MC Digital Daily 2.1.23

Gov. Whitmer’s 2023 State of the State Address: “The State of our State is: Strong and Ready to Go”

By Rasha Almulaiki

On January 25, Governor Gretchen Whitmer began her 2023 State of the State address by proclaiming, “Tonight, let’s talk about what we can do and where we’re going, together. We are eager to chase our bright future with hustle and grit. Michigan, the state of our state is: strong and ready to go.”

The fifth annual State of the State address in her second term is Whitmer’s first in-person delivery since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor delivered key remarks in front of a joint session of the Michigan Legislature with the administration’s policy proposals front and center, helping to bolster the lives of Michiganders with a competitive edge, including providing tax relief for seniors and low-income families, expanding accessibility to free pre-school programs for all Michiganders, reducing gun violence and increasing funding for law enforcement, and reclaiming manufacturing projects and supply chains back to Michigan.

Power to the People: Are We Still in the Fight?

By Sherri Kolade

Governor Whitmer delivered her fifth annual State of the State address in her second term, in person at the State Capitol in Lansing.

LOWER MI COSTS

Whitmer rolled out her “Lowering MI Costs” plan in three main parts:

• Rolling back the retirement tax, saving half a million households $1,000 a year;

• Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering at least $3,000 refunds to 700,000 families; and

• Pre-K for All to save families an average of $10,000 a year and ensure every 4-year-old in Michigan gets a head start in education.

“Repealing the retirement tax will make a huge difference for our seniors. Ultimately, it will save 500,000 households an average of 1,000 bucks a year. That’s money for prescriptions, groceries, gas or gifts for grandkids. I fought this tax as a legislator and as governor because I knew it hurt people,” said Whitmer.

The two tax changes are intended to “right the wrong inflicted on Michiganders 12 years ago” to give residents a fighting change toward closing the health and wealth gap. She called for the expansion of “the Great State Readiness program,” a bipartisan preschool effort promised to provide free, public school education by the end of her second term.

“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Frederick Douglass, a social reformer, orator and writer said those words decades ago, words which still ring true today.

Detroit has as much invested in social justice as any other southern city in America. From the Underground Railroad to the 1967 riots, Detroit’s history is rich in stories about the struggle for social justice.

In recent years, Millennials, Gen Z’ers (born in the midto-late 1990s), in addition to organizations have emerged to carry on the legacy of racial justice and healing in the city and beyond. Looking back, we can see how far the movement has progressed and how far it still has to go.

Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland Michael Brown and most recently Tyre Nichols are among too many names that have sparked national outrage in African-American communities. Because of high-profile cases, Americans got a front-row seat to the complexities of race, police relations and

overaggressive violent groups. Nearly three years ago, the death of George Floyd sparked a movement among African Americans in the city and across the country to speak out and help put an end to murder by police officers. However, the fight for reform began long before Floyd and continues to this day.

Protests in the city lasted five days in 2020 as a result of Floyd’s murder. The streets of Detroit were flooded with organizations and individuals speaking out against police brutality in America, but particularly within Detroit city limits, allowing hundreds of young people to make their voices heard. Detroit, no stranger to conflict, was once again on the front lines of the fight for social justice.

From the first days of Black bodies arriving in America to the present, changes in laws governing Africans and their descendants have had a ripple effect on laws governing the nation. True reform requires more than a legal push; it must be implemented through practice and legislation.

“I think that we are certainly not where we should be when we look at from whence we came, and that’s going on 403 years since the first enslaved African touched the shores of America,” said Edith Lee-Payne, an advocate and activist for social and racial and other related matters for decades. “The Civil Rights Movement, of course, was a

very pivotal time that helped us get the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, but it’s more than just passing legislation. It has to be enforced; it has to be applied.”

In comparison to iconic leaders and movements of the past, black leadership is at an impasse. Organizing the new era of the movement appears bleak in the absence of direction and a selfless individual.

The theme for this year’s 2023 Black History Month is, “Black Resistance in The Past, Present and Future.”

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History reports that Black resistance has “taken many forms throughout history.”

“During these uncertain times in which the very nature of the ways in which Black history can be legally taught are in peril, the festival provides an opportunity to explore various aspects of Black life and history,” the organization noted.

“As the late Congressman John Lewis advised, ‘Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.’”

Is the passion still there today to get into “good trouble?” Does the cry for justice still ring out? Some say yes, but it is not as obvious.

USFL Announces Return of Michigan Panthers to Detroit

destination,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “This means we now have five major

teams all playing downtown.

welcome the Michigan Panthers and USFL fans to our city and look forward to the increased foot traffic these games will generate for out downtown businesses.

Michigan Panthers is set to begin season two when the team plays its first home game at Ford Field on Sunday April 30th. Officials are excited about firing up a news sports fan base that will provide important economic impact.

It was in 1983 when the Michigan Panthers won its first championship against the Philadelphia Stars. A rivalry that will ignite again when the Panthers host the Stars this season in Detroit.

From left, Daryl Johnston, USFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive, Mike Duggan, Mayor - City of Detroit and Curt Menefee, Host of FOX NFL Sunday.

Mayor Duggan’s Jump Start Initiative to Re-engage Long Term Unemployed Residents

program.

The City of Detroit has partnered with 18 community groups and activist organizations on a new program unlike any other in the U.S. that will help long-term unemployed residents get reengaged in the job market. The Jump Start program, which will open to enrollment starting next week, is being funded through American Rescue Plan Act dollars made possible by the Biden Administration.

Mayor Mike Duggan joined with other city officials and President Biden’s point person on the $1.9 trillion ARPA initiative to introduce leaders of the 18 In Detroit Organizations (IDOs) that were selected through a city procurement process.

The IDOs will be the city’s boots on the ground for enrolling long-term unemployed Detroiters in the mayor’s ARPA-funded Jump Start program. Each will be tasked with identifying residents from the neighborhoods they’re already doing work in and enrolling them in education or training programs. They will also coach and mentor each participant, monitor their progress and identify potential barriers to success throughout the program.

Participating IDOs also will be eligible for performance-based incentives of up to $2,200 per participant for each track of the program. As each IDO client reaches their milestones in the program, the IDO will receive a financial incentive.

“In the Jump Start Program, participants have a financial incentive to work hard and succeed, and so do the IDOs that are helping them along the way,” said Mayor Duggan. “We really believe that this approach will result in a lot of Detroiters who had stopped trying to find work getting onto a path to gainful employment that can sustain them. We are deeply appreciative to President Biden for create the ARPA program and making Jump Start possible.”

The innovative, results-driven nature of the Jump Start program and other ARPA-funded city programs brought President Biden’s top ARPA advisor, Gene Sperling, to Detroit to be a part of the announcement.

“Mayor Duggan’s Jump Start Initiative to put those who have faced long-term unemployment on a path to a strong, dignified job is a national model of how to deploy President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to address not only the immediate challenges created by the Pandemic but to ensure a more equitable recovery that leaves no one behind,” said Gene Sperling, American Rescue Plan Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President. “The entire Detroit-At Work Adult Scholarship program is indeed one that President Biden has highlighted as one of the nation’s most innova-

tive, pro-work strategies funded by the American Rescue Plan to build a larger, more skilled, and more inclusive workforce.”

Trusted Voices

A key ingredient in the Jump Start approach is partnering with organizations that already have community trust and already are doing similar work. IDOs will coach and mentor each participant, monitor their progress and identify potential barriers to success throughout the program.

“Knowing where to start when you’re ready to get into the job market can be hard, especially for people who have been out of the workforce for a while,” said Nicole Sherard-Freeman, who serves as the Mayor’s Group Executive for Jobs, Economy and Detroit at Work. “To be better at coming alongside our residents, we’re taking community-centered partnerships to the next level. A stronger, financially supported network of community-based grassroots organizations that have long-standing relationships deep in our neighborhoods is the next frontier in getting thousands of Detroiters on the road to a better job or a new career.”

How the financial incentives will work

Many of these grassroots organizations have been doing this work for years but will now have the opportunity to be paid based on the successes of their clients. The IDOs will be paid monthly by a third-party administrator as program participants reach milestones, up to $2200 per program each participant completes, for a total of up to $8800 per participant.

An example of this would be a person who is enrolled in a literacy program after failing an 8th grade reading test. The IDO would be paid $300 upon participant’s enrollment, another $300 when they complete the first six weeks of training, another $800 when the participant improves two grade levels in reading and another $800 once they have reached an 8th grade reading level. The participant can then move on to another program track.

Jump Start just one of many ARPA funded initiatives Each

has unique edu-

sonal needs; we will work with IDOs to make sure enrollees are on the best path to achieve success, whether they’re enrolled in a part-time or full-time

Jump Start is just one of nearly 100 ARPA-funded initiatives the City is undertaking after developing the plan through nearly 70 community input meetings. Through the Renew Detroit program, the City is also replacing old roofs on the homes of hundreds of low income seniors, doubling the number of grants it provides to Detroit entrepreneurs through Motor City Match, as well as investing tens of millions of ARPA dollars in public safety, parks and recreation, neighborhood beautification and more. A complete listing with the status of each project can be found at www.detroitmi.gov/arpa

Black History Month

are going.

Wayne RESA’s Superintendent Dr. Daveda Colbert issued the following statement in response to Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address today, praising the Get MI Kids Back on Track plan and the desire to transition to a universal pre-K program over the coming four years.

“Tonight’s State of the State Address was welcome news for educators, students and parents across the state as Governor Whitmer laid out her plans to continue to strengthen Michigan’s education system. The Get MI Kids Back on Track plan would add a critical tool in the toolbox for educators as districts are focused on improving outcomes for students in Wayne County. By allocating additional funding to districts for tutoring and after-school programming, we can ensure schools and families have the resources they need to help students excel.”

Make It In Michigan

Whitmer also announced her Make it in Michigan plan to reinvigorate the state’s manufacturing and supply chain sectors by returning outsourced cutting-edge projects and jobs back home.

“Make it in Michigan proposes a sustainable funding source for our economic development efforts while growing talent, making our communities better places to live, and helping our state become a place where anyone can thrive,” said Whitmer.

She reminded the legislature that bipartisan collaboration has brought home $13.5 billion worth of projects, with nearly 13,000 jobs secured, and has continued to court national and international business leaders to continue investing in Michigan.

Repealing Abortion Ban And Safeguarding Civil Rights Protections

Whitmer applauded the works of voters and advocates across the state in reinforcing people’s right to make decisions

about their own bodies in response to the historic SCOTUS decision last year to overturn Roe v. Wade. Taking it a step further, the governor called for repealing the 1931 law banning abortion and other policy measures that restrict access to reproductive health.

In addition, she called for expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976, which “prohibit(s) discriminatory practices policies, and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.”

“Protecting these freedoms is the right thing to do and it’s just good economics,” said Whitmer. “States with extreme laws are losing talent and investment because bigotry is bad for business.

Khalil-Lullah Whittaker Ballentine, 17, told the Michigan Chronicle that from his perspective, young people like himself are in the fight still, it is just not as easy to mobilize – but the passion and interest is still there.

He adds that it’s important for young people who might feel disillusioned and disheartened by the continued news of post-Floyd murders of Black people to remember where they came from and connect with their roots to know where they

We should build on our reputation as a welcoming beacon of opportunity where anyone can succeed.”

EDUCATION

Whitmer called for funding MI Kids Back on Track before spring break, to offer every child personalized learning support to get them back on track for long-term success. This would include expansive tutoring programs to help students master critical skills sets and information.

“When a child gets a great start, learns to read and graduates high school, they are on track to land a good-paying job or pursue higher education. Unfortunately, the last few years have disrupted regular learning patterns. In-class instruction alone is not enough— our children need more support to master the skills we know they need

“My mother intentionally raised me in African-centered environments, whether that was attending a ceremony held by the African Diaspora Ancestor Commemoration Institute, visiting the Charles Wright Museum for the African World Festival, or through being around Nsoroma Institute and D-Town Farm,” he said. “It’s through these experiences that I have become the person I am and look to become.”

Megan Kirk contributed to this report.

most,” said Whitmer. Public Safety and Gun Control Whitmer said since she’s been elected to office, the state has invested $1 billion in public safety and is committed to continue funding law enforcement “with better training, oversight and access to mental health resources.”

She announced the launch of Operation Safe Neighborhoods with the focus on removing the flood of illegal firearms off the streets before a violent crime is committed. In addition, she called for enacting preventative measures such as universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders and safe storage laws.

To view the recording of Governor Whitmer’s entire 2023 State of the State Address, visit michigan.gov/whitmer/news/ state-of-the-state/2023

the document for public review and comment. The Consolidated Plan proposes an action strategy by which those needs will be addressed and the CAPER reflects activities undertaken between July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022. The annual action plans are funded by five formula programs covered in the Michigan Consolidated Plan (HOME, Community Development Block Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDs, the Emergency Solutions Grant, and the Housing Trust Fund). The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is responsible for preparing the Michigan CAPER and soliciting comments from the public regarding the outcomes tied to the plan on an annual basis.

The comment period will commence on February 2, 2023 and end on February 16, 2023. The primary focus will be to receive comments regarding the draft CAPER report.

Copies of the CAPER report may be downloaded free of charge from the MSHDA website at www.michigan.gov/mshda.

All interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the attention of Tonya Young, 735 East Michigan Avenue, P.O. Box 30044, Lansing, MI 48909.

Written comments must be received no later than February 16, 2023. Comments can also be submitted to the hidmailbox@michigan.gov attention MSHDA Consolidated Plan Coordinator.

Special Assistance: Feedback is encouraged from mobility-challenged individuals. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation should contact Housing Initiatives at 517.335.2524 to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Roots.

Tele-Medicine: The Future of Healthcare Technology

By Rasha Almulaiki

The pandemic greatly altered our way of life from affecting everything from the economy, society and the healthcare system. The COVID-19 crisis presented the U.S. healthcare system with unprecedented challenges that transformed the delivery of care to an accelerated reliance of virtual care in the form of telehealth and telemedicine.

“Henry Ford Health has been very committed to trying to ensure that as we advance the quality of care, the different innovations of technology and elsewhere, that we keep an eye towards ensuring equity,” said Dr. Denise Perkins-White M.D., PhD, vice chair of academic affairs, department of family medicine and director, healthcare equity initiatives at Henry Ford Health.

“That means we want to make sure we’re not leaving any segment of our population or community behind and trying to do everything we can to ensure that everyone is going to be able to take advantage of these innovations.”

Across the country, many health systems used telemedicine, although at low rates of usage, for regular care before the pandemic compared to traditional in-person visits. Even health systems with a reasonably high telehealth implementation rate had less than 100 video visits made per day. Today, many in-person clinic appointments have been replaced with video or telephone calls and see an average of more than 600 patients every day through video.

From 2019 to 2020, virtual care interactions at Henry Ford Health (HFH) surged by 1,500 percent and are still much higher than pre-2020 usage. Despite the continued high utilization of telehealth services for many patients, White-Perkins said her research found that relatively few patients using telehealth/telemedicine or virtual care interactions are beyond the age of 65. Most older adults preferred to opt for phone calls with health care providers, rather than video.

Researchers are studying the hurdles older persons have while utilizing telehealth in a second grant-funded research project, as well as potential interventions to improve uptake and ways to deliver treatment more efficiently.

Perkins-White said the programs are informed by feedback provided from senior resource community groups and working with community partners.

“We conducted surveys to understand do people have access to the equipment, access to high speed internet that’s needed. Do they feel comfortable using it? And do they have the support they need to use it?” said Perkins-White. “We found there were significant barriers which also align with what the research has been telling us. We now have to look at what we can do as healthcare teams to make it easier.”

Dr. Perkins-White and her team are concentrating on training programs to better prepare medical professionals to use telemedicine with seniors and allow them opportunities to teach each other.

At HFH, Michigan-based patients can access the MyCare On-Demand Virtual Care service through the MyChart elec-

See TELE-MEDICINE page A-4

One-On-One with Dr. Anthony Fauci: COVID-19 and Black America

By Andre Ash

From the beginning of COVID-19, he was the one to whom many Americans turned to for information on how they were going to make it through an historic global pandemic.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984-2022. He is a renowned physician-scientist cited for his contribution to HIV/AIDS research and other diseases. Fauci served as one of the members leading the White House Coronavirus Task Force during the height of the pandemic during the Donald Trump presidency.

In a One-On-One interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Dr. Anthony Fauci, now retired as the Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden, explored the barriers to healthcare for Black Americans, who’s at higher risk, what people should be doing to protect themselves, as well his doctor’s orders or recommendations from the White House podium as the fate of the nation hung to his every word at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Fauci argues that during the colder months there is always an uptick in respiratory illness and influenza. He recommends a booster vaccine which he believes is sufficient in treating the latest coronavirus variant.

“Not only are African Americans, usually because of the nature of their essential jobs, they have more of a risk of getting infected,” said Fauci. He bases this fact on the data he has observed over the last years and draws the connection from Black individuals contracting the virus at higher rates because of the contact-to-contact community engagement related to their jobs to the historical determinants of health.

“This goes back centuries and decades, dating back to the element of racism and discrimination, their

health status is somewhat more tenuous than the general population.”

Dr. Fauci states the Black community has a higher level of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease. Once someone is infected with the Coronavirus, there is a greater likelihood of contracting a severe outcome which leads to hospitalization and death.

“It is imperative for Brown and Black people to utilize the availability for these very effective and safe vaccines.” He also mentions effective anti-viral medicine in market to treat the virus once infected.

Dr. Fauci had been the leading face behind getting information related to the COVID pandemic and at times, his recommendations would be contradicted by former President Trump.

“Everything that has to do with the health of the nation, the President wants to hear about,” he said. “If there was more of a risk of the intervention

Helping Children One Family at a Time

Positive and healthy mental health is critical to everyone especially to children and youth and it includes overall well-being such as their emotional, physical and behavioral health. It can affect how they think, feel, and act and it can affect how they handle stress and make healthy decisions.

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) serves 75,000 individuals in Detroit and Wayne County who are struggling with mental illness, substance use and disability related concerns. DWIHN also has a robust Children’s Initiatives Department serving children and families and providing them with the help they need at home, at school and in the community.

"There's a wide spectrum when addressing mental health problems in young people,” said DWIHN Director of Children’s Initiatives Cassandra Phipps. “For example, some youth might pres-

ent with something called “adjustment disorder” where they are having a hard time adjusting, and we have to figure out if it is something on that level or more serious like a mood disorder."

DWIHN manages several different grant opportunities and programs. One very successful program is called “Parenting Management Training Oregon Model” (PMTO), where parents can learn the skills they need to provide adequate care for their kids. This program is designed for children from preschool to adolescents and it helps parents promote positive change in their families.

DWIHN also offers early childhood infant mental health services for mothers struggling with pregnancy or addiction and may be experiencing a highrisk pregnancy. In addition, services are offered to youth involved in the investigation or abuse of parents or children who are considered mentally ill.

“There are many different aspects of the young person’s life that DWIHN can assist with whether it is a mental illness or disability-related concern,” said Phipps. “We have providers, clinicians, therapists, school-based programs that can help children and parents flourish and learn how to cope with what is happening in their lives.”

For parents, grandparents and guardians who may be raising teens and young adults, DWIHN offers many resources and programs through its Youth United program. These young people are advocates and ambassadors for mental health and they are out in the community every day spreading the word about stigma and mental health.

DWIHN also has providers including Black Family Development that offers Leadership and Training by preparing young adults to transition out of the home. https://www.blackfamilydevelopment.org/

that the disease then you wouldn’t recommend it.”

Dr. Fauci believes that life comes with a slight bit of risk, but says the vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and the benefits outweigh the small risk.

“The vaccines which have saved millions of lives thus far is a very safe vaccine,” he notes.

As COVID enters a third year in the United States, Fauci says he has no regrets in his forthcoming messages to the American people.

“I’m comfortable with the decisions based on the data I had at the time,” he said. “Information is available to you and you can only act on the information you have and you have to be flexible enough to change things like recommendations and guidelines depending upon the accommodation of new data and new evidence.”

Dr. Fauci retired from NIAID and his White House senior advisory role to President Biden at the end of 2022.

To learn more about DWIHN services and supports for children and adults, please visit, www.dwihn.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health or substance use issues, please call our 24/7 Access Center Helpline at 800-241-4949.

If you’d like to look for a provider in your neighborhood, click here: https:// www.dwihn.org/find-a-provider

Denise Perkins-White, M.D., PhD. Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health.

By Sherri Kolade

One does not have to look far to see the distressing reality: mental health issues are on the rise. That proof is out there -- from increased youth emergency room visits for mental health-related crises to a constant stream of news articles where unwell victims are dying either at their own hands or someone else’s. What help is there for people who seemingly fall through the cracks?

Where was the help for someone like Pontiac mother Monica Cannady and her two boys Malik Milton, 3, and Kyle Milton, 9, who were found frozen to death in an overgrown field in Pontiac, deaths where mental health problems were said to be a factor.

“I wanted to really examine what happened in totality,” said Sheriff Michael Bouchard in the article.

“How do we not just as a police agency, but societally, how do we prevent stuff like this in the future?” Bouchard said in a published report. “How do we prevent people from falling through the cracks.”

“I would love to have the federal government and state government pay to have someone embedded on our staff,” Bouchard said. “A social worker, mental health worker so that when they come across someone in any situation, if it’s not an acute crisis like it

What Happens When You Dial 988?

didn’t appear, that’s when we have our social worker come in and say is there systemic thing we can help you with? Connect you with resources.”

What is the answer?

Could connecting with 988 be the difference between life and death?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now the easy-to-remember resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline This action expands the existing Lifeline beyond people who are feeling suicidal to all individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including suicidal thoughts or substance abuse issues.

“Crisis is defined by the caller,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, medical director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “And by providing an easy-to-remember number we are making help more accessible and strengthening support to those in need. Trained counselors will be available 24/7 to field calls. They will listen to the caller’s problems, assess their needs and provide support by connecting them with resources, and alert local emergency

Tele-Medicine

From page A-3

tronic medical record patient portal. Each virtual appointment can last between 10 to 40 minutes, just like a regular office visit.

“There are many things that can be handled [via] virtual visits,” said Perkins-White. “From asking about your medications, discussing test results, basically anything that doesn’t require a physical exam. Video is best to connect more easily where we can take a look at spot on your skin, how you react to certain things and for us to pay attention to any nonverbals.”

HFH is working on improving and expanding its virtual care capabilities through this initiative, with a deliberate focus on bridging the digital divide gap with patients over the age of 65. To better understand the hurdles to using telehealth, the project specifical-

crisis teams if necessary. The roll out of 988 as an easier number to remember will provide a natural extension to the already promising work of the department in implementing the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.”

Anyone with these concerns can call:

• Mental health-related distress

• Thoughts of suicide

• Substance use crisis

• Emotional distress.

There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other groups. And, people who are worried about a loved one who may need support also can call.

Since its debut last summer, the new three-digit number has routed over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages to call centers, with the vast majority being answered in under a minute, CNN reported.

“The average speed to answer year-over-year was about three minutes in 2021. It’s now 44 seconds in December of 2022,” said Dr. John Palmieri in the article. Palmieri serves as a senior medical advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also 988’s deputy director.

Michiganders in crisis now have an easy-to-remember three-digit number to call for help –988. Michigan has joined

ly recruits and engages older patients in focus groups. This will allow HFH to better understand the socioeconomic determinants of health, which include digital literacy and access to connection and gadgets.

Today, the convenience of at-home virtual care is beneficial to people with busy schedules, saving time and money that visiting an office would normally entail. Health care professionals say this new reality is likely to stay and advance.

“Virtual care is kind of parallel to the way we tried to figure out issues of transportation, 30 or 40 years ago,” said Perkins-White.

“It used to be that when we tried getting patients to find care at the doctor’s office, we looked for ways to get them a cab voucher. Well, virtual care gets you to that without you having to leave your couch. So, it’s really a great way to get people the help they need. Now we need to make sure it’s accessible to everyone and no one is being left behind.”

February 1, 1865 - The 38th Congress approved the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution which abolished slavery.

February 1, 1902 - Langston Hughes, a poet and writer known for his elucidations of Black American life in his poems, stories, autobiographies and histories, was born in Joplin, Missouri.

February 2, 1915 - Ernest Just, a genetic biologist, won the first NAACP Spingarn Medal. He was recognized for his outstanding research in cell division and fertilization.

February 4, 1971 - J. C. Watts was the first African American to be chosen to respond to a State of the Union Address.

February 5, 1958 - Clifton R. Wharton Sr. was made a minister to Rumania (now spelled Romania). This career diplomat was the first Black to head a U.S. embassy in Europe.

the nation in transitioning to the 988 dialing code, operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.

“The 988 number is another step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care and mental health services in our state, which is a key focus of the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “This universal number means no matter where you live or call from, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. We encourage Michigan residents or their family members to call 988 if they are experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional distress or a substance use crisis.”

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line.

February 5, 1866 - Congressman Thaddeus Stevens proposed an amendment to the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill that authorized the distribution of public and confiscated land in 40-acre lots to freedmen and loyal refugees.

The 1920s was the decade of the “New Negro,” the Post World War I generation with growing racial pride and consciousness.

February 5, 1962 - A lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court to prevent Englewood, NJ, from maintaining “racial segregated” elementary schools.

The United Kingdom celebrates Black History Month in October. Josiah Henson escaped slavery in Maryland in 1830 and later established a settlement in Ontario, Canada, for other fugitive Black people.

In 2013, three Black women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, started a Black-centered movement called Black Lives Matter with a social media hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter. This came after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. Black Lives Matter has organized demonstrations worldwide protesting police brutality, more recently after George Floyd’s death in 2020. Onesimus was enslaved during the 17th century in Boston and told a Puritan church minister, Cotton Mather, about the old practice of inoculation in Africa. By taking material from an infected person and scratching it into the skin of a non-infected person, one could purposefully introduce smallpox to a healthy person making them immune. His traditional African practice was utilized to inoculate American soldiers during the Revolutionary War and the concept was introduced to the United States.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for hard construction subcontractors under 23-0169 – 2022 Capital Improvements – MLK Track Replacement.

A Pre-bid conference will be held at the MLK track, starting at 3:00 pm on February 3, 2023 located near 3200 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48207. Please meet at the track as opposed to the MLK school. Note: the above address is for the school, but the track is further down, adjacent to Leib St.

To obtain bidding documents visit detroitk12.org/ procurement and click on the “Bids, Requests, and Proposals” link in the upper right corner.

All questions are to be directed to the Owner’s Representative. No direct contact with the Owner or Architect is requested. All questions must be in writing and submitted to Jon DePew II at jon.depew@plantemoran. com, no later than February 7, 2023 at 12:00pm. The due date for Proposals is February 14, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. All submissions must be submitted electronically via Demandstar. All proposals will be publicly opened

A virtual Public Opening will occur at 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2023.

Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305

Conference ID: 675 454 466# https://tinyurl.com/yy6v2bvf

All bids must be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the submitting company and any employee of DPSCD. DPSCD shall not accept a bid that does not include this sworn and notarized disclosure statement. A bid bond per the specifications detailed within the bid package is also required.

If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

3cols x 10.5 inches (display)

Langston Hughes

Property Is Power! What You Need to Know About VA Loans

In the early years of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program, only active-duty service members and returning vets were eligible for a VA loan. But now, the VA has extended the program to include service members of the National Guard and the Army Reserve, surviving spouses, and some cadets.

The VA program was meant to foster homeownership but has failed due to the dissemination of misleading and incorrect information.

The myths and misconceptions surrounding veterans eligibility for the program after receiving their first VA loan don’t seem to go away, causing some veterans to miss out on the opportunity to become homeowners. The passing of outdated information from past beneficiaries is another concerning issue. This article seeks to equip you with the latest guidelines from VA regarding your eligibility and options regarding the VA loan program.

What is the Maximum Number of VA Loans You Can Have?

The VA program is structured to take care of eligible candidates for life. That is why there are no maximum or minimum limits on the number of times a veteran can use the program. It is possible to have more than one VA loan at a time. The Department of Veterans Affairs is not the lender. Banks, Mortgage companies and other financial institutions provide the loans for which the department acts as a guarantor.

Taking Over a VA Loan

A veteran can transfer a VA loan to another person as long as the lender allows it. Taking over another VA loan is known as a loan assumption. The lender must first determine whether the other person meets their VA loan requirements before proceeding with the assumption process. The most significant advantage of the loan assumption is that not only veterans and active service members can assume the loan, but also anyone deemed qualified by the lender. Note, not all Lenders allow loan assumptions. Therefore, if in such a situation, you should consider transferring the mortgage to the qualifying person while consulting with the lender.

VA Loan Entitlement

Every VA member who has met the service requirements has a VA loan entitlement. The VA loan entitlement is the specific amount the Department of Veterans Affairs would have to repay a lender if a VA member defaults on their loan. This kind of protection is called the VA loan guarantee. Depending on their eligibility, veterans may access a single level or both levels of entitlement. levels include the basic and secondary tiers. For the basic level, VA members have a $36,000 entitlement and an additional $125,800 for those who qualify for the second tier. Altogether, a veteran could have an entitlement of $161,800.

Keeping Your Home and Getting a New One

The second-tier entitlement allows you to maintain your current

See VA LOANS page A6

Money.

JPMorgan Chase Detroit-based Community Managers Provide Financial Literacy Workshops

By Rasha Almulaiki

As part of JPMorgan Chase’s $30 billion commitment to racial equity, the firm has hired a team of experts focused on addressing the racial wealth gap among Black, Hispanic and Latino communities.

The community managers, Gail Taylor and Stacie Hunter, are lifelong Detroiters who are connecting to residents and small businesses providing access to tools and services to assist with overall financial stability, business growth and home ownership.

“Our roles are really to listen to build relationships and trust and provide financial help to the community,” said Hunter. “We are working in the city of Detroit and are concentrating on impacting the youth, our regular working community and our seniors.”

Since October 2020, JPMorgan Chase has hired 150 community managers across the country, all positions filled by community residents who can speak and connect to each location’s needs. The new firm’s community-based liaisons will focus on the financial well-being of underrepresented communities of color while identifying possibilities for partner-

ship and programs that cater to local needs.

Taylor and Hunter have offered programs that emphasize small businesses, credit growth, homebuyer education and budgeting and savings. Working along with local stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, schools and small businesses, the program offers workshops and link individuals to opportunities that foster generational wealth and economic empowerment. Residents are also encouraged to reach out to the Corktown Community Center where they regularly hold workshops.

The financial literacy workshops are based on demographics and are tailored to the needs of spe-

cific groups There are three different types of workshops, including ones for K-12, college students and senior residents. All workshops are available at no cost to the participants.

Other topics include budgeting, savings, building credit, homebuyer education and assistance in sustaining small businesses.

In 2022, the community managers held over 236 financial wealth workshops with 170 organizations and reached over 4,400 adults in the Detroit and Flint area.

Taylor and Hunter have conducted workshops with local schools and reached over 5,000 students, those attending including Jalen

Rose Academy.

“Credit is the most requested topic across the board,” said Taylor. “It’s from teenagers, even seniors. Credit has always been a mystery number. How do you get it? How does it work? You need to learn how it impacts you getting a house and other important things throughout life.”

The pair have also worked with graduating doctors at Wayne State University’s medical school and found that basic financial budgeting was also requested “even among the most educated people.”

“The overarching goal is to build these skillsets in the community. We hope people become more educated about finances and not be afraid of words like ‘budget.’ We want them to be stewards of their finances, really understand how credit works, and for business to learn how to get access to financial tools that are available around them to help take the pressure off meaningful decisions in everyday life.”

If anyone is interested in requesting financial literacy workshops, contact the JPMorgan Chase Bank, Corktown Branch in Detroit.

Mayor Duggan Launches 2023 Tax Credit Campaign

Mayor Mike Duggan and a coalition of community partners announced this year’s push to encourage all Detroiters to access every dollar of federal tax credits by scheduling an appointment for no-cost expert tax preparation. Through last year’s coordinated outreach in the City of Detroit, thousands of Detroit families were able to take advantage of the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit, bringing millions into their homes.

Mayor Duggan was joined by Accounting Aid Society, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions and Community Development Advocates of Detroit, as he kicked off the 2023 income tax season today and outlined efforts to urge residents to claim their credits.

“There is a lot of money Detroit families are entitled to that they can use to save, invest, buy a car or fix their home, but you have to file your taxes to receive the refunds,” said Mayor Duggan. “The City and its partners are going to make sure every Detroiter has the help they need to file their taxes, especially if they haven’t filed in the past.”

As a result of the coalition’s work in 2022, Detroiters claimed more than $260 million in EITC refunds alone in 2022, plus many millions more in Child Tax Credits. Prior to 2017, EITC-eligible Detroiters left an estimated $80 million of potential tax refunds unclaimed each year.

There are several cash payments available to Detroit families, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, but you’ve got to file

your taxes to claim these credits. Even if you don’t typically file your taxes or didn’t earn much in 2022, you may qualify for these payments.

• CHILD TAX CREDIT – Who is eligible?

• Children under age 17 living in your home.

• Earned at least $2500 from working in 2022.

• Children must have a valid Social Security Number (adults may have an ITIN).

• If you are the child’s primary caregiver, you are likely eligible. You don’t need to be the child’s biological parent to qualify.

“This is an important time of year for households who are working hard to make ends meet,” said H. Luke Shaefer, the Hermann and Amalie Kohn professor of social justice and social policy and faculty direc-

tor of the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions. “Tax refunds help families pay down debt, invest in car repairs, and all the other things they need. We all benefit when families can access these resources.”

This year, the amount of the Child Tax Credit will return to 2019 levels, which will be between $1,500 to $2,000 per dependent.

EARNED INCOME TAX

CREDIT – Who is eligible?

The EITC is available to working families and individuals who meet certain income requirements. The amount of the refund depends on income, filing status, and number of qualifying children claimed on tax returns. For example, a single individual with no children who works and makes less than $16,480 could get back as much as $594. A married couple with three or more children who files a joint return, with a

combined income of less than $59,187 could receive the maximum EITC of $7,351.

If you worked at all in 2022, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides extra income to workers with low to moderate incomes, up to $60,000. Adults and children must have a Social Security Number to apply for the EITC.

EXPERT TAX PREP AVAILABLE AT NO COST:

All residents with income less than $60,000 qualify for an expert tax preparation appointment at no cost to them. For the 2023 tax season, Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro are returning to primarily in-person tax prep services. Drop-and-go and all-virtual appointments will also still be available.

Anthony O. Kellum

Gail Taylor Stacie Hunter

Finding Savings Where You’re Already Spending

(Statepoint) At a time when Americans are keeping a closer eye on their expenses, finding more value where they are already spending on the essentials is more important than ever.

In a recent study from Morgan Stanley, 64% of Americans said they plan to cut back on overall spending in the next six months as inflation continues to rise and impact wallets. And while many are making cuts in their everyday life, wireless shows no sign of being scratched from the monthly budget. With more than 60% of households having cut the cord to their landline, Americans increasingly rely on their mobile connectivity. This may be why that when it comes to prioritizing monthly bills, the same Morgan Stanley study showed that wireless was top ranked alongside other life essentials, with respondents saying that keeping their connectivity was nearly neck in neck with paying their mortgage.

Another survey, by opinion analytics and research firm CivicScience, had Americans weigh the importance of their wireless service compared to other popular out-of-pocket expenses.

When asked whether they’d rather give up wireless or a video streaming service, 77% said they’d give up streaming and continue binging their mobile connectivity. When it came to choosing mobile service over a food delivery service, 93% said they’d sacrifice food delivery. Even America’s favorite pastime was no match against reliable connectivity, with 86% saying they’d gladly give up attending a sporting event rather than part with their wireless service.

How to Maximize the Value and Timeliness of Your Tax Return

(StatePoint) Research shows that if you’re dreading tax season, you’re not alone.

According to the Pew Research Center, 47% of Americans say they are bothered a lot by the complexity of the federal tax system. Other taxpayers stress out over getting the details right. In a Credello survey, 22% of respondents say not maximizing their refund is their biggest fear around doing taxes, while another 22% said their biggest fear is making a mistake.

“Many Americans rely on their tax refund to make ends meet. Accessing those funds should be fast and easy,” says Chad Prashad, president and CEO of World Finance.

To help you get a handle on your taxes, World Finance is drawing on its 26 years of filing expertise to offer these timely tips:

• Get ready early. As soon as your employer provides your W2, you can file your taxes. Having all other documentation and receipts ready to go will help expedite the process, which means you will get your tax return faster, too. Collect the necessary materials in one place

Tax Credit

From page A-5

“Our experienced tax preparers allow clients to collect every dollar that is owed to them, so they can build financial stability for themselves and their families,” said Priscilla Perkins, President and CEO of Accounting Aid Society. “Paying rent, putting food on the table, or saving for a child’s education - clients can use that money to invest in the future.”

SPREADING THE

WORD:

This coalition is working to spread the word to those who are at the greatest risk of missing out, such as first-time parents who may not know they are eligible, non-traditional families where the biological parents are not the primary caregivers, families that don’t make much money and don’t normally file taxes, and families with limited English, limited education, and limited connections to social services.

We are working with community-based organizations to meet families where they are with in-person outreach at community events, flyers at community locations, direct outreach to neighborhood residents, and more.

The most important thing to know is that most Detroiters are eligible, thanks to the help of hundreds of staff and volunteers from Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro, for expert tax preparation at no-cost. These IRS-certified partners will assist with tax

before filing.

• Consider significant life changes. Did you move in 2022? Have a baby? Get married? Change jobs? Each of these monumental life events can have an impact on your taxes, so be sure to disclose these factors when filing or to the professional filing on your behalf.

• Know what’s new. Visit IRS.gov to learn about any changes to tax filings that are applicable to you. A tax services professional can also help you identify relevant updates. World Finance tax pros have yearround training to stay on top of the latest tax filing requirements and are ready to tailor tax services to each tax customer’s financial situation.

• Review and adjust. Once you know what your return is going to be this year, make any necessary adjustments to your W2 to make sure you’re withholding enough during the year. If this is your first year working with a professional tax service, have them review your previous years’ filings as well. You may be able to recover additional refunds if anything was missed. World Finance offers this service

for no additional charge.

• Consider a tax refund loan. After filing, you can potentially take out a loan for the amount of your expected refund. This is known as a tax refund loan and an option to consider if you need your refund as soon as possible.

• Work with a professional. Filing your taxes with a software program is a low-cost option, but only if you have time to dedicate to the task, and the know-how to get your biggest possible tax return. Working with a reliable, trusted tax preparation service can help ensure your taxes are filed correctly, and your return is as substantial as it can be. Look for a service that offers transparent pricing, flexible filing options and same-day Tax Advance Loans, such as World Finance. For more information, visit loansbyworld.com/taxes. Tax season doesn’t need to create headaches, fears, or anxieties. By gathering important tax documents in advance and understanding your filing and refund options, you can have confidence that you’ve maximized the value and timeliness of your tax return.

So, we know people would sacrifice spending on some of life’s little luxuries to stay connected, but do they really have to?

Inflation can be deflating, but you don’t need to be powerless against it. Simple money saving techniques can make a difference, and as it happens, if you have the right wireless service, you may not need to slash spending after all.

Designed to get the most for your money, T-Mobile offers an unlimited wireless plan, Magenta Max, featuring unlimited talk, text and premium data—so your smartphone data won’t slow down no matter how much you use—nationwide 5G coverage, a dedicated customer service team and more. The savings don’t end there. T-Mobile customers get $225 each month in extra stuff on the Magenta MAX plan with two or more lines. For the 94% of Americans concerned about inflation, having Netflix , Apple TV+, inflight Wi-Fi and data in 215+ countries, plus a year of AAA on us, and Scam Shield protection all included can mean some serious savings.

In a time of increasing sacrifice, you can be selective about your wireless phone provider, especially when it offers benefits your family can’t afford to live without.

VA Loan

From page A-5

house and buy a new primary residence. You must have enough income and entitlement to qualify for this.

Permanent Change of Station Orders

An officer can be assigned in an area that would require their relocation, perhaps due to the duration of the assignment or distance. An officer may need to take another VA mortgage loan in such an instance.

Is It Possible to Get a VA Loan after a Foreclosure?

preparation in person, virtually, and at “drop & go” locations. These efforts receive additional funding and support through the generosity of partners at the Skillman Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Ballmer Group, and the W.K Kellogg Foundation.

“Our goal is to help families get the most out of their tax returns and put that money back into the household budget,” said Louis D. Piszker, Wayne Metro Chief Executive Officer. “It’s important to work with a certified preparer to maximize tax credits such as the home heating credit and dependent care. During your tax appointment, we can also talk about your property taxes, water, and energy assistance, along with financial counseling, debt reduction, and credit repair.”

Through its extensive network of community resources, United Way will again lead this coalition - making sure Detroiters are connected to the help they need.

“As financial challenges continue for so many households due to inflation and economic volatility, the Child Tax Credit and the EITC are helping families bridge gaps in their monthly budgets by putting more money back in their pockets. For many teetering on the brink of financial

stability, these funds are a lifeline,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president, and CEO, of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Along with our community impact partners at the city, Accounting Aid Society, Wayne Metro,

and others, we are working to help everyone access the maximum refund they are owed.”

Residents can call 2-11 or visit www.getthetaxfacts.org to learn more and schedule an appoint-

As much as a foreclosure would be considered damning, it doesn’t mean that you have lost your ability to get another VA loan. The only issue is that you may have a reduced VA loan entitlement, given that the Department of Veterans Affairs suffered a loss on loan. Following the foreclosure, a veteran will

have to undergo the foreclosure waiting period now (usually two years). Even then, the waiting period could increase to more than three years if the foreclosure resulted from another government-backed product like a USDA loan. Lastly, even after the two-year waiting period following a foreclosure, borrowers must still meet the lenders’ credit requirements to qualify for a loan. For instance, lenders have to determine how much entitlement may be left.

If you are eligible, a VA loan is a great option. VA hasn’t established a DTI (debt-to-income) ratio limit, but most lenders will take a closer look at borrowers with higher ratios. VA doesn’t have a minimum credit score however; lenders are allowed to set their own minimums typically a 580 FICO. You can purchase a home with no down payment, a higher debt-toincome ratio, and no private mortgage insurance. That’s awesome!

q 50 years of age or older

q Cancer

q Chronic kidney disease

q Chronic liver disease

q Chronic lung diseases

q Cystic fibrosis

q Dementia or other neurological conditions

q Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)

q Disabilities

q Heart conditions

q HIV infection

q Immunocompromised condition or weakened immune system

q Mental health conditions

q Overweight and obesity

q Physical inactivity

q Pregnancy

q Sickle cell disease or thalassemia

q Smoker, current or former

q Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

q Stroke or cerebrovascular disease

q Substance use disorders

q Tuberculosis

The list above does not include all possible conditions that put you at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Learn more at CDC.gov.

When it comes to severe illness from COVID-19,

If it’s

on the list, it means high risk.

These risk factors can increase your chances of severe illness from COVID-19 If it’s been at least 2 months since you completed primary series vaccination or received an original booster, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting an updated booster designed for recent Omicron variants. Available to eligible people 5 years and older.

Updated boosters are currently available at no cost to you. Scan or visit vaccines.gov to check eligibility and schedule an appointment. T:10" T:21"

C ity. L ife

Style

Detroit Youth Fashion Designers to Feature Looks at New York Fashion Week

By Andre Ash

To further expand on the impact of the Fashion Industry Club launched in 2020, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) continues to add to its list of high-profile collaborations now—with Blackowned fashion brand Masion Black. This Black Men in Fashion collaboration is a unique mentorship program that pairs five accomplished Black male New York-based designers with five young Black male rising stars in Detroit to guide them in designing a full look to present February 7, 2023, at the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey tower during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

The collaboration hosted an in-

vite-only sneak peek at the designs during its NYFW Michigan Preview, that was held January 19 at the Diehl Club in Detroit.

“The impact on these youth is significant and supported by research that shows positive outcomes when young Black men are supported by Black mentors,” said Tori Nichel, founder of Maison Black. “When emerging talent can identify with someone that paved the way for them and navigated similar discriminations—the nurturing, understanding and resources are unbounded.”

Given that many of these Detroiters are leaving the city for the first time, BGCSM is raising funds for a seamless experience. Donations directly support the costs of the fashion

Wake Up Refreshed

Simple ways to begin your morning

(Family Features) Ready, set, go. Just as you would set off at the starting line of a race, this hectic pace is how mornings begin for many men and women.

Instead of waking with dread to face another hectic morning, consider these tips for a healthier way to ease into your daily rituals. While these activities may require you to allow extra time, you may be pleased with the productive results. Meditate. A practice that has been around for thousands of years may still be one of the best stress busters for hurried mornings. To start, find a place in your home that is free of noise and distraction. Practice sitting still, with eyes closed, and focus only on your breathing. Using deep, controlled breaths, try to steer your thoughts away from negative and stress-inducing thoughts.

Stretch. While the most health-conscious person may opt for a morning sweat-a-thon, working in some stretches can also be beneficial. When you awake, think about oft-used muscles and extend each one for 15-30 seconds.

Activate. Give your brain some fuel in the morning while also doing something nice for your mind. For example, journaling is a gentle way to ease into your morning and get your brain firing. If you can’t think of a topic, simply write down a few affirmations for the day, revisit a pleasant memory from your past or scribble down a goal for the week. Journaling can be an uplifting way to engage the mind and express gratitude for the day ahead.

Find more tips for starting your day on the right foot at eLivingToday.com.

Source: eLivingToday.com

show in NYC on February 7, including travel and hotel costs, and the development of garments for the fashion show. These funds open possibilities for youth residing in communities or attending schools with limited artistic outlets or resources.

“It’s so important for our youth— especially youth of color, to find mentors who they can connect to and who have similar lived experiences,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “Not only can these men pass along their technical knowledge of the fashion industry, but also give youth the tools to navigate race-based barriers which come along with being an entrepreneur of color.”

The NYFW Michigan Preview included an introduction of the youth

Easy Ways to Say

(Family Features) If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease.

Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.

1. Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse.

designers, a candid discussion with Black male fashion moguls like Ken Walker, Andre Sanford, Quandell Wright and Darryl or DeKoven Humes – designers currently impacting fashion in Detroit -- and a display of the pieces heading to New York Fashion Week.

Maison Black and the BGCSM Men in Fashion mentorship program was created to provide a platform for black male youth to be empowered, discover their talents and pursue their passions unapologetically in fashion. The program looks to amplify the excellence of Black men and their cultural impact on disrupting industry trends by influencing style and fashion through design and art.

2. Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.

3. Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spending time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple.

4. Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can.

5. Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender.

Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.

Source: eLivingToday.com

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Travel Trends Break from Routine in 2023

(Family Features) Travel in 2023 will be about saying “no” to normal, breaking routines and searching for experiences without compromises. Whether it’s flying to those once-in-a-lifetime events or hosting group celebrations at a vacation rental home, travelers are no longer adapting to the next new normal, but creating their own status quo altogether.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fitsall” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show food, abundant space and unconventional destinations are influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from the experts at Vrbo:

Foodie-Menities

Kitchen credentials are a must with travelers looking to plate up at their own convenience in a private vacation home. Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and air fryers are the top three foodie-menities travelers crave. Additionally, nearly half of U.S. travelers (43%) use cooking to cut down on costs.

Travelers are looking for amenities in their vacation rentals rather than focusing on location. In fact, more than half (57%) of travelers would rather book a unique vacation home to be with their people in a lesser-known destination than a less interesting, less equipped vacation home in a popular area.

Cowboy-Cations

Rustic getaways are on the rise

as travelers crave private vacation homes with abundant space and exhilarating views. Cue the cowboy-cation, offering an intimate escape in the rugged wilderness. Demand for homes in western destinations increased by more than 30% from September 2021-August 2022. Plus, 42% of U.S. travelers find inspiration in outdoorsy destinations and landscapes that include log-lined cabins, flickering fires and sweeping vistas.

Travelers can live out their western fantasies by booking a luxurious lodge, ranch retreat or farmhouse that fits the whole crew. Destinations across Montana, Colorado and other western states spring to mind, but the cowboy-cation is not confined to the U.S. For a home on the range in Europe, travelers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Thrill-seekers can also embrace their inner cowboy in Australia, where farmhouses in the outback overlook acres of wineries and wild brush.

Hidden Gems

Travelers are exploring unassuming locales and new places.

Top hidden gems in the U.S. have one thing in common: beautiful lakes where travelers can take in tranquil views. Demand for private vacation homes in these unconventional destinations has increased by 30% or more since September

2021:

• Nampa, Idaho

• Greensboro, North Carolina

• Layton, Utah

• Irmo, South Carolina

• Oneonta, New York

• Hampton, Virginia

• Bristol, Rhode Island

• Spokane, Washington

• Las Cruces, New Mexico

• Missoula, Montana

Find more ideas to plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Vrbo.com or by downloading the app.

Source: Vrbo

Creatively Configure Interior Spaces with Sliding Bypass Doors

(Family Features) Customizing interior spaces to suit your unique needs can be easy and economical with a solution like versatile sliding bypass doors. If you want to create a multi-functional living area, save space, allow more privacy or enhance architectural appeal - or all of these at once - sliding bypass doors can help you achieve your goals.

From kitchens to laundry areas, installing bypass doors provides a fast, economical way to adapt floor plans to diverse lifestyles.

Kitchens with adjoining spaces are perfect spots for bypass doors. For instance, Johnson Hardware’s 111SD Sliding Bypass Door Hardware lets you reconfigure a kitchen and beverage area with a bold functional divider. Holding on-trend glass and metal doors up to 150 pounds each, the hardware lets you tuck away essentials while keeping them within sight and easy reach.

Another solution for closets in hallways and mudrooms is the 138F Sliding Bypass Door Hardware, which also provides versatility and an appealing appearance. Concealing clutter while adding clean lines, it supports most styles of doors weighing up to 200 pounds each.

Inventive down to the last detail, it has a precision-extruded, jump-proof aluminum box track featuring line-design fascia. This fascia hides scratches and fingerprints, plus, it holds paint for the look you want. Tricycle door hangers feature a quick disconnect clip system, making it a snap to mount and dismount door panels. These hangers are also readily adjustable for height in case of settling.

In addition, Johnson’s innovative soft-close feature for smooth, quiet, fingertip-touch door operation is available for a variety of bypass hardware kits, as well as pocket door and wall mount door hardware kits. Soft-close technology slows down door speed gradually, preventing slamming and finger pinching for carefree use.

Ideal for converting a closet into a neat, discrete laundry area, sliding bypass door hardware is right

at home in second-floor laundry areas or residences where space is precious, such as condos and townhouses. Bypass doors save 14 square feet of floor space over swinging doors, which can be used for furniture, storage and decor.

Bypass hardware offers many fresh options for configuring interiors. Gliding on separate tracks, bypass doors overlap for wide entryways everyone can easily use and allow quick access to items. When closed, wooden doors offer extra privacy and quiet. Combined metaland-glass doors create an open-air aesthetic.

For more design ideas to save space with creative sliding door hardware, visit johnsonhardware. com or call 574-293-5664.

Source: Johnson Hardware

STUDYING ABROAD SHEDS LIGHT ON ‘GOING GREEN!’

Week-long trip to Calgary, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska gives WCCCD students ways on how to save the planet!

By David C. Butty

Alexa Williams learned something unique about our neighbor to the north during the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) recent study abroad trip to Calgary, Canada – RECYCLING. The week-long trip began in Calgary, Canada, and ended in Anchorage, Alaska. Williams says it is an “experience that I will never forget for the rest of my years.”

Seventeen students and facilitators returned home recently following a visit at the invitation of Bow Valley College in Calgary, Canada, and the University of Anchorage, in Alaska. The theme was ‘sustainability.’ The trip to Calgary, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska was the 26th study abroad trip that the District has made since the Study Abroad Program made its maiden voyage to Accra, Ghana, in West Africa in 2003. The program has taken students to six of the seven continents; and is eyeing Antarctica, as the final frontier. The program has touched the lives of more than 500 students, exposing them to different cultures and educating them outside of the traditional classroom and beyond pages of history books.

This Fall, the WCCCD Study Abroad Program partnered with Bow Valley College and the University of Anchorage to provide immersive experiences by the partnering hosts that broaden both educational and cultural knowledge. At Bow Valley College, the students attended lectures on sustainability and learned the steps that the college is taking to protect the environment. Bow Valley College, like WCCCD, is home to international students from over 100 countries around the world. The College is best known for its degree and certificate programs, and being affordable. “We are very proud of our diverse faculty with real life experiences,” said a faculty member who lectured on sustainability and carbon footprints. While at the University of Anchorage, the concentration was on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Program is an excellent opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zone, expand their learning horizons, to see the world and be exposed to new cultures, landmarks, and arts institutions. It also enables students to experience the cuisines of another country; and hone their foreign language skills. Best of all, WCCCD students established lasting friendships with the students from both Bow Valley College and the institutions in Anchorage. The trip helped to expand the students’ social circle.

“Both Calgary, Canada and Anchorage, Alaska have been such a life-changing experience. I had the absolute best time in both Canada and Alaska because of all the new things we were exposed to throughout the environment and the social aspect of these two locations. I was able to learn things about global warming and recycling.”

“Without a doubt the people of Calgary reduce, reuse, and recycle in all of their businesses, schools, and homes. I was definitely astonished at the different ways that they choose to recycle. In Bow Valley College, they recycle pens, bottles/cans, and even gloves used by the students (as long as they were not completely contaminated).” Alexa Williams recalled.

Clarissa Meirthew shares in the learning experience of the trip. For her, it was the early snowfall. “The snow was falling …beautiful small white flakes danced above my head. The bustle of people out and about was comforting—comforting to know life was the same there as it was back home.”

“Or was it? As the hours rolled into the next day, the regularities weren’t so parallel. I learned more in-depth about their recycling habits—which makes ours look elementary. Bow Valley College, a beautifully progressive institution, welcomed me with open arms. It was here that I was made aware and experienced first-hand their practices with recycling and garbage disposal. It is in Calgary, where being very mindful of the environment is of the utmost importance.”

Kaitlyn Brashear is concerned about the Alaskan ‘permafrost’ and the effect that global warming is having on it. “We may ask why is it so important that this permafrost is starting to melt. It is so important because there are villages, homes and families living on this permafrost. When this ice melts, the water and storms will wipe away all that was built causing families to search for a new place to live.”

“Environmentalists say that the permafrost degradation is a major threat to Arctic communities and ecosystems. It also extends beyond the region, as it contributes to climate change and the positive feedback loop which threatens to push our planet into an environmental crisis.”

“In the end I want to shine light on the importance of making better decisions with our waste and trying to reduce plastic use. Using refillable containers, less paper products, simple changes we can all adopt. Dispose of waste properly and recycle! Try limiting driving back and forth when we could make one trip for all of our errands. We recognize change is going to happen, but our chemical footprint is making change happen faster which in turn is causing devastating results which may not otherwise happen naturally.”

Gayle Jones-Smith puts it all into prospective like this. “Thankful is a word that comes to mind. The electricity in each room from the study abroad group that kept coming up with questions and concerns about sustainable energy and recycling. To be shown how they recycle and why. The care they give to in store cleanliness for all to enjoy. The minds of the people are at its best developing more and more ways for us to care about our world. Simply ingenious to say the least. Will we bring this home and demand a change for the U.S.A? We WILL!”

The WCCCD Study Abroad Program focuses on immersing students in different cultures and ecosystems that broaden their understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences outside of their own. To date, WCCCD has partnered with 26 different countries to advance students’ personal, educational and professional growth beyond the walls of the campus and classrooms.

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VAN DYKE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION IN THE CITY OF DETROIT

PW-7028

23JW183136

Vivian Ermadeane Adams Flounory

Vivian Ermadeane Adams Flounory, a retired educator who led several local service and social organizations, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023. She was 93.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for SaaS Software &Consultant Service, Control No. 23-3769.  RFP forms may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023, from http://www.mitn.info.  RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, March 3, 2023

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for Circuit Board Repairs for RFQ Control No. 23-3764 may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info. Responses to RFQ are due by 3:00 PM ET, February 20, 2023.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for Bus Wraps for RFP Control No. 23-3668A may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info.

Responses to RFP are due by 3:00 PM ET, February 27, 2023.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for No. 23-3791 for Federal Lobbyist. RFP forms may be obtained beginning, January 30, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, February 10, 2023.

ENROLLMENT Grades PK-6 Noor International Academy 37412 Dequindre Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (586) 365-5000 www.niapsa.org

Proposals for this project will be received the ORACLE e-Procurement system until 2:30 P.M. Detroit time, February 21, 2023. The bidding documents, which must be used in submitting a proposal, are available via invitation or request for invitation on Negotiation Abstracts. The bids will be opened, on February 21, 2023 at 2:45 P.M. via Zoom Communications.

SCOPE OF WORK: The scope of work includes Replacement of the existing diagonal span traffic signalization design at both East and West Edsel Ford Service Drive intersections with M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) with two independently controlled box span signal designs at each of the Service Drive intersections, includes; utility coordination for the disconnection and connection of existing and new electrical service, wood pole and steel strain pole installation, removal of cabling within underdeck electrical conduit along the M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue)-I-94 overpass bridge, upgrade existing non-compliant ADA sidewalk and curb ramps

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting to answer any questions relative to the work or contract documents will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Flounory was born November 10, 1929 in Detroit to Add Adams and Luberta Turner Adams, the third of the couple’s five children and their only daughter. She attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Pershing High School.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She spent her career as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor in Westwood Community Schools, spending 18 years as a counselor at Robichaud High School.

She married Willie Flounory in 1948 and raised their four children in Inkster. She was an active member of St. Clements Episcopal Church in Inkster, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was a member of the vestry. In 1990, she returned to the church of her childhood, Vernon Chapel AME Church, and was an active member there. Later in life, she married Virgil Ross, who preceded her in death.

She held leadership roles in organizations such as Daughters of Isis (Illustrious Commandress of Marracci Court), Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Matron), and The Golden Circle. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for 65 years, serving as the sorority’s first-ever Michigan State Coordinator and as a charter member and past president of the Inkster Alumnae Chapter.

Contractors are encouraged to be on time. As those arriving after the administrative portion of the meeting will not be allowed to sign in and deemed ineligible to bid. For additional information on the Pre-Bid Meeting, contact Tracine Pickett at 313224-3948. Questions concerning the specifications or drawings must be submitted through the ORACLE e-Procurement system on or before the question deadline date/time of February 03, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Bids are solicited only from qualified contractors regularly engaged in the required construction work and having adequate work experience to successfully complete work of the described size and scope. The successful low bidder must attain necessary clearances and provide bonds and insurance within 10 days of the bid date. No proposal once submitted may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual opening of the bids. The City of Detroit reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid, or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed in its best interest. Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check, bank draft, irrevocable bank letter of credit, or a satisfactory surety bond in an amount not less than 5% of the total bid price as a guarantee and security for the acceptance of the contract. Checks shall be made payable to the treasurer, City of Detroit. Bonds shall be issued by a guaranty or surety company licensed to do business in the State of Michigan.

In determining the low bidder, Detroit-based firms will be given an equalization percentage credit over non-Detroit firms in accordance with Ordinance 19-86.

Please Note: Respondents must be registered in ORACLE to receive invitations for the RFP. Respondents shall provide notice to take exception to any requirements of the Request for Qualifications. Such exceptions may reflect negatively on the evaluation of the Submittal. The City of Detroit does not guarantee a response to questions not submitted before the question deadline.

Per Executive Order No. 2016-1 worker hours on any construction project funded in whole or in part by city, state, or federal funds shall be performed by not less than 50% bona fide Detroit residents. For purposes of Executive Order No. 2016-1, worker hours shall include work performed by persons filling apprenticeship and on-the-job training positions.

The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. This contract is financed by State of Michigan funds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her four brothers: Add, Harold, Robert, and Theodore and her two daughters, Margarita and Kathy. Left to mourn her are her sons, Cedric and Jeffrey (Tanda); her highly-cherished grandchildren: Cedric Jr., Cheri, Chantelle (Stephen), Alexandria, Cherrell, Stephanie, Costello and Merlin; her great-grandchildren: Alicia, Jakobe, Skylar, Stephen Jr, Chase, Dejanae, Devon, and Daisy; her brother-in-love, Stanley Flounory (Ellen); her sisters-in-love: Madaline Booker (Kenneth), Joann Adams, and Gladys Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Splunk, as well

&/or MSSQL database. Develop & maintain service documentation needed to support IAM-supported applications & services. Provide escalation & troubleshooting operational support for IAMsupported applications & services. Assist in the deployment of strategic direction of IAM applications & services. Provide Oncall support. Educate, train, & present IAM applications & services to all levels of the Michigan Medicine community to improve service delivery. Michigan Medicine conducts background screening & pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. Qualified candidates should e-mail resume & verification of reqs. to: Sarah Partin, Administrative Specialist Associate Healthcare, sapartin@med.umich.edu.

James Williams and Mavis Loving are the proud parents of a baby girl, Danisha Lynn Williams born February 17, 1973 at 6:30 PM in Detroit, Michigan Wayne County.

Detroit