The Oak Park Report

The Oak Park Report
Published quarterly by the City of Oak Park
Spring Edition, 2007
Eleven Mile reconstruction: “A huge, complicated project”
Coolidge repairs will be much more traffic-friendly
What residents need to know more than anything else regarding the upcoming
reconstruction of 11 Mile Road can be summarized in two statements: 1- If you want to
drive eastbound on the normally-busy thoroughfare, you can’t; 2- If you want to drive
westbound, you shouldn’t.
The first point speaks to the fact that no eastbound traffic flow will be allowed once the
work gets underway in the beginning of May. The second point is emphatic advice from the
City officials who are managing and coordinating the program.
Both statements underscore the reality that “This will be a huge and complicated project,”
according to DPW Director/City Engineer Kevin Yee.
“It’s going to be extremely invasive in terms of the extent of work that has to be done,
and that means it is going to be very disruptive in terms of traffic. It is definitely a highimpact process. We have to prohibit eastbound driving completely, in order to make possible
the kind of progress needed to complete the portion between Greenfield and Coolidge
during 2007. (The portion of 11 Mile from Coolidge to Woodward is scheduled in 2008.)
“There is no doubt that the project is going to generate a big-time ongoing mess that
motorists should avoid, if at all possible, from the time it starts until the new road opens later
in the year. That is the best advice I can give; choose alternate routes, unless you are driving
specifically to a business or office that is actually on 11 Mile. Access to the commercial
areas will be maintained.
“We really have no logical choice except to get this job done, regardless how disruptive
it will be. The road is in horrendous condition. It has degraded into a chaos of cracks, bumps
and potholes. This work just has to be done and we now have the funding resources to take
care of it.”
Because several communities are involved, the key enabling financial step was
acquisition of more than $5 million in federal and state grants for the project, thanks in large
part to the lobbying efforts of Mayor Gerald E. Naftaly. This breakthrough led to an
arrangement by which Berkley and Huntington Woods, cities that also border 11 Mile, to
share the balance of the overall $10 million cost with Oak Park.
Importantly, the grant funding allowed Oak Park to save about $1 million from the $22.5
million street improvement bond issue that was approved by residents in the 2002 General
Election, for future repairs to other streets here, rather than using that amount in 2007.
Why is the prospect of renovating Eleven Mile Road so daunting? There are several
reasons, one of which lies in the realm of the unknown.
INSIDE THE REPORT
“As I’ve said before, the complexity of any project dictates the rate at which it progresses.
This is true no matter how well-planned and carefully designed it may be.
“We know that this job entails total reconstruction of the road. That means totally breaking
out and removing what is currently there and replacing it with all-new material. We know that
we also are going to be replacing six miles of water mains before the resurfacing can be done,
and that is very labor-intensive and time consuming work. Further, because the 11 Mile corridor
is so tight, it is difficult to fit all of the necessary utilities within this stretch of roadway.
“There are always unknowns that come to light only after you get started and actually
open up the existing road; the weather you have to deal with, underground soil conditions,
utility problems that aren’t expected. Some of the stuff that’s under the surface isn’t even in
the records of the utility companies any more.
“All of these things add up to an extremely involved project that residents should try to avoid.”
Compared with that challenge, the repairs on Coolidge, also expected to begin in early
May, will be relatively routine. Drivers should have only minor delays maneuvering through
the work areas even during higher-volume traffic periods.
continued on page 4
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City Manager’s Office,
Department of Public Information
• All are invited to Arbor Day tree planting, special tour
• Oak Park honored for 24th straight year as a “Tree City USA”
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5
In Profile
• The Ethnic Advisory Commission strives for Family City goals
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Department of Public Works
• Road and sewer projects aimed at preventing future problems
• Reminder issued on coming trash collection schedule change
• How residents can help protect themselves from West Nile Virus
• Lawns: “cut high and let clips lie,” but not too high!
• Expert mulching tips for better tree health
9
Department of Library Services
• New children’s librarian announces spring Story Time series
• Family program features famous children’s author/storyteller
• Recommendations and Reviews for mystery story fans
• Gemini and Candy Band set for “Kick Off the Summer Concert”
• Spring Used Book Sale offers big bargains
11
Department of Recreation
• Spring class menu mixes new opportunities with old favorites
• Senior Roundup: Major 50-Up Club 2007 trips detailed
• Municipal Pool will open to residents June 9
• Early planning, registration crucial for Day Camp programs
• Youth baseball, other athletics, take the warm-weather stage
Department of Public Safety
• Workshop guidelines help parents protect kids from cyber
predators
• Scam Alert spotlights yet another credit card telephone hustle
• True of False: A timely test of your tornado safety knowledge
• Youth Assistance volunteers invest in our kids’ future
“There are always unknowns that come to light
only after you get started and actually open up the
existing road; the weather you have to deal with,
underground soil conditions, utility problems that
aren’t expected. Some of the stuff that’s under the
surface isn’t even in the records of the utility
companies any more.”
Enhancements at all points of the Nine Mile-Coolidge intersection will include
decorative walls and landscaping, with plenty of new trees, shrubs and flowers.
The City Manager
Public Information
The Office of
Page
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The Department of
248-691-7410
248-691-7589
Residents invited to Arbor Day planting and special tour
All residents are invited to join City officials on Friday,
April 27, for the 2007 version of Oak Park’s annual Arbor
Day tree planting and celebration. The long-time
community tradition is scheduled at 10 a.m. in the northwest
section of Shepherd Park (by Northfield and Church), near
the entrance to the nature trail.
Fifth-grade students from Einstein Elementary School
will participate in the program. A guided tour of the
Shepherd Park woodlands and the newly-planted native
trees and wildflowers will be included.
Lillian Dean, the City’s Recycling Consultant, said the
event serves to underscore the high value which the
community always has placed on maintaining an abundance
of healthy trees.
“While many residents recognize the beauty of trees and
understand their basic climate control function, few
consider on a daily basis the total savings to the community
and individuals resulting from trees. Studies have shown
that the cost of planting them is quickly offset by their value.
Trees are worth about three times the initial investment, and
they benefit Oak Park residents in many ways.”
She listed the following examples:
• Trees intercept and absorb storm water, reducing runoff
and soil erosion.
• Their roots encourage infiltration and filter of pollutants.
• Trees release oxygen; enough for a family of four over a
one-year period.
• They store carbon, offsetting harmful by-products of
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fossil fuel burning.
• Trees clean the air by trapping dust, pollen, and some
hazardous chemicals.
• Trees shade homes in the summer, thereby saving from
10 to 50 percent in air conditioning costs.
• They have a restorative effect that can improve physical
well-being.
• They provide habitat for birds and small mammals.
• Native trees help define the community’s unique
character and identity.
• Trees and other landscape features add value to private
property.
As the adjacent story announces, the City of Oak Park has
received the “Tree City USA” award from the National
Arbor Day Foundation for 24 consecutive years.
“The ongoing Department of Public Works (DPW)
restocking program through which hundreds of new street
trees have been planted is typical of the constant municipal
efforts which have made the Tree City honor a yearly
event,” said Ms. Dean. “Through this initiative the many ash
trees that were killed in recent years by the Emerald Ash
Borer beetle have been replaced.
“The Emerald Ash Borer was accidentally carried into the
United States from China, where the beetle is kept in check
by its natural predators. In Southeast Michigan, however,
the pests have been unchecked by other insects and as a
result have stripped many cities of all of their ash trees.
“The new plantings not only have replenished the
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community’s overall tree stock, they have added even
greater diversity and more beauty to the landscape.
Residents are urged to plant a variety of tree species to
promote biodiversity and reduce the potential for massive
future infestations.”
NOTE: To receive a free package of information about
trees, tree mulching, and lawn care, as well as information
about upcoming public events, residents can contact the
DPW at 248-691-7497.
Students such as these youngsters from Key
Elementary School (in 2006) participate in every
Arbor Day ceremony.
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City extends long succession of annual honors for tree program
t is no surprise that Oak Park has a dynamic tree
maintenance and expansion program. After all, the City’s
original development plan was highlighted by an official
commitment to planting and nurturing a wide variety of
trees on every street throughout the community.
And it’s therefore simply logical that the program, which
is conducted by the Department of Public Works (DPW), is
an award-winner.
But there is nothing either ordinary or simple about the
consistency with which this City receives the most
prestigious of national honors granted to cities for their
municipal tree programs. The term “extraordinary” is an
accurate description because it was recently announced that
Oak Park has been named a Tree City USA for the
remarkable 24th consecutive year.
This latest conferring of the recognition from the National
Arbor Day Foundation is for 2006, another in the unbroken
succession of years throughout which the DPW has
conducted a wide-ranging program dedicated to caring for
and expanding the community’s flourishing tree population.
Both the lengthy “win streak” and the ongoing commitment
to the Arbor Day Foundation’s goals reflect community
pride, said Mayor Gerald E. Naftaly.
“Our many trees of such tremendous variety and our tree
program, itself, are important interrelated elements of what
always has been so special about Oak Park,” he commented.
“Not only the 32,000 residents we have today, but all of the
people who have lived in this community since 1945 have
been appreciative of our abundance of beautiful, healthy
trees in every neighborhood.
“And all of us certainly appreciate the Tree City USA
honor, which says very good things about Oak Park and the
people who call it home.
“We are most appreciative of the DPW’s constant and
highly successful efforts to conduct the ambitious tree
program. The past several years have presented a much
greater challenge than normal because of the destruction
caused by the Emerald Ash Borer. Needless to say, the
challenge has been overcome and our tree stock is as
healthy, well-maintained and beautiful as it has even been.”
The Arbor Day Foundation’s official announcement said
that the City has met all standards for the designation and it
praised “the work of elected officials, staff and citizens” in
earning the award.
OPTV-15 Programming through June
City Council Meetings
Recreation on the Move
Classic Arts Showcase (Live)
LIVE gavel-to-gavel coverage begins at 7:30 pm,
April 5 & 16, May 7 & 21, June 4 & 18
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm &
9:30 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 1:30 am, 8:30 am
& 2:30 pm
Mondays and Thursdays – 6 am, noon, 4 pm & 9 pm
Tuesdays and Fridays – 1:30 am, 6 am, 10 am, 2 pm, 6
pm & 10 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 2 am, 9 am, 5 pm
& 8 pm
City Council Replays
Mondays and Thursdays – 10 am, 2 pm, 7 pm & 11:30
pm (there are no 7 pm or 11:30 pm showings on actual
meeting dates)
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 6 pm & 10 pm
Introducing the PowerSit Workout
The Oak Park Report Update
Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays – 11 am,
Tuesdays and Fridays – 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm &
9:30 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 1 am, 8 am & 2 pm
The Library Shows
Story Time replays
Cable Fables
Tuesdays and Fridays – 7 am, 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm & 11 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 6 am and noon
Mondays and Thursdays – 8 am, 9 am, 5 pm & 6 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – 10 am
PROGRAM NOTES
The “Missing” Game
$ Special — Introducing the PowerSit Workout: This
program demonstrates a system for low-impact physical
conditioning exercises that can be done by people of all ages
while actually sitting in a chair. It was created by former
Detroit Lion player Ernie Clark, himself a senior citizen, and
is provided as a class by the Oak Park Senior Center.
$ Special – The “Missing” Game: It really is a game and
it’s fun, but the theme and purpose couldn’t be more
serious; teaching young Internet users the dangers of online predators. “Missing” is used nationally and locally in
classrooms and homes. The program was provided by –
and is introduced by – Officer Kevin Edmonds, the Public
Safety Department’s Community Services Coordinator.
Consumers’ Corner
Tuesdays and Fridays – 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 430 pm &
8:30 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays –12:30 am, 7 am &
1 pm
The Job Show
Tuesdays and Fridays – 8 am, noon, 4 pm & 8 pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – midnight, 7:30
am & 1:30 pm
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In Profile:
The Ethnic Advisory Commission
Constant dedication to its goals through decades of change
Members will explore new program ideas for the future
The organization that was formed to promote community stability during the period of theme. The New York Times published a lengthy analysis article identifying Oak Park as
greatest change in Oak Park’s history has gone through quite a few changes, itself. It was “America’s new melting pot.” The story was picked up and widely distributed by overseas
established as the International Ethnic Task Force in the early 1980s. This ponderous title, media.
Dealing with rapid major changes is never easy for any local government. Dealing effecwhich was perhaps more appropriate for a large multi-national military contingent than a
group of two-dozen very non-militant local citizens, was shortened a few years later to the tively with such an immense shift in social dynamics was a daunting test that Oak Park’s
City Council and Administration simply could not afford to fail.
Ethnic Task Force.
Under the leadership of the late Mayor Charlotte M. Rothstein, Council acted decisively.
Its name then was switched to the Unity Commission, which, a few years ago, was
This meant handling the challenge by recognizing, defining and promoting the melting pot
replaced by the current title, Ethnic Advisory Commission (EAC).
As would be expected, the organization’s membership has completely turned over since concept as a positive. And the key step toward instilling that approach was the creation of
the early days. Most recently-serving commissioners were around high school age – some the Oak Park International Ethnic Task force.
“We recognize that our ethnic diversity is a huge plus,” she declared. “It is an enriching
younger — when the original group was officially chartered by City Council. Very few were
quality. People from all kinds of backgrounds, with many different beliefs, live together in
affiliated when it had any of its previous titles.
Obviously, the organization has evolved in many ways since its creation. However, its this community as neighbors and equal partners in our common future. That’s what being
fundamental mission remains the same after a quarter-century. This is specified in the City’s ‘The Family City’ is all about.
“We are aware of our differences, and the mutual respect we have for one another is based
Code Book:
…to recognize, maintain, communicate and celebrate the cultural richness of our com- on the fact that we appreciate what makes each of us special.”
It was important for the Mayor and her fellow Council Members to set the tone by saymunity by advising the City Council and staff on such matters and conducting such other
ing the words; by “talking the talk.” It was absolutely essential that specific high-profile
activities as the City Council or City Manager may approve.
actions be taken to put the words to work by
The great majority of residents always
“walking the walk.” That is exactly what the
have agreed that the spirit of the mission and
newly-chartered Task Force did.
its overall objectives are positive, construcThe commission designed, organized and
tive, and just plain “right.” This is as true
managed Oak Park’s first-ever International
today as it was in the early ‘80s, but there
Ethnic Festival in the summer of 1984. It
was a much greater sense of urgency back
was “a celebration of the community’s rich
then: a need for the “official City” to lead
ethnic diversity,” and it worked. More than
the way in confronting the community’s
10,000 residents gathered through the aftersocial challenges.
noon in Shepherd Park to enjoy entertainOak Park was undergoing dramatic and
ment and food representing dozens of culunprecedented changes. After nearly forty
tures. The event was a smashing success that
years of barely altered demographics, it had
was repeated for the next several years.
become home to an amazingly varied mix of
Another, equally important and equally
ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. This
effective step was the commission’s Know
transformation had accelerated suddenly,
Your Neighbor series of town forums. For
and it was continuing even as most people
several evenings, a multi-ethnic panel of
were just beginning to realize how profound
prominent area activists spent hours disthe trend actually was.
cussing all kinds of pertinent social issues
A number of factors combined to generate
and concerns with residents. The sessions
the population shift. On one hand, the thouwere conducted in Council Chambers and
sands of residents who had moved into the
the audience overflowed into the lobby
City in the mid-1950s, when this was the
throughout each one.
fastest-growing municipality in the entire
A number of sensitive issues were aired in
nation for two years running, had almost
a frank and open manner and the result was
simultaneously reached the point in their
an environment of honesty, mutual underlives when they were retiring and scaling
standing and a commitment to harmonious
back their lifestyles. Their children were
WORKING TOGETHER – Ethnic Advisory Commission members at a recent
relationships, according to newspaper story
grown and had started on their own paths.
meeting (from left, front row): Rosetta Kincaid, Mayor Pro Tem Michael M.
covering the series.
Because their mortgages were substantially
Seligson, Lisa Clarke-Woods and Reatha Richmond; (second row): Elaine Stephens,
However idealistic these programs seem
reduced or completely paid off, they could
Assistant City Manager Roy Srini, Sean Kosofsky and Nathaniel Warshay.
in retrospect, one fact about them truly
cash in the equity to bolster their nest eggs
stands out – they worked! The experiences of the ensuing two decades-plus prove that
and move to condos or apartments that were better suited to their simplified needs.
As a result, the community experienced a wave of move-outs that was directly propor- assessment.
Today’s EAC is devoted to the very same ideals. It does not function in an atmosphere of
tional to the extraordinary level of move-ins, involving many of the same people, a generaurgency, but its members share the conviction that the fundamental goals are just as importion before. “For sale” signs sprouted in huge numbers in every section of the City.
Meanwhile, other social forces were at work. Tens of thousands of immigrants from coun- tant in 2007 as they were in 1983.
Rosetta Kincaid, who is in her fifth year of serving as the commission’s vice-chairperson,
tries throughout the Middle East, the Far East and Eastern Europe were pouring into
America. The Soviet Union had finally relaxed its emigration polices and thousands more speaks to the role of the organization from a deep background of international experience.
“I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many countries and through these travels I’ve met
were leaving Russia and its other so-called republics for the U.S.
For several reasons, Oak Park was an attractive destination. The community was nation- many people and learned about the beauty of diversity,” she says. “As a result, I began a
ally-known for its services. Its housing was well-maintained and high-quality, yet affordably career in diversity education and training in which I have been involved for over 15 years.
priced. It was a centrally located suburb in a large metropolitan area. Many nearby social I know that my experience and exposure to various cultures give me a unique perspective in
and religious institutions were available to help newcomers make the transition to new sur- understanding cultural diversity.
“Oak Park is a very unique and diverse community. The EAC is important to the City to
roundings and customs.
Not all of those moving into Oak Park were recent arrivals to this nation from faraway promote, celebrate, educate and maintain the community’s diversity. I would like to see
lands. A significant number of former Detroit residents were opting to take advantage of the educational initiatives developed that would lead to programs aimed at increasing diversity
same benefits of living here that were drawing folks from great distances. By 1983, the City awareness among the residents of Oak Park.”
In no uncertain terms, Commissioner Sean Kosofsky similarly points to the value of
was home to an incredible mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds among a population of
multi-ethnicity and his personal commitment to pursuing the EAC’s goals.
29,000 (today it is 32,000) in an area that then was less than 5 square miles.
“This community is incredibly diverse and the commission should promote that diversity
In summary, the difference made by these developments was, as characterized above, dramatic! And this was recognized locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally. The and challenge any obstacles to promoting and celebrating that diversity,” he declares. “We
Detroit News published several prominently displayed several feature articles on the subject should encourage actions and policies that make Oak Park a wonderful place to live for all
of the City’s population evolution. WDIV-TV Channel 4 ran a series devoted to the same people.
continued on page 4
Eleven Mile reconstruction,
Coolidge project to start continued from page 1
The Coolidge project is not a complete reconstruction of the roadway and involves only
minimal utility work. Therefore it will move much faster that the Eleven Mile undertaking.
Crews will mill off the existing asphalt, make any necessary base repairs, emplace a 1-inch
layer of asphalt, then overlay with about 6 inches of concrete – a process also known as
whitetopping. The curbs and gutters will be all-new.
“The sections of Coolidge between Eight Mile and 10 Mile that were repaired last
summer won’t be involved,” Yee said. “Those that will be included will be done in phases,
starting between 8 Mile and 9 Mile, then moving to the northern part when that one is
completed. I anticipate each phase taking from three to four months to finish.”
Associated with this project will be implementation of esthetic enhancements that will
“do a great deal to beautify and modernize the intersection” at Nine Mile and Coolidge.
These include: decorative walls; new trees, shrubs and flowers; pedestrian lighting; and
black decorative fencing.
About 75 percent of the total cost of the enhancements is being paid by $594,000 in grant
monies, the balance via the bond issue.
The intersection will remain open throughout the enhancement work. There will be a few
periodic daytime-only lane closures when necessary.
Ethnic Advisory Commission
continued from page 3
“I want to lend my leadership to my community. I have been a civil rights activist for 12
years and I believe I have the talent and time to dedicate myself to the cause of diversity in
my town.”
Commissioner Nathaniel Warshay stresses the important role of the EAC in advancing
mutual understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures in the community.
“My hope is that we do dialogue, not be afraid of each other, but understand who each of
us is,” he says. “In this way, misunderstandings are avoided and relationships can evolve to
the personal from the group. “For example,
instead of seeing ‘that Jewish guy’ or ‘that
Black woman’ or ‘that Chaldean child,’ we
see simply ‘that guy, that woman and that
child.’
“I would like to see some kind of formalized dialogue among groups as a means of
spurring informal dialogue.”
Recent programs sponsored by the Ethnic
Advisory Commission include a Cultural
Tour – a series of trips to African-American,
Arabic, Jewish and other ethnic-based institutions in the area – and publishing an
Ethnic Cook Book, a compilation of favorite
family recipes contributed by residents.
The EAC currently is considering programming ideas for the future and, according to Assistant City Manager Roy Srini, is
open to both ideas and membership requests
from interested residents.
Nathaniel Warshay
“The commission always welcomes citi“I would like to see some kind
zen input,” said Srini, who is the official
of formalized dialogue among
staff liaison to the organization. “It meets at
7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every
groups as a means of spurring
month, in the Community Center. All resiinformal dialogue.”
dents are invited to attend.”
Rosetta Kincaid
“The EAC is important to the
City to promote, celebrate,
educate and maintain the
community’s diversity.”
The first phase of the Coolidge project will be conducted from Eight Mile up to
the large section south of Nine Mile that was totally reconstructed last summer.
Sean Kosofsky
“We should encourage actions
and policies that make Oak
Park a wonderful place to live
for all people.”
Esthetic enhancements at Nine Mile and Coolidge will include pedestrian lighting;
and decorative fencing.
Public Safety
The Department of
Page
5
248-691-7500
On Page 6 à
Correct answers to
tornado safety quiz
can be life-savers
Youth Assistance
volunteers invest in
children’s futures
Guidelines help parents protect kids from Internet dangers
In an era when media spotlight the subject nearly every
day, the level of concern about on-line predators is at an alltime high. It should be! The threat to children who travel the
virtual world via their home computers is very real.
Thanks to such network television programs as To Catch
a Predator and frequent news stories about law enforcement
agencies catching adults who solicit clandestine meetings
with teenagers — and in some cases, even pre-teens – most
parents are keenly aware of the menace. It is sobering to
realize that while most coverage is devoted to “happy
ending” cases, all too many unchecked predator contacts
made though e-mails and in so-called chat rooms result in
damaging, sometimes tragic consequences.
Parental awareness is important, of course, but actually
implementing practical techniques for protecting children is
absolutely essential to combating the danger.
That fact was the motivation for a workshop titled
Internet Safety 101 for Parents, held March 6 in the Oak
Park High School media center. The cost-free program, cosponsored by the Public Safety Department, Oak Park Youth
Assistance (see story on page 6), the high school and the
10th grade PTSA, provided residents an opportunity to learn
the fundamentals for shielding kids from on-line predators.
“The focus was on family guidelines for protecting
children,” said Officer Kevin Edmonds, one of the program’s
expert presenters. “By learning the kinds of rules to set,
parents can effectively control the vulnerability their kids
have to predators when they’re using a computer at home.
“We emphasized the fact that, while the Internet has
opened the world to our children, it also has exposed our
children to the world. The mission is to prevent them from
being exposed to the ugly and threatening elements of the
Internet, while enabling them to access its many benefits.”
Following are brief summaries of the important
guidelines that were discussed in detail during the program:
# Establish and maintain a dialogue with your children
about the dangers, as well as the many advantages, of the
Internet. Talk to them frankly about the threat of on-line
predators and the ways they connect with kids, especially
those who are adults posing as children. Emphasize that they
should immediately tell you if they are solicited on-line.
# Whenever stories about on-line predators are reported,
talk about them with your children so they will better
understand reality of the danger and its potential
consequences.
# Limit your children’s free (surfing) time on the Internet.
# Do not open a separate e-mail or Internet account for
your children or allow them to open their own. One way of
controlling their access is for the adults in the home to be the
only users able to log on.
# Install some type of “spy ware” software that will
allow you to determine which sites they accessed, including
chat rooms, and what user names and passwords they used
at any given time. Some such software is available free online. Some can be purchased for less than $50.
# Keep the home computer your children use in a central
location that is not secluded, so you can frequently monitor
their use of the Internet.
The need for dialogue
Officer Kevin Edmonds answers questions about online predators at the Internet 101 program.
# Instruct youngsters to avoid posting any personal
information, photographs, or provocative nicknames or user
names.
# Instruct them not to give out their user names and
passwords to anyone outside the household; especially not
to strangers they connect with on-line.
# Establish and enforce rules for using computers and the
Internet both at home and outside the home: Do not go into
chat rooms; never agree to meet with anyone you connect
with on-line; always report to you any sexually explicit
material or solicitations sent to them.
The results gleaned in recent national surveys
dramatically underscore the “communications gap” that
commonly exists regarding the topic if Internet predators.
They also indicate the magnitude of the problem. For
example, one study showed that, among children ages 10
through 17, about 20 percent had received an unwanted
sexual solicitation on-line. Further, at least 3 percent had
received an aggressive solicitation, such as being asked to
meet and/or being sent mail, money or gifts.
Astonishingly, 49 percent of those children who had been
solicited never told a parent about the encounters.
In another survey, one in every five parents who
responded admitted that they did not know any of the
Internet codes, passwords, screen names or e-mail addresses
used by their kids. Only about 5 percent of respondents said
they were familiar with the acronyms used by children who
want to maintain strict privacy while e-mailing back and
forth: acronyms such as POS, for “parents over shoulder,”
and CTN, for “can’t talk now.”
Edmonds pointed to these findings as proof of the need
for parent-child communication. Residents who are
interested in further information about Internet safety issues
can reach his office by calling 248-691-7504.
Scam alert for residents
Beware a credit card pitch that requires “small” advance payment
Con artists around the country are constantly inventing new methods of cheating honest folks out of money. And in this age of the Internet, unlimited cell
phone range and instant text messaging, the schemes are spreading from coast to coast literally overnight. In response, the Public Safety Department is
working to alert Oak Park residents of the latest scams being reported to law enforcement officials. The following surfaced recently in this region.
There have been numerous cases in the past several months of people receiving
telephone offers of “great” new credit cards that will be sent to them once they’ve
secured the transaction via an automatic withdrawal from their bank accounts. The
article below addresses what to watch for and how you can protect yourself.
How it happens: The fraudulent company calls with a terrific pitch announcing that
you have been pre-qualified for a credit card and all that is required is a withdrawal
from your checking account (they may call this a processing fee or a security deposit).
The fraudulent company then asks for the routing and account number from the bottom
of your checks (this allows the funds to be withdrawn from your account without your
signature). Then, supposedly, all you’ll have to do is wait for the new credit card to
show up in the mail.
The only problem is that you’ll never actually receive anything.
Warning signs of a credit card scam: Remember being told “if it sounds too good
to be true, it usually is”? This holds true with credit card offers. Unless you have a very
high credit score, it’s unrealistic to expect high credit lines and/or extremely low
interest rates. Here are some other tip-offs that an offer may not be legitimate.
• The name of the company calling you is similar to a well-known legitimate
business. For example, “Capital Choice” is very similar to Capital One (the real
business).
• The sales pitch states that the offer is only good for today or for a limited time.
Legitimate companies want your business and will extend offers over a period of time.
• The company offers outrageous bonuses for signing up, such as a free vacation or a
computer. Real lending institutions usually don’t make such overblown offers.
• There is no proof that the company really exists, such as a business license, a
physical street address, or a verifiable phone number.
Protect yourself – don’t agree too quickly: If you receive a telephone call offering
you a fantastic credit card for a small fee (several hundred dollars really isn’t very
small), ask the telemarketer for more information. Request the company’s full name,
address, and telephone number. If they provide what sounds like actual details, then
request that they send you an application and more information in the mail. Scam
artists don’t want to do this because it leaves a paper trail which would help establish
mail fraud. If they refuse to send you the information in the mail, tell the representative
that you need to think about the offer and ask for a telephone number so that you can
call them back. Then hang up. Don’t be pressured into making a decision over the
phone. Scam artists use a sense of urgency to get people to give in. Don’t fall for it!
Once you are off the phone, check out the alleged company’s name, address and
phone number. Look it up on the Internet. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if
any complaints have been filed against the company. The next day, try to call the
number they gave you. If it is a scam, the number most likely will be disconnected or
you will connect to a voice-mail system or receive a busy signal. Real lending
institutions have real people to answer the phones, or at the very least, an answering
service that details business hours and contact information. Rip-off artists don’t.
What to do if you are a victim: If you believe you have been victimized by a
credit card scam, immediately go to your bank and talk to your account manager. Even
if the withdrawal has not yet gone through, immediately close your account. This keep
the scam artists from getting the original “security fee” and it will also prevent them
from making unauthorized future withdrawals.
If your “security” payment already has been withdrawn, you need to talk to the bank
manager. It is important to do this within 60 days of the withdrawal. Explain that you
have been a victim of a scam and that money was fraudulently withdrawn from your
account. Request to have the unauthorized transaction reversed immediately. Scam
artists won’t contest the reversal because they don’t want to get caught.
Reporting the scam: You should file a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) and/or the Michigan Attorney General’s office in Lansing. While
the Public Safety Department is, obviously, aware that this scam exists, it is important
to inform the agency that Oak Park residents are being targeted.
Knowing the right answers to this quiz can save your life!
A timely test of tornado safety knowledge
The following is a test. Like the regularly-scheduled sounding of Oakland County’s
outdoor warning siren system at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, April through
November, this is only a test.
However, the grading system is extremely strict. In fact, if you answer just one question
incorrectly, you must give yourself a failing grade. The reason is as simple as it is serious:
If a tornado actually does occur in this immediate area, failure to know even one of the right
answers can carry an enormous cost. Knowing what to do and when to do it can make the
difference between becoming a victim and being a survivor.
Public Safety officials suggest that all members of residents’ families take the quiz
together, in order to determine how prepared they are to take self-protection measures, and
to learn the correct responses so they’ll “pass the real test” if they ever do encounter a
tornado.
True or false?
1) Tornadoes are quite rare in Michigan: T__ F__
2) When the warning sirens start howling, it almost always means a test is being
conducted: T__ F__
3) Except for designated test periods, you should immediately take cover when the sirens
sound: T__ F__
4) Once the threat has passed, an “all clear” signal will be sounded by the sirens: T__ F__
5) A tornado watch is declared whenever a tornado strikes within 20 miles of Oakland
County: T__ F__
6) A tornado warning is declared so people will know to watch the skies for a funnel
cloud: T__ F__
7) Basements or small enclosures such as bathrooms ands closets are the best locations to
shelter within when you are at home: T__ F__
8) When in an office building, school or mall, take shelter in an interior hallways or a
small room on the lowest possible floor, and be sure to stay away from glass windows: T__
F__
9) If you’re driving on the highway and see a funnel cloud, speed away from it at right
angles: T__ F__
10) You should never go outside to watch for a tornado once the sirens sound: T__ F__
11) You should call the Public Safety Department for an explanation when you hear the
sirens: T__ F__
The correct answers
1) False – In an average year, 18 tornadoes strike in Michigan. Just a few years ago, there
were record numbers of warnings (197), severe weather events (238) and confirmed
tornadoes (16) just in this part of southeast Michigan.
2) False – The system is tested only at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, April
through November. Any other time the sirens sound they mean a tornado has been detected
in Oakland County.
3) True – Whenever you hear the sirens, other than the designated monthly test periods,
you should immediately take cover, listen for continuing weather updates and not resume
normal activities until an official announcement is made that the danger has passed.
4) False – Contrary to what some people believe, there is no such thing as an “all clear”
siren signal. If the sirens sound for a second time, they mean there’s a second tornado
warning.
5) False – The US Weather Service issues a watch when it determines that atmospheric
conditions make the formation of tornadoes likely to occur. When a watch is declared, you
should prepare your family to take appropriate shelter if and when a warning is
subsequently issued. You should keep constantly informed about the latest weather
developments by listening to a radio and/or watching TV.
6) False – A warning sends only one message: Take cover immediately! A warning is
issued and the siren system is activated when a tornado has been detected by radar and/or
sighted by trained observers.
7) True – Basements offer the greatest level of safety. If your home has no basement, go
to a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor in the center of the house. Wherever you choose,
take shelter under sturdy furniture.
8) True – You should go to interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest possible floor
and you should avoid areas with lots of glass windows. Also, interior stairwells provide
good protection.
9) False – Never attempt to use vehicle speed to outrace a tornado! Twisters move with
stunning speed and can change direction suddenly. If you get caught, it means real trouble.
It’s best to park under an overpass.
10) True – It certainly won’t help you if you do see one coming, but going outside to take
a look definitely will greatly increase your risk factor while delaying proper action.
11) False – Never call the Public Safety Department when you hear the warning sirens!
First of all the howling does not require any explaining. If it’s not 1 p.m. of the first Saturday
of the month, the sirens mean only one thing: “Take cover immediately!” There are a couple
of other reasons why you shouldn’t call Public Safety: a- you will be wasting time that
should be spent getting yourself and your family to a safe place; b- calling the department
would needlessly tie up crucial phone lines.
Further information about protecting yourself and your family from the threat of
tornadoes can be obtained by calling 248-691-7504.
Youth Assistance volunteers invest in children’s future, the community
On one hand, providing counseling, guidance and expanded opportunities for young
people is like purchasing blue chip stocks: there’s a very good chance that steady profits will
be realized for many years to come. On the other hand, unlike stock market ventures, the
risk is in not taking action on behalf of children.
The mission of Oak Park Youth Assistance is based on this principle. The program, which
is dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and child neglect, takes a multifaceted
approach in fulfilling its ambitious purpose. And volunteers – people who invest their time,
energy, caring and the wisdom they’ve earned through experience – are largely responsible
for the success of virtually every aspect.
“Being a program volunteer is rewarding because it means helping children and their
parents; ‘being there’ for them in ways that make a truly positive difference.
“The investment our volunteers make in the futures of kids and their families pays great
dividends, not only for the people directly involved, but for the entire community.”
Ms. Williams pointed out that the Oak Park Youth Assistance office, like those in the 25
other Oakland County municipalities that are served by the program, is community-based
and guided by a local board of directors whose members are resident volunteers.
“Rita Lockridge is the board’s Chairperson and she is, of course, very involved with our
operation. In fact Ms. Lockridge, who is a teacher, has been a volunteer with us for nearly
10 years. We also have some other well-known volunteers, such as District Court Judge
Michelle Friedman-Appel and Public Safety Officer Kevin Edmonds, both of whom serve
as mentors to children.”
However, she emphasized, most of the volunteers who play key roles in making the
program effective are “folks who aren’t as high-profile in the public eye, but are just as
dedicated, caring and have just as great a positive impact.”
continued on page 10
Profiling the program: basic facts
Oak Park Youth Assistance Case Worker Edna Williams (left) and volunteer
Lindall Burton share smiles of satisfaction as they review the progress of a young
client of the program.
“We simply can’t survive without community volunteers,” declared Edna Williams, who
is the Youth Assistance Caseworker for the program’s Oak Park office. “Thankfully, we
have the benefit of some wonderful volunteers, but more are always needed and certainly
always welcome. It’s fair to say I’m constantly recruiting in Oak Park for more adults to
serve as mentors and friends of young people who might be going through trying times and
whose parents also might need support.
Oak Park Youth Assistance is administered under the auspices of the Oakland County
Circuit Court-Family Division. It operates with the sponsorship of the City of Oak Park
and the Oak Park School District. The majority of its funding is supplied through the
County Board of Commissioners.
The program offers:
# Case work services – Free and confidential counseling and social case work
services for young people and their families who reside within the boundaries of the Oak
Park School District.
# Family education – Programs aimed at improving communication between parents
and children and addressing family concerns.
# After school activities – Free alternatives, including recreational, social and
educational programs, for students in grades 6-8; located at Roosevelt Middle School.
# Recreational opportunities – Free splash parties at the City Pool and open gym at
Oak Park High, for example.
# Mentoring – Volunteers are matched with a child on a one-to-one basis.
# Camping – Scholarships for young people to attend both day and overnight camp
programs.
# Youth recognition – Oak Park students who have made outstanding volunteer
contributions to the community and/or shown significant personal improvement receive
official recognition and expressions of appreciation.
The Oak Park Report
Advertising Supplement
Spring, 2007
From Our Family to Yours
The Best in Family Dining
Oak Park’s
Royal Grill
Homestyle Cooking
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
(Served anytime)
Deli sandwiches
Soups and chili
Coneys
Salads
Pita sandwiches
Italian
Pasta
Traditional favorites
Seafood
Complete dinners
Omelets a specialty
Pancakes
Eggs any style
Great sides
…and MORE
My family and I with Mayor Gerald E.
Naftaly when we were recognized for
being “All Oak Park and All American”
by the Ethnic Advisory Commission.
We live and work in Oak Park and the
kids go to school in this great community.
We are proud to serve great meals to
Mayor Naftaly and our other neighbors
in The Family City.
— Noah Vukay, owner of The Royal Grill
Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
22110 Coolidge, just south of Nine Mile, next to Murray’s in the shopping center
248-591-7991
248-591-7511
Ad-2
The Oak Park Report
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The Oak Park Report
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The Oak Park Report
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Public Works
The Department of
Page
7
248-691-7497
Road, sewer repairs aimed at
preventing big future problems
None of the other DPW infrastructure improvement projects for 2007 will be nearly as
large-scale as those detailed on page one. And few of them will be on roads as busy as 11
Mile or Coolidge. However, in terms of their intended impact over the coming years, this
summer’s street and sewer programs are just as important.
“The less dramatic repairs and upgrades we will be making around the City are being
done now so that current infrastructure needs don’t become much larger problems in the
near future,” explained DPW Director/City Engineer Kevin Yee. “The projects we’re undertaking are necessary because the target areas are in deteriorated condition, which means we
are both fixing and preventing.
“By taking remedial steps now, we’re meeting existing needs and, by doing so, greatly
reducing the likelihood that these will require much more extensive and costly problems in
the coming few years. Whenever possible we want to avoid having to do such massive repair
jobs as the 11 Mile Road replacement.”
Specifically, the department has budgeted:
# $100,000 from the Major Streets Fund of the Municipal Budget, for joint and crack
sealing of existing roads.
# Another $100,000 from the same source, for concrete road patches.
# $500,000 from the budget’s Water and Sewer Fund, primarily for re-lining numerous
sewers “before they fail” and also to make physical repairs on several.
The Major Streets Fund consists of revenue received from the State of Michigan. The
Water and Sewer Fund is generated by a percentage of all water bill payments.
Yee said that the road and sewer repairs are planned on the basis of ongoing analysis.
“Our people are always studying the streets in an effort to stay as much ‘ahead of the
game’ as we can,” he explained. “Based on the information we gather, individual projects
are prioritized for the year according to the conditions were see: The greater the need, the
higher the priority.
“This is our approach all around the City.”
Television is used to detect problems within the sewer system. The productions aren’t the
stuff of popular TV programming, but they do get a great deal of attention from experts.
“We have video taken throughout the system,” he explained. “Contractors conduct the
surveys and we review hours and hours of tape to analyze conditions and plan repairs. By
doing so, we can implement measures that serve our goal of preventing manageable problems from becoming huge reconstruction issues.”
The approach by which this is accomplished is re-lining the interior of sewers to essentially shield off and contain deteriorated surfaces. And the primary method employed in this
era is not only effective, but also easy to apply because of modern technology.
“Without getting technically detailed, the process is to insert resin-impregnated felt material in the sewer conduit,” Yee described. “This is inflated and filled with heated water. It
cures for a period of time; hardening until it becomes the new surface of the sewer’s walls.
“Essentially, this actually replaces what was a crumbling existing lining. Re-lining in this
fashion is far less intrusive and causes little or no mess, compared with emplacing a completely new sewer. Total replacement is not only a more expensive process; it requires a lot
of breaking out of soil and paving and/or landscaping.
“Re-lining sewers compares with the sealing and patching road projects, in terms of doing
an effective repair job that substantially reduces the likelihood that much more disruptive
and costly solutions will be required in the near future.”
On Page 8 à
Lawn care advice:
Cut your grass high
and then let it lie
Expanded SOCCRA
drop-off center is
free to all residents
Combating West Nile Virus
Residents’ help is needed to fight mosquito
dangers: City implements yearly action plan
Remember the West Nile Virus scare? It was only a few years ago that public officials at
all levels of government throughout the state were responding with near-emergency
intensity to the fact that more than 200 infections and nearly two-dozen deaths had been
reported in Michigan.
The fear level has been reduced proportionally to the dramatic decrease in those statistics.
And both of those welcome trends are directly attributable to the success of the response; a
combination of measures which has significantly reduced the mosquito population each year.
So, the good news is that the spread of the West Nile Virus can be effectively controlled.
The essential underlying message is that private citizens and public servants alike must
continue taking the necessary steps, because mosquitoes reproduce as often and as
prolifically as they possibly can every year and the virus they can carry still exists.
What should residents do? The slogan is, “Fight the Bite!” It means: “Help reduce the
mosquito population right where you live!” by removing as many potential insect breeding
environments as possible from their yards and houses.
Literally any object – even a small depression in the ground – that can retain water is a
possible breeding site for mosquitoes. There’s frequently-cited fact that puts this reality into
perspective: A pop bottle top that catches and holds rainwater is large enough to become a
breeding location for literally thousands of mosquito eggs. Consider the potential
represented by a rusty old bucket left in the yard.
The best approach is for residents to remove from outside their homes all no-longer-used
containers that can hold rainwater. Common examples of the kinds of items people tend to
have on their properties include old kiddie pools, pet food and water dishes, old tires
children use as playthings and birdbaths.
Any objects or structural features that still are used, such as newer inflatable pools and a
home’s rain gutters, should be emptied of all standing water at least once every five days.
This practice will ensure that masses of mosquito eggs that might have been deposited into
the standing water will not survive long enough to hatch insects.
The 2007 municipal action plan will be implemented by the DPW over the coming weeks.
It entails:
# Placing larvacide in all of the City’s catch basins, within which mosquitoes deposit
enormous volumes of eggs every year. This substance, as its name suggests, destroys
mosquito larvae before it matures.
# Conducting regular catch basin monitoring throughout the spring and summer into late
September to make certain the larvacide program is working efficiently to suppress
mosquito breeding. The DPW also will employ surveillance traps to capture mosquitoes and
test the samples for presence of West Nile infection.
# Using, if needed, a larvasonic device on public properties, such as parks and the
municipal offices campus. Larvasonic sound waves eliminate larvae but pose no danger to
humans and animals.
# Testing dead bird carcasses for the presence of infection.
Residents can direct questions about the West Nile Virus, and what they can do to protect
their families, to the Oakland County Health Division, Office of Environmental Health
Services: by phone, 877-377-3641; via the agency’s website, www.co.oakland.mi.us.
Note: Trash pickup schedule changes July 1
This cutaway image shows new lining being inserted into a sewer pipe. Once in
place, the resin-impregnated material is filled with heated water. It then cures for
a while and hardens to become the sewer’s new surface. (Illustration Provided
courtesy of Insituform Technologies, Inc., which has done extensive contractual
work for Oak Park.)
Pin a reminder to the refrigerator! Circle the date on your calendar! Watch for a thick
red line to be painted smack down the middle of Coolidge, from the northernmost boundary of the City all the way to Eight Mile Road.
Okay, so there’s not really going be a line painted down the middle of Coolidge.
However, just imagine that there actually is one. If your home is west of it, your trash will
be collected on Thursdays. If you live east of it, pickups will be conducted on Fridays.
This routine will begin the first week in July, thanks to a contract between the
Southeast Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority (SOCRRA) and Tringali
Sanitation. Oak Park became one of more than a dozen municipalities included in the
agreement by unanimous approval of City Council. The official July 1 start date is the
first day of the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
Why the changeover? For several important reasons, according to the Department of
Public Works:
# The price is right! Because the contract covers a multiplicity of cities cooperating to
request bids, the cost to each municipality is lower than would be possible for Oak Park
or any of the others to have achieved individually.
# Convenience! The schedule is simple and straightforward and it means that there will be
fewer days during which residents have to deal with collection trucks in their neighborhoods.
#The contractor, Tringali Sanitation, has served Oak Park and many of the other SOCRRA
cities via individually-negotiated agreements in the past. The DPW and City Council has rated
the company’s previous service as “high-quality.” Obviously, the other participating municipalities have made a similar assessment of Tringali’s track record with them.
Questions about refuse collection and curbside recycling can be directed to the department by calling 248-691-7497.
Commission urges mowing lawns high,
“letting the clips fall where they may”
There are several good reasons for maintaining your home’s lawn at a higher level than
was common to urban neighborhoods in past decades. A few of them take the broader view:
helping the environment and saving money for the City, for example. A couple of others
focus on more specific benefits to homeowners, such as lower watering costs and smaller
expenditures for fertilizer.
Regardless which of these factors motivate individuals to cut grass high and “let the clips
fall where they may,” the impact is positive. That is why Oak Park’s Recycling and
Environmental Conservation Commission (RECC) has gone on record encouraging
residents to keep their lawns at a height of 3 or more inches and leave the clippings in place
when they mow.
“Routinely cutting the grass to that level, at which it is lush but not nearly ‘overgrown,’
is endorsed by recycling experts around the country,” said Walter Smith, the commission’s
Chairperson. “Taller grass builds strong roots, shades out weeds and helps to conserve
water. It also requires fewer do-it-yourself or hired-out mowing sessions.
“Mulching the clippings back into your lawn is good for the grass and good for the
environment. Importantly, it saves money for homeowners. Short clippings, less than an inch
in length, decompose quickly and this adds moisture and organic matter back into the soil.
“That means less watering is needed. It also means that less fertilizer is required to
achieve a healthy lawn. University-based research has shown that you can reduce fertilizer
quantities by at least 25 percent over the course of a growing season by leaving clippings on
the lawn.”
Smith explained that clip-mulching saves the City money by reducing the total of yard
waste materials that are transported via the residential curbside collection program to the
Southeast Michigan Resource Recovery Authority (SOCRRA) composting site. Oak Park
pays according to the volume for this process. Over the course of a typical warm weather
month, more than 200 tons of yard waste, including grass clippings, is placed at curbside
throughout Oak Park.
“Not incidentally, by following our recommendations, residents also can save themselves
the trouble of raking and gathering yards-full of clippings and placing it all within bags so
it can be picked up from in front of their homes,” Smith said. “They also can subtract the
cost of such bags, which goes along with saving money on water and fertilizer usage.”
Residents can obtain a cost-free packet of healthy lawn care fact sheets by contacting the
Department of Public Works at 248-691-7497 on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
*
*
*
…but remember there’s a height limit!
Keeping lawns taller is a good idea, but leaving grass too tall is a really bad idea. It will
result in financial costs for the property owner and the ire of neighbors who properly care
for their own lawns.
That is why the Code Assistance Division of the Department of Technical and Planning
Services is reminding residents that there is a limit to the height at which grass and weeds
is allowed to grow on residential and other developed properties.
“Owners are required to maintain their yards – both front and rear – at no more than 8
inches in height,” explained Code Assistance Officer Kevin Jones. “This includes weeds, as
well as grass. If they fail to do so, the City will inform them directly that they have 48 hours
within which to bring the property into compliance, either by mowing themselves or paying
for someone else to do it. If they fail to do so within the allotted time frame, we will send a
contractor to take care of the situation.
“The owner subsequently will be billed for the City’s payment to the contractor, plus an
administrative fee. Exceeding the height limit obviously is a code violation that will be
costly in terms of dollars. It also has other negative repercussions.
“For example, overgrown yards provide a higher potential for vermin infestation. Clearly,
no one wants to have such an environment on their own property. Just as clearly, no one’s
neighbors want to have conditions like that near their own homes. And, of course, no one
wants the block or neighborhood brought down because of property negligence.”
Jones emphasized that the majority of Oak Park residents take good care of their lawns
and that many put an exceptional amount of time and energy into grooming their properties.
“We have nice neighborhoods throughout the community and many of them include homes
that win annual Beautification Commission awards for how well everything, including their
lawns, is maintained,” he said. “Our goal is to make certain every property in the City is kept
to the standards that residents, themselves, have established for the community.”
Residents with questions or concerns related to the grass height ordinance can call 248691-7450 and ask to be connected with a Code Assistance officer.
Owners are required to maintain their grass and weeds at no more than 8 inches high.
Expanded SOCRRA options
The Southeast Michigan Resource Recovery Authority’s Drop-off Center now
provides more service options than ever before to Oak Park residents, such as papershredding. Individuals need only bring in their outdated documents and shred them
on their own. Residents also can leave used clothing, shoes, hardcover books and
automobile batteries at the agency’s location at 995 Coolidge, Troy. These are
accepted in addition to all of the items that can be left for collection at curbside. All
services are cost-free. The expanded SOCRRA Drop-off Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. No appointments are required.
In honor of Arbor Day
Expert mulching tips for better tree health
To help mark the City’s annual commemoration of Arbor Day (April 27) and to celebrate
Oak Park’s 24th consecutive year of being honored as a Tree City USA, the Recycling and
Environmental Conservation Commission is offering residents a series of tips for mulching
of trees on their property.
“The commission wants to help everyone in the community take good care of the trees
that do so much to beautify our neighborhoods and this is a highly appropriate time to
provide information that serves the goal,” said Recycling Consultant Lillian Dean, who
works with the volunteer citizens’ group in advising the DPW on related issues.
“Natural organic/shredded mulches benefit
trees in many ways. Roots are the lifeline of
every tree because they provide for nutrient
and water uptake. They store carbohydrates
that are needed for growth and they anchor the
rest of the tree. When you consider these
facts, and that more than 85 percent of all tree
roots grow in the top 18 inches of the soil, you
realize just how beneficial mulching can be.
“Mulch acts as a blanket to hold in
moisture, reduce weeds and moderate soil
temperature. Over time it improves soil
structure and drainage. These are among
many reasons why mulching helps nurture
and protect trees. That’s why the commission
wants residents to know how best to apply it.”
Ms. Dean listed the following guidelines:
• Use a combination of shredded hardwood
bark (such as cedar) and compost. Put down
one inch of compost first, then top with two
inches of the bark. The compost supplies
beneficial microorganisms for the top soil
area, where delicate roots are growing.
• Place the mulch around the base of the
tree, but keep it at least two inches away
from the base all the way around. Don’t
mound it up against the trunk because
“mulch volcanoes” can cause rotting and
other damage.
• To mulch around trees that are
surrounded by grass, try the newspaper
method: Place three or four sheets of the
paper over the surrounding grass and top
them with several inches of organic mulch.
Over time, the grass under the newspaper
will be smothered and the top layer of soil
Properly-used organic mulch is
will be enhanced.
helping this little sapling grow in good
• Replenish mulch every year, making sure
health.
never to exceed a total depth of four inches.
Library Services
The Department of
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Kick Off the Summer
Concert will feature
Gemini, Candy Band
“Friendly bargains”
await residents at
Used Book Sale
New children’s librarian has big program ideas for small residents
For a municipal institution that always has placed a premium on popular traditional
programming, the Oak Park Library also is receptive to innovation. This dual approach is
reflected in every aspect of services to patrons of all ages. It also motivates people like
Michelle Neuwirth to become a member of the Library’s professional staff.
“One of the main reasons I wanted this job is because (Library Director) John Martin is
very open to new ideas,” explained the recently-appointed children’s librarian. “He’s willing
to try new things in order to look for ways of doing an even better job for residents.
“That is especially important to me, because I want to use my initiative to help the kids
who come here have rewarding and meaningful experiences. I want to make a positive
difference with our children’s programming.”
The Library’s service philosophy was as much a factor in making Ms. Neuwirth the top
candidate for the position as it was in making the job attractive to her, according to Martin.
“During the interview process it was clear that Michelle understood how important our
key long-running programs are to the community,” he said. “It was equally clear that she
would strive to enhance those already popular services with new elements and to explore
other program concepts for young kids.
“In other words, her ambitions for the job mesh very well with our 1criteria for Oak
Park’s children’s librarian. She also has strong educational and professional credentials”
Ms. Neuwirth holds a Masters Degree in Library Science, plus a BA in English, from
Wayne State University. She also earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and
Photography from Macomb Community College, where she also worked for five years as a
library circulation/technical aide. Immediately previous to her hiring in Oak Park, she
served nearly two years as a youth intern in the Southfield Public Library.
It was the latter experience that convinced her to commit to a career as a children’s librarian.
“I always liked the idea of library work and I’ve always enjoyed working with young
children,” she said. “My Masters Degree reflects my career interest and the fact I have
worked as a baby-sitter for 10 years at my community church makes it pretty obvious how
much I like taking care of kids.
“The internship brought everything together. I absolutely loved the work! This job is a
natural for me because I like working with kids so much and helping them have fun while
stimulating their interest in stories, books and reading.”
…and she’s starting with a Story Time series
As long-running Library programs for youngsters go, Story Time for children ages 2-6
has been hugely popular in the community for longer than any of the others; three
Much-honored children’s author to visit
Referring to Rafe Martin as an award-winning author of children’s books is both an
accurate description and an understatement. The list of major writing honors he has received
over the years is extraordinary for its length and prestige. Plus, he is world-renowned as a
storyteller and poet.
He’s also coming to the Oak Park Library, and all residents are invited. The visit,
scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will feature a discussion of his latest book, his previous
works and his many other creative activities. The cost-free program is co-sponsored by the
independent Book Beat Bookstore in the Lincoln Center, which will provide book copies for
purchase and signing.
“Rafe Martin is a nationally and internationally famous
talent, and his appearance here is truly a special event,” said
Library Director John Martin. “A sampling of the
recognition he has earned explains why that is true.
“He has received three American Library Association
Notable Book Awards, four Parents’ Choice Gold Awards,
two Anne Izard Storyteller’s Choice Awards, an American
Folklore Society Aesop’s Accolade Award, several
American Bookseller ‘Pick of the Lists’ tributes, and a
Teacher’s Choice Award.
“In addition, the Women’s National Book Association has
honored him with its Lucille Michels Pannell Award, for his
‘unique creativity in bringing children and books together.’
There’s no wonder that his work has been cited, and praised,
in Time, Newsweek, US News and World Report, and USA
Today.”
Author/poet/storyteller
“Rafe has published more than 20 books, which have been
Rafe Martin
translated into numerous languages, including Swedish,
French, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans, Korean, Japanese and Portuguese. He also continues to
appear in many schools, libraries and other venues in nearly early state in the U.S., including
Alaska and Hawaii, plus overseas: Japan, for example.”
John Martin also provided a sample listing of festivals, conferences and institutions at
which Rafe Martin has been featured: The National Storytelling Festival, The International
Reading Association Convention, the P.E.N. American Literary Center, the American
Museum of Natural History, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Chautauqua Institute, the
Talking Island Storytelling Festival of Honolulu, and the International Storytelling Institute.
Further details about the author visit can be obtained by calling 248-691-7480.
generations and counting. So, given
Michelle Neuwirth’s goal of applying new
ideas to make old favorites even better, she
couldn’t ask for a more appropriate first
challenge.
The spring, 2007 Story Time series will
begin April 17. Because the demand for
participation is so high and space is limited,
all children must be registered in advance,
even if they have attended a prior series. All
registrations cover the entire six weeks:
children are signed up for attendance every
week. The cost-free sessions include crafts,
songs, music and movement activities. They
are scheduled on consecutive Tuesdays,
from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Every child must
be accompanied by an adult.
Following are the dates and themes for
each of the six sessions, plus a brief
comment by Ms. Neuwirth:
April 17: Spring Is in the Air “We’ll be
planting seeds.”
April 24: Space – It’s Really Big! “Make
your mark by marking your own
constellation.”
May 1: Pets Are People, Too “We’ll
Michelle Neuwirth recommends,
make a picture frame for you or your pet.”
among the Library’s hundreds of
May 8: Dr. Seuss on the Loose. “Silly
other “excellent” books for small
fun for everyone.”
children, Good Boy Fergus!
May 15: Bugs – We Creep, We Crawl,
We’re Cool! “Come make a creepy, crawly friend.”
May 22: Musical Mayhem “Celebrate National Buy a Musical Instrument Day by
making your own shakers.”
Further information can be obtained by calling Ms. Neuwirth at 248-691-7480.
Recommendations and Reviews
Brief summaries of, and incisive comments
about, recently-arrived books at the Library
The following succinct reviews of recently-received novels were provided by
the Library’s Adult Services section to whet the reading appetites of residents.
These are just a few examples of many recent arrivals and thousands of other
books at the Oak Park Library that also merit recommendations. (This edition
features fiction by popular women authors.)
Fire Island Summer, by Julie Ellis: “Anne Evans is a young widow and junior high
school counselor in the South Bronx whose 1992 summer break on Fire Island leads to
a relationship with Mark Cameron, an angry ex-con fresh out of prison after serving six
years for a rape he didn’t commit. When Mark discovers Anne is the stepdaughter of
Lila Schrieber, the woman (now dead, along with Anne’s beloved dad) who framed
him, their love affair suffers. Once a college student aspiring to Columbia Law, Mark
has now decided to get rich and get even by setting up a syndicate of very young `hit
kids,’ a team of 12-year-old sociopaths, including Joey Devlin, a boy Anne is
determined to save. Anne’s love and a neighbor’s startling revelation regarding the man
Lila had actually been with on the night of the alleged rape spurs Mark to a change of
heart. But is there time to stop a lethal plot he’s set in motion to clear his name?”
Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield: “A plain girl gets wrapped up in a dark,
haunted ruin of a house, which guards family secrets that are not hers and that she must
discover at her peril. Margaret Lea, a London bookseller’s daughter, has written an
obscure biography that suggests deep understanding of siblings. She is contacted by
renowned aging author Vida Winter, who finally wishes to tell her own, long-hidden,
life story. Margaret travels to Yorkshire, where she interviews the dying writer, walks
the remains of her estate at Angelfield and tries to verify the old woman’s tale of a
governess, a ghost and more than one abandoned baby. Contending with ghosts and
with a (mostly) scary bunch of living people, Setterfield’s sensible heroine is full of
repressed feeling-and is unprepared for both heartache and romance. Setterfield, who
lives in Yorkshire, offers graceful storytelling that has its own pleasures.”
Emperor’s Children, by Claire Messud: “Marina Thwaite, Danielle Minkoff and
Julian Clarke were buddies at Brown, certain that they would soon do something
continued on page 10
Pair of popular music groups will
perform
in concert to start season
Two of the hottest sets (can you call a couple of brothers a “group”?) of musical
entertainers from this area will help launch the hot-weather months in rhythmic style June
10 in a concert co-sponsored by the Library and the Recreation Department.
Gemini and the Candy Band will take their turns performing for residents in a program
scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. that Sunday. The free-of-charge event, billed as a “Kick Off the
Summer Concert,” will be staged in the Library’s east-side parking lot. That is the same
location where pre-Independence Day fireworks concerts have been presented the past two
years.
According to Library Director John Martin, the program, slated the day after the opening
of the Municipal Pool, will include a variety of games for youngsters, as well as other “fun,
family-oriented activities.” He said it also will be used to promote registrations for the 2007
version of the annual Summer Reading Club.
Gemini is a nationally-known children’s music duo based in Ann Arbor. More
specifically, identical twin brothers Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits are multi-talented
musicians and singers who have produced nine recordings and a live concert video
consisting of both original songs and traditional folk music.
The brothers’ works have won
several Parents’ Choice Magazine
Awards, an American Library
Association Notable Children’s
Recording Award, and a National
Parenting Publications Honors
Award. Their most recent recording,
“The Best of Gemini,” received a
Directors’ Choice Award from Early
Childhood News. “Fancy That,” their
live concert video, has been voted one
of the top-10 children’s videos in the
Random House book, “The American
Library Association Best of the Best
for Children.”
Like Gemini, the Candy Band
previously has appeared in concert at
the Oak Park Library. Unlike the
Slomovits brothers, however, its
members are not veteran entertainers
who have been professional
musicians since becoming adults.
Rather, the group’s four members
Identical twin brothers Sandor and Laszlo
“basically are soccer moms from
Slomovits, together as Gemini, have produced
Royal Oak who decided to pool their
nine recordings and a live concert video.
talents to take kids’ music to another
level,” Martin said.
The band’s popularity has spread well beyond local boundaries in just a few years. Here’s
what its media relations material says: “Wimpy children’s music inspired us to create
something that really rocks! We have diverse tastes, but are all major punk and rock fans.
Some of the bands we like are the Ramones, Iggy Pop, Weezer, White Stripes and Green Day.”
Reviews written by various music critics have said the Candy Band sounds like the Clash,
Joan Jett, and the Ramones. One reportedly compared the group’s style to Metallica.
“The members have nicknamed themselves for – what else – brands of candy,” Martin
said. “They are vocalist Daniela ‘Skittles’ Burckhardt, guitarist Paula ‘Almond Joy’
Messner, bassist Ania ‘Kit Kat’ Kelly, and drummer Tammy ‘Starburst’ Ristau.
“While the band promotes itself as children’s music with an edge, the style and
presentation are both appropriate and highly entertaining for kids of all ages. They’re
parents themselves, don’t forget. And they put on a great show!”
Sensational savings and
delicious baked goods
April 13, 14 & 15
Sponsored by
the Friends of the Oak Park Library
Recommendations and Reviews continued from page 9
important in the world. But as all near 30, Danielle is struggling as a TV documentary
maker, and Julian is barely surviving financially as a freelance critic. Marina, the
startlingly beautiful daughter of celebrated social activist, journalist and hob-nobber
Murray Thwaite, is living with her parents on the Upper West Side, unable to finish
her book — titled The Emperor’s Children Have No Clothes (on how changing
fashions in children’s clothes mirror changes in society). Messud, in her fourth novel,
remains wickedly observant of pretensions-intellectual, sexual, class and gender. Her
writing is so fluid, and her plot so cleverly constructed, that events seem inevitable,
yet the narrative is ultimately surprising and masterful as a contemporary comedy of
manners.”
Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn: “Flynn’s debut novel focuses on an emotionally
fragile young woman whose sanity is being severely tested by family dysfunction,
small-town incivility and murder. It is a mesmerizing psychological thriller that is also
quite disturbing and, thanks to reader Lee’s chillingly effective rendition, at times
almost unbearably so. Camille Preaker, a novice reporter with a history of selfmutilation, is sent to her hometown in Missouri to cover the murder of one teenage girl
and the disappearance of another. There, she must face a variety of monsters from the
past and the present, including her aloof and patronizing mother, her obnoxiously
precocious 13-year-old stepsister who dabbles in drugs, sex and humiliation, and an
unknown serial killer whose mutilated victims bring back haunting memories.”
Some Nerve, by Jane Heller: “Ann Roth, 30, is living it up as an entertainment
reporter for an L.A. celeb-gossip rag, hobnobbing with stars as she chases down the
latest “big get” in Heller’s latest entertaining romp (after An Ex to Grind). But trouble
looms when the next big get turns out to be the famously grouchy, media-hating actor
Malcolm Goddard, whose unwillingness to talk costs Ann her job. She moves back to
her small Missouri hometown and gets a surprise second shot at her career when an
incredible coincidence sees Malcolm delivered incognito to the local hospital. A
former classmate of Ann’s who is now a hospital bigwig (and who has the hots for
Ann) tries to impress her by sharing the secret of Goddard’s presence. She scores face
time with the actor by signing up for the hospital’s volunteer program, which leads to
unforeseen complications of the heart. Though Heller has a tendency to sum up the
morals of her story in pat sentences (“The patients at Heartland General were
beginning to teach me just how lucky I was”), she makes up for it with quirky, hooksin-you prose. The ending is an inevitably happy one, but the road to it is full of twists
and turns.”
Light of Evening, by Edna O’Brien: “In her 20th work of fiction, O’Brien
meditates with haunting lyricism on the lure of home and the compulsion to leave.
Dilly, 78 and widowed, lies in a Catholic hospital in rural Ireland waiting for her elder
daughter, Eleanora, to arrive at her bedside. In gorgeous stream-of-consciousness from
the masterful O’Brien (Lantern Slides), Dilly recalls her early years as well as decades
of misunderstanding and conflict with Eleanora. Dilly’s past unfolds in fits and starts:
she leaves her mother behind in a small village in Ireland to seek a better life in 1920s
Brooklyn, returning after a failed affair and the death of her brother, Michael. She
promptly marries the rich Cornelius; they settle at Rusheen, his dilapidated family
estate, and have two children. For Eleanora’s story, O’Brien shifts to the third person:
the daughter moves to England, marries an older novelist and begins a successful
career as a writer before divorcing him and embarking on a series of affairs with
married men, a life that Dilly both envies and scorns. The award-winning O’Brien
evokes the cruelty of estrangement while allowing her characters to remain
sympathetic and giving them real voice.”
Volunteers
continued from page 3
One such “exemplary” individual is Lindall Burton, a single mother of four children and
a former client who now co-chairs the Family Education Committee and is very involved in
several areas.
“Oak Park Youth Assistance meant a lot to me when
one of my children needed guidance when it came to
making good decisions and handling peer pressures,” she
said. “The family support services – the entire experience
– was very important to him and to me.
“Now, I’m helping others today the way we were
helped in the past.”
Ms. Burton has made the program something of a
legacy. She signed up her own children for the camp
program and her son, 14-year-old Charles Pritchett, has
been especially helped by the opportunities presented to
him. She also has prepared herself to make the maximum
contribution possible in her volunteer role.
“I earned a degree as a juvenile care worker at Lansing
Rita Lockridge
Community College and I was a camp counselor for the
Chairperson
Black Child Family Institute. I took classes in child
development. The learning and the experience help me help others because I understand
what kids need.
“I’ve always been volunteer-minded and involved in the community and Youth Assistance
enables me to put my motivation to work in ways that make a valuable positive impact.
Edna does a lot to make it work. I’m very impressed with her because she’s so concerned
and capable and she’s always willing to try my ideas. “We both want the same things for the
children. We share the belief that if you are concerned about something, don’t just complain
— help! Youth Assistance truly helps.”
Residents who would like to become mentors and friends of young people that are “going
through trying times” and of parents that need support can call Ms. Williams at 248-691-7579.
Recreation
The Department of
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248-691-7555
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Early registration for
Day Camp programs
a scheduling “must”
Athletic activities
move into spotlight
as spring arrives
Spring lineup mixes new classes with long-time favorites
The Recreation Department’s motto – also its stated mission – is to provide “something
for everyone” in the community, year-round. History shows that the words have been lived
up to and the mission has been accomplished.
This spring’s schedule of classes for adults and youngsters helps to illustrate why that
continues to be true. A sampling of the seasonal menu shows that the formula of combining
new activities, geared to the expanding and diverse interests of the community, with a foundation of established favorites is still being applied. This approach has paid dividends for
decades, making residents of all ages the beneficiaries.
“We always endeavor to offer a spectrum of programming that interests the broadest possible spectrum of residents,” explained Department Director Roy Vultaggio. “We always
want a lineup of classes that we know will attract a high level of participation across-theboard because it reflects both new ideas and improvements on long-running classes.
“For example, the upcoming slate mixes several new entries, such as Middle Eastern
Dance, Latin Dance and Dog Obedience classes; with exercise and fitness classes that have
been popular for many years, such as Hustle Aerobics and Cardio Core Conditioning. The
system of blending new with old has proven itself.”
In-person registration is conducted at the Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays.
Residents also can register on-line by accessing the City’s web page at www.ci.oakpark.mi.us and clicking on “activity registration,” or by going directly to
http://active.com/browse/oakparkrecreation. Fee payments are accepted by credit card.
Users receive instant e-mail confirmation of their enrollments.
Here are some of the options on this spring’s class list:
Adult programs
# Cardio Core Conditioning – Description: “A half-hour of low-impact cardio workout followed by a half-hour of weight training and abdominal conditioning that incorporates
pilates techniques.” Schedule: Classes are held on Mondays and/or Wednesday mornings for
eight weeks. Session 1 runs April 9-June 16; session 2, June 30-July 11. Fees: $40 for once
per week, $72 for twice per week.
# Ballroom Dance — Description: “Instruction in the very latest steps, plus classic
favorites. Three skill levels are offered.” Schedule: “Tuesday evenings for skill level one;
Thursday evenings for levels two and three. Session 1 is April 19-May 31; session 2 is June
14-July 19. Fee: $35 for six weeks.
# Hustle Aerobics — Description: “A professional instructor teaches the latest hustle
dance routines to help participants stay in shape via the fun exercise.” Schedule:
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.; session 1 running April 18/19-May 24/25, session
2 June 6/7-July 19-20. Fee: $25 for six weeks.
# Yoga — Description: “A course designed for both continuing students and beginners.”
Schedule: 7:45 p.m. on Mondays, April 9-June 4. Fee: $40 for eight weeks.
# Middle Eastern (“Belly”) Dance — Description: “Women learn the art of this
ancient dance style, enabling them to enjoy expressing themselves and gaining such physical benefits as abdominal toning and leg strengthening.” Schedule: 90-minute classes; session 1 April 18-May 24, session 2 June 6-July 19. Fee: $50 for six weeks.
# Latin (Salsa and Merengue) Dance — Description: “A class for beginners, taught by professional instructors who cover the fundamentals of the styles for participants who need no prior experience.” Schedule: Session 1, April 18-May 24; session 2, June 6-July 19. Fee: $60 for six weeks.
# Dog Obedience — Description: “Classes based on positive reinforcement training
methods, taught by the Michigan Humane Society Pet Education Center. Dogs of all ages,
sizes and breeds are welcome.” Schedule: Friday evening s for seven weeks. For updated
information on times and dates, log on to www.goodindog.org. Fee: $150 for the course.
(A 20 percent discount is offered for any dog adopted from any rescue or humane organization.) Registration for this class is arranged by calling 248-650-1059.
Youth classes
# Little Chefs — Description: “Children ages 6 through 10 learn about kitchen safety,
the fun of cooking and how to prepare simple, tasty recipes.” Schedule: 90-minue classes
begin April 18. Fee: $38 per student.
# Karate Kids — Description: “The challenge of the Dragons Eight fighting system, for
students age 8 and older.” Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., starting May 15.
Fee: $48 for 16 classes.
# Mejishi Martial Arts — Description: “Children will learn physical skills and fitness,
plus self-respect and goal achievement.” (Classes are held in the Mejishi location in
Ferndale.) Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m., May 7-June 21.
Fee: $50 for the session.
# Spring Travel Camp – Description: “Youngsters ages 7-13 travel daily to swim, bowl,
ice skate, roller skate and enjoy other activities.” Schedule: During the April 9-13 break
from school. Fee: $130 (latch key hours available at additional cost).
# Hair Braiding — Description: “Instruction for students age 12 and older includes fundamental techniques and more advanced skills in many styles, including cornrows, minibraids and goddess.” Schedule: Fridays for nine weeks, April 20-June 15. Fee: $88, plus $12
material fee (cash only for material) due on first class day.
# Nail Class — Description: “Youngsters age 11 and up are taught the basics of freehand 3-D nail art and other popular nail designs.” Schedule: Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m., April 20
through May 18. Fee: $35, plus all students are required to purchase a starter nail kit on the
first day of class (kit payment, $38 cash only).
Questions regarding these and any other programs and activities should be directed to
248-691-7555.
Senior Roundup
Five 2007 trips announced
for 50-Up Club members
Senior Center officials have announced the 2007 schedule of trips for 50-Up Club members
and it’s apparent that there are important similarities to the organization’s travel programs of
previous years. Happily, these are the elements that always make participation a great experience: variety, good prices, first-rate transportation and outstanding accommodations.
“We always emphasize a wide range of destinations that include special attractions and
activities,” explained Senior Coordinator Lynn Davey. “This year’s schedule meets that
description and we are expecting a big demand for all of the trips, as is always the case.
“The popularity of these major trips makes it very important for people to plan well in
advance and to make their reservations as far in advance as they can. Our staff at the Center
will be happy to answer any questions and provide all of the assistance that’s needed.”
Here are brief descriptions of the 2007 lineup.
Stratford, Ontario, Aug. 29: Participants will travel to the famous Stratford Theater
Festival for a performance of “Oklahoma” and dinner at the Elmhurst Inn.
Alaska, Sept. 8-19: This event is a comprehensive cruise on the luxurious Sapphire
Princess.
Indianapolis, Sept. 27-28: The destination is in mid-Indiana, just a few hundred miles
away, but the centerpiece of the trip is international and exotic – an exhibition of classic
Roman art, from the famous Louvre in Paris, France.
Mackinac Island, Oct. 14-16: Michigan’s most-visited vacation spot is beautiful every
season of the year, but never more than during the autumn color-change. And, of course, participants will be staying at the internationally-known Grand Hotel.
Branson, Oct. 24-29: Participants will travel by deluxe motor coach to this enormously
popular Missouri entertainment center. The trip features five shows, including Daniel
O’Donnell and Shoji Tabuchi.
Program reminders
Warm up to this scene!
Swimming weather hasn’t arrived quite yet, but it’s getting closer every day. The
Municipal Pool will open for the season on June 9. Meanwhile, the many residents
who love to “make the scene” for the kind of fun and relaxation pictured above are
encouraged to begin checking with them about the many special opportunities that
are available: money-saving pool passes, American Red Cross youth and adult swim
classes, water aerobics, and group party deals, to name just a few. Regular hours of
operation will be 1-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays
and Thursdays; noon-6 p.m. Saturdays. NOTE: The department is hiring persons
age 16 and older for jobs as lifeguards and locker room attendants. Complete information can be obtained by calling 248-691-7555.
The AARP Drivers’ Training Course will be conducted at the Community Center June
4 and 5. This program is designed to refresh participants’ driving skills and provide techniques that will help them continue to drive in the future. The hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
both days. The fee is $12 per person. Advance registration is required.
Water exercise for seniors will be offered at the City Pool from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the following dates: June 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28; July 3,
5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31; Aug. 2, 7, 9, 14 and 16.
Diabetes 101 Review is a cost-free one-hour class designed to provide basic education
about proper diabetes self-care. The program, scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. April 30, will be
conducted by a certified educator. Topics will include meal and portion planning, exercise,
medication update, stress management, glucose and A1C testing, new technology, and foot
and eye care.
A musicale/ice cream social is scheduled at the Community Center at noon on June 22.
Complete details will be provided in the coming weeks by the Senior Office.
Details about all 50-Up Club trips and programs are available by calling 248-691-7577.
Registering early “more important than ever” for Day Camps
Many families reserve specific sessions to suit their vacation plans
The thousands of residents who regularly access information about Recreation programs
are certainly familiar with this recommendation: “Those interested in participating are urged
to sign up as soon as possible.” This always is good advice, considering the popular demand
for virtually every opportunity offered by the department.
However, it is an absolute must for the many families whose summer vacation plans
depend upon securing a particular schedule for their children to attend Stars & Stripes Day
Camp or Tot-Lot sessions.
“While we often caution folks to register early for various activities so they won’t be shut
out, this message is more important than ever when applied to our Day Camp programs,”
declared Department Director Roy Vultaggio. “All of the sessions sell out well in advance
every summer. As a result, some residents end up not being able to enroll their children for
the weeks they prefer.
“This is unfortunate, of course, but the fact is that there are maximum levels of participation. Some people aren’t especially concerned about securing certain sessions ahead of time,
but many others who are planning their
overall summer activities according to a definite schedule need to reserve specific sessions. Those who delay meeting this need
run the risk of being too late.”
Vultaggio emphasized that the system of
offering 10 one-week sessions was adopted
because of the greatly enhanced flexibility it
provides, as compared with the former
schedule structure.
Winter, 2007
“Having week-long sessions enables fam50-Up Club activities
ilies to register kids in advance for any number of particular weeks; from just one to all
of them, and in any combination. This
April 4
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Bingo
makes summer planning much easier, but
only if residents act far enough in advance.”
Good Friday: Community
April 6
Center closed
Here are the basic details of the respective
programs:
April 9
Bingo
Stars & Stripes Day Camp is designed
April 10
Red Hats in Motion
for children ages 7 through 12. It meets at
April 11
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Shepherd Park shelter #1, near the corner of
Bingo
Church and Northfield. The great majority
April 13
Movie and snacks
of activities will be outdoors, weather perEvening card party
mitting. These will include field games,
April 18
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swimming, arts and crafts, day trips and
Bingo
much more. Camp meets Monday through
April 20
Cooking Club
Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $85
April 23
Bingo
per week, except for session 4, which is $68
April 25
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because there is no camp on July 4. Morning
Bingo
Coming
Events
April 27
April 30
May 2
May 4
May 8
May 9
May 11
May 14
May 16
May 23
May 28
May 30
June 1
June 4-5
June 6
June 8
June 11
June 12
June 13
June 14
June 19
June 20
June 21
June 22
June 25
June 26
June 27
June 28
Mobile Law Clinic
Diabetic support group
Blood pressure check
Bingo
Movie and snacks
Evening card party
Red Hats in Motion
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Bingo
Cooking Club
Bingo
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Bingo
Blood pressure check
Memorial Day: Community
Center closed
Blood pressure check
Bingo
Movie and snacks
Evening card party
AARP Driver’s Training
Blood pressure check
Bingo
Cooking Club
Bingo
Water exercise: City Pool
Red Hats in Motion
Blood pressure check
Bingo
Water exercise: City Pool
Water exercise: City Pool
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Bingo
Water exercise: City Pool
Musicale/Ice cream social
Bingo
Water exercise: City Pool
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Bingo
Water exercise: City Pool
and afternoon extended hours are available for an additional fee. A maximum participation
level of 80 campers per session is strictly enforced.
Tot-Lot is offered for children ages 5 and 6 at two sites. The younger children gather in
room 3 of the Community Center, the 6-year-olds in room C. (NOTE: The Community
Center is air-conditioned.) On-site activities will include educational programming, entertainment, games and swimming. In addition, five field trips will be scheduled over the
course of the summer. As applies for Stars & Stripes, the cost is $85 per week, except for
session 4, which is $68 because of the July 4 holiday. Morning and afternoon extended hours
are available for an additional fee. There is a per-site maximum of 20 participants.
The session schedule for both programs is: #1) June 11-15; #2) June 18-22; #3) June 2529; #4) July 2-6; #5) July 9-13; #6) July 16-20; #7) July 23-27; #8) July 30-Aug. 3; #9) Aug.
6-10; #10) Aug. 13-17.
Registration requirements
Because both programs are now state-licensed, a number of new requirements are included in the registration process, the department has announced. For example, all campers must
have a Program Release Form and a Camper Health Appraisal Form filled out at the time of
enrollment. No forms will be allowed outside of the Community Center building, so
parents should bring all necessary information with them, such as inoculation records,
physician’s documents, emergency contact
details, etc.
“These are strict regulations, so you will
not be able to register your child without
first completing these forms at our office,”
Vultaggio said. “The initial registration
process will take about 30 minutes.”
Informational meetings
Parents can choose between two opportunities to meet the camp directors, counselors, pool managers and other staff members, get answers to all questions about registration requirements and learn about the
specific activities their children will enjoy.
Recreation officials have scheduled special informational meetings at the
Community Center on May 15 and June 5.
The focus will be on Tot-Lots from 6 to 7
p.m., and on the Stars & Stripes Day Camp
from 7 to 8 p.m. on both days.
Information also can be obtained by calling the department at 248-691-7555.
Qualified, responsible counselors
supervise all activities in both of the
state-licensed programs.
Baseball, kickball and more: athletics move into spotlight
The age-old saying states that when
springtime comes around, young boys’
thoughts turn to baseball. While that’s still
true, modern-day Recreation officials cater
to a much wider range of athletic interests
and participants when the warmer weather
season comes around.
Registration is underway for a variety of
sports programs which offer opportunities
for girls as well as boys, and for both male
and female adults. Here’s a rundown of
spring athletics:
# Youth baseball/softball – The
registration deadline is April 20 for the
department’s 2007 diamond action. Player
signup is conducted at the Community
Center for individual players who will be
placed on teams in the following six
divisions: T-Ball, ages 5-6; Farm, ages 7-8;
Boys ages 9-10; Boys ages 11-12; Boys ages
13-14; Girls ages 12-14. The fee for
participation is the same in all divisions —
$40, which covers the cost of team shirts
and caps. Games for Boys 9-10, 11-12 and
Boys 13-14 teams will be played in Ferndale
and Hazel Park, as well as in Oak Park. Girls
12-14 will play in Madison Heights. NOTE:
Additional baseball and softball volunteer
coaches are needed for the coming season.
# Youth Basketball – The Hoop
Dreams Basketball Camp is returning for
two sessions this summer. Boys and girls
can be enrolled for the following age
categories: 4-6; 7-9; 10-12; 13-15. Camp
will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday for
four consecutive weeks in both sessions.
These are scheduled June 19 through July
19, and July 24 through Aug. 16.
# Youth Soccer – This co-ed program
won’t begin league play until early
September, but the registration deadline is
June 21 for all participants. The age
divisions are: Little Kickers (ages 3-4, date
of birth between Aug. 1, 2002, and April 1,
2004); U6 Soccer (ages 5-6, date of birth
between Aug. 1, 2000, and April 1, 2002);
and U8 Soccer (ages 7-8, date of birth
between Aug. 1, 1998, and April 1, 2000).
Practices, starting in early August, will be
held on weekend evenings in Oak Park.
Games will be played on Saturday
morningsin Ferndale.
# Adult Co-ed Kickball – The
department currently is accepting team
registrations for both Monday night and
Friday night leagues. Competition will
begin in early June. Teams will play
doubleheaders throughout the season.
NOTE: Team representatives and other
players who are interested in a statewide
tournament that will be hosted by Oak Park
in September can begin getting details now.
Registration for all of the above programs
is conducted at the Recreation Office in the
Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Further
information can be obtained by calling 248691-7555.
The Oak Park Report
Published by
The City of Oak Park
The City of Oak Park
13600 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
Mayor
Gerald E. Naftaly
Mayor ProTem
Michael M. Seligson
Council
Willie Horton
Kirk Yousif
Angela Diggs Jackson
Office of The
City Manager
Main city number: 248-691-7400
Web page address: ci.oak-park.mi.us
email address: [email protected]