OPINION: $40 Grand Too Much for Rick Springfield

  Lately, neighbors have been buzzing about Dearborn’s upcoming Homecoming celebration. Not about the event itself, but about the entertainment. This year, the city proudly announced the headliner for Saturday night would be Rick Springfield. Mr. Springfield hasn’t been a vital presence on television or the pop charts for decades, yet the city is shelling out $40,000 for about an hour of tunes from the one-hit wonder.
  Of course, those familiar with previous Homecoming headliners shouldn’t be surprised with a choice as dated as Rick Springfield. Previous acts have included old-timers like Tony Orlando and Eddie Money, but it’s not Springfield’s ancient resume’ that rankles us. It’s his bloated price tag.
  Of all times, now is certainly not the year for our city to be shelling out top dollar for any headlining act. Certainly, big names do bring a little added excitement to Saturday evening’s events. They also bring in scads of folks who may otherwise not visit Dearborn. But $40 grand for Rick Springfield in 2009 doesn’t feel right to us. Not when homes down the street are in foreclosure. Not when our state’s unemployment rate is nearing 15%. In fact, to us, $40 grand for Rick Springfield will probably never feel right.
  Dearborn’s Director of Public Information, Mary Laundroche, also co-chairs the Homecoming and rightly points out that the festival is subsidized by corporate, business, group and individual sponsorships. The city has already secured over $90,000 in sponsorships for this year's three-day blowout, so taxpayers aren't necessarily footing the bill for Mr. Springfield's services.
  Fair enough, but perhaps it’s time for us to consider a Dearborn Homecoming that doesn’t require nearly a hundred thousand dollars in subsidies. Maybe it’s time for us to scale back on the glitz and the glamour and concentrate instead on reconnecting with friends and neighbors. On getting together as a city and honoring our past successes and talking about our future challenges over a beer and a brat in the Polish Tent. If you’re lucky, maybe the accordionist there knows ‘Jessie’s Girl.’
  That’s our opinion. Let us know yours.

M-DOT Open House for Tel-Ford Plans

  The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled an open house regarding its upcoming plans for the intersection of Ford Road (M-153) and Telegraph (US 24.)
  Residents, business owners and other interested parties will have the chance to review proposed plans and construction schedules with attending MDOT staff.
  According to M-DOT, plans include modifying the intersection of Ford and Telegraph as well as the resurfacing of Ford between Telegraph and Mercury Drive through Dearborn and parts of Dearborn Heights.
  The open house will be held Monday, July 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Caroline Kennedy Library located at 24590 George, Dearborn Heights. Mark it on your calendars.

Chelios Gone, Will Cheli's Follow?

  After 10 years together, the Detroit Red Wings cut ties with defenseman Chris Chelios yesterday. The NHL's oldest player is not ready to retire just yet, however.

  "He wants to play again," Red Wings GM Ken Holland said. "I really think that he does have another year in him. I think he can play 10 to 15 minutes. I think he can play on a third pair."
  We're not sure the absence of the 47-year old Chelios will affect the Wings too much next season, but we can't help but wonder how it will affect Dearborn. Chelios' restaurant, Cheli's Chili, has been a mainstay on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Oakwood for years. It's usually packed during major sporting events, and is one of the few spots in town that does reliably well at lunch, drawing workers from Ford Motor Company and Oakwood Healthcare.
  If history is any indication, though, Cheli's Chili may soon be a memory. Chelios first started the operation in Chicago where he played with the Blackhawks. Shortly after his move to the Red Wings, the Chicago restaurant closed and Chelios concentrated on recreating that restaurant's success in the old Topper location. He added a second Cheli's Chili years later in downtown Detroit.
  One employee told us that no matter where Chelios plays next season, his heart will remain in the Detroit area...along with his restaurants.

  "He's been here so long, he'll always be a Detroiter," she explained.  "This town loves him and he loves this town."

 UPDATE: At a press conference held Wednesday morning at his Detroit restaurant, Chris Chelios claimed that while he is eager to play for another NHL club next season, Detroit will remain home and both restaurants will remain open. "This is home," he said. "My wife has told me we aren't moving."

Happy Father's Day

Neighbors Work Together at Crowley Pool

  For the second year in a row, a large group of residents who live near the west side's Crowley Park Pool came together to clean and spruce up the pool in advance of the opening of swimming season. They were helped by a number of City of Dearborn Department of Recreation employees. All told, about 45 people who belong to an informal group known as the 'Friends of Crowley Pool,' donated everything from flowers and planting soil to their time and energy in the effort. The volunteer cleanup effort took place on May 16th. Pictured here are some of the participants (from left): Teddy Shaskos, Gevon Collins, David Kizoff, Shirley Blackburn, Ray Gauger, Dawn Eden, Tony Boski (kneeling), Dion Eden, Robert Eden, Blake Eden, Marie Eden (kneeling), Nancy Bowen, Zack Ruda (kneeling), Connie Boski and David Zacharias.

  Nice job to everyone involved. Neighbors helping neighbors is just one thing that makes Dearborn a great place to live.

Christian Group Sues City Over Arab American Festival Access

  The Detroit News reports this morning that a group attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity has sued the city of Dearborn, claiming the city is violating its free speech and religious rights by limiting its access to patrons at this weekend's 14th annual Arab International Festival.
  Arabic Christian Perspective filed a lawsuit Tuesday, alleging its rights were violated when Dearborn police told the group its members would not be able to walk freely through the festival passing out literature promoting Christianity over Islam. Organizers want to confine the group to a designated area, the lawsuit said.
  Richard Thompson, an attorney for the group, said Arabic Christian Perspective has been passing out literature at the festival for the past five years without incident.
  "It's clear that there has never been any disruptive behavior," Thompson said Tuesday. "These are people who are peaceful evangelists. They hand out pamphlets and literature. If people don't want it, they walk away."
  The group says it has had continuing discussions with the Dearborn Police Department about getting complete access to the festival, and have threatened to seek an injunction today in federal court if their request is denied.
  Read the full story in the Detroit News.

Flag Day Ceremonies Tomorrow

  The public is invited to attend the city of Dearborn’s annual Flag Day commemoration ceremony.
  The ceremony will be held at 2:00pm tomorrow at the flagpole in the parking lot of the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Michigan Avenue.
  The commemoration will include a dignified ceremony to burn tattered American flags, in keeping with American Legion protocols for the disposal of flags that are no longer fit for public display.
  Members of the public may drop off tattered flags for burning at the ceremony site beginning at 1:00pm tomorrow afternoon.
  June 14, 2009, will mark the 232nd anniversary of the adoption of the nation’s flag by the Continental Congress in the year 1777.

Dearborn, Melvindale Police Team for 'Operation Road Check'

  Last week, motor carrier officers from the Dearborn and Melvindale Police Departments joined forces to launch Operation Road Check 2009.
  During this three-day annual event – held simultaneously throughout North America – officers trained and certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation focused their attention on commercial vehicles to insure that they are in compliance with all applicable safety regulations and ordinances.
  Operation Road Check mobilizes federal, state and local law enforcement officers from across the continent to conduct comprehensive inspections and other related roadside enforcement activities, including safety belt use enforcement.
  Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said, "Large trucks that operate in an unsafe condition or with unqualified drivers are a recipe for disaster, and efforts such as Operation Road Check help to keep our roadways safer. We want to be sure that with rising operating costs, that the trucking industry isn’t lowering their maintenance standards.”
  As a result of this year’s joint operation between Dearborn and Melvindale:
• 16 trucks and/or drivers were placed out of service for serious safety violations and/or lack of required driver qualifications.
• 15 trucks underwent complete Level-1 inspections (that includes all equipment, cargo and driver qualifications).
• 76 citations were issued to truck drivers and/or owners for equipment, qualifications or moving violations.
  The Dearborn Police Motor Carrier Unit will continue to participate in such programs throughout the year. It has already scheduled several unannounced programs which will take place throughout the summer. Those will involve teaming up on Dearborn’s roadways with officers of the Michigan State Police, the Detroit and Melvindale Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies.

Fire Hits Another Downtown Restaurant

  Several Dearborn Police and Fire squads are currently on the scene of a fire at Salad Wrappers restaurant at 1041 Howard Street in downtown west Dearborn. West Village Drive and Howard were both closed to traffic and nearby businesses, including Jimmy Johns and Starbucks, have been evacuated as a safety measure. Smoke continued to pour from the restaurant minutes ago, but fire crews appeared to have the situation firmly under control. Although damage to the building appeared to be significant, there were no reports of injuries. This is the second Dearborn restaurant to suffer a fire this spring. Ciao, an Italian eatery on Monroe, was hit by a fire in April.

Hold 'Em Tournament Benefits Schools

  Poker players are invited to take part in a special charity “Texas Hold ‘Em” tournament to benefit Dearborn students tomorrow at 5:00pm at The Fairlane Club.
  All proceeds benefit The Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation. The Education Foundation is a private, non-profit organization not affiliated with the school district. It has raised more than $1 million to fund technology and innovative programs in Dearborn Public Schools classrooms.
  The cost is $75 per person, and the evening includes food, refreshments, one drink ticket, side games and buy-ins, other table games, beer station and a cash bar (ages 21 years and older).
  “It’s going to be a wonderful evening as we all have some fun while doing something to help students in the community,” said Education Foundation president Brian Mosallam. 

  For tickets, contact Robert at dearbornedfoundation@comcast.net or Mr. Mosallam at 313-715-5300. The Fairlane Club is located at 5000 Fairlane Woods Drive. Visit them online at www.FairlaneClub.com.

City Phones Shut Down for Upgrades

  The city of Dearborn’s telephone switch (the system of electronic components that connects telephone calls) is being upgraded throughout the day today. The procedure requires that city of Dearborn phones be disabled until around 2:00pm this afternoon.
  Only 911 service to Dearborn’s emergency dispatch center will be operational. All other city of Dearborn telephone lines will be unable to receive or place calls during this time.
  It is recommended that residents place calls to City personnel or departments after the shutdown period. Those calling during the shutdown will be able to leave a voicemail message that will be routed to the correct person or department.

  Regular phone service should be up and running to all city departments after these upgrades have been completed.

Congratulations, Class of 2009

  If the painted cars, the honking horns or the sight of teenagers in black robes had you wondering, yes, it's Graduation Weekend here for Dearborn's public high schools. Dearborn High's seniors celebrated with a cermony and party this evening, while Fordson High School's graduating class will be recognized Saturday morning at 10:00am. Edsel Ford will hold commencement at 6:oopm tomorrow evening.

  Good luck to everyone in Dearborn's graduating senior class of 2009. Have a safe (but fun) summer.

Developer Can't Finish Dearborn Project, Picked for $146 Million Allen Park Studios

  Bingham Farms-based Burton-Katzman Development, the company that the city of Dearborn sued earlier this year for failing to complete contracted work in and around the bungled West Village Commons, has been named developer of the $146 million Unity Studios project in Allen Park.
  In a press release, Jimmy Lifton (pictured), the prime mover of the development, said Burton-Katzman was chosen from among many developers who submitted proposals.
  “Many developers submitted proposals to us in what was a vigorous competition to be selected as the firm that would build Unity Studios,” Lifton said. “Burton-Katzman turned in a compelling proposal that not only gives us a solid partner in the construction phase but also an equity partner in the studios and village. It was the best proposal for those and other reasons.”
  Peter Burton, principal at Burton-Katzman and among those specifically named in the city's lawsuit, said his company is thrilled to be serving as both the developer and builder of Unity Studios.
  “Unity Studios is not only an extraordinarily attractive business venture for Burton-Katzman, it also represents a new source of opportunity and hope for all of southeast Michigan, and we are proud to be associated with it,” Burton said in a press release.
  This must come as rather shocking news to Dearborn city leaders, who allege that Burton-Katzman and its affiliates were unable or unwilling to build two mid-rise buildings on West Village Drive and complete 48 condos in the area, as contracted. The city also accused the developer of fraud for failing to reveal that Burton-Katzman filed dissolution documents with the state of Michigan in 2008.
  Apparently, though, Burton-Katzman is now back and active just a few miles away from the project they abandoned. The new 750,000-square-foot production facility will be built at 16630 Southfield Road, adjacent to the Allen Park City Hall. The property was formerly the Visteon Technical Center.
  The studio project, if it is ever completed, is expected to employ 3,000 skilled workers and 83 management positions.

Farm Market Begins Second Season

  The second annual Dearborn Farmer and Artisan Market will begin its 2009 season tomorrow. There will be some notable changes to this year's market. The market has abandoned last year's site and will now be located at the Bryant Branch Library at the corner of Mason and Michigan Avenue. Also, in an attempt to lure some shoppers before they head off to work, the market will open at 8:00am and close at 1:00pm.
  The Dearborn Farmer & Artisan Market will be open every Friday from June 5th through October 30th. This year’s market features 15 new vendors and is sponsored by Henry Ford Community College.
  For those interested in more information about sponsoring the market or having a booth at the market, call the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce at 313-584-6100 or visit www.dearbornchamber.org.

Three Awarded With 'Teacher of the Year' Honors

  More than 400 people gathered at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center for the annual Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception held on May 27th. Brian Whiston, Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, spoke about the important role teachers play in the lives of their students and the dedication that Dearborn educators have to the profession. The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee, chaired by Stephanie Stover, had the tough job of selecting three winners from a field of more than 200 nominated teachers. The winning teachers for 2009 are:

Ms. Anne Joachim, Haigh Elementary School

Ms. Nada Makled, Lowrey Middle School

Ms. Carolyn Allen, Dearborn High School

  Anne Joachim started her career right here at Haigh Elementary, but also worked at Salina, Woodworth and DuVall. In 2004, she returned to Haigh to teach first grade. One of the many comments shared about Ms. Joachim is that she has the ability to touch the lives of students and make them feel good about coming to school. In her nomination essay student Justina Szalkowski wrote this about Ms. Joachim:

“My teacher helped me with something new this year. I had to get glasses. I was very nervous about wearing them to school. But, when I told my teacher, she said ‘Good, now we will be twins.’ I now feel lucky to have glasses, because now I am just like my teacher, my favorite teacher… She makes me feel important for coming to school that day. And I do love going to school!”

  In 1990, Nada Makled started teaching at Fordson High School. She moved to Lowrey School in 1991, and has remained at the school she loves. Nada’s nominating essay from Marwa Harp speaks about her ability to bring relevance to subjects learned in the classroom and bridge the gap between school learning and every day life:

“Her priorities are not only to teach so that we can pass a required quiz, but to help us relate the lesson to reason better about the world around us… No matter what the historical event or concept is though, my teacher succeeds in relating it to the present. By doing that, we not only grab the lesson better, but we become aware of our surroundings.”

  Carolyn Allen arrived in Dearborn in 1999 at Whitmore-Bolles, where she taught students in the Hearing Impaired program. In 2003, she moved to Dearborn High and has been making a positive impact on the lives of her students. Senior Greg McDowell nominated Ms. Allen and made these comments in nominating her:

“I’ve had this teacher since my freshman year… Those first few months were rough for me and there were many days I didn’t want to go to school. I was scared and intimidated. I really felt that I didn’t fit in. She listened to me, got to know me and was able to place me in classes with teachers that she knew I would work best with. This teacher has always accepted me for who I am and has respected my opinions, view points and my sense of humor.”

  The three honorees each received a $1,000 cash prize, a plaque commemorating their achievement, and are now part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.

  Congratulations to these special educators in our community.

Leo's Opens at Ford & Greenfield

  A new Leo’s Coney Island has opened on the site of the long-defunct Baker's Square at the southwest corner of Greenfield and Ford Road. The family-owned, full-service restaurant seats approximately 200 people and is entirely smoke-free.
  The first Leo’s Coney Island opened in 1972 and the chain has since expanded to 40 restaurants throughout Michigan and Illinois. Over the years, the menu has also evolved beyond your Coney Islands basics. Leo's menu consists of not only hot dogs, fries, burgers and Greek salads, but also a wide selection of homemade dishes including Greek specialties, halal meats, breakfast items and a kids menu. 
  The newest addition to the Leo’s Coney Island family is owned by Ken Vlahadamis, in partnership with Bill Kanellopolous and Tony Gamoloush.
  “We’re excited about being in Dearborn and partnering with the local community,” said Vlahadamis. “Our mission, in addition to serving great food, is to support local events and worthwhile causes, so we look forward to meeting our neighbors and learning how we can participate.”
  Mr. Vlahadamis, who has been in the restaurant business for 12 years, was impressed with the co-operation he got from the city of Dearborn.
  “We want to thank the city departments and others for helping us open as quickly as possible. It means jobs for 40 people, which is critical in today’s economy,” added Vlahadamis. He also said that the new restaurant was overwhelmed with more than 400 applications for employment.
  Visit Mr. Vlahadamis and the Leo's staff from 6:00am to 10:00pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 6:00am-11:00pm every Friday and Saturday. For more information about the menu and daily specials, visit www.leosconeyisland.com or call 313-253-0200.

Ford Road Work Means Traffic Headaches

   According to the Michigan Intelligent Transportation Systems Center (sounds like a bit of a contradiction to us), westbound Ford Road will be down to just two lanes at Evergreen from noon today until Friday.
  Traffic will get even tighter on Thursday evening when eastbound Ford will be down to just one lane at Evergreen from 9:00pm until 5:00am Friday. It gets worse yet on the weekend with Ford Road being limited to only one lane in each direction at the Evergreen overpass until 5:00am Monday.

  Buckle up and be patient.

Nominations Sought for Outstanding Homes

  Nominations for Dearborn’s 2009 Residential Standard of Excellence Awards are being accepted from the public through Friday, June 19th.
  The annual program recognizes those special Dearborn homeowners who display an outstanding level of commitment in maintaining the appearance of their property. These are the folks you see out every weekend painting, decorating, modernizing, planting flowers, landscaping and generally going the extra mile to make their home extra special.
  All nominees will be evaluated by members of the City Beautiful Commission. Winners of the 2009 Residential Standard of Excellence Awards will be honored during a special ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday, September 30th.
  To nominate a home in your neighborhood, simply email citybeautiful@ci.dearborn.mi.us or call 943-2415. Detailed information about property maintenance can be found online at www.cityofdearborn.org. 

Contact Senators for Federal Money, Asks Whiston

  Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston is urging residents to contact Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow in support of a bill that could pump millions into Dearborn schools.
  U.S. House Bill 2187 could bring as much as $5.2 million in additional money to the district. The funds could be used to improve energy efficiency and make other capital improvements including modernization, renovation or repair of public schools. The bill is called the 21st Century Green High Performing Public Facilities Act and is co-sponsored by Congressman John Dingell.
  According to an email Mr. Whiston sent this morning, the bill is currently going through committee work and there is no estimated time arrival on the Senate floor. However, the superintendent is asking Dearborn residents to act now by contacting Senators Levin and Stabenow via their respective websites:

www.levin.senate.gov

www.stabenow.senate.gov

When contacting our Senators, Mr. Whiston suggests using some iteration of the following language:
U.S. House Bill 2187 (passed by the House on 5/18/09 and currently on its way to the Senate) could bring as much as $5.2 million additional money to the Dearborn Public Schools. The funds could be used for much needed areas of improvement including energy efficiency, modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools. The bill called the 21st Century Green High Performing Public Facilities Act. This is Federal money that could really help our school district in terms of keeping our older schools current and implementing future innovations.
  "We ask you for your continued support for the Dearborn Public Schools as well as education on the whole in assisting with the passage of this bill," Mr. Whiston writes. "It has worked in the past as you have been instrumental in potentially saving our district from additional state funding cutbacks, which we are watch-dogging through to final state budget approval. Thanks for your support."

New Associate Superintendent, Principal Recommendations from Whiston

  Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston has recommended Norma Jean Sass, pictured, to take on the responsibilities of retiring Associate Superintendent of Elementary Education, Dr. Wageh Saad. The Board of Education will vote on this recommendation at their regular meeting a week from today
  Ms. Sass is currently working as the Director of Curriculum and Staff Development for the Farmington Public Schools, a role she has held since 2005. She started her career in education in 1974 as a first grade teacher with the Detroit Public Schools. Ms. Sass is no stranger to Dearborn. She spent seven years working in the district, first as a Reading Consultant then Assistant Principal and wrapping up her time as the Acting Principal at Maples Elementary School.
  More than forty candidates from within and outside the district applied for the position. The field was narrowed to four  candidates through a series of interviews by a team of district staff. The Superintendent interviewed the final four before making his recommendation to the Board.
  In addition to recommending Ms. Sass, Mr. Whiston will also be recommending to the Board of Education the appointment of Charles Baughman as the new Principal at Dearborn High School. Mr. Baughman is currently the Assistant Principal at Edsel Ford.