Dearborn Memorial Day parade-watchers.

Dearborn’s Memorial Day Parade, Michigan’s oldest continuous tribute to America’s fallen,  marks its 86th year today with a special ceremonial funeral procession beginning at 9:30 a.m.

This first-of-its-kind funeral procession ceremony in Michigan, to honor forgotten servicemen, is the result of work by the Dearborn Allied War Veterans’ Council (DAWVC). You can view a city of Dearborn video that helps tell the story by clicking HERE.

Forgotten for generations, the unclaimed cremated remains of U.S. military veterans sit on shelves of funeral homes and state hospitals across the United States.

Mostly men, some were indigent or homeless; some outlived their families and friends. They ended up missing in America.

In Dearborn, 26 veteran cremains were found at local funeral homes. They will be buried with dignity by the DAWVC.

At 9:30 a.m. today, the DAWVC will pay final respects to the veterans who served in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

They expect to set a new standard for transferring the cremains, including a WWI veteran who had been languishing at funeral home since 1938.

The public is invited to line Michigan Avenue and watch a horse-drawn caisson carry a flag-draped coffin with the remains of the servicemen make its way along Michigan Avenue from the Dearborn Police Department near Greenfield, east to Dearborn City Hall at Schaefer.

An honor guard and military chaplains will accompany the caisson for the 1.25-mile funeral procession made possible by a recent change in state law.  State Rep. Gino Polidori (D-Dearborn) sponsored the bill that gives funeral homes the right to properly bury unclaimed veterans. A companion bill absolves funeral homes of any liability.

The new law allows funeral directors to compile and release the names of unclaimed cremated remains to a federally chartered veterans service group to confirm whether the deceased is eligible for proper burial at a veterans cemetery. Funeral directors will send a written notice to the veterans’ last known contact, notifying them of the plans to make a proper burial at a veterans cemetery. If the remains continue to go unclaimed, funeral directors are now permitted to make arrangements.

Dearborn’s Memorial Day parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. today, paying tribute to those who have given their lives while serving in America’s armed forces, and recognizes the sacrifices made by all military personnel and their families.

This year, the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council has chosen five outstanding men with connections to Dearborn, and representing all branches of the military, to be the grand marshals. They illustrate the DAWVC’s chosen theme of “Hometown Heroes.”

They are Col. Joseph M. Martin, commander of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team; Major Robert Seeley, 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard and a U.S. Air Force veteran; Marvin Steigerwald, Marine Corps veteran; Ron Blas, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Navy reservist; and Matt Post, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Reacting to community leader complaints that the city needs to toughen its exterior property maintenance codes, the city of Dearborn on Tuesday will have four additional ordinance officers patrolling the city, the Dearborn Press & Guide reports.

The changes were prompted in part by community leaders who said the city’s decision to be more “compassionate” with residents in relation to property maintenance codes, primarily overgrown grass, wasn’t working. For earlier story, click HERE.

The officers have been hired on a temporary basis and will help patrol the city for about seven weeks, stepping up enforcement of Dearborn’s overgrown grass ordinance, documenting problems and issuing citations, according to the paper.

“We believe this is consistent with our policy of keeping a lean staff and adding more during crunch times,” Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., tells the Press & Guide.

The temp officers, selected from a pool of applicants who applied for summer grounds keeping jobs with the city, will help provide stricter enforcement of the city’s grass ordinance. O’Reilly says homes that have been cited before for overgrown grass will now have one day to cut it.

O’Reilly tells the Press & Guide that the change isn’t intended to punish homeowners but, instead, change the way people think.

“This is about changing behavior,” he told the paper. “We don’t want to punish people who don’t deserve it.

Say goodbye to the structure once known as the Dearborn Theater.

The former site of Wendy's Hamburgers (foreground) was razed earlier this year for a yet-to-be-built Sonic burgers. Demolition of the Dearborn Theater (background) is now underway.

The building that was once home to first-run motion picture films on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn is in the process of being demolished to make way for a Hampton Inn hotel, if all goes according to plan.

Progress? Yes, considering the economic climate. And perhaps having two quality hotels within a block of each other (a new Holiday Inn Express, just west of the proposed Hampton, appears to be on the homestretch towards completion) might put some pressure on the Red Roof Inn, on the north side of Michigan, to upgrade its facility.

Growing up here, Dearborn Theater was one of the two key theaters on Michigan Avenue we visited as kids. The other was the Calvin Theater (my personal favorite), which was torn down long ago after a fire ripped through it only to be replaced with Buddy’s Pizzeria.

We have lost track of how many years it has been since downtown west Dearborn has been without a movie house or any other kind of non-eating or drinking entertainment venue (we aren’t counting the mega AMC Star at Fairlane). My father’s unsolicited assessment of our downtown, which he provides to me each time I drive him down Michigan Avenue, probably sums it up best: “It’s a shame.”

Dearborn developer Hakim Fakhoury did present plans several years ago to our City Council and Mayor for a theater to go into the space currently occupied by the decaying white brick building that once housed a Vic Tanny. For a host of reasons, those plans never took root. But as Dearborn talked and talked about it, nearby Royal Oak did it, landing an Emagine Entertainment near the corner of 11 Mile and Main Street, on the north edge of Royal Oak’s popular downtown area. (See earlier story, HERE.)

By the end of this summer, a new Sonic burgers will go in at the corner of Michigan and Telegraph. With the demolition of the Dearborn Theater, the burger joint will get a lot more visibility. Just when construction on a Hampton Inn might take place is anyone’s guess. The developer for the proposed Hampton Inn is Ned Hakim and right now he has his hands full getting his Holiday Inn Express readied for travelers.

From a field of more than 400 nominations, three Dearborn teachers on Wednesday were presented with the 2009-10 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Award and a $1,000 cash prize for their dedication and passion for teaching.

The awards are sponsored by Alberta Muirhead and coordinated by the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce.

The winning teachers for 2010 are:

Ms. Jilrae Greco, Haigh Elementary School

Ms. Diane Solomon, Bryant Middle School

Ms. Jennifer Gorsline, Dearborn Center for Math, Science & Technology (DCMST)

(more…)

The city of Dearborn’s decision to be more “compassionate” with residents in relation to exterior property maintenance codes in these trying economic times isn’t working, according to an article in the Dearborn Times Herald.

Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., appears to acknowledge his policy adjustment isn’t working and hints that changes are coming.

“I realize that it isn’t always easy to stay on top of (maintenance), but it became clear that we need to re-examine things,” O’Reilly told the Times-Herald.

We agree with some of the assertions made by Dearborn community leaders quoted in the Times Herald story. Many readers of DeepsaidWhat.com apparently do, as well. Several readers sent  links to the Times-Herald story that was written by J. Patrick Pepper.

“This is an important issue and needs the widest possible dissemination so that the residents of our city know and understand the direction the administration is taking us and why our city is looking more and more like Detroit and other blighted areas around us,” one reader said in an e-mail to DeepsaidWhat. “If the Times Herald thought enough of this story’s importance to put it on the front page above the fold, I would think you would attach a similar importance to it as well, so that the widest possible discussion is made possible. I know a great many of our city leaders and employees read your blog daily, and they need to see this and the comments it will generate.”

As the Times-Herald article points out, part of the change in how some neighborhoods look is the result of relaxed city enforcement. Another cause that can’t be overlooked is the simple elimination of city workers whose job it was to regularly patrol neighborhoods. Cuts in the city budget have eliminated some of those dedicated resources.

The good news is that residents do have a phone number to call in the city if they spot something in their neighborhood.

The Residential Services phone number for neighborhood complaints is 313-943-2161. Of course, you can always call the director of Residential Services, Nick Siroskey.  A lifelong resident, Mr. Siroskey came to this city position from Ford in July 2009 as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the functions of Dearborn’s Building & Safety Department, developed by O’Reilly, as a way to enhance customer service.

To read the full Times-Herald article, click HERE.

Here is a nice touch for the summer season in downtown West Dearborn. The “Friday Nite in the Park Concert Series”, sponsored by the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority (WDDDA), returns again this year beginning June 18 with the band the  “Sun Messengers.” The classic rock band begins playing at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All concerts will be held in the Muirhead Plaza, located between Buddy’s restaurant and the Bryant Library.  If it rains, the WDDDA says the concerts will move to the Henry Ford Centennial Library Auditorium.

The concert schedule is as follows:

June 18  “Sun Messengers” – Classic Rock   6:30pm – 9:00pm

July  2  “Beat Club” – Beatles Tribute Band   6:30pm – 9:00pm

July  16  “Brian Cleary” – Jazz Quartet           7:00pm – 8:30pm

July  30  “Crush” – Classic Rock and More    6:30pm – 9:00pm

Aug  13  “Carl Cafanga” – Smooth Jazz          6:30pm – 9:00pm

Faced with mounting financial challenges that could put more popular municipal services at risk, the city of Dearborn today announced it is actively seeking buyers for its Florida apartment building for retirees.

Dearborn is seeking buyers for its apartment building in Clearwater, Florida.

A city press release did not list how much money the building might fetch but as most homeowners in Dearborn know, this is a challenging time to be trying to fetch a good return for real estate.  The release only stated that the city had completed its appraisal work on the property.

In 2007, the 50-year-old Florida property was valued at between $8 million and $8.3 million, according to one informal appraisal. Another appraisal in March 2008 put the value of property at about $5.6 million.

In March of this year, the Dearborn Press & Guide reported that the Dearborn Towers property value had dropped to $2.8 million, according to the most recent appraisal. The value could climb to $5.8 million if rents in the building were raised to levels of surrounding buildings, the paper reported then.  (for earlier post, click here)

The apartment building is located near Clearwater Beach, which Dearborn says has consistently been named one of the best beaches in the country.  The property sits on a 2-acre waterfront site on Clearwater Bay, and is near the Gulf of Mexico and downtown Clearwater. It has a private fishing dock, marina and pool.

The opportunity for Dearborn retirees to affordably live in Florida for some or part of the year made Dearborn Towers immensely popular in the 1960s through the 1990s, and added to Dearborn’s reputation of providing one-of-a-kind services for its residents.

As times changed, so did Dearborn residents’ ideas about retirement, and the traditionally long waiting list to rent an apartment in Dearborn Towers disappeared.

And, now, even though the apartment building is essentially self-supporting, the city of Dearborn in its press release says its resources need to be prioritized in a different way.

Residents of Dearborn Towers have leases that can be terminated with 30 days notice. Residents who may need accommodations following a sale are invited back to live in available units in the City’s five senior apartments in Dearborn.

Constructed in 1960, the apartment building has 40, one-bedroom and 48 two-bedroom units, with scenic views, screened terraces, electric kitchens and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Buyers interested in Dearborn Towers should call the City of Dearborn’s Legal Department at 313-943-2035.

Dearborn Public Schools and Singers Of United Lands (S.O.U.L.) will co-host the final performance of the S.O.U.L. 2010 tour on May 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Stout Middle School, 18500 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. The free performance is open to the public and is sure to be an entertaining event for all.

Singers Of United Lands is a touring trio of professional singers, each from a different continent. S.O.U.L.’s mission is to develop international and cultural relationships through vocal music from around the world. S.O.U.L. provides workshops, presentations, performances, and lessons for audiences of all ages during a 5-month tour throughout the United States and Canada. The singers focus on international vocal music, world history, and linguistics from their respective native countries.

The performance will be a culmination of the group’s tour as well as a culminating performance of a weeklong visit to several Dearborn Public Schools. For more information on S.O.U.L. visit their website at: www.singersofunitedlands.org or contact Marcus LaPratt at (517) 388-1316.

Soony Saad, in this Dearborn Press & Guide photograph, holds his 2009-10 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year trophy Thursday at Dearborn High.

The best high school soccer player in the United States is right here in our city of Dearborn. The award to Dearborn High senior Soony Saad as the Gatorade National Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year was made Thursday in the gym of the high school.

The Dearborn Press & Guide reports that Saad, who won the state coaches association Mr. Soccer Award at the end of last season, was selected the best of over 380,000 high school boys who played the game nationwide.

The paper says that Saad joins an elite list of athletes honored by Gatorade over the past 25 years that includes Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and current Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.

“What’s astonishing is the company he’s with,” Dearborn High coach Sean Gordon told the Press & Guide. “He’s recognized by coaches all over the country and he’s on a fast track to great things.”

Saad scored a state-record 76 goals last year and finished his career with 172, which is also a state record.

Saad told the Press & Guide he plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall and join his brother, Hamoody, on the Wolverines soccer team.

 (Source: Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter press release)

The Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter announced its 17th annual Critter Invitational Golf Outing takes place on Monday, June 7th. New this year, golfers will be able to choose which course they prefer to play in support of homeless animals while enjoying a round of golf.

The options include the Jack Nicklaus designed private TPC of Michigan or the four star public course, Dearborn Hills. It is a best ball scramble format on both courses. 

“Offering the Outing on two courses this year gives supporters a chance to choose which one suits their skill level and wallets best,” said Elaine Greene, executive director of the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

The festivities include 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner and cocktails, silent and live auctions and all the usual Outing goodies. All participants begin at Dearborn Hills for registration and TPC golfers are then shuttled to their course. Dinner and auctions take place at Dearborn Hills for all golfers.

Some Detroit sports celebrities are expected to join in the day to lend their “paws” in support of the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton and long-snapper Don Muhlbach, as well as Detroit Tigers great Dan Petry, are among the sports figures scheduled to attend. The event is emceed and chaired by WJBK Fox 2 sports director Dan Miller for the fifth consecutive year.

Golf packages are $300 per golfer at the TPC (11am start) and $150 per golfer at Dearborn Hills (noon start). Non-golfers can share in the fun by purchasing tickets to the Critter dinner for $75 each. Sponsorships are still available as well, ranging from $250 to $5,000 offering sponsorship visibility on both courses. More information is available on-line at www.DearbornAnimals.org

About The Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter

The mission of the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter (FFDAS) is to provide loving care and sanctuary to animals, encourage adoptions and reunions, and promote respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals. Animals are the heart of our work.

Visit the site to donate on-line or call the Dearborn Animal Shelter at 313.943.2697. The Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road in Dearborn; they accept cash and wish list donations in person as well. More online at www.DearbornAnimals.org