United Way Adds Mackinac Board Members
Nelson, Walk, Waybrant To Serve on Board

United Way of Chippewa County has added board members from Mackinac and Luce counties and changed its name to United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula to more accurately reflect its service area. The change took place at its annual membership meeting January 17.

Rod Nelson, CEO of Mackinac Straits Hospital, Michelle Walk, MSU Extension director, and Joanne Waybrant of First National Bank of St. Ignace - Les Cheneaux Branch were elected to the board from Mackinac County. The number of board members was expanded to 30 so that there would be ample room for representatives from both added counties. Elected from Luce County were Wayne Hellerstedt, CEO of Helen Newberry

Joy Hospital, and Alice Walker, superintendent of Tahquamenon Area Schools.

Also elected to the board were Dr. Rodney Lowman, president of Lake Superior State University, and Pat Shimmens, newly retired director of the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission. One spot is still open as the board plans to include a youth representative in the near future.

Captain Mark Huebschman is serving as a liaison between United Way and the U.S. Coast Guard.

United Way officers elected at the meeting were Donald Gerrie Jr., president; Valerie Povey, president elect; Joni Talentino, secretary, and Bill Munsell, treasurer.

"United Way agencies, 14 of our current 17, have been serving residents of Mackinac and Luce counties for years," said Joni Talentino, outgoing board president. "Our board has spent the last year in a comprehensive planning process that included a self assessment and two board planning retreats. The board unanimously determined that the name United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula more accurately reflects our geographic service area."

"Many of our donors live in Mackinac and Luce counties as well," said Molly Paquin, United Way executive director. "Thanks to a grant received by the United Way Volunteer Center, many new partnerships have already been forged and expanded services are already in progress. A VISTA worker has been placed at the Hope Chest Resale Shop in St. Ignace, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available now in Mackinac County, a household survey about volunteerism was recently conducted, and training services have begun."

United Way is a nonprofit organization that benefits a coalition of charities. United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula can be reached at P.O. Box 451, Sault Ste. Marie Michigan 49783, and by telephone at (906) 632-3700.