May 13, 2024
I will be presenting "A Bench, a Tree and a Flower" to the South Haven Garden Club at 2:00 p.m. on May 13th at the Congregational Church, 651 Phoenix in South Haven.
April 24, 2024
I presented "A Lake Michigan Love Song" to members of the Portage Progressive Church Collective and Hope for Creation at 3:00 p.m. at the Portage United Church of Christ, 2731 W. Milham Rd., Portage, MI.
Presentation Overview: Join author Mary McKSchmidt as she shares her transition from business executive to writer and photographer advocating for Lake Michigan, a lake she has loved since childhood. An adventurer who has sailed three of the five Great Lakes, hiked, biked, and camped (alone) up the coast of Lake Michigan, she discovers she is not alone in her passion for caring for Michigan’s natural resources. Expanding on stories from her book, Uncharted Waters, she discusses easy things everyone can do to make a difference in the health of this Great Lakes State we call home.
Presentation Overview: Join author Mary McKSchmidt as she shares her transition from business executive to writer and photographer advocating for Lake Michigan, a lake she has loved since childhood. An adventurer who has sailed three of the five Great Lakes, hiked, biked, and camped (alone) up the coast of Lake Michigan, she discovers she is not alone in her passion for caring for Michigan’s natural resources. Expanding on stories from her book, Uncharted Waters, she discusses easy things everyone can do to make a difference in the health of this Great Lakes State we call home.
March 19, 2024
I will be presenting "A Bench, a Tree and a Flower" at Freedom Village in Holland, MI.
December 13, 2023
On Wednesday, December 13th, at 7:00 p.m. ET, I participated in a poetry holiday reading hosted by award-winning poet Jack Ridl. One of the two poems I read is “In Our Cockpit.” It is a poem about sailing. It is a poem about marriage. To watch the poetry holiday reading, click on the link below. Jack introduced me at 26.30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kuGbXYOHLo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kuGbXYOHLo
November 28, 2023
Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP) at 1:00 p.m. at the HASP Classroom, 100 E 8th Street, Holland, MI
- A Bench, a Tree and a Flower: Nature's Effects on Health and Aging
November 9, 2023
I will be joining the Thornapple Garden Club for their annual potluck dinner at the United Methodist Church in Hastings, MI.
- A Bench, a Tree and a Flower: Nature's Effects on Health and Aging
October 27, 2023
Saugatuck Women's Club at 2:00 p.m. at 303 Butler in Saugatuck, MI
- A Bench, a Tree and a Flower: Nature's Effects on Health and Aging
October 18, 2023
Three Rivers Club of Little Gardens, Three Rivers, MI at 11 a.m. in the Presbyterian Church
- A Bench, a Tree and a Flower: Nature's Effects on Health and Aging
September 14, 2023
Carnegie Garden Club at 6:00 p.m.at the Carnegie Library in Paw Paw, Michigan.
- A Bench, a Tree and a Flower: Nature's Effects on Health and Aging
May 4, 2023
In May, Mother and I presented "A Bench, a Tree, and a Flower" at the Village of Appledorn retirement communities in Holland, MI.
April 24, 2023
I was on the television show Good Day Northern Michigan on 9 and 10 News between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Eric Brazeal, lifestyle anchor/reporter, discussing Mother and my new book Miracle Within Small Things: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey Through Loss and Aging.
March 17, 2023
On Friday, March 17th at 1:45 and 3:00 p.m., I presented "A Bench, a Tree, and a Flower" at Wedel's 28th Annual Spring Flower and Garden Expo in Kalamazoo, MI. For details and to register, visit https://www.wedels.com/events or call 269-345-1195.
February 24th, 2023
On Friday, February 24th, 6:00 p.m. at the Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, I will be reading my poem, "Standing United," from the collection of poems titled Busy Griefs, Raw Towns: a poetic response to the brutality of war in Ukraine. Proceeds from the sale of the book are forwarded to the International Rescue Committee to support continuing Ukraine relief efforts.
You may see the entire event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4QVmA-oP4c
You may see the entire event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4QVmA-oP4c
December 14th, 2022
On Wednesday, December 14th, 7:00 p.m. ET, I will be participating in a poetry holiday reading hosted by award-winning poet Jack Ridl. Come join us via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89497445603.
October 12th, 2022
On Wednesday, October 12th at 12:30 p.m. ET, I will be speaking to the Petal Pushers Garden Club in Kalamazoo, MI. The program is titled "Miracle Within Small Things." See my October, 2022 post.
December 9th, 2021
On Thursday, December 9th, 7:00 p.m ET, I will be participating in a poetry holiday reading hosted by award-winning poet Jack Ridl. Come join us via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89356354488
It should be great fun! . . . particularly because I will be second on the docket, reading shortly after 7:00. That means I can kick back, relax and listen for the rest of the evening! The two poems I will be reading are influenced by my two favorite people, Rubin and Mother. As a result, there is a skosh of humor in both.
Please join us if you can. No pressure. No need to even RSVP. Just click on the link a few minutes before 7:00 for a relaxing kickoff to the holiday season. Other participants include Beth McBride, Peg Padnos, Kathleen Markland, Jeff Munroe, Ruth Zwald, Sharon Arendshorst, Marianna Maver, GF Korreck, Annie Valkema, and Robbi Hartt.
Because it was my mother who first introduced me to poetry, who, a published author and poet herself, encourages, inspires and mentors my writing, I have decided to read from her kitchen table rather than ours. That way she can hear me read AND listen to those who have helped me learn this language that balances the voice of the mind with the music of the heart.
If you missed the event, a video is now available, thanks to Julie Ridl! Hope you enjoy!
It should be great fun! . . . particularly because I will be second on the docket, reading shortly after 7:00. That means I can kick back, relax and listen for the rest of the evening! The two poems I will be reading are influenced by my two favorite people, Rubin and Mother. As a result, there is a skosh of humor in both.
Please join us if you can. No pressure. No need to even RSVP. Just click on the link a few minutes before 7:00 for a relaxing kickoff to the holiday season. Other participants include Beth McBride, Peg Padnos, Kathleen Markland, Jeff Munroe, Ruth Zwald, Sharon Arendshorst, Marianna Maver, GF Korreck, Annie Valkema, and Robbi Hartt.
Because it was my mother who first introduced me to poetry, who, a published author and poet herself, encourages, inspires and mentors my writing, I have decided to read from her kitchen table rather than ours. That way she can hear me read AND listen to those who have helped me learn this language that balances the voice of the mind with the music of the heart.
If you missed the event, a video is now available, thanks to Julie Ridl! Hope you enjoy!
December 10, 2020
Mary McKSchmidt will be participating in a poetry reading orchestrated by award-winning poet Jack Ridl on Thursday, December 10th, at 7:00 p.m. ET. If you would like to be in the audience via Zoom, please contact Mary.
To watch the event visit: https://youtu.be/vxuaHFLbW4E .To watch my reading, fast forward to 44:30.
To watch the event visit: https://youtu.be/vxuaHFLbW4E .To watch my reading, fast forward to 44:30.
February 21-23, 2020
Water for Life, a retreat for the women of the First Presbyterian Church of Holland. Open to members only.
Water is a gift of God. It has been the centerpiece of spiritual symbolism and religious rituals across human cultures for thousands of years. In this retreat alongside Lake Michigan, participants will explore the ways various religions have used water in their prayers and rituals, to include participation in a traditional water ceremony performed by a tribal member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians. Using poetry, painting, photography, and prayer, participants will explore their own spiritual relationship with water. Blending that spiritual awareness with the science detailing the threats to Lake Michigan, participants will discuss what they can do to care for this source of life…individually, and as members of First Presbyterian Church of Holland.
Water is a gift of God. It has been the centerpiece of spiritual symbolism and religious rituals across human cultures for thousands of years. In this retreat alongside Lake Michigan, participants will explore the ways various religions have used water in their prayers and rituals, to include participation in a traditional water ceremony performed by a tribal member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians. Using poetry, painting, photography, and prayer, participants will explore their own spiritual relationship with water. Blending that spiritual awareness with the science detailing the threats to Lake Michigan, participants will discuss what they can do to care for this source of life…individually, and as members of First Presbyterian Church of Holland.
October 10, 2019
Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP) on October 10th at 1:00 p.m. in the HASP classroom.
Join author Mary McKSchmidt as she shares her journey from business executive to writer and photographer advocating on behalf of Lake Michigan. For fourteen years she has researched the stressors that put the lake she has loved since childhood at risk. Sharing what she has learned in stories and photographs, she will highlight the things you can do to help make a difference in the health of a lake so integral to our lives - yet so easy to take for granted. (Open to HASP members.)
Join author Mary McKSchmidt as she shares her journey from business executive to writer and photographer advocating on behalf of Lake Michigan. For fourteen years she has researched the stressors that put the lake she has loved since childhood at risk. Sharing what she has learned in stories and photographs, she will highlight the things you can do to help make a difference in the health of a lake so integral to our lives - yet so easy to take for granted. (Open to HASP members.)
September 17, 2019
On September 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the Herrick District Library in Holland, Mary McKSchmidt will be participating in a panel discussion on “Glocal Water.” Part of the Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore Series, the forum will focus on water quality, quantity, distribution, and conservation locally and globally— i.e. “glocal.”
Joining her will be Dr. David VanWylen, Dean for Natural and Applied Science at Hope College. He will outline the challenges of global water scarcity as people, communities, and nations struggle to find safe, accessible, and affordable water.
Discussing local challenges with groundwater depletion created by our unique bedrock Marshall Sandstone formation will be Paul Sachs, Director of the Department of Planning and Performance Improvement for Ottawa County.
As for Mary McKSchmidt, my presentation is titled “If It’s Not Okay, Then What?”
It is not okay that the health of Lake Michigan is at risk. Nor that the number and magnitude of the issues are increasing. There are things we can do, as individuals, to make a difference. But if we want to drive needed changes faster, more efficiently, we need to link arms and form teams. Following the example of forty-two fourth graders at Quincy Elementary School, we’ll explore how organizations can get involved in tackling the everyday issues that threaten--access to and the quality of—our water.
Announcement in The Holland Sentinel . . . Living Sustainably
To see a video of the evening's presentations and discussions visit Glocal Water.
Joining her will be Dr. David VanWylen, Dean for Natural and Applied Science at Hope College. He will outline the challenges of global water scarcity as people, communities, and nations struggle to find safe, accessible, and affordable water.
Discussing local challenges with groundwater depletion created by our unique bedrock Marshall Sandstone formation will be Paul Sachs, Director of the Department of Planning and Performance Improvement for Ottawa County.
As for Mary McKSchmidt, my presentation is titled “If It’s Not Okay, Then What?”
It is not okay that the health of Lake Michigan is at risk. Nor that the number and magnitude of the issues are increasing. There are things we can do, as individuals, to make a difference. But if we want to drive needed changes faster, more efficiently, we need to link arms and form teams. Following the example of forty-two fourth graders at Quincy Elementary School, we’ll explore how organizations can get involved in tackling the everyday issues that threaten--access to and the quality of—our water.
Announcement in The Holland Sentinel . . . Living Sustainably
To see a video of the evening's presentations and discussions visit Glocal Water.
April 20, 2019
As part of the “Don’t Let it Fly or the Great Lakes Will Cry” campaign, I “adopted” the Saugatuck Dunes State Park beach in the Alliance for the Great Lakes “Spring Kickoff.” After all, this is the beach where the 2007 class of Quincy Elementary School 4th graders collected the evidence needed to convince the Zeeland School District to ban the mass release of balloons at all school functions.
What better place to relaunch the campaign? And get in those 10,000 steps?! Please join us! And spread the word!
What better place to relaunch the campaign? And get in those 10,000 steps?! Please join us! And spread the word!
April 13, 2019
Lake Michigan Catalina Association, Spring Lake, MI
Grand Haven harbor entrance at dawn
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A former Catalina owner and an avid sailor, Mary McKSchmidt shares her journey into uncharted waters to help build the political will necessary to clean up and protect Lake Michigan and all the Great Lakes.
This event is open to members of the Lake Michigan Catalina Association. To learn more about the organization and become a member, visit LMCA. |
February 7, 2019. 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Union League Club of Chicago Authors Group and the ULC Environmental Group
Present author Mary McKSchmidt in conversation with Great Lakes Ambassador David Ullrich
February 7, 2019
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Author Mary McKSchmidt in conversation with David Ullrich, Great Lakes Ambassador who works on numerous boards, commissions, and committees to advance the protection, restoration, and long-term sustainability of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region in the United States and Canada. He is active locally in Chicago to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of all Chicagoans. He is also expanding his interests to the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics, and other natural features of Australia.
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November 13, 2018. 1:30-2:50 PM
Hope College Freshman Science Class
After discussing the threats facing the Great Lakes, as first outlined in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration study and expanded in Dan Egan's recent book, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes, the author and class discussed what individuals can do to influence the health of the lakes.
October 13th, 2018. 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Horizon Book Store, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI
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Former Fortune 500 executive Mary McKSchmidt replaces a briefcase, calculator, and business suit with a notepad, camera, and foul weather gear and journeys into unchartered waters to help build the political will necessary to clean up and protect the Great Lakes. She shares her remarkable journey and joins Great Lakes policy advisor and author Dave Dempsey as they discuss the things people can do to make a difference in the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
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September 22nd. 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Barnes & Noble, 3050 Beeline Rd., Holland, MI
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Don't Let it Fly or the Great Lakes Will Cry!
Join author Mary McKSchmidt, retired 4th grade teachers Kathy Nemeth and Donna Altman, and members of the 2007 fourth grade classes from Quincy Elementary School as they discuss the legendary campaign to eliminate balloon litter. For more details about the campaign and to learn about the challenges facing the Great Lakes and what you can do to make a difference in cleaning up and protecting the world's largest body of fresh surface water. Pick up a copy of Mary McKSchmidt's book, Uncharted Waters: Romance, Adventure, and Advocacy on the Great Lakes. |
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