REAL PEOPLE MEDIA - A 501(c)3 NONPROFIT
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Erstwhile RPM President to Receive NWS Bill Montgomery Literacy Award

3/29/2024

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TRAVERSE CITY — Columnist, disability activist, college instructor and blogger Susan Odgers will receive the Bill Montgomery Literary Service award from the National Writers Series at its April 7 author event, featuring international bestselling author Don Winslow.
 
Susan has served as host for the NWS multiple times, most recently for Jeannette Walls, bestselling author of The Glass Castle. Susan is known for being a courageous interviewer who asks questions that get to the heart of an author's writing. When she’s not moderating, you can always count on Odgers to ask a penetrating question on behalf of the Michigan Writers for which she serves as president.
 
NWS director Anne Stanton highlights that Susan most notably writes poignant columns about challenges disabled people face in her Traverse City Record-Eagle article titled “Adapted in TC,”  which has been published weekly since 2008. 
 
“Her columns are real and honest and reflect both her resilience and humanity. She doesn’t pull punches. Susan goes way beyond the issues of wheelchair access, helping you think about everyday life and assumptions in a way that you might otherwise never think about,” Stanton said. “Now she is writing a blog about fighting breast cancer and courageously talks about the financial challenges and nightmare of health insurance."
 
This is the sixth year NWS has given out the honor, which includes a $500 financial award for the first time. It’s awarded in memory of Bill Montgomery, a businessman and author who wrote a heartfelt book about his valiant battle with cancer. He gave the NWS wise guidance as a board member and made significant contributions to the Traverse City community. He was awarded the honor posthumously in January 2018. 
 
The award will be presented prior to the stage conversation with Don Winslow and bestselling author and NWS founder Doug Stanton, who will serve as guest host.
 
Susan Odgers is a past president of RPM's Keeweenaw Storytelling Center and a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She's also taught psychology at Northwestern Michigan College since 1989. Twice, she was awarded the Wayne State University Thomas Rumble Doctoral Fellowship. In 2020, she ran for the Board of Governors for her alma mater, and earned just shy of 100,000 votes statewide. A psychology professor and counseling psychologist by training and experience, she’s a social justice activist in her community. A Ragdale Fellow in 2017 and 2019, she’s currently working on a nonfiction book. 
 
About the National Writers Series
The National Writers Series is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing world-renowned authors to Northern Michigan. Founded in 2010 by reporter Anne Stanton, New York Times bestselling author Doug Stanton, and attorney Grant Parsons, NWS has hosted more than 250 authors including luminaries like Margaret Atwood, Tom Brokaw, Alice Walker, Scott Turow, Gillian Flynn and Ann Patchett.
 
Over 70,000 people have attended our events throughout the years, and we’ve helped sell over 20,000 books through local bookstores. Most of our live events take place at the historic City Opera House in Traverse City, while our virtual events are available around the world via YouTube live-streaming.
 
Our author events fuel our Raising Writers programs, which help students express themselves, explore the world through reading, develop their imaginations, and think critically. NWS also awards scholarships each year. Learn more at nationalwritersseries.org.

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Real People Media granted construction permit for WRJX 94.1, a low power fm radio station in downtown Calumet, Michigan.

3/2/2024

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Real People Media, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit art and educational organization has been granted a construction permit for a low power fm radio station within RPM's Keweenaw Storytelling Center located at 215 5th Street in downtown Calumet.  "Establishing a radio station has been a long-term goal of the organization," said Rebecca Glotfelty, Executive Director of Real People Media, whose mission is to help people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. Their motto is "Giving Everyone a Voice."  "RPM is blessed to have the support of competent board members including our technical director, Jerry Younce, who volunteered his time to complete the technical aspects of the application, saving us hundreds of dollars in consultant fees. His expertise was critical to our application to the FCC, which allowed for a one week window to apply.   The last time the FCC opened up the application process was 2013, " Glotfelty concluded. 

Real People Media is networking with local organizations to develop programming for the station. Per the FCC license, applicants are required to provide at least 8 hours of programming per day and be open to the public for at least 40 hours per week.   Real People Media's Keweenaw Storytelling Center is a ADA compliant wheelchair accessible facility. 

The organization will be fundraising to purchase the necessary equipment with the hopes to be on the air by the end of 2024. 

For more information and/or to get involved in community supported radio, contact Rebecca Glotfelty at 231.838.6460 or send an email to [email protected] and put WRJX in the header.  
 
RPM's FCC application

On December 13, 2023, Real People Media Inc., applicant for a new LPFM station WRJX 94.1 Calumet, Michigan, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for a new Low Power FM Station Construction Permit. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to file comments and petitions on the application can visit the FCC website link. 
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RPM records our 60th Episode of The Red Jacket Jamboree!

1/29/2024

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Real People Media recorded our 60th episode of The Red Jacket Jamboree at the close of our sixth season of the old-style radio variety show.   The episode titled "Red Jacket - the origin story" was recorded with guest singer-songwriter Nellie McKay.  The show follow's host Lena Dorey's (performed by Nellie McKay) journey from Brooklyn, New York to the village of Calumet (AKA Red Jacket) and the creation of The Red Jacket Jamboree.  

The Red Jacket Jamboree is an old style radio variety show sharing songs, stories, history and music from the Keweenaw Peninsula and beyond. The show is supported by funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and private and corporate donors as well as ticket sales to the live studio recording.   

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RPM completes Phase II of KSC Restroom Build Out!

12/30/2023

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With financial support from the Leuthold Family Foundation, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council,, and private donors, Real People Media was able to complete phase II of our men and women's public restroom and commercial kitchen build out in 2023. This was a build step forward for the organization which has been operating at half capacity for events such as The Red Jacket Jamboree due to the shortage in restrooms.   To be included in the women's restroom will be an ADA compliant shower to accommodate visiting performers who may need these accommodations.  We are very grateful to our donors AND volunteers who have made this possible.   We are now fundraising for stage III of our project which includes electrical wiring, tiling and stall installation.  Our target deadline is March 1, 2024.  You may donate to this campaign at the link below. 

Help us finish this project! Donate to phase III below. 

Donate

Photo below is this space after RPM acquired it in 2019. What a difference! Thanks to thousands of hours of work by our volunteers!

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The Red Jacket Jamboree celebrates the work of Ernest Hemingway and Aldo Leopold!

6/15/2022

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​The Red Jacket Jamboree invites Copper Country residents and visitors to be part of the live studio audience for the recording of two new radio episodes: “Hemingway Vs. Leopold” and “Mighty Giants” with singer-songwriter John Davey as the musical guest. 

The Red Jacket Jamboree is a NEW old-time radio variety show sharing stories, songs and history from Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.  Hosted by Lena Dorey, the show is performed/recorded in front of a live audience inside the RPM studio at the Keweenaw Storytelling Center in downtown Calumet. The show also features Martin Achatz, two-time Poet Laureate of the U.P.,the Red Jacket Actors and music by the Copper Cats, with Jerry Younce on guitar, Bill Carrothers on piano, Harry South on bass and Jonathan Taylor on percussion. Tickets/Information online at www.redjacketjamboree.org 

The Red Jacket Jamboree is produced by Real People Media, a nonprofit helping people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. The 2022 season is sponsored by Copper Country Preservation with financial support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Arts Midwest, the National Endowment for the Arts and private donors.  For more information about the nonprofit visit: www.realpeoplemedia.org.

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Keweenaw Storytelling Center Opening Celebration

11/21/2021

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We had a great celebration on October 7 at the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. The opening included a vintage hat show titled "100 Years of Hats: 1865-1965" presented by Friends of Fashion. Members modeled 10 vintage ensembles featuring 30 hats.  Following the show was a gallery tour of the Exhibit, Around the World in 80 Hats, presented by collector Linda Weston who drove up from Calumet specifically for the celebration. Thank you FOF and Linda! 
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Applications Open for the Voice Box Sessions!

2/17/2021

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Real People Media invites youth 7-12th grade to participate in the Voice Box Sessions, a unique performance series which supports the development of emerging artists (singer-songwriters, musicians, storytellers, poets, etc.) while providing community enrichment.  

The program, which will run from April to September 2021 is offered free of charge to Copper Country students.  The series will consist of six performances between April and September at RPM's Keweenaw Storytelling Center  in downtown Calumet.  Voice Box Sessions include a 45-minute set and a Q&A with a professional singer-songwriter followed by student performances.  Guest artists along with local mentors will provide guidance to students throughout the program.  2021 mentors are Mike Irish, Jerry Younce, Jana Nyberg and Dave Crowley. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for youth in our area to be mentored by accomplished professionals and gain valuable performance experience,” remarked Rebecca Glotfelty, Executive Director of Real People Media, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, “Past participants have enjoyed the performance atmosphere of the  Voice Box Sessions and have found the experience to be beneficial toward their professional growth.”

Students with an interest in singing, storytelling, music and theater are invited to participate. The sessions are open to all skill levels, however participation is limited to 18 students.  There is also an opportunity for students interested in audio production and stage lighting and design.  Throughout the program students will participate in weekly rehearsals with mentors to practice their pieces, which may be a song, comedic sketch, poetry or personal story.  Students will explore topics such as: enunciation, microphone techniques, stage presence, developing rapport with the audience, lighting, etc.  Piano and guitar accompaniment will be available to those who need it. 

The Voice Box Sessions is made possible with a grant from the Copper Country Community Arts Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  Real People Media, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to help people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts.   The organization operates the Keweenaw Storytelling Center located at 215 5th street in downtown Calumet.   For more information and to apply, visit our program page.

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Exhibit shares hats and stories from six continents!

12/30/2020

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RPM Receives Michigan Humanities H.O.P.E. Grant

11/30/2020

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Real People Media is grateful to have received a H.O.P.E (Humanities Organizations Pandemic Emergency) Grant award from the Michigan Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant is part of the CARES Act funding which was created to assist nonprofits facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The grant for $6,835 was received earlier this summer.

This grant has enabled Real People Media to continue operations of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center, our newly established 7,800 square foot community cultural center in downtown Calumet. With these funds, we were able to install, "Around the World in 80 Hats," an exhibit of ceremonial and utilitarian hats from around the world which shares the art and culture of countries as expressed through these hats. The exhibit will be in place through October 2021 and will be augmented by performances and storytelling events throughout 2021. 

Funding also enabled us to create a socially-distanced theater space for recording and streaming online events so that we may continue performances despite COVID 19.  We recently recorded two new episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree in this new space. (sans audience)  The theater will be used for live-streaming performances and events beginning in 2021.
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Adapted in TC: Never leaving the house has distinct advantages

6/29/2020

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(This article first appeared in the Traverse City Record Eagle on June 29, 2020)

Ten years ago, I awoke long before sunrise, in preparation for an early morning meeting. I felt queasy from taking a new medication. It was February, piercingly cold, dark. Several inches of fresh snow covered my long wheelchair ramp and path to the driveway. Lying on my side, I wondered why my prior requests to attend some meetings by phone or computer had been met with such resistance. I knew there were many other people who couldn’t work and volunteer because of their health challenges, lack of transportation or childcare. The clock ticked. I could call-in sick or get out of bed. I went to the meeting.

Now, like many people sheltering at home, I’ve embraced Zoom, Google Chat and Jitsi Meet. These platforms have given me a way to see my health care provider, stay connected to family and friends and meet my work and volunteer responsibilities. These include completing my teaching for the spring semester at Northwestern Michigan College, participating in the five-day Interlochen Writers Retreat and interviewing National Writers Series author, Elaine Weiss.

For these, and other reasons, I’d add tech professionals to our long list of COVID-19 essential workers.

There are numerous advantages to these platforms; audio descriptions for sight impaired folks, closed captioning and the wide use of ASL interpreters for the hearing impaired, recordings of missed meetings/classes and increased opportunities to interact with lots of people in diverse settings. For example, on any given day, I can offer public comment at a variety of public meetings, as well as observe court proceedings. Geography or commuting time are no longer barriers. I can also register for free training webinars on countless topics; from human rights to leadership.

In addition to work and board meetings, I’ve had great fun virtually attending the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Louvre Museum and singing along in concert with performer, Neil Young.

Since May 17, I’ve participated in “Crip Camp: The Official Virtual Experience” — the professionally led virtual camp follows ideas from the 2020 documentary film “Crip Camp” and runs every Sunday until August 30, 2020.

Topics span “Disability Community Culture & Identity” to “Disability, Race, Class, & Gender: Intersectionality,” to “ADA 30 Celebration” and “Let’s Talk About Sex: Our Bodies, Our Lives & Reproductive Justice.”

We, the campers, listen to speakers, process the material through guided exercises and live chat during the gathering. There often is a question and answer section and then the PeoplesHub lead an after-party where attendees assemble to further discuss the content and share thoughts, feelings and connect with others in the national disability community.

The following week on Tuesdays, I’ve continued the week’s theme with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living Crip Camp Club discussion. From there on Thursdays, I’ve often joined our local Disability Network’s Peer Advocacy meetings. Some weeks, I’ve even been able to add an international related disability group discussion, such as with the International Disability Alliance.

Through each version of Crip Camp I’m learning a great deal about the topics and myself. My community of people with disabilities is now more global and vastly diverse.

By way of these platforms, the world feels both larger and more intimate. And, I never had to leave my house.

Contact Susan Odgers at [email protected].
She is a 33-year resident of Traverse City and has been using a wheelchair for 44 years. She is a faculty member of Northwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University.
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    Rebecca Glotfelty, RPM's Executive Director shares Real People Media News and information related to storytelling! You are welcome to comment!
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Providing services to people in northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. 

Real People Media invites all people to participate in our programming and events regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  We welcome you!
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