Fordham Progressive Block Club

Vol. No. 3 - February 2002

Feb 16, 2002

Message from the President

Hope to find my fellow neighbors in good heart and spirit for the New Year. Bringing in the New Year not only sadden me to leave the old one. Last year was a history-making year. 911 will always have a place in our hearts. Detroit celebrated their 300th birthday. Watching the big ships pull up to Hart Plaza was really a great sight to see. During election time we were faced with a big choice in how we wanted our City Government to operate, we turned out in huge numbers to vote and elect Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. A time capsule was sealed to allow the future to see our accomplishments. Henry Ford Museum purchased the Montgomery, Ala., diesel-fueled bus that made Rosa Parks famous 45 years ago. I could go on forever and I am sure that each one of us have a host of memories and events that we regret had to past.

Let's look beyond the New Year resolution, ahead of us 365 days loom, each one filled with unanswered questions, broken promises and lost dreams. We can as neighbors start this year out right by making a commitment to our Neighborhood Block Club. You chose to invest a major part of your earnings not just to your house, but also to this community. The value of your house will begin to decrease if the crime statistics continue to rise. If we continue to allow outside criminals to rob us of our dignity and pride, we have not only allowed them to gain confidence that nothing will happen to them. Let's STAND UP and take back our neighborhood. We have to make a change and today is the day to do it. We shouldn't have to go to bed at night, wondering if our cars or any of our property will be tampered with. We shouldn't be scared to leave our homes to go on a trip. Yes, we need Detroit Police Department, but they can't do it along. We need to pitch in and help secure our neighborhood. You know your neighbors, if not get to know them. The worst feeling is the feeling of being afraid. When you become a victim of crime, the sense of security is gone. Stop being a victim, because you are not alone. I am sure that each and every one of us has had something taken from us this pass year. Some us have experienced a lot more inconvenience than others. We can stop this rave of crime that has stomped upon us. All we have to do is JOIN together.

Helen Keller once said " I am only one; but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."

All I asking is for us to join together and do something.

Since the commencing of our block club we have circulated a variety of questionnaires asking input on a variety of topics. We have passed out flyers seeking Block Club Captains. Month after month while passing out literature I have had an opportunity to speak with some of our neighbors and they kindly tell me, I will be at the meeting. Maybe something came up or another commitment was already scheduled. I know that in a course of a day 24-hours is never enough and to attempt to be in two places at one time, that never works. I am only asking for an hour of your time a month to discuss neighborhood activity. It is hard to request assistance from a Government Official if I only have five people behind me. But if I have a neighborhood we can demand assistance.

Why don't you take this opportunity to pencil us on your calendar the next scheduled meeting for the Block Club will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 1:00 PM at the ACT Office on Morang and Kelly.

I hope to see everyone their, especially if you are interested in your investment. Don't continue to work for the criminals, let's work together to combat this crime in our area, let's improve our living conditions for our children, family and the elderly. Let's not be a victim anymore, let's unite and be one.

Joy L. Curry
President




FORDHAM PROGRESSIVE BLOCK CLUB GENERAL MEETING - MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 2002 at the ACT PATROL OFFICE

The regular meeting of the Fordham Progress Block Club was called to order at
7:00 PM

AGENDA
Was motioned and approved.

DEVOTION
Roland Chandler presented the group with an uplifting prayer.

OFFICER REPORT

President - Joy Curry
*Reported that her garage was recently broke into. During this attempted robbery the suspect had ran through the alley and left the stolen vehicle that he left running parked on Rex near the alley. Detroit Police apprehended a suspect after a foot trail in the snow. This suspect is currently being held; he has a past history of Breaking and Entering in this area and is currently on parole for Breaking and Entering.
*Alley closure is still pending.

Vice-President - Robert Newson
Absent

Treasurer Report - Margie Cartwright
*It was approved to open a checking account in lieu of a savings account at Comerica Bank.
*Each officer was supplied a copy of the Internal Revenue Services Employer Identification Number and a copy of State Of Michigan During Business Under an Assume Name - Fordham Progressive Block Club.
*Money on hand: $89.00
*Dues were collected at the meeting for a total of $20.00

Recording Secretary - Marcellis Newton
*Read minutes from November 2001 meeting.

Corresponding Secretary - Rodney Warmsby - Nicole McClendon
Absent

Sergeant-At-Arms - Roland Chandler
*Snow removal contracts still pending. Suggest waiting until next year. Weather forecast doesn't appear to predict a lot of snow for our area.

Open Discussion:
*Several vehicles had been burglarized. Tires and airbags were stolen.
*Ways to motivate residents to attend meetings.
*Move meetings to Saturday or later in the evening. After discussion it was decided to move the next meeting to Saturday afternoon.
*Continue to pass out newsletter or announcements to broadcast meeting date and times.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.


HAPPY VALENTINE - February 14th
When you say "Happy Valentine's Day" to your love ones, don't forget the people that don't have a love one. Say a prayer for them too and also for the people that will never have them words said to them.


MEMBERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THE FORDHAM BLOCK CLUB.
MEET ONCE A MONTH. MEET A NEW FRIENDLY FACE, AND RECEIVE SOME VALUABLE INFORMATION.



CHANGING THE WORLD
By: Author Unknown, Aspiring the Greatness

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world. So I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realized the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.



We need to join together so we can plan activities, spring is approaching, and it's just around the corner. We need to begin to think about beautification.

IDEALS**IDEALS**IDEALS** IDEALS

We are planning to host a variety of activities throughout 2002.
Just to provide a couple of things.
Pizza and Game Night
Speakers on health issues
Family Bowling Night
Block Party

We have an exciting year ahead of us. The only way that it can happen if everyone participates.


If anyone has any information that they would like to share with us, short stories, poems, birthday shout-outs, and any important upcoming events. This information is not limited to just adults, children are always welcome.

Forward this information to: Joy Curry, 15681 Fordham



SAFETY TIPS when shoveling snow?·

Shovel with short strokes. Lift and throw the snow. This will not put so much strain on your lower back and on your heart.?·
Remember to always leave valuables indoors (purse, money, jewelry).?·
Put your keys in a safe place while removing your snow.?·
Keep your house and garage doors closed and locked at all times.
Let's remember your elderly and shut-ins when shoveling your snow. Be courteous extend your snow removal to your neighbor.


COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED?…?…?….The time is approaching when we will begin to organize several committees. We have a lot of activities planned in the future and we will need the assistance from everyone to make these events successful. We are planning another block party and we need committee members for:
*Food Committee
*Activities Committee
*Prize Committee
*Money Committee

These members will mostly likely be meeting once monthly. So come join in the fun.

****LUCKY DRAWING****10 GRAND PRIZE

Bring this newsletter to the next general meeting on February 23, 2002 to see if you are a winner. Ticket is void if is removed from this newsletter. Must be present to win.

***Executive Board Members or immediate family and anyone residing in the household are ineligible to participate. Any unclaimed prizes will be given away in another random drawing at the end of the meeting.