Manistee Blue Tiger Democrats
The dynamic Blue Tigers is the community outreach component of the Manistee County Democratic Party. The Blue Tigers are on the move and committed to serving Manistee County.
Each month, they have been working closely with Cassandra Kamaloski, of the Friendship Society, who has been promoting the Feed American Food Truck. The Blue Tigers are right there, volunteering to help pack the tote bags with food and passing other food items to many families as they drive up in the lengthy lines to receive their food. Not only are they helping with the volunteer effort, but the Blue Tigers are also supporting this endeavor financially as we work closely with Al Frye, who heads up the volunteer efforts in our community.
The Blue Tigers have also been an incentive for students completing their high school curriculum or completing their GED. This organization has provided minimal scholarships for students who may need a little assistance in this endeavor, such as providing gas money so they can get to the campus. This organization has also extended their services to those students in college who may need some financial assistance in purchasing books.
The Blue Tigers are on the move and we’re here to support you to better your life by receiving your high school diploma, GED, or financial assistance in college. Here’s a little info on Blue Tiger Democrats:
A New York Democrat, William Samuels, first started the group in modern times. Mark Brewer at a meeting in 2006, announced the formation to the Blue Tigers in Michigan, the first time a state party promoted the Blue Tigers. There had been Blue Tigers before—in the 1800s and up to World War II. Through community service, Democrats gave back to the community, building both leadership and community ties. That’s what we intend here. There have been Blue Tiger activities all over the state, including Benzie and Leelanau Counties. Click for State Blue Tiger website.
Each month, they have been working closely with Cassandra Kamaloski, of the Friendship Society, who has been promoting the Feed American Food Truck. The Blue Tigers are right there, volunteering to help pack the tote bags with food and passing other food items to many families as they drive up in the lengthy lines to receive their food. Not only are they helping with the volunteer effort, but the Blue Tigers are also supporting this endeavor financially as we work closely with Al Frye, who heads up the volunteer efforts in our community.
The Blue Tigers have also been an incentive for students completing their high school curriculum or completing their GED. This organization has provided minimal scholarships for students who may need a little assistance in this endeavor, such as providing gas money so they can get to the campus. This organization has also extended their services to those students in college who may need some financial assistance in purchasing books.
The Blue Tigers are on the move and we’re here to support you to better your life by receiving your high school diploma, GED, or financial assistance in college. Here’s a little info on Blue Tiger Democrats:
A New York Democrat, William Samuels, first started the group in modern times. Mark Brewer at a meeting in 2006, announced the formation to the Blue Tigers in Michigan, the first time a state party promoted the Blue Tigers. There had been Blue Tigers before—in the 1800s and up to World War II. Through community service, Democrats gave back to the community, building both leadership and community ties. That’s what we intend here. There have been Blue Tiger activities all over the state, including Benzie and Leelanau Counties. Click for State Blue Tiger website.
Current Activities
$500 Donation to FiveCAP for assistance with City Utility Bills - 2020, 2023
$500 Donation to St. Joe's Food Pantry
Assistance with Food Distribution with Feeding America - Winter/Summer/Fall 2021, 2022, 2023
Blue Tigers Scholarship Recipient
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The magnificent Blue Tigers, a component of the Manistee County Democratic Party, are on the move again. They presented a scholarship to Cynthia Rhodes, of Copemish, MI, to assist her with transportation to the Manistee Northwest Michigan Works Site at 400 River Street, where she is diligently working to complete her GED.
Cynthia states that receiving her GED, “Will boost my confidence. I don’t like how people look at me when they find out I didn’t graduate. Also, I could finally go to college and make my boys (Aryan, 13 and Kevin, 11) proud of me. To show them, not just tell them, how important an education is. That is number one most important, to help me give them a comfortable life. The GED will also help me pursue my education. I want to open a custom tile business with my husband. I need a business certificate so I can manage our records and accounts correctly. This is the start of making my dreams, not just dreams, but reality.” John Helge, Chairperson for the Manistee County Democrats, states, “The funds that we provide for scholarships come from the community support for our ‘Little Big Shots Talent Show.’ It is our desire to provide more scholarships and to continue providing assistance to our community.” Maryann Allen, of the Michigan Works Program nominated Cynthia Rhodes to receive the scholarship. Maryann works with adults who wish to complete their GED or finish their High School Certification. If you are working with Maryann and in need of financial assistance, ask about the Blue Tigers Scholarship. Shirley Madden, Blue Tiger Chairperson, says, “This year our ‘Little Big Shots’ program, which occurs during the Manistee Forest Festival, was well attended and supported because we had Toni Trucks as the host. With her help, we were able to receive ample funds to help community organizations and support young adults with their educational pursuits. |
The Blue Tigers also provide financial assistance to students in college who demonstrate a need to continue their coursework. To get an application for financial assistance, see link below.
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Follow-Up on Cynthia
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Cynthia Rhodes was our scholarship recipient for 2021. With just the little incentive given to her by the Blue Tigers she became involved in helping with the Feeding America Food Truck. As a matter of fact, one extremely cold morning, she had car problems and instead of calling to say she couldn't make it, Cynthia got the Dial-A-Ride all the way from Copemich to help with the Food Truck. She is a dedicated worker and believes in giving back to the organization that helped her.
But, to show you what a little encouragement will do, Cynthia completed all of the necessary coursework to receive her GED and |
and will graduate on June 9th. To top this off, she will be the commencement speaker.
We all should be very proud of her determination to complete her GED. Gary and I plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony. It will be held Thursday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Northwestern Michigan College, Milliken Auditorium - Dennos Museum (Traverse City). If anyone else would like to attend please let me know. |
Video from 'Lil Big Shots Show
Blue Tigers Support Feeding America
Shirley Madden, (Blue Tigers Chairperson), Cynthia Rhodes, (Scholarship Recipient), Maryann Allen, (Michigan Works) and John Helge, (Manistee County Democrats Chairperson)
Blue Tigers Help with Habitat for Humanity
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Manistee Blue Tiger Democrats Team Up With Blossom Boulevard
Friday at 9:00 in the morning bright eyed and fluffy tailed Manistee Dems pitched in with Blossom Boulevard volunteers. It didn’t take long to weed the petunias. Coffee at Goody’s was great afterwards. You can find Blue Tiger Dems working at the Iron Works Café project, the Vogue Theater, The Ramsdell Theater, the Community Garden and lots of other places. For information or to join up, you can call Josh Swenson 723-4395. |
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Blue Tiger Democrats help with Walk for Warmth
Saturday, February 23, 8-10 am Manistee County Blue Tiger Democrats showed up to support FiveCap, Inc's Walk for Warmth. All survived the two mile mild winter walk and enjoyed a lunch donated by Big Al's Pizza and Subway. Money raised goes to assist low income families with winter heating bills.
Saturday, February 23, 8-10 am Manistee County Blue Tiger Democrats showed up to support FiveCap, Inc's Walk for Warmth. All survived the two mile mild winter walk and enjoyed a lunch donated by Big Al's Pizza and Subway. Money raised goes to assist low income families with winter heating bills.