Calling All Pontiac Central Chiefs & Pontiac Northern Huskies, Let’s Help The Pontiac Phoenix Rise! See Page 3 for details on how you can participate. The April 8 – April 22, 2011 Thanks Mr. Tucker Pontiac News for your exemplary A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR VOL. 2 ISSUE 7 public service! Pontiac Celebrates its 150 Year Anniversary as a City on March 15 @ The Crofoot Pontiac was incorporated as a city on March 15, 1861 —150 years ago. In celebration of this special day, the Greater Pontiac Sesquicentennial Commission sponsored the City of Pontiac’s 150th Birthday Kick-Off event on Tuesday, March 15, at The Crofoot Ballroom, in downtown Pontiac. The focus of this fundraiser was to “Honor the Past, Recognize the Present & Build the Future.” The event featured a VIP Reception to meet a few of Pontiac’s Achievers including: Al Taubman, Zev Chafets, Valarie Graves, Campanella “Campy” Russell, Alvin Bessent and Richard “Dick” Long. The public portion of this event included a Silent Auction, a Taste of Pontiac strolling dinner, the Unveiling of the Sesquicentennial Logo chosen from ideas submitted by the public, and a program to honor Pontiac’s Achievers, with each individual recalling their fond memories about growing up in Pontiac.

Is the Take Over of the City of Pontiac by the A Tribute to Mr. Charles Emergency Financial Tucker II @ Pontiac library The City of Pontiac is fortunate that Mr. Charles Tucker many areas impacting the City of Pontiac. He maintains Manager Unconstitutional? and his wife Joyce migrated to this community in 1957. various credentials, accomplishments, sits on various During his time in Pontiac he has been a civil rights activist boards and is affiliated with many different organizations. Recently Governor Snyder signed the controversial so- and the publisher of the Pontiac Herald “the only Black In addition to the above Mr. Tucker II is the father of called emergency financial manager bill into law. Many have owned weekly publication that reached over 90 percent of three children, Karlynne, Charles III and Deborah. He also argued that the law’s emergency financial manager component is the African-American citizens of Pontiac”. He was also the has four grandchildren. not unconstitutional: Consider the following argument and let owner of Tucker Realty Company, the first real estate firm Thank You Mr. Tucker for your service to humanity us know what you think. owned by a Black man in Pontiac’s history. and the City of Pontiac! In 1907, the Supreme Court decided, in Hunter v. Pittsburgh, Mr. Tucker has held numerous elected and appointed Mr. Tucker is Pictured below with several friends and that under the Constitution local governments are nothing more positions in city government and has a sterling record in current and past City officials. than “convenient agencies for exercising … such powers as may be entrusted to them” by the state. As a result, “the state may modify or withdraw all such power, may take without compen- sation such property, hold it for itself, or vest it with other agen- cies, expand or contract the territorial area, unite the whole or part of it with another municipality, repeal the charter and destroy the corporation … with or without the consent of the citizens, or even against their protest.” Why isn’t this a violation of the well-established constitu- tional principle of one-person, one-vote? Because that right Mayor Jukowski Esmo Woods, Hubert Price applies only to people who live within city (or town or village) limits. Contrary to what most Americans may believe, people who don’t live in a place with its own established local govern- ment—like a city, town or village—have no right under the Constitution to govern their own local communities. In fact, their communities can be governed by other local governments in which they have no say. In other words, how local government is organized is up to state law, and the remedy to amend these state laws is the polit- ical process. Charlie Harrison III Commissioner Mattie Hatchett Mayor Walter Moore Page 2 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 Taking Responsibility to Help Build/Transform Your Community – A Call to Action… Answered! Inside By Frank Russell Publisher TPN Walker for stepping up to the plate. Over the Pontiac Sesquicentennial Committee. Editorial- Call to Action Answered .2 past several weeks this group of young, And to my friend… Dawnaree Demrose committed Pontiac products has worked dili- President of the Pontiac Regional Chamber… Guest Opinion- Quincy Stewart . . .3 gently on a soon to be released plan of action keep up the Great Work that you do to revitalize our community. Stay Tuned! promoting the City of Pontiac! What’s Happening Pontiac The Pontiac News (TPN) would also like If you are seriously interested in working to acknowledge and support the outstanding to make our community better please contact Events ...... 4 efforts of Pastor Jon Smith and his Transform one of the above groups or The Pontiac News What’s Happening OC – Brooks, Pontiac Now (TPN) group. As most of you at 248-758-1411! You can also contact know, this young man has caused a great stir Pastor Jon Smith at 248-935-4784 . We need Gary Peters, Small Business . . .5 in our midst. We ask all of our readers to join dedicated individuals who are willing to roll on and help Pastor Jon Smith… Transform up their sleeves and help us create a “New Africa & World News Ghana Pontiac Now! Pontiac”. Kudos also to the Elam Family, espe- Projects Funded ...... 6 cially Roland II and others who organized The the Forum for Our Future –Ensuring Pontiac News Randy Carter District 4 ...... 7 Success for Our Community event that PUBLISHER & CONTENT EDITOR was held on Monday March 27. R. Frank Russell Jazz at Reunion Night Club . . . . . 8 Congratulation to Mr. & Mrs. Elam on Publisher R. Frank Russell CONTENTS & NEWS EDITOR: your 62 plus year wedding anniversary! Elaine Smith-Wright Pontiac Rotary Club Career Day . .9 In the last issue of this publication, I The forum consisted of the following AFRICIAN CORRESPONDENT: expressed my concerns regarding the direc- speakers: Lee Jones, President-Pontiac City Kofi Annorh Educational Matters ...... 10 tion in which our community is headed. I Council; Mike Bouchard, Sherriff-Oakland CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Dianthia Spann, Elaine Smith-Wright, Community Voices – Ask Elaine, also issued a general call to action to County; Andy Meisner, Treasurer-Oakland Rev. James Keys, Quincy Stewart III, concerned citizens of the City of Pontiac who County; Margaret Kelly from Joblink on Jonathon Givens, Ken Corr, Kevin McCormick, Mr. Sykes – Kathy O’Quinn . . . 11 want to see and experience a positive change behalf of Oakland County Workforce Ray Wright, Adam Polk, Brenda Canty-Carter. in our city. In this previous editorial, I also Development; Glenn Gilbert, Executive PHOTOGRAPHER: TBD Local Sports - Wrestling & Panthers indicated that we are looking for individuals Editor-The Oakland Press; and Congressman ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kashif Russell that are interested in helping us develop a Gary Peters. CIRCULATION MANAGER: Christopher Riley Football & Cheerleaders . . . . 12 comprehensive plan that is designed to create The Community Organizations respon- OFFICE MANAGER: Mary C. Russell a “New Pontiac” that has the capacity to sible for convening this innovative format DESIGNER & PRINTER: Michigan Web Press Money Matters ...... 13 address the many problems/challenges include Elam Community Service Agency, CONTACT INFO: currently facing our city. I am happy to Elam Brother Restaurants, Pontiac Regional TELEPHONE: 248-758-1411 Health Matters ...... 14 report that my call to Action has been Chamber, The Oakland Press, Michigan FAX: 248-758-1412 Answered. I want to personally applaud and Works, Committee of Fifty, Baker College, PO Box 431412, Suite #1 Community Calendar ...... 15 thank Willetrea (Lisa) Washington, Louis Pontiac Rotary Club, Golden Opportunity Pontiac, MI 48343 Adams, Charles Talley, Casey Meyer, Kashif Club, Young Adults for Change, Little www.thepontiacnews.com POH Riley Foundation Event . . . . 16 Russell, Ralph Morgan, Mike Reed and Cliff Caesars Angona Pizza, Inc., and The Greater [email protected] NITA MURRAY GRIER Attorney and Counselor-at-Law FULL SERVICE LAW OFFICE Providing compassionate legal counsel in Southeast Michigan for over 25 years • Former Assistant City Attorney - City of Southfield 1500 University Dr. • Former Prosecutor 46th District Court Get a great job Auburn Hills, MI 48326 • Former Hearing Officer you’ll feel great about. www.baker.edu • Successful Trial Attorney

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An Equal Opportunity 2446 Orchard Lake Road Affirmative Action Institution Y6151-AH Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320 A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 3 Guest Opinions Here’s Some Real Talk For 2011 By Quincy Stewart III liquor store in Pontiac when they open to do with the aforementioned and that was weak one. Eventually, the respect shifts. Mostly every writer I between eight and say…ten in the during the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. The Eventually even the man who took over has know of will always start morning….you will find our local town rest has been the European. That said, the no obligation to respect the conquered man. off the year with some kind winos and alcoholics purchasing either malt Jew has had a mighty turn at the black They shift roles and eventually the man who of New Year’s article. It’s liquor, cheap wine or little “bottle shots.” community particularly in the North during had is the beggar and the man who didn’t is either their own personal Throughout the day you get a hybrid of the the last half of the 19th Century and a good the rich man. That, painful as it is to hear, is take on resolutions, or aforementioned items sold along with mostly portion of the 20th Century. Run down, over- the state of the black community with regard comment on how other Newport cigarettes, candy, pop and often less priced tenements, over-priced furniture, to our economic state. Anderson stated in people make them and than quality food stuffs. Naturally over- rotten food stuffs and grocery stores were the council meeting that statistics show, that break them, or they may charged for the “convenience of having a order of the day in many black slums with only 2 pennies of the black dollar remain in Quincy do a quick retrospective on store close by, our residents pay those prices, Jewish shop-keepers, themselves persecuted the black community while 98 cents goes to Stewart III the year gone past. I’ll be often grumbling under their breaths about it, for being poor and outcasts of the “regular” the fattening, swelling pockets of the foreign no different. I look back at 2010 as a turning but pay it nonetheless. white community, not to mention the horrors merchants. I use the word foreign even if the point for many of us who have perhaps held It used to be not so long ago that all the of WWII reinforcing world-wide hatred. So owners are now American citizens. Why? on to the illusion that things will get better by pornographic magazines were in plain view pervasive was the Jewish economic and Because they are foreign to our commu- osmosis or that they will turn around, to have when you walk in these stores but now, as eventual political influence in the black nity… we would certainly be foreign in their been forced to let that illusion go. beneficent as they are, these shopkeepers communities that the organization designed community. There is nothing wrong with Brother Kenny Anderson gave a speech at now have a little bar over the magazines but to help our own by our own was really run by looking out for your own. It’s always a good the final council meeting of 2010, urging they are still there anyway. How much would Jews too….the NAACP. This is not to thing, quiet as it’s kept…until we begin to black people in particular to begin to look at you like to bet me that you won’t find those disparage anyone, but it is fact. talk about it, then we are getting too big for entrepreneurship as a way of liberating magazines in the stores where they live and By the early 1970’s, more Middle- our britches because self determination is ourselves from the consumer slavery we’ve interact with their children and wives? Easterners, fleeing the Muslims in Iraq in everybody’s business but ours. Like little been in for many years. There is no debate Don’t…you’d lose that bet! If one of us particular, came to America and slowly, children we are supposed to sit like little as to the facts he quoted that evening, and opened a store in Dearborn (if their city bought out the Jews and the Blacks as well, children and spend like we are told, do as we that are bandied about throughout black council would even approve of such a thing) who owned stores somewhat competing for are told and then die. Yawl feel me? economic forums across the country. In how many of them do you think would the Black dollar. When black consciousness Lastly, it doesn’t matter if they sponsor 2007, Anderson stated, over 7 Billion dollars patronize us? The psychology works both took a rise in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, baseball teams or donate money to good were generated by foreign merchants alone ways; on one side, you have a people who Blacks began to see the value in patronizing black causes. It’s a nice gesture but we must in this state, mostly from the purse strings of fled persecution in their own land for their own as a way of uplifting the entire look out for ourselves and take care of black people. These are starling statistics and adapting Christianity several decades ago race. Comrade Fred Hampton, the Chairman ourselves. Just think if we didn’t shop at their sobering. and came to America with virtually nothing- of the Black Panther party in Chicago stores for just one week. It would cause an I will add the sociological/ psychological except strong entrepreneurial skills, mostly brought about the political clarity needed economic collapse of great proportions and element to the discussion. These older learned from marketplaces and stands along with regard to black entrepreneurship. He we’d see our strength. Even the Montgomery foreign merchants, who now have second the streets of Baghdad, Iraq or Beirut, knew that it wasn’t just enough to have black Bus Boycott of 1955 crippled the white and third generation American-born children Lebanon, Iran and some from Syria. They people as store owners who exploit the black owned bus companies and they had to who are now merchants, have made a sought out places where they could settle and community no differently than anyone else concede to black economic power. They gorgeous living off of our people. Mostly the only places with weak economic strong- did before him. The black entrepreneur had wanted to ride white owned busses. Today, located in poor to lower middle class black holds were in Black communities. to have a sense of political awareness. He or we want the bus company. Time to let illu- neighborhoods, these “party” stores are It was well documented that everyone has she had to make sure that he or she hired his sions go… nothing or no one is coming anything but a party for us. Not only does the had a turn at the cash-cow of black economic own (just as the foreign merchants do today charging over the hill to save us. Obama has presence of these liquor stores reinforce their holdings. Whites in general have always and with their stores and businesses) that he or no plan for the Black community and he (merchants) economic prowess over us, but continue to exploit the black dollar by she spent money in the community they shouldn’t. He is middle-managing white it also reinforces something even deeper; it starting with the exploitation of black labor served and lived there as well. America’s business. That’s why he was reinforces the illusion that black people through slavery, the black body through rape Today, we have a nearly 100% economic hired! We elected him for emotional should play the role of the consumer. and the black mind through cultural, social lockdown on our dollars by these merchants posterity and some form of illusory comfort. It reinforces the mindset that we as a and mental genocide. Let’s be very clear and by and large they are not obliged to He bailed out banks that pimp us every day people are destined to support and pay for about that. Nobody has dome a more respect us! Picture this: A man has a home and got their execs raises in the billion while the upliftment of others and pay dearly for it. masterful job of fully exploiting blacks more with a wife, children and a bank account. the black community languishes in the hell- Go to any party store in Pontiac between the than white America herself. Everybody else Another man comes to his home, sees the holes of America. Wake up yawl. hours of 6PM and 7:01 PM. Why do I use has been rank amateurs in comparison. From man is weak and decides that he will slowly Let’s begin to talk shop amongst those weird hours? Because it’s the “golden slavery, to sharecropping, to the Great take over the home, take his bank account ourselves and become adults like everybody hour” when our people come and get their Depression, the Dustbowl, Jim Crow and so and eventually his wife too. The kids begin else. last bids in for the daily lottery. Go to any forth, only the Northern Arab had anything to see Him as the Man and the dad as the Happy New Year Kenneth R. Burch, Sr. P.C. Attorney At Law PERSONAL INJURY WE HAVE MOVED Auto and Truck Accidents • Wrongful Death Cases See New Address Below Medical Malpractice • Premises Liability All accident and serious injuries Office - 248-338-1242 • Fax – 248-338-1051 Email – [email protected] 295 West Huron - Pontiac, MI 48341

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 4 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 What’s Happening In Pontiac During the next three (3) months The Pontiac News, The Youth Development Institute and New Pontiac in conjunction with other collaborating o rganizations will be promoting several fundraising events to help pay the cost of revitalizing/transforming our City. Two of these events are listed below:

1ST ANNUAL New Pontiac, Inc. The Pontiac News, The Youth Development Institute and other collaborating organizations in conjunction with The School District of the City of Pontiac PONTIAC OLD TIMERS Presents MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND "The PCH/PNH Hall of Fame Induction RE-REUNION DANCE Banquet and Dance Finale"

Satch Page - Perry Williams

Back Together Again Pontiac Central Chief Pontiac Northern Huskie Pontiac High Phoenix

This event will provide the community with the opportunity to recognize SATURDAY MAY 28, 2011 the many Chiefs and Huskies that have made significant athletic, academic and/or other special contributions to both schools. As you know PCH 8 pm until 2 am currently has a Hall of Fame that includes a few of the outstanding stu- dent/athletes. This event would recognize those who were left off the list during the first recognition ceremony back in the late 80’s, and would induct individuals who have earned the right to be in the PCH Hall of THE PONTIAC SILVERDOME Fame since that time. This event would also establish a PNH (Husky) Hall of Fame and would induct outstanding student/athletes and others from Main Event Ultimate Sports Bar the Huskie Family that has excelled since the schools opening in 1959. Featherstone and Opdyke June 25, 2011 - 2:00pm – 7:00pm Advance Tickets $15 THE PONTIAC SILVERDOME At the Door $20 Main Event Ultimate Sports Bar Banquet Fee: DJ: TBD $50 Single Ticket, Couple @ $45 each, OPEN BAR 5 or More @ $40 each, Table of 10 @ $400 • 50/50 Raffle Master of Ceremony: TBD • Best Dressed Contest Special Pontiac Historical Presentation • Dance Contest Invited - Esmo T. Woods • Hustle Competition Current State of District Update Invited - Dr. Thomas Maridada II, Superintendent For Ticket Information Contact: Entertainment Provided By: TBD (Satch Page, Mary Russell, Perry Williams) [email protected] Or call 248-758-1411 FOR TICKET OR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION CONTACT: [email protected] 248-758-1411 LARRY Mosaic Ghana Africa In October 2011, Mosaic Ghana Africa will lead a business development, invest- ment and cultural tour to Accra, Ghana in West Africa. The delegation will include vari- JONES ous Oakland County, State of Michigan and other U.S. based executives of small, medium, and large U.S. firms representing a variety of business sectors. The overall focus of the trip will be commercial, cultural and investment opportuni- ties for Oakland County, State of Michigan and other U.S. companies, including joint CPA ventures, presented by the continuing market liberalization and privatization underway in this country. In Ghana briefings and one-on-one business appointments will be arranged for members of the government, business and cultural delegation”. (248) 333-7414 For information regarding this trip contact 248-758-1411 or email thepontiac- [email protected] A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 5 What’s Happening In Oakland County April Business Workshops Patterson Declares Offered By Oakland County Contact: Steve Huber, Marketing and The fee is $30. No refunds. Communications, Economic Development and CEED Microloan Orientation - Many small April as Child Abuse Community Affairs businesses face obstacles when trying to obtain a Phone Number: 248-858-1848 business loan. The recognition of the serious Business owners and entrepreneurs who need need for working capital for existing businesses, assistance are invited to attend seminars in April, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and Prevention Month 2011 offered by the Oakland County Business job creation is not the priority it once was. If you Oakland County their pregnancies. Throughout the program, Center. Business Basics workshops are now have a need for alternative financing consider the Executive L. Brooks the county’s public health nurses provide offered in the evenings on alternating months. MicroLoan Program. Discover the requirements Patterson has declared the education and coaching regarding nutrition, Pre-Business Research - Are you thinking of and process necessary to apply and obtain a month of April 2011 as parenting skills, smoking cessation, alcohol starting your own business and want to research microloan. Program Presented by Center for Child Abuse Prevention and drug abuse avoidance and refer them to your business idea? Are you a business owner Empowerment & Economic Development Month in Oakland County. needed medical care and community who wants to understand which research sources (C.E.E.D.) In 2008, the last year for resources. The public health nurses continue to use for your business plan and where to find Wednesday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 which Child Protective to work with the selected mothers and their the information you need? Presented by The a.m. at Oakland County Executive Office L. Brooks Services has published children until the children reach 2-1/2 years. Oakland County Business Center, The Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Patterson data, reported cases of child "The NFP program has more than 30 Entrepreneur’s Source, Oakland County Market Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford. abuse in Michigan years of research proving its effectiveness in Research Department, and a Business Reference For pre-registration and location specifics, increased by more than 1,500 from the helping clients to become self-sufficient, Librarian. visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, previous year after nearly four years of secure and healthy, which are important steps Tuesday, April 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. or call (248) 858-0783. decline. According to a report called in the prevention of child abuse. In addition, at Oakland County Executive Office Building This workshop is free, but pre-registration is "Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse and proper nutrition during pregnancy and Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, required. Reducing Crime in Michigan" issued by the infancy is an essential foundation to lifelong west of Telegraph, Waterford. Social Media Marketing Part 2 - Establish organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids health and well-being," said Kathy Forzley, For pre-registration and location specifics, your Footprint and Get Your Customers Talking! Michigan, 29,638 children were victims of Oakland County Health Division manager. visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, Learn the core strategies and tactics businesses neglect and abuse in Michigan in 2007. Of A Washington State Institute for Public or call (248) 858-0783. are using to get customers talking through social those victims, 1,185 have the potential to Policy study found a net economic impact This workshop is free, but pre-registration is media. You’ll also learn how to respond ethically become violent criminals as adults because of savings of $18,000 for each family served by required. and effectively to brand supporters and detrac- their abuse. Nurse-Family Partnership programs. Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business tors. Topics covered will include: creating your In addition, the report says that the United The other prevention program, Nurturing - Marketing is an essential of business success. social media strategy, how to integrate word-of- States Department of Justice estimates the Parenting, identifies 90 families each year All products/services must be sold to well- mouth marketing and social media into your total costs from child neglect and abuse in that are at high risk for neglect and abuse. targeted audiences with a wide-ranging overall marketing campaign, and more. Michigan is $2 billion annually. Through this program, nurses visit families marketing mix. Our staff/SCORE counselors can Wednesday, April 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 "Oakland County Health Division has two weekly to provide parenting skill lessons that guide you through successful techniques and p.m. at Oakland County Executive Office initiatives to help prevent child abuse and meet their needs. The goal is to reduce inci- marketing principles helping you to promote Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake neglect – the Nurse Family-Partnership and dents of child abuse and neglect. In 90% of your products and services to the most promising Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford. Nurturing Parenting programs," said child abuse cases in Michigan, the perpe- customers-your target audience. Presented by For pre-registration and location specifics, Patterson. "From what we’ve seen so far, trator is a parent, according to Child The Michigan Small Business & Technology visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, these programs appear to be having a positive Protective Services. Development Center (MI-SBTDC). or call (248) 858-0783. impact on families." For more information on Oakland Wednesday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon The fee is $40. No refunds. The Nurse-Family Partnership program County's Nurse-Family Partnership or at Oakland County Executive Office Building Oakland County CRA Association: Free identifies 100 first-time, high-risk, low- Nurturing Parenting program, call the Health Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Small Business Money Smart Forum - This no income mothers in their first trimester. Division's Nurse On Call at 248-858-1406 or west of Telegraph, Waterford. charge financial forum is sponsored by the Oakland County public health nurses then go to http://www.oakgov.com/health/ For pre-registration and location specifics, Oakland County Community Reinvestment Act begin a program of intensive visitations to the program_service/nfp.html. For additional visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, (CRA) Association and is intended to provide homes of the expectant mothers – several information on Fight Crime: Invest in Kids or call (248) 858-0783. entrepreneurs with up to date information on visits per week – to assist them throughout Michigan, go to www.fightcrime.org. The fee is $40. No refunds. sources of funds and valuable resources to Small Business Loan Workshop - Getting a support their businesses. Panel will address the small business loan can be a challenging process. audience and elaborate on their services. There What’s Happening In Washington Learn the "5 C's of Credit", how to develop a will be a display of banker member products and winning loan proposal and what you need to services and an opportunity for entrepreneurs to know to position your business to be "bankable" sit face to face with the various bankers and before you meet with a lender. Presented by The microlenders to address financing needs. Local Small Businesses Now Have Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Friday, April 15, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Oakland County Executive Office Building a Stronger Voice in Congress the Oakland County Business Center. Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Thursday, April 7, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at west of Telegraph, Waterford. Small businesses in focused on small businesses across Oakland Oakland County Executive Office Building For pre-registration and location specifics, Oakland County will County, including a Congress At Your Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, have an even stronger Company meeting with employees Climate west of Telegraph, Waterford. or call (248) 858-0783. voice in Congress this Technologies in Farmington Hills and events For pre-registration and location specifics, This workshop is free, but pre-registration is year, thanks to with the Rochester and Pontiac Chambers of visit our website at oakgov.com/ peds/calendar, required. Representative Gary Commerce. or call (248) 858-0783. Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan Peters’ new seat on the Rep. Peters joined the House Small The fee is $20 per person (Please make is a workshop for small business owners who are House Small Business Business Committee this year – a new posi- checks payable to S.C.O.R.E.). developing a plan to serve as their road map to Committee. Recently, tion which will enable him to continue Includes: Handouts and SBA Source Book. success. Workshop participants will learn what Gary Peters Rep. Peters will kick off a fighting to help local small businesses gain No refunds. elements are commonly found in effective plans small business listening access to the capital they need. Fundamentals of Starting a Business is a and will work on developing each of these for tour with a visit to Scate Technologies, a Since first being elected to represent seminar for anyone thinking about going into their own business. Assistance in the process as software development firm in Orion Oakland County in 2008, Rep. Peters has business. Participants examine their entrepre- well as information on resources will be Township. made small businesses a top priority. His first neurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas provided. “The best ideas to help small businesses small business listening tour in 2009 led to and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when Tuesday, April 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 don’t come from Washington, they come the creation of a new small business lending starting a business. p.m. at Oakland County Executive Office from small businesses here in Oakland initiative in Michigan that has already Tuesday, April 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake County who are dealing with these chal- resulted in millions in new investment for the p.m. at Oakland County Executive Office Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford. lenges every day. As a member of the Small state. Peters also helped to write the Small Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake For pre-registration and location specifics, Business Committee, I want to hear directly Business Jobs Act, and played a key role in Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford. visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or from local firms about what they need to supporting tax cuts to help small businesses For pre-registration and location specifics, call (248) 858-0783. grow and create jobs,” said Rep. Gary Peters. cope with the recession. visit our website at oakgov.com /peds/calendar, The fee is $40, which includes all materials. The visit marks the start of a week or call (248) 858-0783. No refunds. A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 6 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 Africa (Alkebulan) & World News Editors Note: The ancient name for the continent of Africa is Alkebulan. It means”mother of humankind. Africa the current name, was given to this continent by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Source: Alkebulan Reference Center – www.ancient-knowledge-breakthrough.net Ghana Receives a total of US$295 million for three projects To Support Land Administration (US$50m), Skills Development (US$70m), Local Government Capacity (US$175m). LAP I. labor productivity by participating firms; work for local governance. • Improving Functions and Business 40% increase in investment by participating • Enhancing decentralized urban service: Processes: This will help improve trans- firms in skills and technology development; This component will assist selected urban parency and reduce the time and cost 70% satisfaction with skills by trainees; 70% local governments to improve their manage- involved in delivery of services such as deed satisfaction with skills by participating firms ment capabilities in the identified key reform and title registration and other services in 4 economic sectors from small, medium areas, through a performance based annual provided by the land sector agencies. and large. Urban Development Grant, and targeted • Improved Maps and Spatial Data: This The Local Government Capacity Support capacity support. component will provide up to date maps and Project: (US$175m) • Stimulating demand for accountable other spatial products and develop the infra- Ghana is urbanizing rapidly--in 2010, governance: This will generate civil society structure for collecting and sharing data and Ghana's urban population for the first time demand for financial information from urban information to be used as inputs directly or surpassed the rural population. Ghana's assemblies; foster more effective engage- indirectly in land administration. cities and towns face vast challenges in ment of civil society with assemblies and • Human Resource Development and managing urbanization. The government has strengthen the capacity and engagement of Project Management: This aims to develop recently prepared a draft national urban citizens' representatives on the budget and human resources capacity and provide logis- policy which acknowledges that cities have service delivery issues. tical support and equipment to the land been unable to meet growing demands for • Institutional and Project Management Kofi Annorh sector agencies, land owners as well as the infrastructure and services, and recognizes Support: This component will provide African Correspondent private sector to improve service delivery. that effective institutions of city manage- support to MLGRD in fulfilling its role in Kofi provides TPN with news Results Indicators: It is expected that the ment are necessary to position cities as supporting the decentralization process about events that are happening following results will be achieved by the end engines of growth and poverty reduction. At specifically related to fiscal decentralization on the African Continent and of project implementation: Deeds registra- the same time, Ghana has recently made and urban development. throughout the diaspora. tion reduced from 3months maximum to 1 concrete steps to further deepen decentral- Results indicators: The following results month; Title registration reduced from ization and empower local governments with are expected to be achieved by the end of WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 – The 7months to maximum of 2 months; more responsibilities and functions. As more Project implementation: predictable releases Government of Ghana over the past one Information on standard statutory fees, land powers and resources are being decentral- of funds to 46 urban assemblies from major week has been granted a total of US$295 values made publicly available; Increase in ized, ensuring that local governments are central government sources (District million by the World Bank Board to support the number of land transactions and associ- held accountable, both to the central govern- Assembles Common Fund, District its developmental process. ated revenue. ment as well as to their citizens, becomes Development Fund and Urban Development The Land Administration Project-2 Skills and Technology Development increasingly important. Decentralization in Grant) leading to better planning for invest- (US$50m) was approved today, March 31 Project (US$70m): The ultimate goal of this Ghana must thus increasingly meet the dual ments and improved services; improvement 2011; whilst the Skills and Technology project is to help modernize the Ghanaian objectives of strengthening an accountable in the performance of 46 urban assemblies in Development Project (US70m) and Local system of vocational training by upgrading system of local governance, while specifi- key reform areas related to public financial Government Capacity Support Project service providers, and in particular, those cally enabling cities to meet the challenges management and accountability; and greater (US$175m) were approved on March 29th that offer services that are demanded by the of urban growth. engagement of citizens with urban assem- and March 22nd , 2011 respectively. marketplace. This project aims to do both through a blies and an improvement in citizens' The Land Administration Project-2 “We have high hopes that this project will transformative project design that i) meas- perceptions of urban management. At the (US$50m) is a continuation of the World not just help create many good jobs, but also ures and rewards the performance of metro- end of the project, it is expected that more Bank's effort to support the improvement in attract new investment in the many areas politan and municipal assemblies in urban than 2 million Ghanaians living in urban Ghana's land market. After a successful where the main constraint to development is management through the provision of grants areas will have benefitted from investments implementation of the Land Administration the existence of adequate skills.” says Ishac which assemblies can then use to improve made using the performance grants, project resulting in decentralization of the Diwan. infrastructure and services; ii) does this in a including, for example, improved roads, deeds registry to all the nine regional capi- The skills and technology challenges will way that strengthens the system of fiscal markets, drainage, sanitation, and education tals, a reduction in time for delivery from be addressed under the following compo- decentralization; and iii) ensures that urban facilities. more than 36 months to about 3 months, the nents: assemblies become more transparent, “This is a very ambitious effort to help all establishment of 38 customary Land secre- • Institutional Strengthening for Skills accountable and responsive to their citizens. of Ghana's towns to develop their full poten- tariats to facilitate the management and Development: The objective of the compo- The investments and capacity building tial — as hubs and centers for rural growth. record keeping. There is still Insecurity of nent is to strengthen the Government institu- support provided under this project will be a The program will allow towns to improve land tenure, difficult accessibility to land for tional capacities in planning, coordination, core element in enabling Ghana's cities to the way they function and to invest in the (agricultural, industrial, commercial and quality assurance and service delivery maintain and expand their role as economic key infrastructure — markets, access roads, residential) development purposes, inade- towards improved quality, relevance, powerhouses in the country. The project will secondary schools — which are needed to quate consultation with land owners and accountability and effectiveness in skills ensure that cities have more transparent fund pull economic activity in the surrounding chiefs, lack of public outreach on land laws, development. flows, collect more local revenues and areas.” says Ishac Diwan. land rights and procedures. and an absence • Institutional Strengthening of Science enhance local economic development, In a statement from the Ministry of of up to date maps to support critical on- and Technology Development: The objec- thereby creating more jobs. At the same Finance, the Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor going land administration operations. tives of this component are to (i) strengthen time, the project's focus on social accounta- indicates “We have received a sizeable “It remains a great paradox that one of the planning, management, and coordination bility aims to ensure that citizens are more amount of funding from the World Bank the main constraint to agriculture in Ghana is of national science, technology and innova- engaged in the budgeting, planning and over the past few months. While we appre- land, given how abundant this resource is. tion (STI) policies and programs in order to implementation process at the local level and ciate the confidence that the approval of This is clearly an area where better legisla- make efficient use of resources; and (ii) that they demand more accountability from these loans and credits demonstrate in the tion and management will make a big differ- support technology development and diffu- their assemblies. Government of Ghana's handling of the ence on growth and jobs.”says Ishac Diwan, sion that is responsive to the economy. The objectives of the project are: (i) to economy, the ultimate goal is to use them World Bank Country Director for Ghana. • Financing of Skills and Technology strengthen the intergovernmental fiscal effectively, efficiently and in a timely The project therefore aims at removing Development: This is to finance skills and framework; (ii) to strengthen local public manner.“ The development needs of our these business process bottlenecks, technology development programs in priori- financial management and accountability for country are huge and our people cannot wait. promoting transparency and addressing the tized economic sectors through a demand- improved infrastructure and services in I am therefore advising those who are tasked various challenges with the aim of driven skills development fund (SDF) urban assemblies; and (iii) to improve citi- to manage the implementation of these proj- improving efficiency in the delivery of land managed by COTVET. zens' engagement with urban assemblies and ects, both from the Government and the services. • Project Management and Monitoring their perceptions of urban management. World Bank sides, to work hard to minimize The Project will address these challenges and Evaluation: This component is to The project comprises the following unnecessary procurement and disbursement through the following components: provide effective implementation of the components: delays so that we can achieve tangible devel- • Strengthening the Policy, Legal and project by establishing a project support unit • Strengthening the fiscal framework for opmental results for the people of Ghana.' Regulatory Framework: The component will embedded within COTVET and reporting to decentralization: This will support the estab- Source: World Bank provide a platform for continued work on the the Project Steering Committee. lishment of a predictable and transparent Story from Modern Ghana News: legal and regulatory framework governing Results Indicators: It is expected that the fiscal framework for local governance, http://www.modernghana.com/news/322775 land administration and land use, building following results will be achieved by the end through assisting MoFEP to develop and /1/ghana-receives-a-total-of-us295-million- upon the accomplishments achieved under of project implementation:60% increase in manage specific aspects of the fiscal frame- for-three-.html A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 7 Is the City of Pontiac’s taxpayer a new bailout program? MCL compelled to give into some of the union's a park or community center. But that’s a relatively flat budget, the city continually 15.231(2) sets demands against his will. Thus the employer smokescreen to distract voters from the real runs out of money and is forced to cut serv- forth the legisla- (the city) is being exploited. fiscal disaster waiting. ices. tively enacted At least when a private sector employer The first and most obvious reason for the We, as citizens, are seeing a degrada- purpose of the negotiates with a union he is negotiating with sudden crisis is, of course, the current Great tion of basic city services so that contracts FOIA: his own money. The more pay he gives to the recession. BU--SH--! We have your money can be fully funded. It is the union, the less he makes personally, so he invested! And those have filed Bankruptcy Voluntary Retirement. A member may public policy of has an incentive to negotiate strongly and are invested in UBS, Eagle hospitality, retire after how many years of service this state that all reach as close to a fair agreement as possible. Barclay bank our city has lawsuits are in regardless of age this means that if you’re 62 persons . . . are In the public arena, politicians negotiate with Kentucky also in Tennessee! We’re lucky and have worked for the city for only eight entitled to full the public sector unions. They are negoti- that our city publishes lots of information on years, you get a lifetime pension. The end and complete ating with OUR money and no matter what their pension plans. You can browse, the result is that, due to our city leaders’ absolute Councilman information agreement is reached, he (the worker) will information hereon the CITY WEBSITE. failure to manage finances well, they are Randy Carter regarding the earn the same salary, so he has no personal We can view the monthly pension reports trying to push the cost off onto taxpayers affairs of incentive to be a tough negotiator. and the balances of the pension funds. without doing anything to address the under- government and the official acts of those We the Citizens are not opposed to What’s the logical conclusion? The lying problem. The politicians find it easier who represent them as public officials and pensions in general, but most become really entire tax increase will be spent on to raise taxes than deal with "angry unions" public employees, consistent with this act. irate “how much did you really invest into employee. The city will have to raise taxes and that’s exactly what they are doing again. The people shall be informed so that they your own pension” The City or School at least three times more than the I am an elected official and I'm not afraid to may fully participate in the democratic payroll “to be entitle getting a 90% or 100% proposed tax increase, just to pay for tackle the real problem, I'm not going to process. pension”. Some have never used, “Their contract they created. “kick the can down the road” and try and The courts have recognized this public vacation for over Twenty Years". If all Before you try to make the argument that deal with it later. Today we are forced to deal policy. The Supreme Court has stated that the present employee, donate twenty days to things would be fine without the current with it. Instead of dealing with the issue FOIA is "a prodisclosure act!!! save their jobs. Before retirement this would stock market conditions, look deeper into the when it was easy to manage, the city has There is no such thing as exploitation equate into four million dollars in the general general funds’ built-in collapse. gone beyond the point of being able to fix it without compulsion or coercion. If you are fund!!! It’s been in front of our city leaders, but without disruption. free to walk off the job then you are not However, the bottom line is this! If there they have chosen not to deal with it. This is It’s easy to spend and make promises being exploited. is a millage then 100% of the tax increase the cost of unsustainable defined-benefit when the times are good. But now we the Compensation set by collective will go directly into saving the standard of pension plans. Think about this in 1975, the residents Pontiac are being asked to pay for bargaining is not set in the free market. If the service, we are use to. This system is rapidly city contributed about "x" for every $100 in those whose inability to think ahead and act employer was allowed at any time to fire the becoming unsustainable for a couple of payroll. This cost has ballooned to NONE in their fiduciary capacity as representatives collective laborers and hire different reasons. To make the case that this tax per $100 of payroll cost. You are now seeing of the citizens. For this I am sorry. workers, then it would be. But since he is increase will somehow increase fire depart- exactly why the city budget has been Councilman Randy Carter prohibited by law from doing so, he is being ment or police dept or library coverage save squeezed. Even with fewer employees and a Stacey’s Luxury Carter's Custom Cleaning Service Residential • Commercial • New Home Construction Sites Communication 877-537-4920 • 248-920-0331 Fax P.O. Box 210802 • Auburn Hills, Michigan 48321 Sweeping Organizing Dusting [email protected] • www.carterscusco.com • We supply all materials and we have eco-friendly products. We specialize in • We do free estimates website construction, • We are affordable and reliable printing, photography • We have low senior rates and all your media • We have flat fees or hourly rates. Windows related needs. Count on Carter's Custom Communication for your media needs. Vacuuming Mopping Laundry Phone (248)-678-7879 • Email [email protected] Ask us about our Serving Waterford, Keego Harbor, Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Walled Lake, Commerce, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Novi and surrounding areas $399.00 website special A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 8 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 9

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 10 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 Educational Matters Advancing Teacher and Principal Effectiveness Four Recommendations for Reforming the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Effective teachers are critical to raising and school districts to support innovative student growth as a substantial factor in the systems. achievement and closing longstanding gaps strategies that attract and support effective evaluation. At the same time, there are a number of between student subgroups. teachers and principals in high-need schools. Another significant part of the teacher programs within Title II of ESEA that are too States or districts could use the funds to evaluation process should be rigorous obser- small to have much of an impact. They By Ulrich Boser, Robin Chait develop more aggressive recruitment strate- vations of their practices in classrooms. should be consolidated to better leverage the If our nation is going to remain a global gies, strengthen tenure processes, and insti- Evaluations should differentiate teachers into funds. Like the Obama administration, we economic leader, we must ensure all tute career ladders for teachers, among other at least four groups of performance, with propose eliminating or consolidating a students—regardless of their family back- reforms. states determining the names of the cate- number of these programs to improve the ground—have the strong teachers they need The TLIF is similar to a proposal from the gories and their precise cutoff points. efficiency and effectiveness of our federal and deserve. Effective teachers are critical to Center for American Progress for “teacher Once a state has a new teacher evaluation education spending while ensuring those raising achievement and closing long- effectiveness grants,” which would award system in place, it should use the results to funds are spent fairly to improve the educa- standing gaps between student subgroups. competitive funds to states and districts that inform critical human resources decisions, tions of all of our children. The upcoming reauthorization of the support reforms to teacher compensation, including tenure, compensation, and profes- The time to act is now Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or tenure, and evaluation.1 Under TLIF, states sional development, as well as to hold Improving the quality of teachers and ESEA, offers an important opportunity to or districts should be required to demonstrate teacher preparation programs accountable leaders is historically a critical aspect of the improve teacher and principal effectiveness. that the activities are increasing educator for the performance of their graduates. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of To make greater use of ESEA as a lever effectiveness. Given the program’s impor- data should also be used to identify inequities 2001. The law boasts a number of vehicles for reform, Congress should hold the line on tance, TLIF should be made the new Part A within districts based on factors of race and for improving teacher quality. Title II of formula funding—budget speak for noncom- of Title II of ESEA. State Teacher Quality poverty. And if a district has not significantly ESEA provides funding to improve teaching petitive monetary awards based on a prede- Grants would become Part B. narrowed gaps in teacher quality between and school leadership, and the highly quali- termined formula—while increasing Create a Teacher and Leader Pathways schools over time, they should lose part, or fied teacher provisions in Title I ensure competitive funding for programs that program eventually all, of their ESEA Title II funds. minimum qualifications for teachers. But support promising reforms. We also believe A Teacher and Leader Pathways program Until stronger evaluation systems are after nine years of implementation, it is clear federal funding should be used more strategi- would consolidate a number of existing online, Congress should require states to that while the various provisions have led to cally and ensure all students have access to recruitment and preparation programs into a create a Teacher Quality Index that would some progress, they have not had the impact strong teachers. This report will examine larger program focused on preparing educa- identify inequity and guide action to fix it, the authors of the law had hoped for. some of the issues with the current law and tors for high-needs schools. The program and we propose a series of steps detailed in Almost all teachers now meet the highly offer our recommendations for change. would focus on teacher and principal prepa- the main pages of this report that will help qualified definition but elementary and Specifically we recommend that Congress: ration and provide competitive grants to states identify inequities and take the actions middle schoolers across the nation are still • Authorize a Teacher and Leader districts as well as nonprofit and university necessary to correct them. not proficient in math and reading, and large Innovation Fund that supports innovative partners. Similarly, principal evaluation systems achievement gaps between low-income and strategies to recruit, retain, and reward effec- Programs would be designed to meet the need to be introduced and should be in use no higher-income students remain in every tive teachers and principals specific needs of districts. And the programs later than four years after ESEA reauthoriza- state. States have spent significant Title II • Create a Teacher and Leader Pathways must either have a record of preparing effec- tion. Districts could create their own evalua- dollars on professional development and program that focuses on preparing effective tive educators or commit to tracking and tion systems as long as they followed guide- class-size reduction with little to show for educators for high-needs schools measuring the effectiveness of graduates in lines set by the state. State guidelines should it.2 This can—and must— change. This • Require states to develop next-genera- the classroom. include a measure of schoolwide academic paper’s four recommendations are the way to tion teacher and principal evaluation systems Develop teacher and principal evalua- growth as well as research-based rubrics that do so. and ensure the equitable distribution of tions and ensure the equitable distribution assess whether principals are taking the Ulrich Boser is a Senior Fellow at strong teachers of strong teachers actions they need to improve student American Progress and Robin Chait is the • Improve effectiveness by boosting Congress should require that states create learning and teacher practice. effectiveness manager for the Race to the capacity and consolidating programs new evaluation frameworks for both teachers Improve effectiveness by boosting Top Team at the Office of the State In the pages that follow, we will detail the and principals. For teachers, the evaluation capacity and consolidating programs Superintendent of Education in Washington, reasons why these four reforms are essential system should be in use no later than five Federal education funding should D.C. She is the former Associate Director for to future economic competitiveness of our years after ESEA reauthorization. Together advance equity and excellence in education. Teacher Quality at American Progress, where nation and the individual prosperity and with The Education Trust, a Washington, To make the greatest use of ESEA dollars, she focused her work on teacher and prin- well-being of our new generations of D.C.-based nonprofit group, we at the Center Congress should continue to support cipal quality and effectiveness, particularly Americans. But briefly, here is a quick for American Progress developed a specific formula-based programs while boosting as they affect disadvantaged students. summary of our four recommendations. set of actions for states to implement robust competitive funding for programs that "This material [article] was published by Authorize a Teacher and Leader evaluation systems that incorporate measures encourage reform. In order to boost capacity, the Center for American Progress" (online) Innovation Fund of teacher impact on student growth. states should retain an additional 2.5 percent ©Center for American Progress (www.ameri- A new Teacher and Leader Innovation The new teacher evaluation systems must of Teacher Quality funds so they can develop canprogress.org) Fund, or TLIF, would award grants to states include measures of teacher impact on and implement improved evaluation Help Your Child Earlene R. Baggett-Hayes Get Better Grades The Law and Mediation Center PLLC and Test Scores 110 North Perry Street, Pontiac, MI 48342 Order your Copies of Telephone: 248-454-9660 • Fax: 248-454-9661 • E-Mail: [email protected] The Student Success Mediator, arbitrator, attorney, trainer, and facilitator, Earlene R. Baggett- has drafted and facilitated training on civil, peer, and domestic relations Kit and The Parent Hayes specializes in employment, labor, contracts, property, municipal, mediation. She has written several articles on ADR and regularly con- and probate matters. She has worked in courts at various levels and in ducts presentations for schools, churches, and community organizations. Success Kit Today! several administrative agencies. Ms. Baggett-Hayes has over 25 years of Ms. Baggett-Hayes has served as trainer at Thomas M. Cooley Law School combined litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience and presented to Wayne State University, Chicago State University, and Contact and currently maintains her own business, where she mentors law stu- DePaul University. She has served in leadership positions with the dents and teens. She serves on numerous arbitration panels, including Oakland County Bar Association's ADR Committee and the State Bar of [email protected] the American Arbitration Association, Financial Industry Regulatory Michigan's ADR Council. A member of Professional Resolution Experts of or call Association, the City of Detroit - AFSCME Arbitration Panel, and the Michigan (PREMi), Ms. Baggett-Hayes currently hosts a talk show enti- Federal Mediation Conciliation Service, as well as on private employment tled, "It's All About Law," which has featured the role of mediation in our 248-758-1411 panels nationally. Ms. Baggett-Hayes is an SCAO-approved trainer and businesses, communities, and churches. A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 11 Voices in the Community Jazz in Pontiac Ask Elaine.com By Elaine Smith-Wright By Sunkari Clifford Sykes this point Quincy informed the audience that not only was it his birthday but that there was Mrs. Smith-Wright started out as a Mass Communications Caught in the Act: no place else he’d rather be but on this stage major at Oakland University and now holds a B.A. degree in The Oakland Quartet at this time with these wonderful musicians. Nursing Home Administration and the Certificate of Gerontology The last tune of the first set was the hard and Sociology of the Aging from Wiley College along with a MBA Featuring Special driving Art Blakey standard, “Work Song” Degree from East Texas Baptist University in Management. She Guests, Quincy Stewart (Oscar Brown Jr. & Nat Adderly) Fully also holds a Certificate in Filmmaking, Screenwriting and and Vince Bowens warmed up and anxious the please the audi- Directing from the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan. “Live” at the Pontiac ence, there was firey exciting solos by each Art Center, Saturday Feb. member of the band with Sean Dobbins and Dear Ask Elaine.com: Sunkari 19, 2011 Mark Stone (who had been rather subdued Let’s just say that I’m over forty. A couple of years ago I finally got married. But before Clifford Sykes until now) bringing the audience to loud I met this guy, I had a very active lifestyle. I would go to work and then after work go out On a recent Saturday evening I had the applause and shouts of “yeah, right on” and with my friends from work or other friends that I grew up with and have known for many, wonderful opportunity to attend a jazz other outbursts of excitement and approval. many years. The problem is that a lot of these friends are males! They have no problem concert at the Pontiac Art Center on Williams At one point a bird somehow got into the with me being married or any problem with my husband. They still want to go hang out at Street. Someone had mentioned to me that room and flew back & forth across the floor, the clubs and go bowling or come over and play cards or whatever. My husband says that my good friend and long time Pontiac musi- at which time Quincy appropriately quipped, he is uncomfortable around all of these guys and would prefer it if I would just lose them cian, teacher, and political activist, Quincy “Bird Lives” to the delight of the audience. and cut them out of my life. Should I let them go or can’t I still be friends with them and Stewart would be performing. Knowing At intermission between sets the Art keep them in my life now that I’m married? Quincy’s “no nonsense” attitude and Center provided the audience with a lite but Signed, penchant for perfection in the music, I did elegant repast of coffee, punch or wine, fruit, I Want The Boys not want to miss this or any opportunity to and dessert sweets. After intermission, the hear Quincy perform. Oakland Quartet continued minus Quincy Dear I Want The Boys: Upon arrival at the Art Center, I was met and Vince Bowens who both had other gigs You want the boys to do what? You’re a married woman now! First of all, there are a by long time City photographer Phil to make. The Quartet opened with the perre- couple of things that you need to consider here. First of all, you need to think about where ………… and Ellen …………. Who very nial Jazz standard “Stompin’ at the Savoy” those relationships came from. Were you sleeping with any of these guys? If you were, then politely urged me to join the Art Center as a Next were two originals written by Mark you need to get rid of them first and fast! Second, you need to think about what your supporter (which I did). Eventually I was Stone “Emeralds” and “Song Without husband has told you about him being uncomfortable around these guys. He will never joined by about 35 other fans (including a Words”?The concert ended with a tribute to understand why you want to hang around them when you have him all to yourself. And why few children) equally anxious to experience the great Dizzy Gillespie with his beautiful should he? Surely he deserves to be respected by you as your mate. Third, if you are not some great music; (after all, who intention- “Con Alma” making money with them or in business with any of them then why would you want to keep ally goes out to hear something mediocre?) This was a wonderful evening for the Art your husband upset about having some man hanging around? Listen, marriage is tough For this performance The Oakland Center, the musicians, and the audience as enough without all of that going on in the background! Quartet consisted of Oakland University well. This writer certainly hopes the Art Believe me, this is something that you and your husband really need to discuss between Professors Center will continue to bring these and other the two of you because this situation can be very different for different people. Some people • Miles Brown – Bass musicians to Pontiac on a regular basis, as may not mind you keeping a male friend or two but it sounds like your husband is NOT one • Sean Dobbins – Drums this concert proved that there is a growing of THEM! Work it out between the two of you and if your husband is not giving in because • Mark Stone – Vibraphone & Percussion audience willing to support their efforts. he doesn’t like it, consider this: how would you like it if he had ten women from his past • Tad Weed – Piano Pontiac desperately needs this healing that he wanted to hang around all of the time and they were all good looking and had all at Quincy Stewart on Trumpet and one of cultural infusion of the arts. one time or another, been an old lover of his? In other words, GET RID OF THEM! Detroit’s Finest Saxophonist Vincent This concert was produced in part to Good Luck! Bowens augmented the Quartet. support a summer music program for kids The Concert opened with an arrangement and the Pontiac Art Center should be of Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments” and congratulated and Supported for putting it after a somewhat rocky start; the guys on. relaxed and began to digest the tune as if Sunkari Clifford Sykes – is a world trav- Ode to they were all enjoying a good meal together. eler, professional musician, and actor who At this early point the solos were somewhat has performed in Europe, and several warm and laid back, but that would certainly African Countries. During the summer of Oprah change as the evening progressed. A brief 2010, he performed in his first major motion introduction of the cats by Quincy and they picture executive produced by Stephen Kathleen J. dug right into “I Remember April” with Spielberg. An advocate for increased access © O’Quinn Quincy challenging the audience to tell to music and the arts for all, He is also an by Kathleen J. O’Quinn him who wrote it, (Gene de Paul & Don avid photographer. Brother Sunkari CULTIVATED Raye 1942). Next came the lightly Latin currently teaches elementary school music at arrangement of “Little Sunflower” with the Jefferson Whittier Elementary School in horn soloists really heating up, and Sean and Pontiac. Sunkari Also writes, films and does O ver the air and under the brightest light shines the Mark working their magic in the percussion interviews for Project BAIT, For My People section. Detroit Master Vince Bowens and and The Urban Theatre Magazine P retty edge of BEST, growing the true thing in us Quincy exchanged some great solo work. At R eclaiming her and us from languishing, mediocre monotony A rtfully seeding, showering love and life on us made ripe for the DENTAL ARTS COMPANY H appy harvest. Joy jumps and splurges, tilled by the arc of DENTISTRY BY Interceding Benedictions JEFF MARTIN, D.D.S.A The Young’uns honor Legends Beautiful smile takes more Donnie McClurkin Stands South African girls are lifted than just brushing Fannie saves the tiara 91 N. SAGINAW •PONTIAC, MI 48342 Barak Obama blooms Her favorite things are seeded 248-332-4240 Watchers win The prize Affordable Family Dental Care An Oprah fan is born A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 12 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 Local Sports Pontiac Jr. Huskies Wrestling Club 2011 MYWAY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Kellogg Arena—Battle Creek, MI March 25-27 Team Results Other State Qualifiers Pontiac Jr. Huskies Placed 8 out of 16 Julius Polk wrestlers Cory Thomas Jr. Kevon Davenport Individual Results Jewlee Gonzalez Sean Phalen, State Champion Derrick Hayward Kamron Roberts, Runner-up Stajh McCoy Tarrance Daugherty-3rd place Jalen McCoy Elizabeth Gonzalez, 4th place Jordan Moses (Pontiac High) Kajuan Harris, 5th place Joshua Gomez, 6th place Contact Information Adam Polk, Alton Whitehead, 7th place Manager - (248) 917-7942 - Email: Devoniere Jackson, 8th place (Pontiac [email protected] High) Sean Phalen, State Champion Kamron Roberts, Runner-up PONTIAC PANTHERS YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR OUR WEBSITE WWW.PONTIACPANTHERS.COM 2011 Registration is Open Now through May 26, 2011 Walk up Registration Dates: Saturdays April 16th and May 21st from 10am-12pm at the golf course A Tradition of Success Since 2005, a total of 6 championships have been won at entry level • “Award Winning” Competitive Cheer, Tumbling and Dance

The Pontiac Panthers are members of the MIchigan Youth Football and Cheer Conference (MYFCC), teams include Brighton Bulldogs, Commerce Township Cowboys, Farmington Rockets, Lake Area Hawks, Macomb Mustang, Rochester Redskins and West Bloomfield Panthers.

Junior Freshmen - Ages 7-8 (120 lbs max for football) We are looking for coaches in Freshmen - Ages 9-10 (130 lbs max for football) both football & Cheer, if you are Junior Varsity - Ages 11-12 (150 lbs max for football) interested, you attendance at these Varsity - Ages 12-13 (190 lbs max for football) walk up meetings are mandatory.

Mail in registrations are accepted by completing the registration packet and mailing a certified check or money order to: Pontiac Panthers, P.O. Box 431062, Pontiac, MI 48343

A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 13 Money Matters Financial literacy quiz: Test your financial IQ

David Pitt coverage means that you can be reimbursed placed in may not correspond to your index and the most watched by Main Street AP Personal Finance Writer for the cost of any damage to your car caused personal retirement goals. investors, it includes just 30 companies. The by a collision. 8. (b) Myth. There are three credit S&P 500 is mostly large companies and is Even the most financially savvy individ- (a) Truth; (b) Myth reporting agencies. They are Equifax, used frequently by fund managers and other uals encounter and sometimes let personal Experian and TransUnion. Federal law institutional investors. The Nasdaq finance myths influence how they manage ANSWERS requires that they allow you to see your composite index tracks stocks on that their money. Some of these misconceptions 1. (b) After your payment history (35 report at least once a year for free. The exchange. The Russell 2000 tracks 2,000 are rooted in faulty information right from percent), the second largest factor used to reports aren't identical so you should look at small companies. the start. Still others might have been valid at determine your credit score is the amount all three. It's best to look at one every four 11. (b) Myth. Despite its name, compre- one point, but have only since become you owe. According to FICO, it counts for 30 months to monitor your credit throughout the hensive coverage refers only to a portion of outdated. Try this short quiz to test your percent. This isn't simply the total amount year. Get the free reports at an auto insurance policy that covers damage knowledge of some essential facts about you owe, but weighs several related issues; https://www.annualcreditreport.com or call to the policyholder's car not caused by a sound money management. (Answers at among them: what's owed on specific types 1-877-322-8228. collision, such as weather, theft or bottom): of accounts; the number of accounts with 9. (b) Myth. There's a difference between vandalism. balances; and the proportion of your total a tax credit and a tax deduction. A tax deduc- 1. After my payment history, the largest available credit that's used. Check here for tion reduces the amount of your income that SCORING SYSTEM: single factor that determines my credit score more details: http://www.myfico.com/Credit is taxable; such as the deductions parents 0-3: It's never too late to learn. But it's is: Education/WhatsInYourScore.aspx . take for dependent children. A tax credit is time to get started. (a) The length of my credit history; (b) 2. (b) This is a myth. That said, there is different in that the amount is deducted 4-5: You show some progress, but how Amount of debt I owe; (c) The number of nothing wrong with using a target-date directly from the taxes you owe. So the first- about picking up a few personal finance credit cards I have; (d) The number of credit mutual fund as the only investment if an time home buyer tax credit that was enacted books or checking out some websites. applications I've made within the last year investor decides, based on risk tolerance and to stimulate the economy directly reduced the 6-7: This is not bad, but could be better. time frame until retirement, that one fund fits tax bill of those purchasers by up to a With a little work you show promise. 2. If I own a target-date mutual fund in his or her needs, says John Ameriks, head of maximum of $8,000. 8-9: Very good, you should be on solid my 401(k), which minimizes my risk of Vanguard Investment Counseling & 10. (e) The Wilshire 5000 with more than financial footing. stock market losses as I approach retirement, Research. In some cases, however, investors 5,000 companies is considered the broadest 10-11: Perfect! You have an exceptional I shouldn't invest in other mutual funds. may choose to own shares in a target-date measure of the U.S. stock market, tracking wealth of personal finance knowledge. That's because a target-date fund is designed fund in addition to stock in the company for nearly all actively traded U.S. stocks. © Copyright | Philly Online, LLC. All to be an all-in-one investment. which they work. He adds company stock Although the Dow may be the most cited Rights Reserved. (a) Truth; (b) Myth should be limited to a modest percentage of the overall portfolio. Secondly, using a DELI SANDWICHES • SOUP • SALADS • CATERING 3. Recent changes to credit card regula- target-date fund as a core holding and tions mean that the interest rate on an adding additional stocks for a more aggres- existing credit card balance can't be raised sive portfolio, or bonds to be more conserva- unless payments are 60 days past due tive, can provide adequate diversification, (a) Truth; (b) Myth Ameriks says. 3. (a) Truth. Credit card reforms enacted 4. What's the biggest difference between in 2010 added various consumer protections. an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and Rates on existing balances, can't be raised a Roth IRA? unless the account is at least 60 days past (a) The investments you can choose from due. If payments are made on time for six — stocks, bonds or CDs; (b) When you will consecutive months, the original rate must pay taxes; (c) Where you can open an IRA — be restored. a bank or brokerage house 4. (b) The biggest difference is when you pay taxes. All or part of traditional IRA Now 5. When applying for a loan, what does contributions are tax deductible depending Serving the acronym APR stand for? on your circumstances, and you pay taxes (a) Average Principal Return; (b) Average when you make withdrawals from the Beer & Wine! Percentage Rate; (c) Annual Percentage Rate account. Roth IRA contributions are not tax 1/2 Price deductible, but upon withdrawal the earn- Beer 6. What's the difference between a ings and principal are tax free if you've Everyday! money-market account and a money-market followed all the rules. The mix of investments 4-6PM fund? you may choose are generally the same for (a) There is no difference; (b) One pays both accounts. interest, the other does not; (c) One is offered 5. (c) Annual Percentage Rate. It is the Home of the BIG MOUTH Sandwich by a bank and is insured by the FDIC, the cost of a loan over a year's time, typically other is not including interest, insurance and origination fees (also called points). It's used for home 248-681-5555 7. If I've been automatically enrolled in and car loans, and credit cards. my 401(k) at work I should be on track with 6. (c) A money-market account is an www.bronxdeli.com my retirement savings. interest-bearing savings account offered 247 South Telegraph - 1 Block South of Voorheis Rd. (a) Truth; (b) Myth through a bank and is insured by the FDIC. A money-market fund is short for money- Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm • Closed Sunday 8. Of the three credit reporting agencies, I market mutual fund, which invests in short- really need to look at just one report a year to term debt such as Treasury bills or short make sure everything's OK. term corporate bonds. Although their yields Buy a Regular (a) Truth; (b) Myth are now at historical lows, money-market $ Big Mouth Sandwich funds generally offer a slightly higher return 9. A tax credit is deducted from a person's than money-market accounts. That's in part 3 off Get Second for taxable income. because money funds don't face the same (a) Truth; (b) Myth overhead costs that banks do from operating branches. Any Breakfast 10. The broadest indicator of how U.S. 7. (b) Myth. You need to take an active 1/2 Off stocks are performing is: role in managing your account. An auto- (a) Dow Jones industrial average; (b) matic enrollment plan likely starts you at a Omelette with purchase of 2 drinks Standard & Poor's 500 index; (c) Nasdaq low level of contributions, often 3 percent of composite; (d) Russell 2000; (e) Wilshire your income. That may not even be enough to Dine In Only Dine In Only 5000 capture your company's match, which means Not valid with other offers Not valid with other offers you're leaving free money on the table. In With Coupon • Expires 4-10-11 With Coupon • Expires 4-10-11 11. Comprehensive auto insurance addition, the investments your money is A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 14 The Pontiac News April 8 – April 22, 2011 Health Matters Important Health Tips For Men By the Healthline Editorial Team Get Moving clear of those who do smoke. Secondhand Protect Your Skin Reviewed by Jennifer Monti, MD, MPH Heart disease is the leading cause of smoke is just as dangerous. Nearly 3,000 White males over age 50 receive the death in American men. Exercise is the best nonsmoking Americans die from lung cancer largest number of melanoma diagnoses, and Medicine is wonderful at treating many way to prevent heart disease and keep your every year, and smoking causes myriad other the number of men dying from malignant ills, but there is a lot to be said for avoiding ticker strong. Aim for 30 minutes of move- health conditions, including COPD, emphy- melanoma has doubled in the past 30 years. those ills altogether. Put yourself on the path to ment at least five days a week. Aerobic exer- sema, and heart disease, and contributes to This increase comes from decades of a better, healthier you with these simple steps. cise—including walking, jogging, swim- the development of cancer in virtually every working or playing in the sun without Visit the Doctor ming, or sports such as tennis or basket- other organ. sunscreen or other protective measures. Men are notorious for avoiding the doctor ball—is best. Other health sins include alcohol and When outside, use sunscreen with a sun and ignoring unusual symptoms. (This may Maintain a Healthy Waist drugs. If you choose to consume alcohol, it is protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and partly explain why women live an average of Here’s a quick way to determine if your best to do so in moderation. For men, that’s reapply every two hours. Conduct a monthly five years longer than men.) It is important health is at risk: Measure your waist. A waist no more than two drinks per day—24 ounces skin check, looking for unusual moles or for men to be proactive about their health. measurement that is more than 40 inches of beer, 10 ounces of wine, or 3 ounces of new moles (use a mirror to help with places Schedule yearly checkups, and keep these could be cause for concern. Men with large spirits. (Two glasses a day may lower your you can’t see), and visit a dermatologist once appointments. If you find you need an extra waists are at an increased risk for diabetes, risk of heart disease, but doctors don’t a year for a full-body skin check. push, ask your family to hold you account- high blood pressure, stroke, and other health recommend drinking over something that is Get Your Prostate Checked able. It’s in your best interest—and theirs. issues. healthier, such as exercising.) Cocaine is Prostate cancer is the top cancer diag- Eat Natural Foods Get Your Vitamins known to lead to heart attacks and strokes, nosis for American men. Talk to your doctor Packaged and processed foods are often A daily multivitamin will help ensure while addictive drugs like opiates lead to about a prostate cancer screening test and full of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and calo- your body gets what it needs to function many negative health behaviors. physical exam to check for an enlarged ries. Avoid the fake stuff, and opt for fresh properly, but eating vitamin-rich foods Furthermore, anabolic steroids that men prostate. Not all doctors advise annual fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber- serves up extra benefits — plenty of healthy use to increase their muscle mass can lead to screenings, but depending on individual risk rich foods (beans and leafy greens), fresh fiber and minerals. So do both. Pack your serious health consequences, including factors, yours may suggest one in order to fish, and lean cuts of meat and poultry. meals with vitamin-rich foods, but keep sterility, heart disease, bad skin, and behav- catch potential problems before they become Here’s a grocery-shopping tip: Shop the taking the multivitamin. ioral problems. Injection drug use often leads an issue. perimeter of the store. This is where you will Avoid Health Sins to infections and skin breakdown at the site Read more: http://www.healthline.com/ find the fresh foods. For the most part, avoid We’re stating the obvious here, but of injection. health/mens-health-tips#ixzz1IphetQUs the inside aisles, where most of the boxed smoking is one of the worst things you can and processed foods reside. do for your health. It’s also important to steer Law Office of André L. Poplar André Poplar, Attorney at Law A former Prosecutor in the 50th District Court Divorces • All criminal cases reviewed Payment plans available Call today for a consultation If you have been injured, please do not hesitate to call for a free consultation. (no fees collected until the case is settled) 7 West Square Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 Office 248-452-5686 • Office Fax 248-454-1126 Email [email protected] www.recordfixers.com Personal Injury • Criminal Law • Family Law • Business Matters A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR April 8 – April 22, 2011 The Pontiac News Page 15 Community Calendar YDI PRESENTS on behalf of NEW PONTIAC Bloomfield Hills Woodward Estates THE EASTER BASH Pontiac Michigan - Neighborhood Association Come Party EASTER SUNDAY @ the CROFOOT Monthly Meeting April 24, 2011 Doors Open at 9 Saturday April 9, 2011 – 1PM – 2:30PM 1 South Saginaw, Pontiac Michigan 48342 - [email protected] Jefferson-Whittier Elementary School – 300 Motor Street HOSTED BY: RO SPIT • SOUNDS BY YOUR FAVORITE DJ: DJ DonQ Speaker: Frank Russell – The Pontiac News - Publisher Advanced Tickets $10 - $15 at the door Birthday Booths Available Velma Stephens Chairperson and President For Booth Reservation and Ticket Information Contact: SCOOBY (248) 895-2426 - LADY L (248) 636-9877 or FUTURE (248) 346-2833 Oakland County Employment Diversity Council Presents Dress Code: No Gym Shoes - No Plan Tees - No Ball Caps Monthly Diversity Educational Forum No Effort No ENTRY!!! “Bold Dialogues: Real Conversation Cartier give-away about "Unspoken" Topics” Part 2" All Saints’ Episcopal Church Rummage Sale Thursday, April 21, 2011 1pm – 3pm We’re bursting at the seams with a large assortment of furniture, In this session, we will continue to explore through dialogue the various housewares, appliances, antiques, jewelry, books, music, perspectives and experiences with diversity-related topics that are typically vintage and modern clothing, and more! "unspoken" in politically correct environments such as those in which most Wednesday, April 13 – Saturday, October 16 of us work. You will have the opportunity to better understand these diversity- related topics from a variety of perspectives and to determine how to bring Wednesday: “first choice” shopping with wine and this kind of dialogue into your organization. cheese reception from 5-7pm. ($5 donation). For registration and other information contact: Thursday & Friday: 9am-3pm - Saturday: 9am-1pm. Frank Russell at 248-858-5204 or email [email protected]. Please visit our $2 bag sale last hour! website at www.ocedc.net for further information. Fax form to 248-975-9742. 171 West Pike (at Williams off Orchard Lake Rd. ), Pontiac Since space is limited, registration will be on a first come, first serve basis! For more information go to You must RSVP at least 2 days prior to Event! www.allsaintspontiac.org/news--events.html or call 248-334-4571.

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If you or a loved one are in need of a free mammogram screening, please call 248-338-5608. A POSITIVE NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR