Energy conservation projects by the Dearborn Public Schools has saved the district more than $3 million over the last six years, proving that being environmentally friendly can be positive for the pocketbook, too.

Since 2002, Dearborn schools have made upgrades to utility systems and other energy saving projects. A recent audit by Johnson Controls, covering the period from January 1, 2002 through April 30, 2008, detailed the savings realized.

Following are just a few key points found in the report:

- Since 2002, the District has realized $3,059,740 in savings.
This amount is some $528,415 above the original projected savings.

- Over the period of time included in the report, utility usage
has remained flat due to conservation initiatives put into place.

- The district has reduced the amount of carbon dioxide put into the environment by some 34,536 tons since 2002. Other pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, mercury, particulates, volatile organics, and carbon monoxide have similarly been reduced by reducing the need for electrical generation.

- The impact of the reduction of carbon dioxide is equivalent to 6,781 passenger cars not being driven or 3,568,000 gallons of gasoline not being burned or providing power for over 4,000 homes.

In addition, Johnson Controls is moving forward in its partnership with Dearborn Schools to begin working toward Energy Star Certification for all Dearborn Public Schools. This will show how the district compares with some of the best operated schools in the country and provide an opportunity for staff and students to become involved in how the district can conserve both energy and the environment.

"Based on observations of other Districts, Dearborn has been truly cutting edge by getting involved with these energy saving projects in 2002. With higher energy costs, we are now reaping increased benefits of conservation while other districts are scrambling to begin what we have accomplished," said Dearborn Public Schools Operation Director Jerry Uchtorff.

The City of Dearborn’s Building and Safety Department is being investigated by the FBI for allegations of bribery and fraud, according to a front page article in Saturday’s Detroit News.

Dearborn City Council is expected to hold a special council meeting next week to discuss the matter.

Below is a portion of the story:

Feds seize Dearborn files in bribery probe
DEARBORN -- The FBI is investigating allegations of bribery and fraud inside the city of Dearborn's building and safety department, officials confirmed Friday.

Agents executed a search warrant at the department shortly after 8 p.m. on June 12, searching the work area of city employee Leticia Bosemon, according to documents filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

"The city initiated the investigation and is working with the FBI," said city spokeswoman Mary Laundroche. "We're referring all calls to the FBI."

One unnamed employee was suspended without pay and questioned by the FBI about "allegedly falsifying documents for financial gain," Laundroche said.

No charges had been filed as of Friday.

Search warrant documents said the FBI was looking for "any and all records, documents, and materials pertaining to bribery," and any fraudulent temporary occupancy certificates or fraudulent performance bonds issued by Bosemon since 2006.

The search warrant also listed 57 properties -- nearly all of which appear to be residential -- that the FBI is interested in as part of the investigation. And it said the FBI was searching for information about Bosemon's financial affairs and business associates.

Records show agents removed 95 files related to temporary occupancy certificates, a three-ring binder, a general ledger and other documents from around Bosemon's desk at 4500 Maple, a western annex to the main City Hall building.

Bosemon, 37, of Inkster was not home when a reporter knocked on her door Friday and the person who answered the door would not provide a telephone number for her or say when she was expected to return.

Dearborn City Council President Thomas Tafelski said he is concerned about the scope of any corruption and the fact there have been recent allegations involving two city departments that handle enforcement -- the Police Department and Building and Safety.

"There are a lot of good people in both of these departments," he said. "The unfortunate part is a couple of people make the public question the entire department."


For the entire story, click HERE.

Here’s a novel way to get rid of whatever junk you might have in your basement or garage – give it away free.

The folks at the Glass Academy in Dearborn are putting out feelers for people who would like to participate in a “freecycle” event on July 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are interested all you need to bring is a table and any and all material you clean out from your closet, garage, basement or attic to the Glass Academy, 25331 Trowbridge, just off of Gulley and Michigan Avenue. Then just sit back and chat with others while you give all that stuff you no longer need away free.

If you’d like to participate, the folks at the Glass Academy ask that you call at 313-561-4527.

Police Respond to Three Situations Involving Replica Guns in May 

The rising popularity of Airsoft guns with our youth is causing concerns for the officers of the Dearborn Police Department because the replica guns look so real that they can be mistaken for actual firearms.

Before we go any further it is important to know some background about Airsoft.

The game of Airsoft is similar to paintball. Players form teams and simulate scenarios such as hostage rescues or war battles. The game is supposed to be played on private, designated sites, but as the guns are relatively easy to obtain, playing might happen in any area convenient to Airsoft gun owners. The guns are available as replicas of many different types of real firearms, including pistols, rifles, machine guns, bayonets and military weapons and are manufactured with an orange tip on the barrel.

Federal law requires that each of these replicas be manufactured with an orange tip to distinguish it from an actual firearm. These highly detailed firearm simulations eject plastic 6mm BBs at lower velocities, or they “shoot softer air” as compared to a traditional BB or pellet gun. The guns can be purchased in gun and sporting goods stores or through one of the many Web sites advertising them from $15 to more than $300, and buyers must be at least 18 years old.

But, despite their quite safe-sounding name, Airsoft guns can be very dangerous.

There have been many documented cases of permanent physical injury being caused because the proper safety equipment was not utilized, or safety guidelines were not adhered to. It appears one of the most common injuries sustained is blindness when the unprotected eye is impacted by a discharged projectile.

In a recent article, Gabe Stitzel, president and owner of the Minnesota Airsoft Association, said Airsoft guns need to be handled with care by teenagers, and parents should get involved. "Airsoft guns aren't toys. They really shouldn't be treated like that. They should be treated with the same respect as a real firearm," he said.

The officers of your police department are not only concerned about the physical injuries that can occur to your children, but how these guns appear so very realistic that if someone has one of them laying on the front seat of their car or in a yard, and an officer comes upon them, it could develop into an extremely dangerous situation.

During the month of May your officers responded to three such incidents.

On May 2, officers responded on a report of an individual waving a semi-automatic pistol around inside of a vehicle making it obvious to other drivers that he was armed. A Felony stop was performed by several officers and an Airsoft Colt 1911 replica was recovered.

On May 16th, officers responded to a report of two individuals waving firearms out the windows of a vehicle. As a Felony stop was being conducted by officers they noted a third party in the backseat, and one of the individuals began to wave around a semi-automatic handgun with an orange tip inside the vehicle. Once secured it was determined that the rear seat occupant was the mother of the two youths in the front seat who were brandishing the replicas. Recovered inside the vehicle along with the semi-automatic pistol replicas were three Airsoft style rifles.

On May 17th, officers responded on a report of three youths walking down the street carrying a rifle. Officers located the individuals, and an Airsoft replica Shotgun was recovered.

Your officers have also made robbery arrests in the past and discovered the culprit removed the orange tip from an Airsoft type guns, making it almost indistinguishable from a real weapon.

The three instances listed above were resolved without further incident and all the individuals were arrested under Local Misdemeanor Ordinances which makes it unlawful for a person to carry a replica firearm in a motor vehicle, or display same in public. (Section 14-257 and 14-258) The parent involved was also cited with a Misdemeanor under our Parental Responsibility Ordinance.

More information can be obtained on these and other City Ordinances on-line at http://www.cityofdearborn.org under the City Clerk’s office.

In other States there have been tragedies reported involving police and individuals who brandish these types of replicas. Some citizens may say that this is an overreaction to a “toy gun”, and this is what we pay our officers to do. But I ask those that do to put themselves in the position of one of your officers responding to and handling these types of calls. Even with all the training your officers receive, split second decisions are made which could lead to a potentially deadly situation. Speaking from experience, they are not fun.

The City of Dearborn and its Police Department take these issues very seriously, and I remind our citizens that improper use or display of a replica weapon can lead to an arrest and prosecution. Parents, if your son or daughter has a replica gun of any type, please monitor their actions as the cost of realism for a game hardly seems worth the price of a tragedy.

Michael Celeski, Chief of Police
Dearborn Police Department

Event  to Benefit New Patient Comfort Room at Oakwood Hospital

The Rotary Club of Dearborn is planning a fun variety of free family activities, open to the public, during the “Rock’n Rotary Classic car Cruise” this Saturday, June 14. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. at Ford Field in Dearborn, adjacent to classic car registration for the cruise.

“This event isn’t only for car enthusiasts,” said Amy Bazzy, a Dearborn Rotarian and event chairperson. “We want to ensure that our younger audience will be well entertained.”

The Dearborn Bed and Breakfast is providing free bagels, muffins, coffee, tea and hot chocolate beginning at 9 a.m. There will be music, clowns, balloons, face painting, coloring and hula hoop contests and a kiddie car cruise.

Special appearances will include “Sparky” the dog from the Dearborn Fire Fighters Burn Drive, the A&W Root “Bear” from Fairlane Town Center, and “Chase” the dog from Chase Bank. The Dearborn Fire Department will also display one of its state-of-the-art fire engines.

In addition, Oakwood Hospital will provide free health screening along with a first aid station. Proceeds from the day-long event Rotary event will help to benefit a new Patient Comfort Room at Oakwood Hospital, which is being designed to provide the best possible experience for patients and their families to spend their final moments together in a peaceful and private setting.

The public is also invited to purchase raffle tickets at $10 each with the opportunity to win a ’67 Mustang that will also be on display at Ford Field.
The “Rock’n Rotary Classic Cruise” will be the first cruise of its kind in Dearborn.

Beginning with a short parade down Michigan Avenue at noon, cruisers and classic car enthusiasts will be directed to a variety of historic landmarks located throughout Dearborn to showcase their cars, learn more about the local history, visit area shopping districts and sample the City’s tempting variety of restaurants and other attractions.

Destinations include the Automotive Hall of Fame, McFadden Ross House, Commandants Quarters, Ford World Headquarters, The Henry Ford, Ford Rouge Welcome Center, Dearborn City Hall, Dearborn Inn and the Ford Wyoming Drive-In.

The day-long event will conclude with a “Rock’n Roll 50’s Sock Hop” from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Dome Room of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for admission to the sock hop, with 50s theme décor and classic cars, are $15 for adults and $10 for children, including entertainment, dancing, hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta, chips, beverages and cash bar.

For more information about the cruise, sock hop, sponsorship opportunities and car registration, visit www.RotaryCruise.com.

We received an email the other day from a reader about a recent school board meeting and the lack of media attention it received despite the real consequences it will have on our school district. This parent makes a very good point about the media’s misdirected attention on a part-time coach who was fired for insubordination, rather than focusing on the major cuts in the school’s budget that will have real impacts on students in Dearborn. Makes you wonder sometime . . .

Below is the letter from the parent:

The Dearborn School Board room was packed to capacity, forcing the audience overflow to watch the meeting on monitors in the lobby.

Young and old from the community waited patiently for their turn to speak. One by one parents, students, and even staff members addressed the school board with a passion only found in words that come from the heart.

No, this is not a recap of the May 27 Board of Education meeting that received so much media attention, this was the school board meeting held just the other day, June 9.

The one big difference? No media covered it.

No Channel 4 in the parking lot. No Detroit Free Press interviewing parents in the lobby. No photographers taking pictures of the board.

Interesting, but not really surprising, that topics like instrumental music, middle school sports, “Reading Recovery”, and proposed budget reductions don’t have the same media sex appeal as “fired coaches”, “religious conversion” and “Expired Contracts”.

However, when you ask yourself which meeting dealt with topics that actually impact more students and truly need more attention, it is obvious that the most recent meeting is where the attention should be. Programs that keep kids involved and help students who need extra help impact hundreds of students across the district.

The top finance guy for the schools presented a budget for 2008-09 that included more than $6 million in reductions, making it the sixth straight year that the schools have had to cut spending. If that doesn’t seem newsworthy. I don’t know what is.

The district did present a plan that would save middle school sports by shortening the season by two weeks. They also will keep instrumental music in the fifth grade but no more will the district provide instruments free of charge or pay for repairs, and each school must have at least 10 students enrolled in the program.

Don’t know much about the Reading Recovery program but a teacher friend tells me that a modified version of the program will keep it alive in the elementary schools.

Oh, I did recognize a reporter from The Detroit News at the meeting. However, he left after the superintendent provided the board with information about a possible “investigation at Fordson.”

Dennis Rymarz knows a thing or two about the restaurant business and he has a nice writing touch. Combine those two elements and you get a product called the Dearborn Alternative News, a free newspaper with an entertaining satire section – consisting of entirely fictional Dearborn-related stories – and a section that includes real coverage of Dearborn people, places and events.

You can find free copies of his paper (his second issue) at various locations around town. Mr. Rymarz tells DeepSaidWhat that he has received a lot of positive response on his first issue. In that issue, Rymarz tells readers that “no matter how much the stories may resemble actual experiences, the “news” in the other section of this publication is not real.”

“I realized immediately that we couldn’t possibly cover the major stories as effectively as the existing media,” he said.

Rymarz, who says he has always enjoyed writing, spent the majority of the 10 years his family lived in Dearborn as an employee of Chuck Muer’s Big Fish. It was toward the latter phase of his stay there that he first ventured into publishing.

“Though we had no business doing so, a co-worker and I fumbled and bumbled and screwed everything up on our way to, somehow, putting together and distributing a product that one might loosely call a “sports newspaper,” Rymarz said. “Due to our inexperience and mistake-a-minute mentality, and the fact that we were slightly less comfortable than an Amish family shopping at Best Buy, our paper was short-lived, and my partner and I went in different directions.”

Rymarz said his next project, a satire publication specifically for restaurant workers, was a “no-brainer”.

“I’d spent a ton of time working with restaurant people – I knew what they liked and had a firm grasp of the industry’s somewhat twisted humor – so I created a satire publication specifically for restaurant workers.”

His project did okay in the Detroit area but really flourished in Ann Arbor, where he distributed it successfully for more than two years. He says he quickly learned that readers tire of being continually bombarded with news and promotional messages, and often simply want to be entertained.

Enter his idea to begin a new publication for Dearborn. “In my mind, my own city seemed overflowing with opportunities,” he said. “What if we created a publication for Dearborn residents that included a bit of something for everyone and, at the same time, offered small businesses a really affordable way to promote themselves? Money is tight, right?”

Rymarz said he isn’t trying to complete with the Dearborn Press & Guide or the Times-Heard. Instead he decided the Dearborn Alternative News could better serve Dearborn by exploiting the success of his satire project, while covering topics that aren’t quite right for the bigger, more established publications.

“We view this as something really fun that most will find entertaining,” he says. “We truly hope you do, too.”

Received this the other day in an e-mail and thought I would share it seeing how this is the grilling season here in Dearborn and many of us take part in propane exchange programs from our local stores. It’s worth reading.

Here is the note:

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug. Manufacturers of this illegal substance are using propane cylinders for the storage and the use of anhydrous ammonia. The meth producer, or "cook," will buy propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Home Depot, or other local stores and empty them of the propane gas.

They can then fill the propane tanks with anhydrous ammonia, which they require to "cook" Methamphetamine.

After they are finished with the propane tanks, they will return them to the store. The stores may refill the tanks with propane gas, unknowing to them that it had been used for other than propane, and sell the consumer.

Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive to the brass valve in a propane tank and it will weaken the structure of the brass valve and the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane gas and hooked up to a grill, recreation vehicle, etc. as it can deteriorate the valve and can lead to violent, unexpected release of gas from the valve.

The National Propane Gas Association recommends inspection of the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas, especially if you utilize "Propane Tank Exchange" programs.

If there are evidences of these residues and substances, do not purchase or rent the propane tank and advise the vendor of your findings. Check out the following website for additional details and pictures by clicking HERE.

Please review the information and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family in the use of propane for grilling, RV's, and other intended uses.

Dearborn Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Giering recently sent over a few items informing us of some great events coming to Dearborn. So we thought we’d post them here.

In addition to the Dearborn farmers’ market, the Chamber is leading the charge on a couple of other upcoming events listed below.

First, as it relates to the Farmers’ Market, I really think it is a step in the right direction toward trying to generate some much needed foot traffic in downtown Dearborn. We can argue about the day of the week it will be held, but the fact we are going to start such an event is good for Dearborn. Friday isn’t a bad day either because it allows many non-residents who work in Dearborn to take part in the event and maybe even stroll into another nearby business. Dearborn’s population nearly doubles during the workweek because of the many people who work at Ford, Oakwood and other businesses throughout the city. So let’s give it a chance and support what has the potential to be a good summer/fall event.

Ms. Giering says that with the market, there really are two audiences: the farmers and the patrons.

“Without interested and engaged farmers, we have no market,” Giering says. “We have to sell this idea and the community of Dearborn to them, so they take their time and resources and invest in this event. The second audience is the patrons, Dearborn residents as well as non-residents who would view this market as a destination. Especially of those that wouldn't consider going to Eastern Market. In addition we feel this event will appeal to stay at home moms, teachers, seniors and business professionals who work in the area.”

The Chamber did survey the actual farmers who might take part in this market and they chose Friday based on their availability. Ms. Giering rightly points out that these farmers have other commitments other days of the week (Northville has a market on Thursdays, for instance) and need days to harvest for market as well.

“I really want the community to get behind the market - it's a great thing,” Giering says. “It would be nice for everyone to get behind this and then move it to Saturday next year. It would also be nice if the market was considered a "community" event rather than a "chamber" event.”

We commend the Chamber for pushing to bring a Farmer’s Market to Dearborn and continuing to work to bring other events to our city. Below are some other events, written here by the Chamber, that are worth mentioning:

Taste of Dearborn
The annual Taste of Dearborn will take place Wednesday, June 18 from 6 – 10 pm. This year the event is sponsored by Jim Thorpe/Ameriprise Financial. Tickets are only $20 and include the opportunity to enjoy delicious fare from 16 restaurants in Dearborn. Grab some friends for this summer favorite and make your way from restaurant to restaurant enjoying the ambiance, entertainment, food and drink specials. This year’s participating restaurants include Andiamo, Bailey’s Pub & Grill, bd’s Mongolian BBQ, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cheli’s Chili Bar, Crave, Giuilo & Sons, Maestro’s, La Pita, Ollie’s Lebanese Cuisine, Panera Bread, Parisian Bistro, Pizza Papalis/Rio Wraps, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, Shelby’s and Silkey’s Martini & Music Café. Buy your tickets at www.dearbornchamber.org.

Fall Into Dearborn
Mark your calendars because Fall into Dearborn is returning this fall, October 3-5 in West Village Commons. The City of Dearborn, Dearborn Community Arts Council and the Dearborn Chamber are working together to create a great line-up of events surrounding the annual Art on the Avenue, which has been moved from its traditional summer slot to this weekend. Initial talks have included a car show, concerts, a fun-walk, the farmers market and a full schedule of children’s and family activities.

Marketing West Dearborn
“Special Thursdays in Dearborn” may be the heart of a new marketing campaign promoting the businesses in West Dearborn that make up the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority. The Chamber has been working with these local establishments and the WDDDA to produce advertising material to enhance marketing and encourage traffic to the district. On these special Thursdays, businesses are asked to stay open late, offer specials, sidewalk sales or have entertainment at their establishment. More details on this new campaign to follow.