Famous bug collector Dan Capps to display exotic and rare insects from around the world

Troy, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/27/2010 -- From October 27 through November 7, Rose Pest Solutions will celebrate its 150th anniversary by hosting national-renowned bug collector Dan Capps and his world-class display of exotic insects at the Detroit Science Center. The Creepy Crawly Bug Exhibit will commemorate Rose Pest Solutions' roots as the nation's oldest pest management company, Rose Exterminator Co.

"Rose Pest Solutions is proud to acknowledge our company's 150th milestone anniversary by hosting Dan Capps and his collection," said Russ Ives, president of Rose Pest Solutions. "The exhibit, as well as our interactive presentations, will entertain and educate children and their families during this traditional spooky time of year. We could think of no other partner more appropriate for this celebration than the Detroit Science Center."

The collection includes a wide variety of specimens from the insect world, including everything from butterflies with wingspans the size of a dinner plate to walking sticks as long as a man's forearm. At one time, it was the largest insect collection in the world before Capps began donating portions of it to museums and schools. It also has been on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and Disney World's Epcot Center, along with hundreds of schools and museums nationwide.

"The Detroit Science Center has a wonderful history of providing innovative and exciting programs that encourage children and families to explore the world of science," said Marlene Baranda, senior manager of Education Programs at the Detroit Science Center. "We are thrilled to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of Rose Pest Solutions and Dan Capps by sharing this exhibit with our visitors."

The line-up of special programs and activities includes:

Wednesday, October 27

Exhibit Opening/Media Opportunity – 11 a.m. – Children from Pace Academy in Southfield are among specially invited guests who will help open the exhibit. The event is open to the public and includes: formal remarks by Rose Pest Solutions and the Detroit Science Center; a presentation by Dan Capps; Show & Tell with live insects; and tasty treats and activities from Incredible Edible Insects. In celebration of Rose's 150th anniversary, a birthday cake will be offered to guests while supplies last.

Saturday, October 30

Spooky Science Day Presentations – 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – From Madagascar cockroaches to emperor scorpions, children and families will enjoy these interactive presentations with live insects. Learn the basics of insect identification, how to create an insect collection and much more. Children in costume are free with paid adult admission (one child per adult).

Sunday, November 7

Incredible Edible Insects – 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Incredible Edible Insects centers on Entomaphagy (the eating of insects). Visitors will learn about the overall health value of eating insects and sample tasty treats such as Chocolate Chirp Cookies, Bug-A-Boo Brownies, Jell-O-Shots called "Wigglers," chocolate covered crickets and mealworms, and "Buglava."

Founded by Solomon Rose in 1860 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company began by selling large quantities of a natural insecticide (pyrethrum) to the Union Army during the Civil War to kill cooties (body lice). In 1867, Rose formulated a phosphorous paste for cockroach and rodent control. He also developed a spray gun, a powder duster and formulated Rose's Rat Embalmer, a colored arsenate trioxide. These products were retailed, sold by mail order and peddled door-to-door from a cart.

The business' first expansion came in 1955 when an office opened in Grand Rapids. Offices in Toledo, Ohio and Saginaw, Michigan followed in 1959. In the 70s and 80s, the company acquired a number of pest control companies throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Today, the Troy-based company provides comprehensive pest control services for homes and businesses in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and parts of Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Tickets to the Detroit Science Center include this exhibit and are $13.95 for adults (13 and over); $11.95 for seniors (60 and over); $11.95 for children (12 and under); and FREE for children 2 and under. Members are free. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m.

About the Detroit Science Center
The Detroit Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires its visitors to pursue and support careers in engineering, technology and science. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan's only Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre, the Dassault Systemes Planetarium, the Toyota Engineering Theater, the DTE Energy Sparks Theater and the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,000 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; an exhibit gallery just for pint-size scientists; and a Special Events Lobby. The Science Center is the official home of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and FIRST in Michigan, and it operates the Detroit Children's Museum. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org.

About Rose Pest Solutions
Founded in 1860, Rose Pest Solutions provides comprehensive pest control services for commercial and residential clients from its 15 branch offices in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. With three board certified entomologists and other credentialed individuals on staff, Rose is renowned for its technical expertise and use of integrated pest management practices designed to protect the homes, health and property of its clients. Rose has received numerous honors for its commitment to excellence, including QualityPro and QualityPro Schools designations from the National Pest Management Association. For more information about Rose Pest Solutions, contact the company at (800) 966-ROSE or on the Web at http://www.RosePestSolutions.com.

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Farmington Hills, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/25/2010 -- Grace Centers of Hope, one of southeast Michigan's largest homeless shelters, has been selected as a recipient of the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge. A grant of $20,000 from Art Van has been awarded to Grace Centers of Hope, which then will match this amount by its own fundraising efforts. The monies will benefit its newly purchased childcare facility that will serve more than 50 children from infants to age five.

Concurrently, Art Van is holding a virtual competition, encouraging the public to vote online for their favorite participating nonprofits. The organization receiving the most votes will win an additional $25,000. To vote for Grace Centers of Hope, access http://artvancharitychallenge.com/charities-d-h/grace-centers-of-hope/

"We are so grateful for the generosity of Art Van," said CEO Pastor Kent W. Clark of Grace Centers of Hope. "Art Van is a longtime supporter of Grace Centers of Hope.

With this wonderful opportunity, our Hands of Hope Childcare Center will be able to provide quality, affordable childcare for our homeless and disadvantaged populations. We feel very confident we can meet the challenge goals."

Hands of Hope will be a state-licensed childcare center that recognizes quality indicators developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It will provide programming that gives infants and toddlers the foundation to feel safe and loved, build self-esteem and develop positive relationships. Some children whose families have been homeless have been affected emotionally and developmentally by the experience. Hands of Hope will improve school readiness for three-year old and four year old youngsters through its pre-school program. It also will strengthen family functioning with parenting seminars and workshops. Program staff will meet or exceed Michigan's educational requirements.

Because Grace Centers of Hope Grace firmly believes that a strong society is based on healthy families, it strives to keep children with their mothers throughout the various stages of its programming. Mothers will be able to take advantage of Hands of Hope for their young children, while they themselves are in the one-year Women's Life Skills Program to help transition to stable housing, sobriety and employment, or the two-year After-Care Program, where they engage in weekly support groups, home-ownership workshops and financial counseling.

About Art Van
Art Van Furniture is a family-owned company that started with one small, 4,000 square-foot store in 1959. Today, Art Van Furniture operates 34 stores in 33 cities throughout Michigan and employs approximately 2500 associates. We have received many accolades from various organizations, recognizing our commitment to quality and the community. The National Home Furnishings Association named Art Van Elslander, chairman, the 1998 Retailer of the Year, while the Michigan Retailer's Association named the company 2000 Retailer of the Year. In 2001, Van Elslander was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and Detroit News readers have voted Art Van Furniture Michigan's Best Home Furnishings Store since 2003.

About Grace Centers of Hope
Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is one of southeast Michigan's oldest and largest service provider for the homeless. Today, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness on a daily basis. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace's $4.4 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit http://www.gracecentersofhope.org.

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Program supports, showcases talented DPS student musicians

Farmington Hills, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/15/2010 -- Detroit area McDonald's owner/operators are supporting music education in the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) by hosting the DPS/McDonald's Battle of the Bands on Wed., Oct., 20 at Hart Plaza beginning at 11 a.m. The event is a competition of six DPS high school marching bands and will kickoff a fundraiser for music programs in Detroit Public Schools.

"Detroit Public Schools has a rich musical legacy, which is alive and well throughout the district," said Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb. "We are increasing our commitment to the arts with the creation of elementary-level arts programs that will prepare students for entry into the Detroit School of Arts, including instructional, practice and/or new performance space in several of the schools that are being renovated or newly built under the $500.5 million bond program.

"We are pleased to have the support of McDonald's as we further our commitment to providing music education in our schools."

DPS/McDonald's Battle of the Bands showcases student musicians

McDonald's is hosting the event by coordinating logistics, school transportation and meals for the Battle of the Bands, as well as providing prize money for the participating bands and seed money for the fundraising campaign to support music education in Detroit Public Schools.

The participating bands are from:

• Cass Technical High School
• Detroit School of Arts High School
• Martin Luther King High School
• Mumford High School
• Renaissance High School
• Western International High School

At Hart Plaza, each band will be judged on their marching, alignment and sound. The musicians will be joined by majorettes, dancers and color guard. The six marching bands will conclude with a showdown during which each band will perform three songs. The program will conclude with a unified grand finale. Music directors from Michigan State University, Grand Valley University and Wayne State University will judge the competition. The top two bands will participate in America's Thanksgiving Parade on Thurs., Nov. 25.

Music is the key to success in school and life
Being involved in music encourages the development of teamwork skills, discipline, organization, time management and creative thinking and can enhance language comprehension.

"Education is a priority for McDonald's. As local business owners, we are passionate about supporting our neighbors and providing resources in our community which enable our youth to succeed in school and in life," explained Melvin Jones, Detroit McDonald's owner/operator. "We are proud to support music education in the Detroit Public Schools and are excited the DPS/McDonald's Battle of the Bands will positively impact so many students. We hope to help change lives and perhaps launch the careers of world-class musicians."

Detroit Public Schools has produced some world-renowned musical greats, including jazz and R&B trumpeter Donald Byrd (Cass Tech); musical director Cornelius Grant (Mumford); jazz/jazz fusion musician Earl Klugh (Mumford); classical pianist Ruth Laredo (Mumford); jazz musician Kenny Millions (Cass Tech); award-winning singer Diana Ross (Cass Tech); musician Jack White (Cass Tech); Grammy winning songwriter Allee Willis (Mumford); and jazz trumpeter Gerald Wilson (Cass Tech).

Academic studies have demonstrated that music study develops skills vital to success in school and in the workplace. It provides students with the opportunity to multi-task, develop flexibility in their work styles and adapt intellectually. Playing an instrument builds self-confidence by encouraging students to participate rather than observe. Additionally, participating in a musical group such as a marching band helps students to communicate and cooperate with others more effectively.

"Money spent on one's education is an investment that truly pays big dividends," said Jones. "We encourage individuals and other businesses in metro Detroit to join McDonald's in donating money to support music education in Detroit Public Schools."

A special Website, http://www.dpsmcdonaldsbattleofthebands.com, has been set up to accept donations to the DPS/McDonald's Battle of the Bands. The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is pleased to partner with Detroit Public Schools and McDonald's to raise funds for DPS band and music programs. Donations also can be made by check to Detroit Public Schools Foundation, please write Battle of the Bands in the note section and send the check to Detroit Public Schools Foundation, 18th Floor, Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48202.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.

About the Detroit Public Schools Foundation
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Detroit students. Our mission is to raise, manage and steward funds and other resources to support value-added programs and activities for the benefit of the Detroit Public Schools and its students. For more information, visit http://www.detroitpsfoundation.org.

© 2010 McDonald's

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Farmington Hills, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/01/2010 -- Donald (Don) Clayton, managing partner of the Southfield-based accounting firm Clayton & McKervey, P.C., has received the Vistage Michigan Ambassador Award.

The recognition took place at the organization's annual CEO Summit on Fri., September 24 at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn. Vistage Michigan is a membership-based organization that helps business leaders make better decisions and generate better results.

The Vistage Michigan Ambassador Award was created especially for Clayton for his longtime service to the organization. Clayton joined his Chief Executive (CE) Group as a founding member in 1991 and represents his peers' values of integrity, compassion, growth and accountability.

"I am thrilled to present this special award to a member who has played a vital role in growing Vistage Michigan," said Robert Holland, CEO and chairman of Vistage Michigan. "Don Clayton has truly been an inspiration to his fellow CE group members, his chair and to me."

Clayton received Vistage Michigan's Soaring Eagle Award in 2002 and 2006. The Bloomfield Township resident is a graduate of Walsh College, which also honored him with two distinguished awards for his career achievements. He served as president of the Association for Corporate Growth and is active in the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA).

"He genuinely cares about the other members and contributes to everyone's issues with his wisdom, insight and understanding," said Larry Short, Clayton's CE Group Chair. "We can always count on him to volunteer his facilities and resources in support of Vistage Michigan activities. He is held in high esteem by the region's business community and represents the best of us."

Through Vistage Michigan, small business owners and chief executives gain direct and immediate access to unparalleled ideas and thinking. From one-on-one business coaching, intimate peer-to-peer workshops, and presentations from top industry executives, to advisory boards of CEO peers, extensive online libraries of content and beyond, Vistage Michigan provides its members with actionable knowledge that cannot be replicated by any university, traditional workshop or networking organization.

Vistage Michigan currently operates 12 CE Groups in southeast Michigan comprised of approximately 15 members per group.

Vistage Michigan is a member-based organization that delivers business resources and personal support to CEOs of small to mid-sized companies in southeast Michigan. For more information on Vistage Michigan please call 586-443-5880 or visit http://www.vistagemichigan.com.

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Farmington Hills, MI -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/01/2010 -- Lloyd Brown, president and CEO of Warren-based Waltonen Engineering, has received Vistage Michigan's 2010 Soaring Eagle Award. The recognition took place at the organization's annual CEO Summit on Fri., September 24 at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn. Vistage Michigan is a membership-based organization that helps business leaders make better decisions and generate better results.

The Soaring Eagle Award is awarded annually and recognizes one member's overall success in business.

"Lloyd Brown exemplifies what Vistage Michigan can do for Michigan's business leaders," said Robert Holland, CEO and chairman of Vistage Michigan. "Brown has taken what he has learned from our organization and has achieved absolutely remarkable results."

Brown also is the president of WESS, LLC., a managing partner of 5505 Thirteen Mile Road, LLC., and partner and board member of Aut-tech Automation GmbH.

Since joining Vistage Michigan in 2003, Brown has consistently brought personal and professional issues to share with his peers, who serve as an ad-hoc board of directors, for guidance and counsel. He also has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills and foresight while obtaining steady business growth. During the past seven years, the tools he acquired through his membership have helped him open an office in Granville, South Carolina, secure several new clients, and diversify his customer base.

"He has an amazing ability to be resilient, take appropriate risks and see what possibilities are in store for the future," said Barbara Stanbridge, Brown's CE Group chair. "Lloyd Brown doesn't get himself booked into one option. He is able to hold multiple, possible realities."

The Troy resident is the chairperson of the City of Warren's Downtown Development Authority. He also is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Additionally, he contributes to many charitable causes and is an active member of the Detroit Athletic Club.

Through Vistage Michigan, small business owners and chief executives gain direct and immediate access to unparalleled ideas and thinking. From one-on-one business coaching, intimate peer-to-peer workshops, and presentations from top industry executives, to advisory boards of CEO peers, extensive online libraries of content and beyond, Vistage Michigan provides its members with actionable knowledge that cannot be replicated by any university, traditional workshop or networking organization.

Vistage Michigan currently operates 12 CE Groups in southeast Michigan comprised of approximately 15 members per group.

Vistage Michigan is a member-based organization that delivers business resources and personal support to CEOs of small to mid-sized companies in southeast Michigan. For more information on Vistage Michigan please call 586-443-5880 or visit www.vistagemichigan.com.

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