Boxing class at the library and more

There are several challenges to running a hyperlocal blog like this one. For example, Google’s search rankings tend to rank sites lower if most of their articles are less than 500 words. That might not be a problem for those blogging about some topics. When one is blogging about one particular neighborhood, though, there are a lot of stories that I simply cannot stretch out that long without becoming redundant or boring.

Therefore, I’ve decided to start merging some of these stories into longer posts; creating one long post that the internet search engines like rather than three or four shorter articles that they rank lower automatically.

Boxing | Stock photo by Harut Movsisyan/Pixabay

Boxing classes at the library
The Edison Branch (18400 Joy Rd.) of the Detroit Public Library will host a boxing class this coming Saturday, March 8 from noon to 2 pm. This event is open to all ages. It’s a great way to build self-esteem and physical confidence.

More details about this class are available on the library's website, which is located here.

Pizza | Stock photo by Igor Ovsyannykov/Pixabay

Free slice of pizza

This Sunday, March 9 is National Pizza Day, which is one of those social media holidays that is near and dear to my heart. I look forward to celebrating at Sbarro's inside Fairlane Town Center where you can buy one New York slice and a beverage and get another slice of New York cheese or pepperoni for free.

Details and coupons are located here.

Rouge Park | Photo by Frank Nemecek

Rebirth of the nature trail?

The Friends of Rouge Park are exploring the possibility of reestablishing the original Wild Nature Trail. This trail was constructed in Rouge Park in the 1930s but has been in a general state of disrepair for quite some time.

I will have more on this story as it develops, especially if the nonprofit group decides to push forward with it.

Girl in a garden | Stock photo by Rudy and Peter Skitterians/Pixabay

Community garden launches fundraiser

The In Memory of Community Garden (6551 Minock St.) is attempting to raise $500 to support their ongoing operations. If you are willing and able to so, please consider making a donation over on this website.

The garden will provide children and families a place to learn about nutrition and the benefits that fruits, vegetables and exercise provide. Community gardening is a healthy, inexpensive activity for youth and adults that can bring them closer to nature and allow them to interact with each other in a socially, meaningful and productive way. Produce from the garden will help supply nutritious locally grown produce to low-income families in need and all surplus will be donated to our local food banks and pantry's. The Garden will add beauty to the community and heighten people’s awareness and appreciation for all living things.

Detroit police release new recruiting video
The Detroit Police Department, like most police departments in this nation, has more openings for police officers than it does people applying for those jobs. In order to boost its numbers, they have released a new recruiting video for social media and television.

Quite frankly, I think this video is kind of badass. It’s embedded above. I encourage everyone to watch it and share with anyone who you think would make a good Detroit police officer.

Interested parties can also get started on their career pathway by clicking here.

Please subscribe to the Warrendale Detroit Blog by entering your email address where is says “receive email alerts” in the upper right hand column of this page.

McAuliffe comes to Detroit

Terry McAuliffe - Creative Commons photo by Edward Kimmel

The former governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, will speak at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Ave. in Midtown). This event will happen this Wednesday, July 31 from noon to 2 pm. He will discuss his new book Beyond Charlottesville: Taking A Stand Against White Nationalism.

In his book, Terry McAuliffe tells his behind-the-scenes story of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that resulted in three deaths, at least 33 nonfatal injuries, and 11 arrests by police. He will also share his thoughts on how Americans can prevent other Charlottesvilles from happening.

The former governor uses Beyond Charlottesville to look at the forces and events that led to the tragedy, including the murder of Heather Heyer and the death of two state troopers in a helicopter accident.

He doesn’t whitewash Virginia history and discusses a KKK protest over the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee. Terry McAuliffe takes a hard look at the actions of everyone on that day, including himself, to see what could have been done.

I believe that Beyond Charlottesville will be one of the definitive accounts of an infamous chapter in American history; a book that will be cited for years as a reference point in the fight against racism, extremism, and hatred.


This event is a part of the Detroit Public Library's author series, which connects Detroiters to some of the prominent writers and issues of our time. Terry McAullife's address is free and open to the public although attendees are asked to RSVP online by clicking here.

Winter craft projects at the Edison Branch Library

Snowy River - Photo by Garret Voight

The Edison Branch of the Detroit Public Library (18400 Joy Rd.) will host a winter craft project on Saturday, December 28 from 2 - 3 p.m. Children and tweens will be able to make a craft item that celebrates winter and snow.

Children will also be able to take the winter-themed craft item that they make home with them.

This is event, like most events at the Detroit Public Library, will be free and open to the public. All children and tweens in the Warrendale neighborhood and surrounding areas are invited to participate.

Detroit Library July Lecture Series to Feature Diva Groups

Diva - Photo by Juanita De Paola

The Detroit Public Library’s E. Azalia Hackley Collection will host a 70th Anniversary Lecture Series. The next lecture will highlight the three top female musical groups of all time, also knows as the Diva Groups. Those groups are The Supremes, TLC and Destiny’s Child. This lecture will happen tomorrow Wednesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. in the Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Ave.) in Midtown.

 
The E. Azalia Hackley Collection is part of the Detroit Public Library’s Special Collections Department. It is located on the third floor of the Main Library. For more information, please call (313) 481-1397 or visit http://www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/story/70th-anniversary-lecture-series.

Former Detroit Library Official Charged with Corruption

The former chief administrative and technology officer of the Detroit Public Library was charged with taking more than $1.4 million in bribes and kickbacks from contractors of the library, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced yesterday in a prepared statement. She was joined in this announcement was Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service.

Timothy Cromer, age 46, who held his library position from 2006 to 2013, was charged in a 21-count superseding indictment. James Henley and Ricardo Hearn, both contractors at the library, were also charged yesterday.

According to the indictment, Cromer helped Henley create a business in 2007 called Core Consulting & Professional Services and then instructed him to submit a proposal for information technology services at the Detroit Public Library. Cromer arranged for Core to win the bid and approved various change orders and extensions, causing the Detroit Public Library to pay Core a total of about $1.8 million. Henley is alleged to have kicked back about $500,000 to Cromer until Core’s contract with the Detroit Public Library was terminated in January 2008. Cromer terminated the contract to prevent officials from discovering the kickback scheme. Even after the contract was terminated, Cromer instructed Henley to continue submitting invoices on behalf of Core. Cromer continued to approve the invoices, and Henley kicked back an additional $125,000 to Cromer.

Cromer was also charged with receiving kickbacks from Hearn, another contractor. Cromer allegedly approved no-bid professional services contracts for Hearn’s company, Cubemation LLC, to perform information technology services for the Detroit Public Library from 2008 until 2010. According to the indictment, Cubemation received about $2.8 million in payments from the Detroit Public Library, and Hearn delivered about $800,000 in cash to Cromer during that time period.

If convicted, Cromer, Henley, and Hearn each face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each bribery count. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of proceeds and payments associated with the bribery scheme.

U.S. Attorney McQuade stated, “Our public libraries exist for the cultural and intellectual enrichment of our citizens, not for the personal profit of the officials who work there. The bribery scheme alleged in the indictment represents a betrayal of the honest employees who have dedicated themselves to serving the Detroit Public Library and its patrons. We will do all we can to root out such corruption and deter officials from using public funds for self-enrichment.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III added, “We will aggressively pursue violations of the public trust such as that demonstrated in this case.”

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and the IRS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth A. Stafford and Julie Beck.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. It will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jewelry Making Class at the Edison Branch Library

Stock Photo by Maurice Smith

The Edison Branch of the Detroit Public Library (18400 Joy Rd.) will host a special class on jewelry making this coming Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. This class is free and open to the public.

However, while it is open to everyone, this class is intended for teens. Those attending will learn to design and create a jewelry treasure that they can wear or give as a gift. This class will be taught by Mia Walker.

If someone cannot attend this class, they will offer another one next Saturday, December 15, again at 2 p.m.

Resume Writing and Job Searching

Edison Branch of the Detroit Public Library

The Edison Branch (18400 Joy Rd.) of the Detroit Public Library will host a free class on resume writing and job searching this Friday from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the library. Participants will learn to effectively use Microsoft Word and an email account effectively as well as how to use a flash drive. All of this will enable individuals to write, save, and submit resumes and cover letters.

Also included in this class will be tips on conducting internet job searches and posting resumes at various sites. This class is free and open to the public.

The Resume Writing and Job Searching class at our local library is your Warrendale Tip of the Week.

"We Bought A Zoo" at the Edison Branch Library

The Edison Branch (18400 Joy Rd.) of the Detroit Public Library will host a special screen of We Bought A Zoo this Saturday at 2 p.m. This is a great family film starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, and Thomas Haden Church about a man who seeks to start his life over by, well, buying a zoo.

This screening is free and open to the public. Complimentary popcorn will also be provided.

Candidate Forum this Wednesday

There will be a candidate forum this Wednesday, October 14, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Edison Branch of the Detroit Public Library (18400 Joy Rd.).  It will feature candidates for the Detroit City Council as well as the School Board and the Charter Commission.  Everyone in the Warrendale neighborhood is invited to attend.

This event is sponsored by the Cody/Rouge block clubs.