Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

Churchill Downs Newsletter

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Heart of the Southside

Contact Officers Community Pledge

I pledge to give a portion of my time, a portion of my energy, and a portion of my resources to the community in which I live. And to set examples, not by token words I say, or by looking the other way. But, by contributing whenever Im able to help enrich the lives of my neighbors. Here, I make all my pledges in unity, reaping in return a great community.Author:Sam Horton

Editor: William Hubbell 882-8373 President: Kathy S. Tobe 517-927-2956 Vice President: David Wade 517-393-2318 Secretary: Michelle Taylor 517-944-6883 Treasurer: Judy Redding 882-8160

Mission Statement

To contribute to the community by supporting and initiating activities beneficial to the community, the City of Lansing and society in general. To work cooperatively in solving problems affecting the health, safety and general welfare of Community residents. To establish effective communication links between the Community association, residents, local government, and other community organizations. Churchill Downs General Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM
Location: Wainwright Leadership, Law & Government Magnet School 4200 Wainwright Av.

http://www.churchilldownslansing.info/

Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

Editors Preface 2012

With the Council race decided, and upcoming Presidential Primary for the top spot on the Republican slate, 2012 promises to be an interesting year. And barring unexpected disasters , Your neighborhood organization CDCA will be here. The Churchill Downs Community Association is a neighborhood organization with boundaries set at Waverly Rd. to the West, Jolly Road to the South, Holmes Road on the North and Wainwright Avenue on the East. If you live within these boundaries we invite you to be a part of this organization. Also if you have the internet check out our webpage http://www.churchilldownslansing.info/

Our meeting time is on the bottom of the front page. Sincerely William Hubbell Editor.
Important Phone Numbers
Mayors Office 483-4141
Council Member Robinson 483-4191

Police non emergency 483-4600 Police Captain Mike Yankowski 483-6801 Police: Sgt. Brian Bakos Code compliance Parks Dept Pot hole repair Graffiti Hotline Wainwright School Southside Ministries Neighborhood Council 483-6844 702-4751 483-4277 483-4161 483-GANG 755-1660 882-0661 393-9883 Beware of field mice The mice living in the small private woods near Tennyson and Wedgewood found a place that was safe from neighborhood cats- they set up housekeeping in the phone juction box atop a phone pole. Unfortunately it was not safe from telephone repairmen. When your editor lost his dialtone on the landline a repairman was dispatched and soon cleared out the mouse nest in the juction.

Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012 Postal Woes With the US postal Service in danger of bankrupcy the price of a stamp will go up one cent on January 22nd to 45 cents. Why only one cent? Because a law says they cannot raise rates more than the rate of inflation without special approval. This short sighted law should be changed. Further in March the Collins Road facility may be closed and its function as a sorting facility moved to Grand Rapids. If this occurs as planned, then a letter from Churchill Downs to City hall might take two additional days to get there.

Lansing Parks Department

Cardboard Classic Sled Contest January 28th

Show your creativity and maybe win a prize. Entry is $5/person and is a fundraiser for youth camp. Further info from Gier Community Center 483-4309 The Community Center is located at 2400 Hall street.

This is really a case of whose ox is gored. The US has 461 such As winter draws to a close and the trees awaken to a facilities but only examined 252 of new growing season the sap in the maple trees will them for closure. Why should Grand Rapids be the center that rise. stays open? Traditionally this bland sap has been made into This is a question we should be delightfully sweet Syrup. Warm up in the Nature Center with hot chocolate. putting to our US Representatives Sample some of the pure maple syrup and maple and our Senators in Washington sugar available for purchase. Browse the artisans DC. booths and gift shop. Please write and send e-mails as Further info from Fenner Nature Center soon as possible. Your comments at 483-4224 matter. or on the web at http://www.lansingmi.gov/parks/fenner/

Maple Syrup Festival March 17-18

Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

JANUARY
Sun Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

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2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

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Churchill Downs meets : Jan 17 Feb 21 March 21

FEBRUARY
5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25

Daylight Savings Time o March 11 at 2AM Presidential Primary February 28th Holidays Martin Luther King Jr Day o January 16 Presidents Day o February 21 Ash Wednesday o February 22

14 21
28

MARCH
1 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31

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Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

Wainwright Magnet School elected the 2011-12 officers during October and the student government is underway with activities to benefit the community. The student government consists of one senator and two representatives from classrooms of students in the third grade and above. The students sponsored a canned food drive and donated over 950 canned good items to the local food bank. The December event, a gently used toy drive, will present toys to the Volunteers of America on Friday to support area children. Giving back is an integral part of the Wainwright Program and our students rise to the occasion. Even though many of our students have little themselves, they are beginning to understand the importance of helping others. Our school mission statement, Developing the leaders of the future, one student at a time and our school motto: Good Leaders are hard to find, therefore I shall follow myself are the guiding principles behind everything we do. Join us in January for more community activities. If you or anyone in the community has a specific need or a way that we can support you, give us a call at 755-1660. We feel that our school is an extension of and vital part of our community.

Churchill Downs Community Association FREE Tax Prep and Filing The Asset Independence Coalition is proud to announce free tax preparation services for the 2012 tax season. If your household income is $49,000 or less, they will do your taxes for you. If you are above that, they will show you how to prepare them yourself and e-file. All of these services are free. To schedule an appointment simply dial 2-1-1. For more information, visit www.assetindependencecoalition.org or contact Amber Paxton at (517) 256-1466 or aic.midmichigan@gmail.com

January, February, March, 2012 Hole Reported through SeeclickFix.com The pavement on Glenbbrook Drive has a small rift about four feet long. Your editor took the oportunity to use the website http://www.seeclickfix.com to report this to the city. It was fixed the same day. While normally all that is required is a phone call to Public Service at 483-4161 this other resource is available to any citizen who wishes to register at that website.

The Mission of Do 1 thing is to move individuals,families businesses and communities to prepare for all hazards and become disaster resistant. Their website at http://www.do1thing.com lists practical advice for the many facets of modern life. Being prepared for disasters and emergencies can seem like a big job. Many people don't know where to start, so they never start at all. With Do 1 Thing you can take small steps that make a big difference in an emergency. Do 1 Thing is a 12-month program that makes it easy for you to prepare yourself, your family, and your community for emergencies or disasters. Will 2012 be your year to do 1 thing?

Winter Survival tips

Every year Lansing has a few really cold spells, and a few really deep snowfalls. Sometimes we have to deal with power outages or cars that get stuck. Here are a few things to remember. In your home have a battery powered radio, flashlights and candles. Also, be aware that cellphone chargers may not work without power. Corded wallphones will still work in an emergency. In your vehicle the trunk should have a portable shovel, and either kitty-litter or salt to throw under tires if you get stuck. Extra blankets or sweaters may be useful if the car heater quits working. If you are within a few blocks of home you might think of leaving the vehicle. Otherwise, you will be safer just calling for assistance on a cell phone, and staying in the car, and until help arrives if you cannot solve the problem yourself.

Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

Daylight Savings Time March 11, 2012

.....Spring forward-Welcome to Daylight savings time 2012 Daylight savings time became four weeks longer in 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy act of 2005. It now runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. This change was made hoping it would save energy. In Michigan however this never works .

Snow Angels (from SLCDA) Calling all good neighbors! With a newly-enforced snow ordinance helping to keep our sidewalks safe, its important to remember that some neighbors have a hard time getting outside to shovel snow. Thats where the Snow Angels come in. Snow Angels are volunteers willing to help those who are physically unable to shovel. Volunteer as much or as little as you are able. This is a great opportunity for older scout troops, service clubs, honor societies, youth groups, and high school students looking to earn service hours for college applications. It's also a great family opportunity to teach the value of helping neighbors in need. Will you help? If you have questions or know of anyone needing assistance in clearing snow, please contact Joe Manzella at joe@manzella.us

Please
Everyone try to clear snow and ice from walks. Remember sidewalks are for pedestrians. Parking vehicles across city sidewalks is illegal and makes it harder for those who need to walk to safely get where they are going. Also Our city snowplows have a tough job this season. It makes it even harder plowing around parked cars. Whenever possible, do not park on snowy streets.

Churchill Downs Community Association

January, February, March, 2012

_________________________________________________________________________________ This newsletter is a free quarterly publication of Churchill Downs Community Association 4200 Wainwright Avenue, Lansing, MI 48911 Kathy Tobe, President William Hubbell Editor
our website

http://www.churchilldownslansing.info/