Page 4 - Michigan DNR OAC May–September at a Glance 2017

The Desk...
We get lots of questions about the noble, old desk that sits in front of our cafeteria entrance. It sits under the U.S. Forest Service artwork and holds our guest comment book and copies of our online brochure.
This desk is over 80 years old. During its time in Lansing it served the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. We often think
of the projects that were worked on at this desk. Papers signed that created many of our state parks,
the establishment of our fish hatcheries and so much more. It was crafted in Grand Rapids during a time when furniture was built to last. We are lucky to be able to highlight this piece of DNR history and share it with our guests.
4
Employee Spotlight – Meet Frank Toarmina
Frank Toarmina and family
Frank is from Westland and has been with the Michigan DNR since 1997.
Mr. Toarmina earned his bachelor’s degree in outdoor and environmental recreation from Central Michigan University. His DNR career started at Maybury State Park, where he was a summer worker. He was hired as a state park ranger, first at Maybury and then at Milliken State Park and Harbor. With his position at the Outdoor Adventure Center, Frank may be the first indoor park ranger.
Frank comes from a large, close-knit family of small business owners and ice cream stores. His proud parents, Pete and Laurie, recently retired from their restaurants , Mangiamo’s and Mickeys Dairy Twist, in Saline. Frank is an active dad to children Gabriella, 13 and Sophia, 8. He lives with the girls, his girlfriend, Lily. Two cats, Bruce and Hazel, and 5-month-old huskie Duke round out their family.
Frank enjoys working alongside his OAC team members because they share his enthusiasm and excitement about introducing people to the many outdoor experiences that exist in Michigan. He also enjoys talking with the visitors about the history of the building and the growth of Detroit.
Frank is a talented artist, and one of his favorite projects was the hallway mural he designed and created for our service hallway. He illustrated our slogan with reclaimed pallet wood and spray paint. It is a dynamic and perfect representation, and we love it! Mr. Toarmina is an integral part of our team and keeps all of our exhibits, their technology and our buildingsafeandrunninglikeatop. Weappreciateall of his efforts and feel lucky to have him on our team.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE OAC