the michigan banner december 16, 2011 edition

Volume8•Number24 TheMichiganBanner December16,2011 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

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Leading in Diversity “Empowering Communities and Changing Lives”

Merry Christmas

Celebration of Christmas

in Our Nation’s Capitol

Celebration of Christmas

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believe. do.At AT&T we believe in communities. That’s why we do what we do. Like striving to connect people with good jobs, donating our time and talent, supporting the underserved, and promoting innovative educational programs.

Because we believe the power of you creates limitless possibilities for us all.

That’s why we proudly support the Michigan Banner.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com

Page2 TheMichiganBanner December16,2011 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

In This Issue Editorials ..............................................................................................Page 6 Business & Financial ...........................................................................Page 10 Politics ................................................................................................Page 14 Health ................................................................................................Page 16-19

December16,2011 TheMichiganBanner Page3 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

The Michigan Banner1400 W. Genesee, Suite 200Saginaw, Michigan 48602

Phone: (989) 753-3475

E-Mail: [email protected]

Publisher&Editor:Jerome Buckley

SeniorEditor:R. L. Buckley

ProjectManager:Jennifer Scott

Circulation&Distribution:Staff

Marketing&SalesManagerStaff

SalesStaff

ITEd Chapman

Mission:The mission of The Michigan Banner is to operate and serve as a print and on line

media venue committed to educating, informing and enlightening our readers regarding events

and news that directly and indirectly affect the communities globally.

Furthermore, our mission is to serve as a catalyst and a link for cultivating young adults as entrepreneurial and business leaders and to

broaden economic opportunities within the communities worldwide.

Disclaimer:The Michigan Banner and its staff are not

responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, errors, misspellings and false

advertisements inpart or whole that may be placed within its publication. Articles, information or comments printed in the newspaper are not

necessarily the views or beliefs of The Michigan Banner newspaper. The Michigan Banner reserves the right to edit, change, or delete

any information, or refuse to print any information, article or advertisement which is believed to be inconsistent with or conflicts

with the mission of the newspaper.


AT&T on December 9, sponsored the first annual Summit on Latino Education and Civic Engagement, in Lansing convened by the Julian Samora Research Institute and Michigan Alianza Latina para Mejoramiento y Avance ( MI-ALMA). The event presented Latino leaders an opportunity to identify, prioritize and begin work around education and civic engagement challenges that face Michigan’s Latino community.

“We are excited and thrilled to have AT&T Michigan sponsor the Latino Summit on Education and Civic Engagement,” said Rick Garcia, one of the trustees of MI-ALMA. “Because of their on-going commitment to education and new technologies to enhance learning not only in local communities they serve, but throughout the country.”

According to Zamudio of ECIC, a third of Hispanic Children in Michigan live in low-income with 50 percent of children under the age of five are at or below 200% of poverty. Additionally, racial and ethnic disparities in educational achievement in Michigan are among the worst in the country, with African American and Hispanic youth more than twice as likely as white youths to drop out of school.

“AT&T’s sponsorship of this important event provides a great resource to move

Michigan’s Latino community forward,” said state Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit). “Standing together and discussing critical issues like education and civic engagement is a great step as we work to reinvent Michigan.”

The top two issues showcased at the event, are part of nine indicators identified by Statewide Hispanic leaders and professionals from prior summits facilitated by Dr. Ruben Martinez, Director of the JRSI at MSU and coordinated by a core of Latino volunteer leaders who have launched MI-ALMA, a newly statewide non-profit organization.

The goal and outcome of the summit will enable MI-ALMA to coordinate efforts with existing Latino affinity groups throughout the State, regarding the welfare and well being of Latinos in the State of Michigan and help close the gaps between community needs and resources by partnering with community assets and crating alliances for improved institutional research and resources for future opportunities.

AT&T Michigan President Jim Murray concluded: “AT&T shares the communities’ commitment to Latino education and civic engagement. The week’s summit will provide a tremendous local resource to better connect local residents and we are proud to support efforts to expand educational opportunities across the state.”

AT&TSponsorsFirstAnnualSummitonLatinoEducationandCivicEngagement

Merry Christmas from The Michigan Banner family

At Dow, we are committed to the success of the Great Lakes

Bay Region. When we invest in our community, we invest in our

future. Whether we support events and organizations, collaborate

on high-priority needs, or get involved through volunteering,

we are the Human Element – Dow people bonding with our

communities to make good things happen. Dow is proud to be

part of building a brighter tomorrow.

® ™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company.

Committed to Community.

DowAd3ptPer_9x10.7125.indd 1 8/29/11 8:05 PM





expects to reach nearly $1 billion in 2012 and $2 billion in 2015. Some recent examples of key breakthrough solutions that will deliver significantly to the company’s bottom line are Dow Coating Materials’ EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer Technology and the revolutionary DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle.

This recognition from Thomson Reuters demonstrates that Dow invests in innovation, and is significantly more likely to contribute to economic growth, both within its own organization and the nations where it does business. According to Thomson Reuters data, the United States continues to lead innovation within the chemical manufacturing sector with 46 percent of the companies based in the U.S., followed by Europe with 31% and Asia with 23%.

“Innovation is a means of growth and prosperity for companies and nations struggling to overcome sluggish economies and achieve competitive advantage,” said David Brown, president of the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters. “We salute the Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator companies and their leaders for the innovative spirit they foster and their commitment to protecting intellectual assets.”

MIDLAND- In acknowledgement of the company’s worldwide leadership in value-driving innovation, The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) has been named to the first edition of Thomson Reuters’ Top 100 Global InnovatorsSM. This independent recognition is based on a proprietary methodology to identify the most influential organizations globally as demonstrated through patent and intellectual property data. Rohm and Haas, which was acquired by Dow in 2009, was also named a Top 100 Global Innovator. Both companies were honored autonomously because they each filed patents during a portion of the timeframe considered for the ranking’s methodology, from 2008 to 2010.

“Dow’s integrated portfolio of solutions makes the world safer, healthier, cleaner, and more convenient. As a transformed company, powered by the integration of Rohm & Haas, we are uniquely enabled to address the major challenges of an evolving planet while providing increased value for our customers,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow Chairman and CEO. “Combined, the two great companies have made one powerful and solutions-focused Company whose R&D engine fuels our business strategy to provide game-changing innovations worldwide.”

The Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator methodology is based on four principle criteria: patent approval success rate, global reach of patent portfolio, patent influence in literature citations and overall patent volume. The peer-reviewed methodology was executed using different products and tools, including Thomson Reuters Derwent World Patents Index® (DWPI) – which assesses information from 47 different patent authorities around the world. Comparative financial analysis was also used to base the study.

“We have one of the largest R&D programs in the entire U.S. industry. Our goal is not to spend the most – it is to be the most productive. This important recognition from Thomson Reuters adds to our stringent R&D pipeline management system, which helps us to broadly measure the importance and influence of our innovations,” stated Dr. William F. Banholzer, Dow’s Executive Vice President, Ventures, New Business Development and Licensing, and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “Our research and investments are aligned with global megatrends and supported by solid business cases. Because at Dow we know that innovation transforms knowledge into new solutions, creates value and fuels growth.”

Since 2009, Dow has delivered more than $400 million in EBITDA from innovation, and

DowRecognized2011Top100GlobalInnovator

AboutDowand employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing

agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion



Editorials

With the new election 11 months away, President Obama has begun sharpening his populist message and drawing a sharp contrast between his vision for America and the Republican alternative. Obama’s

speech recently in Osawatomie, Kan. provided an example of how he plans to attack his Republican opposition.

“There is a certain crowd in Washington who, for the last few decades, have said, let’s respond to this economic challenge with the same old tune. ‘The market will take care of everything,’ they tell us. If we just cut more regulations and cut more taxes – especially for the wealthy – our economy will grow stronger. Sure, they say, there will be winners and losers. But if the winners do really well, then jobs and prosperity will eventually trickle down to everybody else. And, they argue, even if prosperity doesn’t trickle down, well, that’s the price of liberty…That theory fits well on a bumper sticker. But here’s the problem: It doesn’t work.”

President Obama realizes that it will not be sufficient to simply portray his Republican challenger as hawking a discredited economic theory while he highlights economic inequality. In an interview that aired on the television program “60 Minutes,” Steve Kroft asked: “Why do you think you deserve to be re-elected? What have you accomplished?”

Without hesitating, Obama replied, “Not only saving the country from a Great Depression. Not only saving the auto industry. But putting in place a system in which we’re going to start lowering health care costs and you’re never going to go bankrupt because

TheObamaBlueprintforRe-Electionyou get sick or somebody in your family gets sick. Making sure that we have reformed the financial system, so we never again have taxpayer-funded bailouts and the system is more stable and secure. Ending Don’t Ask, Don’t tell. Decimating al Qaeda, including Bin Laden being taken off the field. But when it comes to the economy, we’ve got a lot more work to do. And we’re going to keep at it.”

It would be a serious mistake to think that Obama can match his 2008 numbers in the upcoming election. Don’t forget that his 53 percent of the popular vote was the largest share a presidential candidate had attained in 20 years.

In his “60 Minutes” interview, President Obama acknowledged the economy could be a stumbling block to his re-election. “We’ve gone through an incredibly difficult time in this country,” he said. “And I would be surprised if the American people felt satisfied right now. They shouldn’t be satisfied. We’ve got a lot more work to do in order to get this country and the economy moving in ways that benefit everybody, as opposed to just a few.”

The electoral contest between Obama and the eventual Republican nominee begins almost even, with the president holding 186 votes in his core states and the GOP controlling 191. As always, the outcome will be largely determined by what happens in the 12 battleground states.

Changing demographics could work to Obama’s advantage. “The six Midwest/Rust Belt states (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) are all marked by slow growth and by a relatively small and slow-growing percentage of voters from communities of color,” according to the Center for American Progress report on electoral votes titled, “The Path to 270: Demographics versus Economics in the 2012 Presidential Election.”

It continued, “These states are projected to average around 15 percent minority

voters in 2012, ranging from a low of 10 percent in Iowa to a high of 21 percent in Pennsylvania. But this relatively small base of minority voters is supplemented for Democrats by fairly strong support among these states’ growing white college-graduate populations, who gave Obama an average 5-point advantage in 2008.”

The three Southwest swing states – Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico – have experienced a significant increase in voters of color, primarily Latinos. Their projected non-White electorate is expected to average 36 percent, ranging from 21 percent of the electorate in Colorado to 52 percent in New Mexico.

In the three New South swing states – Virginia, North Carolina and Florida – there is both good news and bad news for the president. The good news is that voters of color are expected to comprise 31 percent of the electorate. The bad news is that unlike the Southwest, White college graduates in the South favor Republicans over Democrats.

As Obama strategists carefully craft his re-election, it is obvious that the plan includes resisting efforts to depict him as a weak president. When asked in a news conference about Republican charges that his foreign policy is one of appeasement, President Obama replied: “Ask Osama bin Laden and the 22 out of 30 top al Qaeda leaders who were taken off the field whether I engage in appeasement. Or, whoever’s left out there. Ask them about that.”

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.



are asserting “no new taxes” for research and development of alternative energy. And many of us are still driving all sorts of miles, and flying as we please, in violation of what Hallet describes as a “public commons” in which we all should share our limited resources.

Hallett quotes a person of whom I’ve never heard, Sheikh Rashing al-Maktoum, emir of Dubai: “My grandfather rode a camel. I drive a Mercedes. My son flies a jet plane. His son will ride a camel.”

The author describes how previous societies depleted resources. Here’s something that had never occurred to me: The reason there are deserts in the Middle East is because the Romans cut down all the forests. We are taught that the Roman Empire collapsed because of some sort of moral decay, but the Romans also ran out of wood, just as we are going to run out of oil.

Here’s another thought: Without oil, how can we transport windmills and solar panels to their locations? There are hundreds of parallels. Perhaps one good one is that Wal-Mart won’t be able to survive without oil.

Criminal Justice: “The Anatomy of an Execution,” by David R. Dow

The author has represented more than 100 death row inmates, and this is the story of one of them, Willie Pondexter. The issue isn’t whether Pondexter is innocent, although like many people on death row, Pondexter claims he is. The issue is whether, innocent or guilty, capital punishment should be an established practice in the United States. We all know, or we SHOULD know, about all the racial disparities and prejudices. But there is more to the story than that.

David Dow writes in a wonderful way that I find difficult to describe, in streams of thought, but without meandering all over the place.

Is there a nerd on your Christmas shopping list who seems really difficult in terms of choosing a holiday gift? Well, you could always buy him or her, Erkel or Erkelette, a package of white crew socks. But a nerd will also appreciate a really good book. Here are some suggestions that are also available for borrowing from your local public library.

Health Care: “The Healing of America,” by T.R. Reid

We keep hearing all of these conservative rants against so-called “Obamacare.” An advantage of this easy-to-read book is that it was researched and penned before Barack Obama became president. And so T.R. Reid provides no particular bias, other than to factually assert that the United States, in relation to the general population and poor people, has the modern world’s worst health care system. The “world’s best” care that anti-Obama critics often reference is available only to the most wealthy people, both in the United States and to those who visit from other nations. Reid also skillfully rebuts those who would describe any form of national public health care as “socialized medicine.” (That’s the same thing they said back in the ‘60s about Medicare and Medicaid.)

Reid picked a great premise for his international research. Suffering a persistent bum shoulder from a youthful military accident, he traveled to places ranging from England and France to Taiwan and India to seek treatment. This helped to give him a bird’s eye view of health care, spanning the globe.

Reid finds no ideal answer internationally. He simply suggests that the United States, as the only First World nation that fails to offer some sort of universal coverage, should get off the schneid, end all of the foolish bias, and patch together the best ideas from other countries. Everyday citizens often complain

ChristmasGiftsforNerds:GoodBooksBy Mike ThompsonFor The Michigan Banner

that elected leaders are always bickering, rather than addressing problems. If there ever can be common ground found on health care, it’s in this book.

Finally, in reading The Healing of America, take note of how much of a higher percentage of GNP, Gross National Product, is spent on U.S. health care than elsewhere. To me, the fervent anti-tax and anti-government Tea Party citizens should be the first folks to seek some sort of national care, rather than being so virulently opposed. They are acting against their self-interests, in some cases because they so blindly despise President Obama.

For more complex and difficult information regarding health care, consider “Deadly Monopolies” by Harriet A. Washington. She’s an African American medical researcher and journalist. Her book explains how drug companies shamefully produce and market overpriced, ineffective and sometimes dangerous prescription medicines. Mine eyes were opened and so will yours be, and your gift recipient’s. Harriet Washington also wrote “Medical Apartheid,” which explores racism, both intended and systematic, in the health care industry.)

Environment: “Life Without Oil,” by Steve Hallett

As a teenager during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, I had yet to hear the term “environmentalist.” But in my otherwise ignorant adolescence I always wondered, don’t people realize that we one day will run out of oil? How can people act as though oil is an infinite source?

Here we are. We’re going to run out of oil, and live without oil, sometime between 2050 and 2100. Well, my fellow and sister older scolders, it won’t be “we,” but rather our kids and grandkids and great-grandkids.

So what are we doing about it? We are belittling people like Hallett, and Al Gore and Barack Obama as Chicken Littles. We

TheMichiganBanner December16,2011 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


SaginawCountyAnti-BullyingCampaignAnnouncedby 70thDistrictCourtJudge

The continuing echo of gunfire in our schools and the proliferation of teen suicides have focused new attention on the age-old problem of bullying. Recently, Gov. Snyder signed a long awaited anti-bullying bill into

law. The law requires that school districts adopt anti-bullying policies and implement prevention measures by June 6, 2012. The search for evidence-based prevention programs has intensified.

Saginaw County District Court Judge M.T. Thompson, Jr. has recently unveiled an anti-bullying program and announced plans for a countywide anti-bullying campaign. The campaign will take place during January and February, 2012. Judge Thompson, Professor

Monica R. Nuckolls, Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Dr. Gwendolyn Thompson-McMillon, Oakland University have developed a special anti-bullying curriculum which will be distributed to over 3000 students in a weekly reader format. There will be a total of eight editions of the publication which is called the “Weekly Bully Beat Down.”

Their anti-bullying materials were most recently field-tested in Project Future 2010 which took place in both Saginaw and Pontiac, Michigan. Both Delta College and Oakland University conducted comprehensive studies of the students who participated in Project Future 2010. Both studies concluded that the students who participated in Project Future were less likely to participate in bullying, gang-related activities, and violent crimes or take illegal drugs or alcohol.

The anti-bullying campaign will also include a series of intense Saturday morning training sessions for over 200 children between the ages

of 8-18-years-old. The Saturday program is called Project Future 2012 and will take place at Ruben Daniels Middle School. It is free to all participants and the classes will be taught by local adult volunteers. Applications for Project Future 2012 are available from Ms. Karen Cork, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1114 N. 6th Street, Saginaw, Michigan, (989) 752-8064 or Judge Thompson.

Judge Thompson conducted similar programs in 2008 and 2010. Judge Thompson and Prof. Nuckolls received both the Saginaw Branch NAACP’s 2010 Community Service Award and the State Bar of Michigan’s prestigious Champion of Justice Award for Project Future 2010. The State Bar award is given to those “who have achieved an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state or the local community in which they live.”

GiftOfAGoodRetirementBy Cynthia W. Edwards Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

When the holidays come, the money goes — usually for presents and parties, greeting cards and traveling to see family. Before you spend that last holiday dollar, make sure you set something aside for

retirement as a gift to yourself.If you haven’t started already, now is the

time to begin saving for your retirement — no matter what your age. If retirement is near, you’ll want to hop on a fast sled right away. If you’re younger and retirement seems a lifetime away, it’s still in your best interest

to begin saving now — compound interest will help your retirement fund to snowball.

Don’t take our word for it. You can check out the numbers yourself. A great way to start figuring out how much you will need for retirement is to learn how much you could expect from Social Security. You can do that in minutes with Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator.

The Retirement Estimator offers an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits based on your earnings record and a few variables you enter. Try it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

We encourage saving for retirement, but there are reasons to save for every stage of life.

A great place to go for help is www.mymoney.gov. MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial planning. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401(k) plan, the resources at www.MyMoney.gov can help you.

Be sure to give yourself a holiday gift you deserve. Not only should you set aside some money for your retirement fund, but you should also spend some time looking at these websites and picturing your future retirement. Spend a little bit of holiday time at www.socialsecurity.gov.



Business DirectoryAttorneysJohn D. L. HumphreysHumphreys, Campbell, Dust & Humphreys, P.C.Building A , Suite One, 5090 State StreetSaginaw, MI 48603(989) 792-2522 Fax (989) 792-3881E-Mail – [email protected]. James Richardson 1356 Woodside Street Saginaw, MI 988-753-0233 www.wjamesrichardson.comAuto2 Fresh DetailKenny Jackson 300 N. Niagara StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-239-7012McDonald Pontiac-GMC, Inc. 5155 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 Leon V. Washington Sales & Leasing Professional989-790-5155 [email protected] Valley Ford Lincoln Mercury 4201 Bay RoadSaginaw, MI 989-792-2453BakeriesLighthouse Bakery 285 S. Outer Drive Saginaw, MI 989-754-7088 Fax – 989-754-7099Banquet FacilitiesRowan - West Facility1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan989-753-3475BeautyIllusions Beauty SalonValerie King Owner/Operator1400 W. Genesee StreetSaginaw, Michigan989-755-2666/989-755-3883LocAccentsTonita LawsonSisterlocks Consultant6327 Laurentian Ct.Flint, MI 48532810-240-9665www.LocAccents.Blogspot.comwww.Sisterlocks.comReflection of U Too2103 Sheridan Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 989-753-4600

Shea GalleriaDee HollowayBarber/Stylist1703 E. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48601989-245-5479Shea GalleriaMonica’s 1703 E. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48601989-484-0259Sports Barbershop1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, Michigan989-992-2600Unique Cuts & Massage1502 Court StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-327-2338Unique Cuts II3125 E. Holland Saginaw, MI 48601989-327-2338 Carrollton Public SchoolsCraig C. DouglasSuperintendentP.O. Box 517 Carrollton, MI 48724(989) 754-1475Fax (989) 754-1470Direct Dial (989) [email protected] ServicesExtreme Carpet & UpholsteryWilliam & Denise Murphy - OwnersCommercial & ResidentialJanitorial Services989-753-3335Community Centers and ServicesFirst Ward Community ServicesSheilda BraddockPresident/CEOHuman Services1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, Michigan989-753-0411

ComputersCreative ComputersLathan Wilson (Buddy)817 East GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48607989-755-9290

DentistsJack W. Nash, DDSCosmetic andRestorative Dentistry1320 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989-752-1200Finance KarenLawrence-Webster.comFinancial AdvisorsAXA Advisors, LLC4800 Fashion Square Blvd.,Suite 220Saginaw, Michigan [email protected](989)797-3281Food & Dining Spencer’s Route 46Spence DambroProprietor5530 Gratiot989-793-3400Saginaw, MI 48638www.spencersfinefood.comGraphics/DigitalTBF Graphics Digital803 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan989-752-5540TBFGRAPHICS.COMTBFDIGITAL.COM Housing AgencyCircle of LoveHousing Counseling AgencyPamelia D. Brazil1809 Durand StreetSaginaw, Michigan989-921-0569www.circleoflovecdc.orgHeating and CoolingHORIZONAzola Williams989-755-8650 Business989-233-3295 Cell PublicationsDavid HallCrimiel Publications LLCPOB 20061Saginaw, Michigan 48602REAlToRS®Century 21 Atonya F. Patterson, Realtor5580 State St., Suite 4Saginaw, Michigan 48603989.921.7000 office 989.284.1465 [email protected]

Century 21Rose Chandler, Realtor5580 State Street, Suite 4Saginaw, Michigan 48603989.921.7000 office989.921.7001 fax989.753.5796 home [email protected] cellRestaurantsBrother Arthur’s Fish & More2522 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 989-752-0200Rite Spot 1205 Lapeer Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-6001

RetailersGREEKS “R” US 2203 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 48601 989-755-4925 [email protected]’s Clothes 310 Johnson St. Saginaw, MI 989-753-4552 Cell 989-239-2732 [email protected] Tailoring Christopher E. EddingtonMaster Tailor418 Court StreetSaginaw, MI [email protected] hour service Tax ServicesRobert McDuffy Tax & Accounting Service/ERO e-file2127 LedyardSaginaw, MI 48601Business - 989-443-0115 Fax [email protected] Charter Service, LLCHoward McFadden1200 E. Moore Rd.Saginaw, Michigan989-777-7038 / 989-751-1461Howard [email protected]

Advertise your business with us!



Whether you are starting up a new business or expanding an established business in the City of Saginaw, you’re starting something good. Services. Jobs. Goods. Knowledge. Expertise. These are the fundamentals that built Saginaw long ago – and they are the principals that will move us forward toward a bright future.

The business loan program at the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is designed to provide needed funds when bank financing is not available or to fill the

gap between bank loans and additional needs.

SEDC offers loans •of up to $220,000 for commercial real estate, machinery and equipment, and inventory

Business must be •located within the City of Saginaw

Additional •requirements are available by contacting us.

InvestIng In Your successBusiness Loans

Mary Hart, Loan Support 1315 S. Washington Ave., Room 207 Saginaw, MI 48601

Phone: 989-759-1395 Fax: 989-759-1734 Email: [email protected]

saginaw economic

Development corporation

odail Thorns Director of

Development

SaginawFuture’sLindseyZionCertifiedEconomicDevelopmentFinanceProfessional

Recently Lindsey Zion, economic development assistant for Saginaw Future, received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC). EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete NDC’s intensive economic development finance training series. The training provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit

analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating and the creation and implementation of development programs. Each of the four EDFP Certification Program courses are five days in length and concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses, the candidate is awarded EDFP Certification.

Zion is a recent graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with degrees in International Business and Management. During her senior year Zion was awarded a BIE Grant Global Business Associate internship position where she worked with Saginaw Future on its efforts in attracting solar companies to the region.

The National Development Council was established in 1969 and is a non-profit organization specializing in economic and housing development training and technical assistance for community development. NDC has provided training to over 60,000 professionals working in the fields of economic and housing development. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations and banks.

Established in 1992, Saginaw Future (SF) is a public-private alliance of local businesses, the County of Saginaw, City of Saginaw, 16 local municipalities and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. SF’s strategic partners also include education, labor and government. Since its beginning, SF has remained dedicated to fostering quality job creation through expansion of local industry and attraction of new business projects to the community.

For more information, please contact Greg LaMarr, Communications Manager for Saginaw Future, at 989-757-2104, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.SaginawFuture.com

The Michigan Banner welcomes news about professional accomplishments, changes, and promotions, and will publish in our bi-weekly publications, e-publications, and at www.themichiganbanner.com.

Send the information to [email protected] with a photo of the person, if available, and be sure to include the contact information and business address.

Delta College LifeLong Learning is continuing its 50 year history of offering quality career training to the community with five, fast-track programs in health care including: Phlebotomy, Health Unit Coordinator, Pharmacy Technician, RN/LPN Nurse Refresher and Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. Programs average between ten and twelve weeks in length, contain practical, hands-on experience and several contain clinical externship experience. All programs are taught by local professionals. Programs are scheduled to begin January 2012. Complete information can be found at http://www.delta.edu/lifelonglearning, or on Facebook by searching Delta College LifeLong Learning, or follow on Twitter@DeltaCollegeLLL.

Business & FinancialDeltaOffersQualityCareerTraining



SodexoMAGICatSaginawPublicSchoolsFindsUniqueWaystoSupportStudentsandtheCommunityThree Company-Led Initiatives and a New School Meal Program

Promote Student Achievement and Well-Being

Gaithersburg, MD- SodexoMAGIC, the new student nutrition and facilities management partner to the School District of the City of Saginaw, is supporting achievement in unexpected ways with three new student-focused initiatives – a Teacher of the Year award, an Adopt-A-School mentoring program and the SodexoMAGIC Junior Executive Development Program.

SodexoMAGIC, a partnership between Sodexo, Inc. and Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s Magic Johnson Enterprises, is committed to creating a healthy learning environment in Saginaw that promotes student well-being and achievement. These three new programs promote student achievement by rewarding faculty excellence and by providing students with additional resources to help them succeed in the classroom and in their chosen careers.

SodexoMAGIC’s Teacher of the Year award will recognize a high school teacher who positively impacts students both in and out of school. Students and district leadership will vote to determine the winner and the award will be presented at a private dinner ceremony. Additionally, the winning teacher will get a signed letter of appreciation and a personal congratulatory call from Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

The Adopt-A-School program was developed by Sodexo’s African American

Leadership Forum (AALF) to inspire and develop leaders and to serve as role models to influence students throughout their lives. A local Sodexo AALF chapter will adopt a Saginaw middle school and its members will speak with students about various topics while also mentoring them to become leaders.

The Junior Executive Development program is a comprehensive educational workshop designed to create awareness of career opportunities in corporate, community based organizations, and government while also exposing students to executive leadership in these types of organizations. The program will be available to Saginaw high school students.

“Saginaw Public Schools Strategic Plan goals include offering flexible academic programs that support student success. We seek partnerships that best align with these goals” said Carlton D. Jenkins, Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools. “The SodexoMAGIC partnership will help improve the academic outcomes of students and the quality of life in our community. We applaud SodexoMAGIC’s student and community centered partnership.”

The SodexoMAGIC team pledges to provide additional support to Saginaw students and community organizations. The company will participate in fundraiser events for both the Saginaw Public Schools Foundation and Saginaw Promise, two organizations which

provide financial aid to students seeking a college education.

In addition to these initiatives, SodexoMAGIC is overhauling the student nutrition program in the district by increasing the number of healthy and delicious school meal options available daily to students in all grade levels. The new Saginaw school meal program, which launched district-wide on December 1, includes an assortment of specially-designed offerings like exhibition cooking stations, made-to-order deli counters and fresh fruit and vegetables bars.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to combine both our facilities management and student nutrition expertise to give Saginaw students opportunities and support they haven’t had before,” said Steve Dunmore, president of Sodexo Education-Schools. “We couldn’t be more excited to form this partnership with Saginaw, this is an excellent example of some of the many ways we can support a school district and a community.”

Sodexo is committed to take measurable sustainable actions that ensure a brighter future in the areas of health and wellness, environmental stewardship and community development. Sodexo focuses on nutrition, achievement, environment, community and activity to promote student well-being in Saginaw.

Saginaw Public Schools has something for everyone. A rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for the very competitive world we now live in. There are some unique

advantages available for students and parents in our school District.

The programs and services offered are planned to make students well rounded. Giving

them the opportunities to explore many careers by providing real world experiences in and out of the classroom. Brighter futures begin at Saginaw Public Schools.



3481843-01

5090 State Street | Building A Suite One | Saginaw, Michigan 48603989.792.2552 | fax: 989.792.3881 | [email protected]

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Recently, the Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union, along with the Yellow Ribbon Guard’s “Send Santa to the Troops” group hosted a “Stuff a Bus” event. The items collected from three buses and $1,600 in cash donations were packaged and shipped to our troops for the holiday season. In addition, several area schools participated with donations of candy, handwritten cards and posters. Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union is located at 1430 N. Michigan, and 4550 State.

SaginawMedicalFederalCreditUnionSendsSantatotheTroopsandCivicEngagement

The Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union Staff at the “Stuff-A-Bus” Event



LANSING —Suniva’s plans to locate its “ARTisun Select Project” in Thomas Township is one step closer to reality after the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) awarded a tax credit to

the developers, said Senator Roger Kahn.Suniva Inc. was awarded a High

Technology MEGA credit valued at more than $8.6 million. The company plans to manufacture solar cells with efficiency rates of 18-20 percent or higher in Thomas Township. “This is tremendous news for residents of Saginaw County and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region,”

Kahn:Sunivafacilityonestepclosertorealitysaid Kahn, R-Saginaw Township. “Over the next five years, Suniva plans to create at least 500 jobs and invest at least $250 million in our area. I’m excited to see the plans for this project make another significant step toward becoming reality.”

Suniva expects to begin work on the Thomas Township facility in the fall of 2013. According to MEGA, the incentive package also is expected to include Renaissance Zone designation and Community Development Block Grants. Suniva also considered sites in Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico and Oregon for the ARTisun Select Project.

Founded in 2007 at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s University Center of Excellence in Photovoltaics, Suniva manufactures high-efficient photovoltaic solar cells and modules.

Washington - Congressman Eliot Engel and Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act recently to ensure higher-quality maternity services, improve health outcomes for women and children, and provide better value and efficiency for patients and health providers.

“We all have a stake in healthy moms and healthy babies. Maternity care is critical to the health of women across the country, and it is even more important for their babies,

so they can have a healthy start in life,” said Senator Stabenow. “We have a responsibility not only to make sure that moms and babies get the best possible care, but also to make sure that we are holding Medicaid accountable by measuring and evaluating its performance and by giving providers the tools they need to improve care. This bill provides important opportunities to improve the quality of care for women and newborns.”

Stabenow,EngelIntroduceBillToProtectPregnantWomenAndNewborns

My family and I want to extend a special thank you to all the friends, well-wishers and supporters who helped with my most recent city council campaign effort. Whether you voted for me or just encouraged someone to vote for me, you did a splendid job. This was my first time running and I want you to know that the fire still burns within me to be on the

Saginaw City Council. I want to make a difference in that area of city government. We must work harder and together next time so our goals will be achieved.

I enjoyed the numerous candidate forums, meeting the wonderful candidates, and I am very proud of the candidates who won. Saginaw, we have a very good council and I look forward to working with them and the City Manager in the very near future. God bless each and every citizen of Saginaw. My family and I THANK YOU!

Cirven Merrill

TheFireStillBurnsThankYou!



NON PROFIT DIRECTORYA.Philip Randolph InstitutePOB 1107Saginaw, MI 48606American Red Cross1232 N. MichiganSaginaw, MI 48602989-754-8181Antique Toy & Firehouse Museum3456 Patterson Rd. Bay City, MI 487061-888-888-1270 Boys & Girls Club of Bay County300 Lafayette Ave.Bay City, MI 48706989-892-6723 Circle of Love 1809 Durand Ave.Saginaw, MI 48602989-754-2377Emmaus House of Saginaw733 S. 15th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-755-7538Faith, Hope, & charity MissionPOB 5546Saginaw, MI 48603989-792-8121Family & Children Services

2806 DavenportSaginaw, MI 48602989-790-7500CAN Council Saginaw County1311 N. Michigan AvenueSaginaw, MI 48602(989) 752-7226 / fax (989) 752-2777www.cancouncil.orgFirst Ward Community Center1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-753-0411Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan5470 Davis Rd.Saginaw, MI 48604989-799-9565Good Neighbors Mission1318 Cherry StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-399-9918Houghton-Jones Task Force1708 Johnson StreetSaginaw, MI989-752-1660Michigan Banner Outreach 1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48602989-714-2240

Nathan Weidner Children’s Advocacy Ctr.715 N. EuclidBay City, MI989-671-1345

Operation Reach 119 S. Jefferson Avenue Saginaw, MI 989-754-4444

The Salvation Army2030 N. CarolinaSaginaw, MI 48602989-793-8371

The Saginaw Community Foundation100 S. Jefferson Ste. 201Saginaw, MI 48607989-755-0545

Women of ColorsPOB 5525Saginaw, MI 48603989-399-9275 or 989-737-9286

YMCA of Saginaw1915 Fordney Street Saginaw Michigan989-753-7721

Operation Reach is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located at 119 S. Jefferson Ave, in Saginaw. Our programming consists of:

• Weekly peer group sessions • Etiquette training • Credit repair clinics • Investment club • GED preparation • Entrepreneur workshops • Tutoring • Gun safety classes • Parenting programs • STD Prevention • Substance abuse prevention • Health workshops • Foreclosure prevention • Financial literacy training • Job preparation • Community enrichment • Scholarship workshops • Public speaking seminars • Movie nights, and more

Sunday Worship services are also hosted with Greater Community Kingdom Church that has a mission to seek those difficult to reach, spiritually. For additional information call 989-754-4444.

• Weeklypeergroupsessions• Etiquettetraining• Creditrepairclinics• Investmentclub• GEDpreparation• Entrepreneurworkshops• Tutoring• Gunsafetyclasses• Parentingprograms• STDPrevention

• Substanceabuseprevention• Healthworkshops• Foreclosureprevention• Financialliteracytraining• Jobpreparation• Communityenrichment• Scholarshipworkshops• Publicspeakingseminars• Movienights,andmore

Operation Reach is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located at 119 S. Jefferson Ave, in Saginaw. Our programming consists of:

Sunday Worship services are also hosted with Greater Community Kingdom Church that has a mission to seek those difficult to reach spiritually. For additional information call 989-754-4444.

OperationReach



‘Better Choices, Better Medicine, Better Healing’Dr.Nash’sDentalCorner

Dr. Jack Nashhas been practicingdentistry for over 35years.Heisagraduateof the University ofMichigan DentalSchool. He has alsobeen an adjunctfaculty member atDelta College and

is currently a Fellow of the AmericanAcademy of General Dentistry and agraduate of the prestigious Council onInnovativeDentistry.

To ask Dr. Nash dental questionswritetohimat:Dr.JackW.Nash,POB1442, Saginaw,MI 48607, or email himat [email protected]. All opinionsdiscussed in these articles are those ofDr. Nash; treatment options should bediscussed with an individual’s personaldentist.

DearDr.Nash:Why do I need X-rays? I go to the

dentist on a regular basis and it seems to me that the dentist should be able to look at my old X-rays to figure out what is going on with my teeth. Do things change in the mouth that quickly? I just feel they are not necessary and may be a waste of time and money. Could you explain to me why they are needed?

DearReader:First of all X-rays are used as a tool to help

evaluate your overall dental health. I will list all of the things that dental radiographs will be helpful for:

• Determiningifdecayisbetweentheteeth. The contact area between the teeth is a major hideout for the bacteria that causes decay. The X-rays are needed to find the exact location of the decay. You cannot find some

decay by doing only a visual examination. • Bonelossaroundtheteeth.Thelevel

of bone supporting the teeth cannot be seen by looking into the mouth. In many cases you see teeth that look like they are healthy but there may be little or no bone supporting the teeth. X-rays is one of the tools that have to be used to determine the level of bone loss and periodontal disease.

• They can help to determine abnormalbone growth. The presence of cysts, tumors, foreign objects that may have been left in the jaw after trauma.

• They can help locate teeth that mayhave never erupted into the mouth. It is an absolute must that they be used when extracting or evaluating wisdom teeth so that the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the teeth can be located before surgery.

• Alignment of overall facial bonestructure and help determining if the jaw is positioned correctly.

• X-rays are necessary to see the rootstructure of a tooth which cannot be done visually.

A new patient in a dental office will have to have a full series of X-rays including a panoramic X-ray so that the dental team can get a good picture of what is going on with your dental health. Without good X-rays you are risking your future dental health and overall health. Patients that see the dentist on a regular basis may not have to have a full series. Patients that go to the dentist 3-4 times a year may require fewer X-rays. So to keep any possible dental disease in check you must have X-rays. A dentist cannot do a complete dental examination without X-rays. That is like someone putting you in a car and asking you to drive blindfolded. So please have your dental X-rays done on a regular basis. They are only done for your better health.

DearDr.Nash:I have been told that tongue scrapers only

slightly reduce bad breath is this really true? Bad breath is a common problem for

many people, given the wide variety of substances traveling through our mouths daily. Some people avoid offensive foods and drinks, chew gum, use mouth rinses, or eat mints to mask unpleasant odor. Others cannot escape bad breath quite so easily. At least 40 million Americans suffer from halitosis. Unfortunately, there is no standard treatment for it. If you choose to use an excessive amount of sugary mints or gum to mask bad breath then you run a greater risk of developing cavities and future tooth lose.

Bad breath is a generally accepted term for foul smells emanating from the mouth. Oral malodor is a term reserved for unpleasant smells originating from the oral cavity. “A common reason for bad breath is post-nasal drip, which coats the back area of the tongue with bacteria-rich mucous, “A tongue scraper is often effective in relieving oral malodor caused by sinus drainage.”

Studies have been done to compare the effects of using tongue scrapers to brush the tongue, rather than using a toothbrush to scrape the tongue. It has been proven that a tongue cleaner/scraper demonstrated a significant difference in reducing volatile sulfur compounds levels, which are produced when bacteria and amino acids interact to produce bad breath.

Though there is no standard treatment, bacteria-causing halitosis can be reduced by brushing or scraping the middle and back of the tongue. Tongue scraping can lower bacterial concentrations, subsequently reducing oral malodor (Dragon Breath). The better you can keep your oral health in check, the better your entire health will be.



exposed pregnancy and possibly having a baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Intuitively one would think that armed with this information, surely, better choices are more likely to be made.

This information is not typically taught in schools, discussed at homes, shared among close or distant acquaintances, or laid out widely in the media. So now that you know—please . . . learn more about FASD, how to prevent it, and how to be a conscientious supporter of those individuals, families, and caregivers who deal with the challenges of FASD on a daily basis. Remember, FASD is 100% preventable, so please, pass it on and share the information. Who knows? By sharing this information, you could actually improve the life of someone who has yet to be born, and that, in and of itself, is a mighty wonderful thing!

Sandra L. King is the former Project Coordinator of the Michigan Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Project

Although it just makes common sense not to drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, unfortunately it still occurs. Did you know that drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy exposes the vulnerable developing fetus to alcohol, a teratogen, which can cause not only brain damage, but also physical deformities, developmental disabilities, cognitive abnormalities, nerve impairment, and behavioral problems? According to “Rates and correlates of alcohol use among pregnant women in obstetrics clinics.” Clinical and Experimental Research, incredibly, research indicates that among women in busy clinics who were surveyed, some reported they continued to drink during their pregnancies.

Focus now on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), an umbrella term that describes the range of irreversible, brain-based disorders and disabilities that can occur in an individual as a result of a woman drinking alcoholic beverages during her

FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorders:HowMuchDoYouReallyKnow?By Sandra L. King, MHSA Consultant

pregnancy. The damage can range from subtle to severe and the most severe effect of drinking alcohol during pregnancy is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. According to the FASD research, FASD is frequently associated with secondary disabilities such as mental health problems, inappropriate sexual behaviors, disruptive school behavior, and trouble with the law. As for the question of whether a father’s drinking can cause FASD, the short answer is “no.” But it is highly possible for the father to negatively influence the mother to drink. The bottom line is this: FASD does not occur in the absence of alcohol.

I have come to conclude that there is a critical information void or information deficit that exists with regard to overall knowledge and details about FASD and how to prevent it. Sexually active fertile females, age 18-44 years old, who consume 7 or more drinks per week or 4 or more drinks on an occasion, and who also do not use an effective form of birth control—are at high risk for having an alcohol-

5. Sticktoabudget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

6. Planahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.

Source: Mayo Clinic

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your

TipsToPreventHolidayStressAndDepressionspirits and broaden your friendships.

3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.



Project LAUNCH is a new federally-funded program to promote wellness for all children in Saginaw County, focusing on children from before birth through age 8. We want all children to reach their potential in every way: physical, social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive (i.e., the way they learn). If children grow up healthy in all these areas, they are ready for success in life.

How do we want to make this happen? By focusing on 5 goals:• Givingyoubetteraccesstoscreeningteststotrackyourchild’sdevelopment,assessments,andservices• Providingservicesthathaveproventobehelpful(called“evidence-basedpractices”)• Teachingpeoplewhoworkwithyoungchildrenabouthealthyphysical,social,emotional,andbehavioral

development• Improvingtheservicesystembyworkingwithareapediatricians,educators,childcareproviders,etc.• Helpingmorechildrengetreadytodowellinschool.Project LAUNCH works collaboratively with other organizations in Saginaw County, including Great Start

Saginaw, Teen Parent Services, Birth to Five, Child Abuse & Neglect Council, Saginaw County Community Mental Health, Early On, Saginaw County Department of Public Health, and many others in our efforts to promote young child wellness and prevent problems in the lives of our precious children.

If you have any questions, you may contact Local Young Child Wellness Coordinator, Elizabeth Milton at 989-399-7457, or visit the Project LAUNCH website, www.projectlaunchsaginaw.org.

ProjectLAUNCHFocusGoalsForAHealthyChild

“Positive mental health isessential to a child’shealthy development

from birth.”

- SAMHSA

The holiday season is here, and unfortunately for our children though, it is also filled with plenty of unhealthy food choices. From tons of cookies and cakes to entrees filled with unhealthy ingredients. So, what can be done so that the kids enjoy the holidays AND stay healthy? Here are some tips:

• Besurethekidsmaintainabalanceddietwhentheyareeatingathome.Ifyoutypically have an “ice cream Friday” or a “Pizza Saturday,” skip them. They will have plenty of opportunities to splurge during the holidays.

• ThinksubstitutionNOTdeprivation.Forexample,bakeinsteadoffry,offermore vegetable dishes, consider a soup or salad appetizers instead of pasta, add flavor to your dishes with spices rather than fat, consider trying a raw food recipe for an appetizer or a dessert

• Feedthekidsahealthymealbeforeholidayeventssotheyarenotveryhungrywhen faced with not-so-healthy options.

• Offerthemasaladbeforetheirmeal.• Ifyouaremakingtheirplate,putonextraveggiesandalittlelessoftheotherthings.• Keeptheirportionsizessmall.Theirbelliesarenotmuchbiggerthanthesizeoftheir

fists. If they want more, they will tell you.• Whenitcomestodessert,startwithfruit.• Waitforchildrentoaskfordessert…don’toffer.Sometimes,kidsaresopreoccupied

playing and having fun that the whole dessert thing just passes them by.• Ifweknowthekidswillbeattendingaholidayfunctionatschoolorelsewhere,balance

what they eat. Have a nice salad for lunch loaded with tons of veggies. NY Healthy Families Examiner

Happy,HealthyHolidayEatingforYourKidsBy Danielle Zanzarov EasyPeanut

ButterBarsRecipe

2 sticks butter, melted

1 1/2 C. peanut butter

1 1/2 C. graham crackers crumbs

3 1/2 C. powdered sugar

Combine and pat into 9 X 13 pan.

Melt 12 oz. milk chocolate chips

with 2 T. of oil and frost.

Refrigerate.



Cordially Invites You and Your Family to Our

Holiday Celebration Open House

December 20, 2011 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Andersen Enrichment Center 120 Ezra Rust Drive Saginaw, Michigan

Enjoy cookies, punch, raffles and pictures with Santa

Contact Wardene Talley at [email protected] for more information

Early this month Saginaw Max hired Willie Hillman as its Youth Program Coordinator. Hillman said he plans to “actively engage youth in the community.” “I plan to work hard in creating an equal voice

for youth in the systems of care as well as bring leadership seminars, workshops, and conferences,” he said.

Hillman brings eight years of experience to the job. He has worked with youth from “well respected” agencies in Saginaw

In November, Saginaw System of Care unveiled a new logo and changed its name to Saginaw Max. The logo which reads MAX depicts the letter “M” as a caterpillar and the “X” as a butterfly’s wings with a stick-figure person evolving from them. Underneath the Max logo is the

phrase: Maximize Resources, Teamwork, Results.

The final logo was agreed upon at a meeting by a vote of the System partners of Saginaw Max, as well as families and community s t a k e h o l d e r s . Saginaw Max family partner and Saginaw resident, Shamelle Jackson said, “The logo symbolizes the process that a person receiving Saginaw Max services will go through.” “The caterpillar represents our families when they start the process. In the end they come out as a beautiful butterfly, and when we use our resources and teamwork, we maximize our results,” said Jackson.

The logo was designed by Advertising, Marketing, Publicity, Merchandising Inc. (AMPM), located at 7403 Wackerly Road in Midland, Michigan. The Saginaw Max System of Care offices is located at 1040 Towerline in Buena Vista Township.



SaginawSystemofCareUnveils NewLogo

WhatIsSaginawSystemOfCare?System of Care (SOC) is an approach for

improving outcomes for youth with severe emotional disorders and their families by expanding the availability and access to individualized, culturally competent, and family-driven services and supports.

DIDYOUKNOW:• Mentalillnessesareseriousmedical

illnesses. They cannot be overcome through “will power” and are not related to a person’s “character” or intelligence. Mental illness falls along a continuum of severity. Even though mental illness is widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion-about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 Americans-who live with a serious mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that One in four adults-approximately 57.7 million Americans-experience a mental health disorder in a given year.

• The U.S. Surgeon General reportsthat 10 percent of children and adolescents in

the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders that cause significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers.

• The World Health Organization hasreported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.

• Mentalillnessusuallystrikeindividualsin the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.

• Without treatment the consequencesof mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.

SaginawMaxSystemofCare AddsToTheTeam

County, and works closely with the youth ministry at his church – Word of Faith International Ministries – where he is also the Lead Musician. He attended Delta College in 2005 before transferring to Colorado Technical University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

There is a quote from Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune that Hillman believes will help guide his vision with the youth: “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” “I often will say, don’t limit yourself; you can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve,” Hillman said.

DecemberisNationalStress-FreeFamilyHolidayMonth



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EVERYOTHERWednesday1:30p.m.–3:30p.m.

January4–Obesity

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February1–HeartDisease

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Saginaw

Flint

BayCity

Lansing

SecondBaptistChurchPastor Seth Doyle 1770 W. Youngs Ditch Rd.Bay City, MI (989) 893-3937

AntiochBaptistChurchPastor Lewis Randolph1083 E. Stewart Ave.Flint, MI 48505(810) 789-2931

DeliveranceChurchofGodinChristElder Zack Smith, Sr.3311 Mildred StreetFlint, Michigan (810) 785-0094

St.StephensCommunityChurchReverend Herman Haller1007 Kimberly DriveLansing, MI 48912(517) 484-2180

BethelAMEChurchPastor P. David Saunders535 Cathay St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-7011BethlehemBaptistChurchPastor Ernest W. Bothuel3309 Bundy StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-752-5866BreadofLifeHarvestCenterSenior Pastor Rodney J. McTaggart 3726 Fortune Blvd. Saginaw, MI 48603(989) 790-7933ChristDisciplesBaptistPastor Eddie Benson3317 Lapeer StreetSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-2444

ChurchofChristMinister James Sanderson1325 N. Center RoadSaginaw, MI 48638(989) 790-2707

WorldOutreachCampus ofGreater ColemanTempleMinistriesSupt. H.J. Coleman Jr.2405 Bay Rd. Saginaw, MI 48602(989) 752-7957

CorinthianBaptistChurchPastor Roy L. Manning104 S. 10th St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-1820

FaithHarvestChurchBishop Ronald E. ChippFaith Harvest Church 1734 N. MasonSaginaw, MI 48602(989) 799-4200Website: www.faithharvestministry.orgE-mail: [email protected]

GreaterWilliamsTempleBishop H.J. Williams608 Remington Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-5291

Jacob’sLadderPastor Dempsey Allen1926 Fairfield StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-799-6601

LifeInChristMinistriesPastor Dennis Cotton, Sr.2915 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI [email protected]

MessiahMissionaryBaptistChurch2615 Williamson RoadSaginaw, MI 48601Pastor Otis Washington Phone: 989-777-2636Fax: 989-777-2640Email: [email protected]: www.Messiahsag.org

Mt.NeboBaptistPastor Willie R. Hill, Jr.1111 N. 29th St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 753-5777Mt.OliveBaptistChurchPastor Marvin T. Smith1114 N. 6th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 752-8064NewBeginningsLifeChanging MinistriesPastor Otis Dickens2312 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-3650NewBirthMissionaryBaptistPastor Larry D. Camel1418 S. WarrenSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-6604NewChristCommunityPastor Dr. Eugene Seals3302 Grant St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-3357 NewCovenantChristianCenterPastor Ron Frierson 523 Hayden Saginaw, MI 752-8485 NewFaithTempleCOGICElder Charles H. Coleman 2118 Burt Street Saginaw, MI 48601 (989) 752-3880NewLifeBaptistChurchPastor Rufus Bradley1401 Janes St. Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 753-1151NewLifeFullGospelChurchElder Zachary Williamson1200 East Genesee Ave.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 746-0764 NewMt.CalvaryBaptistPastor Robert Donald3610 Russell StreetSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-0801

NinthStreetCommunityChurch Pastor William L. Scott, Jr. Assistant Pastor Rex Jones 1118 N. 9th Street Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-7366PrinceofPeaceBaptistChurchPastor Robert B. Corley725 N. 24th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-754-2841St.PaulBaptistPastor Vincent D. McMillon120 N. 15th St. Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 752-5023SaginawValleyCommunity Pastor Richard Sayad3660 HermansauSaginaw, MI 48603(989) 752-4769St.LukesCMEPastor Charles Braddock1121 Tuscola Saginaw, MI 48607(989) 755-0351TabernacleBaptistChurchRev. Thomas J.London810 Cathay Street Saginaw, MI. 48601(989) 753-5282TransformingLifeMinistriesPastor William Brown3024 South Washington AvenueSaginaw, MI 48601-4353(989) 754-9573TruevineBaptistChurchPastor Paul E. Broaddus 2930 Janes StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-752-0751

VictoriousBelievers Ministries Church Rev. Christopher V. Pryor624 S. Outer Dr. Saginaw, MI (989) 755-7692ZionMissionaryBaptistChurchPastor Rodrick Smith721 JohnsonSaginaw, MI 48607(989) 754-9621





leaders pointed Herod and ultimately the wise men to Bethlehem. Even though the religious leaders knew the scriptures and that it was foretold where Christ should be born, they themselves apparently made no effort to search out and worship Him that was “born King of the Jews.” They had an attitude of indifference.

I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to honor Jesus Christ always and particularly this Christmas season. I urge you to be faithful to your local church! It is really sad to see how many in the Church of Jesus Christ abandon Christ and the local church during a time when the local church should be the most attended, supported and Christ celebrated. No matter what you are facing this holiday season, I pray you experience the salvation, peace and joy of Jesus Christ. On behalf of Faith Harvest Church, Pastor Phyllis and myself – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Bishop Ronald E. Chipp is the Founder and Host of “Stand & Win!” Stand and Win is an outreach TV Ministry of Faith Harvest Church, located in Saginaw Michigan, where he is the senior pastor. He is also overseer of Faith Harvest Churches in Uganda-E.A., Tanzania-E.A., and French Guyana-South America. Bishop Chipp has also ministered in Juba-Sudan, London-England and Paris-France. Presently, through the “Stand & Win” TV program, Bishop Chipp ministers the word of God to Saginaw, Flint, Bay City and Lansing, Michigan. The program currently airs each Sunday at 2 p.m. on TCT.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! In light of the current trend of the anti-Christ spirit that is trying to take Christ out of Christmas in this country. I rejoice in my present

freedom to openly declare unto you a merry Christmas. I once witnessed an atheist say on FOX News that soon Christmas will be a completely secular holiday. Of course, my immediate thought and words were “no, it will not be so!” Christmas is more than a holiday; it is a “holy day!” Christmas is, or should be, the biggest birthday party on earth! It is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus, Christ!

This may be a good time for you to really take a few moments to examine your own heart and ascertain why you are celebrating this Christmas season. Is it because you get three or four days off from work? Perhaps it’s because this is the time of the year that you get the best bargains on items you desire! Could it be that you celebrate Christmas for the perceived romantic atmosphere of it all? You know, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose! Listen, I’m not saying these things are necessarily wrong or sin (not necessarily). What I am saying is Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ and let us not get it twisted!

Please take the time to learn or remind yourself of what the birth of Jesus Christ

MerryChristmas!By Bishop Ronald E. Chipp

means or represents. The birth of Jesus Christ was God wrapping himself in flesh to bring salvation, deliverance, healing, soundness, wholeness, eternal life, peace and joy to the world. The Son of God wrapped himself in flesh, became a man, to suffer and save us from our sins. The name Jesus means salvation! The birth of Jesus was eternity breaking in on time! The birth of Jesus Christ reminds us that God, Immanuel, is with us; that he is the God that shows up!

We are living in a time where we must all reaffirm our response to the birth of Jesus Christ! When we read the Christmas story in the Gospels we see three basic responses to the birth of Christ. The first response and the proper response is that of worship! When the shepherds and wise men learned of the birth of Jesus Christ, they rejoiced, sought Him and worshipped Him. They brought Him gifts! The second response to the birth of Jesus was that of hatred. This was King Herod’s response because he believed the birth of Jesus threatened his own kingdom! Herod even tried to have the child Jesus killed!

There are many today who don’t want to surrender to the King of Righteousness. They don’t want to live by God’s holy standard so they work hard to take Christ out of Christmas. The third and perhaps the most disgusting is the response of indifference. This was the response of the religious leaders, chief priests and scribes, of that day. When King Herod inquired of the religious leaders where Christ should be born after learning of the star that led the wise men to Jerusalem, the religious

“Christmasgiftsuggestions:To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

- Oren Arnold



D.A.R.E.ToSucceedGod’sWayA Christian Approach to Succeeding in Today’s Marketplace

By Celeste JonsonA Multi-part seriesPart Two: Intentional and Optimal Success

A letter from God:Dear beloved child,I don’t usually give

heads up like I’m doing with you now but I’m making an exception today and letting you know that you only have six more months to live

there on earth. You will then need to report back to me on how well you completed your assignment. As you know, when I created you, I had a specific intention and mission for you. I equipped you with the gifts, talents, intellect, contacts, etc. that you would need and am anxious to see what you have done with them.

You have been my arms, legs, mouth and hands for some time now -- thank you. I’m looking forward to your homecoming and hearing all about it. Meanwhile, keep at it and I’ll see you up here at your appointed time. Don’t worry; your mansion will be ready when you arrive.

With my eternal love...your Father,GodGodCEO (Creator or Everything and Owner)Receiving such a letter from God would

likely cause you to ask a few important questions like, “What is God’s intention for my life? What assignment did he uniquely create me to complete? Can I succinctly articulate it? Have I been seeking success

based on what God intended when He created me?” Jeremiah confirms God’s intent: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, pans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

What are His plans for you? What does God mean by “plans to prosper you?” Is God’s definition and your definition of prosperity the same? Which spiritual gifts were you given? How are you currently using those gifts? How might you better use those gifts going forward to fulfill your purpose? Answering these questions is a great first step to succeeding God’s way!

YourBornIdentityMatters!A second vitally important contributor

to intentional and optimal success is your self proclaimed identity. What you believe about who you are (your identity), directly and significantly defines and influences your behavioral choices. Inside all of us is something that drives us to assure that our behavior is consistent with our identity. When we act outside of that image of ourselves, we generally begin making adjustments or course corrections to regain alignment. Sometimes we even sabotage ourselves when things begin going well. (Note: This is what prevents many people from moving to the “next level” of success. They haven’t changed their identity to match their expanded vision.)

When we become professed Christians--followers of Christ -- the Holy Spirit is the

one who tugs at us and reminds us to act in a way that honors God. That is the sinking, gut feeling or nudge you get when you try to do what you used to do after you’ve chosen Christ to be your Lord and Savior.

This phenomenon is why it is extremely important to examine and clarify who you are -- who you are in Christ and who He created you to be -- while operating day-to-day in the marketplace. Doing so will reduce the level of indecisiveness and uncertainty as you navigate through life.

So, who are you and what were you created and born to do? I can’t encourage you enough to actually answer these questions and others like them. Seek His word on the matter. I’m confident the result will be a clearer, more powerful and defining understanding of who you are and what you are uniquely called to do. So here we go...

WhoareyouinChrist?Be sure to look for part three where we

will be addressing “Forgiving.” Celeste Jonson, leadership coach,

speaker/singer and author, has written 7 books to facilitate equipping leaders and transforming lives including D.A.R.E. to Succeed: No More Excuses. It’s Time to Win and D.A.R.E. to Succeed 90-Day Action Plan. She can be reached at 312.841.0400. Be sure to ask about her catapulting Transformational Leadership Boot camp. www.celestejonson.com

St.Stephen’sChurchtoIntroducePastoratAnnualKwanzaaCelebrationCommittees are meeting,

people are planning, drummers are preparing, and singers are rehearsing for St. Stephen’s Community Church, U.C.C. 24th annual Kwanzaa Celebration. This African American cultural

event is slated to usher in a new era of St. Stephen’s Community Church history, as the congregation introduces their new Senior Pastor, Rev. Pamelajune “Pastor PJ” Anderson, D.Min.

This year’s ceremony, “Umoja”, will take place on Monday, December 26, at 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The program will place special emphasis on the importance of unity in our community and how it has brought African

Americans from the days of slavery to the White House. This year’s keynote speaker is educator Dr. Freya Rivers.

St. Stephen’s is located at 1007 Kimberly Drive in Lansing. The celebrations are free and open to the general public. For more information call 517-484-2180.



The Healing Rooms prayer team has numbered 63 so far this year, with the team members coming from many different churches. The Saginaw Healing Rooms is an equipping center for those of us answering the call of our Heavenly Father to do the works of the Son with the council of the Holy Spirit.

I again extend an invitation to all on behalf of The Saginaw Healing Rooms, to be blessed by the presence of the Lord in one of the Tuesday or Thursday prayer sessions, to receive salvation, healing, comfort or any other blessing the Lord has for you.

Please visit or make an appointment, the sessions usually run from fifteen minutes to one hour. The hours are Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon, and 7 p.m. 9 p.m., and on Thursday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Also you can call 989-752-4769 for additional information, or visit the website at www.svcc.cc.

There I am in their midst, and as I looked around the room I realized that He was present in this room, as we shared a wonderful Mexican meal and fellowship.

Several stood and gave their testimony of freedom and healing which brought to mind my own journey of healing and freedom led by the Lord. It is an awesome thing to believe, to have faith and to know that you serve an awesome God.

He loved us so much that He sent HIS ONLY SON; not only to heal us and set us free… but to give us all that HE had… His life in exchange for ours. I am only now beginning to understand what that means.

He called each and everyone in that room to share in His Ministry of healing. He doesn’t need us to do what He does. He wants to share with us what He does. I for one am blessed and glad I answered His call.

What a privilege to be able to pray and see the peace on someone’s tormented face

as they are set free from bondage, or to watch a leg grow out before your eyes… to see the light of the Lord touch the heart of the broken and give them hope and understanding. My own heart leapt for joy at His love and mercy. I wondered who among us was most blessed. I believe that all who were gathered in the Family Life Center of Saginaw Valley Community Church on November 13, to celebrate the five year anniversary of the healing ministry are among the blessed of The Lord.

We give all the GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE for the following: 5,211 prayer sessions with 88 salvations and 52 children of the Lord who now have their own prayer language since the beginning.

For this year, January 4, through November 8, those honored by the Lord to serve, witnessed 1,093 prayer sessions, hosted 435 guests who came for prayer, 19 came to know the Lord Jesus Christ, and 12 rededicated their lives to Him.

SaginawHealingRoomsWhere Two or More are Gathered In My Name…

By Christine Denton

Friday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. – Jazz Vespers: I’m Dreaming of a (Red and Yellow, Black and) White Christmas •FeaturingthemusicaltalentsofLarryNewmanandDirk NieuwenhuisSunday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. – “Music Sunday” Worship Service •FeaturingaperformanceofAmahl and the Night Visitors •Aspecial“ChristmasTea”followstheserviceSaturday, December 24—two special Christmas Eve services •FamilyCelebrationat7:00p.m. •TraditionalCandlelightServiceat11:00p.m.Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. – Sunday Worship

Woodside Church is located at 1509 East Court Street, next to Mott Community College. Everyone is welcome and there is no admission fee for any of the events, although donations are welcome. Call 810-767-4911 or visit www.woodsidechurch.net for more information.

WoodsideChurchEventsto CelebrateAdventandChristmas



SaginawValleyCommunityChurch3660HermansauDr.Saginaw,MI48603

Sunday 10:00 am – Morning Service6:30 pm – Young Adult’s Life Group Bible Study/WorshipMonday7:00 pm – Young Adult’s Life Group Soaking7:00 pm – Women’s Life GroupTuesday(2nd & 4th) – 10: am – 3:00 pm – Heaven’s Manna Food Distribution7:00 am – Men’s Life Group6:30 pm – Prayer Night10:00 am & 7:00 pm – Healing RoomsWednesday6:30 pm – Equipping ClassesThursday 1:00 & 6:30 pm – Healing roomsFriday (1st & 3rd) – 9:30 am – Oasis for WomenSaturday6:00 pm – Youth Service

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Larry D. Camel

1418 S. WarrenSaginaw, MI 48601

989-755-6604

MEMORIESMr. James Russell Pierrie of Saginaw went home to

be with the Lord on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Aleda E. Lutz V.A. Medical Center. Age 89 years. James was born October 31, 1922 in Sardis, Mississippi, son of the late Milton and Joanna Pierrie. James professed his faith at an early age in Sardis, MS at Viney Creek Baptist Church. He attended school in Sardis; MS. Mr. Pierrie was a Veteran of the U.S. Army from January 1943 until January 1946, where he received the Purple Heart Medal. He married Ethel Mae Thompson on November 10, 1946 in Oxford, MS, she

survives him. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan, he became a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, for over 60 years, where he was a past Trustee and Usher. He retired after 36 years of service at the GM Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant and was a member of the U.A.W. Local # 455. Mr. Pierrie was a lifetime member of the NAACP and a Cub Scout Leader. He received a 5 year award from 1987-1992 from the Saginaw/Bay Area Big Brother and Big Sister Organization. Mr. Pierrie enjoyed fishing, hunting and extensive traveling.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 65 years, Ethel Pierrie; two sons, Levon (Barbara) Pierrie of Roswell, Georgia and Herbert Pierrie of San Francisco, California; his siblings, Marsha Williamson of Chicago, IL, and Ocerene (Farris) Green of Pope, MS; a sister-in-law, Reather Pierrie; also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including close family friends, Minnie Reese and JB Riggins.

Mr. Pierrie was predeceased by his siblings, James Francis Pierrie, Sallie Blakely, Willie Lee Pierrie, Major Franklin Pierrie and Helen Buckley; and three brothers-in-law, Nimroy Blakely, Rowan Buckley and Alvin Williamson, and two sisters-in-law, Anne Pierrie, and Irene Pierrie.



Pastor Dempsey Allen and 1st Lady Dorothy Allen

Jacob’s Ladder Ministries1926 Fairfield StreetSaginaw, MI 48602

989.799.6601www.jacobsladdersaginaw.org

Christian Education – 9:30 a.m.Sunday Morning Worship – 11:30 a.m.Wednesday Bible Study – 6 p.m. Men’s Meeting held every second Saturday of the month

ChristDiscipleBaptistChurch3317LapeerStreetSaginaw,Michigan

989-754-2444

Pastor P. David Saunders

Bethel A. M. E. Church 535 Cathay Street

Saginaw, MI(989) 755-7011 ext. 221

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity andDelta College Black Faculty and Staff Association

PresentThe Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Luncheon

“Dr. King’s Dream- Out of a Mountain of Despair, A Stone of Hope”Speakers: Mr. Brian Pruitt, CEO & Founder of Brian Pruitt

Motivational & Power of Dad OrganizationDr. Rev. LaCreta M. Clark, Saginaw Valley State University Associate Professor of Educational

Leadership &Service & Asst. Pastor @ Bethel A.M.E. ChurchMonday January 16, 2012 11:00 A.M.

Dow Event Center, Unity HallTicket Prices: $30 in advance; $35 at the door

Unity March will precede luncheon at The Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy 10:15 A. M. at Genesee/Niagara

Contact George Adams (989)797- 4096 or Eddie Foxx (989)777- 6049

















“I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” Taylor Caldwell quotes



Teen RefreshOnyourwaytoSchool

By Sylvia George

As I travel via the bus to work, I notice a lot of things. Young man, do you know what it means to wear your pants down off your behind, have you done any research into this fashion fad? But yet you are on your way to school. Young lady do you really think that wearing a low cut top showing all the Lord has blessed you with from the waist up is going to

keep you from getting hit on by every young man that comes your way and yet you are on your way to school. Did you know that when you sat down your book bag; you hit the lady next to you but yet you were courteous enough to speak to the young man/young lady on your left but fail to say excuse me to the lady that your book bag hit on the leg? But yet you are on your way to school.

Did anyone ever think that the foul language that they are using so early in the morning is necessary to get a point across about the assignment that the teacher gave, where is the respect for your elders that are riding the bus with you, oh right you are on your way to school.

Now the couple who seems to be trying to get as much time alone with one another as possible have no clue to what is going on – they’re in their own world, hmm wonder if their parents know that they are secretly meeting one another on the bus, yet they are on their way to school.

I hear that second hand smoke is more detrimental to your health than if you were smoking the cigarette yourself and to have a marijuana contact from the fumes that are in a person clothes or their skin is a good way to get your day off to a real high note.

I wondered if there was a Hair Show going on somewhere based on the hair styles that some of the young women wore, every hair in place, every curl neatly done; ever so careful not to let the tracks show or have too much gel in their hair, and yet you are on your way to school.

What ever happen to the old days when going to school was more about getting good grades, getting to class on time and hoping that you had a substitute teacher. What happen to being polite and letting the elderly lady with the walking stick exit the bus before you?

Oh I forgot YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO SCHOOL….

TistheSeason…SpiritorGifts?By Erika PaxsonThe Michigan Banner Media Intern

Every year, as Christmas draws near, people rush out and do their holiday shopping. Many people even claim that this gift shopping gets them in the Christmas spirit. So what is this spirit and why does it seem so important? Is it because without it, Christmas might be meaningless? Maybe it shows how our culture has maybe gotten the better of us? After all,

the real reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ, and that is where the whole idea of gift giving came from.

It would probably seem agreeable that Christmas spirit means something a little different to everyone. For a lot of people, getting into the Christmas spirit may mean volunteering for a local cause, maybe making a donation to a charity. Some people may even be more inclined to help their neighbors, friends, and especially their family. But still others lose sight of this aspect and feel fulfillment in gift shopping and giving. Gift giving is part of holiday tradition but without the true Christmas giving, is it still as meaningful?

Why don’t people reach out like this all year round? After all, the need for people being served in soup kitchens isn’t only during the holidays. And charities need help to function and make a difference all year round also. Maybe holiday spirit is just what we need to remind us that if we truly look inside ourselves and in those around us, we can find the good. And even if it is just for the holiday season, it still makes a difference in some way.

LocalStudentsGiveGiftsto26NeedyFamiliesThe holiday season is a bit brighter for 26 local families who received

unexpected gifts, courtesy of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute. The 96 high school and 37 Saginaw Valley State University students participated in the program this year have “adopted” the families through the United Way Adopt-a-Family Holiday Wish List program.

The Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for high school leaders from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic communities in the Great Lakes Bay Region and their SVSU mentors to gain valuable leadership training and acquire new skills that will help them develop their leadership potential.

For more information, contact Mamie Thorns, SVSU special assistant to the president for diversity programs, at (989) 964-4397.

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Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC and its insurance agency subsidiaries. AXA Network, LLC does business in California as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC and, in Utah, as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC. AXA Advisors and its aff liates do not provide tax or legal advice. i GE-54856a (5/10)

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3125 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI

Unique Cuts & Massage1502 Court St., Saginaw, MI

989.327.2338NoW 2 loCATIoNS!!

• Hall Rental• Storage Space• Office Space Leasing

Helen Pierrie Building1400 W. Genesee • Saginaw

For more information call:Jerome Buckley (989) 753-3475

Space Available

The New McCree Theatre, 5005 Cloverlawn Drive, is holding auditions for the August Wilson drama, Two Trains Running, Monday and Tuesday, December 19 and 20; at 7 p.m. Casting requirements for the play include seven males of varying ages and one adult female. Interested persons should come prepared to read a prepared poem or monologue as well as a cold reading from the script. It is directed by Faye Turner Johnson. For additional information call the theatre at 810-787-2200 for information.

AuditionsScheduledforTwoTrainsRunning



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LIGHTHOUSE BAKERY & DELI

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285 S. Outer Drive • Tel: 754-7088 • Fax: 754-7099

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Leading in Diversity “Empowering Communities and Changing Lives”

Volume8•Number23 TheMichiganBanner December1,2011 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

PhillipA.Ludos–Page8

GeorgeE.Curry–Page11

ProjectLAUNCH–Page13

MarilynPearson–Page15

AndrewLiveris–Page5

MerryChristmas:NBAsettoplayFinally, it is over, but did anyone really believe there would not be a NBA season? Well, fans

get set for a tripleheader on December 25. December 9, is the tentative opening of training camp, and then the opening of the 66-game schedule with a tripleheader will commence with the Celtics at Knicks, Heat at Mavericks, and Bulls at Lakers.

The consensus is that the teams hurt the most were the Hornets, with only six players on the roster. The Cavaliers, drafted Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson both had limited work during the lockout, and the Trail Blazers who do not have a general manager as of yet. Who may have been the least affected by the lockout? The Heat who have a veteran team, the Lakers, also a veteran team, and the Knicks. “We want to play basketball,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. The fans sure hope he is right, or at least a season as passionate as the lockout.

SVSUGovernmentAffairsLeadertoAddressGraduatesSaginaw Valley State University’s longtime government relations representative will speak

to graduates during Commencement exercises at SVSU Friday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Neill Arena.

Gene Hamilton has enjoyed a 50-year career as an educator, coach and government affairs leader. He joined then-Saginaw Valley College in 1969 as an admissions counselor and its first head basketball coach; in the years since, he has held a number of administrative appointments. For the past two decades, Hamilton’s chief work has been in the area of government affairs.

The graduating class consists of 494 individuals expected to complete degree requirements who have indicated that they intend to don regalia and march in the ceremony. In all, 572 students are expected to graduate, including 434 who will receive bachelor’s degrees, and 138 who will receive master’s or education specialist degrees. As is tradition, SVSU President Eric R. Gilbertson

will congratulate each graduate as he or she crosses the stage.Hamilton became special assistant to the president for government and community relations in 1991 and has served as

SVSU’s chief advocate to state, federal and local government officials ever since. In Lansing, he has earned a reputation as a consensus builder among Michigan’s 15 public universities. Prior to his government relations role, Hamilton worked as director of financial aid and scholarships, cooperative education and field experiences, and the Career Services Center. He served 9 years as dean of continuing education and international programs.

An active participant in Saginaw’s civic life, Hamilton served as executive director of Saginaw Future, an economic development organization, during a special sabbatical from SVSU in 1989-90. He served on the Board of Directors for the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Saginaw Symphony, Saginaw’s Japanese Tea House and Cultural Center, and several other community organizations. For these efforts, he received the Chamber’s “Spirit of Saginaw” award in 1994.

Hamilton is a past president of the Midwest Cooperative Education Association and completed a six-year appointment to Michigan’s Higher Education Assistance Authority. Prior to joining SVSU, Hamilton taught and coached at parochial high schools in Flint, Mt. Morris and Owosso.

A native of Flint and longtime resident of Saginaw Township, Hamilton completed a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University, a master’s at Eastern Michigan University, and a doctorate in higher education at Wayne State University.

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the michigan banner december 16, 2011 edition

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