Published by and for the Employees of the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department VOL. 21, NO. 1 SUMMER 2004 Summer in the Motor City!

Photo/collage by Paul Gomez & Greg Smith, Public Affairs

The future of environmental science

It wasn’t just because the Engineering Fair of studies with a 4.0 grade point Pistons beat the Lakers to win Metropolitan average. He’s been enrolled in the NBA championship the Detroit. Not bad an accelerated medical program night before that people were considering that at Wayne State University. in a good mood as they entered rules permit only the conference room at one winner per For more information about the DWSD’s new administration school per year. Detroit Academy of building at Water Works Park Two more are Environmental Science or to on June 16. They were pleased winners of the obtain an application, call (313) because the second class to prestigious 596-3900, extension 315. graduate from the Detroit Stockholm Water Photo by Raymond Warrior, Public Affairs Public Warrior, Raymond by Photo Academy of Environmental Tarak Trevedi (L) and Jamal Roberts (R) Prize, presented for by Michael Daisy, Science (DAES) program at outstanding Public Affairs Cass Technical High School Detroit high school students achievements in water science, would be acknowledged at a (9th through 12th grade). management, action or luncheon in their honor. awareness building. And one “This is a good educational student became the first ever This would also be the first opportunity for the children of recipient of the National Center Inside . . . graduation ceremony held at DWSD employees, and for Health and Environmental Detroit’s newest water residents” said Lucille Walker, Justice’s Green Flag Award Baby Creek CSO? 3 treatment plant. who handles DAES “for work done by DAES A Penthouse? 3 administrative duties for students in Integrated Pest The Image is the message 4 DAES was launched in 1999 as DWSD. Management.” Meter Readers 5 a way of generating interest in environmental stewardship, The Academy has made quite a One of the students in this Spotlight on Wastewater 6 while cultivating career splash in its five short years of year’s graduating class, Jamal Jessie’s Song 7 interests in environmental existence. Four DAES students Roberts, was one of the Hitting the Big Time 8 engineering and science. The have been Grand Prize Award Science Fair finalists. Another, Ordinary People 8 program is open to incoming winners at the Science and Tarak Trevedi, completed his

SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 1 Coming to a Web site near you

plant or a played a role in the develop- wastewater ment of this Department have treatment also played a significant role in plant,” said Detroit history. George Ellenwood, “That’s especially true in 1920s Public Affairs Detroit,” said Ellenwood, City of Detroit Manager. “when it seemed like he was Kwame M. Kilpatrick, Mayor involved in the creation of Detroit City Council We are, of every building of architectural Maryann Mahaffey, President course, significance in the City of Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr. referring to Detroit.” President Pro Tem Corrado Sharon McPhail Parducci’s bas- The main difference between Sheila M. Cockrel relief carved Albert Kahn, Diego Rivera, and Alberta Tinsley-Talabi into the exterior Corrado Parducci is that the Kay Everett Barbara-Rose Collins walls of the historic high lift first two names are practically Those who have taken the time Alonzo W. Bates synonymous with Detroit and know that DWSD has a pretty building. “I think for the JoAnn Watson interesting Web page. That’s Department and the people Detroit architecture. Corrado especially true for the historical who work in it,” he said, “it is Parducci, on the other hand, City Clerk information it contains. interesting to learn more about left a mark on this city as great Jackie L. Currie Corrado Parducci. as either Kahn or Rivera, yet Very soon we will be including chose to remain anonymous. a feature about the public art We are recognizing the that is such an integral part of connection that Parducci has Be sure to check it out at the Springwells Water Treat- to Detroit because of his www.dwsd.org in the “History” Detroit Water & Sewerage Department VOL.21, NO.1 SUMMER/ 2004 ment Plant. “People are really international reputation,” said section. surprised when they learn that Ellenwood. “It’s good for DWSD BOARD OF WATER you have public art on a water people to know that those who by Michael Daisy, COMMISSIONERS Public Affairs Mary E. Blackmon President “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” Marilynn E. Gosling – Michael Jordan Vice-President Hilliard L. Hampton High Lift at Water Works Park plugged John E. Johnson, Jr. Gregory Terrell Carla Walker-Miller American Society of Civil William G. Westrick Engineers (ASCE). Victor M. Mercado, The High Lift Station, formerly Director known as “Pumping Station Number Two,” first went on line PRODUCTION STAFF in 1914. It recently underwent Michael Daisy extensive renovation in Paul Gomez conjunction with the construc- Barry Jennings tion of DWSD’s newest water treatment plant. Gregory Smith Nearly completed DWSD high-lift pumping station, 1914 Hegarty’s conclusion remarked WATER POWER on something that everybody is published For those who don’t realize just Jim Hegarty, P.E. with Prein & here already knows: “ the quarterly by the how historically significant are Newhof in Grand Rapids wrote High Lift Pump Station’s classic Public Affairs Division some of DWSD’s facilities, the the story with a little assistance design and sturdy construction Water Board Building High Lift Station at Water from this writer. has enabled it to survive many 735 Randolph, Suite 1001 Works Park was featured in the changes over the years while Detroit, MI 48226-2830 summer 2004 edition of the still remaining functional.” The story touted the 2002 phone: (313) 964-9570 Michigan Civil Engineer “Historic Civil Engineering fax: (313) 964-9580 newsletter. Landmark” awarded by the by Michael Daisy, Michigan Section of the Public Affairs 2 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004 Dear Water Power:

primary treatment to overflows 54 million gallons before treatment from only a single outfall, “It’s a and release. significant outfall,” said Terrence Workens, DWSD’s project Another aspect of the job involves manager. extensive renovation of the Patton Park Recreation Center, which “Completion of the Baby Creek was included as part of the CSO Facility will ensure that acquisition of easements needed DWSD remains in conformance for the project. with all federal and state man- dates,” he said. Workens said, “Things have been going smoothly,” For which he Construction on the $73-million- credits monthly meetings with plus project began in June 2003, members of the community at the and is approximately 40-percent Pablo Davis Residential Center. Baby Creek CSO Control Facility - Photo by Bill Taylor, Walbridge Aldinger complete. Workens attends these meetings I understand that the The Baby Creek Combined Sewer The facility is located in George S. with Brian Cruickshank, project Water Department is Overflow Control Facility Patton Park in southwest Detroit. manager for the principal beginning to develop Baby (Contract No. PC-748) will The project also includes contractor, Walbridge Aldinger. Creek. Can you explain significantly reduce the amount of construction of about a mile of 72- Any complaints or concerns the project and tell me untreated sewage getting into the inch Toward Treatment sewers in raised are addressed immediately. what they are going to do Detroit River from the Rouge nearby Woodmere Cemetery and So far, community members have there? outfall – at Miller and Industrial within easements on CSX voiced only relatively minor Ella Norman, Drive at the Detroit city limit property in the area. “Toward complaints involving dust and Information Systems with Dearborn – once it goes on Treatment” refers to disinfectant noise. line, as anticipated, in November and screening to be contained Thanks for asking, Ella. 2005. While the Baby Creek CSO within the new sewers. The new will provide screening and sewers will be able to store up to

Dear Water Power: Is it fact or fiction that the Water Board Building’s top portion is a penthouse? Linda Philson, Public Affairs, Audiovisual

Good question!

Need an answer to a burning Actually, it’s both fact and question that’s been driving fiction. The top three floors of you crazy? Department or the Water Board Building are Detroit history-related, collectively known as the regulations, personnel, projects Penthouse. Included up there or something else? We’ll do are some work areas and a lot our best to get an answer for of storage space. As far as you. (Please, no relationships living space goes, however, or advice to the lovelorn you’d need to spend a lot of questions). Send to: money, assuming, of course, Dear Water Power that you could overcome the DWSD/Public Affairs Div. objections of Security, Building 735 Randolph St., Rm 1004 Maintenance, Department and Detroit, MI 48226 City Management and or send your e-mail to probably dozens of other [email protected] entities we don’t have room to Keep those cards, letters and list. e-mails coming! Photos by Paul Gomez, Public Affairs Public Gomez, Paul by Photos SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 3 The image is the message

Ed Ramey, and Dartanyon (8)

“Because of this program and Ramey is involved with two the dedicated DWSD mentors,” other mentoring groups in his she said, “many students have spare time. Participants get an

Photos by Paul Gomez, Public Affairs Public Gomez, Paul by Photos developed a sense of self opportunity to share their Mentor and Mentorees. “Left to right: Jadarius (7), Tyrez (7), worth and excel in academics.” successes and failures with Dartanyon (8), Ed Ramey, Jonathan (8)” their young charges with other Ramey would like to see more mentors. “When guests stop in of his co-workers get involved and see how thirsty our boys about 25 participants. At It’s possible to work for DWSD in the program. “Our boys need are for information,” said present, Ed Ramey – Principal for years, decades in fact, and as many positive role models Ramey, “they realize the Governmental Analyst, still be ignorant of many or as we can put in front of them importance of mentoring. Contracts and Grants – is most of the worthwhile to counter the thug life DWSD’s only mentor. programs with which the characters they are presented “You don’t have to be a saint Department connects. One with in videos and on the to be a mentor,” he said. “Mentors spend a few hours a such worthwhile program radio,” he said. We have to get week with a student or an involves mentoring. across to them that education, For more information about entire group of students to respect and responsibility how to be a DWSD mentor, call provide motivation and About 10 years ago, the should be at the core of their the Special Projects Unit at the promote academic Department adopted Brady existence. Wastewater Treatment Plant at Elementary School on Detroit’s achievement,” said Kelly 297-8102. Nance-Harris, the program’s west side. The idea was to “I urge employees at DWSD to administrator. provide role models for kids at volunteer as a mentor.” by Michael Daisy, risk. Originally, there were Public Affairs

AV section receives top honor

The Public Affairs Division’s Huron Tunnel Explosion The committee is well on the Audiovisual section was Memorial Committee to raise way to achieving its fund presented with the Communi- funds to erect a monument to raising goals, said Comeau, cator Award 2004 in recogni- honor the 22 men who died as who has worked with the tion of outstanding work in the a result of the natural gas committee since its inception communications field. explosion that occurred during more than a year-and-a-half construction of the water ago. Keith Butler’s work on AV’s intake tunnel of DWSD’s Lake 2003 production of The Price Huron Water Treatment Plant. The Price of Water originally of Water: The 1971 Port aired on Detroit’s local Huron Tunnel Explosion was “When we started, we had no government access Channel 10 rewarded with first place in the idea this would be such a and on Port Huron’s cable videography category. Second complicated task,” said Debbie access station on the Decem- prize in the writing category Comeau. Her husband Randy’s ber 11 anniversary date of the for the same film was given to father, Raymond, died in the accident. this writer. explosion. “Wouldn’t it have been nice if the whole thing by Betsy Spratt, The 30-minute documentary could have been done in a Public Affairs profiles the efforts of the Port week.”

4 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004 All aboard the Mystery Train

mousse served in a fluted, pointing. After all, shouldn’t a edible tart bowl dipped in train passenger be able to chocolate. count on a round trip in one direction? Roughly half of the passengers on this early August excursion Alas, most everyone else What goes back and forth on consisted of DWSD employ- appeared to enjoy themselves the same track for three hours? ees, family members and despite the directional friends. The other half included No clue? Well, it’s the Star Clipper Star of courtesy Photo redundancy. Clipper Dinner Train in Walled two couples celebrating Louise Bannerman and Lake, of course. wedding anniversaries. One of David Chatman, enjoy The opportunity to take this the DWSDers, Felicia Johnson the ride. mystery train trip is offered Theatre Art Productions of OPMA, was presented with through the Public Affairs provided the entertainment, a a cake in honor of her birthday forward for about an hour. Then Division at least once a year. tongue-in-cheek whodunit – celebration. we went backwards for another Maybe next time you’ll want entitled Murder Mystery & hour or so before moving to come aboard. The $67 price Mayhem – while passengers The back and forth part? That forward back to our starting per person for this year’s trip dined on a sumptuous five describes the train ride. point. The whole thing was included meal, train ride, taxes, course meal featuring a choice conducted at the break-neck and tips. Not bad, really. of main entrees: raspberry First we went backwards for speed of 10 miles per hour. This chicken, salmon, or prime rib. about a half hour before writer found the repetition by Ella Johnson, Desert was a yummy chocolate switching directions, moving outside the train a bit disap- Public Affairs

Meter readers get new look! Photos by Paul Gomez, Public Affairs

DWSD’s crack crew of field displayed. Reps will have service collectors, field service access to shorts and polo shirts representatives, and meter for warm weather wear. readers are sporting new duds these days. It’s all part of an Paul Wells – Administrative effort to make representatives Supervisor, Field Operations – more readily recognizable as said representatives, “By legitimate DWSD employees. presenting a uniform appear- ance let homeowners know that The new uniform is comprised they aren’t getting scammed.” of banker-striped shirts with blue slacks, and includes hats, by Michael Daisy, hooded sweatshirts, and Public Affair jackets, all with DWSD’s (L-R) Deputy Director Gary Fujita, Meter Readers LaSean distinctive logo prominently Brantley and Kathy Liddell, and Director Victor Mercado show off the new uniforms

The Graduating Harris’ Kelly Nance- She plans to attend medical in Aviation Administration. Harris is very School at Duke PFC Harris is stationed in proud of University in North Beaufort, South Carolina both her Carolina next year. where his wife, Jennifer children who She also has a 4- and 1-year-old daughter, each year-old daughter Amanda, reside as well. continuing studies toward a graduated named De’ja. Ph.D. In the meantime she this year. Not one to be left looks forward to visiting Daughter Kelly’s 21 year old behind, this writer also between the Carolinas. Verne’, 22, son, James graduated this year. She graduated graduated not long earned a Master of Photos and story by from Wayne State University in ago from US Marine Business Administration Kelly Nance-Harris, May with a Bachelor of Science Corps’ basic training and his from Baker Center for Graduate Special Projects degree in Biological Sciences. Military Occupational Specialty Studies. She is considering SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 5 Spotlight on Wastewater

You may find it hard to believe, but mixed in with the continual construction, there is beauty and resilience at the Wastewa- ter Treatment Plant (WWTP), the kind of beauty and resil- 29 years of ience normally found only in a highlights rose. Harden’s most memorable event One such rose goes by the at WWTP name of Sylvia Harden. The The time a mouse Head Sewage Plant Operator ran up her pant has spent her entire tenure at leg. (Ask her WWTP. She has seen many about it if you get changes and endured her share the chance. of adversities to become one of You’ll laugh the plant’s most treasured yourself silly.) resources.

Harden began with the Depart- For those unfamiliar with the Harden and her pioneering ment as a Mechanical Helper in WWTP, that’s quite a distance. female co-workers can do it, so 1976, the fifth woman to be can you. Thanks, Sylvia. And hired at this male-dominated A lack of showers meant that thanks to all the other women plant. When asked why a women had to do so at home. that came before us for paving woman like herself would be During her first six months at the road we now travel. drawn to such a place, her the plant, Harden said passen- answer was matter of fact. gers on the bus ride home Like any other veteran on the moved away from her because job, Harden has amassed many Harden’s most stressful After earning her Bachelor of of the smell. pearls of wisdom about how to time at WWTP Arts degree in Social Work, she survive. For women, she The three weeks her went to work for the Detroit If inadequate facilities weren’t recommends sheer persever- daughter was critically ill Board of Education as a enough, many of their male co- ance. Show up at work and do at the University of Guidance Counselor. She was workers weren’t shy about the job to the best of your Michigan hospital. on the job precisely one year voicing their opinions about abilities. Furthering your During that time she went before being laid off. With a how the women were only education also helps. Take straight to the hospital five-year-old daughter to there to steal their jobs. advantage of the tuition from work. She stayed at support, pride was a luxury she reimbursement program offered the bedside all night and couldn’t afford. Despite the difficulties by the City. then returned to work the imposed on them, the women next morning. The job was available. managed to get by with the “Don’t try to be Macho She took it. help of co-workers. One day woman,” said Harden. “Accept when Harden and fellow new help and depend on family Our society in the 1970s was hire, Maggie Towns, got pretty members.” It’s also a good idea different than it is today. The grimy, their supervisor, Albert to take time for self, even if that WWTP, as now, mirrored that Mitchell, stood guard while only involves spending a day society: less stringent regula- they used the men’s shower. or two at a hotel just you. tions, different views of what was considered acceptable Currently, Harden has less As for you men, she said, “Pull treatment toward women and than a year before retiring. up your pants and hold your minorities. Despite the greater numbers of head up. Nobody is holding women on the job, physical you down but you.” With the exception of four accommodations for them, and women hired before her, Harden civil rights protections, she Photo and story started her new career at a said that much remains by Lillette Benn, WWTP workplace dominated by men. unchanged for the lot of Women had to walk from the women at WWTP. plant to the Ragland (Old Administration) Building just to Women of wastewater do not use the bathroom. despair. There is hope. If

6 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004 Jesse’s Song

Former Vice President He spent a year at the Dan Quayle once said, Interlochen Arts Academy near “Your voice can touch someone “People are wrong when Traverse City before else inside,” he said. “Music is they say that the opera transferring to Morgan State the universal language.” isn’t what it used to be. It University in Baltimore, where is what it used to be. he spent a year. Currently, he’s He’s already gotten a taste of That’s what’s wrong with been attending the Cincinnati what will undoubtedly come it.” Conservatory of Music for later. He sang in Ghana in 2001 about a year, and expects to be and traveled to Portugal with

What did you expect from there for another two-and-a- Affairs Public Gomez, Paul by Photo other choral groups earlier this a guy that spells “potato” half more years or so. He said it Debra Ragland, a proud year in March. “(When) I with an ‘e’? will be another five years mom. actually heard people gasp, it before he will be fully ready. was like an out-of-body It takes a while before the male experience,” he said. “People By all accounts, opera is as How does one get on the voice is ready for the rigors of came up to me (after the popular today as ever. That’s operatic fast track? Basically it performance. Most of us are performance) saying, ‘Oh my certainly true in Detroit. While is nothing like the usual familiar with the embarrassing God, you were amazing!’” Detroit counts Bob Seger and boyhood career fantasies of changes inflicted on a boy’s Barry Gordy among its favorite being a cowboy or fireman. voice at the onset of puberty: He was quick to point out that sons, it’s also the place the With opera, you either know or the odd squeaks and squawks, he does not expect lavish praise Michigan Opera Theatre calls you don’t. and various strange noises. to change him into a pompous home. artiste. “I was told (by my For those who choose to For most men, the transition is parents) never to forget where A little closer to home for pursue it, becoming a don or blessedly brief. No so for you come from,” he said. “No Water Power readers, one of diva isn’t easy or cheap. It can vocalists. With sufficient matter what, remain humble, and those who disagrees with the take up to 10 years or more, training and seasoning, most it will take you a long way.” former vice president, is Debra and $30,000 a year (or more). operatic males aren’t ready to Ragland. The son of the 19- Fortunately, available perform professionally until Ragland is confident his voice year Department veteran – scholarships can help defray their late 30s, when their will earn him a steady living currently the Executive some of the cost. He’s voices are fully developed. when the time comes. Thus far, Secretary III to Director Victor managed to whittle down some at age 20 I have been able to Mercado – plans to be part of of the expense by working at That point in the distant future maintain jobs,” he said. “If I the generation of operatic the Detroit Opera House as a is the farthest thing from strive, it will be there.” tenors to succeed Victor Trent Registrar for community Ragland’s mind right now; as Cook and Lucciano Pavoratti. programs during the last is his being an African In the meantime, he studies and couple of summers. American in a field dominated prepares for the future. Jesse Ragland, 20, was already by white artists. “My key plan an accomplished pianist before After that, it’s all about the is to make music beautiful,” he The legendary Italian tenor, starting on his path to become voice. said. Take it to another level. Enrico Caruso, was once asked part of the highly competitive That will be the most what makes a great singer. He and elite world of opera. rewarding thing for me. replied, “A big chest, a big mouth, 90-percent memory, 10- percent intelligence, lots of hard Puzzle work, and something in the heart.”

Ragland definitely has the heart. And he’s shown that he can do the work. He’s exhibited so much heart and hard work at such an early age that he can’t help but succeed.

by Michael Daisy, Public Affairs

(Answers on page 9) Our thanks to Deborah Willis, OPMA

SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 7 Hitting the Big Time overseas

Photos courtesy of www.geocities.com/plookie9/JamesThomasIII.html When Dorothy Roach of and keyboards, and began James’ repertoire ranges from performs throughout Europe. Commercial Division – Account playing in one of the many jazz standards, soul, hip-hop, He now makes his home in the Management opens her e-mail, garage bands that seemed to be rhythm and blues, Latin music capital city of Tallinn. He and it’s always with the anticipation everywhere in the ‘60s. and his main love, reggae. his wife Hanna – a native and excitement of hearing from Estonian – are looking forward her bother James Werts, a His first gig was with the “Sons In 1996 he joined the rock band to their first child together. musician living and working in of Fire”, a band that Plookie “The Kraze”. James toured Estonia, an independent Nation laughingly recalled, “never got Finland and Hong Kong where Needless to say, Roach formerly part of the former out of the garage”. That led to the band shared the bill with couldn’t be more proud of her Soviet Union. work in Detroit’s burgeoning Bon Jovi. Upon returning to brother and is happy to know club scene. the states in 2000, Plookie he is living his dream. The future rock star was born in performed with singer/guitarist Detroit in 1956, the fifth child in Encouraged by his sister to Ali Handel at the House of To learn more about Plookie and a family of 10 brothers and follow his dreams, James found Blues’ Foundation Room in Los Lament, visit the Web sites sisters. It was his Aunt Mary work in Cleveland and eventu- Angeles. The outing earned www.geocities.com/plookie9/ that hung the “Plookie” on him. ally relocated to Los Angeles him rave reviews and an JamesThomasIII.html and No one in the family remembers where he studied at UCLA. increased following. www.lament.ee/est.html. why now, just the name. While there he met Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, Two years ago James was by Susanne Stapleton, James attended Northern High who became his mentor. James recruited by the Estonian rock Commercial School. Meanwhile, he taught also received a helping hand group “Lament”, which himself to play guitar, drums from singer Vanessa Williams.

Ordinary People/Extraordinary Jobs

reflect on past accomplishments. If you’re Beginning her city career as a The City of Detroit is Marion Fortson that’s 30 years Building Trades Helper led to an represented by few women in of hard work and dedicated electrical apprenticeship. The the skilled trades. Marion service: 20 as an Electrical rest is history. Fortson is more than a woman Worker General, and the last 10 in a field traditionally filled by as an Electrical Sub-Foreman/ Fortson is quick to let you know men. She is a professional, Master Electrician for the that the Electric Shop runs as a period. For that she is to be Photo courtesy of Marion Fortson Water Department. team effort. When the power admired. goes out in your office, shop, or Just another Marion filled a need in DWSD plant, who’re you gonna call Good luck to you. And best professional pursued by few women. Her first? The Electric Shop is very wishes for continued success goal was not to become a important to the smooth delivery in your unique field. You When your day is full of groundbreaker, but to of water to our community. deserve it. testing voltage, replacing accomplish a personal goal. In fuses, or navigating 20-foot her case, she became an She has always been low key, by Pennie Oldham, ladders to repair a motor on a electrician while raising three never boastful; a mentor to all of Mechanical Maintenance pump, you seldom have time to children. us, male and female.

8 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004 Don Bowerman calls it quits

capacities – plans to take a You’d never know if he was up to him. They really little time off to relax. Maybe six angry.” appreciated the leadership he months. Relaxation includes brought to the Accounting getting adjusted to a new home Darwina Wallace of OPMA Division. not far from the old one, and worked for him for seven or working on his tennis game. eight months back in the ‘90s. “His retirement came as “I have the utmost respect and somewhat of a surprise to most He was such a dependably regard for that man,” she said. of us. I, for one, am really sorry steady rock in the workplace “He was extremely fair.” to see him leave.” that it is likely that few know that. Dependable, professional, “He didn’t expect anything According to McCarty, quiet and reserved he may from the people who worked Bowerman plans to look have been for 30 years, but for him that he didn’t expect of around for a part time or avid tennis player he is. Good himself,” said Wallace. “The temporary position after he Photo by Paul Gomez, Public Affairs one, too. Just like he was on Department lost a real good gets that relaxation thing out the job. man when they lost him. It was of his system. a real privilege to work for After 30 years of steady Don Bowerman was him.” The more things change, the reliability, Donald Bowerman refreshingly straightforward. more they remain the same. has traded in his calculator for What you saw was what you Wallace noted that 35 to 40 a life of leisure. got. Sharon McKinnon sat people attended the retirement by Michael Daisy, outside of his office on the 18th luncheon given on his last day Public Affairs Yeah, right. Those who worked floor of the Water Board on July 23. “That, in and of with him over the years, no Building. She got to interact itself, speaks volumes of the doubt, will find that with him on a daily basis. regard in which he was held.” inconceivable, and amusing. “He was very reserved, quiet Woodrow McCarty of Anyway, Bowerman – who and not emotional. Very Accounting, who met spent his full 30 years with professional,” she said. “As a Bowerman back in the 1970s, DWSD in various financial boss, he was very personable. said, “The staff really looked 45 and out

assignment was as liaison to staying out of prison, getting the massive PC 744 Project. jobs, providing for their families, etc. A spiritual man, Leake lead prayer at many DWSD Forty-five years is quite an functions and, unfortunately, accomplishment. Employees, represented the Department past and present were on hand when employees and retirees at a farewell reception to And he graciously thanked his passed. He is an Elder at express their admiration to such adversaries for making him Straightgate Church. This a miraculous man. During the even more determined to excel. requires him to minister, baptize reception Leake delivered a Photo from security Fliesfairs security from Photo and assist wherever his Pastor heartwarming speech. He began What can you say for 45 Leake is married and has three needs him under the leadership by thanking God and his years? adult children. He was the “go- of Bishop Andrew Merritt and parents for instilling in him the to-guy” who had a hand in just Pastor Viveca Merritt. qualities that made him who he Thomas Leake, WWTP about everything Department is today. Qualities like patience. Superintendent of Mainte- and citywide. We will all miss Elder Leake is also a counselor He thanked his colleagues for nance, retired from DWSD after him. 45 years of service to the City. in the Jackson Prison Ministry, working along side him through All of these years were spent encouraging inmates to stay the years. He acknowledged the by Kelly Nance-Harris, at the Department, beginning focused. Upon their release, good work of his staff members, Special Projects in Commercial. His most recent the Ministry counsels on calling many of them by name.

Here are the answers to the Brain Teasers on page 7.

8. See Through Blouse, 9. First Aid, 10. West Indies West 10. Aid, First 9. Blouse, Through See 8.

self., Him To Next Standing He’s 7. Break, Lucky 6. Downtown, 5. You, Missing 4. Forget, and Forgive 3. Level, Split 2. Seas, Seven 1.

SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 9 What’s happening in Purchasing

Certified Public Procurement DWSD is an affiliate of the promoted to Purchases Agent I CPPB•NIGP•CPPO Buyers (CPPB) of the National NIGP. CPPB and Certified Public from Technical Aide. Institute of Government Procurement Officer (CPPO) are Purchasing (NIGP). designations offered by the We welcomed these additions organization. In order to attain to the Office of Purchasing The NIGP provides members the higher CPPO position, the Division and wish all the best with education, research, candidate must first be a CPPO of success to the staff members technical assistance and and be serving in a supervisory mentioned, in their future networking opportunities in capacity in public procurement. career endeavors! R. Linda Willis, Principal public purchasing, while Purchases Agent and Lillette promoting excellence, enhanc- In other purchasing develop- by Bernadette M. Walker, M. Benn, Purchases Agent II ing effectiveness and increas- ments, both Lola Clark and Office of Purchasing have achieved certification as ing public trust. Sonya James have been

Leroy Henry Sloan, 1933-2004

family when he was 10 years big, if not bigger. He led our the U.S. Army following a old. He graduated from Cultural Change team in stint in Korea. Chadsey High School. many events. He was a member and enthusiastic Mr. Sloan is survived by As a General Automotive supporter of AFSCME Local Ruth, his loving wife of 40 Mechanic with DWSD for 207, as well as a union years; two sons, Russell more than 37 years, he was steward. and David; a daughter-in- familiar with many aspects of law; five grandchildren; his craft: from repairing In his private life, Mr. Sloan three sisters; one brother; automobiles, to lawn mowers, was even more giving. He and several nieces, and Vactor trucks. He was was an Assistant nephews, cousins and Mr. Sloan was fondly multi-skilled, always willing Scoutmaster of Troop 166 at friends. remembered as “The Braze to learn, and to show the Bethel AME Church, Mechanic” by, at least, one newly hired mechanics the presiding over his troop Leroy Sloan was there when of his fellow auto mechanics, proper way of wrenching. members on many campouts needed when many others and supervisor Uwe Rose and field trips. He joined the weren’t. He will be missed. because “Leroy could braze Mr. Sloan was a big and Detroit Police Reserves in (weld) anything.” powerful man. Yet, friends 1989, doing his best to by Pennie Oldham, and co-workers were not ensure the security of his Mechanical Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. intimidated because they fellow Detroiters. He was Maintenance Sloan came to Detroit with his knew his heart was just as honorably discharged from

Sean Dennis Reed 1976-2004

We lost a face familiar to those who Technician I in the Engineering Services work in the Main Office Building in Division. July. Sean Reed died at his Detroit home following a seizure. He was 25. Mr. Reed is survived by his mother, Corliss Mitchell-Fenn; stepfather, Ronald Fenn; a According to those who knew him sister, Bobbi Mitchell; his son, Keyon Reed; well, Mr. Reed loved computers, music, his grandparents, James and Elsie Walker; an good cooking, doing home repairs, aunt, Elaine Ellis; and a number of other and the fellowship of friends and relatives and friends. family. At the time of his death, Mr. Reed had worked for DWSD for six by Michael Daisy, Public Affairs years. He was employed as a Drafting

10 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004 Congratulations retirees!

These lucky retirees finished up with DWSD between April 2003 and April 2004. Good luck to all.

01/16/2002 – Clyde Jordan, Supervisor Industrial Waste Control-Field 1 (32 years) 10/01/2003 – Robert Davenport, Senior Water Distribution System Investigator (29 years) 04/05/2003 – Milton Robbins, Control Instrument Technician Sub-Foreman (32 years) 10/02/2003 – Douglas Johnson, Jr. – Supervisor Water Systems (38 years) 04/25/2003 – Zachary Smith, Water Systems Mechanic (25 years) 10/04/2003 – Jackie Cooper, Senior Governmental Analyst (33 years) 05/06/2003 – Donna Douglas-Kitchen, Head Sewage Plant Operator (26 years) 10/09/2003 – Walter Strong, Water Systems Helper (28 years) 05/07/2003 – Thomas Finnerty, Supervisor Water Systems Maintenance & Construction (30 years) 10/10/2003 – Luther Bond, Plant Maintenance Senior Foreman (28 years) 05/21/2003 – John Bullard, Jr., Sewage Plant Operator (25 years) 10/14/2003 – George Witherspoon, Senior Training Specialist (26 years) 05/21/2003 – John Lowery Jr., Water Systems Investigator (26 years) 10/18/2003 – Joel Perry, Repair Mechanic (13 years) 05/24/2003 – Precious Kemp, Jr., Water Systems Mechanic (29 years) 10/18/2003 – Walter Ferus, Principal Construction Inspector, Water & Sewerage (32 years) 06/03/2003 – Shelley Williams, Assistant Sewer Inspector (25 years) 10/22/2003 – Cheryelle Barnes, Assistant Sewer Inspector (25 years) 06/06/2003 – Edward Young, Delinquent Water Bill Collector (31 years) 10/23/2003 – Dwaine Glover, Water Systems Foreman (28 years) 06/18/2003 – Frank Szymanski, Water Systems Foreman (22 years) 10/23/2003 – Edward Snethkamp, Process Control Center Supervisor (26 years) 06/18/2003 – Martin Hage, Head Water Plant Operator (35 years) 10/25/2003 – Charles Jeffers, Assistant Supervisor Water Systems, Maintenance & Construction (31 years) 06/20/2003 – William Reed, Assistant Sewage Plant Lab Supervisor (34 years) 10/31/2003 – Dadra Dukes, Principal Clerk (35 years) 06/21/2003 – Roger L. Anthony, Assistant Head Sewage Plant Operator (26 years) 11/01/2003 – Charles Easter, Water Systems Mechanic (29 years) 06/27/2003 – Cynthia Lewis, Senior Clerk (26 years) 11/01/2003 – Ralph Brown, Supervisor Water Systems (27 years) 07/01/2003 – Frank Euseary, Water Systems Repair Worker (30 years) 11/04/2003 – Edward Lauchie, Construction Equipment Operator (30 years) 07/03/2003 – James Davis, Jr., Delinquent Water Bill Collector (35 years) 11/13/2003 – Bennett Sanders, Senior Water Plant Operator (25 years) 07/05/2003 – Myron Wilson, Senior Water System Mechanic (28 years) 11/13/2003 – Gerald White, Senior Water Meter Reader (30 years) 07/08/2003 – Charles Wheeler, Plant Maintenance Mechanic (22 years) 11/15/2003 – Vanessa Bryant-Alanis, Process Controller (25 years) 07/08/2003 – James Gazdag, General Machinist (21 years) 11/19/2003 – John Butler, Water Systems Foreman (24 years) 07/10/2003 – Lorna Mason, Senior Governmental Analyst (28 years) 12/03/2003 – Cornelius Jones, Jr., Water Systems Mechanic (26 years) 07/10/2003 – Michael Lawrence, Senior Storekeeper (27 years) 12/11/2003 – Beatrice Robinson, Customer Service Representative I (32 years) 07/11/2003 – General J. Neely, Water Systems Helper (25 years) 12/13/2003 – Phillip Wing, Building Operators Supervisor (35 years) 07/11/2003 – Harry Harper – Principal Clerk (30 years) 01/03/2004 – Gladys Smith, Customer Service Representative III (30 years) 07/11/2003 – Hazell Essex, Principal Clerk (15 years) 01/07/2004 – Jacqueline Downing, Clerk (30 years) 07/11/2003 – Margaret Bannon, Senior Clerk (24 years) 01/09/2004 – Donald Richardson, Senior Water Meter Reader (30 years) 07/11/2003 – Robert Pietrkowski, Carpenter Foreman (34 years) 01/10/2004 – Deborah Shelly, Permits Investigator (30 years) 07/12/2003 – Ferdinand Robertson, Electrical Worker General (19 years) 01/15/2004 – Sandra Smith, Manager I-Industrial Waste Control (36 years) 07/12/2003 – Robert Young, Electrical Worker Sub-Foreman (36 years) 01/16/2004 – Clarence Jackson, Construction Equipment Operator (18 years) 07/15/2003 – Lauretta Purry, Administrative Specialist I (31 years) 01/17/2004 – Elizabeth Gilchrist, Customer Service Representative III (37 years) 07/16/2003 – Arthur Woods, Electrical Worker General (32 years) 01/21/2004 – Carl Tunich, Senior Associate Civil Engineer (28 years) 07/19/2003 – Edward Pankonin, Maintenance Millwright (22 years) 01/23/2004 – Bruce MacWilliams, Plant Maintenance Foreman (31 years) 07/26/2003 – Sam Kammash, Assistant Civil Engineer (26 years) 01/23/2004 – Georgia Watkins, Sewer Safety Inspector (26 years) 07/31/2003 – Celia Gonzalez, Clerk (31 years) 01/23/2004 – Richard Bingham, Park Maintenance Worker (16 years) 08/02/2003 – Leroy Sloan (deceased), General Auto Mechanic (37 years) 01/23/2004 – Thomas Boyer, Field Service Representative Supervisor (36 years) 08/06/2003 – David Lyons, Maintenance Millwright (22 years) 01/28/2004 – Anita Burris, Senior Clerk (31 years) 08/13/2003 – Sharon Williams, Water Systems Dispatcher (22 years) 02/05/2004 – William McCarver, Plant Maintenance Worker (30 years) 08/19/2003 – Tyrone Barrett, Senior Clerk (31 years) 02/06/2004 – Barbara Brown, Office Assistant III (24 years) 08/20/2003 – Gerald Johnson, Water Systems Foreman (26 years) 02/10/2004 – Earline Jones, Clerk (39 years) 08/21/2003 – Barbara Fraley, Customer Service Representative II (37 years) 02/14/2004 – Williams Jones, Building Attendant (18 years) 08/28/2003 – Martha Gatson, Customer Service Representative III (26 years) 02/21/2004 – James Dozier, Wastewater Process Controller (35 years) 09/05/2003 – James Fudge, Plumber (25 years) 02/28/2004 – Jerome Brown, Field Operations Supervisor (30 years) 09/05/2003 – Mamie Arnold, Office Assistant (12 years) 03/03/2004 – George Weaver, Electrical Worker General (23 years) 09/09/2003 – George Stuckey, Assistant Head Sewage Plant Operator (26 years) 03/03/2004 – Shelton Childress, Senior Water Meter Reader (26 years) 09/10/2003 – Balancio Efren, Senior Assistant Electrical Engineer (26 years) 03/05/2004 – John Crandall, Duplicating Device Operator (32 years) 09/13/2003 – Michael Gardner, Head Sewage Plant Operator (30 years) 03/12/2004 – Daniel Vaneste, Senior Water Plant Operator (34 years) 09/16/2003 – Rosa McDonald, Office Management Assistant (17 years) 03/12/2004 – Gerald Bruce, Principal Governmental Analyst (38 years) 09/23/2003 – Ulyses Ezell, Wastewater Process Controller (30 years) 04/02/2004 – Daniel Pace, Head Sewage Plant Operator (34 years) 09/27/2003 – Willie McIntee, Service Guard Public Utility (14 years) Enjoy your time off!

SUMMER/2004 WATER POWER 11 Bitz ‘n’ Pieces

proud mom to his right), who Bob the mail guy Sadly, DWSD has lost another graduated from Martin longtime stalwart to retirement. Luther King, Jr. Senior High Bob Keill, the Clerk who School’s Math, Science and delivered the mail for Applied Technology Engineering Services, left us in program in June. Jonathan August following a stroke. also has a Certificate of Bob came to DWSD from Completion in Advanced DPW in 1992. All total, he’s Computer Aided Drafting put in well over 30 years for

Photo courtesy of Sharon D. Moore D. Sharon of courtesy Photo from Golightly Technical the City of Detroit. His good New graduate Center. He will be attending friend Ernie Peltier said, A celebrity in our midst Sharon D. Moore – Senior Wayne State University’s “We’ve been friends for over Wanna know how to Governmental Analyst, School of Engineering in the 30 years. Bob was a very earn deep discounts on Financial Services – wants fall. “Remember to believe in conscientious and dedicated hair care? Tina Barrett, a everyone to join her in yourself and keep your eyes worker.” In the meantime, Senior Government congratulating her son, on the prize,” said Mom. many co-workers have been Analyst in Contracts and Jonathan B. Thomason-Moore “You are an eagle, so spread calling almost every day to Grant, became the most (shown here flanked by your wings and fly baby, fly. keep his morale up, and to let visible DWSD employee Sharon’s daughter Letitia Keep God first in everything him know that he’s missed. in metro Detroit a few Tenner to the left, and the you do.” Plans were in the air as we weeks back in July when prepared this issue for press, her image was included but there will be some kind of in the ad that appeared in A familiar name farewell shindig in Bob’s the Metro Times for James W. Heath – son of honor sometime this fall. Stay Meagan’s hair salon in former DWSD Assistant tuned. Southfield. Director James Heath – is running as a Democrat for State Representative from the 8th District in Detroit. Future Indy 500 winner? Good luck. Contratulations to Edward Oldham, Jr. age nine, who won the Boy Scouts Phoenix

Photo courtesy James W. Heath W. James courtesy Photo District Pinewood Derby Race in April. Proud parents are Pennie Oldham (of Submissions Mechanical Maintenance) Those who have material they would like considered for and husband, Edward, Sr. inclusion in Water Power, can do so by either hard copy or electronically. Be sure to include your name, job title, Photo courtesy of Pennie Oldham work phone number, where you work, and in what division.

Send to Mike Daisy, Public Affairs Division, Water Board Public Affairs Division. Building, 735 Randolph, Rm 1004, [email protected], or call She has been involved in 964-9493. Text submitted electronically should be in MS the Department’s School- Word. To-Work program. In addition to Public Affairs, Please note that Water Power is an official DWSD she’s worked in the publication. Submissions are subject to editing for Commercial and Human content, grammar, and style. Resources Divisions. La’Dwina expects to earn her Associates degree from Wayne County Kudos Community College in

Director Mercado received high praise for his “insight Affairs Public Gomez, Paul by Photo 2005, where her major area with regard to Southeast Michigan’s water infrastruc- Meet our intern of study has been ture” at a meeting in May of the Michigan Suburbs La’Dwina Garnett has been Computer Information Alliance from Jim Townsend, the organization’s assigned to work with the Systems. Executive Director. Audiovisual Section of the

12 WATER POWER SUMMER/ 2004