Money Smart Week Partner and Free Event Sponsor

NIRMV, Socialettes of 54 and Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. - Delta Omicron Chapter are delighted to unite to host Let's Talk About It! Smart Money Decisions Round Table Discussion. The free event, featuring special presenter Real McCoy Bookkeeping, LLC Owner Terri MacNear, will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. - National Headquarters (2657 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, 48208). Light refreshments will be served and official Money Smart Week handouts distributed. To sign up for this program, or find others in your area, visit http://moneysmartweek.org. #MSW2018 #MoneySmartWeek


















Saturday, March 17, 2018

NIRMV President Supports Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Sylvia Hubbard

NIRMV President Darlene House joined Volunteer of the Award Winner Sylvia Hubbard for her Self Publishing and Social Media Workshop on March 17, 2018 at Detroit Public Library Chaney Branch. The well-attended event facilitated by NIRMM/NIRMV long time supporter and social media guru/Hub Books owner/Motown Writers Network Co Founder afforded an enlightening opportunity for a  great reunion. 

Monday, March 12, 2018

NIRMV Celebrates March Reading Month With Books Donation

In celebration of March Reading Month, NIRMV was happy to donate the titles listed below for Stellar Scholars Reading Room. Stellar Scholars Co Founder Frank Datillo points out possible location for donations.

NIRMV Books Donate to Stellar Scholars
Celebrations of the Heart by Helen Steiner Rice
Flying Home and Other Stories by Ralph Ellison
A Little Yellow Dog: An Easy Rawlins Mystery by Walter Mosley
The Long Fall: The First Leonid McGill Mystery by Walter Mosley
Where Do You Get Your Ideas? A Writer's Guide to Transforming Notions Into Narratives by Fred White

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

NIRMV Supports OES-PHA Black History Event


NIRMV President Darlene House served as the MC for second time for Order of the Eastern Star - Prince Hall Affiliation Black History Program. NIRMV partnered with talented team by providing copies of Black Inventors and Inventions Handout in keeping with "We Built This" event theme.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

A True Hero Imprint Experience Fundraiser

This event was held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Detroit Public Library Chaney Branch at 2 p.m. It marked the first successful fund raiser for NIRMV.




A total of $350 was raised from sale of Darlene’s most recent book, The City Shining: Visions of the New Cosmopolitan Metropolis. Copies were generously donated by Stellar Scholars Principal Frank Dattilo (left), who also presented and hosted the event as tribute day for Darlene House.
Author Darlene House with her book, The City Shining
NIRMV Vice President Maureen McGerty gave remarks about NIRMM and NIRMV. NIRMV Treasurer Cynthia Hines and Director James Hines were also in attendance along with many other NIRMM and NIRMV volunteers and supporters.

NIRMV Vice President Maureen McGerty 
All photos by Jackie Butts

NIRMM Salute Kick-Off

The event was held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Detroit Public Library Redford Branch at 3:30 p.m. with long-term NIRMM Media Specialist/Publicity Raye Russell as scheduled featured speaker. Pictured below: NIRMV Treasurer Cynthia Hines, NIRMV President Darlene House and Director James Hines with the NIRMM sign.


Cynthia brought the official NIRMM sign created by NIRMM Volunteer Ulonda Davis Campbell of Creative Concepts, for celebration and enhanced awareness. The aforementioned featured speaker had family emergency, involving caregiving for her aunt, which substantially delayed arrival possibilities. Thus, the decision was made to just discuss NIRMM 2017 celebration plans and serve refreshments. Darlene and Director Nancie Coley served as presenter and moderator and refreshment hostess respectively.

NIRMM Coordinator Director Nancie Coley is pinned with
official celebration button to acknowledge status
Event highlights:

  • Revelations about NIRMM origin/traditional celebration components
  • Official acknowledgement of Nancie Coley as new NIRMM Coordinator
  • Reflections on NIRMM 2017 Theme: “Gaining Inspiration from Lessons Learned and Unforgettable Experiences”
  • Spotlighting NIRMM 2017 Historic Role Model Edward S. Curtis, Photographer/Writer who studied and shared legacy of North American Indians
  • Distribution of NIRMM/NIRMV handouts including “It’s Wonderous What a Hug Can Do” calligraphy flyer from Calligraphy by Coley plus NIRMV Recommended Reading Lists
  • Discussion of national directory listings and supporter efforts
  • Acknowledgement of increased number of online postings for NIRMM information
  • Information sharing about NIRMM Facebook Challenge created and posted by NIRMV Director David Watkins
  • Invitation to view NIRMM 2017 Showcase at Redford Township District Library throughout November
  • Invitation to attend Detroit Public Library Chaney Monthly Book Club Meeting on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. featuring NIRMM celebration and NIRMV Recommended Reading List Adults Edition selection The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn
NIRMV President Darlene House reads from book selected for
 partner event with Detroit Public Library Chaney Book Club
NIRMV Director David Watkins receives set of official
2017 NIRMM handouts from NIRMV President Darlene House
All photos by Jackie Butts