Whiston Letter Addresses Swine Flu Worries

This morning, Dearborn Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston released the following statement regarding what is now being widely referred to as a Swine Flu pandemic:

  "The safety and well being of our students is always a priority. That is why I would like to share with you the following information, not to panic or alarm but to provide you with accurate details and useful suggestions to keep you and your family healthy, not just now but throughout the year.
  As you are aware, there has been a great deal of media coverage related to the swine flu. It is important to know that there are no reported cases of swine flu in the City of Dearborn or Wayne County. The district has contacted the Wayne County Department of Public Health so that we can provide you with accurate and helpful information. They remind us that personal hygiene is still the best method to prevent illness and encourage us to always practice the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing.
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Avoid sharing cups and glasses.
• Be a good example to others.
• Stay home when sick to prevent the spread of illness.

  If you have further questions regarding the swine flu, please contact the Wayne County Health Department at (734) 727-7078.
  As always, if your child is exhibiting flu-like symptoms that include fever, cough, and sore throat, consult your physician before sending your child to school. Please remember that you should always report your child’s absence and reason to the school attendance office by 9:00 am.
  The district continues its efforts to create a safe environment for your children and our staff. Please take this opportunity to review the fact sheet provided by the Wayne County Health Department and included with this letter. You can also find the information on the district’s website, www.dearbornschools.org. By working together and keeping an open line of communication, we can ensure that our children will remain safe at school."

Groundbreaking Tomorrow on Old Ward's Site

   Tomorrow, Mayor O’Reilly will join leaders from Oakwood Healthcare, Midwest Health Clinic and Redico Development Company to break ground on the Dearborn Town Center development project - a mixed use development that will offer medical care, retail and senior living located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Schaefer. The new development will anchor the corner in downtown east Dearborn on the former site of the old Montgomery Wards department store.
  The cost and use of the new development has been controversial for some, but a new era begins Wednesday as the Mayor and assorted dignitaries will dig a ceremonial spade into the land and work will begin on the new center. The program will begin at the Arab American National Museum across from city hall at 11:00am. After refreshments and speeches, the Dearborn Police will escort the mayor across the street shortly after noon for the official groundbreaking.

Assistant City Finance Director Passes

  Sharon Schwab, Dearborn’s assistant finance director, died April 22nd following medical complications as she battled cancer. She was 47 years old. Her friends and colleagues remember her for the generous way she shared her expertise, her commitment to resolving issues with good humor, her dedication to the city, and ultimately, her unyielding courage in the face of a serious illness.
  “Her friendship will be missed by her co-workers throughout City Hall, and her contributions will long be remembered,” said Finance Director Jim O’Connor.
  A CPA, Ms. Schwab had worked for the City since 1995 and was promoted to assistant finance director in November, 2004. In that position, she oversaw the accounting division, and had responsibilities for accounts payable, benefits administration, payroll, and the annual financial audit. She also oversaw the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which repeatedly received awards from the Government Finance Officer’s Association.
  “Sharon was dedicated to the city of Dearborn and her profession. She did whatever was necessary to get the job done, including working nights and weekends," Mr. O'Connor said. "She was known as the ‘go-to person’ for items that need timely action, and was universally respected for being honest, hard-working, reliable and friendly."
  After being diagnosed in 2008, she tackled her illness in a forthright manner and continued working as much as possible.
  “She fought cancer with an optimistic outlook from the start, leaving everyone with an upbeat, positive impression about her world,” Mr. O’Connor remembered. “She laughed about her hair growing in curly when it had been straight all her life. Her strength was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and her passing was sad news for all of us.”
  Mrs. Schwab is survived by Ralph, her husband of 27 years; her parents Ross and Linda Reckinger; two sisters and two nephews.

'Dare to Be Amish' Premieres May 7th

  You can view the film's trailer above. For the full story, go here.

WHFR Radiothon Wraps Saturday

  For over 23 years, Henry Ford Community College's WHFR 89.3 FM has been committed to their mission of playing local and independent music as well as presenting a range of talk show topics that you won't hear elsewhere. The student-run station continually provides real, eclectic, local, alternative programming that you really can't find anywhere else on the Detroit radio landscape. 

  Currently, WHFR is in the midst of its annual on-air pledge drive called "Radiothon". This is the only time that the station interrupts its programming to ask for help.  Over 60% of WHFR's operating budget comes from listener support and underwriting dollars. The station has recently felt the pinch of the tough economic times as those dollars have dwindled, yet they urge fans to give what they can to help support the station's broad scope of music and news. So be sure to tune in and pledge during the station's 2009 "Radiothon."

  The drive culminates with a blues benefit this Saturday, April 25th at the New Place Lounge on Michigan Avenue at 9:30 pm. The show will feature performances from guitarist/vocalist Robert Penn and two bands: David Gerald & Insurrection and Cee Cee & Soul Purpose. Admission is a donation of $5.00 or more  at the door. For more information, visit whfr.fm and tune into the station's “Highway 61” blues program during Radiothon this Friday from 2:00pm-6:00pm.

Finance Guru's 'Town Hall for Hope' Hits Dearborn Church

  Dave Ramsey, a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and New York Times best-selling author, will hold a nationwide town hall meeting to discover and discuss what’s happening with the economy, how the country got here and where it’s going.
  The meeting, "Town Hall for Hope," will take place on April 23rd, at 8:00pm. Ramsey will actually be hosting this meeting live from Oklahoma City, but it will be broadcast to over three thousand locations across the country for the public to attend free of charge, including a broadcast here in Dearborn at Fairlane Alliance Church on Mason Street.
  “The solution to America’s economy is to get people to believe again. It’s time to connect with families to instill hope and optimism in our economy and our country. We the people are the healing agents,” said Ramsey.
  Throughout the meeting, Ramsey will be taking questions live from viewers across the country by phone, email, Twitter, Facebook, and more.
  For more information, visit www.townhallforhope.com or www.fairlanealliance.org.

Ecuador Visitor Brings Special Message to Dearborn Area

  Students at River Oaks Elementary will have an opportunity to hear the amazing story of Juan Kunchikuy during an all-school assembly on Friday, April 24th at 9:00 am. Mr. Kunchikuy will be speaking at Cornell University earlier in the week and will then come to Michigan for a week-long visit that includes a stop at River Oaks in Dearborn Heights.
  At age 17, Juan Kunchikuy left his small village deep in the rainforest of Ecuador to begin a new life. He walked for three days to get to the nearest “westernized” community where he discovered electricity, running water and cars for the first time in his life. Now working for the Yachana Lodge, helping to preserve the culture and environment of the rainforest, he speaks fluent English and several other languages including Shiwiar, Spanish, Quichua, Achuar and Shuar. He will share his unique story with the River Oaks students and then spend time with each grade level for further discussions. For more information on Juan, watch the video above from the New York Times and visit www.Yachana.com.
  Juan's visit to our community was spearheaded by Art Resource Teacher, Wendy Sample. Ms. Sample was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and spent the summer of 2008 in Ecuador, where she met Juan. Her extraordinary experience over the summer has benefited students in her classroom, as well as students throughout the school. Bringing in guests from the around the world is nothing new for Ms. Sample. For several years she has presented artists from many different countries to share their talents, work with students and enhance the learning experience in Dearborn schools.

Registration Open for Elementary Summer School

  Parents interested in helping their child become more successful in school can register now for the Dearborn Public Schools 2009 Voluntary Elementary Summer School Program. Classes begin June 22 and end July 23. Students attend Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to noon at McCollough Unis School located at 7801 Maple.
  The summer program will provide students with additional opportunities to become proficient in reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic areas. However, the main focus during the four weeks will be on reading and writing. In addition, students will be provided with experiences to help them prepare for success on the MEAP assessment.
  Any child who is currently enrolled in grades 1-5 may register for the program. The cost is $200 for each Dearborn resident student. Students that are not residents of the district will be accepted on a space available basis at a cost of $275 per student. The registration deadline is Friday, June 5th. Registration forms can be downloaded from the district’s website, www.dearbornschools.org.

Mayor Urges Residents to Help With Cancer Study

  Mayor O’Reilly is encouraging residents to participate in a landmark cancer research project that begins with registration at the Relay For Life event right here in Dearborn on May 2nd from 11:00am – 3:00pm at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
  “Each year, we lose more than 19,000 Michigan residents to cancer,” the Mayor said. “In addition to the human loss, cancer costs us millions of dollars each year in medical expenses and lost wages for both patients and their caregivers. Relay For Life is about putting an end to losses due to cancer and minimizing the costs until we get there.”
  The American Cancer Society will be enrolling participants for its newest research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Once enrolled, participants’ 20-30 year commitment to the study will involve little more than completing a questionnaire approximately every two years.
  Individuals between the ages of 30-65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, and who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study are eligible to enroll. Cancer survivors are also asked to help spread the word, and encourage family members and friends to enroll.
  Relay For Life is an inspiring overnight event that unites people throughout the Dearborn community in the common goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Teams camp out and take turns walking around a track. They join area cancer survivors in celebrating their collective victory over cancer during a special Survivors Lap. The teams also take time to honor and remember cancer survivors and those who lost the battle during the evening Luminaria Ceremony, and pledge to save one life before the next Relay for Life.
  “The need for patient services and funding for a cure are more important than ever.” Mayor O’Reilly said. “Cancer does not have a recession or take a vacation. This year alone, an estimated 400 Dearborn residents will hear the words “you have cancer. I invite everyone to join us in moving toward a cancer-free future.”
  Visit www.relayforlife.org/dearbornmi for the full schedule of events.For more information about the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Dearborn, contact Anna Agustin at 248-663-3411 or annalisa.agustin@cancer.org.

Politicians Will Tackle Economic Woes at UM-D

  We think there's something a tad ironic about politicians giving advice to those with financial troubles. Regardless, Senator Carl Levin and Representative John Dingell are scheduled to sponsor the "Save Your Savings Seminar" today from 2:30pm to 5:00pm at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Social Sciences Building
  "In tough economic times, 'free' is a four-letter word everyone likes to hear," Levin said in a written statement. "This 'free' seminar will offer useful information and constructive advice to help families cope with difficult economic situations. I urge as many southeast Michigan residents as possible to take advantage of the expertise offered at Save Your Savings."
  A panel of local, state and federal experts will discuss topics such as credit repair, debt collection, foreclosure rights, avoiding financial scams and a host of related issues.
  Panelists include representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force, the UM-Dearborn Office of Financial Aid, and the Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
  The event will also offer attendees the opportunity for free, one-on-one financial advice and counseling from representatives from Michigan Legal Services, the United Community Housing Coalition, Michigan State University Washtenaw Extension and Heart Legal Services.
  Registration is not required for this event. Free parking is available in the Monteith parking structure off Monteith Boulevard. For more information, contact Senator Levin's office at 313-226-6020 or Representative Dingell's office at 313-278-2936.

The Easter Overture

Tin Can Tourists Spring Rally Coming to Camp Dearborn

  For those of you who remember those beautiful old Airstream and Shasta trailers that classed up campgrounds for years, you may want to check out The Tin Can Tourists Spring Rally held at Camp Dearborn May 14 – 17.
  This year’s rally will mark the twelfth consecutive year the group convenes at the Milford campground, and a good portion of the weekend activities will be free and open to the public.
  The Tin Can Tourists, a vintage trailer group recently featured on the Travel Channel special “RV Crazy,” has gained national recognition in recent years. The growing interest in the historic travel trailers draws a crowd to the annual rally and is becoming tradition for springtime visitors.
  Each year, the participants of the Camp Dearborn rally generously offer an Open House for guests to browse the trailers. This year’s Open House will take place Saturday, May 16 from 12:00 pm – 4:00pm, and will give visitors the rare opportunity to view the interior of some very rare and unusual models.

  Over 150 vintage trailers and motor coaches of various ages and styles will participate this May. The show will feature a 1947 Westcraft, filled with polished wood and Art Deco curves; a 1932 One off Rear Porch Trailer; and a rare 1937 Curtiss Aerocar, towed by a custom built 1938 International Truck. Additionally, a 1949 Airstream Southwind Liner towed by a 1949 Buick Sedanette will be present, as well as shiny 1960’s Airstreams and Shastas of every description.
  Of course, it's also a good excuse to get your family out to Camp Dearborn. For more information, call (313) 943-2350 or visit www.campdearborn.com.

Two Dead in Murder-Suicide at HFCC

  The Detroit Free Press and other media outlets are reporting two people were killed today in the Fine Arts Building of Henry Ford Community College in a murder-suicide.
  According to Dearborn Deputy Police Chief Gregg Brighton, the gunman used a shotgun to kill a young woman and then himself in Room F-111. 
  Deputy Chief Brighton said, "The original call was some kind of assault ... shots in the building. Officers responded to the scene. They were able to get a perimeter on the building.
  "An entry team entered the south hallway ... as they entered they heard another gunshot," he said. "Officers were able to enter one of the rooms, and discovered two deceased parties. We cleared the building."
  Some students inside the building were evacuated by police and the crime scene has been secured by Dearborn Police and campus police.
  Read the full story here.
UPDATE: Dearborn Police have released the names of the deceased parties involved in the incident at Henry Ford Community College today. The suspected shooter was Anthony Powell, 28, of Detroit. The victim is Asia McGowan, 21, of Ecorse.

Sharon Dulmage: What I Love About Dearborn

  I love my neighborhood and the many beautiful neighborhoods around town-the variety of architectural styles is amazing. I love driving around the city and looking at all the unique neighborhoods. I love the diversity we enjoy in Dearborn. We have cultural and socio-economic diversity which makes Dearborn special…we are not a cookie cutter community! 

  I love walking around the neighborhoods and seeing all the friendly folks who greet me as I pass by. There are people sitting on their porches and children playing in the yards. A walk is never boring and there is always someone to talk to.
  We have wonderful city services, good schools and several institutions of higher education few other cities have. We have many places of historical interest, including the Henry Ford, that are near and easy to visit. 

  I love the many parks and activities that we have throughout the year. The Farmer’s Market is a great addition to all the things there are to do here. 

  Dearborn's Homecoming, of course, is great fun. The festival on Warren is another great annual event. Our Memorial Day Parade is a special treat and, aside from the fun of the parade, we have a moving tribute to remember why we are free by honoring those who fought to make us free. It is something I never miss. It just would not be Memorial Day if I didn’t attend the Memorial Day program honoring our veterans and those who continue to serve our country.
  I love Dearborn because I can walk to town and have a meal at any of our wonderful variety of restaurants, or I can drive and enjoy an even greater variety of restaurants across town. 

  I love Dearborn because it is a friendly place to shop, and I always see people I know. Our business community continues to try to attract customers in this tough market, and are always welcoming wherever I shop. Also, the renovations along Warren Avenue showcase a variety of special businesses. 

  I love Dearborn because it is a 'big small town' with many traditions, yet it is a city accepting of the changes needed to keep us a viable community in the future.

  I love Dearborn because our people always come out to help others who have serious illnesses or who have suffered a tragic loss. The people of Dearborn reach out to each other. 

  I cannot imagine living somewhere else!
Sharon Dulmage is a proud public servant who served on Dearborn's Board of Education for 22 years. She is currently a candidate for Dearborn City Council. Tell us what you love about Dearborn at editor@DearbornNewsOnline.com .

Jim Murray Named Head of DPW

  Mayor O’Reilly has appointed Jim Murray as Director of the City’s Department of Public Works (DPW). He had been serving as deputy DPW director since November, 2007, and had been handling many of the duties of the director since the retirement of former director Kurt Giberson in 2008.
  “I’m very pleased to have a person of Jim’s record, expertise and commitment to public service filling this critical position,” said the Mayor. “The people of Dearborn have been well served by his leadership, and will continue to be as he begins this new chapter of his career.”
  The Mayor cited a number of factors that made Murray the top choice: his experience in overseeing large operations that touched on various aspects of public works; his specialized expertise in water, sewerage, and environmental resource management; and the network of industry contacts he’s developed with both regulatory agencies and other local, county and state officials.
  Murray has also shown willingness to take on tough problems, the Mayor continued, entertain new ideas, present fresh perspectives, complete assignments and to treat citizens with care, respect and good service.
  “It’s a great honor to be appointed, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Murray said. “Dearborn is a great town, with great people. I have a great staff and I’m doing the kind of work I love do.”
  Murray has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. Before joining the City of Dearborn, some of his prior career positions were: president of Chelsea Environmental Consulting; client service manager for CH2M Hill, one of the largest environmental consulting firms in the world; executive director of Friends of the Rouge; director of Wayne County’s Department of Environment; and director of Wayne County’s DPW.

Brian O'Donnell: What I Love About Dearborn

• Brunch at the Dearborn Inn.
• Running or being a spectator at the Martian Races this weekend.
• Enjoying the Gateway Trail all the way to Hines Park.
• Buying great pastries at some of our famous bakeries.
• Picking up a great meal or flowers at the Westborn Market.
• Treating family members to a great local spa.
• Shopping at the Farmers Market in downtown west Dearborn.
• Eating a hamburger from one of the top ten BEST hamburger places in America (Men's Health) at Miller's Bar.
• Playing golf at the Dearborn Hills Golf course (I played there the morning of my wedding day and still made it on time).
• Spending the day at Greenfield Village for old fashioned baseball, a quick train ride around the village, a carousel ride, their famous custard, Thomas the Train and all the other year-round festivals.
• Participating in neighborhood activities like the Highland Easter Egg hunt and the Dearborn Hills 5k race.
• Watching others rock climb at the Ford Community Center.
• Checking out all of our updated public libraries with my son.
• Seeing the care and effort people put into their homes and landscaping.
• Having relatives who visit Dearborn for the first time and then rave about our city when leaving.
• I really love Music Under the Stars.
• Sledding at Ford Field.
• Knowing that Oakwood Hospital is five minutes away and the Police and Fire are two minutes away in case of emergencies.
• Witnessing HOPE at one of numerous charitable events like Meghan's Miracles II benefit.
• Enjoying our numerous and diverse restaurants throughout the city for an unforgettable dining experience.
• Fireworks at homecoming and the headlining acts-always a fun night.
• Watching the street sweeper come down my block.
• The trash cans in the parks that remind us all to “Keep Dearborn Clean.”
• Watching CDTV, and getting the latest information on the happenings in the city.
• I love telling people that my neighbors are some of my best friends, we all have each others e-mail and phone numbers, and that most of our problems can be solved sitting around a fire pit in the evening talking, listening and sharing.

Mr. O'Donnell is active throughout our community and is a candidate for Dearborn City Council. Tell us what you love about Dearborn at editor@DearbornNewsOnline.com .

Fire Tears Through West Dearborn Eatery

  Rumors of a fire at a popular local restaurant have been confirmed. The Detroit Free Press has reported that Ristorante Ciao, located on Monroe just south of Michigan Avenue, was badly damaged by fire around noon today.
  “When they arrived it was through the roof,” Dearborn Department Fire Chief Dean Creech said about the fire.
  There were no injuries and, though there are reports the fire did over a quarter of a million dollars in damage to the eatery, adjacent businesses appear to be unaffected.
  The cause of the blaze is under investigation, said Creech.

Carla O'Neill: What I Love About Dearborn

• The Dearborn AAUW Branch Used Book Sale at the DISC (Dearborn Ice Skating Center). It is phenomenal! All proceeds go to scholarships and community projects, and the treasures found there are so fabulous that book dealers from across the country line up the night before the opening for their chance to buy books. In conjunction with that, I love Randy Coble from the city of Dearborn P.R. Department, who always goes out of his way to make sure this wonderful event for booklovers on a budget gets the maximum exposure and publicity from the city.
• Dearborn Symphony Orchestra/Youth Orchestra. PLEASE support them.
• Dearborn Music Stores (Hewitt's, Anderson's and, of course, Dearborn Music)-they're second to none.

• Arab American Museum- truly a gem in the midst of an otherwise mundane block on Michigan Avenue--also part of the Smithsonian Museum. Whether you are familiar with the culture or not, do yourself a favor by visiting.
• Dearborn Animal Shelter.
• Being able to renew my driver's license at the Dearborn Police Department.
• Dearborn Senior Citizens Center.
• Two world class colleges/universities right in our own back yard---Henry Ford Community College & University of Michigan-Dearborn.
• Dearborn Health Department (especially when one is required to obtain vaccines, etc. for overseas travels).
• All the wonderful Middle Eastern bakeries and restaurants along West Warren Avenue.
• The Dearborn Sausage retail store ---a little bit of New York Deli in the midst of Truck City!

Ms. O'Neill is a long-time resident of our city and a regular reader of DearbornNewsOnline.com. Tell us what you love about Dearborn at editor@DearbornNewsOnline.com .

Go Spartans!

Belt-Tightening Suggestions Could Save District $1 Million

  Earlier this year, Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston solicited cost-savings suggestions from teachers, administrators and staff. Any and all ideas that could help trim the district’s projected $11 million deficit were welcome.
  Today, Mr. Whiston revealed those employee suggestions could end up saving the district over $1 million. A bulk of the savings would come from simple energy conservation throughout Dearborn schools. Decreasing air conditioning and heat, installing light sensors, reducing paper use, investing in electric vehicles and closing elementary and middle school pools are among the ideas proposed.
  A document released by the district shows the full breadth of the cost-cutting thoughts employees put forth. Well over 100 ideas were considered and marked as either ‘Implemented,’ ‘No Action’ or ‘Under Consideration.’ For instance, the district is implementing a suggestion to reduce all non-essential overtime. A move that will save approximately $150,000. Reducing Halal menu items in cafeterias, another suggestion, was rejected and no further action will be taken. Dozens of other notions, like selling off old band instruments and eliminating future field trips, remain under consideration.
  While Dearborn’s Board of Education must review all of the measures, Mr. Whiston was clearly pleased with the results. “We appreciate your participation in helping the district save money and operate more efficiently," he wrote in a district-wide message. "Refinancing debt to save interest costs, participation in programs that reduce energy expenses, and listening to staff suggestions are all examples of how this district has demonstrated its ability to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. We look forward to continuing this practice and putting more of your suggestions into daily practice. Please keep your suggestions coming; we take them seriously and evaluate each one based on its own merit.”

  You can view and download the document with all employee savings suggestions here.

Players Guild to Host 'Gala for Guido'

  The Players Guild of Dearborn, in cooperation with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, will host The Gala for Guido, a benefit for pancreatic cancer research in honor of our late Mayor Michael A. Guido, on Wednesday, April 29th. 

  The evening will feature hors d'oeuvres, champagne and wine beginning at 6:00pm. Later, there will be a special performance of "Fiddler on the Roof." Coffee and dessert will be served during intermission.
  Always an ardent supporter of Dearborn's arts community, Mayor Guido was also an honorary lifetime member of the Players Guild, where he appeared on stage in many productions. The Players Guild is a non-profit, all-volunteer corporation that has entertained residents since 1927, and remains one of Michigan's oldest community theaters.
  Tickets for the event are $50 each. All gross proceeds will be donated to the Michael A. Guido Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. A portion is tax-deductible. To order tickets or for more information, visit the Guild web site at www.playersguildofdearborn.org or call their ticket line at 313-561-TKTS.
  You can also check out "Fiddler on the Roof" in its four weekend run at the Players Guild: April 24—26, May 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8:00pm, with 2:30 pm Sunday matinees. Tickets may be purchased online on the Guild website or via the Guild ticket line.

Yelp for Dearborn

  If you do a lot of traveling, you may be familiar with the website Yelp. Yelp is an online community that allows readers to give detailed reviews on everything from bars and restaurants to dry cleaners and city parks. It's a truly democratic form of reviewing that offers thoughtful and up-to-the-minute opinions which are more insightful and, frankly, more useful than what you'll ordinarily get from stodgy travel guides like Frommer's and Fodor's.

  Yelp was conceived in San Francisco a few years ago, and a majority of the reviews are still concentrated in major metropolitan hubs like the Bay Area, Manhattan, Chicago and Los Angeles. However, Yelp is quickly making inroads in cities like Detroit, and Dearborn is becoming increasingly well represented on the site with hot spots like Shatila Bakery and Miller's Bar.

  With tens of thousands of visitors streaming into Metro Detroit over the next 48 hours for the NCAA Final Four tournament, many of them will turn to Yelp to find the best place to get a bottle of wine, a steak, a haircut, a martini, a spa treatment, a shoe repaired, a coney dog, a shish tawook sandwich or maybe a special gift to take back home.

  If you're not familiar with Yelp, take a look. If you like it, register and take the time to tell the world about Dearborn. Few people know this city like our readers, and now's the perfect opportunity to share your learned opinions with the vast throng of visitors who will be looking to spend their time (and their money) in our town throughout this long weekend.

 Oh, and, by the way...GO STATE!

City Hall Will Move to Allen Park

  Mayor O'Reilly will announce later today plans to move Dearborn City Hall to a pair of adjacent storefronts in Allen Park's Independence Marketplace shopping center off Outer Drive. The new city offices will share a strip with Salsarita's restaurant, Salon Nikki and a Weight Watchers center.

  While the move has been rumored for months, the plan will no doubt surprise some who have grown so accustomed to the landmark building, which has anchored the corner of Michigan Avenue and Schaefer since 1921.

  A city official, who wished to remain anonymous, told us, "The costs of renovating the old building were astronomical. From a budget standpoint, it just made sense to move our entire operation to a different location."

  Of course, more than a few eyebrows will be raised with the city's decision to move municipal offices to a different city altogether, but that was another decision driven simply by dollars and cents.

  "The landlord offered the city an eight-year lease with great terms, including wall-to-wall carpeting and track lighting. It really was a no-brainer," the official said.

  The move isn't expected to occur until late this year.