2017 Michigan Fitness Ambassador Application

I'm applying to be a Fitness Ambassador for the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Here's the text of my application:

I believe I would make an excellent Ambassador for three reasons. First, I ran in my first 5K in my mid-50s to improve my health. Now that I’m in my early 60s, I’ve run in several events including seven half-marathons. I continue to run and have joined several organizations that promote running such as the US Track and Field Association and Half Fanatics.

Second, I serve on the City of Troy Zoning Board of Appeals. During my eight plus years of service, I’ve developed an interest in municipal planning that promotes community wellness. Poor community planning may be partially to blame for America's obesity crisis.

And third, a little over a year ago I made a career change and began working in the health insurance industry. During that short period of time I’ve observed that workplace wellness can have a positive impact on health care costs.

I should hear whether I've been selected sometime in the next 2 weeks.

1/2/17 UPDATE: I wasn't selected.

Troy Zoning Board of Appeals - November 2016 Meeting Recap

City staff has posted the video recording of the 11/15/16 Troy Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting to YouTube. At the bottom of this post is the video. (The meeting actually starts shortly after the 1 minute mark of the video.)

Click here to download the entire Agenda Packet from the November 15th meeting.

There were two items on the agenda:

• A variance for 5330 Standish (to construct an addition to the rear of the house). The ZBA voted unanimously to approve the variance.


• A variance for 1765 Van Courtland (to keep a shed at its current location). The ZBA voted unanimously to approve the variance.

Troy Zoning Board of Appeals - October 2016 Meeting Recap

City staff has posted the video recording of the 10/18/16 Troy Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting to YouTube. At the bottom of this post is the video. (The meeting actually starts shortly after the 1 minute mark of the video.)

Click here to download the entire Agenda Packet from the October 18th meeting.

There were five items on the agenda:

• A variance for 2116 Brinston (to allow an addition to a nonconforming pool deck). The ZBA voted to approve the variance. I voted no.


• A variance for 5330 Standish (to construct an addition to the rear of the house). Because the petitioner didn't attend the meeting, the ZBA voted to postpone action until our November meeting.


• A variance for 633 Burtman (to rebuild a detached, nonconforming garage). The ZBA voted to approve the variance. I voted yes.


• A variance for 5905 Endicott (to build a roof over an existing uncovered front porch). The ZBA voted to approve the variance. I voted yes.


• A variance for 1605 E Long Lake (to build two new houses). The ZBA voted to approve the variance. I voted yes.

Also, welcome to our newest member Daniel Agauas who was recently appointed by City Council to fill a vacancy on the board.