E-Newsletter, October 17, 2008
CHANGE A LIGHT, CHANGE MICHIGAN: CFL BULBS AVAILABLE AT A DISCOUNT IN OCTOBER
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs are available at a discount at participating Meijer, Menard’s and Kroger stores to celebrate the national “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign. For a limited time, CFL bulbs will be available for 99 cents at those participating stores. Michigan joined the campaign with Governor Granholm’s proclamation of “Change a Light Day” at the beginning of the month. If every home in Michigan made the change to CFL bulbs, the state would save more than 202,988,578 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. CFL bulbs can save consumers $30 or more in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime because they use 75 percent less energy than a regular light bulb and last up to 10 times longer.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR ADULTS
Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could save everyone some trouble. Having a fun and safe Halloween is easy and below are some tips that can help.
- Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them.
- The best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them, see if another parent or a teenage sibling can go along.
- Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties or school events.
- Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you.
- Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to will help make them safer when they are out trick-or-treating.
INKSTER TO HOLD CHILD ID PROGRAM
The City of Inkster is hosting a Child ID Program this Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Inkster Recreation Complex at 2025 Middlebelt Road. This program is for children from 0-17 years old, and the child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will receive a short DVD of the child with pictures, video and audio; a DNA sample, a dental impression, and electronic fingerprints. Children will receive a free bike helmet while supplies last. Free hotdogs, chips and drinks will be served. This program is free of charge. For more information, contact the Inkster Police Crime Prevention Unit at (734) 326-3830. This Child ID program is sponsored in part by the Golden Ark Lodge No. 595, F & A Masons, and the Inkster Police Crime Unit.
2008 ANNUAL PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING/NORTHWEST DETROIT
Detroit citizens will have the opportunity to hear about city budget issues at the annual public budget meeting on Thursday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the Motor City Resource Center, 17405 Lahser Road (just north of Grand River). Representatives from the Budget, Fire, Public Lighting, Health, Public Works, Police and Recreation Departments will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov or call 313-224-6260.
BLOCK WATCH SUMMIT — TACKLING VACANT PROPERTIES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
The Detroit Vacant Property Campaign (DVPC) will be launched on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Blvd. This meeting will help residents learn how to deal with vacant and abandoned properties in their neighborhoods. Each participant will receive the “Vacant Property Toolbox”—a handbook of critical information to assist in dealing with these properties. Refreshments will be served. This meeting is sponsored by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Detroit in collaboration with Community Legal Resources. For more information call Jacqueline Burau at 313-596-8222 ext. 24.
ENHANCED LICENSES FOR MICHIGAN CITIZENS RECEIVES FEDERAL APPROVAL
Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced this week that Michigan citizens will be able to buy an enhanced license at Secretary of State SUPER!Centers and other select branch offices beginning in the Spring of 2009. The enhanced license can be used instead of a passport for Michigan citizens traveling to Canada from Michigan. Land and representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials in Detroit signed an agreement this week to allow for the enhanced license, which was first proposed in 2005. The state will also offer an enhanced ID card. The enhanced license and card will only be available to Michigan residents who are also U.S. citizens. The actual cost has yet to be determined, but the law limits it to not more than $50. The standard driver’s license and ID card will also still be available.
DTE ENERGY AND CONSUMER’S ENERGY OFFER UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
With winter just around the corner, it’s important we begin preparing ourselves and our houses for the colder weather. DTE Energy and Consumer’s Energy offer a number of programs to help customers with their energy bills.
Payment assistance programs offered to customers include:
- Medical emergencies program to postpone shutoffs in the event of a medical issue;
- Shutoff protection plan to spread future bills out over the year and to include equal monthly payments on an unpaid balance in order to avoid a shutoff.
Some consumers and all senior citizens regardless of their income also qualify for DTE Energy’s Winter Protection Plan. This program protects seniors and low-income customers from shutoff between November 1 and March 31. During this period, customers must pay a portion of their estimated annual bill plus regular payments on any past-due bills. After March 31, the required bill payments will increase to cover winter bills. Many assistance programs are available by calling 211 at United Way. Programs that are available include:
- Low-income weatherization that includes caulking, weather stripping, and insulation;
- THAW, the Heat and Warmth Fund, which helps people facing a shutoff and who have exhausted all federal and state funding programs.
There is also the State Emergency Relief Program to help with paying energy bills. This program can be accessed through your local Department of Human Services office or the Energy Assistance Hotline at 800-292-5650.
U OF M DETROIT CENTER HOSTS HOW TO START A BLOCK CLUB PROGRAM
The University of Michigan School of Social Work and the Skillman Foundation/GNI are sponsoring a “How to Start Your Own Block Club” program at the U of M Detroit Center on Monday, November 10, 2008. Presented by Alice Thompson, CEO of Black Family Development, the program will discuss how block clubs can fight crime and find ways to encourage young people to get involved in their local communities. People attending the meeting will receive a manual on the ins and outs of establishing a block club. The program runs from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Parking is available in the parking structure behind the center’s building ($4.00) or on the street. To register please call Tammy Miller at 313-593-0918.
TALK TIME WITH TUPAC: COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Detroit Coffee Hour: Every First Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Mary's Grill, 20804 Plymouth Road
Dearborn Heights Coffee Hour: Every Third Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 6412 North Telegraph Road
Inkster Coffee Hour: Every Second Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 27125 Cherry Hill Road
You are invited to attend whichever coffee hours work best for your schedule. If you are interested in joining me, please call my office toll-free at 1-866-262-7305 in order to confirm your attendance. Please be sure to leave a message if you call after hours.
