The contest is open to artists and writers of all ages. If offers first, second and third place awards and honorable mention recognition.

Gateway ('Spiral the Gate') by Ray Katz - July 4th, 2011 at Michigan and Military in Dearborn

Artwork and writings must be inspired by one or more of the 12 MSI sculptures located in the East and West Dearborn areas and on the grounds of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (The Center). Additional information about the sculptures, locations and entry requirements can be found at www.dearborncommunityfund.org or by contacting the Dearborn Community Fund office at 313-943-5478.

Selected artwork and writings will be showcased at the March 28 “Multi-Arts Night” program which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Studio A at The Center located at 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. The program is open to the public at no charge.

The Midwest Sculpture Initiative is a project of the Dearborn Community Fund with support from the East Dearborn and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities. The Dearborn Community Fund provides and promotes financial and volunteer resources in support of arts, recreational and cultural programs that directly impact the community.

Related Stories

• Dearborn Visual Arts and Writing Contest Announced
• New Sculptures Provided Through Community Fund

“It is time to put an end to back-door politics and make our government open and accountable to the people we are serving,” said State Representative Dian Slavens. “The Governor called for an ethics reform package in his State of the State Address and my Democratic colleagues and I are happy to put forth a package of bills that fulfill that call. This provides a great opportunity for a bipartisan effort to create much needed changes in Lansing.”

The package contains 16 bills and one constitutional amendment and looks to address corporate accountability, campaign finance and ethics reform. Among other things, the House Democrats’ package of bills would:

• Create a two year “cooling off” period for elected officials and a one year period for department directors who attempt to move directly into lobbying to close the revolving door between public and private work.
• Require personal financial disclosure from appointed and elected officials. Michigan is one of only three states with no financial disclosure requirements.
• Strengthen conflict of interest provisions for legislators, prohibit state elected officials from applyingfor or accepting state grants, and make it illegal for individuals to solicit or accept campaign contributions while in a state facility.
• Toughen campaign finance disclosure and corporate accountability after the U.S. Supreme Courtlifted limits on corporate spending in campaigns and prevent state contractors, companies that accept federal bail-out money, and foreign-controlled corporations from spending money in Michigan elections.
• Increase transparency by forcing corporations making expenditures in campaigns or for lobbying purposes to comply with the law and publically disclose funders.
• Eliminate “Pay to Play” politics by banning the state from awarding any contract over $100,000 to a contractor or vendor who made campaign contributions to elected officials.
• Require “robo-calls” to clearly state the name and address of the organization paying for them.

“Big money corporations and special interests have influenced campaigns and elections for far too long,” said George T. Darany. “Michigan citizens deserve lawmakers who work for them and these bills will help ensure that the voice of the people is heard. I am sure we can all agree that an accountable and transparent government is important if we want to move our state forward and these bills are a step in the right direction.”

On February 14, 2012, Valentines Day, Dearborn Public Schools residents over the age of 60 can stop in to any Dearborn Public School or the Administration Building to pick up the new Premier Citizen Discount Card. There will be free cookies for anyone stopping by to pick up a card and as a special bonus the first person to visit a school on the 14th to pick up a card will receive a Target gift card.

“We are proud that many residents in the over 60 crowd are alumni and we welcome them back to enjoy the events and activities that occur in our schools,” commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent, Mr. Brian Whiston.

The Premier Citizen Discount Card is free and offers all the same great discounts as the Golden Ager card but with a new look and a new offer on school merchandise:

• Free admission to all school-sponsored activities* including concerts and athletic events. *Due to fees charged to schools for licensing of performance rights, plays are not included.
• Discounts on select Community Education classes.
• 10% discount on merchandise sold at school stores. (limit 4 items per year)
• Participation in school lunch programs at reduced prices. Reduced price is 10% discount on the total purchase. (must contact school in advance to participate)

“Our students have plenty to offer and community members will be proud of the accomplishments of the young people in their neighborhood. We hope that everyone over the age of 60 will pick up a Premier Citizen Discount Card and take advantage of the free admission and discounts,” Whiston added.

The ever-popular Minds on Freedom show is back to tell the inspiring stories of civil rights leaders like Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Gloria Rackley and Martin Luther King, Jr. Through music, dramatic performance and audience participation, the 30-minute show explores the lives of the brave men and women who sparked a movement and inspired a nation to champion the cause for civil rights. Before the performance a special film, United in Freedom, will also be shown. The movie documents the June 20-21, 2011 round-the-clock visit of the original Emancipation Proclamation to Henry Ford Museum. Minds on Freedom runs three times a day Wed.–Fri. at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., with additional performances on Sat., Feb. 18 and Sun. Feb. 19 at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Each weekend of February will feature musical, dramatic and interactive performances that will honor a particular era in African-American history. February 4-5 starts with the Pre-Emancipation era and includes music by The North Star Gospel Chorale and a dramatic performance of “Ain’t I a Woman: Meet Sojourner T­­ruth.” The Northern Migration era, February 11-12, features a musical performance by the Rev. Robert Jones and a dramatic presentation of “Elijah: The Real McCoy.” The era of The Civil Rights Movement, February 18-19, will showcase the popular 30-minute show, Minds on Freedom. The last weekend, February 25-26, celebrates Contemporary Times with musical performances by The Hamilton Family. Please visit www.thehenryford.org for all program times.

Visitors are also invited to learn about the breakthrough discoveries of trailblazers like George Washington Carver and Lewis Latimer during the African-American Innovator tours. Tours are free with admission and depart from museum plaza. Tours run daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

About The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world’s premier history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation. Its mission is to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Its purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate more than 1.5 million visitors annually: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution’s campus and was founded in partnership with The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and Wayne County Public Schools. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.

The Dearborn Senior Walking Club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue. The Club walks the indoor track from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is open to Dearborn Senior Citizens. Members pay $1 for each visit. Passholders are free.

The City of Dearborn SMART bus transportation serves Dearborn residents age 60 years of age or older. Seniors are required to schedule trips at least four days in advance. Dearborn Transportation Service is curb to curb. The services area is within the Dearborn city limits. The fee is $1 each way or $2 round trip. The transportation service is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call 943-4083 to schedule or cancel a ride.

Dearborn Senior Services presents a Brain Exercise Class that challenges participants with a series of games, exercises and puzzles. The class meets the third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at The Center. The next meeting is February 16. Pre-registration is required for this free class.

The Leap Year Day Tea will be held on Wednesday, February 29 at 1:30 p.m. in Studio A at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. The menu will include tea sandwiches and sweet treats. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite tea cup. Live entertainment will also be provided. Tickets are $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Space is limited. Reservations can be made at the Senior Services office at The Center.

For more information about these and other senior activities, call Dearborn Senior Services 313-943-2412.

Kay Neff

“It’s not about me,” said Neff, who added, “It’s about the success of our students, the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child, and creating the kind of environment that helps young people learn ‘how to think’.”

During the past 40 years, many of DHMC’s students have graduated as valedictorians of Detroit area high schools, attended major universities and launched successful careers.

According to Neff, the school is now educating a second generation, who are children of former students.

DHMC’s beginning is linked with Neff’s personal mission. In 1972, she was seeking a social environment for her children, then ages two and three years old.

“At the time there were very few options available,” said Neff, who first enrolled her son in an area day care program. “He cried more and more each day.”

Looking elsewhere, Neff visited a Montessori classroom which was peaceful and a good fit for her son. However, after he was enrolled in the fall semester, the school was forced to close its doors for business reasons.

Unable to locate another Montessori school nearby, Neff who was a former middle school and high school English teacher in Southgate, decided to start her own school. In December 1972, Dearborn Heights Montessori opened in Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Dearborn Heights. The first nine students included Neff’s two children.

As DHMC’s enrollment and demand for its quality Montessori program grew, the school moved several times to serve the needs of its students, teachers and families while maintaining the authenticity of Montessori programs.

Growth continued into the communities of Plymouth, Canton and Livonia. Plymouth Montessori School was founded in the fall of 1973. In 1975, Hines Park Montessori School was created to absorb overflow from the Plymouth school. In 1991, the two were merged to form Plymouth-Canton Montessori School. Livonia Montessori Center, which was founded in 1972, became part of the DHMC network in 1984.

Today, both Plymouth-Canton Montessori and Livonia Montessori offer preschool and kindergarten programs along with before and after school care.

DHMC’s main campus added full day care and elementary school classes in 1983, followed by an Extended Day kindergarten program in 1986. DHMC’s Middle School program was introduced in 1997, with the addition of one grade each year, and in response to families’ needs, a Montessori Toddler program was introduced in 2010.

During the first several years, DHMC leased different school buildings that became available as a result of the closing and merging of various school districts. However, in 1995, DHMC purchased its current campus and building located at 466 North John Daly in Dearborn Heights.

“Our focus has always been and continues to be on investing tuition dollars in our teachers, facilities, programs and materials, and ensuring that we have well trained staff,” added Neff. The school receives no public or government funding and relies solely on tuition dollars.

When asked how their students and families differ from 40 years ago, Neff shared that the school has a greater diversity which complements the Montessori philosophy of peace and service to the community. There are components at every level of the Montessori program that help students learn how to resolve conflict and show respect for others.

Parents’ expectations have changed as well. Neff indicated that today their parents’ number one priority is safety and the overall atmosphere of the school, followed by strong academics and character development.

Although Neff hasn’t kept an official count of the thousands of students that have gone through the schools’ doors, alumni frequently return to visit.

Teachers and staff agree that DHMC has “stayed the course” by never wavering from the Montessori vision of delivering a program that educates the whole child including social, emotional, physical and intellectual.

When asked about the future, Neff quickly responds, “Continually refine and get better. We can never be good enough.”

About Dearborn Heights Montessori Center
Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) is a non-profit educational community founded in 1972. Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, DHMC is the largest and longest-established Montessori school in western Wayne County. Programs include toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school as well as summer programs and academic tutoring. Day care and latchkey are also available for enrolled children. DHMC has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, Michigan Montessori Society, and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). DHMC toddler, preschool, day care and latchkey programs, along with its satellites Livonia Montessori Center and Plymouth-Canton Montessori School, are licensed by the Michigan Division of Child and Adult Licensing. More information is available at www.dhmontessori.org and by calling 313-359-3000.

Customers with AT&T services can click on the drop down box on channel 99 and can choose either of the Dearborn channels.

U-verse customers also are able to choose from a number of cities on the network. This also allows customers in other cities to view Dearborn programs as well.

CDTV is already available to Comcast and WOW cable customers. It is channel 12 on Comcast and channel 10 on WOW.

All CDTV programming can also be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

CDTV provides local programming that highlights what is happening in Dearborn.

DPATV is also available on WOW, channel 18, and can be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

The following is a listing of the programming created by CDTV.

City Council meetings are carried live and then seen in rebroadcasts.

• “This Week in Dearborn” is hosted by Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. This weekly program highlights current and important events and issues that affect Dearborn residents.
• “Dearborn Journal” is a series that provides viewers with a look at the different programs and events that take place in the city.
• “Meet Your Council” is a monthly program that features a segment from each of the seven Dearborn City Council members. Each month the Council keeps residents informed about city services, local businesses and other current issues that affect Dearborn.
• “Senior Services” highlights the services and programs available through the Dearborn Senior Services Division.
• “Dearborn Libraries, Check ‘Em Out” is the outreach program for the libraries.

Quarterly produced programs include:

• “Sports N Rec,” which shows the numerous fitness and sporting activities available in Dearborn.
• “Paw Prints” is produced with the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. This program is an outreach that shares helpful tips on the safety and care of animals, and adoption opportunities.
• “City Commissions” provides an opportunity for the different Dearborn commissions to share their latest activities.

DPATV allows individuals and groups to produce programs that they believe are of interest to the public. CDTV staff administers DPATV. CDTV is part of the City of Dearborn’s Department of Public Information.

For more information on CDTV or DPATV call 313-943-2365.

A common jester that will be performing live glassblowing demonstrations at this year’s Mardi Gras Winter Warm-up show.

“This show was definitely developed by our customers’ requests,” comments founding owner Michelle Plucinsky. “Not only did our customers want some new glass products, but they enjoy the educational part of our business so much they are demanding more shows that feature unique techniques and styles of glass. For example, during this event, we are going to highlight all sorts of functional drinking vessels from shot glasses, rocks glasses, to hurricane style goblets. We’ll explain the differences in making the glasses, color patterns in the glass, and how we put the designs in the glass.”

Attendees will get an up close and personal education on glass as well as an intimate look at a thriving art studio and the staff that works there. In order to give the best show for the guests, tickets will be limited. “We’re going to make this a bit of an interactive event by playing off the New Orleans parade/party theme. By limiting our ticket sales, we can give each guest a great experience and make them feel extra special with music, bangles of beads, and creole foods.

As always, customers will have that rare chance to talk with the artists to design and watch as custom drinking glasses are made to order. “I’m always amazed and delighted by what the glassblowers make in this studio, “ comments Jenni Simich, a visitor to the Academy. “I’m addicted to their shows here!! I’ve come to over 6 events and each time I learn something new and want to know more. It’s truly both an educational event and a fun evening out. I highly suggest their shows to everyone!”

Tickets cost $40 and include one hand crafted shot glass made at the Glass Academy, food, beverages and live glassblowing demonstrations. Must be 21 to participate. The show runs February 23rd, from 5-9pm at the Glass Academy in Dearborn.

For more information about the show, “Mardi Gras Winter Warm-up,” visit www.glassacademy.com or call the studio at 313-561-4527. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Michigan Glass, an organization that highlights Michigan glass artists, museums, teaching institutions and collectors. Visit michiganglass.org for more info.

About the Glass Academy
The Glass Academy is a 14,000 square foot working studio used for private and public events that teach educational classes about glass and the traditional artists’ methods in making glass. The studio features, a gallery, dining area, and free secure parking. It is also the corporate office for Furnace Design Studio and the Royal Glassmakers.

Robert Muise, AFLC Attorney, stands next to Bill of Rights

A blog post by the American Freedom Law Center (AFLC) said:  ”The City, not wanting to offend its large Muslim population, would not allow the Christian to hand out religious literature at the Festival.”

In the order, the federal judge stated, “In this case, the Plaintiff received the full relief he sought — an invalidation of the leafleting restriction and a permanent injunction barring its enforcement. . . . Because this result ‘cannot fairly be labeled as anything short of excellent, [Plaintiff] is entitled to a fully compensatory fee.’”

AFLC Senior Counsel Robert J. Muise represented Pastor Saieg in this successful free speech case. At the time, Muise was Senior Trial Counsel for the Thomas More Law Center.

The City of Dearborn has 14 days to appeal.

“The award of attorney fees in this case,” noted Muise, “is critical in the lawfare against Civilization Jihad and dhimmitization, or subjugation, of an entire municipality in Michigan. Dearborn has a long record of this kind of illegal, heavy-handed treatment of Christians as an attempt to placate Dearborn’s sharia-faithful. The court’s ruling  demonstrates that this kind of behavior will come at great cost.”

The citizens of Dearborn never voted for the absurd anti-free-speech ordinance. Some Dearborn citizens are wondering why public officials conspired together to create the un-constitutional city ordinance(s) – against the will of the people.

Muise recently won acquittals for charges of  disturbing the peace brought by the Dearborn prosecutor against a group of Christians following their arrests by Dearborn police in 2010 for the same kind of peaceful free speech activities.  Muise and David Yerushalmi of the American Freedom Law Center, along with attorneys from the Ann Arbor based Thomas More Law Center, currently represent these Christians in a civil action arising from these arrests.

George Saieg of Arabic Christian Perspective

Whalen said Saieg and his Arabic Christian Perspective organization sued Dearborn and its police chief, Ron Haddad, because after distributing Christian information at the event for several years, he was told police would arrest him if he gave information to anyone at the Arab fest.

“Requiring defendants to absorb plaintiff’s attorney’s fees for the district court proceedings in this case would produce the absurd result of punishing defendants for their success in this court and for acting in accordance with precedent endorsed by two federal judges. Moreover, it would send a message that established precedent and this court’s rulings cannot be relied upon given that a plaintiff potentially could persuade the 6th Circuit to establish new precedent,” the City of Dearborn argued.

The judge stated that the pastor did, in fact, prevail on his free speech claim.

“Defendants may have believed that they were ‘acting in accordance with precedent endorsed by two federal judges,’ but the 6th Circuit ultimately held that they were not acting in accordance with the Constitution,” Judge Whalen stated.

Dearborn’s Ford Community & Performing Arts Center will present “The Music of ABBA,” featuring the Swedish group Arrival, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Michael A. Guido Theater, followed by an ABBA Dance Party in the Hubbard Ballroom until 1 a.m.

Arrival, which has exclusive world-wide rights to recreate the ABBA sound and style, will perform all your favorite ABBA tunes, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “Fernando.”

The after-concert dance party will feature a DJ playing top 40 selections, an amazing light show, a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets for both events begin at $60.

Tickets for the concert only are priced at $29-$59, while tickets for the dance party only are priced at $25.

Tickets are available online at www.dearborntheater.com and at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For further information, call the box office at 313-943-2354.

Related Stories

• Dearborn Community Fund to Host Groovy Fundraiser