OPINION: City Must Do More to Protect Our Trees

  Dearborn’s status as ‘Tree City USA’ is being challenged by many residents who complain the city has failed to enforce its own ordinance protecting precious neighborhood trees.

  In the past weeks, residents in different areas of Dearborn have separately reached out to city leaders, suggesting that neighbors are violating the terms and spirit of Dearborn’s vague attempt to protect our trees.

  Here are the conditions that must be met for tree removal within Dearborn:

 a.  Where necessary for the location of a structure or site improvement and when a reasonable and prudent alternative location for such structure or improvement can be demonstrated to create an undue hardship.

 b.  Where removal or relocation of the tree is consistent with good forestry practices or if it will enhance the health of remaining trees.

  Yet trees continue to come down throughout our city for no apparent reason. Residents on Elmwood recently watched in shock as a tree removal company ripped down a stand of oaks that stood in the neighborhood for over 100 years. Similar reports have come in from the Outer Drive and Cherry Hill area, and we’ve witnessed the same happening near Howard Elementary School and Crowley Park. It’s shameful and it’s time it came to an end.

  We believe the ordinance in its current form does little to protect one of Dearborn’s most important resources. The city’s quickly vanishing canopy of oaks and maples add not only to the value of all our homes, they beautify our city and improve the overall quality of life in our community. For everyone.

  It’s time for the administration and our city council to redefine its policy on tree removal. The city needs a clear process regarding how and why mature trees are removed from residential as well as business properties. A policy that demands the replacement of displaced trees. A policy with real teeth that punishes companies that participate in the destruction of Dearborn’s trees.

  Only then can our city proudly reclaim our title as ‘Tree City.’

Islamic Group's Leader Killed in Shootout

  The leader of an anti-government fundamentalist Islamic group was shot and killed during a series of FBI raids yesterday that resulted in charges against eleven suspects. The shooting occurred at a trucking business at Michigan Avenue and Miller Road.
  According to the FBI, the eleven defendants are members of a group that is alleged to have engaged in violent activity over a period of many years, and known to be armed and dangerous.
  During the arrests Wednesday, the suspects were ordered to surrender. Luqman Ameen Abdullah, a.k.a. Christopher Thomas, refused to surrender and fired his weapon. An exchange of gunfire followed and Abdullah was killed.

  Abdullah was a leader in the Ummah Brotherhood, a group of mostly African-American converts to Islam, that seeks to establish a separate Sharia-law governed state within the United States.

  A federal complaint was unsealed Wednesday charging Abdullah and 10 others with conspiracy to commit several federal crimes, including theft from interstate shipments, mail fraud to obtain the proceeds of arson, illegal possession and sale of firearms, and tampering with motor vehicle identification numbers.
  Also named in the complaint is Mohammad Abdul Bassi, Muham-mad Abdul Salaam, Abdul Saboor, Mujahid Caswell, Abdullah Beard, Mohammad Philistine, Yassir Ali Khan, Adam Hussain Ibraheem, Garry Laverne porter and Ali Abdul Raqib.
Seven of the suspects appeared Wednesday afternoon in a detention hearing. The rest will appear before a judge Thursday.
  The FBI continues to seek Mujahid Carswell, Mohammad Alsahi and Yassir Ali Khan.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 313-965-2323.

Police Search for Missing Man

  Dearborn Police are asking for help as they search for a man who has been missing since Monday.
  Hassan Fawaz walked away from his home in the area of Greenfield and Michigan Avenue  between 1:00pm and 5:00pm Monday afternoon. He has been diagnosed with dementia, schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes. He did not take his medications with him.
  Mr. Fawaz does not speak English and he does not have any identification with him. He was last seen wearing a tan windbreaker jacket with blue trim and shoulders that appears in his photograph. The jacket has the letters "SF" on the left breast pocket. He was also wearing black pants, and may be wearing a gray baseball cap.
  Fawaz is 79-years-old, about 5'1" tall and he weighs about 160 pounds.
  If you have any information Mr. Fawaz's whereabouts, please call Dearborn Police at (313) 943-3030.
UPDATE: Mr Fawaz was found and is in good condition with his family. Police did not reveal  where they found the Dearborn man.

Tom Houle Named Veteran of the Year

  The Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) has selected Tom Houle as the 2009 Dearborn Veteran of the Year. He will be honored during the City’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 11th at City Hall.

  A Korean War veteran, Houle has an endless supply of energy for work that needs to be done for those who served in the military, says friend and fellow Army veteran, Joe Terry.

  “Tom’s willingness to assist veterans in any way he can and get involved in any function that has to do with vets is unsurpassed.  He reaches into his pocket without even thinking about it and most importantly, he devotes many, many hours of his time so he can assist other veterans,” Terry said.

  Houle’s deep commitment to veterans is evident in the many groups he belongs to and serves with as a volunteer. Houle is the current commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Cpl. Ian Gray Chapter #51; senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, West Dearborn Post #2107; a member of the American Legion, Fort Dearborn Post #364; and a member of the AMVETS Post #4.

  But of all the organizations he volunteers with, he is most proud of his involvement with the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Ritual Team, which performs remembrance rituals for fallen soldiers.

  “It’s the last thing we do for a veteran as he or she passes from this earth.  I always feel it is a great honor to be allowed to do this and will do it for as long as I am physically able.

  “Dearborn as a community, along with Mayor O’Reilly, has always supported our veterans groups remarkably well. I always feel very comfortable talking to O’Reilly and that means a lot to us veterans and it further strengthens my will to give back to this great community,” Houle said.
  “People tell me I should slow down, but I feel this is what I want to do. I am giving something back to this community. I just wish to support our veterans in any way I can,” he said. “Whatever it takes to benefit the veterans’ causes, I will do.”

Dearborn's Oldest Home Open for Tours

  The oldest existing house originally built in Dearborn Township just got a facelift and recently reopened for tours as one of the most important exhibits on the campus of the Dearborn Historical Museum.

  The renovation was possible because of generous donations from the Dearborn Historical Society, the Cherry Hill Questers, Sons of the Union Veterans, Rosemary Jefferson, the Dearborn Stamp Club and the Mid-State Ceramic Study Group. 

   The 178-year-old, two-room Gardner House was closed for the renovations June-August, 2009. The porches and plaster walls were repaired and, along with the floor, received a fresh coat of paint to match the colors that graced the walls more than a century ago. 

  “The Gardner House is an important artifact from 1832, nearly a century before the heyday of the Model T,” said Kirt D. Gross, chief curator of the Dearborn Historical Museum. The inventor of the Model T, however, played a significant role in securing the future of the little cabin.

  Henry Ford was a distant relative of the home’s original owners, Richard and Elizabeth Gardner. As a child, Ford played at their home, which stood on an 80-acre parcel of property in the Scotch Settlement section of old Dearborn Township near what today is the area of Warren Ave. and the Southfield Fwy.

  Ford later purchased the Gardner House to add to the collection of historic homes in Greenfield Village, in part because it was constructed with dowel pins and hand-cut beams for rafters. He had it restored with furnishings from the 1830s to look as he recalled from his childhood.

  In 1996, the home was moved from Greenfield Village to the campus of the Dearborn Historical Museum and a heating unit was installed.

  Today, the Gardner House offers important lessons in history for guests including hundreds of Dearborn Public School students who visit during field trips.

  “We were able to preserve the Gardner House for future generations thanks to $11,000 in donations from local organizations and individuals,” Gross said. “The Museum staff and the Dearborn Historical Commission are very grateful for the continued stewardship of our community’s treasured resources.”

  Gross also acknowledged Campbell Wallpaper & Paint and David Fecker’s Total Interiors for donating materials for the completion of the Gardner House renovations.

  The Dearborn Historical Museum has two locations: the Commandant’s Quarters,  21950 Michigan Avenue and the McFadden-Ross House campus, which features the Museum Annex and the Gardner House. There is no charge to tour the Dearborn Historical Museum, including the Gardner House.

  For more information, call 313-565-3000.

Ex-Building and Safety Employee Charged by Feds

  The Detroit Free Press reports tonight that a former Dearborn employee of Dearborn’s Building and Safety Department was charged by federal officials today with bribery in connection with allegations that she illegally issued work permits for money payments.  

  Attorney Terrence Berg said that Wanda Smith, while acting as an agent in the city’s permit section, received $5,000 or more during various bribes between 2006 and 2008. She allegedly took the money in return for issuing permits on residential properties.
  Ms. Smith faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 if convicted on the charge. Read the full story here.

First Meeting of Howard Park Neighborhood Association Tomorrow

  One of the backbones of Mayor O'Reilly's neighborhood stabilization program is the reliance on Dearborn Neighborhood Associations. The mayor has been aggressive in making these neighborhood groups a big part of the solution as communities are challenged with increased rental properties, home foreclosures and crime.
  Already, over 30 neighborhood associations operate within the city. Now, a long-dormant association is being reactivated by a group of concerned citizens.
  The Howard Park Neighborhood Association will have their inaugural meeting 7:00pm Thursday, October 22nd in the Media Room at Howard Elementary School. They hope to not only tackle serious issues like vacant homes, code enforcement and assisting disabled and senior residents, but also organize fun activities like movies under the stars, garden clubs and block parties.
  Howard Park is located in northwest Dearborn and is bordered by Ford Road, Outer Drive, Wilson Street and Telegraph. All are welcome to tomorrow's meeting.
  For more information, visit their website or email.

Governor's Veto Yanks Almost $5 Million from District

  Dearborn Public Schools were among the hardest hit today when Governor Jennifer Granholm announced a veto of over $54 million dollars in the state budget that had been earmarked to help Michigan's public schools.
  The following higher-spending school districts lose a special appropriation they have received for years as a result of the governor's line-item veto Monday. The chart below shows how much state funding each district will lose:

Livonia Public Schools $4,922,693
Dearborn Public Schools $4,921,715
Walled Lake Consolidated $4,719,511
Warren Consolidated Schools $3,756,095
Ann Arbor Public Schools $3,714,952
Troy School District $2,958,888
Midland Public Schools $2,418,890
Northville Public Schools $2,237,370
Farmington Public Schools $2,202,803
Novi Community Schools $1,698,083
Grosse Pointe Public Schools $1,613,700
Royal Oak Public Schools $1,498,068
West Bloomfield Schools $1,479,926
Southfield Public Schools $1,284,103
Avondale School District $1,116,896
East Lansing Public Schools $1,042,480
Romulus Community Schools $1,027,393
Birmingham School District $955,748
Warren Woods Public Schools $869,670
Waverly Community Schools $780,725
Trenton Public Schools $755,250
Melvindale-N. Allen Park $726,240
Bloomfield Hills Schools $612,969
South Lake Schools $587,972
Center Line Public Schools $569,700
Clarenceville School District $563,673
Grosse Ile Schools $513,106
Lamphere Schools $455,775
Harper Woods School District $390,420
Jefferson Schools-Monroe Co. $298,894
Bridgman Public Schools $289,656
River Rouge Schools $272,583
Saugatuck Public Schools $240,900
Republic-Michigamme Schools $37,224
Port Hope Community Schools $26,448
Burt Township Schools $11,780
Colfax Twp. School District 1F $6,575
Bangor Twp. School District 8 $6,342
Oneida Twp. School District 3 $2,016

Total: $51,587,232

Leaf Collection Program Begins Today

  If the cooler temps and changing colors haven't convinced you that autumn has indeed arrived, perhaps this will: Dearborn's loose leaf collection program begins today and is scheduled to remain in effect until December 4th.
  Not much has changed from previous years, but if you're new to the city or need a reminder, please follow these guidelines if you want your leaves gathered by city crews.
• Rake leaves into the street ONLY on the day before your trash pickup day.
• Contractors paid by residents to rake leaves MUST follow the same rule.
• City crews may not be able to pick up all the loose leaves in your area on your trash pickup day. In that case, they will return the next week on your trash pickup day to collect the rest.
• Avoid raking leaves into the street too early, as leaves left to pile up in the street for days before scheduled collection can make for traffic and safety hazards. (Large amounts of dry leaves in the street represent a potential fire hazard if hot vehicles park over them, and wet leaves can be slippery, potentially reducing a vehicle’s stopping time.)
• Remember, city ordinance requires all drivers to move parked vehicles off of the street from 7:00am-4:00pm during a neighborhood’s Public Service Days. This includes days when leaf collection will be taking place in your neighborhood. (Keeping parked cars off the street on Public Service Days allows city crews to reach curb to curb and complete activities like leaf collection more efficiently.)
• For the duration of the leaf collection season, it is also advisable to move parked vehicles off the street during all of your trash collection days.
• Remember that leaves can be disposed of by bagging them or putting them in proper containers for pickup on regular trash collection days. You must use either 20-32 gallon containers with a City yard waste sticker on the lid (available at City Hall), or proper yard waste paper bags.
• Leaves in plastic bags or cardboard boxes will NOT be picked up.
Happy raking!

Yet Another Smoke Shop in West Dearborn

  Sam Fawaz and Ashraf Abbas, owners of the newly opened Cigaro Lounge on Michigan Avenue in west Dearborn, certainly have their work cut out for them. They open their new venture during one of the most hostile economic environments seen in the last 70 years. While many neighboring businesses are taping ‘closed’ signs to their windows, Mr. Fawaz and Mr. Abbas are defying convention by opening along a stretch of road that has not been kind to start-up businesses, lately.
  The fact that the Cigaro Lounge is another in what is quickly becoming a glut of smoke/cigar shops in a half-mile stretch down Michigan Avenue may ultimately lead either Cigaro or one of its many competitiors to shutter. Long-standing Don Yeyo Cigar Company down the street, and Le Cigar in the struggling West Village Commons development already offer area smokers a wider range of cigars and tobacco.
  It brings to mind the ‘coffee shop triangle’ of a few years past, with Little Café, Au Bon Pain, Panera, Starbucks and Caribou coffee all located within a three-block radius, and all simultaneously vying for Dearborn’s caffeine lovers (and their cash). Only the corporate-backed Panera and Starbucks remain.
  Of course, Fawaz and Abbas may take heart in the initial success of the Well Dearborn. Another bar in a business district that is rife with drinking holes. Yet The Well appears to be distinguishing itself and becoming a destination for the younger social set. Hopefully, the owners of Cigaro Lounge can do the same.

Immigrant Roots Explored at AANM

  As part of its ongoing Global Thursdays series, the Arab American National Museum will focus on the controversial issue of immigration, with special attention given to the history of Detroit-area immigrants and their experiences. The program will feature a riveting new documentary, "Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and its People." The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Detroit-area immigrants featured in the new AANM exhibition Connecting Communities.
  The event is free and complimentary refreshments are included. The program begins at 6:30pm Thursday, October 15th in the auditorium on the Museum’s lower level.

Disability Awareness the Focus of Town Hall Meeting

  The public is invited to attend a special town hall meeting related to disability awareness and access issues. The town hall meeting takes place from 7:00-9:00pm on Thursday, October 15th, in Studio A of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
  The theme of the town hall meeting is “Disability Awareness: Past, Present and Future.” Planned topics of discussion include parking issues, voting accessibility, emergency preparedness and encouraging small business to be more accessible.
  Ample free parking, including disability-accessible parking, is available at The Center. The event is sponsored by Dearborn’s Commission on Disability Concerns. For more information, contact Susan Fitzmaurice call 313-943-2789 or simply email sfitzmaurice@ci.dearborn.mi.us .

Confirmed H1N1 Case Prompts Letter from District

  With a case of the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the 'swine flu,' confirmed at Edsel Ford High School, the office of Dearborn Public Schools superintendent Brian Whiston reminded parents and students throughout the district to take the necessary precautions in the following letter:
  As part of the district’s continued effort to keep the community informed, a letter from the Superintendent will be available on the district’s website regarding a confirmed case of H1N1 flu at one of the district’s schools.
  The H1N1 flu has received a lot of attention and therefore the district felt it was important to tell the community about the first confirmed case in the district. However, because health officials are less worried about the severity of this flu and are unable to predict how widespread it will become, the district will not be sending home a letter each time they receive notice of a confirmed case. If further reports indicate that the H1N1 flu would impact the operation of school, then the district will provide relevant information to the community.
  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not recommending school closure in the event of a single case or even mild outbreaks of the H1N1 flu. School closures will only be considered if a large number of students or staff members are absent. District administration will inform parents in the event of a school closure.
  If a school or schools need to be closed for any reason, the district reminds parents to please plan ahead and have a family discussion to decide who would care for their child if his/her school were closed. Remember if school is closed, students should not gather at another location, but rather stay home to avoid continued spread of flu outside of school.
  Earlier in the year the district sent home a “Frequently Asked Questions” document to help answer questions and provide accurate information about the H1N1 flu. Parents and community members can access that information on the district’s website, www.dearbornschools.org. There are many actions everyone can do to keep schools open and functioning in a normal manner this school year and the District is asking for parents help.
  Teach your children how to reduce the risk of getting and spreading flu viruses by:
● Washing hands often. Wash with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
● Using hand sanitizer. Gels and rubs with at least 60% alcohol are effective.
● Coughing or sneezing into their sleeve or elbow - not their hands!
  If you suspect your child is getting or has the flu, it is important he or she does not attend school or go anywhere else. If your child is sick, keep him/her home for at least 24 hours after being free of fever, without fever reducing medication.
  Please remember that you must notify the school when your child will be absent. If you are keeping your child home due to flu or flu-like symptoms, please share that information with the school when reporting the absence.
  Please know that the district will make decisions based on the recommendations of city, county, and state public health organizations as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Dearborn Public Schools will provide parents and the community with new information as it becomes available.

Chinese Acrobats Visit Dearborn

  The Golden Dragon Acrobats of China are bringing their time-honored tradition to Dearborn with a show suited for the entire family. The troupe presents Cirque D’ORE at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 11, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
  The Golden Dragon Acrobats bring to the stage a tradition that began more that twenty-five centuries ago. The performers combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and beauty.
  You’ll see acrobats perched atop a 30-foot tower of chairs, performers bend like rubber and balance each other in human pyramids while riding moving bicycles and juggle strange objects with their hands and feet. Which sounds slightly more entertaining than your average Lions game.
  This show is part of The Center’s 2009-2010 professional season, which features a variety of affordable shows. The season lineup also includes shows by local musical and performance groups.
  Ticket prices range from $17.50 to $34.50 per person. Buy tickets online at www.dearbornfordcenter.com, or by phone at 313-943-2354. Tickets are also available at the theater box office.

Dearborn's Dr. Waldinger True Renaissance Man

  Dr. Thomas Waldinger is a Renaissance Man in the true sense of the word. For years, he’s run his very successful dermatology practice on Outer Drive across from the Dearborn Country Club. In his free time, the doctor has explored interests well outside the medical field.
  Dr. Waldinger has been known to dabble in songwriting, collaborating with the likes of Stevie Wonder. Years ago, he spread his wings as an author when he published The Wisdom Of Life Through My Patients. Now, he's come out with a memoir, of sorts, titled Listen To The Whispers.
  The latest book is his quest to honor the memory of his mentor by compiling a collection of his patients’ life experiences. The stories are a chorus of voices offering inspiration, wisdom, hope and guidance that resonate long after reading.
  His patients look back to lessons learned during the Great Depression and World War II, and to the world of changes they have witnessed during their lifetimes. These true stories and poetry by a physician and his patients serve as inspiration and guidance throughout their lives.
  The Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House will host a free lecture with Dr. Waldinger discussing the book on Wednesday, October 7th. For more information, call 313-565-3000.

District and City Team to Offer Flu Shots

  The Dearborn Public Schools, in cooperation with the City of Dearborn Health Department, will offer flu shots to anyone wishing to safeguard themselves from the seasonal flu. Two clinics will be held in the coming weeks; one on Friday, October 16th and another on Tuesday, October 20th.
  The clinics will take place at the Dearborn Public Schools Administrative Service Center at 18700 Audette, which is adjacent to Ten Eyck Park. Nurses will be available in Room 12 from 2:00-5:00 pm on both days to give the shots. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 18 and under who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  Please note this is clinic will provide protection against the seasonal flu and not the much talked about H1N1 flu. Shots for the H1N1 strain of flu may be available later in October, but right now it is important to take the necessary steps to first protect yourself from the seasonal flu.

Thornetta Davis Concert Moved to HFCL

  As the city gears up to celebrate the Fall Into Dearborn festivities this weekend, the lousy weather has already affected one event.
  The free outdoor concert by Thornetta Davis scheduled for tonight from 6:00-9:00pm at Muirhead Plaza adjacent to Bryant Branch Library has been moved, but thankfully not cancelled. The new location is the auditorium of the Henry Ford Centennial Library. The show will still begin at its scheduled time.
  Check back for more updates as the weekend progresses.

City Beautiful Commission Honors Homeowners

  Mayor John B. O'Reilly and members of Dearborn's City Beautiful Commission gathered Wednesday evening in the City Council Chambers to honor those homeowners that received a Residential Standard of Excellence Award.
  Commissioners personally pass by each of the city's more than 40,000 homes each summer to identify those residents who go above and beyond to make their property truly outstanding. Many homeowners are awarded with a City Beautiful Pride sticker, but only 17 receive the Residential Standard of Excellence Award.
  "You here today are truly the best of the best," Mayor O'Reilly told the gathering.

  This year, a special Dearborn Pride Award was given to the creators of the Aviation Community Garden (pictured). You can read about their unique project in our earlier report here.
  The 2009 Residential Standard of Excellence winners are:

• Ali El-Khatib - 7450 Horger
• Helen Dyke - 6244 Williamson
• Adnan & Yassera Hammoud - 7731 Normile
• The Chammout Family - 6151 Oakman
• Kay Bedoun - 4881 Korte
• Gary & Elaine Trocino - 3949 Lapham
• Diane Stassen - 3356 Eastham
• Thomas J. Scannell - 18223 Outer Dr.
• Norma Nicola - 1230 Mason
• Jimmy & Pamela Attard  - 1677 Linden
• Jan Kane - 845 N. Drexel
• Amy Baker - 317 Berkley
• The Grawburg Family - 1853 N. Rosevere
• Shirley Brostean - 24920 Carlysle
• Frank & Nancy Grabowski - 336 S. Waverly 
• Bonnie & Doug Sanders - 23647 Harvard
• Marlin & Michelle Wenger - 22109 Madison

  Congratulations to these special homeowners who go the extra mile to make their homes and their neighborhoods exceptional.