Dianna Stampfler
President, Promote Michigan
Mobile/Texting: 269-330-4228
Fax: 269-204-6232
Email: Dianna@PromoteMichigan.com
Since 1997, Dianna has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic lighthouses, ghost towns, islands and other unique destinations and activities in her home state of Michigan. Dianna is a passionate professional speaker, with a degree in communications from Western Michigan University and 20+ years experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking. An established freelance writer, Dianna is a regular contributor to Michigan Blue Magazine and Grand Rapids Family Magazine, Michigan Home & Lifestyle Magazine and has also been published in Michigan Living, Michigan Travel Ideas, Lake Michigan Circle Tour & Lighthouse Guide, Country Lines, Tasters Guild International and Grand Rapids Magazine, among others. Over the years, she has held memberships in the Great Lake Lighthouse Keepers Association, Michigan One Room Schoolhouse Association and Historical Society of Michigan. She is currently active with the Allegan County Tourist Council, Kent County Lodging Association, Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board and Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance.
DETAILS: These programs, tailored at 45-90 minutes each, are ideal for museums, libraries, schools, historical societies, churches, life-long learning programs & senior centers and women’s groups.
PRESENTATION COST: $250 per program (unless otherwise noted).
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT: 55 cents per mile, round trip from Plainwell, Mich. *Additional expenses, such as a meal per diem and/or accommodations, may be required for destinations more than 150 miles from Plainwell.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT: LCD projector (Presentations are presented on Microsoft PowerPoint)
PROGRAM LINE-UP:
Postcards to Michigan’s Past (NEW): Before email and text messages, postcards were the premier way to send a quick message to family and friends. Fortunately, these cards have been preserved and saved from generation to generation — offering a glimpse into a simpler time of carefree vacations around the Great Lakes State. Postcards actually offer double the fun — with the beautiful scenic image on one side and the heartfelt message on the back. A long-time Michigan-themed treasurer hunter, Dianna greatly expanded her postcard collection throughout the summer of 2010 when she was laid up with a broken ankle and found solace among the virtual shopping market known as eBay. The collection, at more than 100 to date, spans from Michigan’s coast to coast and from one season to the next. While many seem to focus on the waters, boating and lighthouses, the primary theme in the collection is that the postcards hold ties to Dianna’s home state of Michigan — for which she is undoubtedly passionate.
Made in the Mitten: Savoring Michigan’s Rich Foodie & Agricultural History (NEW - $300-$350 per program includes samples for audience): Michigan is the second-most agriculturally-diverse state in the country. From cherries and grapes to blueberries and pumpkins, peaches and apples to asparagus and celery (and many, many more), the Great Lakes State is often referred to as the “Mitten of Plenty.” Add to that a growing industry focused on locally-sourced products such as cheese, poultry, sauces, jams, breads, chocolates and SO much more, and you have a feast just waiting to be devoured. Michigan is also home to many significant food manufacturers — such as Kellogg’s, Better Made Potato Chips, American Spoon Foods, Biggby Coffee, Jiffy Mix and Kowalski meats, just to name a few — that have helped shape Michigan’s culture. This program will not only introduce audiences to Michigan’s rich foodie and agricultural history, but will allow everyone to sample a few Michigan-made products as well!
Ladies of the Lights (Audience Favorite): They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies, as well as handouts including the list of featured ladies and additional reading references for attendees.
Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons (Audience Favorite): What is it about lighthouses that attract ghostly spirits? Maybe it’s simply a passion that will not go away. Lighthouse keepers were known to be extremely dedicated to their profession and it seems that many were never able to give it up — even after death. Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted. From the smell of cigar smoke at Seul Choix Point Light to the mysterious housekeeping at White River Light Station and the antics at Waugoshance Shoal, these stories will entertain all ages.
Michigan Tidbits & Trivia: Where will you find the World’s Largest Weathervane? What famous actor hails from Manistee County? In what Michigan city is Jiffy Mix made? How old is the State of Michigan? The answers to these — and dozens of other — questions will be revealed during this interactive program: “Michigan: Tidbits & Trivia.” This family program promises to be entertaining, as well as educational.
Bridge to Michigan’s Past: There are more than a dozen covered bridges throughout the state of Michigan, three within just a short drive of each other. Originally covered to protect the wooden floors from the elements, today they are one of the most photographed structures in the state. While some of these bridges remain open to automobile traffic, some limit their access to those traveling via foot or bicycle. Of course, you can’t talk Michigan bridges without referencing the most famous: The Mackinac Bridge and the Blue Water Bridge. Other uniquely significant bridges around the state will also be showcased.
Michigan Ghost Towns: Hundreds of 'ghost towns' dot Michigan's landscape throughout both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Some even still appear on state highway maps. Originally centered in logging, farming, and mining areas, these towns often faded into history when the natural resources were depleted. Only a handful remain standing, silent and abandoned, as a reminder of what once was. Settle in for an historic tour through Michigan’s past as you visit the ghost towns of the Great Lakes State.
Islands of Michigan: It’s no wonder that the Great Lakes State is graced with hundreds of islands, just waiting to be explored. From the rustic Isle Royale and Les Cheneaux Islands, to the North and South Manitou Islands (which once housed established communities) to the most noted Beaver Island (home of Michigan’s only King) High Island (former home to the House of David), Drummond Island and Mackinac Islands (where automobiles are not allowed), these islands are gems in Michigan’s history.
Michigan’s Historic One Room Schoolhouses: Nearly lost to time to consolidation of districts, Michigan’s thousands of one room schools once dotted the landscape every few miles. Fortunately, many have been preserved and have found a new place in historical villages. Some have been converted into homes, antique shops, art galleries and museums. A small number are still in use. Take an educational and photographic trip back in time and see those that have been lost — and found.
Michigan’s Winter Playground: Michigan is a giant snow-filled playground when Mother Nature rolls out the winter carpet. Miles of trails available for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, dozens of slopes for downhill skiing and acres of wooded areas for snowshoeing are just waiting to be explored. There’s also plenty of opportunity for more extreme activities such as luging, rafting, ice sailing, camping and dogsledding. Those looking for less actual activity will enjoy one of many winter food offerings, including the Gourmet Glide, Zhivago Night, Mountaintop Dinners and Elk Viewing Carriage Rides. Don’t forget about the festivals such as Tip Up Town, Suds-n-Snow, Toast the Passion, Motown Winter Blast and the Women’s Winter Tour. Learn about the exciting things just waiting to be experienced in Michigan during the winter.