Welcome to the official blog of the Friends of George Cushingberry. I hope that this blog will serve as another method of communicating with the people. I am a true jobs, justice, peace, and equal opportunity Democrat. I would like your support to continue this mission for the betterment of you.
Google Ads
Friday, October 7, 2016
Detroit at $750 an Impervious Acre, How to Figure Out Your Monthly Water Rate
By Richard C. Clement
Debugging the new water rates in the City of Detroit takes a definition of what Impervious Surfaces are. Wikipedia defines it as:
“Impervious surfaces are areas of the earth that have been covered by any material that impedes the infiltration of water into the soil. Areas of land covered by pavement or buildings are impervious to rain water. Concrete, asphalt, rooftops and even severely compacted areas of soil are considered impervious.”
Lake St. Clair |
Eventually. a large combined sewer separation project will have to be undertaken like other cities have done in Michigan (Lansing Michigan Combined Sewer Separation Project) because of climate change in our world.
We
hope this helps clear the confusion on the new rates.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Mary Mcleod Bethune School in Detroit Needs Help from Education Warriors Immediately
By Richard C. Clement - Friends of George Cushingberry
Mary Mcleod Bethune |
Your help is needed in the matter of the Children of the
Mary Mcleod Bethune School at 8145 Puritan Detroit, MI 48221 regarding the use of playground equipment.
The school has a new principal that was made aware of being a recipient of the
new playscape with no lead warning.
The project has a very tight deadline of September 29th through
September 30th. The teaching
staff is acclimating itself to the new school year and they need you the public
to assist them in their endeavors.
- In need of partners who can help finance this project. Ware required to raise $8,500 in 7 days. This does not include funds needed for many of the materials.
- In need of partners who could volunteer on a weekday to assist in providing at least 80 volunteers.
- In need of a media partner who is willing to facilitate getting the message to people in other communities.
- See below for a detailed list of needs.
For more information please contact:
Yvonne Rucker
Executive Director/Founder
Turning dreams into reality...one
ride at a time!
Website: www.bikevon.org
"LIKE" us on Facebook
Donate: paypal bikevon14@gmail.com
This is a partial list of items
Food Responsibilities
·
Secure breakfast, lunch and beverages for 30
adult volunteers on Prep Day 1
·
Secure breakfast, lunch and beverages for 15
adult volunteers on Prep Day 2
·
Secure breakfast, lunch and beverages for 250
adult volunteers + children on Build Day
o Include
vegetarian options
o Consider
additional “kid friendly” food for children on site
·
Secure water for all volunteers
during Build Week
o Estimate
about (5) 12 ounce bottles of water per person per day
·
Identify an appropriate space to set up food for Build Week
·
Develop plan and secure supplies needed
for serving food
o Paper goods
and utensils
o Heating
units, refrigeration/coolers, access to power, etc.
o Ice
Recruit
5-7 volunteers (separate from Build Day
volunteers) to help cook, serve and distribute food and water
Recruitment Responsibilities
·
Secure volunteers for
general construction on Build Day (rain or shine!)
o
50-75 from Target
o
125 from Bethune Elementary-Middle School and local community
·
Secure 25-30 volunteers to assist with site prep on PD1
·
Confirm a stand-by crew of 10-15
volunteers for PD2
·
Secure 15-20 Team Leaders for leadership on Build Day
o
No experience necessary
o
Team Leaders must attend a 1 hour orientation prior
to Build Day
·
Secure 3-5 volunteers to staff the registration table
o
Registration volunteers must attend a 30 minute training
prior to Build Day
·
Secure music and microphone for Build Day
o
Music all day (radio station, DJ or
stereo system)
o
Microphone and speakers that will
amplify sound throughout the site
·
Identify a photographer and/or videographer to take images
before, during and after the build
·
Identify a space for
the Registration Area on Build Day
·
Communicate important information to
volunteers prior to Build Week
o
Work with the Logistics team to provide
parking information
o When
to arrive, what to wear/bring
Public Relations
Responsibilities
·
Work with project
partners to make sure the community is fully aware of the playground project
·
Attend a separate conference call with KaBOOM!
communications representative to go over Build Day media
o
Develop a plan for press releases and
media invites
o
VIP invitations
·
Work with project
partners to develop an opening and closing ceremony
for Build Day (facilitated by KaBOOM!)
o
Someone from each partner to speak at
the kick off and ribbon cutting ceremonies
o
Produce a ribbon and scissors for
the ribbon cutting ceremony
·
Thank
you banners
o One banner to thank Target
o One sign to thank all other project supporters
Fundraising Responsibilities
·
Fundraise $8500 for community contribution, due 30 days
before Build Day, [8/31/16]
·
Set goals for follow
up projects/days
Consider developing a maintenance fund for the long term care and upkeep
of the playground
Labels:
Back to school,
Detroit Public Schools,
Education
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Firefighters Fight Cancer with Weed Proceeds from Proposed New Laws
By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Starting September 22, 2016, firefighters in Michigan will benefit from Marijuana Revenue when 30% of all sale proceeds are earmarked for the Firefighter Presumption of Cancer and First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. Marijuana advocates cheered this part of House Bill 4209 of 2015 because it is similar to the fight to remove all criminal penalties from the books for the plant. This is another example of how the plant can return a benefit to the community and save lives at the same time. When a firefighter with 5 years of experience files this application, it will suspend the employee’s workers' compensation claim against his or her employer.
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) may not implement the Fund until funded. Thus no activity on any submitted application may take place until that date. Any application received prior to that date will be logged in by date and time when received by our office.
If you have any questions on the administration of this fund, you may contact the Claims Processing Division at 517-284-8912. The submission of an application does not guarantee the right to benefits under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act.
Starting September 22, 2016, firefighters in Michigan will benefit from Marijuana Revenue when 30% of all sale proceeds are earmarked for the Firefighter Presumption of Cancer and First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. Marijuana advocates cheered this part of House Bill 4209 of 2015 because it is similar to the fight to remove all criminal penalties from the books for the plant. This is another example of how the plant can return a benefit to the community and save lives at the same time. When a firefighter with 5 years of experience files this application, it will suspend the employee’s workers' compensation claim against his or her employer.
The employer will file a counter claim against
the applicant based on the following:
“ The statutory presumption may be rebutted by scientific evidence that the person was a substantial and consistent user of cigarettes or other tobacco products within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of injury, and that this use was a significant factor in the cause, aggravation, or progression of the cancer. “
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) may not implement the Fund until funded. Thus no activity on any submitted application may take place until that date. Any application received prior to that date will be logged in by date and time when received by our office.
If you have any questions on the administration of this fund, you may contact the Claims Processing Division at 517-284-8912. The submission of an application does not guarantee the right to benefits under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act.
In order to submit an application the first
responder must:
- Be a member of a fully paid fire department or public fire authority and be compensated on a full-time basis,
- Be in active service of the department or authority for at least 60 months,
- Be diagnosed with any respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood, thyroid, testicular, prostate, or lymphatic cancer,
- Be employed in the active service of the department or authority at the time the cancer manifests itself, and be exposed to the hazards incidental to fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services in the performance of his or her work-related duties,
- First apply for and do all things necessary to qualify for any pension benefits to which he or she may be entitled.
The application must be
submitted via U.S. Mail attention:
State of Michigan / Workers’
Compensation Agency
First Responders
Presumed Coverage Fund,
P. O. Box 30016
Lansing, MI 48909.
Download and Print the Application
Click Here for the Application to First Responder Presumed Coverage.
Click Here for the Application to First Responder Presumed Coverage.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Firefighters and Sheriffs in Michigan Benefit from Legal Marijuana Sales with Proposed New Legislation
By Richard C. Clement - Friends of Cushingberry
"Legislation will fund County Governments and Public Servants"
Michigan’s effort to legalize marijuana by legislative procedure is going to benefit counties, substance abuse agencies, and local governments. The following package of bills passed by the Senate will create job opportunities for software vendors to bid on supplying the Marijuana Tracking System for all Cannabis business must have to continue to participate in the program. When it becomes operational, your card will be used to track the amount of marijuana each patient has purchased over time. You will be able to possess 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana at any time in the State of Michigan.
The major beneficiary of these set of bills is the State of Michigan's 1st Responder Presumed Coverage Fund at the tune of $500,000 from the proceeds of the Medical Marijuana Program. The next beneficiaries are the County Governments like Wayne County who will receive 35% of all revenue from Marijuana sales. Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napolean and the 82 other county sheriffs will enjoy this cash cow on the backs of Marijuana users as soon as it becomes the law. Local governments will receive 25% of the proceeds from Marijuana for their use.
Cities like Detroit could use the money for things like rebuilding recreation centers and create green jobs in manufacturing and, education. Cities will also have the abilities to place caps on the number of businesses in their locality. Caps must be anti-discriminatory and be in compliance with Federal Zoning Laws.
The legislation places a 50 ounce limit for each Medical Marijuana Center with a valid license. Currently the City of Detroit Building Safety and Engineering Department (BSEED) is granting conditional waivers to new marijuana business owners on the grounds that the owner works to bring the location up to code. BSEED is very generous and confident that business owners will do the right thing to be legal.
A brief analysis of the bills are as follows:
HB 4209 - license and regulate medical marijuana growers, processors, provisioning centers, secure transporters, and safety compliance facilities; This bill creates a marijuana licensing board, an automated tracking system, an advisory panel, provisions for forfeiture, defines tax rate, and sets civil fines. This bill grants powers to State and Local Governments to define duties regarding Marijuana in the community
HB 4210 – Gives specific definition of the content of medibles (non smoke able) Marijuana. Also spells out procedures for violations of the provisions of the card:
- 16 Ounces of Solid Medible Marijuana (brownies, cakes, etc.)
- 7 Grams for using in a vaporizing pen
- 72 Fluid Ounces of liquid marijuana
Outdoor growing is allowed as long as the medicine is out of sight from the street, in a secure location and locked. Security could be a dog, camera and lights so that other people don’t rip you off. Companion Senate Bill 0141 introduced by Senator Coleman Young seeks to address the inequities of this bill like vehicle transport and other issues that must be worked on by the House of Representatives for a compromise.
HB 4827 – This bill will allow software companies to bid on the Marijuana Tracking System because it defines the specifications for the developers to use in designing and implementing the Statewide system. This bill will track the sales of marijuana between patients and the growers who interact with retail sites.
In summary, these pieces of legislation have a lot to be desired. The transport law that was enacted by former State Senator Virgil Smith has been declared unconstitutional by courts in the State because it exceeds the current Michigan Medical Marijuana Law. The three tier system for growing will open up opportunities for growers, testers, and manufacturers. Local law enforcement will be released to go after Meth and Heroin users who are really destroying the neighborhoods and the country with their drug of choice.
Michigan Supreme Court Candidate Judge Deborah Thomas www.judgedeborahthomas.com |
To fix this you must vote in the upcoming general election by turning over the ballot and voting for Judges that will make the proper change like Judge Deborah Thomas will if she is elected to the Michigan State Supreme Court. You have until October 11th, 2016 to register to vote in the November 8th General Election. You can start voting on September 24th, 2016 at 5 locations in the City of Detroit or, your local City Clerk’s office if you don’t live in the City of Detroit.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
The Case For Restoring The Name of Dr. Ethelene Crockett on High School at Mack and I-75 - Dr. Ben Is Not a Friend of Detroit
By Richard C. Clement - Friends of Cushingberry
Dr. Ben Carson High School |
There are many Detroit residents who strongly object to the use of Dr. Carson's name on the high school located at Mack Ave and Interstate 75 in Detroit Michigan. Dr. Carson is representing a man who is a wealthy bigot who should have stayed on reality TV. Dr. Carson himself has long since traded his Detroit Credentials for soul of devils who want to wipe out the history of Detroit by renaming Detroit Public Schools to Academies and, the creation of unlimited numbers of charter schools.
Given the failure and the Voters outright rejection of the Emergency Manager concept, we are asking for a Federal Court order directing all of these appointed "overseers" cease and desist their duties immediately. From Robert Bobb to Darnell Early, the children still do not have toilet paper and the district went from a surplus to a deficit overnight. Getting Federal convictions of a few principals and a contractor is a pure show. Especially given the massive amount of money that was squandered over the years by consultants and do-gooders from the State Legislature in Lansing. After further review of State Management we are left with evidence of meaningless standardized tests and, watered down programs for students.
Therefore and after further review of Dr. Crockett's credentials, the evidence is clear that her name should be restored to the high school and Dr. Ben Carson's be reassigned to an appropriate special education program within DPSCD.
"In order to succeed, you must learn how to Read!"
Councilmember ProTem George Cushingberry Jr.
Dr. Ethelene Crockett Biography is courtesy of the
Dr. Ethelene Crockett |
Ethelene Crockett (1914 - 1978) Inducted: 1988 Era: Historical
Group: African American Area(s) of Achievement: Medicine/Health
Care
Dr. Ethelene Crockett was a
Detroit physician who became well known as a community leader and humanitarian.
'She was involved in the betterment of society in areas beyond medicine. Her
unselfish contributions of time, knowledge, energy and leadership served to
rectify social inequality to help those whose need was immediate, and those who
could not speak for themselves,' stated a 1978 New Detroit, Inc. resolution.
Dr. Crockett began medical
school at Howard University when she was 28 years old, married to George W.
Crockett, Jr., later a Congressman, and the mother of three children. She
became Michigan's first black woman specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
For 35 years, Dr. Crockett practiced medicine as an outstanding obstetrician in
Detroit.
Dr. Crockett was an energetic
advocate for day care centers to assist working women. She frequently lectured
on family planning and public health care. She directed the Detroit Maternal
Infant Care Project from 1967 to 1970, and helped design and direct the Detroit
Model Neighborhood Comprehensive Health Center. In 1980 the first Detroit
Public Schools Vocational-Technical Center was dedicated in her honor as the
career training center for the Health Occupations.
In 1972 she led the fight to
liberalize Michigan's abortion laws. In 1977, the Detroit Medical Society
selected her 'Physician of the Year.' She was the first woman to be president
of the American Lung Association, the nation’s largest and oldest voluntary
health organization. She served on the Detroit Public Library Commission and as
an officer for the Michigan Cancer Society. In 1971 the Detroit Free Press
cited Dr. Crockett as one of "nine of Detroit's Most Successful
Women." She received the 'Woman of the Year' Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Beta Omicron Zeta Chapter in 1972. In 1973 the Howard University Alumni
Federation, Washington D.C. cited her 'For Conspicuous Service to Her
Profession and Community.'
Ethelene Crockett came of age
during the Depression. A black woman from a poor family, she was able to go to
college and then to medical school. "If you want something badly
enough...and if you can communicate that desire to others...what you want can
be had," were her words in explaining her accomplishments.
Source of this Writing:
Michigan Women’s Historical
Center & Hall of Fame • 213 W. Malcolm X Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933
517-484-1880 • info@michiganwomen.org • www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org
Monday, August 29, 2016
The Cost of Reopening Johnson Center - Starting from Ground Zero to Completion by 2018
By Richard C. Clement
Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Johnson Recreation Center was built in the 1950’s on the corner of
Cherrylawn and Chippewa in Detroit Michigan. The Center sits on Joe Louis Park that is maintained by the City of Detroit General Services Division. This historical structure was the only place that allowed African
Americans to swim in the City of Detroit.
This was an outdoor pool that was easily accessible to citizens in
Northwest Detroit and Southern Oakland County. (Click Here for Park History). The pool was modified by building new construction around the
current structure. Now citizens in the neighborhood are restless as this
once great and historical structure sits empty and being used for a storage dump.
Bringing Johnson Center online in its current condition will cost
$750,000 and the same amount per month to maintain. This is because of the plumbing
and other code violations that are now out of compliance with today’s building
code and energy saving standards.
To demolish the old center will cost $250,000 and, the proposed new
center will have an 8 lane pool and diving board. Improvements like energy efficient, tank-less
water heaters, motion sensors attached to lights and, self-generating power
with solar cells with lower monthly operational costs. This plan includes an 8
lane Olympic sized pool with 3 and 10 meter diving boards at a cost of $180 per
square foot. Additionally a new Gym will contain rooms for boxing, arts, and
community meetings.
This project will help to restore our neighborhood instead of
Downtown/Midtown Detroit.
The procedure of demolishing the old and rebuilding the new will
result in lower monthly maintenance costs that over time cost much less to
maintain. To finance this project Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.
is recommending that we approach the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for up to $20 million in funding and, seek grants from philanthropic
organizations. Johnson Center may be
eligible for historic status by the City and, that will give us access to more
money for the project.
If you are interested in signing the petition to reopen the center
please click here to sign
the petition in support of revitalizing Johnson Center for the
neighborhood.
By signing this petition you are putting your elected officials
on notice that we want something done and we want results now. According to Dwight Smith, President of the 8
Mile Old Timers Association, they have over 1700+ signatures now and we are
using this list to show how much support is in the surrounding neighborhood for
the center.
Feel free to voice your concerns to my fellow City Council Members
and Mayor Mike Duggan. We want you to contact your State Senator Ian Conyers, State Representatives LeslieLove, Laytonya Garrett, and Wendell Byrd in Lansing MI to get on board with the
program. We feel that the best way to start taking back our neighborhoods is,
through the re-establishment of the neighborhood rec-centers because, there is
never enough money to invest in our children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)