The Dearborn Board of Education is seeking community input in regards to placing a $76 million bond proposal on either the August 6, 2013 Primary Ballot or the November 5, 2013 General Election Ballot.

Anyone interested in sharing their opinion can take part in a quick and easy survey by visiting the district website, www.dearbornschools.org, and clicking on the link located on the home page. No personal information will be collected by the survey.

“Although this is a non-scientific poll it will provide the Board with one more way of gathering input from the community about the two election dates,” said Dearborn schools spokesman David Mustonen.

At the March 11, 2013 Board of Education meeting the administration presented a proposal for a $76 million bond that would provide funding for Security, Modifications, Additions, Remodeling, Technology, and Transportation. The bond is being called the S.M.A.R.T. Bond, an acronym for the projects included in the proposal.

The district has 19,100 students with more than 6,200 of them added during the last 26 consecutive years of enrollment gains. A need to provide additional security, increased student numbers, an aging inventory of buildings (35 total with 23 ranging from 50 to 90 years old), state required on-line testing, an aging fleet of buses, and an 8.1 percent decline in funding from the state over the last five years have all contributed to the need for the district to seek a voter approved bond.

Community members can find out more information, leave comments, ask questions, and engage in a constructive dialogue at a special website dedicated to providing information only on the 2013 S.M.A.R.T. Bond, by clicking HERE. 

A voter approved bond project would not increase the current 5.81 mill rate taxpayers are currently paying due to the retirement of existing bond debt.

Investing in the City’s roads, water mains and sewers is an important undertaking to preserve Dearborn’s infrastructure, but can cause temporary inconvenience.

For timely updates and more information about construction projects, visit the Construction Updates page at www.cityofdearborn.org or www.dearbornconstruction.wordpress.com

The following are ongoing or scheduled projects in 2013:

• Dearborn Hills neighborhood, east of Telegraph, south of Cherry Hill. Sewer separation, CSO 4, Phase 1. Now through December 2013.

• Highland neighborhood, east of Telegraph, north of Cherry Hill. Sewer separation, CSO 4, Phase 2. Continuing through 2014.

• Diversey, Kentucky, Hubbard, Indiana, Morross, Queen, Vassar and Wisconsin streets. Asphalt street resurfacing and water main replacement. Now – July 2013.

• Bailey Street. Sanitary sewer replacement. Now – July 2013.

• Schlaff between Michigan Avenue and Chase. Asphalt street resurfacing and water main replacement. Now – June 2013.

• Chase between Michigan Avenue and Ford Road. Asphalt street resurfacing. Now – June 2013.

• Wyoming Avenue pavement reconstruction and water main replacement at Conrail railroad crossing. April – June 2013.

• Cherry Hill from Gulley to Telegraph. Asphalt street resurfacing and water main replacement. June – September 2013.

Report safety issues in construction areas

Residents are encouraged to report any safety issues in construction areas to the Engineering Division at 943-2145 during business hours. After hours, please call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 943-2241.

If any situation appears to be putting drivers or homeowners in imminent danger, please call 911.

Other information

Please drive carefully through construction areas or seek alternate routes as crews work to improve roads in Dearborn.

Additional construction projects may be undertaken by Wayne County or the State of Michigan and affect Dearborn traffic or neighborhoods.

The Dearborn Historical Museum will host a lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at the McFadden-Ross House, 915 Brady. The lecture is titled Michigan at War.

Dr. James McConnell, a local expert on the War of 1812, will speak on the “Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815.”

The lecture is sponsored by the Dearborn Historical Museum Guild and the Dearborn Historical Society.

The event is free, but donations to the Guild will be accepted.

A March 31 deadline is approaching for Dearborn residents to register for a program that could reduce energy bills and potentially save them hundreds of dollars.

The potential cost-savings process begins when residents register for a $100 home energy audit through BetterBuildings for Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

Participants in the BetterBuildings for Michigan program save an average of $230 per year on energy bills and can also access up to $5,000 in incentives if they choose to make energy saving home improvements, from adding insulation to replacing a furnace. Dearborn residents can register at www.MiHomeEnergy.org or by calling 313-566-4801 by March 31.

The $100 energy audit identifies ways to save energy and money at home. It also includes installation of CFL lightbulbs, a low-flow shower head and a programmable thermostat.

The Energy Office is a coalition of nonprofits and communities that work to help local governments reduce their energy use and save money for their citizens through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Giving residents access to energy funding through BetterBuildings for Michigan was a key reason for the City of Dearborn’s interest in the Energy Office.

“This is a good opportunity for people to reduce their bills and invest in their homes,” said Mayor O’Reilly.

“We are also interested in seeing what opportunities are available for our city buildings,” he added, referring to grant seeking services for municipal energy projects that the Regional Energy Office also provides.

Avoid tickets when Public Service Days start again the week of April 1, 2013. Keep your parked vehicle off the street on your trash day, which is also your Public Service Day. Parked cars must be off the street 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public Service Days in Dearborn will start again the week of April 1, 2013 and last through Nov. 30, 2013.

During Public Service Days, Dearborn provides critical services, such as street sweeping, tree-trimming, and sewer maintenance in your neighborhood on your trash day.

To ensure these services are provided in a safe, effective manner, do not park on the street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on your trash day.

Vehicles parked on the street 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be ticketed.

Residents are reminded that you cannot park your vehicle across the sidewalk or on your easement or lawn.

You must also keep your trash and recycle carts and yard waste containers off the street on your Public Service Days/trash days.

For parking issues related to Public Service Days, call 943-2276.

Dearborn does offer parking exemption applications. They are available HERE  

Exemption applications also can also be picked up at the front desk of the Police Station, 16099 Michigan Ave.

It is now easier than ever to nominate your favorite Dearborn Public Schools teacher to be selected as the 2012-13 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year.

The new on-line entry form can be found by clicking HERE. Forms can also be downloaded at the same website or can be picked up at any Dearborn public school and the district’s Administration Office, 18700 Audette.

“We want to make the nomination process as simple as possible because we want to encourage all students to nominate their favorite teachers,” said Chamber Education Committee Chair Stefanie Stover.

The deadline for submitting nominations, either on-line or hard-copy, is Friday, April 12, 2013. Hard-copy nomination forms can be mailed to the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124, or fax to (313) 584-9818. Adults may assist students when necessary but no more than two teachers can be nominated per student.

Students can nominate new or veteran teachers whom they feel have made outstanding contributions to the teaching profession. Preschool through fifth-grade students are asked to describe how their teacher has created a classroom where learning is positive and fun. Middle school students (grades 6-8) will need to explain how their teacher connects classroom learning with everyday life. Students in high school must describe how their teacher is preparing them to be successful beyond high school. Applications will be assessed on quality of the nomination, not on the number received. Award judges are members of the Dearborn Chamber Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names.

One winner from elementary, middle and high school will be announced at a special ceremony, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

Teachers selected to receive the Teacher of Year Award are being recognized as positive role models who consistently provide unique, productive, positive classroom experiences. Teachers selected receive a $1,000 cash prize, a plaque commemorating their achievement, and will be part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.

“The teachers in our classrooms are true professionals, dedicated to their craft and to the academic success of their students. This award is a great way for our student to honor and thank their teachers,” commented Dearborn Public Schools Supt. Brian Whiston.

The Dearborn Area Theatre Association has formed a new and exciting collaborative partnership with the City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Community Fund for the 2013-14 theater season.

This alliance, called RANDOM ACTS OF THEATRE, will allow DATA to produce a full evening of entertainment in Studio A at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, at 8 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 7, 2013.

The collaborative evening of performance provides an opportunity for the many talented people in the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights area to work together to showcase the accomplished and skilled artisans in the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights community.

Designed as a way to engage as many talented directors, actors and production staff as possible, RANDOM ACTS OF THEATRE will feature a variety of one-act plays and Reader’s Theatre in a two-hour time frame.

First up is a call for interested directors.

DATA is asking that any adult from the Dearborn / Dearborn Heights area who would like direct a 10- to 15-minute performance for the show, to log on to the DATA website at dearbornareatheatre.org, review production rules, download an application and submit it to the production committee by April 15, 2013. Directors must have a script in mind when submitting an application. Director interviews will take place in May.

DATA also is seeking candidates to fill technical theater positions. Candidates should submit their letter of interest, along with a brief resume copy, to pritchardkj@gmail.com by May 1, 2013. Production staff should have availability in late July and August.

Actors, ages 18 and up, are encouraged to attend open auditions in June. The audition date will be announced and posted in May, along with role descriptions and parts available, on the DATA website. All actors will be asked to fill in an audition form, which will include a brief resume. Actors and production staff must be available during the summer to rehearse and prepare for the performance.

For more information about RANDOM ACTS OF THEATRE, visit dearbornareatheatre.org or call the Dearborn Community Fund at 313-943-5478.

Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr.’s annual State of the City Address is now available for the public to watch, starting today, Friday, March 1.

Delivered on February 27 at the City Council Chambers of City Hall, Dearborn’s 2013 State of the City Address will be available for viewing any time starting March 1 at the City of Dearborn’s website: www.cityofdearborn.org.

The Address will be also broadcast on CDTV, the City of Dearborn’s government access cable channel. CDTV is Channel 12 on Comcast and Channel 10 on WOW! Customers with AT&T services can click on the drop down menu on channel 99 and choose the Dearborn channel.

The first broadcast on CDTV will be Friday, March 1 at 11 a.m., and then continue on the following schedule:

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8 a.m., Noon and 4 p.m.

• Saturdays: 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Sundays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Address focuses on the city’s recent accomplishments, economic challenges and initiatives to keep Dearborn moving forward.

The 5th annual Dearborn Area Board of Realtors (DABOR) free Home and Garden Expo takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

The City of Dearborn is again a sponsor of the event, which promises new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling and home improvement.

The Expo will feature the latest trends in home and garden services, including innovative products and companies that can beautifully transform your home and make it more energy efficient, safe and comfortable.

“Everyone wants quality service at a fair price. That’s what DABOR features each year at this event,” said Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. “We’re proud of our community and our homes in Dearborn. This Expo gives us additional inspiration.”

Tips and trends from experts will be provided for those looking to purchase a home and for existing owners who want to repair, decorate or create an outdoor living space.

One of the highlights of this year’s Expo is a live morning radio broadcast of “The Appliance Doctor.”

For 25 years, the program has aired across the country and been featured on television programs such as Prime Time and Good Morning America.

Joe Gagnon, the popular host, has helped millions save money on appliance repairs and maintenance. Following his WAAM Radio AM 1600 program at 11 a.m. he will take questions from his Expo audience.

At 1 p.m., a “Housing 101” panel of experts in the fields of appraisal, mortgages, home inspection, short sales, home improvements, titles and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority will offer advice and answers.

Children can enjoy a hands-on learning experience provided by the University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center.

Visitors have a chance at winning $500 towards work by one of the Expo contractors. There will be a drawing of names from those who attend and get their “passport” stamped at displays on the show floor.

These home and garden exhibitors include professionals in construction and remodeling, heating and air conditioning, kitchen and bath, garden and outdoor living, home décor and entertainment.

There will also be opportunities to learn about and donate money to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, DABOR’s Community Focus Foundation and the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

Parking is free.

For more information about the DABOR Home and Garden Expo, call 313-278-2220 or visit: www.dabor.com

The building that once housed Cheli’s Chili Bar in Dearborn has a new owner.

Najib Rizk, a Dearborn resident who owns the nearby Le Cigar cocktail and cigar bar on Michigan Avenue, tells Deepsaidwhat.com that a deal was inked on Wednesday.

Cheli’s officially closed its doors Wednesday night, hosting a “closing party” for all of its regulars and friends.

Rizk says he plans to reopen the building as a restaurant and bar under a new name, promising to bring something special to Dearbornites.

“I am investing in Dearborn because I love this city,” Rizk says. “My plan is to make that corner of downtown west Dearborn a destination for Dearborn and metro Detroit.”

We wish him the best.