Monday, January 21, 2008

Resume

Richard C. Bailey
11930 Mulvaney Rd
Manchester, MI 48158
(734) 657-5175

Education

Master of Arts in English, 1995, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts in Physics, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio

Experience

Freelance Technical Editor - Crystal Clear, Tecumseh, Michigan
  • Edited technical/scientific documents accurately and quickly
  • Followed detailed guidelines and specifications

Freelance Copywriter
- Peterson & Assoc., Ypsilanti, Michigan

  • Wrote web content for furniture store client
  • Created scripts for 30-second television advertisements

Freelance Textbook Writer
- Mazer Corporation, Dayton, Ohio

  • Conducted extensive research on a variety of topics
  • Produced 60 pages of content on time, meeting educational guidelines and specifications
  • Responded well to feedback, and made appropriate revisions

Freelance Writer
- Manchester, Michigan

  • 1000-word article for the Brooklyn Exponent
  • 600-word article for Manchester Magazine
  • Monthly newsletters for Oh These Irish Hills! non-profit organization

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- Heartland Community College,
Normal, Illinois; Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Taught English and cultural skills to multi-cultural students

Peace Corps Volunteer
- Kazakhstan, Central Asia

  • Presented professional development workshops for Kazakhstani teachers
  • Designed, wrote and led technical training sessions for 63 Peace Corps Trainees
  • Taught university-level English at Kyzylorda State University

Adjunct Faculty
- Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois

  • Developed and implemented workplace educational programs at APL (GATX) Corporation for American and Hispanic employees




Magazine article

Article for July 2007 issue of Manchester Magazine

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Leonard Nature Preserve

Have you heard? There’s a new nature preserve in town!

Just northwest of the village limits, the 237-acre Leonard Preserve is located within walking distance of downtown Manchester. To find this newest natural gem, turn north from Main Street (Classic Pizza will be on the south side) on Union Street and continue straight until it turns to gravel. The road will bear to the left and follow the southern bank of the River Raisin. Upon reaching a fenced gate, the gravel parking lot will be on the right. A sign there has information about the park and the location of trails.

The Leonard Preserve is the largest natural area under the guidance and control of the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, acquired through its Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP). NAPP funds are used to acquire unique natural areas to ensure their preservation for the benefit of all county residents. NAPP was established in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners through the passage of Natural Areas Ordinance No. 128. The county-wide ¼ mill tax (millage) that funds the program was approved by a majority vote in the November 2000 election. This millage will generate approximately $27.5 million during the 2002-2011 period.

On a wintry walk in 2002, the County identified the 245-acre property of Frank Leonard as a very high priority for acquisition due to its ecological value: nearly a mile of River Raisin shoreline, rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and former pasture land. In addition to the land, there was a farmhouse with outbuildings that had been unoccupied for a number of years. However, the owner of the property wanted to sell the property as one piece or not at all. At the time, the acquisition of the land seemed unlikely, as NAPP funds cannot be used to purchase the buildings, nor maintain them.

Later, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) approached the county with a plan to acquire the property. TNC had begun an initiative to protect the headwaters of the River Raisin and saw an opportunity for collaboration. The plan called for a simultaneous purchase with TNC purchasing a 40-acre portion of the property with the buildings, while the County would purchase the remaining property. In 2004, the purchase was made, and subsequently, TNC sold the smaller property (with a conservation easement) with buildings to a family that now lives there and raises horses.

In 2005, an additional 32 acres along the southern boundary were purchased from the Beaudoin family. This addition slopes to the west, providing lovely scenic views of the western skyline and bringing the total acreage to 237.

In terms of restoration efforts, the county has many projects that are ongoing. These include a riparian (water’s edge) forest planting, a prairie planting, and three prescribed burns (two in the prairie and one in the woods along the river). This past winter, work crews spent many hours removing invasive plant species such as autumn olive. Also in collaboration with TNC, an extensive survey of ecosystems and native plants is being planned.

Today, visitors can hike the trails and explore old railroad tracks and embankments. Other activities include bird watching, fishing and cross county skiing in winter. The site offers a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife such as deer and wild turkey. So come on out, and enjoy some time in a natural and beautiful place…

To learn more about the Leonard Preserve and other NAPP preserves, please visit the Washtenaw County Parks website : parks.ewashtenaw.org Or contact Shawn Severance, Parks Naturalist, at (734) 971-6337 x 327.

Rich Bailey is a resident of Manchester Township and a volunteer fire fighter with Sand Lake Fire Department in the Irish Hills.

Newspaper article

Officials: Controlled Burns Help Nature Along

Brooklyn Exponent

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Throughout history, fire has played an active role in nature, either from lightening strikes or as a land management tool of the Native Americans. Many of our ecosystems have evolved over time with fire as part of their life cycle. In recent history, fires have been suppressed, and many invasive species, such as autumn olive and garlic mustard, have taken advantage of man-made disturbances. Reintroducing fire helps restore native plants and ecosystems as well as knock back invasive plants from other countries or other parts of North America.

At the YMCA Storer Camp in Napoleon, another successful season of burning has come to an end. As part of Storer Camp’s environmental restoration program and participation in the Department of Natural Resources Landowner Incentive Program, controlled burns are one of the many techniques used to improve the native ecosystems that draw so many visitors.

According to Glenn King, Vice-president of Camping Services at the camp, environmental education is “a thread in everything we do in a program called ‘Lands for Learning.’” The camp consists of 1200 acres and has 15 unique ecosystems, such as wetlands, prairies and woodlands. First a camper in 1963, then a counselor, and now vice-president, King says, “I’ve had snapshots of what this land looks like. I’ve watched the invasives creep up. I’ve seen what a lack of management can do.”

Storer Camp hired PlantWise Native Landscapes, a company based out of Ann Arbor. The owner of PlantWise, David Mindell, worked with Storer Camp to survey the designated areas and create prescribed burn plans that would meet the restoration goals. The plans lay out all the details in terms of safety, equipment, responsibility, etc. PlantWise has been conducting burns for many years in Michigan for the state, counties and private landowners.

When the vegetation is dry and the weather, humidity and winds are just right, then the burn day arrives. The local fire department has been notified and a burn permit is obtained. The burn crew pulls up in their big, red pickup truck and starts to unload their equipment. Out comes the drip torches full of a mixture of diesel and gasoline that lets the burn crew “paint fire” on the ground. Next are the backpacks with five-gallon tanks strapped to the frames. From the tanks are rubber hoses that lead to brass wands, a kind of tubular squirt gun, that lets the burn crew control and direct the fire. And finally, the pump connected to the 125-gallon tank of water with hundreds of feet of hose, usually kept in reserve.

As soon as the equipment is readied, the burn crew puts on their personal protective equipment. This consists of Nomex (a fire resistant fabric) outer clothing, thick leather gloves and boots, and a helmet with a Plexiglas face shield and a Nomex neck protector. Every burn crewmember also has a two-radio; it is essential to have clear communication between everyone involved. Safety is the most important thing; everyone wants to go home to his or her families. Before the fire is lit, the burn crew walks the perimeter of the burn unit, examining mowed or scraped burn breaks. They also discuss how it should burn and potential problems.

Working in two teams of two, the ignition occurs on the downwind side of the unit, to back burn a firebreak. Laying down a line of fire with drip torches, the teams wait for the flames to separate into two fronts: one slowly creeping upwind, and the other trying to run with the wind. Using their backpack sprayers, the teams put out the downwind edge of the fire, creating a blackened barrier with no fuel (prairie grass, cattails, etc.). Staying in radio contact and constantly checking the line behind them for “jumpers” or other problems, the teams work their way around the perimeter of the burn unit. Once Mindell is convinced that the downwind burn break is secure enough, the corners are turned, and the teams head into the wind, letting the fire spread into the unit and extinguishing any flames that try to cross the fire breaks.

Once the final corners are reached, the fun really begins. If the conditions are safe enough, the teams will quickly lay fire along that last edge and let the wind push a “head fire” across the rest of the unit. Depending on the fuel, the flames can reach 30 to 50 feet, sounding like a freight train. The smoke column can reach thousands of feet into the sky. That’s usually when a passerby calls the fire department, but by the time they get there, the burn is basically over. The firefighters are always very serious when they arrive; however, when they discover what is going on, they usually are envious and say, “Oh, cool! I wish we could do that…”

Then comes the less enjoyable part called “mop-up” or putting out the fire. Usually there are only “smokers” that need a little squirt or a kick from a boot. Sometimes, however, there might be a brush pile that is merrily burning or worse, a “chimney tree.” This is where fire has gotten up into a dead or hollow tree and is difficult to stop. The solution often is to hack away at the burning section with a Pulaski tool (a type of wildfire ax) or cut the tree down with a chainsaw. The pump and hose come in very handy in these situations.

After the fire is out and safe, the gear is packed away, and it’s off to another burn. Sometimes one large burn can take all day; another day might consist of seven smaller ones. Everyday is different, and you never know what to expect!

Web content

Project: Web page content for furniture store

Goal: Persuade website visitors to choose store over competitors

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Why Tyner?

Because at Tyner, you'll find exactly what you need for your home. You can create the perfect place for you, your family and your friends. We'll take the time to listen to what you want. Then, with our over 50 years of experience, we'll help you make the right choice.

Here are just a few of the benefits you'll get when you come to Tyner:

Helpful, professionally trained staff

Free In Home Design Service

Free Interior Design Consultation

Area's largest selection of fine furniture and accessories

Exclusive lines of furniture and accessories

Specialized Custom ordered furniture

Thousands of choices of fabrics, leather and wood finishes

Competitive prices that can't be beat

Free delivery to your door and bedding removal

Satisfaction guarantee:

Our promise to you. SATISFACTION. In Price, Quality, and Service within reason

Tyner. Your home. Your way.


Another version – slightly different intro

Why Tyner?

With over 50 years of helping people, we know home is where the heart is. You want the perfect place for you, your family, and your friends. We'll take the time to listen to you. Then, we'll help you make the right choice. Every time.

Here are just a few of the benefits you'll get when you come to Tyner:

Helpful, professionally trained staff

Free In Home Design Service

Free Interior Design Consultation

Area's largest selection of fine furniture and accessories

Exclusive lines of furniture and accessories

Specialized Custom ordered furniture

Thousands of choices of fabrics, leather and wood finishes

Competitive prices that can't be beat

Free delivery to your door and bedding removal

Satisfaction guarantee:

Our promise to you. SATISFACTION. In Price, Quality, and Service within reason

Tyner. Your home. Your way.

30-second TV spots

Project: Proposed 30 second TV commercial scripts for furniture store

(Video images to be taken from stock footage of store)

HOME

0-10 seconds

Who knows your home best? You! At Tyner Furniture, we know how to listen, and together we’ll find the perfect piece for your home.

11-20 seconds

WEEKLY PROMOTION

21-30 seconds

Create the home you want with Tyner. (Create the perfect home with Tyner.)
Conveniently located on South State Street in Ann Arbor and East Michigan Avenue in
Ypsilanti. (OR See Yellow Pages for store locations.)
Tyner. Your home. Your way.

ROYALTY

0-10 seconds

At Tyner Furniture, we’ll treat you like royalty. Whether a throne for the king or a mattress for the princess, you’ll find the perfect jewel. [(OR since their target demo is women…) Whether a throne for the queen or a mattress for the prince, you’ll find the perfect jewel.]

11-20 seconds

WEEKLY PROMOTION

21-30 seconds

Get the royal treatment at Tyner. Every time.
Conveniently located on South State Street in Ann Arbor and East Michigan Avenue in
Ypsilanti. (OR See Yellow Pages for store locations.)
Tyner. Your home. Your way.

SPECIAL ORDER

0-10 seconds

At Tyner Furniture, custom orders are our specialty. Come in and find the perfect piece for your home.

11-20 seconds

WEEKLY PROMOTION

21-30 seconds

Custom order exactly what you want at Tyner.
Conveniently located on South State Street in Ann Arbor and East Michigan Avenue in
Ypsilanti. (OR See Yellow Pages for store locations.)
Tyner. Your home. Your way.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

0-10 seconds

At Tyner Furniture, our 50 years of excellent service will help you find exactly what you want for your home.

11-20 seconds

WEEKLY PROMOTION

21-30 seconds

Make the right choice at Tyner. (Find exactly what you want at Tyner.) Every time.
Conveniently located on South State Street in Ann Arbor and East Michigan Avenue in
Ypsilanti. (OR See Yellow Pages for store locations.)
Tyner. Your home. Your way.

Press Release

Media Release

Contact: Kay Roummell

Vice-President, Oh These Irish Hills! Non-Profit

Telephone: (517) 431-2859

Email: ohtheseirishhillsk@otih.org

September 6th, 2007

FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd Annual Irish Hills Festival at Hidden Lake Gardens

IRISH HILLS, MI. - Oh These Irish Hills! Non-Profit is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Irish Hills Festival at Michigan State University's Hidden Lake Gardens, located in the Irish Hills, on M 50 between US 12 and M52. Come celebrate all the Irish Hills has to offer on Saturday, September 15th, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors will be able to enjoy the family friendly festival and enjoy the natural beauty of the botanical gardens.

The festival will feature local musicians, arts and crafts, children's activities, and Leh-Nah-Weh Native American dance and storytelling. The American Legion Train will take visitors along the scenic roads through the rolling hills of the gardens. An historical display and authors row will take you back in time to explore the past and present of the Irish Hills.

Tickets are still available for the $3,000 grand prize raffle and the 24-Lap Stock Car Driving School raffle from Track Time Inc.

Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and students (13-19). Children under 12 are free. Family passes are available for $10.00. Members of Hidden Lake Gardens will not need to purchase tickets. Parking is free, and please, no pets or coolers.

Oh These Irish Hills! is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing an Irish Hills legacy – the beauty of the place, the spirit of the people, and the progression of its history.

To find out more information, please call (517) 431-2859, or visit the website: www.otih.org

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If you would like more information about this event, or to schedule an interview with Kay Roummell, please call (517) 431-2859 or email Kay at ohtheseirishhillsk@otih.org