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Pa. transplants whoop Joe Montana recalls Notre Locals help it up for their team Dame days salute Detroit LOCAL NEWS-PAGE 3 SPORTS- SECTION B COMMUNITY LIFE-SECTION C E-mail us your Super Bowl XL party photos. Please send jpegs to [email protected].
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Seahawks best Steelers in shop's Cookie Bowl
BY DARRELL CLEM don't spur any unrest," Pfannes STAFF WRITER said. Then, Pfannes, of all people, Long before today's Super Bowl issued a statement that had the XL kickoff in Detroit, the Seattle potential to create trouble. "Go Seahawks had taken a decisive Pittsburgh," he said. lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tb be fair to Denning, she was ' The credit - or blame - goes to selling the cookies of both teams ; Mary Denning's Cake Shoppe in at $1.50 each. She also tried to Westland. distance herself from the rivalry Amid the Super Bowl hoopla, by saying, "I'm not much of a the cake shop started selling but football fan." ^ ter cookies, decorated with the Pfannes admitted being sur- 0 logos and colors of the Seahawks prised that working-class and Steelers. Westland would side with trendy "We're keeping track to see Seattle over blue-collar \ which cookie sells the most," Pittsburgh. Denning said. "If you'd have asked me, I The score as of Friday after would have said that Westland noon: Seattle, 30, Pittsburgh, 15. would go for Pittsburgh," he said. There wasn't enough sugar in "Pittsburgh is an all-American the cake shop to cover up the sour town in a region that I think we competition between true fans of identify with. It's similar to us." Seattle and Pittsburgh. Still, It was unclear whether TOM HAWLEYI STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Police Chief Daniel Pfannes said Pittsburgh would mount a come Warming up with the Chicken Dance, Madison fifth-graders Steven Storni (left) and Henry Pavlich dance with Roary, the Detroit Lions mascot as part of the it didn't appear that Denning, a back with Saturday's cookie sales. Friday at Canton's Super Bowl. Garden City resident, had incited But anyone hoping to change the any riots. course of Super Bowl history by "Up until this point, we buying up cookies today - game thought we had things under day - is out of luck. control. We're just hoping that The cake shop is closed. the activities at the cake shop [email protected] I (734) 953-2110
BY SUE MASON "I woke up excited," said Keonte. "I've at Madison Elementary to one with It's not a scientific STAFF WRITER been bowling before and I do pretty good, youngsters from the Detroit Public 1 process, but Mary but I've never been bowling like this." Schools. Denning of Mary Keonte Mitchell woke up Friday morn Further down the lanes at Super Bowl "I was ecstatic, he was ecstatic," said Denning's Cake ing and was excited. After a roller coaster lanes in Canton, Kameron Caldwell was Andrea of the opportunity to bowl with , Shoppe in week, his fifth-grade class was going taking aim on the pins. A quick approach the likes of Elliss, T.J. Duckett of the Westland has been bowling. and release and his ball was Atlanta Falcons and Tyrone Wheatley of keeping track of Not just any kind of bowl hurtling down the lane on its the Oakland Raiders. how many of her; ing, but bowling with the way to a strike, his first of the "This is about what we do in the NFL," Seattle. Seahawks likes of Denver Broncos day. said Elliss. "This is about giving back to and Pittsburgh defensive tackle Luther "Kameron loves to bowl," the kids, encouraging them to keep Steelers cookies EllissandNFLHallof said his mother Andrea. "He focused and stay in school so they can be have been sold. If Famer Jim Taylor of the bowls every week on a league able to do what we do someday." sales are any ^ v very first Super Bowl cham at Wayne Bowl." "I've been doing this ever since I retired indication, the Steelers may need pion Green Bay Packers. 5,2806 It was Andrea's friend, a 40 years ago," added Taylor. "It's really a Eight days after finding member of the Super Bowl delight, it's a pleasure to be a part of this." some of her out his fifth-grade class would be treated XL Host Committee, who arranged for In addition to the NFL members, there cookies to cheer to an NFL experience, he was more than the NFL Experience that went from up. ready for it to happen. being for Kameron and his 30 classmates PLEASE SEE SUPER, A6 TOM HAWLEY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER surplus in tough times Benefit honors late Suess BY DARRELL CLEM is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. and BY DARRELL CLEM ing expenses. The latest $2.3 mil reduce costs by not filling vacant STAFF WRITER from 3-^.p.m. on Sunday^,|eJ|. lj$g STAFF WRITER lion surplus of June 30,2005, com personnel positions, monitoring Garden"City Hospital sportsfehi pared to $1.3 million in 2004 and some costs and delaying other In honor of a cancer-stricken, 29- tion center, 35550 Central City Pa^Kw% Despite tough economic times $397,403 in 2003. costs," Plante Moran auditor year-old Westland man, local women west of Wayne Road. and rising costs for everything from The city brought in more rev Michael Swartz said in a report. involved in a health-and-wellness com All proceeds will go to the Rosemary gasoline to employee health care, enues from taxes related to garbage "The effort will need to continue pany have planned a fund-raiser. Hockney Memorial Foundation, which Westland's city budget continues to disposal and the police and fire for the foreseeable future." Duane Suess, reeling from head and helps families dealing with cancer. improve. retirement fund. Cicirelli's adminis Cicirelli agreed that rising costs neck cancer, died Saturday at the "The proceeds will be in honor of the A new audit by an outside firm, tration also saved money by hold and uncertainty about state rev Karmanos Cancer Institute where he Suess family, but will be directed to the- Plante Moran, showed that the ing off on filling some job vacan enue will continue to pose potential was in hospice. A married father of two, Rosemary Hockney Memorial city's $55-million general fund had cies, such as that of economic problems. Suess' story has been detailed in earlier Foundation, which has helped the Suess a $2.3 million surplus - a one-year development director. "I don't see things getting much stories in the Observer. family," Sparks said. increase of nearly $1 million. Moreover, the city planned ahead better in the near future," she said, Suess' condition had deteriorated Organizers have sold 16 of the 32 "We feel great about that," Mayor for rising gasoline costs, reduced its "so we need to continue to be cau recently, and he and his family will be appointments available for the event. To Sandra Cicirelli said, after an audit phone-service expenses and pooled tious." honored with a fund-raiser organized sign up or for more information, call session Monday with Plante Moran with other communities on certain Brian Camiller, a certified public by Arbonne International area manager Sparks at (734) 560-4786 or Salter al : and the Westland City Council. purchases, Cicirelli said. accountant for Plante Moran, Wendi Sparks and district manager (734)891-0219. "We've worked hard to get the fund Plante Moran applauded such praised the city for boosting its Kelly Salter. Companies who want to donate or balance to where it is." efforts but warned that officials general fund surplus by nearly $2 For $50, the fund-raiser will include a provide services for the fund-raiser also The budget has remarkably should remain guarded, manicure, a facial, a massage and a may call. endured state revenue cuts and ris "The city has worked hard to PLEASE SEE AUDIT, A4 make-over by professionals. The event [email protected] | (734) 953-2110
) The Observer & Eccentric INDEX Coming Thursday For Home Newspapers Sam's 'Sandwiches APARTMENTS E7 • Homemade Soups AUTOMOTIVE F3 in Filter Delivery call: • Breakfast Served Alt Day (866) 887-2737 Volume 41 1 Daily Homemade Specials CLASSIFIED INDEX D2 Number 73 Coney Island 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT COMMUNITY LIFE CI Jeff Daniels CROSSWORD £6 makes bis HEALTH C6 feelings. 83D1 N. Wayne Road • Westland • 734-522-9963 Joes D2 across from Art Van OBITUARIES C4 known in PERSPECTIVES A7 his new . I I w SERVICE GUIDE D5 play,'Guest SPORTS B1 GANMETT UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! W^. it- ilr it it Artist' j*a i- ...
A2 (w) Observer & Eccentric! Sunday, February 5,2006 LOCAL NEWS www.hometoncnlife.com
AROUND WESTLAND Chili cook-off Italian Grille, 6569 N. Wayne Road. Call the chamber at The Westland Democratic (734) 326-7222. Club will hold a chili cook-off fund-raiser 6-9 p.m. Friday, Room rentals Feb. 10, at the Harris-Kehrer Looking for more office VFW Post 3323 in Westland. space? Planning a party? 'There's a $10 fee to enter the Having a meeting? contest and cooks are asked to Look no further than the bring a crockpot of their chili YWCA of Western Wayne forjudging. There's also a $10 County. If you or someone you charge to taste the chilis and know is looking to start or vote for the best one. Beverages expand a business, the YWCA and dessert are included in the has office space available for charge. rent. There also is room to People who attend are asked have meetings for any organi to please bring a donation of a zation. personal care item for our local The YWCA is available for veterans hospital patients. birthday parties, wedding or Suggested items included baby showers, luncheons, or men's white socks, liquid soap any other celebration. Kitchen (alcohol free), disposable facilities also are available. It razors or toothbrushes and also has accommodations for toothpaste. For more informa dance and aerobics classes. tion, call Nan Melke at (734) Evening and weekend times 674-7327. The hall is at 1055 S. are available. Call the YWCA of Wayne Road, between Cherry Western Wayne County at Hill and Palmer. (313) 561-4110, Ext. 18. The YWCA is at 26279 Michigan TOM HOFFMEYERI STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Advocacy group Ave., Inkster. The Wayne-Westland Wayne Lavelle, formely of Wayne, broadcasts from radio row for KORL AM690 out of Hawaii while covering his 29th Super Bowl. Alliance for the Mentally 111, a Las Vegas Party self-help and advocacy group, St. Bernardine Men's Club is meets at 7 p.m. the first and sponsoring a Pinochle/Euchre third Thursday of the month at Card Party on Fridays, Feb. 17 ii radio host recalls youth in Detroit St. John's Episcopal Church, and 24, at the church, south 555 S. Wayne Road, at Bayview, west corner Ann Arbor Trail Westland. For more informa and Merriman in Westland. BY DAN WEST The 60-year-old Lavelle quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Lavelle had to adjust to a tion, call (734) 362-8825. Participants don't need a STAFF WRITER was born in Highland Park, but Lavelle uses his receded five-hour time change and partner to play. Snacks and soft but later moved to Wayne gray hair for a long braid 40-degree temperature dif Cropping fund-raiser drinks are included in the $5 Sports radio show host where he attended old Wayne down his back. ference, but he said he's A scrapbook fund-raiser, charge. Games start at 7:30 Wayne Lavelle has been a High School for his 10th- "I like the excitement of enjoyed his 10-day stay. He Croppin' for the Edison Eagles, p.m. long way from his home in grade year. Family issues being myself and being able has been staying at a Livonia will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hawaii over the past week, moved Lavelle to relocate to to express my enthusiasm on hotel, located in an area that Saturday, Feb. 11, in the gym Singers needed but covering the Super Bowl California where he complet the radio" Lavelle said. "I get he remembers as a "cow pas nasium of St. Matthew Do you like singing religious gave him a chance to spend ed high school and studied some stuff wrong, but I have ture" when he was a boy. Lutheran School and Church, music, Kirk of Our Savior on time just miles from where he law and television and radio a good partner who laughs it This is the first visit to his 5885 Venoy, Westland. The Cherry Hill west of Wayne grew up. at various colleges. off and helps me out." native area since attending cost is $35 and includes a light Road, Westland, is looking for Known as "Super Bowl His past jobs included He was on Radio Row at the 1982 Super Bowl at the breakfast, lunch, dinner, singers for its adult (ages 13 Wayne," he is set to be at Ford work in law, sales and as a the Renaissance Center last Pontiac Silverdome. snacks and beverages, scrap- and up) traditional choir. All Field for today's NFL title machinist for an airline, but week with other radio per "It was tough for the media booking and stamping vendors, Christian faiths and all voice game between the Pittsburgh he's always been a huge sonalities from across the during the last Super Bowl in raffles and much more. ranges are welcome. Steelers and Seattle sports fan. He moved to country, while his partner Detroit with the winter storm Call Kelly Salter at (734) Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. Seahawks. For Lavelle, it's his Hawaii 20 years ago because was stationed at the KORL's and traffic problems," Lavelle 891-0219 or e-mail kelly@bell- Thursdays. For more informa 29th trip to see the Super it was too cold for him in San home studio. said. "This year it has been creek.org for more information tion, call Tim at (734) 718- Bowl. Francisco. Since 1998, he has Lavelle's lively personality different. It's cold for me, but or to register. 8733 or the church at (734) "I went to the first two co-hosted a morning radio is known among the throng people have warmed up to 728-1088. years in Los Angeles when program on KORL-AM (690 of media in Detroit for the the media here. They are say Charity bowling they were giving tickets AM). Super Bowl. He shakes hands ing 'good morning" to every The Westland Chamber of Car donations away," Lavelle said. "Then "Super Bowl Wayne" is a with just about everyone he one and making everyone feel Commerce will hold 2006 People with a car to donate later, I've gone to the Super hyperactive free spirit who meets and hands out boxes a welcome. Winterfest charity bowling can give it to Veterans Haven. Bowl town without a ticket, brings an energetic, raspy toffee- and chocolate-covered "The world is watching and event 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. The organization is accepting without a place to stay, but I voice to his radio show that macadamia nuts to guests on Detroit is showing how much 25, at Westland Bowl, 5940 N. cars, running or not running, went there to party and airs from 5-6 a.m. to wake up his radio show, which on it wants to be a premier win Wayne Road. Partial proceeds that are given to veterans to somehow ended up with a his Honolulu audience. He Friday included Hall of Fame ter destination." benefit the Joseph F. Benyo provide them with transporta ticket to the game." looks a bit like Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott. [email protected] I (734) 953-2109 Scholarship Fund. tion to work, school of medical Registration is at 12:30 p.m. needs. To date, the agency has with the tournament starting given away more than 250 at 1 p.m. Four-person teams vehicles and three fully fur will bowl, alternating every, nished mobile homes to needy fourth frame. Cost is $120 per veterans. To donate, call team or $30 per person. Price Veterans Haven at (734) 728- includes bowling, two well 0527 or go to drinks and dinner buffet after vetshaveninfo.org on the the tournament at Marvaso's Internet.
CORRECTION School board candidates need to file a nominating petition or pay a $100 fee at their city or township clerk's office, not the Wayne County Clerk's office.
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HOW TO REACH US Susan Rosiek Frank Cibor Executive Editor Retail Sales Manager (734) 953-2100 (734) 953-2177 [email protected] [email protected] Hugh Gallagher Cathy White Managing Editor Retail Advertising Rep. (734) 953-2149 (734) 953-2073 [email protected] [email protected] Sue Mason Community Editor (734) 953-2112 [email protected] Newsroom (734) 953-2104 Fax (734) 591-7279 Sports Nightline (734) 953-2104 Circulation/Customer Service .. .1-866-88-PAPER (866-887-2737) Classified Advertising .1-800-579-SELL (7355) Display Advertising (734) 953-2153 To purchase page and photo reprints go to www.ltometownlife.com/oerepriiiU. For more information contact 1-866-88-PAPER. Circulation Business Hours/Subscription Rates f Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. :•• Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. to noon If you missed a delivery please call by 6 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Carrier Delivery Mail Delivery Sunday/Thursday -•••• Sunday/Thursday One year $59.95 One year (in county) $83.95 6Month ;...$29.95 6 Month $41.95 3Montlf:..; $14.95 3 Month $20.95 For senior citizen rate, One year (out of county) $108.95 pleasecat! 1-866-887-2737 6 Month $54.45 3 Month $27.25 POSTAL PERIODICAL REQUIREMENTS The Westland Observer - Publication NO. USPS 663-530 Published every Thursday and Sunday, Periodical postage is paid at Livonia, Michigan 48150. 36Z51 Schoolcraft Livonia, Ml 48150 QUALITY AUE1ITINQ ^% rjanMPMt SK\ ^I^P^^B^V WOMAN MmuumATioN ••• ^M ^K MAFKEFITJTEBmv' ftttttftfr? , WE •—*« «—!-..,•-*-*. www.hametoivnlife.com Observer S Eccentric | Sunday, February 5,2006 (W) A3 nominated
Six of Westland's most influ may be best known for the and Laurie Schroeder for her ential individuals will have to award-winning Red Wagon commitment to the community wait until Saturday evening to Literacy Project in which vol and her involvement in the find out who will be the 2006 unteers collect and distribute Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Westland ATHENA Award books to youngsters through 3-Day Walk and Relay for Life. winner. out the Norwayne Area during • Marsha Bianconi, the The announcement will be the summer. executive director of the made at the second annual • Ronaele Bowman, the Conference of Western Wayne. Westland ATHENA Award recently retired director of the She was nominated by Chocolate Fantasy Ball, spon Westland Youth Assistance Westland Mayor Sandra sored by the Women of Program. She was nominated Cicirelli who praised her for Westland, State Sen. Laura by Diane Deim who has been a her "ability to transform goals Toy, R-Livonia, and Mayor Youth Assistance volunteer and objectives into workable Sandra Cicirelli. mentor for 11 years who wrote successful programs and serv The ball will be at the New that the program under the ices" while being mindful of Hawthorne Valley Country direction of Bowman "has their effect on women and the Club, 7300 Merriman. gained many skills which can community. PHOTOS BY TOM KAWLEY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Westland, and will feature will be utilized to care for the youth • Diane Browning, assistant Sandy Kopcak has brought a few of her family's Pittsburgh Steelers' memorabilia for today's Super Bowl feature a strolling dinner, live of Westland, the youth of vari librarian at Eastern Michigan game. music, silent auction and lots ous cities - the youth which is University and service unit of chocolate. our future." manager for the Girl Scouts of But the highlight of the • Mary Browe, supervisor of Huron Valley. evening will be the award pres the Wayne-Westland She was nominated by entation which recognizes and Community Schools' Dyer Allison Ashley who wrote that man or woman for their busi Senior Center. She was nomi Browning "trains, supervises, to Steelers' ness excellence, their efforts nated by Gloria Pluta, treasur mentors and coaches student toward improving the quality er of the center's seniors pro assistant librarians." of life in the community and gram. Pluta wrote that Browe Tickets for the Chocolate Pennsylvania transplants whoop it up for their dedication to assisting has incorporated "community Fantasy Ball are $75 per per women in realizing their full service in her personal as well son and include cocktails at 6 leadership potential. as professional life," citing her p.m., followed by a strolling Nominated for the honor work with Wayne Youth dinner at 6:30 p.m., award are: Services and the development presentation 7:30 p.m. and of service programs the have BY SUE MASON B Joan Carr, well-known for dancing to the music of White seniors mentoring students in STAFF WRITER her volunteer work with the Lace. Wayne-Westland Community reading and history. Tickets are available at Mary Sandy Kopcak hadn't heard any horns Schools" Family Resource • Linda DeVore, a dietitian Denning's Cake Shoppe on honking, so she doctored up her handmade Center. She was nominated by and diabetes educator who Wayne Road north of Cowan - "Honk if you're for the Steelers" fan sign. Wendy Lyon, who described works at Henry Ford Dialysis (734) 261-3680 - or through It's just part of the decorations the Carr as "a leader in volun- and Garden City Hospital. She the mayor's office at Westland Westland resident has put up inside and teerism in the community." She was nominated by Mary Dibble City Hall - (734) 467-3200. outside her Westland home since the Steelers earned a spot in today's Super Bowl. She and her family are rooting for them not just because of Jerome Bettis, they're Sandy Kopcak would love to get a photograph of rooting for them because of their roots. Terry Bradshaw holding up a jar of his peanut butter re-election Sandy and her husband Bill grew up in the on his FOX sports show like the two the family has. Trustee Joanne Morgan is member of the board is certi remembered her from his days Pittsburgh area and even though they left Their collection also includes special Iron Rock Beer campaigning to keep her seat fied by the Michigan at Cleveland Elementary their home state almost 40 years ago, cans, an original Terrible Towel and Steelers pins. on the Livonia Public Schools Association of School Boards. School, where Morgan began they're still Steelers fans. Board of Education. Her position is the only four- volunteering when her son "We've always been true to the Steelers," Detroit he roots for Detroit and if it's a After 10 years on the school year term is up for election this entered kindergarten. said Kopcak. "Even when we moved to Pittsburgh game, it's Pittsburgh he pulls for. board, Morgan debated year. That term ends June 30, "Just being in a school build Detroit 26 years ago." "But if it's Detroit and Pittsburgh, I root whether she wished to contin 2006. However, a group ing, you never know who's life That's why their home is decked out in for Detroit because my roots are here," he ue. On Monday, she made it opposed to the district's Legacy you touch," she said. some of the memorabilia that was collected said. official and announced - dur Initiative, a cost- As a school board trustee, during trips back to Pennsylvania to visit Sandy isn't surprised at Detroit embrac ing a regular board meeting - cutting/restructuring plan, is she said, "I do make a differ relatives like the one. who lived on the cam ing her beloved Steelers. There actually are she would indeed run for re planning to initiate a recall ence for children." pus of St. Vincent College where the Steelers a lot of former Pittsburgh residents living in election this May. effort against five other board The filing deadline to vie for held their training camps. the metropolitan area, due in part to Kelsey "This board is one of the members who supported the a school board seat is Feb. 7- "The players would come for Hayes closing its McKeesport finest boards I have ever served plan later this month. "It will be up to the voters in lunch," said son Jason, a plant and transferring the work oil.' she said. "Its one of the Morgan said she received a the community to decide how Bloomfleld resident. "We'd get and a lot of its employee?? to this .(hiest in the history of our dis letter of support from an. 18- this turns out," she said. - to go over there. I can remem area. trict.'' Morgan noted that every year-old Franklin senior who By. Stephanie A. Casola ber shaking hands with Terry And having Jerome Bettis Bradshaw, Franco Harris and grow up here has given Lynn Swan." Detroiters something to brag Only a small portion of the about, she said. collection is out for Super Bowl FESRUASV 5, 2806 "You know they're a Steelers XL. The towels, of course, two fan when you hear Dan empty Terry Bradshaw Peanut Butter jars Marino's name and they say yippee," said marketed by the Terry Bradshaw Peanut Sandy. "He's from Pittsburgh." Butter Co., and two equally empty Iron Marino isn't the only football great to Rock Beer cans emblazoned with images of come out of the Keystone State. Sandy has the Steelers' Hall of Famers and the 1980 yippees for San Francisco's Joe Montana Team of the Decade. who's from New Eagle and New York Jets The towels and peanut butter were pur quarterback Joe Namath who's from Beaver chased by Bill's late mother Angeline Falls. Kopcak, other pieces by Bill and Sandy's Sandy's been using a marker to fatten the sons. letters on her homemade sign so people will "We grew up going back there five to six see it and honk. times a year," said Jason. "They sold it in the She may even wave a Terrible Towel dur * •"•£ ^,»« stores." ing today's game. Plans were to get tickets to *:> "We used to have Steelers shirts, but the a Super Bowl party at a local bar and cele kids wore them so much that they wore out," brate. Jason had a line on going to the game Sandy said, "We used to have so much with a friend. more." Either way the Kopcaks will be rooting for Sandy was born and raised in the Steelers. Sandy also will be collecting y McKeesport, Pa., her husband grew up in Super Bowl stuff. Instead of the relatives in Hermime, just 20 minutes from Latrobe Pennsylvania collecting items for them, the and St. Vincent College. Kopcaks will be getting it to send back They left they state shortly after they mar home. ried. They spent two years in Cleveland and "Newspapers, anything... they want us to then moved to Romulus where they lived for send it to them" she said. "If they win, you 14 years. They've lived in Westland for 26 bet I'm going to buy stuff to bring back years. home." While they have grown up as "die-hard Steelers fans," Jason admits that when in AC (w) Observer S Eccentric j Sunday, February 5,2006 LOCAL NEWS www.hometownlife.com
INFORMATION CENTRAL
With the New Year, even the laziest A sensible weight-loss plan includes Turning lives around of us can feel a renewed resolve to moderate physical activity, which can tackle the things we've put off - or the range from walking (try Walkaerobics, pounds we've put on. 613.71 Mir on DVD) or running (we own • • To the diet-minded among us, it the New York Road Runners' Complete spin inspiration should come as no surprise that the Book of Running and Fitness, 613.717 first week of January is Diet Aye), to yoga (Yoga Journal offers Resolution Week and National Lose yoga basics, 613.704 Car) or Pilates BY JULIE BROWN Weight/Feel Great Week. (Karrie Adamany and Daniel Loigerot STAFF WRITER But come February, you can find have published The Pilates Edge: An your resolve as empty as yesterday's Athlete's Guide to Strength and Kristen Persh of Westland can of Pringies. Might we suggest a Performance, 613.71 Ada), to some came to Growth Works with an walk... to the Library? We have an form of resistance training (perhaps Alcoholics Anonymous sched armload of materials to help you keep Brian Cook and Gordon Stewart's ule, and a determination to turn your New Year's resolution through Strength Basics, 613.71 Coo). her life around. She was praised February and beyond. The library also carries an exten for her efforts to help other Listen to the American Heart sive selection of exercise videos and young women at Growth Works, Association's advice in the No-Fad Diet DVDs from Denise Austin, Leslie which offers services in such (613.25 Ame): "You already know that if Sansone, Kathy Smith, Rodney Yee, areas as chemical dependency. you take in fewer calories than you and, yes, Richard Simmons. "I would first like to thank all expend, you will lose weight... But as If all your other defenses fail, of you" Persh said Feb. 2 during you reduce calories, you alsoneed to remember the library before you the Plymouth-based agency's pay attention to the essentials of unwrap that Snickers. 16th annual recognition award good nutrition. Remember: Quality Call the Reference Desk at (734) dinner. "I've come really fer. My first, then quantity." 326-6123. We'll talk you down and sobriety is thanks to half the The authors recommend a combi make sure you keep your resolution people in this audience. nation of thinking smart, eating well this year. "I was very selfish when I first and moving more ("... to keep off the got into Growth Works. My dad pounds for good, you have to get Teen Valentine Candy Raffle: Feb. couldn't even handle me," she moving and keep moving."). 1-14. added. You might take a look at the Can you guess how many candies Persh said she's glad to be a American Dietetic Association's are in the jar in the Young Adult area? part of the program, and can Complete Food and Nutrition Guide Fill out the ballot completely and put now look people squarely in the (6132 Ame), or Tershia D'Elgin's What it in the box, Closest guess wins all the eye without judgment of self or Should I Fat: A Complete Guide to the candy and a $25 gift certificate to others. Mew Food Pyramid'(6132 Del) when Westland Shopping Center. Open to Another youth praised that BILL 8RESLER | SWF PHOTOGRAPHER planning what you'll eat grades 6-12. evening at Fox Hills Golf & And Corinne Netzer's Complete Adult Book Club: 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Banquet Center is Danny The Growth Works dinner drew a number of young people, including Kenneth Kolver, John Maus, Brandon Lampley, Book of Food Counts (REF 613.28 Net This month's book is The Secret Daniels of Plymouth, who now Justin Marion, Danny Daniels, Stacey Hewitt, James Cobb and Stephen Grossman. 2003) or Bowes and Church's Food Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Please carries a 3.89 grade-point aver Values of Portions Commonly Used read the book before the meeting. All age and is looking forward to has done so much for so long young people who appeared including Youth Assistance (REF 613.28 Pen) are standard refer are welcome. graduation. He's a certified EMT with so little. before him. which offers early intervention ences for nutritionists and dietitians. Microsoft Word for Beginners: 2 with plans to attend nursing "It's quite obvious what the • Al Wilkerson, a Romulus for young people referred by dis If you're thinking about trying a p.m. Feb. 11. school. program accomplishes " Hoak Community Schools administra trict courts, schools and others. popular diet - South Beach (61325 Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, "I'm just absolutely blessed," added. tor who works with students It does a lot of work with par hqa). Atkins (613.2 m), The Zone a word processing program that lets Daniels told the audience. "I've Other honorees are: who have difficulty in a tradi ents. Chemical Dependency is (613,25 Sea), ChangeOneWMS Has) - users create a variety of documents, been surrounded by people that • Stacey Hewitt of Livonia, tional school setting. Wilkerson, one of the largest programs in consider reading up on it first. including letters and resumes. I love and care about. If it wasn't who has overcome chemical who will retire this June, was Michigan, serving more than .Try the American Academy of Internet 101:10:30 a.m. Feb. 11 for Growth Works, I wouldn't be dependency and school issues. praised for focusing on young 400 young people last year. Family Physicians' Familydoctor.org, What the internet is and how to get here today." • James Cobb of Sumpter people's strengths. "Sometimes There's a Canton-based Adult Intensive Outpatient Program. which publishes a fact sheet on fad there. He also praised his mom and Township, recognized as part of students just need another diets at http://famiiydoctor. friends, noting his mom the Western Wayne Care chance," he said. School-based programs in org/784.xml. Or take a look at our The William P. Faust Public Library deserved an award. Management Organization and • GED through Schoolcraft Inkster and South Redford offer Fncyclopedia of Diet Fads (REF 61325 is at 6123 Central City Parkway, Canton residents Twila for attending Schoolcraft College recipients Aaron in-school suspension, truancy Bij)'to get some background informa Westland. For More information, call Murphy and Cynthia Whisler College. Dugger-Barnett of Redford and help, social workers and more. tion on your diet of choice. (734) 326-6123. were recognized for their efforts • Kevin Vardiman of Canton John Maus of Redford. Dugger- The CMO started in 2000 and in recovery, with both soon to for the Youth Assistance Barnett thanked God, his mom assists young people convicted mark one year clean and sober. Program, who helps now to run and Growth Works. Maus said, of felonies and those placed on The women have received help Growth Works groups. "I don't "I just want to thank everyone probation. Cheer for the in the Adult Intensive exactly know what to say," said that's involved in the juvenile "Every year we do this, we get Outpatient Program. Vardiman, who thanked Growth court system," thanking Growth a bigger crowd " said Yagiela, hometeam, Another honoree is Sgt. John Works, his mom, stepfather and Works and his mom. who was teased a bit for giving Hoak, who's been with the sister. Honored for attending his wife the wrong location for read today's Westland Police Department • Tom Doetsch, for work as Schoolcraft were Joe Ross of the dinner. more than 18 years. "It's always family court referee and advo Taylor, Stephen Grossman of "Everybody in this room con nice to receive recognition," cate for youth and family. South Lyon, Brandon Lampley tributes to that in one way or Hoak said. He said Growth "Tonight it's nice to see the end of Westland and James Cobb. another," Yagiela said of the Works, under the leadership of product," said Doetsch, who Yagiela, the agency executive young people and adults helped Si '"BTS Executive Director Dale Yagiela, hoped he wasn't too mean to the director, outlined services through Growth Works. section
arena manager, Joe Burton, to tighten financial practices. SHAPE UP & FORUM Council President William Wild indicated FROM PAGE A1 that, in a future audit, he'd like Plante Moran to examine more closely the financial situation FEEL BETTER million during the last two years. with the city's golf course. "That's fantastic," he said. "The two-year turn "That's something I'd like to see at some point IN 2006! around is great, but we're definitely not out of in time," Wild said. the woods yet." Meanwhile, Swartz's report showed how the • STRENGTH TRAINING & Plante Moran indicated that some financial city has steadily lost ground with state-shared WEIGHT MACHINES controls need tightening. revenue in recent years. FREE WEIGHTS Some entities, such as the Downtown Westland received $10.5 million in state- Development Authority, lacked written con shared revenues in 2001 - an amount that had TREADMILLS tracts for such services as landscaping. And the dipped to $8.8 million by 2005. The cuts came : audit cited a "lack of internal controls" for the as state officials grappled with their own budget ELLIPTICAL TRAINERS Mike Modano Ice Arena's figure-skating pro crisis. STAIR CLIMBERS gram. Local officials aren't expecting any new round "A proper audit trail for these programs does of state cuts, but Cicirelli said local officials need STATIONARY BIKES not exist," Swartz wrote in his report to city offi to remain on guard. cials. PERSONAL TRAINING FITNESS CENTER Auditors have offered to work with the new [email protected] 1 (734) 953-2110 30'X60' HEATED POOL HOT TUB 34250 FORD ROAD • WESTLAND WMMMWMWWWMAWftftMrtfWWm SAUNAS (AT THE NORTH END OF THE COLISEUM BUILDING e Now Carry Grade A Amish Chicken AT THE CORNER OF FORD ROAD AND WILDWOOD) Open M-Th 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat.9am-10pm, MASSAGE THERAPY OPEN M-F 5AM -11 PM. SAT & SUN 9 AM- 6 PM INDOOR WALKING/ VINTAGE MARKET RUNNING TRACK • STEAM ROOMS 734-729-7000 29501 Ann Arbor Trail www.forumfltnesscenter.com GROUP CLASSES IN: (Just W. of Middlebelt) • PILATES • CARDIO KICKBOXING • SPINNING • SALSA CARDIO • FULL CONTACT KICKBOXING • KARATE (734) 422-0160 Prices Effective Monday, Feb. 6th-Sunday, Feb. 12th • Food Stamps & Ail Major Credit Cards Accepted Hot/Mild Hamburger From Italian Sausage round Sirloin $049 $049 ^ LB. Gourmet Stuffed USDfl Select USDfl Boneless Pork Roast N¥ Strip Steaks Pot Roast fc k Westland man heads for prison after plea FOR THE RECORD BY DARRELL CLEM lier pleading guilty to a series conviction. about Father's Day." B STAFF WRITER of armed robberies in By pleading guilty, he agreed An employee of Game Crazy John Michael Breen Westland and other communi to a sentence of nine to 20 told police that Pentz asked for Breen, 81, died Jan. 28. A serial robber who held up ties. years in prison for armed rob two Xbox games from a shelf C two Westland businesses at Pentz had pleaded guilty late bery. Before he starts serving before revealing a gun and Dora M. Cairns gunpoint will spend at least 11 last year in Wayne County that time, however, he will announcing, '"There's been a Cairns, 91, of Oxford, formerly of years in prison. Circuit Court to multiple have to do two years for felony change in the transaction." Farmington Hilts, died Jan. 26. Jonathan David Pentz, 28, counts of armed robbery, firearms charges. Pentz returned to prison D has started serving his sen felony firearms and being a Pentz robbed the Game after being paroled in August Pauline DeNise tence for robbing the Radio felon with a gun. Crazy store on June 13 and the 2002. He had served about DeNise, 86, of Rochester Hills, died Shack on Ford Road, west of Pentz, who lived at Willow Radio Shack on June 19, two years in prison for third- Jan. 29. Wayne, and the Game Crazy Creek Apartments, could have Father's Day. degree criminal sexual conduct G store at Michigan Avenue and faced penalties ranging up to A Radio Shack worker in Oakland County. Evelyn M. Gilhoofy For the Record appears in every Merriman. life in prison, if his case had reported that Pentz told him, Gilhooly, 100, died Feb. 2. edition of the Observers Eccentric.t He is serving time after ear gone to trial and ended with a "No disrespect, and sorry [email protected] I (734) 953-2110 H Newspapers. Complete paid obituar; Emma Ruth Hedeman ies can be found inside today's- Hedeman, 95, formerly of Clarkston, newspaper in Passages on page C4; died Jan. 25. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Nancy Hildebrandt Anthony Pietrzak Hildebrandt, 73, of Bloomfield Hills, Listings for the Community Calendar Open House month while parents support is on the Livonia Elks Lodge, 31117 Plymouth Pietrzak, of Livonia, died Jan. 11 died. should be submitted in writing. They St Mary Catholic School will have an fourth Wednesday of the month. For Road, one block east of Merriman in R L can be mailed to Sue Mason at 36251 open house/cuitural fair 9 a.m. to 2 more information, call Darlene at ' Livonia, Call (734) 425-2246. Jane L. Ruthenbero, Peter J. Loch Schoolcraft, Livonia 48150, by fax at p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the school, (734) 324-3089. Metro Wayne Ruthenberg, 85, of Birmingham, died "- Loch, 77,.of Bloomfield Hills, died Feb. (734) 591-7279 or by e-mail at sma- 34516 Michigan Ave., Wayne. There will The Metro Wayne Democratic Club Jan. 31. 1. [email protected]. For more be guided tours, general information, BINGO offers a bingo at the Wayne-Ford Civic S registration details and scholarship , Shirley M. Long information, call (734) 953-2112. League on Fridays. Doors open at 9 Lawrence Stock information and applications available Long, 74, of Livonia, died Feb. 1. VFW Bingo a.m. with bingo starting at 10:45 a.m. Stock, 74, of Fort Lauderdale, formerly' for families interested in future M UPCOMING EVENTS Veterans of Foreign Wars 3323 An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is of Farmington, died Jan. 14. enrollment. The cultural fair will Auxiliary has bingo 6:30 p.m. every available for $3. For more information, Lillian Manski Cheryl St. Onge Rabbit adoptions guests a chance to experience the Thursday at 1055 S. Wayne Road, call Cliff Johnson at (734) 729-8681. Manski, 95, of Troy, died Jan. 27. St. Onge, 51, of Auburn Hills, died Jan. The Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary will culture of countries from around the Westland. There is a snack bar, The William "Mike" McNeil world as presented by St. Mary stu 27. hold an adoption event from noon to post has bingo at 1 p.m. every Sunday FOR SENIORS McNeil, 54, of Romulus, died Jan. 30. 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Specialty dents. Teachers and staff also will be at the same place. Call (734) 326-3323. J. Edward Michalak T ,: on hand to answer questions. For Pet Supplies, 1449 Ann Arbor Road, in Dems hold bingo Friendship Center Michalak, 48, of Auburn Hills, died Jan. Vic V. Tomei more information, call (734) 72H240. Tomei, 57, of Plymouth, died Jan. 29. Plymouth. The event is being held in The Metro Wayne Democratic Club has The Senior Resources Department 26. W recognition of Adopt-A-Rabbit Month Open House bingo 10:45 a.m. every Monday at the (Friendship Center), 1119 N, Newburgh, James D. "Don" Mix Ralph Waltot Jr. and will include pet tarot card read St. Michael Lutheran School, 3003 , Wayne Ford Civic League, on Wayne Westland, offers a variety of programs Mix, 82, formerly of Canton and ings, pet photographs, as well as Wallot, 49, of Waterford, died Jan. 28.., Hannan, Wayne, has two open houses Road south of Ford in Westland. For for older adults. The Web site Westland, died Jan. 28. magic and balloons by Christian the Robert "Bob" Warren planned for February for parents information.xall Jan or Cliff at (734) www.ci.westiand.mi.us offers more Deiores L. Moyle Clown. In addition, volunteers will be interested in enrolling in the pre 591-1694 or Cliff at (734) 729-8681. information. Call (734) 722-7632. Warren, 56, died Jan. 29. Moyle, 79, of Livonia, died Jan. 24. on hand to help answer questions school and/or school, The preschool Z St. Mel Church Crochet & Knit P related to rabbit care, health, tem open house is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m. Fridays in St. A crochet and knit group meets 9:30 Mary M. Zumwalt Donald F. Pierce perament and adoption. Rabbits avail Feb, 6, while the school open house Mel Church activities building, on a.m. every Thursday at the Friendship Zumwalt, 84, of Rochester Hills, died'.. Pierce, 90, of Rochester Hills, died Jan. able for adoption may be viewed at and registration will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Inkster Road north of Warren. Doors Center on Newburgh near Marquette. 26. Jan. 29. petfinder.com and adoptions also can Thursday, Feb. 23. For more informa open at 4 p.m. Food is available. Beverly Kaminski is the instructor. be made through an adoption coordi tion, call (734) 728-3315. Shamrock Bingo Participants should bring a type "G" nator at ____. Eating Disorders Bingo begins at 11 a.m. Wednesdays at crochet hook. Those interested can [email protected]. Great Get help, get real information and real the Knights of Columbus Hall, 35100 sign up at the center's front desk or Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary is a nonprofit expectations, at an eating disorder Van Born, east of Wayne Road in call (734)722-7632. JAIN FINANCIAL group that provides a safe haven for support group which meets 7-8:30 Wayne. Doors open at 9 a.m. Food is Visually Impaired abandoned, abused and neglected p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium of available. Proceeds go to charity. Caii The Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) FREEDOM TODAY! domestic rabbits with the goal of Garden City Hospital, 6245 Inkster (734)728-3020. support group meets 12:30 p.m. every Get rid of annoying bili collectors! We have me rehabilitating them and adopting Road, Garden City. All meetings are K of C Bingo Friday at the Friendship Center, 1119 N. solutions to your financial problems in oreos like: them to loving homes. Check out the closed - for people of all ages with Pope John XXIII Assembly of the Newburgh, Westland. Those interest Home Mortgages • Debt Consolidation Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary Web site eating disorders and are free of ed in joining can be scheduled on a Knights of Columbus Council 1536 Personal • Business Startups and More! at www.rabbitsanctuary.org or call charge. Family and friends support is hosts bingo games at 6:45 p.m. bus route for transportation. For (734) 461-1726. on the second Wednesday of the Thursdays. The games are in the information, call (734) 722-7632. 11 today! Toll Free 66) 203-7675 BAEBARA J. SAFRAN FREE PENSION ASSISTANCE! Do you have questions about your pension ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW benefits? Receive FREE pension counseling Get a $20 Value for only $15! from the Michigan Pension Rights Project, Pay only $15 for your casino shuttle ride and you'll receive Probate / Elder Law a program of the non-profit organization $15 in FREE SLOT PLAY and LUNCH* at Grand River Deli! Bay City Eastpointe Pontiac Guardian and Conservatorship Elder Law of Michigan. Brighton Flint Roseville Canton Jackson Saginaw Divorces / Family Law / Juvenile Law Call us Monday-Friday from Clinton Twp. Lansing Southfleld Clio Livonia Southgate 9am to 5pm to schedule a telephone Dearborn Monroe St Clair Shores 30150 TELEGRAPH ROAD (248) 290-2990 appointment with an attorney. For locations and reservations call Blue Lakes Charters & Tours: SUITE 444 FAX (248) 290-2992 Call us toll-free at 1-866-735-7737 BINGHAM FARMS, Ml 48025 1-86G-2R0LLEM • (866-276-5538) OE0S407Q91 Great Savings This Week At Mike's Your Meat & Deli Supermarket 38000 Ann Arboi Road • Livon a (734) 464-0330 CT\ lis • S 0-5 v Sale Monday, Feb. 6th Through Feb. 12th, 2006 Fresh Grade A USDA Select USDA Large Tender Bone-in Flushing Problems? TYSON PORTERHOUSE BOSTON BUTT STEAKS PORK ROAST Burton & Sons PlucBbwgr' 4 can install the Tc one-flush toilet. > HAVE YOU TRIED OUR CORNED BEEF? 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PORK STEAK FRESH KIELOASA GROUND SIRLOIN 32900 Manor Park • Garden City . 1.49 ^ J Only (ttSSlb- WfW^S Please recycle this newspaper A6 (w) Observer & Eccentric | Sunday, February 5,2006 www.hometowrtfife.com 'ifrwi'MmiL ' nffr.eaKsi.** Kameron Caldwell has reason to smile. That's Tyrone Wheatley he's standing with for a snapshot. PHOTOS BY TOM HAWLEY j STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Christian Phillips (left) grimaces as classmates Hailey King (from left), Trudi Brothers and Samantha Richter sign his NFL Super Bowl T-shirt. FROM PAGE A1 were plenty of professional bowlers, so we decided to bowlers there to show the stu dents how to warm-up, stretch get the kids involved and and bowl. have some fun/ Leading the group was Norm Nick Nicolosi Duke, who has amassed 23 Pro Bowling Association champi classic stays here in Detroit and onships. Joining him were goes to the construction of the Danny Wiseman , an 11-time Youth Education Town, a cen PBA champion, Diandra ter for at risk kids and a legacy Austin St. Peter (left) stretches out with pro bowler Norm Duke of Orlando, Asbaty, the U.S. amateur cham the NFL leaves Detroit for Fla. Ciaire Truskowski high fives it with T.J. Duckett of the Atlanta Falcons. pion, Carolyn Dorin Ballard, a hosting the Super bowl," he 20-time Professional Women's said. Bowling Association champion, In fact, the bowling clinic FROM C^UR?DElJ'PEf %. USOA GRAPE.A. . GKOtiND FRESH HOURLY and Earn Terrell, a nine-time was part of several activities ^mm^ss Krakue (The Original), LAST WEEK OF CHEAP We Use Only Fresh Meat, PWBA champion and coach of that took place in Detroit relat pousr "~-~ Boneless • Skinless No Tube Meat the USA Junior team. ed to Youth Education Town. HAM Ground Beef Made From Mike Carroll, president of Legacies and the like was of the U.S. Bowling Congress, had know concern to the students praise for organizers of the who munched on hot dogs and bowling clinic, calling it a "yeo french fries, made sure they man's task to pull it together" wiped their hands on their It took a month to organize, bowling towels before grabbing according to Nick Nicolosi of their balls and had a good time the NFL Charity Bowling signing each other's Super Classic which was at the Super Bowl T-shirts and posing for Bowl lanes Saturday. pictures with the players. "We had all these celebrities "This is really fun, especially in town and the pro bowlers, so that we got to meet some we decided to get the kids superstars," said Bobby Mason involved and have some fun," of Westland. "I was nervous said Nicolosi. this morning that there'd be no In addition to the NFL play Steelers here, but I'm OK about ers, Nicolosi had members of that now." the Detroit Lions and their His friend Kyle McClung had mascot Roary there as well as a different spin: "It's better actress Sandra Taylor who than being in school." appeared in the two Princess Diaries movies. "The money raised from the [email protected] | (734) 953-2112 St. Linus Catholic School Academic excellence in feWnbased,a family environment •Fully accredited •Houghton Mifflin reading •Pre-scbool-Sih grade •Gym, music, art, library •Full-day kindergarten •Spanish, computer, religion •Latchkey available •Sports program •Certified staff , "Hot lunch daily •Iowa test-based * «All faiths welcome learning opportunities •Registration begins soon ten House: Feb. 12, 1-3 p.m. 6466 Evangeline, Dearborn Heights At Hass & Gulleyjust east of Beech Daly, between Ford & Warren Short drive from Livonia, Redford, Garden City& Westland 313-274-5320 www.stlinusschool.com -____ .neg^T INCOME TAX PREPARATION Are You Taking All the Deductions You Are Entitled To? JUST COMPUTING, L.L.C. can help you KEEP MORE of YOUR MONEY! • Tax.retunis prepared by computer in the convenience and privacy of.your home • Experienced .and knowledgeable in both personal and business ,. tax codes? •Accurate tax preparation • E^file v JUST COMPUTING, LX.C. ^ c.ih 734-266-9373 or .• - email: jan(lj31-02d<&sbcglobaT.net www.hometownlife.coin SUNDAY PERSPECTIVES Observer S Eccentric | Sunday, February'5,2006 (*) AJ Challengers backing away Super Bowl offers chance to from running against Ficano see Detroit in a new light ob Ficano isn't ready to take a victory lap just yet. Of course in Wayne County, it's the summer "That's way too premature. It's only campaign and the Aug. 8 primary election jj£* uper Bowl XL, Jimmy Kimmel, Motown January," he said in an interview Monday. •^.Winter Blast, the sighting of every known My travels have not taken me to the city in But with a campaign chest that he esti that matters because Democrats hold a •^ star or celebrity you've ever heard of — you several months, so I was very pleasantly mates at between $1 million and $1.5 million probably have had your fill of the activities, and potential opponents dropping by the daunting electoral majority. hoopla and events of the past couple of weeks. As surprised to see all the changes that have wayside, things are looking good for the first my Armenian grandmother used to say, "Amam, term Wayne County executives re-election in Instead Evans is weighing the possibility of enough already." However, if you didn't take in taken place. November. seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney any of the activities, you missed out not only on a "We've been in the mode of running hard general at the parry's fall convention. wonderful experience, but a chance to see the By now you're probably hungry after all the ™» and hoping for the best, prepare for the "I've been looking at the job as a law fantastic job the Super Bowl Host Committee activity of the morning. The Chrysler Jeep Dodge- worst and hope for the best," he said. "If no enforcement job," he said. "I think there are and the city of Detroit have done. It's also an Taste of Detroit is the place to go. It spans three^ challenger emerges, it will make everyone's opportunities there. Given the people in the opportunity to see the changes in downtown tents featuring food from 40 metro area restau-V* summer easier, but we don't take it lightly." race now (state Rep. Alexander Lipsey of Detroit. rants, marshmallow roasting, warming stations ?•* Of course in Wayne County, it's the sum Kalamazoo and former district Judge Scott You are reading this column early Sunday and music. Restaurants such as Seldom Blues, ^~" mer campaign and the Aug. Bowen of Grand Rapids) I'm at least as qual morning, so there is still some The Palm, LaShish and Agave are just a few pres-J 8 primary election that mat ified." time to take part of the activities, ent. There is a charge. <^ ters because Democrats hold even if you don't have a ticket to Evans said his relations with Ficano are ' any of the parties or the game On your way out, stop and admire The Genera^ a daunting electoral majori "amicable" and that they've been working on Motors Ice Garden. Here there are 32 seven-foot* ty- their differences. itself. I encourage you to do so. ice sculptures representing each NFL team's logo* Four years ago, when Ed -.* Cavanagh said Ficano has spent "a lot of time You might even get lucky and There is also a Detroit marketplace which is a f,-^ McNamara chose not to run battling" the commission on major issues. snag a ticket to the Super Bowl. shopping area featuring local artists and vendors> again after 16 years as county "For instance the land bank. That could Start with Motown Winter such as Detroit retro-Rags, unique retro apparel, executive, a train of hopefuls have been his signature program, instead it Blast. It's open until 1 p.m. today. or Pop Art handbags, chic handbags, scarves and lined up - former Detroit was voted down by the commission," Raising Fit Kids In A Fast World Don't let your child become an unhealthy statistic Learn how you can improve your child's health. 1 hi Pinbli in Mi d •> Tin Solution fei * , 6:30 - 7 p.m. Registration; snacks provided 7-8:15 p,m, "Raising fit Kids in A Fast World" seminar with joe Bscateila 8:15-9 p,m. Book signing with Joe Piscatefla»arKi St. Mary Mercy Hospital doctor* on-site to answer health questions * *local health and fttness experts available all evening {located in the East Court) Where: Westland Shopping Center 35000 W, Warren, at Wayne R& Community Room (lower fevef) When; Thursday, February 9 Time: 6:30 - 9'M p.m. Sign up now by calling 734*655.8950 Drawing for great prizes? must be present to win! ST; MARY MERCY HOSPITAL ! A Mj;.Mbt-:K Ol- (JJj TRINITY IIIiALTI I j'm loVltJ' it A8 (*) Observer & Eccentric | Sunday, February 5,2006 www.hometowrUifie.com issues BY ALEX LUNDBERG pumping stations that will pro "(The city) would have all of responsible for the bonds STAFF WRITER vide a pumping capacity of the financialresponsibilities , but through the rates they pay for 800 million gallons per day in someone else is going to say how service. Money, he said, will To hear Oakland County the event of another total we're going to spend money?" eventually drive every decision Drain Commissioner John blackout. Mercado said. "Like the judge in Detroit. McCulloch and Detroit Water Another outcome of the said, that's against the Michigan "The city is going to get to a and Sewerage Department blackout was the creation of Constitution. You have to point when it has to consider Director Victor Mercado talk the city's 800 MHz radio sys remember that in the '50s, selling the system to solve about water issues in southeast tem, which allows police, fire Detroit was forcedt o put mains other issues," he said. "(An ' Michigan, you'd think they and other essential services to in the suburbs and the city is agreement on DWSD) could be were talking about water issues coordinate their communica responsible for those bonds." a model for other regional on different planets. tions. Mercado said the system McCulloch said customer issues like transportation and According to McCulloch, the is the primary communica communities are alreadv Cobo Hair DWSD is a mismanaged, tions for DWSD. opaque operation run in a way McCulloch has protested the that is denying suburban com water department's share of munities a voice in how their the cost, saying it is "way out of water is delivered and their line" with the benefits the sys wastewater is taken away. tem gets from it, a point chal Oakland According to Mercado, lenged by Mercado. County Drain DWSD is providing the servic "Detroit is 100 square miles, Commissioner es it's contracted to provide, the DWSD system is 1,000 John within state and federal guide square miles," Mercado said. McCulloch lines, in full view of public "DWSD paid for the towers, savs judicial oversight at a price competitive generators, licensing and soft oversight of with other cities of its size. ware. It was $45 million from . the Detroit The third player in the us and the rest came from Water and drama, U.S. District Court other city departments. It was Sewerage Judge John Feikens, ruled ear about $126 million altogether." Department lier this year that Detroit can McCulloch said there needs does not work be the only owner and operator to be a regional authority to and it's time of the DWSD, shooting down run the DWSD and set its rates Ipmer McCulloch's bid for a regional for the entire southeast authority. At the same time, he Michigan region. He was said the city and its customers thinking something along the need to have a closer, more col Director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Victor Mercado said lines of the authority in legia! relationship. the idea of a suburban consortium governing the water system while Detroit Boston. McCulloch said after 28 retains ownership is absurd. 'A core group of representa years of judicial oversight, it's tives that will increase to clear that the program is not arrived at, on its Web site and they're needed. The number of include new customers and an working and there needs to be holds open meetings in whole employees has been cut from advisory board," he said. a new hand on the rudder at sale customer communities. 3,200 to 2,600. "There are 125 communities DWSD. On the whole, he said Still, security and water (customers) of DWSD; not all "There's mismanagement of Detroiters and residents of quality have not been compro would be on the core board, the water system and problems communities contracting mised. but they could be on the advi with operational efficiency in water services from the city are "We meet or exceed safe sory board." the area of costs," he said. getting good value for their water standards " Mercado As to claims that the city can "Major programs have been dollar. said. "We have five plants, one own the system while a region deferred and critical capital Mercado said the DWSD has is brand new. Does everyone al board controls it, Mercado improvements have not been kept the cost of its services have problems with pipes in said no one would accept that done on a system with a 100- down in the four years he's their cities'? Yes. All seasonal in their homes, so why should year-old infrastructure." been on the job. The total cities have issues with their the city relinquish control over 1 He said rate-setting assump budget for the system was water mains.' its water system? tions for the DWSD are very $345.2 million in 2002-03 and The rise in the operations complex where ones used by $349.3 million this year, an and maintenance costs have other cities are straightfor increase of only 1.2 percent. He mostly been capital improve THINKING ABOUT ward. chalked the low increase up to ments. 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