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03/22/24 7:00 AM 03/22/24 3:30 PM America/New_York Registration Desk Opens View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25509 <br/> Registration is located in the Grand Foyer/Pre-Function area adjacent to&nbsp;the Somerset Ballroom. Grand Foyer / Pre-Function Area Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Grand Foyer / Pre-Function Area
Registration Desk Opens
Registration is located in the Grand Foyer/Pre-Function area adjacent to the Somerset Ballroom.
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03/22/24 7:30 AM 03/22/24 8:30 AM America/New_York Breakfast & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25493 <br/> <p><strong>Deluxe All American Breakfast Buffet</strong></p> <ul><li>Fluffy scrambled eggs (GF/VG)</li><li>Bacon (GF)</li><li>Turkey bacon (GF)</li><li>Buttermilk Pancakes (VG) w/maple syrup and butter</li><li>Home fried potatoes (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Oatmeal (GF/VG/VGN) with brown sugar and raisins</li><li>Assorted Danish and Muffins (VG)</li><li>Seasonal fruit (GF/VG/VGN)</li></ul> <br> <p><strong>Drinks</strong></p> <p>Regular & decaffeinated coffee, selection of hot teas, brewed iced te... Bristol Foyer / Sussex Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
7:30 - 8:30 AM Bristol Foyer / Sussex
Breakfast & Networking

Deluxe All American Breakfast Buffet

  • Fluffy scrambled eggs (GF/VG)
  • Bacon (GF)
  • Turkey bacon (GF)
  • Buttermilk Pancakes (VG) w/maple syrup and butter
  • Home fried potatoes (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Oatmeal (GF/VG/VGN) with brown sugar and raisins
  • Assorted Danish and Muffins (VG)
  • Seasonal fruit (GF/VG/VGN)

Drinks

Regular & decaffeinated coffee, selection of hot teas, brewed iced tea, and assorted juices

Ice water


Key



  • Gluten Free (GF)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Vegan (VGN)

All meals will be presented buffet style. Green salad ingredients and cheeses will be presented individually and items like Thai wraps, pancakes, oatmeal, and yogurt will have all garnishes and sauces on the side.
We have selected a variety of options at each meal that are gluten free (G), vegetarian (V), and vegan (VGN) which are labeled as such here on Connect Space. Somerset Inn will also label food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.
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03/22/24 8:45 AM 03/22/24 9:00 AM America/New_York Welcome & Opening Remarks View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25494 <br/> Welcome to Choices day two! Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
8:45 - 9:00 AM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Welcome to Choices day two!
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03/22/24 9:00 AM 03/22/24 10:00 AM America/New_York Opening Keynote: Building a Strong Town View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25495 <br/> <p>Why have many American cities found themselves in decline after decades of growth? The problem lies in the current development model - one which values short-term gains over long-term prosperity. In this session, Erfurt will show how active citizens, local officials, and design professionals can change the negative trajectory in their towns and help them become more resilient - no matter the challenges. This core Strong Towns presentation is a game-changer for communities looking to grow m... Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
9:00 - 10:00 AM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
Opening Keynote: Building a Strong Town
Speaker
Edward Erfurt, M.ADU · Strong Towns

Why have many American cities found themselves in decline after decades of growth? The problem lies in the current development model - one which values short-term gains over long-term prosperity. In this session, Erfurt will show how active citizens, local officials, and design professionals can change the negative trajectory in their towns and help them become more resilient - no matter the challenges. This core Strong Towns presentation is a game-changer for communities looking to grow more resilient in an uncertain future. 

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03/22/24 10:00 AM 03/22/24 10:15 AM America/New_York Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25506 <br/> Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:00 - 10:15 AM
Break
03/22/24 10:15 AM 03/22/24 11:15 AM America/New_York Concurrent Breakouts C: Select the breakout session you plan to attend View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26334 <br/> Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:15 - 11:15 AM
Concurrent Breakouts C: Select the breakout session you plan to attend
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03/22/24 10:15 AM 03/22/24 11:15 AM America/New_York Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Research in the Great Lakes Region View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26381 <br/> <p>This session will provide an overview of Dr. Reinhardt's work as an Indigenous foods researcher and as a member of multiple organizations concerned with food sovereignty. He will discuss identity, food provisions in treaties, decolonizing methodologies, traditional knowledge, and futurisms as they relate to Indigenous foods. Attendees will learn about how these concepts intersect with food access and provide a foundation for collaborative work with Tribes and Tribal members.&nbsp;<br> </p> 2401B Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:15 - 11:15 AM 2401B
Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Research in the Great Lakes Region
Speaker
Martin Reinhardt, PhD · Northern Michigan University

This session will provide an overview of Dr. Reinhardt's work as an Indigenous foods researcher and as a member of multiple organizations concerned with food sovereignty. He will discuss identity, food provisions in treaties, decolonizing methodologies, traditional knowledge, and futurisms as they relate to Indigenous foods. Attendees will learn about how these concepts intersect with food access and provide a foundation for collaborative work with Tribes and Tribal members. 

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03/22/24 10:15 AM 03/22/24 11:15 AM America/New_York Tackling Food Insecurity by Building on Strengths View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26336 <br/> <p>Addressing food insecurity works best when everyone is involved. Butler has organized local leaders, residents, organizations, and government officials to collectively address issues related to food security and find a common voice in partnerships with Whole Foods and Whole Cities Foundation. This session will explore how to approach working with SNAP recipients from an asset based lens and how to connect parents, schools, organizations, officials, and residents to make the most out of SNA... Bristol Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:15 - 11:15 AM Bristol
Tackling Food Insecurity by Building on Strengths
Speaker
Asiaha Butler, MA · Resident Association of Greater Englewood

Addressing food insecurity works best when everyone is involved. Butler has organized local leaders, residents, organizations, and government officials to collectively address issues related to food security and find a common voice in partnerships with Whole Foods and Whole Cities Foundation. This session will explore how to approach working with SNAP recipients from an asset based lens and how to connect parents, schools, organizations, officials, and residents to make the most out of SNAP-Ed.

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03/22/24 10:15 AM 03/22/24 11:15 AM America/New_York How Communities are Forcing Change View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26335 <br/> <p>Strong Towns has developed Community Action Labs as a comprehensive way to mobilize communities for change. In this session, Erfurt will present case studied of communities that have participated in the Community Action Lab program to show how people are learning new ways to approach community development. Attendees will leave the session with ideas about how to apply these concepts in their local work.<br> </p> Sheffield Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:15 - 11:15 AM Sheffield
How Communities are Forcing Change
Speaker
Edward Erfurt, M.ADU · Strong Towns

Strong Towns has developed Community Action Labs as a comprehensive way to mobilize communities for change. In this session, Erfurt will present case studied of communities that have participated in the Community Action Lab program to show how people are learning new ways to approach community development. Attendees will leave the session with ideas about how to apply these concepts in their local work.

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03/22/24 10:15 AM 03/22/24 11:15 AM America/New_York Growing Your Work with Gardening View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26337 <br/> <p>We will discuss the need to build connections with children and their food and create community ownership of sustainable local food sources. This valuable work can provide generational change and we have the opportunity to bring people together to make it happen.<br> </p> Sutton & Southwick Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:15 - 11:15 AM Sutton & Southwick
Growing Your Work with Gardening
Speaker
Jonah Curtis · Calhoun ISD

We will discuss the need to build connections with children and their food and create community ownership of sustainable local food sources. This valuable work can provide generational change and we have the opportunity to bring people together to make it happen.

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03/22/24 11:15 AM 03/22/24 11:30 AM America/New_York Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25507 <br/> Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:15 - 11:30 AM
Break
03/22/24 11:30 AM 03/22/24 12:00 PM America/New_York SNAPPY Awards View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25497 <br/> <p>From community gardens to cooking classes, SNAP-Ed improves lives across the nation…and Michigan has firmly established itself as a leader in the field by delivering SNAP-Ed in ways that are meaningful and innovative. Join us to recognize and cheer the good work that was accomplished by local SNAP-Ed programs in FY 2023.<br> </p> <p></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(127, 96, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(192, 145, 0);">Below, please find a full list of the awards, a brief descripti... Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
SNAPPY Awards
Speaker
Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, MS · Henry Ford Health

From community gardens to cooking classes, SNAP-Ed improves lives across the nation…and Michigan has firmly established itself as a leader in the field by delivering SNAP-Ed in ways that are meaningful and innovative. Join us to recognize and cheer the good work that was accomplished by local SNAP-Ed programs in FY 2023.

Below, please find a full list of the awards, a brief description of the category criteria, and the recipient of each award. 


Gardener Award. Aligned with a short-term outcome, ST6 champions, this award recognizes an organization that cultivated and engaged the most community champions to help achieve SNAP-Ed goals. The recipient of this award worked with five types of champions and had the highest number of parent, community member, and community leader champions. The Gardner Award goes to Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Far and Wide Award. Aligned with providing programming that meets people where they are, this award recognizes the organization that is engaged in direct education and policy, systems, and environmental change work in the widest variety of community settings. The recipient of this award conducted programming in 13 distinct setting types ranging from early childcare and schools to parks and open spaces to faith- and neighborhood-based community sites. The Far and Wide Award goes to Henry Ford Health. 

Eat Your Veggies, Kids Award. Aligned with medium term outcome, MT1 vegetable consumption, this award recognizes the organization that had statewide evaluation results showing the greatest increase in youth vegetable consumption frequency. The partner who earned this award showed that, based on completed surveys, 62% of the youth who could increase vegetable consumption, did. The Eat Your Veggies, Kids Award goes to Wayne State University. 

Stepping Up Award. Aligned with medium term outcome, MT3 physical activity, this award recognizes the organization that had statewide evaluation results showing the greatest increase in physical activity AND decrease in screen time for youth. The recipient of this award showed that, based on survey results, 59% of youth increased their physical activity and 41% reduced their screen time. The Stepping Up Award goes to Tuscola Intermediate School District.

Pushing the Boundaries Award. Aligned with short term outcome, ST7 partnerships, this award recognizes teams who have collaborated with individuals and organizations beyond their usual scope, which indicates potential for meaningful community change work. The recipient of this award is integrated into the communities they serve, and actively partners with agriculture, schools, emergency food sites, philanthropic and non-profit entities, and parks and recreation departments. The Pushing the Boundaries Award goes to Bronson Health Foundation.

Matchmaker Award. Aligned with short term outcome, ST8 multisector coalitions, this award recognizes the partner who is engaged in community-based work with the most variety of local and regional partners – bringing people together across systems, organizations, and structures to engage entire communities. The recipient of this award worked with the second highest number of coalitions, consisting of organizations from the most sectors, including government, education, childcare, social services, public health and healthcare, agriculture, public safety, and transportation. The Matchmaker Award goes to Bay Mills Community College.

Change Maker: Healthy Eating Award. Aligned with medium term outcome, MT5 nutrition supports, this award recognizes the organization that improved nutrition supports using multi-sector, community-based approaches to encourage and sustain healthy eating behaviors. The partner who earned this award worked with a small neighborhood-based retailer to update the store’s sign to change it from liquor store to market. They added “shelf talkers” to educate patrons and promote available healthy choices. In addition, they facilitated a healthy poster contest with local elementary school students. The posters were placed throughout the store as behavior nudges, encouraging customers to make healthy food purchases. The Change Maker: Healthy Eating Award goes to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Change Maker: Active Living Award. Aligned with medium term outcome, MT6 physical activity supports, this award recognizes the organization that improved physical activity supports using multi-sector, community-based approaches to encourage and sustain active living behaviors. The recipient of this award used a systematic community exploration process to engage organizational partners and residents who identified a need for safe no- and low-cost physical activity opportunities. In response, they helped convene community partners to create a bike lending library at the public library in Muskegon Heights. The Change Maker: Active Living Award goes to Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore.

Reach for the Stars Award recognizes the organization that reached more people than they initially anticipated through their direct education and community change work. The partners who earned this award substantially exceeded their overall reach and had the highest overall PSE reach, while serving primarily older adults. The Reach for the Stars Award goes to Greater Flint Health Coalition. Congratulations.

Granny’s Recipe Box Award aligns with providing culturally relevant programming and recognizes the organization that broke down barriers to participation by incorporating programming modifications that meet peoples’ cultural and traditional needs. The recipient of this award worked with a local farmers market staff to display Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) food labels and food cards in the market that showcased drawings of the food done by elementary school children. They also collaborated with a regional Tribal Food Sovereignty Collaborative to promote resources for preparing, harvesting, and preserving traditional Anishinaabe foods. Supports like these have helped the market become more welcoming to and inclusive for Indigenous community members. The Granny’s Recipe Box Award goes to Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District.

Potluck Award. Aligned with actioning meaningful community engagement, this award recognizes the organization that used creative strategies to hear from community members and incorporate their voice into community change work. The recipient of this award prioritized community engagement efforts when using an assessment to examine physical activity opportunities in local parks. They heard directly from residents living in the surrounding neighborhood about their wants and needs by conducting a door-knocking survey and interviewing 92 households over three days. The resulting report was shared back with the community to ensure residents’ feedback was represented accurately. Changes to local parks will begin this year. The Potluck Award goes to Washtenaw Intermediate School District.

Congratulations to all SNAPPY awardees.
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03/22/24 12:00 PM 03/22/24 1:00 PM America/New_York Lunch & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25502 <br/> <p><strong>Mediterranean Greek Feast</strong></p> <ul><li>Baked Greek marinated chicken (GF)</li><li>Braised lamb shank </li><li>Herb roasted cauliflower with chickpeas and lemon (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Roasted vegetable quinoa salad (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Stuffed grape leaves (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Vermicelli rice pilaf</li><li>Hummus (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Tzatziki (GF/VG)</li><li>Garlic sauce&nbsp;(GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Assorted raw and pickled veggies (GF/VG/VGN)</li><li>Tomato and feta salad (GF/VG)</l... Bristol Foyer / Sussex Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
12:00 - 1:00 PM Bristol Foyer / Sussex
Lunch & Networking

Mediterranean Greek Feast

  • Baked Greek marinated chicken (GF)
  • Braised lamb shank
  • Herb roasted cauliflower with chickpeas and lemon (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Roasted vegetable quinoa salad (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Stuffed grape leaves (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Vermicelli rice pilaf
  • Hummus (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Tzatziki (GF/VG)
  • Garlic sauce (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Assorted raw and pickled veggies (GF/VG/VGN)
  • Tomato and feta salad (GF/VG)
  • Warm pita bread (VG/VGN)
  • Pita chips (VG/VGN)


Dessert

  • Baklava
  • Peach Cobbler (GF/VG/VGN)


Drinks

Regular & decaffeinated coffee, selection of hot teas, brewed iced tea, assorted juices, and ice water


Key

  • Gluten Free (GF)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Vegan (VGN)

This year at Choices, all food will be presented buffet style. We do our best to ensure green salad ingredients and cheeses are presented individually and items like the Thai wraps, pancakes, oatmeal, and yogurt have all garnishes and sauces on the side. We have selected a variety of options at each meal that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan and labeled them here on Connect Space. Somerset Inn will also label the food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.

More Info
03/22/24 1:00 PM 03/22/24 2:00 PM America/New_York General Session: Crafting Inclusive Nutrition Messages that Resonate with Diverse Audiences View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25503 <br/> <p>Today, consumers receive messaging from multiple sources with varying degrees of credibility. Creating messages that authentically resonate with diverse audiences can help facilitate behavior change. In this session, learn how to incorporate best-practice strategies into your messaging toolkit and craft inclusive messages that connect with diverse audiences as part of your nutrition education programming.&nbsp;<br> </p> Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
1:00 - 2:00 PM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
General Session: Crafting Inclusive Nutrition Messages that Resonate with Diverse Audiences
Speaker
Asha McElroy, MPH · Diversify Dietetics

Today, consumers receive messaging from multiple sources with varying degrees of credibility. Creating messages that authentically resonate with diverse audiences can help facilitate behavior change. In this session, learn how to incorporate best-practice strategies into your messaging toolkit and craft inclusive messages that connect with diverse audiences as part of your nutrition education programming. 

Iceberg Concept of Culture - Blank Iceberg Concept of Culture - Words Self-Reflection Worksheet
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03/22/24 2:00 PM 03/22/24 2:15 PM America/New_York Light Snacks and Refreshments Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26339 <br/> <p>Jumbo hot pretzels with mustard and/or hot cheddar cheese, Ice cream bars (dairy and nondairy), lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffees, and an assortment of fruity sparkling waters.<br> </p> Grand Foyer / Pre-Function Area Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
2:00 - 2:15 PM Grand Foyer / Pre-Function Area
Light Snacks and Refreshments Break

Jumbo hot pretzels with mustard and/or hot cheddar cheese, Ice cream bars (dairy and nondairy), lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffees, and an assortment of fruity sparkling waters.

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03/22/24 2:15 PM 03/22/24 3:15 PM America/New_York Celebrating Local Successes View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_26340 <br/> <p>SNAP-Ed: It's more than a program, it's a promise...Join us to celebrate how local communities are fulfilling that promise. <br> </p> Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
2:15 - 3:15 PM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
Celebrating Local Successes

SNAP-Ed: It's more than a program, it's a promise...Join us to celebrate how local communities are fulfilling that promise.

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03/22/24 3:15 PM 03/22/24 3:30 PM America/New_York Closing Remarks and Adjourn View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2024/agenda/2024-03-22#session_row_25504 <br/> Thank you for joining us for Choices 2024! Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD Showing Up: In Community and Of Community tzwemer@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
3:15 - 3:30 PM Somerset Ballroom - Salons BCD
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Speaker
Sarah L. Panken, MS · Michigan Fitness Foundation
Thank you for joining us for Choices 2024!
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