e-Newsletter, October 8, 2009

SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICES COLLECTING FOOD DONATIONS

Michigan residents can drop of the food donations to their local Secretary of State branch offices to benefit needy families as part of the 19th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering. Donated items can be dropped off at any Secretary of State branch through Friday, December 11. The campaign is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, which supplies the state's regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every MichiganCounty.

People are asked to donate food items such as canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Envelopes will be available for mailing cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food. Donations may also be made online to Harvest Gathering's "Fill Michigan's Fridge" food drive at www.feedmichigan.org. In 2008, Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than 242,000 pounds of food and $679,000. The 2009 goal is 300,000 pounds of food and $650,000.

 

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN MICHIGAN

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Michigan women. In 2009, the American Cancer Society estimates that 6,480 Michigan women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,350 women will die of the disease.

"Early screening is estimated to reduce breast cancer deaths by 20 to 25 percent," said Dr. Greg Holzman, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). "This means you have the power to do something. Small steps like talking to your health care provider about recommended screenings for breast cancer can reduce your risks."

Although every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, some factors increase a women's likelihood of developing this disease. These risk factors include:

  • Increasing age
  • A personal history of breast cancer
  • A family history of breast or ovarian cancer (especially pre-menopausal onset) in a mother, a sister, a daughter, or other multiple relatives
  • High breast tissue density
  • High-dose radiation to the chest
  • Never giving birth or having a first child after the age of 30
  • A long menstrual history

The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends that women of average risk get an annual clinical breast exam and mammogram starting at age 40.

To find a mammography facility near you, please consult the 2008 Michigan Mammography Facility Guide at:

http://www.cancer.org/downloads/COM/MI_Mammography_Facilities_2008_Revised_02_09_Final.pdf

Developed by the American Cancer Society, the guide is designed as a complete and unbiased source of information on mammography facilities in Michigan. The guide compares services, price, and other important information to help women choose the mammography facility best suited for them.

If you cannot afford a mammogram, you may qualify for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). The BCCCP provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to women who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Have an income < 250 percent of the federal poverty level (e.g., a family of four can earn up to $55,125 per year)
  • Be uninsured or underinsured
  • Be between the ages of 40-64

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer through the BCCCP may be eligible to receive Medicaid for cancer treatment. Since the program began in 1991, over 130,500 women have been screened through the BCCCP with nearly 2,400 breast cancers diagnosed. For more information on the BCCCP, please call 800-922-6266 or visit www.michigancancer.org/bcccp.

 

SHOULD THE STATE ISSUE A SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE FOR SALE TO BENEFIT THE SUSAN KOMEN FOUNDATION TO BATTLE BREAST CANCER?

I invite you to visit my website and participate in my current survey question on whether you support this proposal. I welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on my current survey.

http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson

It is extremely important for me to hear what you think about issues before the Michigan Legislature. I regularly post a new survey question on my website to receive your input on some of the issues facing our state. Most recently, I asked readers whether they would support a bill that would require utility providers to verify if a consumer is a senior citizen prior to shutting off service to a home. Voters responded with 79% in favor of the proposal, 17% opposed, and 4% undecided.

 

MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO BE “WINTER WISE”

"The MPSC's Be WinterWise campaign features practical tips on how to significantly cut winter energy bills," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. "The Web site features a webcast that covers the variety of programs available to ensure the heat stays on this winter. From tips on how to cut energy usage, to shut-off protection and financial assistance programs, this Web site is the number-one resource to get answers to all your winter energy questions."

Specifically, the webcast, featuring MPSC Commissioner Monica Martinez, covers:

  • Low-cost ways to reduce energy usage
  • Energy assistance programs designed to prevent shut-offs, including:
    • Winter Protection Plans for senior citizens and low-income
      customers
    • State Emergency Relief
    • Medical emergency shut-off protection
    • Shut-off protection for active duty military personnel or their
      spouse
  • Home Heating Credit
  • Weatherization Assistance Program
  • Lifeline and Link-Up discount telephone service program for low-income customers
  • Earned income credit

The Be WinterWise Web site also includes the Energy Assistance Directory, developed by the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm. It provides information on public and private programs, listing utility companies, programs, and resources by county. The Be WinterWise Web site is located at: www.michigan.gov/bewinterwise.

 

CITY OF LIVONIA LEAF PICKUP

The City of Livonia offers two options for collecting leaves from residential properties in autumn:

Regular Weekly Pickup
The first option, preferred by many residents, is the weekly collection along with the regularly scheduled refuse collection. To have your leaves picked up with your other refuse:

  • Place leaves in paper compost bags or garbage cans marked with either a Yard Waste sticker or with an “X.” Disposal of leaves or other yard waste in plastic bags is prohibited. Leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up.
  • Separate or place yard waste containers on the opposite side of the driveway from the regular trash and recycling bins. This curbside collection of leaves in containers will continue on the regular refuse collection day though the first two weeks of December.

Special Leaf Pickup
The second option for residential leaf disposal is the special leaf pickup program that runs from the end of October through the end of November. This program provides assistance for the disposal of leaves in neighborhoods with large quantities. It also ensures at least one pickup for every home within the city. It is completed by early December so that equipment used for leaf collection can be converted for snow and ice control.

To use this program: Rake leaves into the street just along the curb or road edge. Leaves placed in ditches will not be removed.

For Questions regarding this program contact: City of Livonia Public Service (734) 466-2655 or Hotline (734) 466-2601

 

OCTOBER 4TH - 10TH IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

"Fire safety must be practiced all year long and now is an especially good time for families to identify hazards in their homes that could result in burn injuries," said Michigan State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr. "Make sure you have working smoke alarms and have set up a home fire escape route - parents and children must be constantly aware of fire safety."

The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services joins the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other state and national organizations in recognizing Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned," places extra emphasis on ways to keep homes fire safe, and what can be done to prevent painful burns.

Farr suggests the following simple safety rules to stay fire smart:

  • Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
  • Use back burners on stove whenever possible.
  • Have a 3-foot "kid-free" zone around the stove.
  • Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
  • Use caution when using things that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
  • Install tamper-resistant receptacles to prevent a child from sticking an object in the outlet.
  • Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.
  • Teach every family member the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.
  • Set the hot water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees.
  • Install anti-scald valves on shower heads and faucets.

Farr also advises a thorough inspection of home heating and electrical systems. Heating equipment fires are second (behind cooking) for reported home fires. Space heaters (fixed or portable) result in far more fires and losses than central heating devices, usually caused by the space heater being too close to things that could burn. Faulty electrical distribution and lighting equipment such as faulty wiring, switches or outlets, cords or plugs, lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs are commonly responsible for home fires, burns and deaths. Functioning smoke alarms provide the critical early warning needed to escape a home fire. Install and maintain a working smoke alarm in each bedroom and on every level of the home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.

For additional information about preventing fires and staying safe, go to the NFPA's official Fire Prevention Week website at www.firepreventionweek.org.

 

DELEG WARNS CONSUMERS OF FURNACE CLEANING SCAMS

This is the time of year to get your furnace cleaned and ready for winter. In the past, the DELEG Bureau of Construction Codes has been involved in cases where elderly residents have been scammed out of as much as $30,000 in needless heating and cooling repairs and equipment. These situations can be avoided by knowing how to recognize questionable and potentially fraudulent contractors. The Bureau of Construction Codes offers the following tips:

  • Do maintain your furnace by cleaning air returns with a household vacuum cleaner and checking the filter once a month and replacing it if necessary. This will maintain efficiency and prolong the life of the furnace.
  • Do get your heating system thoroughly cleaned by a reputable, licensed, local mechanical contractor a minimum of every two years.
  • Do get at least three independent written estimates from licensed local mechanical contractors if a furnace repair or replacement is recommended. If you subsequently sign a contract for work, make sure it stipulates that final payment is not due until the mandatory inspection by the mechanical code enforcing agency is approved.
  • Do ask to see the mechanical contractor's license and write down the contractor and license number listed on it.
  • Do verify that the license is valid and issued for the proper classifications for the work he or she will be conducting for you. You can check this information by visiting the Bureau's website at http://www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or by calling the Bureau's Mechanical Division at (517) 241-9325.
  • Don't fall for telephone solicitations that offer "low-cost" or "free" furnace cleaning. Once in the dwelling, the worker may tell the homeowners their heating system has serious problems that require immediate attention. Get a written description of the suggested work and seek a second opinion.
  • Don't sign a contract just because the worker says you face possible illness or death if the furnace isn't replaced immediately. If told your furnace threatens your health, ask for a written copy of the technician's test results and call your local utility company.
  • Don't hire someone who comes to your door with a Shop-Vac vacuum offering to clean your heating ducts. It will not do the job. A proper cleaning requires a high volume vacuum system and maybe even a steam process.

 

VETERAN’S DAY MOVIE

In recognition of the tremendous sacrifice and service of America’s Military Veterans, I am pleased to host a free movie screening for the second year in a row. Veterans of Garden City, Livonia, Redford and Westland are invited to a free movie with complimentary snacks and gifts. The Veteran's Movie Day event will be held on Veteran's DayNovember 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM at the Livonia AMC 20. The concessions and film will be provided courtesy of AMC Theaters of Livonia. Seating is limited, so please contact my office to reserve a ticket for you and a guest. You may RSVP to my aide, Michelle, by phone at (866) 262-7306 or email at mmakarewicz@senate.mi.gov.

 

COFFEE HOURS IN WESTLAND AND REDFORD TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

On Monday, October 12th, I will be hosting coffee hours in Westland and Redford, and you’re invited to attend:

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
William P. Faust Public Library
6123 Central City Pkwy.,
Westland, MI

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI