RCHS junior planning autism run walk
by Angie Asam, Staff Writer
Hilary Viegelahn, a junior at Rogers City High School and the aunt of a 7-year-old with autism approached the Rogers City council at their Tuesday meeting to ask them to approve a 5K walk/run to benefit Autism Speaks. Viegelahn introduced herself as a proud citizen of Rogers City. ?I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to present my fundraising idea today,? said Viegelahn. She then went on to give some statistics on autism as well as talk from personal experience with her nephew, Jay Streich. ?I am interested in making a difference by raising awareness,? Viegelahn said.
Her plan is to put on a 5K run/walk on April 30, as April is autism awareness month, with all proceeds going to Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright the grandparents of a child with autism. Since then it has grown into the nation?s largest autism science and advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. The program increases awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocates for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Viegelahn has already gathered volunteers to help with the event and the city council unanimously approved allowing her to move forward with the event working out details with city manager Mark Slown and police chief Matt Quaine. Slown also indicated to the city council that he had received a lot of written support for the event via e-mail and Face
IN OTHER CITY COUNCIL NEWS: ? Mayor Beach Hall issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 22 as Theresa Heinzel day in the city of Rogers City. Wednesday was officially Heinzel?s last day on the job as city clerk/treasurer. She has been with the city for 30 years and was at her last council meeting as a member of the city staff.
? Council unanimously approved the seasonal and transient dockage rates as recommended by the harbor advisory commission for the 2011 boating season. Council also requested that harbormaster Brian Wagner prepare a report for them on how the 2010 season went financially.
? As long as city funds are not used to fund them historical signs featuring a historical photo and literature will be included in the city?s wayfinding signage project. ? The council discussed strategic planning and felt that it was important for them to set goals. However, some of the council members felt that they do a lot of planning and fall short on the implementation end. The council will likely hold a strategic planning session sometime after the 2011-12 budget is finished.