December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 PontiacThe News A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR VOL. 1 ISSUE 21 Arts, Beats & Eats Departure from Pontiac is not a Sad Affair or a Shame… It’s a Great Opportunity for Us!

see EDITORIAL COMMENTS and A PLAN TO REPLACE ARTS, BEATS & EATS on PAGE 2

Judge Sosnick Refuses to Block Silverdome Sale for a Second Time On Friday December 18 - Judge Ed- ward Sosnick rejected a group of Pontiac Citizen’s request to block the sale of the Pontiac Silverdome for $583,000, to a Canadian company. The former home of the Detroit Lions and Pistons was built in 1975 for $56 million, or about $220 mil- lion today. Some Pontiac citizens sued to Reforms Put MI in Running For ‘Race to the block the sale. Oakland County Circuit Judge Edward Top’ Plan to Position State for $400 Million Sosnick refused to issue a restraining order LANSING – The Michigan House of Rep- recovery, we must invest in our kids' edu- Friday to halt the sale of the stadium. Ac- resentatives recently passed a plan that will cation – it's that simple," said House Speak- cording to Judge Sosnick, “they the citizens give Michigan an edge in qualifying for up er Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.). "Michi- appear to lack legal standing to intervene. to $400 million in federal funding that gan's success in the knowledge-based econ- Oakland County Commissioner Mattie Michigan's schools need in order to prepare omy of the 21st century depends on making McKinney Hatchett, who is one of the students for 21st century jobs. The reforms, sure our kids are ready to compete for the plaintiffs, said she was saddened and dis- Judge Edward Sosnick which are now set to become law, will bet- jobs of tomorrow. This plan will give our appointed by Judge Sosnick’s ruling. ter position the state to receive a share of state an edge in 'Race to the Top' to help “We’re not going to give up,” she said. more than $4 billion in education funding bring these important federal funds to “We’re going to look for other options.” Breaking News - Councilman Everett made available through the federal "Race to Michigan schools." Pontiac's state-appointed emergency man- Seay has filed a motion to intervene in the Top" program. ager approved the sale to Toronto-based the Lawsuit to Undo Silverdome Sale! "In order to keep Michigan on the road to see EDUCATION REFORM on PAGE 10 Triple Properties Inc.

The Pontiac Summit • Saturday January 23, 2010 • 9am-12 noon @ Baker College of Auburn Hills • 1500 University Drive • Auburn Hills, MI 48326 SAVE OUR CHILDREN, COMMUNITYANDOUR FAMILIES!! For Registration or Sponsorship info contact Rev Sylvester Thompson or Stephanie Shannon at 248-332-4365

– Grand Opening – Captain Crust Pizza • Seafood • Subs Featuring Southern Smoked BBQ Dine In – Carryout – Catering 248-451-9500 • 340 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Pontiac Late Night Deliveries Available – Open Late See Full Page ad and Insert Center of Paper Page 2 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Editorial Thanks to all our supporters...and Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year from The Pontiac News About The Pontiac News

Arts, Beats and Eats Departure From Pontiac Is Not a Sad Affair The Pontiac News is dedicated to providing balanced news about The City of Pontiac and surrounding communi - Or A Shame...It’s A Great Opportunity For Us! ties! The Pontiac News was founded and established in By Frank Russell - Publisher (1) The 1st Annual School Is Out - Hip a festive atmosphere while enjoying the February 2007 and will be published bi-weekly beginning in August 2007. As a major community and the county seat of Hop Festival” - June 18 and 19, 2010; sounds of a variety of musical genres. The Oakland County we believe that The City of Pontiac should Two weeks ago, (2) The 1st Annual Independence Day 2010 musical and entertainment line-ups have a newspaper that is dedicated to providing information Jonathon Witz the (4th July) Family Fun Festival & Fire - will feature a variety of talented groups and news about this great and historical city. promoter of Arts, works Extravaganza” - July 2nd, 3rd, from a diverse musical and entertainment The Pontiac News is a community minded newspaper that will not only serve readers but also businesses and local Beats & Eats made and 4th, 2010; and spectrum. Attached are documents that out - organizations and will strive to be the paper of record for local a business decision (3) The 1st Annual Oakland County line the particulars of each of these events! municipal units including The City of Pontiac, and the to relocate his Festi - Downtown Country & Western Hoe - The Festival Committee is also pleased Pontiac School District. val from downtown down” - August 13th , 14th & 15th , to extend an invitation to you (DDA) and This bi-weekly newspaper, The Pontiac News, has been established to cover areas in our retail zone including Pontiac, Pontiac to Down - 2010 the City of Pontiac to participate in these Auburn Hills, Waterford, Bloomfield and other nearby town Royal Oak. Recently, the Pontiac News sent a letter benefit Festivals as a sponsor. Proceeds communities (and other school districts). Let me first take this to Downtown Development Director will benefit and support a variety of com - The Pontiac News will be distributed to over 25,000 opportunity to thank Michael McDonald requesting reservations munity organizations that are making a dif - homes in The City of Pontiac and nearby communities and over 1,000 area businesses, organizations and agencies. We Mr. Witz for all of of the Phoenix Center and support for the ference in the Pontiac community, includ - will eventually create a computer database for all addresses in the Positive benefits proposed events! See copy of letter below: ing; The Youth Development Institute Frank Russell the zip codes contained in the basic Pontiac News circulation that Pontiac has re - Dear Michael: (YDI), The Village Basketball Camp, Sky’s area. A computer program will be designed to generate labels ceived as a result of Pursuant to our conversation last night, it The Limit Community Foundation, and the for all households and businesses in those zip codes in order to reach a total of more than 30,000 homes and businesses in this great event over the past 12+ years! is with great pleasure that we announce that City of Pontiac’s Promise Zone Fund Rais - our retail area by mail or by door to door delivery service. Also want to thank Jon for the great lessons our organizations and other community ing Efforts! In addition to better serving the business community that we should have learned, and for the supporters propose to conduct the following with expanded circulation to cover the retail zone, The tremendous opportunity that he has given three (3) events during the summer of 2010 Note: As you consider the above sugges - Pontiac News will have a great product for readers. We will often feature full 4 color pictures on the front page and occa - us. @ The Phoenix Center Plaza and Lot 9. tion and proposal, please remember our sionally elsewhere in the paper. We will also have the Thanks Jonathon Witz, good luck and (1) The 1st Annual School Is Out - Hip history here in Pontiac… and not fall Associated Press wire for news features, local writers to hope that you have great success in Royal Hop Festival” - June 18 and 19, 2010; victim to this tendency to “Reject the augment our local news, and feature coverage. The Pontiac Oak! (2) The 1st Annual Independence Day (4th Right Answer… if it’s offered by the News web site will be launched in the near future to expand and supplement our news coverage and advertising reach. Over the past 2 weeks this writer has heard July) Family Fun Festival & Fireworks Ex - Wrong Person”. We will continue to find better ways to serve our many comments regarding the decision by travaganza”. July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2010; Frank Russell Publisher TPN customers. Jonathon Witz to move his festival to Royal and As always we welcome your comments! Oak. These comments have come from (3) The 1st Annual Oakland County Down - past, current and future city officials, down - town Country & Western Hoedown” Au - town businesses and other business owners, gust 13th, 14th & 15th, 2010 as well as countless private citizens. These proposed events will be held on the The consensus is that the departure of weekends listed above, at the Phoenix Cen - Arts. Beats & Eats is “A SAD AFFAIR and ter Plaza in Downtown Pontiac, Michigan. A SHAME”. Clearly, the loss of this major All of three of these events will bring days festival has created a possible void and of outstanding mouth watering foods, bev - could have a definite negative impact on erages and desserts and live entertainment our downtown. However, it is my belief and consumer expositions to the Phoenix that the loss of this festival is a great op - Center Plaza in Downtown Pontiac. This portunity and opens the way for resurgence letter is written to request and confirm our of activities in our downtown spread out reservations for the dates listed above. over the entire summer. Instead of 1 or 2 These highly anticipated events will host major events we can do several festivals more than 500,000 attendees this 1st year. each with a different focus! Attendees will eat, drink, shop and revel in Proposed Phoenix Center Festival Events to Replace Art. Beats & Eats! The The Opportunity that is before US! Pontiac News The Pontiac News, hereby propose and PUBLISHER & CONTENT EDITOR offer the opportunity for all of the various R. Frank Russell & NEWS EDITOR: elements in the community to come to - CONTENTS gether, join us and participate in making the Elaine Smith-Wright proposed events a success….we can do it AFRICIAN CORRESPONDENT: together….. we all will benefit! The list of Kofi Annorh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: proposed events is presented above: Get a great job 1500 University Dr. Dianthia Spann, Elaine Smith-Wright, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Rev. James Keys, Quincy Stewart III, www.baker.edu Inside Jonathon Givens, Ken Corr, you’ll feel great about. Brenda Washington, Ray Wright. Loss of Arts, Beats & Eats - an opportunity - Page 2 PHOTOGRAPHER: TBD Tribute - Willie Wright - Page 3 ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kashif Russell What’s Happening in Pontiac - Everett Seay - Page 4 CIRCULATION MANAGER : Christopher Riley OFFICE MANAGER: What’s Happening OC, State of MI, & D.C. - Page 5 Mary C. Russell (248) 340-0600 DESIGNER & PRINTER: Africa & World News - Nubian Heroes - Page 6 Michigan Web Press (888) 429-0410 Randy Carter - Page 7 CONTACT INFO: Senior Citizens/Health Matters - Page 10 TELEPHONE: (248) 758-1411 Educational & Business Matters - Page 11 FAX: (248) 451-1653 Voices In The Community - Page 12 PO Box 431412, Suite #1 Family Matters - Life Partners - Page 14 An Equal Opportunity Pontiac, MI 48343 Affirmative Action Institution Community Calendar - Page 15 www.thepontiacnews.com Y6151-AH Holiday Extravaganza - Page 16 [email protected]

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 3 Guest Opinions Tribute to an Amazing Man – Willie L. Wright By Terri Wright-Covington Fountain (T. L.) Wright (deceased) and Golden Opportunity Senior Citizens Club, Sarah Wright (Hartsville, TN). playing “Big faced” cards several days per Willie Wright was an amazing man. He Willie hitchhiked from TN to MI after week. Willie was very easy going and was a great husband, providing for my graduating from Ward H. S. in Hartsville, made hundreds of friends over the years. mother with more than her needs and TN, seeking a better life for himself. His He never met a stranger and all were at desires for more than 51 years. He was a early employment included: Ted’s Drive- ease with him. He was the confident of the fabulous father and grandfather. We are In Restaurant, Fisher Body, Al Hicks educated, the poor, men and women, feeling this devastating loss but feel so very Cleaning Service and eventually was young and old. blessed that many of you have adopted our employed by the Pontiac School District as Willie enjoyed traveling with his family. dad as your father or have attempted to find a janitor at the following schools: Lebaron, Some of our fondest memories are of a fam - a husband like my dad was to my mom. Jefferson/Whittier, Franklin, and the Odell ily vacation to 15 Western states and back Because he hasn’t been our second any - Nails Administration Bldg. He retired during the summer of 1995. He enjoyed thing….He has been our only! We needed from the School District in 1993 as a Las Vegas, Florida and trips to Tennessee to nothing more than him. But God is good, Maintenance Engineer. In order to provide visit with his mother and family. because even though dad was not a big guy for his wife and children, Willie worked “Wright” was baptized early in life at St. there always seemed more than enough of part-time jobs at the North Oakland Credit John Missionary Church in his hometown him to share with each of you. Union and the Pontiac Municipal Credit of Hartsville, TN. He sang in a church As I complete this tribute, I would like to Union. He took pride in his work and male quartet which traveled throughout leave these words with you: frequently allowed his daughters and Trousdale County, TN during his teen Having a father that worked three jobs to young friends to work alongside him for years. When he joined New Jerusalem send his daughters to college - $30,000 many years without pay. Additionally, Missionary Baptist Church in 1990 he The cost of all of the coats and clothing Willie worked with the City of Pontiac eagerly joined the Male Chorus and the Willie L. Wright items he bought his favorite girls - $50,000 Clerks Office to prepare voting machines Usher Board. Sarcoidosis prevented him The cost of buying cards, paying tickets, for General, Schools and City Elections. from singing a few years back. He served Milaka (Courtney) Dennard and (great- auto maintenance on his daughters and Willie quickly became involved with as the President of the Usher Board until grandchildren): Alicia Brendel, Ashley grandsons vehicles - $23,543.67 the youth in the Pontiac Community, his departure from this earth. King, Ella Johnson, Maverick Maser, Ivy The cost of make Daddy a Poppy - $10, coaching basketball and floor hockey for He was the loving husband and best Johnson, Tre’Von Covington. DeShaun 334.22 the City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation friend for more than 51 years to Willia Covington, Mycala Covington, Demetrius The cost of divorcing four son-laws in department. He was very competitive and Mae Wright. He was the very proud and Thomas, Jaden Pea, Meena Dennard, and the hopes of finding one who can merely earned several City titles in each sport. He doting father to three daughters: Terri L. Nevaeh Covington. He was the Godfather stand in dad’s shoes - $75,222.54 was a supporter of Pontiac school athletics (Craig) Covington (Troy, MI); Shirley A. of Delores Stephens (Hermitage, TN), The cost of having a perfect father and and enjoyed attending sporting events Wright (Pontiac, MI) and Diane K. (Jon) DeVaughn (Gautier, MS) and Marquis husband – PRICELESS involving his daughters and grandsons. Peters (Auburn Hills, MI). Affectionately Stephens (Hermitage, TN and Chelita He was the greatest fan of the Tri-County known as “Poppy” he has been the grand - Schultz and her children (Pontiac, MI). Willie L. Wright Cobras Sports Club, supporting them father and mentor to grandsons: Anthony He leaves to cherish his memory one financially and by chaperoning. He D. Gracey-Wright (W. Hollywood, CA) brother Odell Banks (Hartsville, TN), Ella 1935-2009 enjoyed bowling until his health kept him and David A. Hill (Auburn Hills, MI). Wright (Hartsville, TN), a devoted Uncle Willie L. Wright, fondly known as “Wright” from participating. He was a founding He has also been “Poppy” to the Nathaniel (Leona) Milton (Pontiac, MI), a went to be with the Lord on December 10, member of the Pontiac Thunder Rollers following extended family members special nephew Tony Whittaker (Hartsville, 2009; at the age of 74 after a brief illness re - Bowling League. He was a founding (grandchildren): Stacey (Gordon) Manser, TN) , a sister-in-law Sharon Redmond and lated to complications of Sarcoidosis. He member of the Seven Gents Social Club Nikki (Doug) Johnson, Craig D. was born April 11, 1935 to the union of for men. He was an active member of the Covington, Mychal Covington, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 4 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 What’s Happening In Pontiac Willie Wright Everett L. Seay Tribute Native Son - City of Pontiac CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 By: Eirther Seay-Bey dustrial, commercial and residential devel - energy conversion and development of re - brother-in-law Kevin (Eileen) Redmond and opments. He has strategically worked with newable energy establishing Pontiac as a a host of loving relatives and friends. According to my husband Everett L. Seay, all types of developers such as: Center model of a Green City. The future is for He was predeceased by his mother-in-law “It has been my honor and privilege to Pointe - Marriott Hotel, Ultimate Soccer those who are prepared. Rosalie Dukes; fathers-in-laws: James H. serve the Pontiac community for the last Arena, and community development ini - Redmond and Clifton Dukes, sister-in-law 24 years. My priority has always been to tiatives. Rosalie Benton, a brother Herrod Wright and serve people.” Councilman Seay took a strong stand in nephews: Keith Valentine and Walter Wright. directing federal funds with emphasis on Willie leaves a legacy that few will ever 1985 - Elected to Pontiac City Council improving all resident’s quality of life. As accomplish. His loving and caring ways 1989 – 1994 – President Pro-Tem, Pontiac a result of his efforts, District #7 received will forever remain with us. We have cher - City Council approximately 6 million dollars in federal ished him on this earth and will forever keep 1997 – 1999 – President Pro-Tem, Pontiac funds for public improvements and the de - his memory. City Council livery of human services. This was no easy 2000 – 2005 – President, Pontiac City task. He spent time working with his col - Council leagues to educate them on the purpose of 2005 – 2009 – Member of Pontiac City these federal funds. In addition, he worked Council tirelessly with the Citizen District Council PRESENTS and Coordinating Council building con - THE MONTHLY DIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL During his tenure on the council, sensus and cooperation. With his involve - FORUM SERIES Increase your understanding of Diversity, Earn SHRM Everett has had the opportunity to learn ment, training efforts were mounted to Credits for this event. Enjoy lunch and the excellent how to maintain the necessary tempera - help citizens develop and maintain quality Networking Opportunities! ment and skill level needed to be effective. working relationships. As a result, the TOPIC As a council member, it was important to more appropriate dialogue and recommen - Veterans Returning Home be willing and humble enough to respond dations came forth to the City Council and When: Thursday, January 21, 2010 1:00pm – 3:00pm to the needs of the district and the needs of Mayor that focused on the intent of the Where: the entire city. However, he states,” it is federal dollars. However, today he is Oakland County Executive Office Building 41 Everett L. Seay West – Conference Center 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd., paramount not to lose site on the future de - deeply concerned about nearly10 million Waterford, MI 48328 velopment and/or growth of the City of dollars-NSP funding that has not been al - Cost: FREE – With Lunch! Pontiac.” located. “To the citizens of Pontiac and the resi - To Register or Sponsor this event Call or Email Frank Russell at 248-858-5204 [email protected] or Cooperation and consensus were the Finally, after serving 6-terms, his last dents of District 7, thank you for allow - Andrew Pettress at 248-338-1705 apettresso [email protected] tools he used during the 24 years he term was devoted to helping the city get ing me to serve as your representa - today for details! Visit our website and Register Now! served. During Everett’s tenure, District back on track through establishing new en - tive....it has been an awesome experi - @ www.ocedc.net #7, realized over 2.5 billon dollars in in - hanced revenue generators – solid waste ence”

Law Offices of In tnhetheeve eventnt that ythatour l oyouved orone yours, frien lovedds, and ones,/or acq friendsuaintances find themand/orselves i acquaintancesn need of legal ser vfindices, dthemselveso not hesitate into cneedontac tofme. For CYRIL C. HALL, P.C. iIlegalnform service,ational pu rdopo snotes, y hesitateou should tobe acontactware tha tme.we p rForovide the fol - lowing, but are not limited to legal services. informational purposes, you should be aware that we Attorney And Counselor At Law 1provide. Social theSec following,urity Expe butrts not limited to legal services. 1. All Personal Injury matters: 2. All Personal Injury Matters a. Automobile/Motorcyclea. Automobile/Motorcycle ac caccidents:idents b. Slip and Fall accidents on private property/ b. Slip and fall accidents on private property, businesses, and businessesother locati oandns other locations c. Dog Bite: and d. Policec. Dog BBrutalityite: and and Abuse/Excessive Force 2. Medicald. Polic eMalpractice/NursingBrutality and Abusive/Ex cHomeessive FNegligenceorce 3.3.M Contractedical M aMatters/Reallpractice/Nu rEstate/Businesssing Home Neg ligence 4. CoTransactions:ntract Matters/Real Estate/Business Transactions: Dr. Harry L. Riggs Building a. Automobilea. Automobile andand H Homeome In sInsuranceurance 5.4.P rProbateobate M Matters:atters: W iWillslls - T –r uTrustst - E s–t aEstatete Pla nPlanning:ning and 149 Franklin Blvd Ganduar dGuardianshipianship and C andonse Conservatorship.rvatorship Pontiac, Michigan 48341 6.5.W Workmen’sorkman’s C Compensationompensation and Social Security (Phone) 248-333-7880 7. AlClaims.l Criminal Matters - Felony/Misdeameanors and (Fax) 248-333-7924 6.T rAllaff iCriminalc matters Felony/Misdemeanors and Traffic. Email: [email protected]

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 5 What’s Happening In Oakland County What’s Happening In Lansing

January Business Workshops Oakland Reps Move to Restore Offered by Oakland County Consumer Protection Act information you need. Presented by The LANSING – State Representatives Lisa Brown course after finding themselves victims of Entrepreneur’s Source, Oakland County’s (D-West Bloomfield), Tim Melton (D-Pontiac) scams such as car dealers selling "nearly new" Business Center, Market Research Depart - and Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) recent - vehicles that were welded together from two ment, and Research Librarian. This work - ly announced they will pass legislation to re - other cars or damaged in Hurricane Katrina, or store the Michigan Consumer Protection Act af - dishonest mortgage loan officers hiding fees or shop is free, but pre-registration is re - ter an unprecedented Michigan Supreme Court failing to disclose adjustable rates that put quired. ruling effectively eliminated the ability of con - homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Fundamentals of Starting a Business sumers and authorities Nearly three-fourths of the 13,122 consumer is a seminar for anyone thinking about go - to hold companies that complaints received by the Attorney General in ing into business. Participants examine deceive or commit 2008 were not covered by the Michigan Con - their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to fraud against con - sumer Protection Act because of the Supreme implement their ideas and receive a list of sumers accountable. Court's decision, according to a State Bar of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business. Michigan is now tied Michigan report – meaning those consumers for dead last among were left to fend for themselves. The fee is $30. No refunds. states in protecting con - Michigan did not always lag behind the rest Fundamentals of Writing a Business sumers, according to of the country in consumer protections. The Plan is a workshop for small business the National Consumer Michigan Consumer Protection Act, passed in owners who are developing a plan to serve Law Center, which re - 1976, pushed Michigan to the forefront of con - as their road map to success. The class is cently called Michi - sumer protections by creating strong penalties held on Thursday, January 21, from 9:00 gan's law "worse than for corporations that broke the law while giving a.m. - noon at the Oakland County Execu - Rep. Tim Melton worthless" in standing strong enforcement powers to the Attorney tive Office Building Conference Center, up for its residents. General and other authorities so they can hold "Our residents have nowhere to turn when deceitful businesses accountable. 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Tele - L. Brooks Patterson they are exploited," Brown said. "The people of The lawmakers' plan: graph, Waterford. The fee is $40, which Michigan deserve much better than our current • Restores the Michigan Consumer Protection includes all materials. No refunds. consumer protection laws, which are the most Act and applies it to all businesses and indus - WATERFORD,MI - Business owners and Legal & Financial Basics for Small ineffective in the country. Our plan will give au - tries it originally covered – giving consumers entrepreneurs who need assistance are in - Business - This workshop covers many of thorities and consumers the tools they need to and authorities ways to hold companies that vited to attend seminars in January, 2010 the key legal and financial issues faced by hold bad actors accountable." commit fraud accountable. offered by the Oakland County Business both new and existing small businesses in Michigan's consumer protections were gut - • Requires companies that engage in dishonest Center. Business Basics workshops are Michigan. The program initially focuses ted by the Michigan Supreme Court's Smith v. business practices to pay back money to con - Globe Life decision in 1999, which exempted sumers and face stiff fines of up to $25,000 for now offered in the evenings on alternating on the many management and liability most businesses from accountability under the fraudulent practices. months. concerns faced by entrepreneurs, as well Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The busi - "As the law stands now, thousands of resi - Pre-Business Research - Are you as today's tax consequences. The program nesses exempted from responsibility by the dents who fall victim to fraud are basically thinking of starting your own business and also provides solutions and techniques for court's action include new and used car sales, hung out to dry. Our plan will help protect busi - want to research your business idea? Are business concession and individual invest - car repairs, plumbers, home improvement con - nesses that treat customers fairly while giving you a business owner who wants to under - ment and retirement planning. Presented tracts and many other businesses that provide Michigan consumers the same strong protec - family, personal or household goods or servic - tions enjoyed by residents in other states" said stand which research sources to use for CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 your business plan and where to find the es. Now, Michigan consumers have little re - Barnett. What’s Happening In Washington DENTAL ARTS COMPANY

DENTISTRY BY JEFF MARTIN, D.D.S. Rep. Peters Votes Against Debt Limit Increase A Beautiful smile takes more than just brushing WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gary limit,” said Congressman Peters. “First, other Peters recently voted “No” on a measure which alternatives should be explored; for example, would unconditionally raise America’s debt reducing the authorization for TARP from $700 limit. Rep. Peters also opposed a spending bill billion to $400 billion. If a short-term increase created by House leadership that was intro - is needed later to keep our nation from default - duced this morning ing on its debt, I will only vote for it if it is at - and rushed to the tached to statutory ‘Pay-as-You-Go’ budget House floor for a vote rules, budget cuts and other measures to bring tonight, arguing that down the deficit in the long run.” the bill does not con - The House also voted on a $150 billion tain enough support for spending package that includes a variety of small businesses and spending measures unveiled this morning. The that the House should bill passed 217-212. Congressman Peters op - have more time to posed the measure. carefully consider the “I believe Congress must continue taking legislation. Congress - strong action to create jobs, but any jobs pack - man Peters also voted age should have significant support for small Rep. Gary Peters against adjourning the businesses,” said Congressman Peters. “I have House until mid-Janu - been arguing for months that expanding small ary, instead preferring to keep the chamber business lending is critical to getting our econ - 91 N. SAGINAW working to create a well thought out, effective omy moving again, and this bill should have job creation package with significant steps to had far more small business support. Any job make credit available to small businesses. On creation package should be fully debated and PONTIAC, MI 48342 all three votes, Congressman Peters was among carefully considered, not rushed to meet an ar - a small number in his party voting “No.” bitrary deadline.” On December 16, The House voted in favor Congressman Peters also pointed out that 248-332-4240 of raising the legal limit to the amount of debt some measures he strongly supports in the bill, the United States can have on its books by such as extending unemployment benefits and nearly $300 billion, from about $12.1 to $12.4 an extension of COBRA assistance to help trillion dollars by a vote of 218-214. Congress - those who lose their jobs keep their employer Affordable Family Dental Care man Peters opposed the measure. health care, were also included in the Depart - “There is no way I can in good conscience ment of Defense appropriations bill, which he vote for this unconditional increase in the debt voted for earlier and the House approved. A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 6 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Africa - & World News A Tribute to Three Great African (Nubian) Scholars world. cellor Williams successfully "shifted the main Clarke gathered his findings into books on focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans such figures as the early 20th century mass in Africa to the Africans themselves-- a histo - movement leader Marcus Garvey, into articles ry of the Blacks that is a history of Blacks." with titles like "Africa in the Conquest of The career of Chancellor Williams was spa - Spain" and "Harlem as mecca and New cious and varied; university professor, novelist, Jerusalem," and many books including Amer - and author-historian. He was the father of 14 ican Heritage's two volume "History of Africa." children. Blind and in poor health, the last years While he was teaching at Hunter College in of Dr. Williams' life were spent in a nursing New York and at Cornell University in the home in Washington, D.C. His contributions to 1980's, Clarke's lesson plans became well the reconstruction of African civilization, how - known for their thoroughness. They are so filled ever, stand as monuments and beacons reflect - with references and details that the Schomburg ing the past, present and future of African peo - Heroes corner: Library in Harlem asked for copies. Clarke plans ple. to provide them, he said, "so that 50 years from now, when people have a hard time locating my Left to right - John Henrik Clarke, grave, they won't have a hard time locating my IN EGYPT Yosef Ben-Jochannan, lessons." WITH YOSEF A.A. BEN-JOCHANNAN, Chancellor Williams In 1985, the year of his retirement, the ICON OF AFRICAN HISTORIOGRAPHY newest branch of the Cornell University Library- By RUNOKO RASHIDI crammed full of the representations, physical re - a 60 seat, 9,000 volume facility- was named the mains, personal possessions and writings of the "John Henrik Clarke Africana Library." pharaohs, queens, officials and ordinary people Kofi Annorh "This is but a mere feeble effort in saying: the ancient Nile Valley. African Correspondent Chancelor Williams Without you, African/Black mother, there Dr. Ben's tours, like the man himself, stand By Runoko Rashidi would have been no us--African/Black fa - out quite singularly. Born December 31, 1918 Kofi provides TPN with news about thers, sons and daughters. Do we need to say in Gondar, Ethiopia, Dr. Yosef Alfredo Antonio events that are happening on the Note: December 22 is the birthday of one of any more African/Black mothers, our own true ben-Jochannan, ("Dr. Ben," as he is affection - African Continent. our greatest historians, Chancellor James goddesses! Let us praise you to the highest, ately known) has devoted the better part of his Williams and he is largely known for the book telling the world about your righteousness. Let life to the illumination of the indigenous origins John Henrik Clarke was born in Union "Destruction of Black Civilization." For a long us tell the entire universe about your sacredness of African civilizations. By profession, he is a Springs, Alabama on New Years Day, 1915. His time he taught at Howard University. He died African/Black woman. --Yosef A.A. ben- trained lawyer, engineer, historian and Egyp - family came from a long line of sharecroppers. in 1992. His writings had a huge impact. Most Jochannan tologist. Ben-Jochannan went to Egypt for the Clarke noticed that people pay tribute to their sacred dead. So here Every African should try to visit Egypt at least first time in 1939, and moved to Harlem, New although many bible is a bit of a tribute to Chancellor Williams se - once during their lifetime. It is a pilgrimage to York in 1945. Dr. Ben knew Malcolm X per - stories "unfolded in lected from the Global African Presence Web our sacred mother - sonally, and was a student and colleague of Africa...I saw no Site. land--the cradle of civ - George G.M. James. He was exceptionally close ilization--and one is African people in the Of the recent towering figures in the strug - to the late Dr. John Henrik Clarke. Since 1957, never the same after - printed and illustrated gle to completely eradicate the pervasive racial he has coordinated regular study tours and pil - wards. Although there Sunday school les - myths clinging to the origins of Nile Valley Civ - grimages to the Nile Valley, directly exposing are now numerous sons," he wrote in ilization, few scholars have had the impact of thousands of African people to the still visible study tours to Egypt, 1985. "I began to sus - Dr. Chancellor James Williams (1898-1992). splendors of ancient Egypt. Formerly adjunct pect at this early age undoubtedly the most professor at Cornell University's Africana Stud - Chancellor Williams, the youngest of five that someone had dis - celebrated are those ies Department, Dr. ben-Jochannan has also been children, was born in Bennettsville, South Car - Dr. John torted the image of of Dr. Yosef A.A. ben- Yosef A.A. a professor-at-large at Al Azar University in olina December 22, 1898. His father had been Henrik Clarke my people. My long Jochannan. Dr. Ben's Benjochannan Cairo. a slave; his mother a cook, nurse, and evangelist. Jan. 15, 1915 search for the true his - tours include the mas - While now advanced in years, Dr. Ben con - A stirring writer, Chancellor Williams achieved to Jul. 16, 1998 tory of African people sive rock-hewn temples of King Ramses II and tinues to wield tremendous influence on African wide acclaim as the author of the 1971 publi - the world over began." Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel, the temple of studies. He is indeed one of the most unrelenting cation, "The Destruction of Black Civilization- That search took him to libraries, museums, goddess Isis at Philae Island, the royal tombs of twentieth century advocates of the African ori - -Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 attics, archives and collections in Asia, the the Valley of the Kings and the west bank mor - gins of Nile Valley civilizations and the African A.D." Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and Africa. tuary temples of Makare Hatshepsut, Ramses II origins of Western religions. By his own account, What he found was that the history of black Totally uncompromising, highly controver - and Ramses III at Luxor, the east bank worship he has prepared seventy-five manuscripts for people is worldwide; that "the first light of hu - sial, broadly sweeping in its range and im - temples of Luxor and Karnak, the temple of god - publication, and was working on another dur - man consciousness and the world's first civi - mensely powerful in its scope, there have been dess Hathor at Dendera, the Sphinx and the mas - ing his 1997 tour. He is the author of more than lizations were in Africa"; that the so called Dark few books published during the past century fo - sive pyramids on the Giza Plateau, the Step pyra - twenty books, including African Origins of the Ages were dark only for Europe and that some mid designed by the multi-genius Imhotep at Major Western Religions in 1970, Africa: African nations at the time were larger than any Sakkara, and the Egyptian Museum at Cairo. Mother of Western Civilization in 1971, Black in Europe; that as Africa sends its children to Regarding these sites, the reader should Man of the Nile and His Family in 1972, A Europe to study because that is where the best know that Usemare Ramses II (popularly Chronology of the Bible: A Challenge to the universities are, early Greece once sent its chil - known as "Ramses the Great") ruled Egypt more Standard Version in 1973, The African Called dren to Africa to study because that was where than six decades and emerged as one of histo - Rameses ("The Great") II, and the African Ori - the best universities were; and that slavery, al - ry's most colossal builders. Nefertari, his chief gin of Western Civilization in 1990. Several of though devastating was neither the beginning queen, helped Ramses govern and was revered his works have gone through a number of nor the end of Black people's impact on the throughout ancient Egypt. Isis was one of reprints and different editions, and although con - Egypt's greatest deities, and along with her hus - troversial, all of them are well-documented. As band Osiris and son Horus, formed one of an - pointed out by Dr. Leonard Jeffries: tiquities' great triads. The Valley of the Kings "Ben-Jochannan's extensive publications con - Bruce E. Turpin, D.D.S. entombed the bodies of some of pharaonic tain voluminous reference materials and sources Family Dentistry Chancelor Williams Egypt's most significant rulers. Makare Hat - to stimulate students and scholars to pursue more shepsut was a great female monarch who gov - systematic and scientific research. He also in - cusing on the African presence in antiquity that erned effectively for twenty years. Ramses III cludes very revealing photos, illustrations and 160 Palmer Street have so profoundly affected the consciousness fought off two foreign invasions of Egypt and charts that help the ordinary layman grasp the Pontiac, MI 48341 of African people in search of their historical sat on the throne for thirty-one years. Karnak significance of the work." identity. temple is the world's largest religious sanctuary. Dr. ben-Jochannan remains uncompromising Dr. John Henrik Clarke, now an ancestor and Hathor was the Egyptian goddess of love, in his views, a lively public speaker and a pro - 248-334-4569 a contemporary of Dr. Williams and one of our beauty and sensuality. The enormous pyramids lific writer, and has probably done more to pop - Hours By Appointment most outstanding scholars, described The De - on the Giza plateau have been called "miracles ularize African history than any living scholar. Fax 248-334-8269 struction of Black Civilization as "a foundation in stone," while the Step Pyramid at Sakkara has Dr. Ben has brought history to life for the mass - and new approach to the history of our race." the distinction of being the world's first large es of African people. This is perhaps his In The Destruction of Black Civilization Chan - stone monument. The Cairo Museum is greatest legacy and gift. A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 7 Citizens Can Make a Difference! Pontiac’s Citizens District Councils Ca rter's By Randy Carter ner that ensures that is representative of District 4 Councilman Elect the residents of the area and of other per - Custom sons with a demonstrable and substantial The time has come for us to move for - interest in the area, who are appointed by ward with the resurrection of our neigh - the Mayor and confirmed by the City borhoods. It is imperative that we look at Council.” Communication our obstacles and turn each and every one If you are interested in participating in 877-537-4920 • 248-920-0331 Fax of them into opportunities. We can em - your CDC, contact your City Council rep - brace this path of reconstructing our com - resentative. Each Council member has a P.O. Box 210802 • Auburn Hills, Michigan 48321 munity by participating in our Citizens form which you can specify your areas on [email protected] • www.carterscusco.com District Councils (CDCs). interest. Your Councilperson will forward There are many opportunities afforded the completed from to the Mayor for pos - to us by being active members in our Dis - sible appointment. Four citizens will be We specialize in website trict’s CDCs. Each month we are given a appointed as well as four alternates. Resi - vehicle to voice our concerns which di - dents can also pick up a form at Pontiac’s construction, printing, rectly affect us. CDCs are a conduit to our City Hall. I encourage everyone to active - local government. The CDC helps facili - ly participate in their CDCs. Together we photography and all your tate this by allowing its members: will rebuild our community. “To make recommendations to the City District Four’s CDC will begin meeting media related needs. Council relative to community develop - in January 20, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at the Co - ment activities within their district area.” lumbia Street Boys and Girls Club. All Membership: Twelve (12) to twenty-five residents in District 4 are encouraged to (25) members from each district in a man - attend. Count on Carter's Custom Communication January Oakland County Workshops CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 for your media needs. ciples helping you to promote your products and services to the most promising customers-your by Carter &Affiliates, P.C. This workshop is free, target audience. but pre-registration is required. Presented by The Michigan Small Business & Ask us about our Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business Technology Development Center (MI-SBT - Marketing is an essential of business success. DC). The fee is $40 (make check payable to All products/services must be sold to well-targeted E.M.U.), which includes all materials. No refunds. $399.00 website special audiences with a wide-ranging marketing mix. The Web site address for Oakland County Plan - Our staff/SCORE counselors can guide you ning & Economic Development Services Work - hrough successful techniques and marketing prin - shops is www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar.

LAW OFFICE OF DARRYL P. MITCHELL Attorney and Counselor at Law LARRY JONES CPA “Experience you can trust.” Dr. Harry L. Riggs Building 149 Franklin Blvd Pontiac, MI 48341

Dr. Harry L. Riggs Building 149 Franklin Blvd. (248) 333-7414 Pontiac, MI 48341 Office 248-333-0220 • Home 248-454-0762 Fax 248-333-7924 • Email - [email protected]

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 8 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 9 Page 10 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Senior Citizens Matters A Grandparent’s Guide for Family Nuturing and Safety Dr. T. Berry Brazelton by a grandparent. It means that numbers of Your active participation instills a sense But, as caretakers of our grandchildren, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics grandparents make it possible for the of family and continuity that adds to your even for an afternoon, we need to be care - at Harvard Medical School and Chairman, young ones to grow up in stable homes grandchildren's feeling of belonging and ful. Most serious injuries on playgrounds Pamper Parenting Institute and communities. security. You can magnify that by sharing come from falls onto hard surfaces. In fact, Ann Brown But it's the daily acknowledgment that your family history. Children love stories grass is one of the worst surfaces because Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety we get from our children and grandchil - about when their parents were young-the it can become hard, packed dirt. Commission dren that inspires us to develop and main - Checking for playground surfacing that tain those loving connections. What fun to "gives" is extremely important. Wood The most exciting thing about being a watch their eyes widen and sparkle when TIP chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or rubber grandparent is watching your own child you tell your grandchildren about how Grandparents make profound con - matting are all good choices. After all, you become nurturing. The miracle of a new their mommy was as a small child! We tributions to their families, so take want your time together to be full of fun, baby is overwhelming, but to watch your know it's not always easy, that it takes your role seriously. not tears. Even today, I have scars on my son or daughter becoming a parent is just thought, finesse and devotion. It requires Baby sit on a regular or as-needed knees from falls on my old neighborhood as miraculous. We watch with awe, pride us to be emotionally flexible and nurtur - basis, if you can. It allows you and playground. and, sometimes, trepidation as our sons ing. We have to be vigilant and make our your grandchildren to develop trust The constant contact with your grand - and daughters do their best to raise strong homes safe for children. We need to take and understanding, and gives parents children teaches you how to really listen to and healthy offspring. We know how de - our role modeling seriously-for our chil - much-needed downtime. them, to understand what they mean to manding a job that is. We want to help. We dren and grandchildren. say, not just the words they use. There was should help. And we do. We hope we can help. Because when a time I brought my granddaughter Lil to We want to keep our grandchildren safe grandparenting works, there's nothing bet - time Mommy fell out of the apple tree and my office for the annual "Take Our and sound. We want to make our homes ter. We know. We're grandparents too. didn't break a bone, or when Daddy woke Daughters To Work Day." I asked all the and theirs safe havens where nothing bad up at 3:00 in the morning because he girls, "Who wears a bike helmet?" Almost can happen to them. We want to share with T. Berry Brazelton couldn't wait for his birthday presents. all of them except Lil raised their hands. I our own children the lessons we learned- Take your role seriously-you have a lot Holidays are another opportunity to asked her why, and she said, "Gramma and learn a few new tips ourselves. to give. With babies and toddlers, you can bring the family tradition to children and Ann, I look like a dork." I figured if she The contributions grandparents make to be an additional source of love and care. create memories that help make your fami - felt that way, so must hundreds of others their families are extraordinary. Some, like For school-age children, you can teach ly close. Encourage everyone to celebrate who would rather go without protection baby-sitting or giving them safe cribs or family values and history. You can inspire them at your house. When that's not possi - than look unhip. A project we did with the strollers, are tangible. Others, like provid - older children and adolescents to want to ble, link up by phone and take time to talk Automobile Association of America con - ing a role model for grandchildren, are in - grow up to be like you. To do that, you about family beliefs and rituals. Even firmed the fear. So we went to the bike tangible but just as powerful and real. We have to be a consistent presence in their when there is resistance about getting to - do know that virtually every study of child lives. If you can, offer to baby sit regularly gether, it is worth it. They never forget rit - development shows that youngsters lucky or when needed. That allows you to lavish uals. We need values for our children and TIP enough to have loving grandparents are all your special attention on your grand - grandchildren, and this is a way to perpet - Have special things that you do destined to be winners. All research on children. At the same time, you'll win the uate them. with each grandchild on an individ - single parents shows that the future of the eternal gratitude of your children, who ual basis. It makes them feel unique children is correlated with support from need downtime. Ann Brown and important. grandparents. In between visits, fill in the gaps with a For those of us who live too far away, or Share family history, traditions, We also know that grandparents can weekly phone call to the child at a pre- are not able to babysit, there are lots of and holidays with your grandchil - make their children's job of parenting a lot arranged time. Encourage each child to other ways to stay close. Arrange for regu - dren. It helps instill a sense of family, easier. When you lend a sympathetic ear to share a "news" item with you, something lar visits with your grandchildren and have belonging, continuity, and security. an upset parent you provide a safe outlet only he or she can reveal. That way a them visit you. See each grandchild sepa - for often difficult emotions. When you phone call becomes an event that everyone rately if you can. The kind of individual at - give your children a night off by baby-sit - looks forward to. tention you give is key. My 14-year-old helmet manufacturers who redesigned ting, you give them and your grandchild a Videotapes are another wonderful way granddaughter, Lil, and I love to go shop - them-put in bright colors and sparkle. much-needed break from the inevitable of keeping up with your grandchildren's ping together. Tommy, 9, comes down for Now my granddaughter tells me, "You strains of the nuclear family. When your everyday experiences and milestones. Of a Dallas-Redskins game with Grandpa. know, Gramma Ann, they're awesome." children know that, in a pinch, there is course, exchange letters or e-mail and ask And Abigail, 11, loves to swim with me. When we take our grandchildren's someone to step in to love their children for packages of drawings and schoolwork. Making rituals out of meeting with your words seriously and respect their opinions, and keep them safe, you give them the They give you insight into how they're de - grandchildren, having things that you do they do let us know what's going on. That most valuable kind of support. veloping and what interests them. Your only with them, makes them feel unique. strengthens the growing bonds between More and more, we see grandparents positive-feedback-praise helps to build Besides, taking them to the zoo or to a spe - you and your grandchild. providing reliable and dedicated child self-esteem they'll need to get along in the cial restaurant is fun for you, too. care. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau esti - world. One of the things I have always loved mates that about 1.3 million children are Read a story or conjure up a fantasy for doing with my grandchildren is taking The entire "Grandparents' Guide" is avail - entrusted to their grandparents every day. them on videotape. Let them hear it at bed - them to the nearby playground. It's a won - able free of charge from the That same 1994 study says another 2.4 time. That way, they'll remember you be - derful place for children to have fun and Consumer Information Center (Item million children live in households headed tween visits. run off steam. 606E), Pueblo, Colorado 81009 Eight New Ways to KeepYour Brain Fit An intriguing report on trends in brain fit - cal professor at Mount Sinai School of that participants who spent time on activi - your intellectual skills. Take a class at the ness, by SharpBrains, a market research Medicine and president of Memory Arts, ties such as reading newspapers, playing local community college or take a free company focused on applications of brain LLC, a provider of science-based brain fit - puzzle games, or listening to the radio fre - course online. research, predicted more brain-health of - ness training to individuals, corporations quently were 47% less likely to develop ferings in senior living communities and and organizations, suggests for those of us AD than those who did them less often. PLAY BRAIN-TRAINING GAMES health clubs, development of programs who want to incorporate mental training There are many ways, both offline and on - that combine physical and mental fitness into our wellness routines, that it's an ex - DO DIFFICULT THINGS line, to engage in fun, daily mental work - into one workout and broad-based govern - cellent idea to make a daily effort to re - Evidence shows that mental stimulation outs that are efficient and effective: ment initiatives along the lines of JFK's main intellectually engaged, which will also enhances the brain's networks of con - emphasis on physical fitness in the early help enhance your cognitive abilities as nections and encourages "brain plasticity" Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku and jig - 1960s. Just as exercise was the rage in pre - you age. Dr Green specifically suggests... (the brain's ability to physically and func - saws. Memorize a new word and defini - vious decades, today's boomers are em - tionally change). Cross-train your brain by tion each day at www.wordsmith.org. bracing strategies to boost memory, sharp - BUILD UP A COGNITIVE RESERVE doing things you haven't done before, per - Do math calculations. Play strategic en concentration and fine-tune the brain's Research demonstrates that an active brain haps learning a new language or to play a games such as Battleship and Scrabble Try ability to process information. is associated with better cognitive health new musical instrument. To stay sharp, Dr. new recipes at recipesource.com or epicu - and a reduced risk of dementia, including Green advises that you continually find CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 Cynthia R. Green, PhD, an assistant clini - Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found new projects and hobbies to challenge A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 11 Educational & Business Matters Peters and Ehlers Introduce Bill to Protect Manufacturers in Struggling States States like Michigan, Michigan Businesses Struggle to Afford Matching Requirement to Maintain Federal Manufacturing Support

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Pe- Congressman Peters. “This legislation will of our industrial states,” said Mike Coast, the MEP, the cost-share burden is shifted to ters and Congressman Vernon Ehlers an- ensure that manufacturers will continue to President of the Michigan Manufacturing small manufacturers who are unlikely to be nounced today they have introduced legis- have access to the critical support MEP pro- Technology Center, Michigan’s MEP affil- able to afford increased contributions during lation to help Michigan businesses contin- vides. Of the seven million jobs lost in the iate center. “By reducing the match re- an economic downturn. This significantly ue to participate in the Manufacturing Ex- recession thus far, over two million have been quirement for MEP funding, the federal gov- jeopardizes the ability of MEP centers to tension Partnership from the manufacturing sector. MEP has a ernment can keep its match federal funds and risks the loss of MEP Program (MEP). proven record of creating jobs, and preserving valuable support services in these areas, potentially causing The MEP requires and strengthening MEP should be a top pri- flowing to states in even greater economic hardship in hard hit matching invest- ority as Congress continues its effort to re- fiscal distress, where manufacturing states. ments from the state vive the economy. I am very grateful to my the need is likely to Peters and Ehlers’ bill would reduce the and businesses, but friend Congressman Ehlers for partnering be greatest.” participant match from 66 percent to 50 per- as a long and deep with me in introducing this bipartisan leg- Currently the costs cent, and give the Secretary of Commerce the recession continues islation.” of the MEP’s serv- authority to reduce the match further if cir- to take its toll, states ices are shared be- cumstances necessitate such action. An ad- “MEP has helped hundreds of Michigan like Michigan and tween the federal justment to the federal cost share in the MEP small businesses cut costs and remain glob- small manufacturers government, state will greatly alleviate the burden on state ally competitive over the past two decades, are finding it hard government and in- budgets and small manufacturers, preserve and in today’s economy, manufacturers to meet their cost dustry, with the fed- MEP’s ability to provide critical services to need this type of support more than ever,” share requirements. eral government small manufacturers, and create much need- said Congressman Ehlers. “This bill will help Peters and Ehlers’ contributing one- ed manufacturing jobs. ensure the participation of manufacturers who legislation (H.R.4393) authorizes a reduction third and states and industry contributing the The Manufacturing Extension Partnership need to improve processes, reduce waste, and of the state and industry match required for remaining two-thirds. In other words, every is a national program that delivers critical train workers to use new equipment. Help- states and manufacturers to ensure they federal dollar contributed to the MEP is services to small and midsized manufactur- ing our manufacturers to be successful is will not lose access to the critical support matched 2-to-1 by state governments and in- ers, providing access to public and private re- among the most important things we can do MEP provides. Forty other Members from dustry. sources that enhance growth, improve pro- to help turn Michigan’s economy around.” both parties have already cosponsored Peters However, the economic recession has ductivity, and expand capacity. The program and Ehlers’ legislation. “MMTC is pleased and grateful that Con- strained many state budgets, and at least 23 is available in all 50 states, and was credit- “The recession is threatening to strip gressmen Peters and Ehlers so clearly un- state MEP centers reported a decrease or ed with creating or retaining 57,000 manu- Michigan manufacturers of MEP support at derstand the threat to our smaller manufac- elimination of state MEP funding in 2009. facturing jobs in 2007 and increasing or re- the very time they need it the most,” said turers posed by the fiscal problems of many If a state decreases or eliminates funding for taining $10.5 billion in sales for participants. Reforms put MI in the Running Ways to Keep Your Brain Fit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 and try to speed up activities to meet chal- For ‘Race to the Top’ lenges you set... putting away groceries or Plan to position state for $400 million in rious.com. Watch game shows... and par- folding laundry, for instance. You can pur- ticipate. Programs like Wheel of Fortune chase access to "Premium Crosswords," education dollars heads to Governor and The Price is Right can not only enter- which allows you to time yourself, collab- tain, but also exercise your brain as well. orate with other players in real time and have access to exclusive puzzles (free Article continued from Page 1 The plan now heads to the Governor for CHANGE IT UP toNew York Times subscribers). her signature in order for Michigan to If you're right-handed, try doing things Michigan schools." meet the Jan. 19, 2010, deadline to submit left-handed, and vice versa. For example, LOG ON The "Race to the Top" program makes its "Race to the Top" application to the make phone calls using your less domi- There are also software products and com- $4.35 billion in federal education funding U.S. Department of Education. nant hand. Break up your usual routine -- puter games that may improve attention, available to states that have raised student "Times are tough right now, especially for instance, changing the order of your information processing and memory, with performance and show a commitment to for our schools, and this plan will help se- morning activities or figuring out as many evidence suggesting that they are quite making continued improvements by estab- cure Michigan's spot in the 'Race to the different driving routes to work as you useful. In the Advanced Cognitive Train- lishing innovative reforms. Michigan Top' competition for these vital education can. ing for Independent and Vital Elderly stands to receive up dollars," said State Representative Tim (ACTIVE) trial, healthy adults 65 and to $400 million in Melton (D-Pontiac), Chair of the House PLAN ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES over received 10 sessions of memory federal funds if the Education Committee. "This is not just Listen to music -- especially classical mu- training, reasoning training or speed of state's federal ap- about the money. This is about 20 years of sic. The so-called "Mozart Effect" en- processing training. The sessions not only plication is ap- reforms needed to get our schools back on hances learning. In one small study, col- improved their mental skills in the area in proved. Reforms track. I commend my colleagues on both lege students showed improvements in which they were trained, the improve- passed today in- sides of the aisle for setting aside our dif- spatial-temporal intelligence (the ability to ments lasted for at least five years. clude: ferences and passing these long-overdue mentally manipulate objects in three-di- • Adopting tough school reforms." mensional space) after listening to about Dr. Green recommends that you choose a new standards that 10 minutes of a Mozart sonata. You can al- game that increases the level of difficulty prepare students to so engage your brain by visiting museums as your skills improve, much as a personal succeed in college and looking at different kinds of art. At- trainer does with athletic training. yoto and the workplace; Have a story idea? tend speeches and lectures on topics of in- University. • Building data terest -- or on subjects you know nothing systems that meas- Call 248-758-1411 whatsoever about. USE IT OR LOSE IT ure student growth and success; The bottom line is that there are many BEAT THE CLOCK strategies that you can undertake to keep • Recruiting, developing, rewarding and or email Not your biological clock -- an actual your brain active and enhance cognitive retaining effective teachers and adminis- clock. Dr. Green recommends timed activ- fitness. The key is to stay stimulated: Use trators; and ities, which force you to pay attention, it or lose it. Read more about Dr. Green's • turning around the state's lowest-achiev- [email protected] work quickly and flexibly, and look at in- brain fitness tips on her blog,www.preven- ing schools. formation in different ways. Time yourself tion.com/staysharp.

APOSITIVENEWSSOURCEWITHALOCALFLAVOR Page 12 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Voices in the Community Tiger Woods: Another Sad Story of Denial These kinds of stories are difficult to write a white guy golfing in vaudevillian black face. course…same dance, different partners. the act with the March in Washington in Au - because so-called blacks are generally so His father, for all the sentimentality that his Do you see the pattern? Obama throws his gust of 1963. I emphasize “in” instead of “on” brainwashed regarding success and money vs. relationship with Tiger, grooming him to be long time pastor under the bus to win the af - because the original march had far more rad - integrity and self realization that anything I the ultimate golfer since the boy could hold fection of white voters and make them more ical speeches by the likes of the then more write above “he’s a success because he made a club and walk on two feet, could muster sad - comfortable about the historical truths that courageous John Lewis and others planned. big money” goes over our heads. So-called ly didn’t spend much time teaching Tiger Reverend Wright did speak. The marchers were going to lay in on the steps whites generally don’t about his culture, or to be a man. So what we O.J. Simpson threw black folk under the bus of the Capital and use more radical forms of see how someone like have is not Reverend Woods, or Imam decades before his outright murder of his white non-violent protests and were prepared to stay Tiger who “had it all”- Woods, Bishop Woods or Maharishi Woods, wife and Ron Goldman, and then became the until something substantial was done. riches, a white woman, but simply Golfer Woods, inundated with hu - poster boy for black retribution regarding cen - Kennedy called King, A. Phillip Randolph and white approval and a me - man foible, fault and the frivolity and fool - turies of injustice in America’s courts. O.J. did - others in for a “coffee” and urged them to do dia created image of ishness of youth. Made up of the lethal mix - n’t care one bit about the historical nature of the march his way or there would be no way. “wholesomeness” could ture of fame and huge fortune too soon and his case with black folks. He just wanted to Tiger Woods is nothing more than anoth - be so stupid. But the youth, it was inevitable that Tiger would end get away with murder, which he did for a time er confused black man who was lifted by his question looms; did he up much lower on the feline food chain than and never used the opportunity to even speak gifts, sure enough, but by a white run media actually have white ap - his nickname. about that kind of legal significance. Rodney blitz. Even when he was insulted by Kelly Quincy proval in the first place? Let’s face it and here’s where I have to be King, though brutally beaten by white cops Tilghman, the Golf Channel’s main play-by- Stewart III Another question looms frank and brutally honest; when the white-run in Los Angeles, completely symbolic of how play anchor commented nonchalantly to co- in the so-called black media elevates you as a so-called black per - black men have been treated by police nation- anchor Nick Faldo when discussing Tiger community; how do we react to Tiger Woods son specifically and anybody in general, wide for two centuries day in and day out, Woods’ dominance on the Professional Golf now? Do we support him in his errors like we they can take you down in one felled swoop, could muster no more than a lame, weak, “Can Tour that his competitors should “lynch did O.J. Simpson? Or do we ignore him and faster than the speed of light. My question be - we all just get along?” It’s because Rodney Tiger Woods in a back alley.” Tilghman his antics and hope that it will die down and comes, now that Tiger has been deflated from King was an unconscious dope fiend and stated on live television that today’s young it won’t be an embarrassment to us after a the high-soaring hot air balloon ride above the crook who was lumpen at best, so it should players should “lynch Tiger Woods” he said while? I’ll take on the responsibility of giv - earth that caused him to be so stupid and clue - come as no surprise that he didn’t use the op - nothing. He was told by another golfer at his ing an analysis of the situation by putting it less culturally speaking, where are the “Ca - portunity to make a principled statement on first Masters that they didn’t have “greens and in historical perspective and hope that some - paclasians” to have his back? Where is the bloodlust by police on our people and the cor - chicken wings” for him there. He said noth - how, someone will get it and not be in either mythical race he created to assuage his self rectness of black outrage. That could have led ing. camp. hate now? Perhaps they could speak out on to some significant dialogue all over the world, It appears that so-called black folk con - Tiger Woods burst on to the golf scene ini - his behalf and say that monogamy is really not but he dropped the ball. No integrity again. tinually pick the wrong people to support. Nei - tially regarded by all as a young black phe - part of their cultural norms and mores. Per - When factions of the white public called for ther Kwame Kilpatrick nor Marion Barry de - nom standing on the shoulders of the likes of haps they can explain that even if the whole the death of Obama in open meetings just be - served our support. We had an insurrection Lee Elders and other black golfers before him. world turns their backs on him, that THEY (the cause he was a candidate for the president, no - based on Rodney King but destroyed much We saw him as an extension of other blacks’ Capaclasians) will welcome him with open body, including the now completely lame Con - of our own neighborhoods and though outrage efforts as Arthur Ashe or Althea Gibson did arms, forgiveness and he can play in their tour - gressional Black Caucus, or anybody else in understandable, should have had a real goal to tennis culminating in the Williams sisters. naments should the PGA turn their backs on the so-called black community said a mum - that was succinct with our historical struggle It didn’t take long for Tiger Woods to throw him. No such luck. I must also stick my neck bling word about that kind of open, unbridled in mind and not Rodney King who could have blacks under the bus when in 1997 he told out and say, and here’s where I’ll really get hatred. When boot-licking Dr. Henry Louis given less than a damn about nothing more Oprah Winfrey that he was not black but a the criticism for this article; had all the Gates was openly mistreated by police and than his own struggle to get high or steal. And “Capaclasian.” Many blacks were outraged women Tiger been with were black, would Obama gave a very polite, cursory statement now Tiger Woods…I say let the Capaclasians by this declaration of nullification of his ob - there be this much hoopla? It’s tough enough about police brutality when questioned about resurrect him and let us begin to back up those vious New African heritage. Perhaps, this that he had one…but perhaps fourteen white the incident in a press conference, once the proven soldiers both locally that we know and eased the tension in the general white golf women? Not too long ago, pugilist Jack white community showed outrage that he national and internationally that have the community that even within the threat he Johnson had to avoid lynch mob after lynch would even have an opinion as a black man, courage to fight for us and with us. posed to white golf superiority, he detested his mob after fights because he beat up a white he had to be the shrinking violet and nearly Tiger Woods has a great golf swing, a prodi - culture and abased himself into a racial no- man in the ring in front of white folk and then recant the whole thing, opting for the solution gious drive, great putting and an entire cul - man’s land. walked off with a white woman too. The ves - of none other than the ultimate cure-all for ture he on the one hand created and on the oth - Woods became an ambiguous figure who tiges of that old feeling didn’t just go poof into colonialism…beer. er dismissed. And on the seventh day, he rest - looked the part but could as well have been America’s racial trash bin. Boxing ring…golf Even John Kennedy and Dr. King got into ed. Amen.

Kenneth R. Burch, Sr. P.C. Attorney At Law

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A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 14 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Family Matters Finding and Keeping A Life Partner WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP *Golden Rules for FindingYour Life Partner* son is not someone whose top priority is African proverb states, "Before you get STRONG ARE: By: Dov Heller, M.A. character refinement. married, keep both eyes open, and after 1. TRUST There are essentially two types of peo - you marry, close one eye". Before you 2. COMMUNICATION “For those marriages that have ple in the world: get involved and make a commitment to 3. INTIMACY weathered the test of time, you already (1) People who are dedicated to per - someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, 4. A SENSE OF HUMOR know what this is about, for those of sonal growth and immaturity, ignorance, pressure from 5. SHARING TASKS you that have not, let this be a guide (2) People who are dedicated to seek - others or a low self-esteem make you 6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT for you, if you decide to go down that ing comfort. blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes BUSINESS OR CHILDREN road.” Someone whose goal in life is to be open, and don't fool yourself that you 7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meals, shared When it comes to making the decision comfortable will put personal comfort can change someone or that what you activity, hugs, calls, touch, notes) about choosing a life partner, no one ahead of doing the right thing. You need see as faults isn’t really that important. 8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a di - to know that before walking down the Do you bring out the best in each INTERESTS 9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO vorce rate of close to 50%, it appears aisle. other? Do you compliment and compro - GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE that many are making serious mistakes in QUESTION 4: mise with each other, or do you com - 10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF their approach to finding Mr. /Miss. How does he/she treat other people? pete, compare and control? What do you BELONGING AND ASSURANCE OF Right! If you ask most couples who are The one most important thing that makes bring to the relationship? Do you bring COMMITMENT engaged why they're getting married, any relationship work is the ability to past relationships, past hurt, past mis - they'll say: "We're in love". I believe this give. By giving, we mean the ability to trust, past pain? You can't take someone is the 1 mistake people make when they give another person pleasure. to the altar to alter them. You can't make If these qualities are missing, the rela - date. Choosing a life partner should Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giv - someone love you or make someone stay. tionship will erode as resentment, with - never be based on love. Though this may ing pleasure to others or are they If you develop self-esteem, spiritual dis - drawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and sound "not politically correct", there's a wrapped up in themselves and self-ab - cernment, and "a life", you won't find pain replace it. profound truth here. Love is not the ba - sorbed? To measure this, think about the yourself making someone else responsi - Happiness Keeps You Sweet, sis for getting married. Rather, love is the following: How do they treat people ble for your happiness or responsible for Trials Keep You Strong, result of a good marriage. When the whom they do not have to be nice to, your pain. Seeking status, sex, and secu - Sorrows Keep You Human, other ingredients are right, then the love such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, rity are the wrong reasons to be in a re - Failures Keep You Humble, will come. etc. How do they treat their parents and lationship. Success Keeps You Glowing Let me say it again: "You can't build a siblings? Do they have gratitude and ap - lifetime relationship on love alone". You preciation? If they don't have gratitude need a lot more!!! Here are five ques - for the people who have given them tions you must ask yourself if you're se - everything; can you do nearly as much Fact Sheet: Racial & Ethnic rious about finding and keeping a life for them? You can be sure that someone partner. who treats others poorly will eventually QUESTION 1: treat you poorly as well. Health Disparities Do we share a common life purpose? QUESTION 5: By Sonia Sekhar • People of color represent one-third of the U.S. Why is this so important? Let me put it Is there anything I'm hoping to change Racial and ethnic minorities living in the population, but make up over 50 percent of the this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 about this person after we're married? United States are particularly vulnerable in a uninsured. years, that's a long time to live with Too many people make the mistake of health care system that has left over 46 million • African Americans and Latinos have been someone. What do you plan to do with marrying someone with the intention of of its residents uninsured. The most recent cen - affected by the decrease in employer-sponsored each other all that time? Travel, eat and trying to "improve" them after they're sus data shows that the uninsurance rates of insurance over the past eight years to a greater jog together? You need to share some - married. As a colleague of mine puts it: African Americans, Asians, and Latinos all ex - extent than whites and were less likely to have thing deeper and more meaningful. You "You can probably expect someone to ceed the national average of 15.4 percent— it to begin with. need a Common life purpose. Two things change after marriage for the worse" If with Latinos having an uninsurance rate of near - • Nearly 6 in 10 of the 74 million nonelderly can happen in a marriage: you cannot fully accept this person the ly 31 percent. individuals with an individual income below (1) You can grow together, or (2) You way they are now, then you are not ready There is a robust body of research showing that $17,000 or a family income below $33,100 are can grow apart. 50% of the people out to marry them. racial and ethnic minorities also have difficul - people of color, and 24.9 million are uninsured. there are growing apart. To make a mar - In conclusion, dating doesn't have to ties accessing certain kinds of health care, ex - Quality of care riage work, you need to know what you be difficult and treacherous. The key is to perience a lower quality of care, and exhibit • People of color who have comparable want out of life! Bottom line; marry try leading a little more with your head worse health outcomes. Pending health reform health insurance, income, and diagnoses to someone who wants the same thing. and less with your heart. It pays to be as proposals take steps to address some of these whites, with conditions such as heart disease, QUESTION 2: objective as possible when you are dat - issues, which are of growing importance as cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, often receive Do I feel safe expressing my feelings ing; to be sure to ask questions that will racial and ethnic minorities are projected to com - fewer diagnostic tests and less sophisticated and thoughts with this person? This help you get to the key issues. Falling in prise over half of the population by 2042. A re - treatments. question goes to the core of the quality of love is a great feeling, but when you port released today by the Center for Ameri - • Research confirms that health care providers’ your relationship. Feeling safe means wake up with a ring on your finger, you can Progress shows how health care reform leg - diagnostic and treatment decisions, as well as you can communicate openly with this don't want to find yourself in trouble be - islation can do more to bridge this gap. their feelings about patients, are influenced by person. The basis of having good com - cause you didn't do your homework. Health care disparities in today’s system include: patients’ race or ethnicity. munication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't Another perspective. ... *There are Access to medical services • Approximately 66 million patient-provider get "punished" or hurt for expressing my some people in your life that need to be • Half of Latinos and more than a quarter of encounters occur across language barriers honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague loved from a distance.... It's amazing African Americans do not have a regular doc - each year. Without guaranteed interpreter of mine defines an abusive person as what you can accomplish when you let tor, compared with only one-fifth of white services, these patients have a more difficult someone with whom you feel afraid to go of or at least minimize your time with Americans. time obtaining medical services, receive low - express your thoughts and feelings. Be draining, negative, incompatible, not-go - • African-American heart patients are less like - er-quality health care, and have a greater honest with yourself on this one. Make ing anywhere relationships. Observe the ly than white patients to receive diagnostic tests, chance of experiencing negative health out - sure you feel emotionally safe with the relationships around you. coronary artery-opening procedures, and blood- comes. person you plan to marry. Pay attention... . Which ones lift and clot dissolving drugs, even when they have sim - • The age-adjusted cancer death rate is 25 per - QUESTION 3: which ones lean? Which ones encourage ilar incomes, insurance, and other characteristics. cent higher among blacks than whites. Blacks Is he/she a mensch? A mensch is and which ones discourage? Which ones • Communities of color are less likely to have do not receive the same combinations of sur - someone who is a refined and sensitive are on a path of growth uphill and which regular sources of care, and their overall gical and chemotherapy treatments as whites person. How can you test? Here are some ones are going downhill? When you health care utilization rates are far lower than with similar types of cancer and are less like - suggestions: Do they work on personal leave certain people do you feel better or the white community’s. ly to have access to clinical trials. growth on a regular basis? Are they seri - feel worse? Which ones always have • Community Health Centers that tend to serve How heath reform can help reduce health care ous about improving themselves? A drama or don't really understand, know, patients of color face labor shortages, and pa - disparities teacher of mine defines a good person as or appreciate you? The more you seek tients at these clinics often have difficulty get - • The pending reform bills expand the Med - "someone who is always striving to be quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, ting referrals to obtain services outside these icaid program, provide financial help for the pur - good and do the right thing". So ask love and truth around you...the easier it clinics, including specialty care, diagnostic test - chase of private coverage, and create health in - about your Significant Other... What do will become for you to decide who gets ing, and mental health and substance abuse treat - surance exchanges for individuals who would they do with their time? Is this person to sit in the front row and who should be ment. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 materialistic? Usually a materialistic per - moved to the balcony of your life. An Health insurance coverage A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 The Pontiac News Page 15 Community Calendar Fact Sheet: Racial/Ethnic Health Issues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 December 2009 & January 2010 Events ices is required to develop a demonstration pro - gram to promote access for Medicare benefi - at The Palace of Auburn Hills otherwise remain uninsured. ciaries with limited English proficiency by pro - • The House and Senate legislations include viding reimbursement for culturally and lin - • December 23 – Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors provisions that promote training a diverse guistically appropriate services. workforce and provide cultural and linguistic • Both the House and Senate legislations call • December 27 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. competence training for health care profes - for greater data reporting and collection in an • December 29 – Pistons vs. New York Knicks sionals. The bills also provide incentives for effort to better evaluate programs and devel - providers to practice in health care workforce op targeted strategies for addressing racial and • December 31 – Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls shortage areas where many minorities live. ethnic health care disparities. • The House and Senate bills support pro - • Pending reform legislation contains provi - grams for home visits to at-risk families with sions that attempt to realign payment incen - The Detroit Pistons and popular local clothier Made In Detroit are young children, based on the Nurse-Family tives so that they are tied closely to outcomes teaming up for a special Pistons “Made In Detroit” ticket/t-shirt deal Partnership program. This program has been rather than the quantity of services rendered. shown to produce health and social benefits for Shifting to a quality-based payment system will sure to be a hot holiday gift idea for every Pistons fan on your list. parents and children. help improve the care that people of color ex - The Pistons “Made In Detroit” package includes two t-shirts and two • The House bill would reduce health care dis - perience. This material [article] was pub - parities through the provision of language serv - lished by the Center for American Progress" 200-level tickets for just $29 for the following Saturday night Pistons ices. The secretary of health and human serv - (online) games at The Palace:

• January 9, 2010 vs. Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. DSM • January 16, 2010 vs. New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. Destiny Center for Biblical Studies • January 23, 2010 vs. Portland Trailblazers at 7:30 p.m. • February 6, 2010 vs. New Jersey Nets at 7:30 p.m. New Classes Start: Monday January 4, 2010 4:30 - 6:00 PM Other January Dates at the Palac e: Dr. Yvonne Matlock, Director of Studies • January 2, 2010 – Harlem Globetrotters “2010 World Tour” • January 15: Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Hornets Low Cost: $130 per term Accreditation: Accrediting Commission International • January 22: Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers Licensed by: State of Michigan • January 27: Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies CALVARY MISSIONARY CHURCH • January 29: Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat • January 30: Professional MMA Cage Fight War 1361 Giddings Road • January 31: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic Pontiac, MI 48340 248-373-0311 The Advertisement Information Please complete information below if you want to Pontiac News place an ad in The Pontiac News.

Subscription Order Form Name of Business______Yes, I would like to receive The Pontiac News at my ( ) Business or ( ) Home ( ) Church Business Address ______Cost of subscription is $15 annually or .50 per issue Name and Title of Authorized Person ______Company______Telephone # ______Name______Fax______Address______Email ______City/State/Zip______Website Address ______Telephone #______Fax # ______Ads should be submitted in a Word, jpg, pdf, or tiff and payment must ac - company ad. Deadline for submission of ad copy is 2 weeks prior to pub - Email Address______lication date (See Media Kit for ad size, cost, publication dates and related information). Website Address______Mail completed Subscription or Ad Form to: The Pontiac News - P.O. Box 431412 - Suite 1, Pontiac, Michigan 48343. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CONTRIBUTING WRITER, OR DISTRIBUTOR OF TPN PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY! Email [email protected] Phone - 248-758-1411 - www.thepontiacnews.com A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 16 The Pontiac News December 23, 2009 – January 5, 2010 Holiday Extravaganza Helps Promote Partnerships Auburn Hills, MI December 21, 2009

’Tis the season for collaboration this year as the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Wa - terford and White Lake joined together once again to host the 2009 Holiday Extravaganza festivities presented by Genisys Credit Union and Michigan Works in downtown Pontiac. Preparations for the event started in Febru - ary when volunteers from each community be - gan working hard as part of the Holiday Ex - travaganza Host Committee to make the mag - ic happen. “We have a wonderful group of people who see the value of pooling our resources and work - ing together as a team to create a positive im - pact in the lives of young people,” said Linda Zabik, Holiday Extravaganza Corporate Or - ganizer & Genisys Credit Union Assistant Manager of Public Relations. It was through these efforts that the “Rockin’ Around the Holidays” Gala Benefit was held on November 19, 2009 at Goldner Walsh in Pontiac. Thanks to the partnership between Buf - falo Wild Wings, Goldner Walsh and the Hol - iday Extravaganza Host Committee, all proceeds PHOTO: WILLIAM P. DWYER went directly to bringing professional floats, bal - Holiday Extravaganza promotes Partnerships loons and costume characters to the parade. During November, 1,400 students from New to the festivities on December 5, 2009 try form to the stage or any hot chocolate stand Street Oakland County, The Oakland Press, schools in these four communities wrote about were The Gallery of Ice and a Petting Farm. Sev - prior to the start of the parade. It was just an - OLHSA, POH Regional Medical Center, and their favorite holiday memory for a chance to en different ice sculptures with logos from lo - other way to add holiday spirit to the day’s ac - Radio Disney AM 910; the Prime Sponsors: win an AM 910 Radio Disney Rockin’ Recess cal businesses were on display as two sculptors tivities. AAA of Michigan, Baker College, Blitz Mar - powered by Bank of America for their school. from Michigan Ice Carvers created a reindeer The Holiday Parade started at 11:00 a.m. and keting, Carrier & Gable, Doctors Hospital of The school with the highest percentage of par - and glowing candle for the crowd thanks to the ran from Huron (M-59) east from State Street Michigan, First Student, Goldner Walsh Gar - ticipation was Walt Whitman Elementary in sponsorship of Carrier & Gable. The Petting to Saginaw to the Phoenix Plaza. This was the den & Home, Gordon Food Service, Hutten - Pontiac with 89%, which had their Rockin’ Re - Farm from Waterford Parks & Recreation’s largest parade yet with 100 entries, nearly 150 locher Insurance Group, Jim & Greg Cun - cess on December 3, 2009. Reniah Munson Hess-Hathaway Park was a huge hit this year costume characters and around 300 volunteers ningham, Oakland University, STI, and St. from WHRC Elementary was the overall essay as well. Children were able to pet and take pic - working to make this event a success. The Pa - Joseph Mercy Oakland; and the Supporting winner and received the honor of being the pa - tures with many different farm animals. rade Company, who is responsible for Ameri - Sponsors: CBS Outdoor, Comcast, Media rade’s Grand Marshal. The Children’s WinterArt Center was host - ca’s Thanksgiving Parade, brought five pro - Network of Waterford, Oddzin Ends, The The holiday weekend started with a Tree ed in a new location this year at 14 West Huron fessional floats, five large balloons and 50 cos - Palace of Auburn Hills, PlayAllBasketball, Lighting Ceremony on December 4, 2009 at the Street thanks to Jim and Greg Cunningham. tumes from Detroit to Pontiac with the help of Sam’s Club, Tim Hortons and Wireless Giant. corner of Saginaw and Huron followed by Com - Kids were able to make crafts, have their face Lee Industrial Contracting of Pontiac who han - “This is a wonderful event that touches the munity Caroling at the First Presbyterian painted by Oddzin Ends, take part in games from dled the transportation. lives of so many people in our area,” said Di - Church. OLHSA and POH Regional Medical the Palace ofAuburn Hills’ “Palace Patrol” and Genisys Credit Union and Michigan Works anneAddington, Genisys President/CEO. “It’s Center sponsored the community gathering snack on yummy holiday treats before the pa - are pleased to be the presenting sponsors and a great opportunity for communities, individ - while Sam’s Club showed their support by pro - rade. Little princesses were also able to get their would like to thank everyone who has helped uals and businesses to come together and give viding cookies to the over 500 guests in atten - hair done and receive a sparkling tiara from one make this year’s Holiday Extravaganza possi - back during the holiday season.” dance. Great Lakes Academy’s Step Team per - of Tea Party Castle’s singing princesses. ble.A special thanks to the Corporate Sponsors: Join us next year for another fun-filled hol - formed along with student choirs from OLH - A “Cool Cash” Drawing, sponsored by AXIS Creative, Bank of America, Buffalo Wild iday season. Check out the Holiday Extrava - SA’s Head Start, Owen Elementary, Pontiac AAA of Michigan, was also new to the event Wings, The EGT Group, Inc., Downtown ganza Web site at www.holidayextravaganza.org High School, Rogers Elementary and Walt Whit - this year and included ten different prizes for Pontiac DDA, Health Plus, The Historic Eagle or become a Facebook friend at www.face - man Elementary. the community to win by dropping off their en - Theater, Lee Industrial Contracting, Main book.com.

– Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year – A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR