Jess Brown
PresidentLucille Chaffer
1st Vice President
Venola Walton-Stanciel
2nd Vice President
Charlene Robinson
Financial Secretary
Linda Rogers
Recording Secretary
Bernice Harrlson
Corresponding Secretary
Pat Williams
Treasurer
Hilliard Banks
Board of Directors
Don Sims
Board of Directors
Ted Foster
Parliamentarian
Roland Jones
Sgt-at-Arms
John Meeks
Founder & President
Emeritus for Life
|
Feb 6, 2002
Mr. Donnelly, let me introduce myself to you. My name is Jess Brown, a
Detroit resident, a property owner in Idlewild, and president of an organization
appropriately named "The Mid-Michigan Idlewilders." A 100-person group formed by
Mr. John Meeks in 1995, specifically for the purpose of revitalizing Idlewild, Michigan.
Your recent article in Sunday 2-3-02 edition of The Detroit News and
Free Press entitled "Good Time Ghosts Haunt Black Eden" was reported from a very
negative viewpoint. The positive viewpoint of Idlewild was completely ignored. There are
numerous positives to report. In fact, legitimate established entertainment has been
returned to Idlewild. The musical group "The Contours" performed in 1999 and
2000 to rave reviews and a packed audience. Let me detail to you further achievements:
* 1999 - Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis renowned entertainment icons: A book signing.
* 2000-2001 - Idlewild 4th of July Parade
* 1998-99-2000-01 -Youth Day
* 1997-98-99-2000-01 - Cabaret
* 1997-98-99-2000-01 - Golf Outing
* 1999-2000-01 - Dinner Dance
* 2001 - Senior Citizen Day
All the above have been presented by the Mid-Michigan
Idlewilders. 2002 promises to be even more dynamic. Further see the (attached information)
outline of our upcoming conclave in Grand Rapids and the historical significance that has
been maintained.
So Mr. Donnelly, as you can truthfully see we are not chasing a ghost -
we are chasing REALITY. The purpose of Idlewild is not gone, the purpose is alive
and well.
Jess Brown,
President, Mid-Michigan Idlewilders |