Fran Anderson B ACK TO S CHOOL S PECIAL! Receives Beardmore Service to Education September 7, 2007 Award. See story PontiacThe News on page 2 A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR A BI-WEEKLY PUBLICATION VOL.1 ISSUE 2 The City of Pontiac at the Crossroads - Part 2 How We All Can Work Together to Turn “OUR” School District Around!
Judge Fred Mester - Founder Pontiac Alumni Foundation Dr. Jelani Jabari, Ph.D - INSIDE President Pedagogical Fran Anderson Education Award S - Page 2 Town Meetings Schedule - Page 4 Solution @ Keynote Editorial - How we can turn our school district What Does a County Commissioner Do? - Page 5 Speaker around - Page 3 Tim Melton - Home Loan Protection Act - Page 6 Listens during School District Opening School How to apply for vacant Board Seat page 3 11 Best Money Saving Tips of All Times - Page 12 Summit @ Oakland Pontiac Mayor & City Council to cooperate on sale of Voices in the Community - Page 13 Schools Silverdome - Page 4 Sports Article “If it Bleeds..it Leads” - Page 15 Page 2 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 Contents The Cover ...... 1 Fran Anderson Receives Beardmore Pontiac News About TPN ...... 2 PUBLISHER & CONTENT EDITOR Fran Anderson Education Award . . .2 Service to Education Award R. Frank Russell Mission Statement ...... 2 LANSING – On August 14, 2007, their education. Even at 80 years of age, NEWS EDITOR: Editorial Elaine Smith-Wright the State Board of Education presented she keeps up with current trends and CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: How we can work together the Dorothy Beardmore Service To topics in education.” to solve school problems ...... 3 State Representative Tim Melton Education Award to long-time and In accepting the Beardmore Award, County Commissioner Mattie Hatchett, Selvy Hall, Board of Education News ...... 3 revered statewide education advocate Anderson told the State Board of Mary Pietila, John Smith, Joseph P. Cool, Kenneth What's Happening in Francile (Fran) Anderson. Education: “This is a moment in my life E. Corr, Dianthia Spann, Elaine Smith-Wright Pontiac ...... 4 Anderson, a former Pontiac resident which is a highlight I’ll never forget. PHOTOGRAPHER: What's Happening in and teacher in the Pontiac School district There is nothing more exciting to me TBD Oakland County ...... 5 who currently resides in Waterford, is than to be able to say to you, this award, ADVERTISING MANAGER: What Does a Oakland County the former State President of the is probably one of the greatest soaring TBD Commissioner Do? ...... 5 Michigan Parent Teacher Student moments of my life.” CIRCULATION MANAGER: Association; former Michigan educator; Anderson’s contributions to educa- Christopher Riley What's Happening in Lansing . . . . .6 and for the past 12 years, has been the tional excellence and to positive com- OFFICE MANAGER: What's Happening in Washington . .6 driving force behind the Michigan munity involvements are demonstrated Mary C. Russell Educational Matters Six Habits . . .7 Public Education Task Force, now by her actions, which include: DESIGNER & PRINTER Michigan Web Press Downtown Pontiac known as Michigan for Public Edu- Continuing service on the Michigan cation. North Central Association Commission CONTACT INFO: Events in 2007 - Erubus ...... 8 TELEPHONE: (248) 758-1411 Student & Parent Success kits . . . .9 “Fran is a knowledgeable, dedicated on Accreditation and School Improve- FAX: (248) 451-1653 Student & Parents Sucess and informed citizen activist whose con- ment; Worshops ...... 9 siderable energies have been focused on Continuing service as President of PO Box 431412, Suite #1 Pontiac, MI 48343 Educational Matters public education as a result of her expe- the North Oakland Medical Centers Why our Children Can't Read and riences as an educator, a concerned Foundation; and [email protected] Write - Part 2 ...... 10 mother, and a devoted grandmother,” Continuing service on the board of Health Watch said State Board of Education President the Pontiac Oakland Symphony. Kathleen N. Straus. Members of the Michigan for Public students. Selvy Hall ...... 12 The Michigan Parent Teacher Education group enthusiastically nomi- She dedicated over 34 years of her Senior Citizen Matters ...... 12 Student Association, which supported nated Anderson, not only because she life to achieving this vision; striving to Ask Elaine ...... 13 Anderson’s nomination, stated that she has outstanding qualifications, but be- identify and remove barriers to student Voices in the Community ...... 13 was, and still is, the ultimate advocate cause she knew Dorothy Beardmore per- achievement; setting high expectations It's Your Money for children. The Association holds her sonally, and shared Beardmore’s philos- for all; believing that every child is ca- 11 Best Money Savings in such high regard that it have created ophy for educational excellence and in- pable of learning; and encouraging oth- Ideas of all Time - Part 2 ...... 14 the “Fran Anderson MPTSA Scholar- clusion. ers to recognize that every child is capa- ship” which was awarded for the first Beardmore promoted educational re- ble of learning Sports ...... 15 time this year. form throughout her tenure on the State Prior to her election to the State Employment Opportunities ...... 15 “Fran is well respected among par- Board of Education, beginning with for- Board of Education, Mrs. Beardmore Community Calendar ...... 15 ents and educators and is often called mulating new teacher certification rules served eight years on the Rochester Community Events ...... 16 upon for her expertise on child-related in 1985 that require focused, relevant Board of Education (1967-75) and 10 issues,” Straus said. “Her interest re- professional development for teachers. years on the Board of Education of mains on children and the importance of She envisioned quality education for all Oakland Schools (1974-84). About The Pontiac News The Pontiac News Mission Statement The Pontiac News is dedicated to providing bal- anced news about The City of Pontiac and surround- business with a focus on this community. Pontiac citizens a unifying forum from ing communities! However as Michigan participated in so- which to view and address today's issues. The Pontiac News was founded and established cial and political change in the United States, Knowing that Pontiac residents value news in February 2007 and will be published bi-weekly its media outlets moved in the opposite di- and perspectives from beyond their borders, beginning in August 2007. As a major community and the county seat of Oakland County we believe rection, falling victim to the corporate ex- the Pontiac News will also provide timely that The City of Pontiac should have a newspaper pansion and consolidation that was taking and provocative stories from around the that is dedicated to providing information and news shape at the state, regional and national lev- county, state, country, and the world, through about this great and historical city. els. Out-of-state conglomerates have bought an independent network of writers and sub- The Pontiac News is a community minded news- many of the best dailies. In an attempt to scriptions to various news wire services. paper that will not only serve readers but also busi- nesses and local organizations and will strive to be keep pace with these fierce new competitors, Our pledge to you -- readers, advertisers, the paper of record for local municipal units includ- the former Pontiac Press, changed its name and subscribers -- is to provide socially re- ing The City of Pontiac, and the Pontiac School to the Oakland Press, expanded its market sponsible news and opinions on a human District. area in order to serve the entire Oakland scale. With news stories from throughout the This bi-weekly newspaper, The Pontiac News, County community. As a consequence of city, we will be the voice of the community, has been established to cover areas in our retail zone including Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, Publisher R. Frank Russell this change, Pontiac experienced a void in its a place where Pontiac citizens can share Bloomfield and other nearby communities (and other need for a news source with a local flavor. ideas and forge solutions. Those outside school districts). To serve The City of Pontiac and nearby The birth of The Pontiac News eliminates Pontiac can look to The Pontiac News as a The Pontiac News will be distributed to over communities as the leading information that void and fills that need. showcase for "the Pontiac way," which per- 25,000 homes in The City of Pontiac and nearby source that empowers our community, while The Pontiac News will specifically focus sonifies the unique ability to solve problems communities and over 1,000 area businesses, organi- never compromising the principles of truth on this city. Through our bi-weekly newspa- and define community issues related to polit- zations and agencies. We will eventually create a computer database for all addresses in the zip codes and fairness in reporting. per and web site, we will provide an inde- ical, educational, religious and social mat- contained in the basic Pontiac News circulation area. We measure our effectiveness based on pendent perspective with a commitment to ters. A computer program will be designed to generate la- the following core values: credible investigations. It will also include Our business model is unique in its ap- bels for all households and businesses in those zip • Provide leadership that contributes to the provocative and informative stories that oth- proach because Pontiac is a unique city. A codes in order to reach a total of more than 30,000 betterment of our community. ers either miss or choose to ignore. bi-weekly newspaper, combined with our homes and businesses in our retail area by mail or by door to door delivery service. • Reflect our community in everything we Too often, today's media spins their news web site will provide you with breaking sto- In addition to better serving the business com- do. coverage in a political rather than a human ries as they become available to us, no mat- munity with expanded circulation to cover the retail • Build credibility by accepting nothing less light. Stories and subjects are tagged as ter where they come from including Pontiac, zone, The Pontiac News will have a great product for than the highest standard of excellence. "left" or "right," ignoring the subtleties and Oakland County, the State of Michigan in readers. We will often feature full 4 color pictures on • Exercise our "watchdog" role by seeking nuances that define The City of Pontiac. the U.S. or around the globe. the front page and occasionally elsewhere in the pa- per. We will also have the Associated Press wire for solutions for and protecting those living The Pontiac News will reinvigorate the Thank you for joining us in this inaugural news features, local writers to augment our local within our community. credo that journalism speaks for the individ- issue and taking us into your homes, schools news, and feature coverage. The Pontiac News web • Help our customers grow and prosper by ual, checks abuses of power, and stands vigi- and businesses. We hope you will keep com- site will be launched in the near future to expand and providing useful information. lant in the protection of democracy and free ing back for more. Please pray with us that supplement our news coverage and advertising Several decades ago, Pontiac residents speech. By hosting regular editorial meet- we will do good work when we report news reach. We will continue to find better ways to serve our could pick up a newspaper and expect solid ings throughout the city, and presenting concerning this city and never hesitate to let customers. reporting from a locally owned newspaper news in a community context, we will give us know what you think. A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 3 Editorial HOW WE ALL CAN WORK TOGETHER TO TURN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AROUND By R. Frank Russell and Great Lakes Crossing? Did you also discuss this conclusion in more detail and we Execute a comprehensive Parent Training Let me first take this opportunity to thank know that Dan Murphy (Oakland County’s do welcome pro and con points of view on and Involvement Program. This program all of you who took the time to read the inau- first County Executive), Lynn Allen (long- this critical issue. However, since the focus would teach parents how to help their child gural issue of our publication. We want to time Oakland County Clerk) are graduates of this article is on solutions, let’s offer a few. succeed in school and in the general society. especially thank the people who took time out from the Pontiac School district? How many Hence, the rest of this editorial will suggest Included in this training is a specific step-by- of their busy schedules to send words of of you know that the renowned attorney what students, parents, teachers, administra- step process for helping parents to develop encouragement to The Pontiac News. The Albert Hatchett and former 50th District tors, board members and the community can the skills needed to properly interact with overwhelming response has been positive and Court Judge Christopher Brown are products do to turn our school district around. teachers and other district personnel, as well encouraging and we do appreciate this! of the Pontiac School District? Were you “In order to turn our school district as how to become effectively involved in Listed below are samplings of your reaction aware that Ronnie McNair, now a member of around, our students must be taught how to their child’s education. to the first issue of our newspaper. the famed Four Tops and international jazz come to school with a mindset to learn. Initiate and implement a comprehensive ------musicians Hank, Thad and Elvin Jones once Parents must do what ever is necessary to teacher development and training program • “I just had the pleasure of reading the walked the halls of Pontiac Central and make sure that their children come to school that will show our teachers how to motivate, inaugural issue of the Pontiac News. I Pontiac High respectively? Surely you have every day with a ready and willing to learn stimulate, educate and cultivate Pontiac stu- thought it was outstanding. I enjoyed all of heard about the achievements of Olympic mindset. Parents must also develop the skills dents! Another component of this project will the articles. I look forward to reading upcom- gold medal winners Miki King and Hayes needed to work in harmony with school staff focus on assisting our teachers on how to ing issues, possibly contributing a story or Jones, both graduates from the school district and teachers. Teachers must be mentally pre- properly interact with the parents of this dis- opinion or two, and advertising.” Ms. of the City of Pontiac. Bet you did not know pared to teach every day that they are in the trict. Andrea Wright, BBA, MSA that the 1964 state semi-finalist Pontiac classroom. Teachers must also gain the Perform an assessment/evaluation of • “Congratulations on your "Inaugural Central basketball team consisted of a future knowledge and understanding of how to every school in the district to determine spe- Issue" of The Pontiac News. Your paper was doctor in Gerald Henry, a future mayor in motivate, stimulate, educate and cultivate the cific needs in order to create school improve- left on our front steps Saturday and we happi- Walter Moore, a future attorney Alvin Keel students of the Pontiac School District. In ment plans specific to each particular school. ly couldn't wait to read it. Your lay out was and a future school principal in William addition to the items mentioned above, teach- Conduct a community educational/work- attention getting in red, white and blue and Morgan. Other high achievers from our ers absolutely must acquire the ability to force needs assessment spearheaded by the the contents proved to be worth every word. school district from back in the day include relate to and work with the parents and other Pontiac Alumni Foundation in conjunction We will look forward to the future editions. TPN Teacher of the year Ruthie Winfield, caregivers. School Board members must be with the business community and the work- The Woods family appreciates your reference Rev. Bill Tipton, comedianTerry Hodges, proactive in setting policies that are in harmo- force development community to define the to the families that have been part of this Donnie Soden, Dana Coin, Judge Phyllis ny with the community educational and business and workforce needs for the next 5 – community for so long.” Esmo and Sandra McMillen, Judge Preston Thomas, Judge Leo workforce needs and be willing to listen to 20 years. Work with school board and admin- Woods Bowman and attorneys Joe McMillen, and respond to parents and other community istrative staff to develop relevant education • “I would first like to congratulate all Harrison Munson, Russell Anderson and members’ concerns. The superintendent and and training programs and incorporate these that were instrumental in beginning this Kenny Burch. Dr. Gary Weeks, Dr. Bruce other administrative staff must administer findings into the school curriculum in order to newspaper for the City of Pontiac. I believe Turpin, Dr. Larry Russell, Dr. Jeff Martin, Dr. decisions fairly, carry out board policy as train students to meet community educational this form of communication will aid the city in Beverly Goodman, Dr. Terrance Haynes, Dr. directed, and create a solid working relation- and workforce needs. its endeavors to grow in a constructive direc- Drew Marshall, Dr. Amos Johnson, Jr. and Dr. ship with all school district personnel as well Over the past 25+ years this writer has tion. Encouraging communication IS Henry Smith are all graduates of the Pontiac as the community. The final piece of this personally met with every superintendent strength.” Sean V. Kennedy School district. “turn our school district around puzzle” is the (except Mr. Lee) that we have had during this • Congratulations on your vision and mis- Finally it is important to note that in the community at large, including families, the period including Dr. Nails, Dr. Abrams, Dr. sion to redeem and restore a unique city such late 1950’s and early 1960’s the Pontiac business community, religious establishments Gregg, Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Burt and Dr. Mason. as Pontiac to its former glory and beyond by School district was considered by many to be and every other segment of the Pontiac com- In addition, we have also met with and made providing the citizens of Pontiac with a jour- one of the top school districts in America! In munity. Community involvement could mean presentations to various boards of education nalistic "think tank" tapping the hidden wis- addition, Pontiac Central High School has volunteering at the school in your neighbor- during this same time period. During these dom and understanding of its citizenry and been an accredited high school since 1849. It hood, attending board meetings, mentoring various meetings and discussions we have other well wishers in an effort to repair the is the oldest high school in Oakland County, students, joining the PTA, sponsoring a consistently presented the information out- foundations of this city that have been Southeastern Michigan, and has the largest school activity and/or attending the many lined above. Like most members of the com- destroyed in its familial, educational, politi- alumni of any school in Oakland County. school events that take place during the munity who have attempted to assist the dis- cal, religious and other pertinent arenas! So, there you have it, the Pontiac school school year.” trict in solving these now chronic problems, Raymond E. Wiggins Sr. A Pontiac district was once a great place to send your In order to achieve the objectives outlined we were ignored, distracted, played-off Resident child if you wanted him or her to excel aca- above, TPN suggests that the following criti- and/or discredited. As a consequence of these ------demically, socially and athletically. I con- cal action steps be taken: tactics, our district is now facing a crisis of Now to the task at hand. How can we all clude my travels down memory lane with this Establish and implement a District-wide monumental proportions. The question is work together to turn our school district statement “if we did it once; we can do it Student Success Program. This project would “are they willing to work with us to turn OUR around? Before I answer this threshold ques- again”. teach all of our 8,000+ students how to be school district around?” I think they are! tion, let me reflect a few minutes on the past So what happened to this once great successful in school. This would include So there you have it; my 2 cents worth. glory days of the Pontiac School District. school system? As stated in the editorial in teaching our students the proper classroom Hopefully these suggestions will be received Did you know that back in the day, the the first issue of TPN; “Pontiac - The Former decorum, such as how to dress, and how to in the spirit in which they are presented - as a Pontiac school district produced Al Taubman All-American City at the Crossroads”, this impress your instructors, how to prepare for primer or catalyst for action! - Developer of many malls acrosss the United writer believes that forced court ordered bus- class, how to study, how to take tests, how to Again please keep in mind that the sug- States including the first mall in the world ing of our children to achieve integration was take notes, how to make a time schedule and gestions made in this editorial is the opinion Northland Shopping Mall in Oak Park, MI; the single biggest cause of the decline of the how to perform the various other tasks need- of this writer. We welcome your com- the world’s largest mall in Minneapolis, MN; Pontiac School District. Future editorials will ed to succeed in school. ments!— TPN School District News Interested Persons Invited presentation that served to focus all present on the education To Apply To Serve On School Board On September 5th President Roberts tendered, in writ- of young minds. Persons interested in serving as a Trustee to fill a vacant ing, her resignation from the Board and from her office as Board seat (term of this seat ends June 30, 2008) are invited President. Per State election law and Board policy, a resig- Schools opened September 4th on a very positive to submit an application by September 17th. nation from the Board once submitted becomes effective. note. Staff was organized and prepared and the build- ings were clean and set to receive the students. Special The process for filling this vacant Board seat is as fol- New Board Officers thanks to the many volunteers who pitched in to help the lows: In the wake of the resignation the board has reorganized, District prepare its buildings. Monday September 10th 2:00PM applications will per board bylaw and Robert Rules of Order, as follows: become available. Those interested in applying will be able President = April Hernandaz On September 7th a newly renovated Reading & to obtain applications online from the District’s website Vice President = Chris Northcross Learning Center was unveiled at Will Rogers Elementary (www.pontiac.k12.mi.us ), or from the Superintendent’s Secretary = Alma Bradly-Petress School courtesy of the defending world champion basket- office at 47200 Woodward Avenue , Pontiac Michigan Treasurer = Gil Garrett ball team The Detroit Shock. The Reading & Learning Monday September 17th by 4:00PM the completed Center is a state of the art facility chuck full of cutting edge application must be submitted to the Superintendent’s By law the Board must select an eligible resident of the technologies, thanks to IBM and other partners. office. School District of Pontiac to fill this vacancy by no later On hand for the event was the entire Shock WNBA Wednesday September 19th those applicants selected than October 5th of this year. women’s professional basketball team, Head Coach Bill to be interviewed will be notified Laimbeer, Assistant Coach Rick Mahorn, the team mascot Friday September 21st the selected Candidates will be Other Significant Board News Zap representatives of IBM, Mayor Clarence Phillips, interviewed by the Board An employee’s summit was held on August 30th at Police Chief Gross, and four School Board Trustees Monday September 24th The Board will make its final Oakland Schools with the theme of New Beginnings. Dr. (Bradly-Petress, Garrett, Bass and Northcross). This was a selection in open meeting. Jelani Jabari give a highly motivational and very inspiring wonderful event.— Board Trustee Chris Northcross A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 4 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 What’s Happening In Pontiac
Mayor Phillips Pontiac City Council Pontiac City Officials Promise Full Cooperation on Sale of Pontiac Silverdome At the Pontiac City Council meeting held ment community know we are prepared to on August 23, 2007, the Pontiac City Council work together in the prompt processing of all passed a Resolution pledging full coopera- bids and the final selection of an offer after tion in processing the bids from the Request public hearings.” For Proposals on the purchase and redevel- Council President Pro Tem, Joseph opment of the approximately 127 acre Hansen, is the Councilman in charge of the Pontiac Silverdome site, located at 1200 Silverdome Sub-Committee; whose mem- Opdyke Road, Pontiac, Michigan (Copy of bers include representatives from the Resolution attached). Stadium Authority, CB Richard Ellis, The Mayor Clarence Phillips said “Our elect- Pontiac Growth Group, Professional City ed officials are in agreement to provide Staff, Economic Development staff from prompt professional processing of all bids, Oakland County, and Staff of the Michigan which are due in to our professional broker- Economic Development Corporation. age firm of CB Richard Ellis on October 11, For additional information, contact Ms. 2007. I have contacted our city staff to make Myrna Burroughs of CB Richard Ellis at processing a priority item. When the suc- 248-351-2028 or email cessful bidder is determined, they will re- [email protected]. The ceive expeditious attention by all depart- Silverdome bid information can be accepted ments.” at CBRE c/o Myrna Burroughs at 1000 Town Council President Art McClellan and Center, Suite 2300, Southfield, Michigan Council President Pro Tem Joseph Hansen 48075. The RFP may be accessed at indicated, “We just want to let the develop- www.cbre.com/pontiacsilverdome. Town e oyalV arpet Meetings There is an important opportunity coming up soon to help shape the future of Pontiac Get a great job V and have some fun at the same time. leaning There will be four Town Meetings in late September and early October to receive pub- you’ll feel great about. lic input on how to shape the future of Guaranteed To Pontiac over the next 20 years. Faculty and 1500 University Dr. Come Clean students from Michigan State University will Auburn Hills, MI 48326 lead four visioning sessions where citizens www.baker.edu will be asked to share their ideas for the fu- ture in round table discussions. YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS AT- TENDING ONE OF THESE VISIONING SESSIONS. THEY ARE FUN! PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND (248) 340-0600 NEIGHBORS TO COME! The meetings will run from 7:00 p.m. - (888) 429-0410 9:30 p.m. at the following locations. There will be refreshments. • Tuesday, September 25 - UAW Local 653 - 670 East Walton • Thursday, September 27 - Holland Center 469 MLK, South • Tuesday, October 2 - Bowens Center - 52 An Equal Opportunity Prince Miles EL Bagley Affirmative Action Institution Y6151-AH • Thursday, October 11 - Howard Dell Center Carpet Cleaner - 345 Edison For more information contact the Office of Land Use and Strategic Planning at 248- 235 Sanford 758-2888 Thank you and we look forward to seeing Pontiac, MI 48342 you there! We Welcome Your Input! 248-454-0808 Send your ideas to: PO Box 431412, Suite #1 [email protected] Pontiac, MI 48343 [email protected] A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 5 What’s Happening In Oakland County From the County Seat Accomplishments What Does a Oakland County Executive • Oakland County’s Health Division has suc- County Commissioner Do? L. Brooks Patterson cessfully dealt with two Hepatitis A out- has provided strong breaks, an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease By: Mattie Zoning Committee. They oversee the pur- leadership and in- and the West Nile Virus. McKinney chase, sale or lease of properties and facili- spired stewardship Hatchett, Oakland ties, as well as, building alterations and new that has resulted in a Veterans County construction. This committee biennially re- number of outstanding • The new Great Lakes National Cemetery, Commissioner views all county-owned buildings and facili- achievements for located in Holly, is Michigan’s second One of the ties, as well as inspects and provides mainte- Oakland County dur- National Veteran’s Cemetery. most frequently nance and improvement of county-owned ing his term in office, asked questions buildings and facilities. Patterson including: Technology of any Oakland The Public Services Committee informs • Four out of five businesses and homes in County Commiss- the board on all matters of the Growth Oakland County have access to a high speed ioner is “What Administration, Animal Control, the MSU • Retail sales in Oakland County totaled Internet connection, which is higher than the Does a County Cooperative Extensions, Veterans’ Services $22.5 billion in 2002, surpassing total retail national average. Commissioner and Circuit Court Probation. They review sales in 14 separate states and the District of • CIO Magazine, a national publication fo- Do?” The answer and make recommendations to the Board of Columbia. cusing on Information Technology, selected lies in the many Commissioners on law enforcement matters, • Oakland County was the fastest growing la- Oakland County as the only county in Hatchett duties and re- as well as Emergency Management, the bor market in Michigan between 1991 and America among its 100 award recipients for sponsibilities of the Oakland County Board Medical Examiner, the Prosecuting Attorney 2003 with employment increasing 90 percent 2004. of Commissioners. First, as a member of and all courts. faster than the state and 33 percent faster • The 530-member Automation Alley consor- the Oakland County Board of All committees are open to the public and than the nation. tium ranks as one of America’s premier tech- Commissioners, I am one of 25 elected com- allow time for Public Comment. For com- • Oakland County was Michigan’s number nology clusters with more than 19,000 high missioners who serve two-year terms. Each mittee meeting times, visit the Oakland one county for business development be- tech companies and a technology workforce commissioner represents one of the 25 coun- County Board of Commissioners website at tween 1997 and 2003, with more than 10,000 of 568,000. ty districts comprised of approximately www.oakgov.com/boc/. new expansion projects. • Automation Alley’s new technology center 48,000 people. In addition, each commissioner acts as a • More than $220 million has been invested in Troy is expected to contribute $15 million As a member of the Oakland County liaison between their local governments, in- in Oakland County’s 10 Main Street commu- to the region’s economy while creating some Board of Commissioners, one of the major dividuals, businesses, informal and formal nities over the past four years. 100 new jobs. responsibilities of the Board is to oversee the groups, and all county departments. The re- • Manpower’s Employment Outlook Survey • Implementation of OAKNet, a 380-mile county budget of over ? billion dollars, to be sponsibility of a commissioner is to elimi- ranks Oakland County as one of the top 10 fiber optic network connecting hundreds of exact, the upcoming 2008 fiscal year budget nate any delays, red tape and assist you in growth markets in the U.S. locations, allows local units of government is 708.8 million dollars. Another role of the successfully completing your business while • Successful trade missions to Mexico, to exchange large amounts of data more effi- Board of Commissioners is to set policy for continuing to make Oakland County a great Canada, China and Germany have generated ciently and cost-effectively. county departments and personnel. place for you to live, work, play and prosper. millions of dollars in new business for local • Oakland County was the first government Budget recommendations are sent to the If you have any concerns, please contact companies. unit in the nation to successfully develop and Board of Commissioners through a commit- me at 248-499-2142 implement an enhanced access program tee process where discussions about funding, Public Safety called Access Oakland, which offers 30 on- policies, or issues are provided. Options are • Oakland County’s CLEMIS (Courts and line services and generated revenue of $2 weighed during this process as we vote to ap- Law Enforcement Management Information million in 2004. prove or deny support for many issues, poli- System) signed a data sharing agreement cies and funding requests. Operating under a D’liteful with the Michigan State Police that will Government committee system, the Board has five stand- make 1.5 million mug shots available • According to a recent survey, Oakland ing committees representing the following statewide along with an extensive fingerprint County delivers government services at the areas: Finance, Personnel, General Ice database. lowest cost based on personal income of the Government, Planning and Building, and • The 31-year old CLEMIS has been techno- 50 largest counties in America. Public Services. logically improved to allow officers to ac- • More than 80 percent of all Business The Finance Committee plans ways and cess a wide array of data from their patrol Roundtable recommendations have been im- means for financing county activities, pre- cars. plemented since 1993 including the estab- pares and presents the recommended county • Oak Video, Oakland County’s new multi- lishment of a One Stop Shop for business de- budget, examines assessments of local taxing point video arraignment system, will link all velopment; a new focus on downtowns and units and determines the county’s equalized district and circuit courts, as well as the pros- older commercial areas; the Export value; review and approve federal and state ICE CREAM ecutor’s office, jails, booking facilities and Assistance Center; and a countywide grants while providing oversight for all inter- law enforcement agencies in Oakland Workforce Development Board to consoli- nal and external audit functions. POPCORN • SNACKS County. date all job-training programs. The Personnel Committee formulates • A new radio communications system is in • Since 1998, Oakland County has main- policies on personnel matters, including place that will allow police and fire agencies tained an AAA Bond rating because of its wages, fringe benefits and employee human for the first time to communicate across sound business practices, escalating tax base, resource issues. This committee sets Spencer M. Dinkins III boundary lines. exploding business growth and spiraling Oakland County Merit System policies, col- President The $17 million COPSMORE grant present- commercial, residential and industrial devel- laborates with the Oakland County ed to Oakland County by the U.S. Justice opment. Oakland County is one of 34 coun- Retirement Commission regarding pension Management, Sales, Logistics, Marketing Department is the largest multi-jurisdictional ties nationwide to have achieved this highest matters and retirees’ healthcare benefits, as grant ever approved in the history of the pro- rating out of more than 3,000 counties. well as reviews the annual affirmative action gram. • Oakland County’s 4.19 county millage rate program reports. is among the lowest in the State of Michigan. The General Government Committee re- Health • The Employees’ Suggestion Program has ceives, reviews and recommends proposed P.O. Box 21026 • The Oakland County Prescription Savings saved more than $3.5 million since 1993. revisions of the Rules of the Board of Program is saving participants between 15- • The Casual Day Fund has distributed near- Commissioners. All public transportation Auburn Hills, MI 48326 40 percent on their prescription purchases. ly $400,000 to local charities since being es- policies affecting Oakland County are re- The $7 Prescription Relief Program, target- tablished in 1993. viewed recommendations to the full Board ing low-income individuals, is saving partic- • Privatization efforts have saved the County regarding Committee Chairpersons, mem- ipants an average of $2,400 each on prescrip- $2 million annually since 1993. bership and appointments requiring full tion purchases. Board approval are made through this com- 248-894-6172 • More than 29,000 third and fourth grade Quality of Life mittee. Legislation and county ordinance students participated in the County • Arts, Beats & Eats Festival attracts more recommendations are made through the com- Executive’s Count Your Steps pedometer than a million people over the Labor Day mittee that also acts as a liaison with all fed- walking program targeting childhood obesity Weekend to downtown Pontiac. It is widely eral, state, regional and local agencies and in 2004. recognized as one of America’s top 20 pre- governments. s d i n k i n s @ d e l i t e f u l i c e . n e t • Between 2002 and 2003 the black infant miere summertime events. The Planning and Building Committee mortality rate in Pontiac dropped from 21.4 develops a 5-year Capital Improvement per 1,000 live births to 9.8. Program and act as the County Coordinating A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 6 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 What’s Happening In Lansing Oakland Dems Unveil Plan Prohibiting Reckless Predatory Lending Practices Legislation safeguards Michigan homeowners from unscrupulous lenders
LANSING – State Representatives Tim Melton (D-Pontiac), Marie Donigan (D- Royal Oak), Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale), and Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/ Farmington Hills) today unveiled the Michigan Home Loan Protection Act, a com- prehensive legislative package that cracks down on predatory mortgage-lending prac- tices and strengthens consumer protections in the face of the collapsing subprime mort- gage market. “Home foreclosures have skyrocketed across Oakland County and throughout en- tire state of Michigan, threatening the devel- opment of our communities as families are too often forced from their homes,” Melton said. “Michigan ranks among the highest in the country in home foreclosures due in part to the practice of reckless predatory lending. The Michigan Home Loan Protection Act will close the door on this unscrupulous busi- ness practice that has taken advantage of too many of Michigan’s working families.” Left to Right: Representatives from Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak), State Representative Steve Tobococman (D-Detroit), Oakland County The Michigan Home Loan Commissioner Tim Greimel (District 11), State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac), and State Representative Andy Protection Act will: Meisner (D-Ferndale). Not Seen in Picture: Sam Scott-State Representative Tim Melton Legislative Assistant Greg • Ban predatory lending practices, such as Sterns-Lighthouse-(Pontiac Location), and State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/Farmington Hills) making loans without requiring borrowers to • Protect consumers from being steered to- • Give injured and aggrieved homeowners keeping Michigan’s families in their homes, prove their ability to repay the loan, encour- ward high-cost loans when they would other- legal recourse so they can independently en- and this legislation will ensure that these un- aging borrowers to default, charging exces- wise qualify for a traditional loan. force these consumer protections against un- ethical practices that are killing the American sive late fees and charging fees for a payoff • Prohibit the financing of any points and scrupulous lenders. dream are shut down.” statement. fees that hide the true costs of the loan. “The Mortgage Home Loan Protection According to federal data, subprime bor- • Protect homeowners’ equity by prohibiting • Prohibit prepayment penalties. Act is about defending Michigan’s residents rowers are often steered by brokers into sign- home refinancing to generate fees for the • Require vulnerable borrowers to receive in- from mortgage lenders who mislead con- ing Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and lender unless there is a tangible net benefit to dependent counseling from a certified third- sumers,” Donigan said. “Predatory lenders the borrower. party, non-profit counselor. are more interested in making a buck than See Melton on page 11 What’s Happening In Washington FOR YOUR Meet Congressman Joe Knollenberg A small business fought to rescind costly steel tariffs that drive COMMERCIAL AND owner, PTA president, up the cost of auto manufacturing for The homeowner associa- Big Three and their suppliers. In 2006, RESIDENTIAL tion president, and Knollenberg authored legislation to crack parish leader, down on counterfeiters who make fraudulent Congressman Joe auto parts that cost Michigan thousands of MORTGAGES Knollenberg has been auto jobs. The Knollenberg counterfeit law a citizen leader in was a top priority of The National Oakland County for Association of Manufacturers, The United Knollenberg the better part of three States Chamber of Commerce, and scores of decades. automotive suppliers located in Oakland Elected to Congress in 1992, Knollenberg County. In the 110th Congress, Knollenberg is the ranking member on the House is working to promote alternative fuels as a Appropriations Subcommittee on means to reduce America’s dependence on Transportation and Housing and Urban Middle East oil and to prevent job-killing in- Development. In this role, Knollenberg uti- creases in federal fuel economy regulations. lizes his stature in Congress to fight for Knollenberg has worked closely with Oakland County’s fair share of federal mon- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks ey for local road projects and other priorities Patterson on initiatives to diversify Southeast such as environmental clean ups of the Michigan’s economy and attract good pay- Rouge River. Knollenberg is also a senior ing, high-tech jobs to our communities. member of the House Appropriations Knollenberg was instrumental in securing Subcommittee on Foreign Operations and a federal funding to build Automation Alley’s key ally of the many ethnically diverse com- new headquarters. And he believes we must Contact munities in Oakland County. raise the bar on education and focus more ex- A recipient of the National Federation of tensively on math and science education to ROBERT D. WRIGHT Independent Business’ top legislative award, ensure our children have the skills to com- Knollenberg is a strong supporter of health pete in the global economy. care reforms that will reduce costs for small A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, SR. MORTGAGE BROKER businesses and make it easier for them to of- Knollenberg served in the Army before fer insurance to their workers. Knollenberg launching his business career. He and his VANDYK MORTGAGE has also championed legislation to provide wife, Sandie, have been married for 44 years tax credits to small businesses that create and have lived in Oakland County for 40 (T) 248-342-6452 new jobs. And he has worked to reduce the years. They have two sons, Marty and Steve, cost of regulations and litigation on small who also reside in Oakland County. Marty businesses. Knollenberg represents Troy and Clawson in (F) 248-322-1230 Knollenberg is one of the auto industry’s the Michigan Legislature. Steve Knollenberg most effective advocates in Congress. He has is a successful entrepreneur. [email protected] A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 7 Educational Matters The Six Habits Of Fiscally Responsible School Districts The Six Habits of Fiscally Responsible trative functions such as payroll services. morale has improved, and administrators the kind of outsourcing that has the best School Districts is an article that was writ- The Texas State Comptroller of Public are encouraged to admit failure as well as chance to save money and improve serv- ten by Dr. Kirk A. Johnson and Elizabeth Account’s office (the state auditor) has success.” ices. Moser of The Mackinac Center for Public been conducting school district perform- The public–private partnership of Aramark claims that the contract will Policy, a nonprofit research and educa- ance reviews over the past few years. In Minneapolis Public Schools and PSG con- save DPS a substantial sum of money be- tional institute headquartered in these performance reviews, the tains a lesson for school districts every- cause the company will be able to elimi- Midland, Michigan. This is the second Comptroller’s office estimates how much where who wish to improve education nate a layer of bureaucracy by sending 43 and third parts in a seven part series that money could be saved through outsourc- while freeing scarce resources for other sub–foremen back to labor positions. outlines the Habits of a Fiscally ing certain administrative functions, purposes. As Hutchison told the Aramark ServiceMaster also will revamp Responsible School District. among other fiscal recommendations. Minneapolis Star Tribune, privatization the district’s maintenance department to This article continues from the first is- One example is the Eagle Pass gave PSG “a chance to share ... our suc- provide higher quality service. Among sue of The Pontiac News. This week’s top- Independent School District in the Rio cess and the elements that have gone into the planned improvements are putting a ic focuses on Habit 1 and Habit 2. Grande valley. The Comptroller’s office that success, so that we can all learn how deadline on work orders (there was a estimates that the 12,500-student school to get better.” backlog of 20,000) with a new software district could enjoy a net savings of near- Clearly, minimizing administrative program, selling the maintenance ware- ly $43,000 per year if they outsourced costs can reap savings for public school house and buying smaller, more centrally their payroll functions. Mid–size districts districts of all sizes. Districts should located buildings, and giving workers dis- in Michigan could realize similar savings. therefore analyze their administrative trict vehicles stocked with supplies so Other administrative areas in which expenditures first when they look to they do not have to drive back to the school districts should consider outsourc- maximize classroom spending. warehouse for parts. ing include records management, benefits Habit 2: Take Advantage of Cost Similar maintenance contracts were administration (flexible spending ac- Savings through Outsourcing Non- granted by DPS in 2001 to two firms, B&L counts, some insurance benefits, etc.) and Instructional Services One of the most Landscaping and Torro & Braglio even candidate recruitment. straightforward ways school districts can Landscaping, for snow removal, and Moser Johnson Another way administrative costs can save money or improve services is to Jackson Public Schools’ recent outsourc- be reduced is by contracting out adminis- evaluate how they provide non–instruc- ing of painting services is projected to net Habit 1: Minimize Administrative trative functions entirely, which is pre- tional services, such as transportation, the district about $150,000 per year. Costs. The first hallmark of fiscal respon- cisely what happened a few years back in food services, and maintenance. If private Transportation The Pontiac School sibility starts with front office functions. Minneapolis. That city’s school district be- companies could provide these non–in- District in Oakland County made Many school districts employ a small pha- came the first public school entity to structional school services better and/or statewide headlines in 1993 when it sold lanx of consultants, administrators, assis- name a private company to the position cheaper than the school district itself, its buses and hired Ryder Student tant superintendents, etc. Does the exis- of school superintendent. there is little reason for the district to con- Transportation Services to transport its tence of this sometimes–extensive front Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) tinue providing these services. 4,000 students to and from school. office staff help educate children, or originally hired Public Strategies Group Note that this is different from blindly Designed to net the district savings of could this money be better used in the (PSG), a private consulting firm, in privatizing these services. Districts should about $500,000 annually, the Pontiac plan classroom? February 1993 to help balance its books. know their service costs and compare spurred other school bus privatizations Habit 2: Take Advantage of Cost The district was $5 million in debt when them to alternatives by soliciting and across the state. Savings from Outsourcing PSG was hired. Around that time, MPS evaluating bid contracts. This process To handle its busing, the Non–Instructional Services. Most also hired a search firm to help locate a alone is beneficial to public school dis- Climax–Scotts School District in schools currently run a broad range of new superintendent. The district author- tricts for two basic reasons. First, the bids Kalamazoo County hired non–instructional services, such as janito- ized the search firm to consider nontradi- show districts what options are available Cincinnati–based Laidlaw Transit rial, food, transportation, etc. When these tional candidates and even asked PSG if it to them saving money or improving serv- Corporation in 1996. “We’ve never been services are opened up for competitive would be interested in the position. ices. Second, districts can compare the happier,” says the district’s business man- bidding, many school districts find they Peter Hutchison, PSG’s president, took bids to their own internal costs of provid- ager Lou Wade. “Drivers get more can either improve the quality of the serv- the district’s suggestion to heart and of- ing these services. If districts are provid- in–service training and the company ices, save money on comparable services, fered himself as a candidate, intending to ing non-instructional services for less helps educate our students about bus or both. hold the position of superintendent tem- than it would cost to hire private busi- safety too.” Habit 1: Minimize Administrative porarily. In 1994, the 45,000–student dis- nesses (to perform the same services) Food Services Chartwells, a sub- Costs For public school districts, as with trict accepted Hutchison’s proposal, but then it would be fiscally irresponsible to sidiary of United Kingdom–based any venture, fiscal responsibility starts at with a twist. It hired the entire PSG firm outsource those services. Compass Group that operates offices in the top. This means controlling adminis- to serve, in the district’s words, “in the ca- Outsourcing school-related operational Grand Rapids and other U.S. cities, won a tration costs in Michigan’s public schools, pacity of superintendent.” services through competitive bidding is contract to manage food service for Mt. particularly since expenditures on admin- Thus began a unique public–private common throughout the nation. According Pleasant Public Schools in the late 1990s. istration have risen faster than other partnership that ultimately resulted in four to a 1997 survey by American School & Under the agreement, all school food budgetary areas over the past three years. contracts between PSG and the district, be- University magazine, more than 40 percent service employees except one manager According to the S&P School Evaluation ginning January 1994 and ending in June of the nation’s school districts are contract- from Chartwells remained employees of Services, central administration costs have 1998. In Minneapolis, an entire firm’s ex- ing out for bus transportation and more the district, complete with unchanged increased more than twice as fast as in- pertise was brought to bear on a school than 21 percent are contracting out for salaries and fringe benefits. structional expenses, including teacher district’s management for a mere $72,000 food service. Philadelphia’s school district In the first full year, Chartwells has salaries. Building administration (princi- per year, far less than the average annual alone saved over $29 million in just two saved the Mt. Pleasant district $113,000. pals and school directors), grew at about superintendent’s salary and benefits. years by relying on privatized transporta- The first $100,000 in savings came be- 5 percent, more than the 3 percent that The Minneapolis school district paid tion, food service, custodial, and other cause Chartwells, being a large multina- teacher salaries increased over the same PSG a total of $431,000 for its work dur- functions. In a similar fashion, Chicago’s tional company, can buy larger stores of period. Combined, these administrative ing the first contract and its initial exten- school district saved $20 million over three supplies at a time than any single school expenditures make up 10 percent of total sion. This payment included just over years by contracting out its bus service. district, and suppliers will charge the annual education spending, or $1.4 bil- $70,000 in base salary, with the rest being Maintenance The Detroit Public company less because it buys in bulk. lion. This translates to more than $846 bonuses for meeting 60 percent of the Schools, under CEO Kenneth Burnley, Another $13,000 in savings was achieved per–pupil in administrative spending. school district’s goals. This have aggressively outsourced a number simply by streamlining certain operations, There are ways of trimming adminis- outcome–based contract allowed the of operational services, beginning with such as food preparation and delivery, trative costs through outsourcing, while school district to pay most of PSG’s com- maintenance and janitorial services. In something the district had been unable to potentially alleviating some of the prob- pensation only after the firm had thor- January of 2002, Detroit Public Schools do as effectively as Chartwells. lems associated with district-run adminis- oughly proven itself. (DPS) signed a 10–year, $78.5 million The food is better, too, and healthier tration. For example, Detroit Public Local media also were impressed with contract with Aramark ServiceMaster choices such as a salad bar are now avail- Schools’ payroll system has been fraught PSG’s performance. According to the St. Facilities Services to manage its able. Student use of the high school cafete- with problems, mostly stemming from Paul Pioneer Press, PSG “made funda- 3,000–employee maintenance operations ria is up dramatically. employees not being paid correctly; out- mental changes in a district that was des- department. Food service is a popular target for sourcing this to a private company that perately in need of direction and compe- Whether or not the Aramark contract competitive bidding and contracting. In has a pecuniary interest in its accuracy tence. [Hutchison] streamlined some an- will save the district money will be deter- addition to Chartwells, Michigan school would likely solve the problem entirely. cient bureaucratic practices and brought mined over time, but the move signals a districts also have contracted for food about improved test scores in elementary wholesale change in the way school School districts of all sizes, though, See Habits on page 11 could benefit from outsourcing adminis- grades.” The editorial continued, “Staff maintenance is handled in Detroit. This is A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 8 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 Downtown Pontiac Events 2007
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A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 9 THE STUDENT SUCCESS WORKSHOP THE PARENT SUCCESS WORKSHOP HOW TO GET BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILD A SUCCESS A Workshop For Students By The Youth Development Institute IN SCHOOL, FRIENDSHIPS AND IN ATHLETICS A Workshop For Parents, Guardians & Caregivers By: The Youth Development Institute THIS WORKSHOP WILL HELP TYPICAL WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT COMMENT: THE STUDENT TO IMMEDIATELY After attending and applying the material THIS WORKSHOP WILL HELP PARENTS TO IMMEDIATELY TYPICAL PARENT COMMENT: • Help Their Child to Develop a • Get Better Grades In School that was presented at this workshop After participating and applying the material Sense of Responsibility. presented in this workshop my ability to help • Get Better Test Scores my grades and study habits improved. • Help Their Child To Read Better my child has increased significantly. and Get Better Grades In School REVIEWER COMMENT: PARTICIPANTS COMMENTS: HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS • Help Their Child Get Better Test Scores. This Workshop is a must for the serious student This workshop is a must for the concerned parent INFORMATIVE WORKSHOP • Help Their Child With His/Her Homework who wants to get better grades in school. who wants to help their child succeed in school, • How To Prepare For Class HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS AMAZING WORKSHOP INCLUDES friendships and in sports. IT WORKS: • What To Do After Class • Ways To Help Your Child Learn. IT WORKS Hundreds of students have already attended : • What To Do During Classes • Ten Steps To Improved Reading. Hundreds of parents have already attended this • Test Taking Strategies this workshop and are now getting better • Impact Of Parental Support. workshop and are now helping their children grades in school. • Getting Along With Others. succeed in school, friendships and in sports.
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A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 10 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 Educational Matters A Perspective on Why Our Children Can’t Read and Write! Part 2 By Robert W. Sweet, Jr. Co-Founder & point where it (the code) is used au- Teaching children to read is the In 1837, Horace Mann, a lawyer Former President tomatically with little conscious most important objective educators and Secretary of the Massachusetts © The National Right to Read Foundation thought given to it. have to accomplish. Reading is a pre- Board of Education, proposed to the This article continues from the first is- Once a child learned the mechan- requisite for everything else, not only Boston School Masters the adoption sue of The Pontiac News, where the focus ics of the code, attention could be in school but in life itself. Western of a “new method” of reading that be- was on the grim statistics. This week’s turned to more advanced content. It civilization has taught its children to gan with the memorization of whole issue will explore the two ways in which seldom, if ever, occurred to teachers read using an alphabetic approach words rather than just learning the American school children are taught to give children word lists to read, or ever since the Phoenicians invented letter sounds and blending them into to read. to make beginning readers memorize the alphabet and the Egyptians words. His “new method” was based Illiteracy: An Incurable Disease or whole words before learning the stopped writing in hieroglyphics. on the work of Thomas A. Gallaudet, Education Malpractice? components of those words, or to English is an alphabetic language who had developed a way to teach (Illiteracy is defined as the inability to memorize whole stories as today’s that, when written, uses letters to rep- deaf children to read. Since deaf chil- read or write at a level that allows one to proponents of the “whole language resent speech sounds. dren had no ability to “sound out” let- function at a certain level in the society). approach” recommend. When students were taught to ters, syllables, or words, the constant (Literacy is the ability to read and write. Several recent studies funded by read, they consciously identified the repetition of “sight” words from a In modern context, the word means read- the U.S. Department of Education, in- speech sounds and learned to recog- controlled vocabulary seemed to be ing and writing on a level adequate for cluding “Preventing Reading Failure: nize the letters used to represent the most efficient way to teach them written communication and generally a The Myths of Reading Instruction,” them. They were then trained to ap- to read. level that enables one to successfully func- found that 90 percent of remedial ply this information to “decode” the Adapting the work of Gallaudet, tion at certain levels of a society). reading students today are not able to names of unknown written words, Horace Mann and his wife Mary de- Robert Sweet is a former senior official decode fluently, accurately, and at an understand their meaning, and com- veloped a reading program that ap- at the U.S. Department of Education, automatic level of response. In a prehend the information presented as plied the same principles to students White House domestic policy advisor to March, 1989, Phi Delta Kappan arti- a complete thought. who had no hearing impairment. His President Reagan, head of the Office of cle, Harvard Professor Jeanne Chall The English language contains ap- method was tried for about six years Juvenile Justice and Delinquency under (author of “Learning to Read: The proximately half a million words. Of in the Boston schools, and then President Bush, and former high-school Great Debate”) cites a study by Peter these words, about 300 compose soundly rejected by the Boston teacher. In July 1997, he resigned as Freebody and Brian Byrne, that con- about three-quarters of the words we School Masters in 1844. Samuel President of the foundation to become a firms the same finding. Today’s stu- use regularly. In schools where the Stillwell Greene, then principal of the professional staff member on the U.S. dents are not being taught the funda- “whole language” is taught, children Phillips Grammar School in Boston, House Committee on Education and the mental structure of language, but are constantly memorizing “sight” expressed the views of the Boston Workforce. rather are engaged in what Dr. words during the first three or four School Masters, and the following ex- Kenneth Goodman (a proponent of grades of school, but are never taught cerpt from his essay is as relevant to- “Learning to read is like learn- “the whole language approach”) has how to unlock the meaning of the day as it was in 1844: ing to drive a car. You take lessons called a “psycholinguistic guessing other 499,700 or more words. “Education is a great concern; it and learn the mechanics and the game.” Reading failure usually shows up af- has often been tampered with by vain rules of the road. After a few One philosophy of teaching read- ter the fourth grade, when the vol- theorists; it has suffered much from weeks you have learned how to ing is usually called “whole language” ume of words needed for reading the stupid folly and the delusive wis- drive, how to stop, how to shift but many other labels are used to de- more difficult material, in science, lit- dom of its treacherous friends; and gears, how to park, and how to scribe it, such as: the whole-word erature, history, or math cannot be we hardly know which have injured signal. You have also learned to method; language experience; psy- memorized quickly enough. The it most. Our conviction is, that it has stop at a red light and understand cholinguistics; look and say; reading damage to children who have not much more to hope from the collect- road signs. When you are ready, recovery; balanced literacy; or inte- been taught phonics usually lies hid- ed wisdom and common prudence of you take a road test, and if you grated reading instruction. The den until they leave the controlled the community, than from the sug- pass, you can drive. Phonics-first “whole language” or “look and say” vocabulary of the basal readers, for gestions of the individual. Locke in- works the same way. The child method teaches that children should more difficult books where guessing, jured it by his theories, and so did learns the mechanics of reading, memorize or “guess” at words in con- or memorizing new words just does Rousseau, and so did Milton. All their and when he’s through, he can text by using initial letter or picture not work. The result is that textbooks plans were too splendid to be true. It read. Look and say works differ- clues. According to estimates given in in the middle and upper grades are is to be advanced by conceptions, ently. The child is taught to read one widely used “look and say” read- “dumbed” down to a fourth or fifth neither soaring above the clouds, nor before he has learned the me- ing series, a child taught this method grade reading level. groveling on the earth, — but by chanics — the sounds of the let- should be able to recognize 349 This is the real reason why the SAT those plain, gradual, productive, ters. It is like learning to drive by words by the end of the first grade; scores have dropped to such low lev- common-sense improvements, which starting your car and driving 1,094 by the end of the second; 1,216 els during the last three decades. use may encourage and experience ahead. . .And the mechanics of by the end of the third; and 1,554 by From the time the alphabet was in- suggest. We are in favor of advance- driving? You would pick those up the end of the fourth grade. Learning vented until the time of French scien- ment, provided it be towards useful- as you go along.” —Rudolf Flesch, to read this way is supposed to be tist and mathematician Blaise Pascal, ness. . . . We love the secretary, but “Why Johnny Still Can’t Read,” more meaningful and fun. This way reading was taught by memorizing we hate his theories. They stand in 1981 of teaching is currently used by near- the sounds of syllables, and then the way of substantial education. It is Two ways to teach reading ly all of the schools in the United stringing them together to make impossible for a sound mind not to Historically, all American school States. It is clear that the current high words. But Pascal found that by sepa- hate them.” children were taught to read. illiteracy rate is directly due to this rating the syllables into their letter The establishment of the normal Teachers never considered that a scientifically invalidated approach to parts, one could learn to read more school to train teachers at the same child “could not” be taught to read, reading instruction. effectively and efficiently. His method time Horace Mann was promoting the and remedial reading was unheard Another approach is called inten- was intended only to assist in the “new method” was not coincidental of. In fact, the first remedial reading sive, systematic phonics first. With very beginning stages of reading, because these institutions became the clinic opened in 1930, soon after the this technique, children are taught when a child is learning the printed vehicle by which to continue promot- results of the “look and say” (the so- how to sound out and blend the let- syllables of his own language. ing the “new method.” With the help called “Dick and Jane” program) ters that make up words in a specific Former teacher and researcher of John Dewey at the University of reading methods were beginning to sequence, from the simple to the Geraldine Rodgers puts it this way: “It Chicago, Arthur Gates at Columbia be felt. complex. Today, educators call this was only for this purpose that Pascal Teachers College, and the growing Up until the early part of the 20th method the “code” approach because invented it [phonics], to make the network of normal schools springing century, children were taught to read it teaches the skills and logic children previously almost unending memo- up around the country, direct, inten- by first learning the alphabet, then need to understand the English rization of regularly formed syllables . sive, systematic phonics was de- the sounds of each letter, how they spelling system. When a child comes . .unnecessary. But phonics works, bunked in favor of the whole word blended into syllables, and how those to school he or she has a spoken vo- and has since 1655. So it is not sur- “look and say” way of teaching read- syllables made up words. They were cabulary of up to 24,000 words. prising that it was invented by one of ing, with no research to support it. taught that English spelling is logical Children taught to read using system- the most towering mathematical and 1930: “basal reading” series in- and systematic, and that to become a atic phonics can usually read and un- scientific geniuses in history, Blaise troduced fluent reader it was necessary to mas- derstand at least as many words as Pascal . . .” In 1930-31, William S. Gray and ter the alphabetic “code” in which they have in their spoken vocabulary 19th century: “look and say” in- Arthur I. Gates introduced a “basal English words are written, to the by the end of the third grade. troduced See Read on page 11 A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 11 Habits from page 7 Melton from page 6 Sodexho Marriott, Canteen Services, and fice to the city of Detroit. are not given the option of fixed-rate loans, families could pay less for their mortgages Diamondback Catering. The savings from the various competi- nor informed of the inherent risks of ARMs. and reduce their cost of living by just 1 per- Computer/Information Tech- tive contracts will help Detroit reprioritize Some lenders and brokers write loans they cent, it would add up to billions of dollars in nology In 2001, Detroit Public Schools its spending and direct more money into know borrowers cannot afford just to collect new spending power for these families. This and Compuware signed a $90 million classrooms. In 2000, the district spent 68 the fees and commissions. Federal home- would enable lower- and modest-income contract to manage the district’s informa- percent of its budget at the school level; loan agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac families to save for, and invest in, income- tion technology services. The deal is ex- the rest provided for administration. In estimate that 30 to 50 percent of all borrow- growing assets such as homes and retirement pected to save the school district approx- 2001, the district’s budget slated 76 per- ers with subprime loans could have qualified savings. It would also allow them to pay for imately $10 million over the five–year cent to be spent in schools. In short, com- for more affordable mortgages. critical expenses for their children, such as term of the new contract. petitive bidding has proved it can put According to the latest figures from education and health care. Detroit Public Schools CEO Kenneth more dollars back into the classroom in RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based online “One of the most stressful and traumatic Burnley anticipates that the Compuware one of the most problem–ridden school foreclosure firm, Michigan ranks third in the things that can happen to a family is being deal also will put a significant dent in districts in the nation. nation in foreclosures, with 13,979 foreclo- forced out of their home due to a foreclosure problems with outdated hardware and These privatization contracts are not a sure filings in July, up 39 percent from June that was questionable in the first place,” Sam software, payroll, the telephone system, new phenomenon in Michigan. Some dis- and up 130 percent from July 2006. Scott (aide to State Rep. Melton) said. cost overruns, and other technology–re- tricts have been outsourcing non–instruc- According to federal data, in April 2007, “Foreclosed homes don’t just devastate the lated issues that have plagued the district tional services for years and even there were 641 foreclosures in Oakland family, but the entire community. for years. The benefits will then spill over decades. For example, the Morrice and County. Neighborhoods where homes are abandoned into a number of areas, just through one Millington school districts have contract- The North Carolina-based Center for see their property values lowered and their contract. ed for food services for more than 15 Responsible Lending found that, in general, community changed. This legislation is criti- Compuware beats offers by years. The Lincoln Park school district has lower-income families tend to pay more for cal to protecting all of Michigan’s homeown- Ameritech; Celt Corporation, an educa- contracted for transportation services and the exact same consumer product than fami- ers.” tional technology and services firm; and Coloma has contracted for janitorial serv- lies with higher incomes. According to the Contact: Tim Melton EDS, a business solutions company. The ices for even longer. Brookings Institution, if those lower-income Phone: (517) 373-0475 Compuware offer was not the lowest, but The next issue of TPN will continue according to DPS administrators, it was this article by exploring – Habit 3: the best value for the district. The deal Manage Employee Health Benefits was criticized, however, because some Effectively. suspected the deal was compensation to Copyright © 2002 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Compuware for moving its corporate of- DIVINE BREEZE Read from page 10 Specializing in Residential, Commercial and Industrial Cleaning Services the methods used to teach the deaf to ters of the alphabet, the 44 sounds read. Today’s basal reading books, they make, and the 70 common ways SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. still used by a high percentage of to spell those sounds. Some re- American school children, are essen- searchers believe dyslexia and the Using Technology in Cleaning Services tially the same as the 1930-31 Gates symptoms of Attention Deficit and Gray books. Their most harmful Disorder are actually caused by this Honest, reliable, diligent service aspect is their rigidly controlled vo- reversal of the normal learning se- Competitive pricing cabulary, and emphasis on memoriz- quence. ing whole words before the letter Children trained to read by whole Finest sanitary cleaning services sounds are learned. language are made almost deaf to With “whole language,” the con- print if they are unable to sound out a trolled vocabulary of earlier “basal printed new word like “gate” or Kofi Annorh, Proprietor readers” has been abandoned. “frog” by the beginning of second Children are now required to read grade. In fact, they are almost as deaf words like “forsythia” before they to the sounds of the printed words as Call Today - Quick Clean have been taught how to sound out a deaf person is to the sounds of spo- these new words. This causes frustra- ken words. Tel: (248) 636-8448 • FAX: (248) 683-1130 tion, poor spelling, and a hostility to- The next issue of TPN will con- wards reading. Very bright children tinue this article by exploring – 2760 Cherokee Hills #32 Waterford, MI 48328 who can’t memorize long lists of What answers are provided by words and retain their meaning are the research, and how educators Email: [email protected] placed in special education, when all have responded to the research. they need is to be taught the 26 let-
A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 12 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 Health Watch Senior Citizens Matters Myths and Facts About HIV Good Health Habits at 60 and Beyond Do you feel as good now as you did at open are much easier. If you decide to lift Myth: It can take ten years or more for Myth: Two condoms are better than one 40 years of age? At 50? weights, start with a 1-pound or 5-pound HIV to show up Fact: Using two latex condoms will If the answer is no, read on. You might be weight. If you don’t have weights, you can Fact: The average time for an individ- cause thinning and tearing. able to feel as good as you used to—or even use a can of soup, a book or a full water bot- ual to build up enough HIV antibodies is 3 better—by picking up 1 or 2 new good health tle. Keep your weights in the same room as weeks to 3 months - maximum of six HIV services located at: habits. It may seem like more trouble than your television and do a few exercises while months. If a person does not get tested, Olhsa, 196 Cesar Chavez, it’s worth to start doing something new. you watch. they may not have any physical symptoms 4th floor, Pontiac, MI. However, even small changes can improve Another way to build muscle is to use a or illnesses for 7 years or more. The only your health. One small change you can make resistance band (also called an exercise way to know if you are HIV positive is be HIV testing, AIDS Partnership Michigan: is to add some activity to your daily life. band). Resistance bands are flexible and tested (248) 338-2014 for appt.Receive your Another is to eat more fiber. come in different lengths. They are common- Myth: Only gays and intravenous drugs HIV results in twenty minutes. What if I’ve never been very active? ly used to strengthen upper arm and leg mus- users get HIV Will starting now really make a differ- cles. Fact: Anyone having sex unprotected Referral for medical, nutrition, ence? Why should I eat more fiber? or protected can become HIV positive. It’s transportation, etc. Yes! Physical activity is good for people Fiber can improve your health in 3 ways: not about your sexual preferences it’s the Olhsa (248) 209-2600 at any age. Among older adults, falls are a It helps your colon work better; It reduces behavior. In 2007 increases are in african common cause of injury and disability. the risk of heart disease and cancer; and It is american women, seniors (over 50 yrs), Selvy Hall Foundation provides HIV Physical activity makes your bones and mus- associated with lower cholesterol levels. men who have sex with men (13-24). and safer sex educational workshops to in- cles stronger. When your muscles are strong, Men over 50 years of age should get 30 However, if all groups are not educated we dividuals, churches, community centers, you’re less likely to fall. If you do fall, strong grams of fiber per day; women over 50 will see a new trend in other populations. schools, etc. Some of our topics: “The bones are less likely to break. should get 21 grams per day. Myth: You can get HIV from kissing Ultimate Deception: Is the Other Woman, Regular physical activity is good for your I don’t want to start eating health food. and from a mosquito Another Man”, “Whose Loving on Your brain too. Recent studies have shown that How can I get more fiber without chang- Fact: HIV is only transmitted through Child”, “Sex, Sexuality and Spirituality” people who do simple exercises (for exam- ing my diet completely? five fluids. It is in every fluid of a HIV To make a financial investment you ple, walking briskly) on a regular basis are You don’t have to change your diet all at positive person, however, can only be can mail donations to Selvy Hall better able to make decisions than people once. Try making 1 small change at a time. transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal Foundation, P.O. Box 430714, Pontiac, who aren’t physically active. For example, if you eat 2 slices of white toast secretions, breast milk and spinal fluid. To Michigan 48343-7014; to purchase DVD I haven’t been physically active in a for breakfast, replace 1 of them with a slice contract HIV from kissing you would have of the “The Ultimate Deception” work- long time. I’m afraid I’ll get hurt when I of whole grain bread. If you drink orange to take in at least 3 gallons of that person’s shop ($10.00) or shop for start. juice every day, eat an orange instead for 3 saliva. a cause discount card for From diabetes to heart disease, many days of the week. If you prefer salty snacks, Once blood dries HIV is no longer Macy’s store ($5.00), chronic (ongoing) health problems are im- try low-fat popcorn instead of potato chips. alive it has to have heat to stay alive (i.e. please call 248-874-2515. proved by even moderate amounts of physi- Some people find it helpful to focus on the body, crack pipe, syringe and any cal activity. For people who have these con- adding a single high-fiber food (see the box closed environment.) Your support is ditions, not exercising is a bigger risk than below) at each meal or snack time. HIV is a human disease and cannot be greatly appreciated. exercise-related injury. I often have a hard time sticking with contracted from a mosquito or any animal Selvy E. Hall, Talk with your doctor about your plans something, even when I know it’s a good it’s strictly a human disease. Executive Director before you get started. Your muscles will thing to do. very likely be sore when you first increase How active you are and what you eat are your physical activity, but don’t consider that habits. Picking up healthy habits can be a reason to stop. Mild soreness will go away tough. But by starting small and rewarding in a few days as you become more used to yourself for each step you take, you can DENTALDENTAL ARTSARTS the physical activity. make a difference in how good you feel. You What’s the best way to get physically may find it easier to be more physically ac- active now? tive and eat more fiber if you think of every For most people, walking is one of the day and every meal as a chance to do some- COMPANYCOMPANY easiest activities to do. Experts recommend thing good for yourself. at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, but you don’t have to Foods Rich in Fiber do all 30 minutes at once. Try walking for 15 • Unprocessed wheat bran minutes twice each day or for 10 minutes 3 • Unrefined breakfast cereals DENTISTRY BY times each day. • Whole wheat and rye flours People who have started being physically • Grainy breads, such as whole wheat, JEFF MARTIN, D.D.S. active later in life say that exercising with a rye or pumpernickel partner is the best motivation to stick with it. • Fresh fruits, such as apples and Some suggest starting or joining a walking berries group with friends or neighbors. Others sug- • Dried fruits, such as prunes, 91 N. SAGINAW gest getting a dog that needs to be walked. apricots and figs If walking isn’t your idea of a good time, try • Vegetables, such as broccoli PONTIAC, MI 48342 gardening or dancing. Go fishing or swim- and carrots ming. The activity can be enjoyable and • Legumes, such as chickpeas, baked good for you. beans and lima beans What about strength training? When your muscles are strong, activities Copyright © 2004-2007 – Written by like getting out of a chair or holding a door American Academy of Family Physicians Mary C. Russell Catering Services Specializing in Healthy Soul Food Beef • Chicken • Turkey • Fish Baked • Broiled • Barbequed • Steamed • Fried Great Side Dishes & Salads Try Mary’s Famous Grilled Barbequed Salmon • Fish Balls • Fresh Fruit Salad 248-332-4240 Desserts Carrot Cake • Peach Cobbler • Carrot & Squash Pies (Taste as good as Granny’s Sweet Potato Pie)
For a price Quote call 248-451-1665 Affordable Family Dental Care or E-mail [email protected] A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 13 Voices in the Community Lifestyles By Mary Pietila their age. They landed on Jamie Lee at the others are feeling now and that is why I pleted the Medical Assistant’s program at How often they change when we are age of eleven. From that point on, we had wanted to address this issue. Working in Everest Academy graduating this past April growing. the road of rocks ahead of us; it wasn’t as Property Management, I hear a lot of stories with a Medical Assistant’s Certification, and Although I am no expert, but having smooth as the new Woodward Loop by a like the one above. Our hardest charge as a is earning a higher income than what she been in the same position, I want to assure long shot. I was the ogre because I set cur- parent is sticking with that teenager until was being paid as a Medical Assistant in the those parents dealing with the obstinate fews and stuck to them. Her friends could they make it into adulthood and find their office where she did her internship. She has teenagers and young adults, there is hope! stay out till 11:00 on a school night while in niche in life. As a parent and especially for her own apartment, nearby, we visit often, In the mid 80’s, I had my last child. She was Jr. High, but not my child because she was us moms, that’s hard to do. Our maternal in- but yet she’s away from those friends who a sweetheart, always trying to please her to be in bed by 10:00. stinct is to protect our kids, but yet at some- were such a major influence in her earlier parents and “such a sweetie” was how the When in high school, she still had a cur- time in our life we have to let them go. One years and has 2 beautiful, happy and healthy neighbors had always described her. few, had to do her homework by a given of the biggest favors we can do is to walk children. I use to think the air tends to gravitate to- time and heaven forbid, had to check in them through the everyday challenges they So as I stated when I started this story, wards kids of an adolescent age group then when she was gone out with friends. Oops, create for themselves. However, we cannot things do get better. Leave that young per- embeds the seeds of entitlement on them. don’t let me forget when she decided she solve their problems. We can however give son enough leeway to make their mistakes, Something we never knew when we were was grown enough to quit school at age 17. them options and different avenues to try, to be there to show them the different avenues After she had her first child, she had to get a solve their issues what ever they may be. to take, but let them take it, don’t solve their job and start paying rent. That didn’t last When I hear these stories, I laugh…. not problems for them! It’s the only way they Ask Elaine.com too long. When she finally realized I was because they are funny, but with relief. I ac- will learn. We are not sitting in the Golden By Elaine Smith-Wright serious, she moved out and into her friend’s tually made it beyond the point I just de- Chair at the moment, but there is a silver home where the parents allowed the kids to scribed, all in one piece and with all my san- pathway leading down that road and I think I live as they choose. Eventually, Jamie real- ity! see a glimmer of shine at the end. Most of ized that grass wasn’t always greener on the Today that young lady I just described is all, remember, it does get better. So as my other side as she thought. now working as a dispatcher for a Mobile X- sister Laura would say, smile and nod, it I’m sure a lot of the frustration I felt then, Ray Company in Southfield, MI., has com- goes a long way. The World According to Joe Cool Mrs. Smith-Wright started out as a Mass Communications major at Oakland By Joseph P. Cool ter purification, airport facilities, alternative area for consideration is educational research University and now holds a B.A. degree in Hi Pontiac - Joe Cool here again. First of energy sources and several presentations on and applications in the emerging technolo- Nursing Home Administration and the all, I want to express my project banking and investment opportunities. gies with the considerable knowledge of ro- Certificate of Gerontology and Sociology sincerest thanks for the So, you ask – what does this have to do botics and similar studies in local universi- of the Aging from Wiley College along many favorable com- with the City of Pontiac? In preparation for ties around Pontiac. Is there an area or a top- with a MBA Degree from East Texas ments I received about my presentation, I did considerable research ic that you would like to know more about? Baptist University in Management. She my article in the inaugu- on common market sectors between the City A specific country? How about a specific also holds a Certificate in Filmmaking, ral edition of The Pontiac of Pontiac and the Republic of Nigeria. business opportunity? How about success in Screenwriting and Directing from the News. I am firmly con- Market sectors researched include the con- the global marketplace through synergy? Motion Picture Institute of Michigan. vinced that Pontiac, the struction industry, light manufacturing in- Send your requests to Joe Cool at city of my birth is gen- cluding industrial machinery, transportation [email protected] and I will Dear Elaine: uinely interested in pur- equipment and health care facilities. Another answer in future columns. I have been dating the same guy for Joe Cool suing opportunities in the two years and now he wants to move into global marketplace and is willing and able to my apartment to save on rent and other ex- look to a successful future in the global mar- ENCOURAGER’S CORNER penses. He hasn’t popped the question so ketplace. we’re not even engaged. What should I This week I will provide some informa- By Dianthia Spann the purpose of moving, an effort to ad- do? Should I just let him move in or tion on a recent international Convention in vance, to urge forward, to extend or en- should I bring up the fact that we haven’t which I participated at the Renaissance large. discussed the big “M” question? Center in Detroit that could easily have posi- Could it be that you may be in a place Signed, Still Waiting tive economic impact on the City of Pontiac. of being pushed into your purpose? Let’s The Convention is the 13th annual World think about it for awhile. The measure of Dear Still Waiting: Igbo Congress Convention. You ask “Igbo”? pressure on the job, in your family, your While some people believe you should Igbo is one of the three major cultural groups health and just plain simply everything try on living with someone before you in Nigeria. This year, the Convention was that concerns you seems to be pressure on marry them, my mother always said that it sponsored by the American Nigerian every side. Well as the definition states it was better to marry than to burn (I guess in Economic Council (ANEC) located in Dianthia Spann is for the purpose of moving. So you ask hell). I did live with my second husband Detroit. The Convention had the honor of Have you ever felt pushed out of your me moving where Dianthia and my reply for eleven years before he was ready to having 5 Nigerian State Governors from the area of comfort to do something that you to you would be, my friends the pressure “jump the broom” for a second time. I 5 Igbo States of Nigeria in attendance and didn’t quite feel you were able to do or against you in this season is to push you, wanted to get married right from the start also included many business leaders from better yet pushed to the limit, to the edge thrust you, literally propel you into your but he was a little gun shy going into it Nigeria in the banking/investment industry of the rope? Well, I believe we all have purpose. again. So I was faced with a choice; wait and many local individuals comprising the been in that place at one time or another. I So often we procrastinate and allow dis- until he was ready or move on. Because I Nigeria Diaspora. say that to introduce myself to my fellow tractions to send us down a road that was loved him so much, we waited. And wait- On the first day of the 4-day Convention citizens in this great city of Pontiac and never intended for us to take, yet it all ed and waited. Are you willing to wait or known as Business Exposition Day, speakers the readers of our Pontiac News. I am works for the ultimate goal of getting us on are you ready to move on? Moving in to- from throughout the US and Nigeria were in- Dianthia Spann, a native of the city of the right road, in the proper lane. The push- gether has its ups and downs and I believe vited to speak about specific market sectors. Pontiac and very proud to have graduated ing is not to hurt or harm you but to build that you really don’t know someone truly My presentation was entitled: “Global from Pontiac Central during an era when character, integrity and strength to bring until you live with them. Telecommunications Engineering: the district was second to none. Did you forth something great. Strength one would But if you do decide to move in togeth- Infrastructure vs. Implementation of think I was going to say what year, and not otherwise experience except for the er, move into a new place so that it seems Infrastructure” in which I provided insight then you would know my age (have to pushing. It could be compared to the point like it belongs to the both of you and not into the advances of global communications keep a few secrets)? I am humbled and of delivery in pregnancy when the child is like he’s invading your space. And yes, let with the expressed purpose of describing ad- honored for the opportunity to serve the ready to come forth and you are told to your wishes be known that you desire to vanced communications capabilities in the Pontiac News in any way that I can, but push. Ladies you understand and men if take your relationship to a higher level in- Igbo States including enhanced distance truthfully, I did not know that it would be you have ever had the opportunity to ob- cluding matrimony if that is what you real- learning, e-commerce, Internet with VOIP in this capacity. It is my hope and aspira- serve delivery then you too understand. ly want to do. You really do need to find and telemedicine. I also found tremendous tion that this piece will serve as an open- With great pain and effort something won- out if he plans to buy the entire cow one networking opportunities with Nigerian ing to share love, hope and laughter. derfully indescribable is brought forth. day or if he intends to keep getting the Chambers of Commerce & Industry. Other I said at the beginning of the article I encourage you to remain focused, milk for free! presentations included power generation and pushed and the definition for the word trust God and push until your purpose is Good Luck! rail transportation in small communities, wa- pushed is: To apply pressure against for revealed. A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 14 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 It’s Your Money The 11 Best Money Saving Ideas of All Time - Part 2
This article continues from the first issue the same time keeping your money close in “You know, I bet if I work my butt off I can himself a fighting chance. of TPN where Tips 1, 2 and 3 were dis- case of real emergencies. get a raise next month, and then I’ll take half Look at it this way: It costs nothing one cussed, we continue this important topic with If you can, open the account under two of the extra money I make and toss it in a way or the other to have either negative or a discussion of Amazing Money Tips 4 and 5. names and require that both signatures be re- savings account. There must be a 100 other positive thoughts. So why not have positive quired to make a withdrawal. Two people ways I can bring in some extra cash. Money thoughts? Amazing Money Tip #4 can debate each withdrawal and keep each is not all that hard to earn if you work hard, There have been many studies done on Ben Franklin said it long ago: “A penny other in line. watch your spending and save a little at a the thought patterns and the frames of mind saved is a penny earned.” Yes, it’s still true, When you get your paycheck, immediate- time. There’s enough wealth for everybody of some of the richest, most successful peo- and still one of the most powerful money- ly put a minimum of 5% in your savings ac- in this country, and I can easily get my share, ple in the world. The one thing they all had in making tips in all history. count. After just a year, you’ll be surprised and more ...” and on and on. common was a positive attitude toward mon- Implied within Franklin’s famous state- by how much you have actually saved and Okay. Which person do you think will ey and their ability to earn it. ment is the difficulty of saving. It’s tough to feel great about it. have a better chance of success? You don’t Copyright © by Palyn Peterson save and easy to spend! You know that! Amazing Money Tip #5 need to be a Rhodes Scholar to see how The next issue of The Pontiac News will That’s why every penny saved truly is earned Visualize wealth and abundance every- Person One is dragging himself down with continue this series by taking a look at - because it takes so much effort to hold on to day. Am I actually suggesting that you prac- his thoughts, and how Person Two is giving Money Tips 6, 7 and 8. that cash! But if you can do it, it will work tice some sort of airy-fairy mysticism that magic in your life. Having a savings account will make you into a “money magnet”? will de-stress your life. Imagine being ahead Maybe yes, maybe no. Call it what you will - of your bills, rather than behind. When you a mind game, mysticism, New Age ga-ga — Celestial are ahead of your bills, you entire life comes but the solid fact is that behind every wealthy under your control. You sleep better at night. man and woman is a positive attitude toward Your mind is freer to come up with new ways money. Here’s a quick demonstration: to make more money and save more. Saving (1) Person One with a negative money at- Assisted Living Services & Facilities is contagious - once you let it get started! titude has daily thoughts which go this way: Here are some tips to help you save: “Jeez! $20 bucks is hard to come by! I seem Don’t settle for interest checking. Have a to work so hard and get so little for it. Money Dedicated to Healthy Living & separate savings account that can’t be as eas- just slips through my fingers. It’s amazing ily accessed as a checking account. how much money you have to earn to just get Loving Care in a Comfortable Keep your savings in another bank - one by these days. I’m never going to be able to Residential Setting. that’s off your regular route, or perhaps even afford that new car on my limited salary, but in another town. That way you won’t be this job is still the best thing going for me tempted to dip into it every time you visit the right now. It’s easy for some people to make For Appointment & Answers to Your Questions: bank to make a checking deposit. a lot of money, but I’m not one of those peo- Buy short-term savings bonds, which ple ...” and on and on. Phone: 248-451-1665 have 6-month to one- year maturity dates. (2) Person Two with a positive money at- Email: [email protected] That way you will get a higher rate, while at titude has daily thoughts which go this way:
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976 Canterbury- $ 117,900 “Auburn Hills” “We take pride in maintaining your investment” 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 Bath Finished Basement, 2375 Phillip- $157,000 Carport, Master Bdrm 22x11, Heated Pretty as a model. Completely • Brush Applied Sunroom With Gas Fireplace, All Remodeled Summer 2007, 3Bdrm, 2 • Full Insured Appliances Included. Cars, Custom Deck 1 yr., Protection Plan, Motivated Sellers! 1 yr. Protection Plan. Seller is motivated! • Driveway and Parking Lot Sealcoating • Crack Filling Last Deals on the Street! • Asphalt Patching 350/362/374 Fremont St- Homes/Vacant Land –Off Franklin Rd. Commercial/Industrial area over 5 acres • Stripping • 9 Years Experience/Guaranteed Workmanship Call Shelba Frazier 248-253-7050 Outstanding Agents Outstanding Results 248- 646-8642 P.O. Box 431915 • Pontiac, MI 48343 A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR September 7, 2007 The Pontiac News Page 15 Sports “If it Bleeds . . . it Leads” By Ken E. Corr head scout for the New York Knicks. Sound Abrams, the marquee player on both champi- Pontiac’s Poet Laureate like good press? Maybe . . . maybe not. “If onship teams. Lester graduated from B – Ball – It’s Just a Game Growing up in Pontiac, a city certainly it bleeds . . . it leads.” Is it true that bad news Northern with a 3.2 GPA, then went on to known as one of Michigan’s basketball hot sells? Have we developed an appetite for play four years at the University of Michigan I love this game – the NBA beds, we rank right up there on the competi- negative press? and graduated. Or, how about David “State” tive, respectability chart One of the most talked about sports sto- Stephens who was on both championship Most play for free with Detroit, Flint, ries in Oakland County, as only Ali would teams, then went on to become a two-time, Just a lucky few for pay. Saginaw, River Rouge say, “of all time” was a recent series in The small college all American and graduate. and Muskegon Heights. Oakland Press entitled “Dreams I could go old school on ya’ and write I got a “handle” like Isaiah. No, I haven’t forgotten Unfulfilled”. The story featured two mem- about Dana Coin, whom I graduated with in Got “hang time” like Mike! some of the new kids on bers of Pontiac Northern’s second champi- 1968. Dana was Pontiac Northern’s football the block, like Clarkston onship team. I recall driving to a gas station star who went on to play at the University of All the scouts say I’m and Lake Orion; however, at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning to get a Michigan or Donnie Soden, a Pontiac “First round” . . . Syke. Corr back in the day, they were copy. There were four people in front of me. Northern football player in the early 70’s hardly an afterthought. To this day, everywhere I go, it’s a hot topic. who went on to graduate from college and I didn’t make it in the big league I remember as a youth listening to Negative press . . . basketball . . . a winner . now owns a successful coffee business Now I’m lookin’ back, Pontiac Central’s games on WPON (AM ra- . . all the necessary ingredients to sell newspa- (Pontiac Coffee Break). dio). Some of the stars during that era were pers in Oakland County. As a Pontiac Dana and Donnie for years partnered with Flippin’ burgers up at Wendy’s Paul Brown, George Fed, Bob Rabaja, Northern Alumni who bleeds red and white, I several Pontiac Northern High Alumni rais- Thinkin’ bout sellin’ crack. Gerald Henry, Alvin Keel, William Morgan, and countless other Northern alumni and fac- ing tens of thousands of dollars to support Bill Roach, Mel DeWalt and Booker Hurner ulty are appalled by the article “Dreams their alma mater, through the Huskie Open But all the girls was jockin’ - - just to name a few. Probably all of the afore- Unfulfilled”. I’ve had dialog with Pontiac Golf Outing. Everybody knew my name, mentioned went on to college, became attor- Central people also. They feel the same. It There are so many positive, feel good sto- neys, doctors, and educators or worked in certainly doesn’t take a rocket scientist to de- ries to write about. How about a little bal- I should have hit the books harder . . . corporate America. tect sensationalism. In fact, we can detect ance? The legend of the Russell Brothers is well when a writer is taking advantage of someone This is certainly not a character assassina- B-Ball, it’s just a game. documented in Pontiac. Three of them merely for the sake of having some juicy story. tion of the writer, Dave Birkett. One might Dedicated to Isaiah Thomas played in the NBA. Frank, Campy, and If a writer does his or her homework, call Dave a genius. After all, his job is to A man who exemplifies life Walker D were stars at the great PCH they’ll hear about Ricky “Pretty Ricky” write articles that sell newspapers. For at (Pontiac Central High School). Frank is Morgan, the flashy point guard from Pontiac least one series, even I must say “job well After basketball. presently working in human resources for Northern’s first championship team. Ricky done.” Oakland County and coaching Oakland was a kid, who statistically could have had The issue with balancing academics and By Ken E. Corr Community College’s basketball team. every excuse imaginable to fail, but perse- athletics is so vast in the inner city that we Campy is working in the front office with the vered and graduated from UNLV. will have to revisit the topic another time. Cleveland Cavaliers. Walker D. Russell is They would know about Lester “L.A.” Employment Oportunities Community Calender
be able to work independently, VOLUNTEER WRITERS & be well organized and work The Metro Minority Chamber of Commerce PHOTOGRAPHERS efficiently in a deadline environ- will host its’ 7th Annual Business/Scholarship Awards Banquet, Human Resources Oakland The purpose of this bi-weekly Livingston Human Service ment. The ideal candidate will publication is to examine and Friday, September 21, 2007. This event will be held at St. George Agency, 196 Cesar E. Chavez have a proven track record in report on the various socio- Cultural Center, Bloomfield Hills, Mi and will begin promptly at Ave., P.O. Box 430598, Pontiac, sales either in an outside political, educational and MI 48343-0598 media sales capacity or inside other issues affecting the City 6pm. The guest Speaker is Mr. Frank Taylor, of Seldom Blues. Email: [email protected] sales business development of Pontiac and surrounding The 2007 Honoree’s are: Dr. Deborah Ferguson, Diamond Award, (248) 209-2615 FAX Website: environment. communities. The Pontiac www.olhsa.org News will bring that relation- Attorney Harrison W. Munson, Humanitarian Award, Ms. Regina ADVERTISING ship to print. Different formats Woodward, Taylor Rising Star Award and Mr. Charles M. Tucker, The Pontiac News is in need of REPRESENTATIVES such as articles, poetry, pho- Jr., the President’s Award. For ticket information, contributing writers and other The Pontiac News is looking for tographic essays, and artist staff - See list below! highly self-motivated, enthusi- profiles will be used to please call 248 334 1508 or 248 982 3020. Send your resume to astic, strong customer skills achieve this. [email protected] individuals to build our outside Job Description: The Pontiac sales team. This position will News is putting out an open Bloomfield Hills/Woodward Estates DIRECTOR OF SALES report to the Advertising invitation to anyone interest- Neighborhood Association – Pontiac The Pontiac News, a communi- Manager. This is an Entry-level ed in being a part of this ty newspaper based in the City sales position with onsite train- dynamic community publica- VELMA STEPHENS - Chairperson of Pontiac Michigan, is seeking ing - NO EXPERIENCE NEC- tion. We are looking for writ- Meetings 2nd Saturday of each month 1pm – 2:30pm ten content, such as editori- a highly motivated, results driv- ESSARY BUT PREFERRED. @ Franklin Elementary School en Sales Director. This position als, columns, artist profiles, is accountable for assisting with interviews, creative pieces, 661 Franklin Road, Pontiac, Mi 48341 the direction, coordination and and specifically article pro- posals for our bi-weekly Guest Speakers control of advertising for TPN th issues. We are also looking Judge Cynthia Walker - September 8 and the management of sales Pontiac Fire Chief - Skip McAdams – October 13th and support0 staff to ensure All persons interested in apply- for photography, layout design, and cover artwork for the attainment of advertising ing for posted positions must upcoming issues. sales goals. complete and submit the required official on-line Oakland ADVERTISING MANAGER County Merit System employ- Contact The Pontiac News seeks, an ment application form. You may OAKLAND COUNTY HUMAN advertising manager. The per- also add a resume to your RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 248-758-1411 EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILD- son who fills this position will application. After a review of or be responsible for growing clas- your application, you will be ING sified revenue through out- notified by mail and/or email of 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, [email protected] bound sales (cold calling), han- the status of your application. Waterford, MI 48328-0440 dling incoming advertiser calls, For further assistance, please Telephone: (248) 858-0530 To list your Event and executing sales strategies. contact the: http://www.oakgov.com The candidate selected must A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR Page 16 The Pontiac News September 7, 2007 Community Events
Clara Norris - Judge Cynthia Walker - Marsha Councilman Kone' Bowman & Wife Tracey Councilman Everett Seay @ Support The Battles @ ARTS DU JOUR Downtown Pontiac @ ARTS DU JOUR Downtown Pontiac Troops Rally @ Pontiac Central High
Larry Glover & Councilman Lee Jones @ Harrison Park - Lil' Wolves Youth Baseball Akeem organizing young children @ 2 Young girls @ Mexican Festival Downtown Recognition Picnic Harrison Park Pontiac Pheonix Center
Jonathan Witz and Alexander Zonjic@ ARTS DU JOUR Downtown Pontiac
Andrea Wright, Sandy McDonald, Andy Pettress and Irma Bradley Pettress School Board Trustee @ ARTS DU JOUR Downtown Herman and Meloney Ellison-Bishop and Pontiac family @ Arts, Beats and Eats.
Fire Marshall Fowlkes, Mr and Mrs Neal and Big Fun Productions doing business @ Arts, Baby Matthew enjoying Arts, Beats & Eats others @ Arts, Beats and Eats Beats & Eats with his Granny Diane Jeffery A NEWS SOURCE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR