Parking ramp gets royal treatment at opening
Hundreds turn out for ribbon-cutting ceremony
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Most kings and queens only get a crown but the newly named king and queen of Ann Arbor will get free parking for a month at Ann Arbor’s new Fourth Avenue and Washington Street parking structure.
To celebrate the recently finished $9 million project, there was free food, speeches and prizes Friday evening as residents and city officials gathered to mark the opening of the new parking garage.
Judy Turner, manager for Discovery Toys, a home-based business and Steven Pellerito, program coordinator at the University of Michigan’s business school, won the titles of king and queen and the free parking.
Pellerito said he has tentative plans to donate his prize to charity while Turner said she can always use free parking space when dropping off or picking up one of her daughters for after-school events.
Organizers of the event said thousands of Ann Arborites sent in entry forms for free parking, a prize many Ann Arbor residents would covet.
“It’s been a big project and we’re glad it’s finally come to fruition,” said Mayor Ingrid Sheldon, who cut the ribbon to the parking structure after opening remarks from officials.
Hundreds turned out for the event. Many walked around the new parking structure to view a specially-arranged showing of 100 antique and classic cars.
Two protestors--a mother and a son--held signs saying that the Fourth Avenue and Washington Street parking structure doesn’t “allow” free parking for Courthouse Square residents next door.
Other residents of the two-year-old senior citizen facility said they’ve always known that they would have to use another Ann Arbor parking lot a few blocks away unless they wanted to pay extra parking fees. Daily parking will be $1.20 an hour.
“I understand how they feel. But it was explained to them (and us) a long time ago,” said Marilyn McDonnell, a lifelong Ann Arbor resident.
While greeting residents and dispensing car-shaped chocolates to children, Susan Pollay, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said parking at the structure is free of charge all day today and Sunday.
The seven-store building with 277 spaces has been built to last, she said.
“We have everything in it so that it will last 50 years,”
Peggy Geiger came to the event to see her cousin, Adrian Iraolla, project manager for the parking structure, get an award.
“I work (close by) so I’ve seen the construction taking place every day,” Geiger said. “I think it’s classy. I like the way it looks.”
Art work will be added to the outside of the parking structure after fundraising from private companies and individuals is completed.
Photo Caption: Judy Turner of Ann Arbor was named ‘Queen of the Structure’ during the grand opening of the Fourth and Washington parking Friday night.
Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel
Originally published Saturday, October 30, 1999
Saturday, October 30, 1999
Monday, October 25, 1999
Wildlife Haven Emerges in Superior Township
Wildlife Haven Emerges in Superior Township
Rebirth of wetlands is goal in LeFurge Woods
The Ann Arbor News (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
By Pamela Appea
News Staff Reporter
Superior Township—Township environmentalists and conservationists have proved they’re not just a group of dreamy tree huggers.
Over a year-long period, members of the Superior Land Conservancy have faithfully invested time, money and volunteer labor toward a collective vision.
The goal is to transform 9.2 acres of the 171-acre LeFurge Woods acreage the group has owned for the past several years, back to a full-fledged wetland.
Some 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and mud have been removed from the former soybean and corn farm, and thousands of woody species have been planted to create a wetland. The property now serves as a wildlife habitat and storm water holding pond for runoff flows into drains and the Huron River.
Already, a large variety of amphibians, including frogs and toads, and water fowl have settled in thanks to a large amount of snow last winter.
During the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy’s annual meeting on Sunday, board members of the township group reported they have exceeded initial expectations of LeFurge Woods.
Founder and President of the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy Jack Smiley reported that LeFurge Woods now serves as a haven and habitat for diverse animal and plant wildlife when just a few years ago, the site had been underutilized farm land.
The “Field of Dreams” theme for the 1999 meeting, said Marion Morris, chair of the Superior Township group is a perfect metaphor for members’ ongoing desire to conserve open land instead of watching developers take over their community.
“When we first met in 1991, most of us weren’t having dreams. In fact most of us were having nightmares that Superior Township would become just another suburbia brightly lit and paved over,” Morris said in her introductory remarks.
Now board members and other conservationists can rest easy knowing that plans have been made so that LeFurge Woods will be a permanently protected conservation site in the township.
LeFurge Woods, located in Prospect Road between Geddes and Vreeland roads, is believed to be named for Isaac LeFurge, who came to Michigan from New Jersey with his father and brother over 150 years ago. LeFurge owned and farmed a large portion of the present site in the 1850s and 1860s.
In recent years, the combination of woods and farm land appeared to be prime location for housing and business developers.
But that’s when Jack Smiley and Bill Seacrest and other concerned conservationists stepped in to intervene.
Bob Morningstar, a wetlands consultant and board member of the township group, said he and others began to try and arrange a way to restore the wetlands over the last five years.
After purchasing an additional 40 acres for the LeFurge site in the mid-1990s, the group envisioned a way they could develop the land to include endangered plant species.
But first they had to find the funds.
Finally in 1995, the group secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay back the loan conservancy board members had taken out for the land purchase.
They also made a deal with Chrysler Corp. to pick up the $200,000 cost of the earth worth and construction costs, board members said.
Now, Smiley said Sunday, almost every type of mammal native to Southeastern Michigan has recently been seen on the site, including coyotes, foxes and deer.
He also noted that the site is home to 100 species of birds, and conservationists have documented hundreds of bush, water lily and plant varieties at the area.
Morningstar said so far the majority of plants and wildlife on the LeFurge property have grown well, but problems with invasive species like purple loosestrife or erosion sites are still a concern.
“Only time will tell what type of plant community develops,” he said.
Many expressed strong support for the project.
“This is the most rewarding thing I do,” said conservancy board member Sandi C. Lopez.
Others agreed that the project is important.
"There are simply enough malls. We have empty stores downtown, while they're demolishing historic farm houses to build more malls," said Terry Lee Lansing, a Superior Township resident.
Bill Seacrest, founder and board member of Superior Land Conservancy and board member of the Southeast Michigan Conservancy, said the group is thinking of the future.
"We are trying to establish a green belt, a buffer, for the future generations of people, especially (so that) the children will have access to the wild," he said. "We do this with a global understanding.
"… Everyone's talking about saving the rain forest but we're losing our own backyard."
Rebirth of wetlands is goal in LeFurge Woods
The Ann Arbor News (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
By Pamela Appea
News Staff Reporter
Superior Township—Township environmentalists and conservationists have proved they’re not just a group of dreamy tree huggers.
Over a year-long period, members of the Superior Land Conservancy have faithfully invested time, money and volunteer labor toward a collective vision.
The goal is to transform 9.2 acres of the 171-acre LeFurge Woods acreage the group has owned for the past several years, back to a full-fledged wetland.
Some 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and mud have been removed from the former soybean and corn farm, and thousands of woody species have been planted to create a wetland. The property now serves as a wildlife habitat and storm water holding pond for runoff flows into drains and the Huron River.
Already, a large variety of amphibians, including frogs and toads, and water fowl have settled in thanks to a large amount of snow last winter.
During the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy’s annual meeting on Sunday, board members of the township group reported they have exceeded initial expectations of LeFurge Woods.
Founder and President of the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy Jack Smiley reported that LeFurge Woods now serves as a haven and habitat for diverse animal and plant wildlife when just a few years ago, the site had been underutilized farm land.
The “Field of Dreams” theme for the 1999 meeting, said Marion Morris, chair of the Superior Township group is a perfect metaphor for members’ ongoing desire to conserve open land instead of watching developers take over their community.
“When we first met in 1991, most of us weren’t having dreams. In fact most of us were having nightmares that Superior Township would become just another suburbia brightly lit and paved over,” Morris said in her introductory remarks.
Now board members and other conservationists can rest easy knowing that plans have been made so that LeFurge Woods will be a permanently protected conservation site in the township.
LeFurge Woods, located in Prospect Road between Geddes and Vreeland roads, is believed to be named for Isaac LeFurge, who came to Michigan from New Jersey with his father and brother over 150 years ago. LeFurge owned and farmed a large portion of the present site in the 1850s and 1860s.
In recent years, the combination of woods and farm land appeared to be prime location for housing and business developers.
But that’s when Jack Smiley and Bill Seacrest and other concerned conservationists stepped in to intervene.
Bob Morningstar, a wetlands consultant and board member of the township group, said he and others began to try and arrange a way to restore the wetlands over the last five years.
After purchasing an additional 40 acres for the LeFurge site in the mid-1990s, the group envisioned a way they could develop the land to include endangered plant species.
But first they had to find the funds.
Finally in 1995, the group secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay back the loan conservancy board members had taken out for the land purchase.
They also made a deal with Chrysler Corp. to pick up the $200,000 cost of the earth worth and construction costs, board members said.
Now, Smiley said Sunday, almost every type of mammal native to Southeastern Michigan has recently been seen on the site, including coyotes, foxes and deer.
He also noted that the site is home to 100 species of birds, and conservationists have documented hundreds of bush, water lily and plant varieties at the area.
Morningstar said so far the majority of plants and wildlife on the LeFurge property have grown well, but problems with invasive species like purple loosestrife or erosion sites are still a concern.
“Only time will tell what type of plant community develops,” he said.
Many expressed strong support for the project.
“This is the most rewarding thing I do,” said conservancy board member Sandi C. Lopez.
Others agreed that the project is important.
"There are simply enough malls. We have empty stores downtown, while they're demolishing historic farm houses to build more malls," said Terry Lee Lansing, a Superior Township resident.
Bill Seacrest, founder and board member of Superior Land Conservancy and board member of the Southeast Michigan Conservancy, said the group is thinking of the future.
"We are trying to establish a green belt, a buffer, for the future generations of people, especially (so that) the children will have access to the wild," he said. "We do this with a global understanding.
"… Everyone's talking about saving the rain forest but we're losing our own backyard."
Municipalities plan Sunday Halloween
Municipalities plan Sunday Halloween
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Children know that Halloween falls on Oct. 31, but their parents may wonder whether trick-or-treating will go on as usual since that date falls on a Sunday this year.
The answer from most area municipalities is yes.
Most officials said that the fact Halloween falls on a Sunday this year doesn’t seem to be a problem. Neither Ann Arbor nor Ypsilanti officials said they considered switching the celebration date.
Halloween always has been celebrated on October 31 in the Ann Arbor area, said the city’s police chief.
However, Chief Carl Ent said there will be one change this year. The city will push up official trick-or-treating hours from 5-8 p.m. from the regular 6-9 p.m.
Ent said ordinarily city police suggest that trick-or-treating hours begin at 6 p.m., so parents can come home from work in time to accompany their children on the rounds.
But he said the city figured this year that most parents would want to start and finish candy collecting earlier so families would have enough time to get ready for school and work Monday morning.
The community appears satisfied with the arrangement.
“On the one hand, it might make sense to have it Saturday. On the other hand, Halloween usually falls on a weekday,” said Carol Shulman, co-president of the district-wide PTO Council in the Ann Arbor Public schools.
She added that most parents are used to the time crunch and the fact they will be trick-or-treating in the dark.
“I’m not sure that the community could switch Halloween,” she said.
Ypsilanti plans Halloween hours to coincide with Ann Arbor, though downtown businesses will have their traditional give-away from Friday from 5-7 p.m.
In Livingston County, Halloween scheduling sparked protest among Brighton residents after Brighton City Council change Halloween trick-or-treating hours to Oct. 30.
But council reversed its decision on Thursday, restoring the traditional Oct. 31 trick-or-treating.
Only Livingston County’s Pickney Village still plans Oct. 30 Halloween hours.
Many area church officials say they haven’t tried to influence when Halloween is celebrated.
“We can’t expect any other changes or any sort of respect for Sunday. It’s nothing new and it’s nothing that surprises us,” said the Rev. Norbert Rodriguez, youth pastor at Bethesda Bible Church in Ypsilanti.
Rodriguez said his church will set up a fall festival for Halloween, so that children will have something else to do that night.
In Chelsea, where Halloween trick-or-treating is organized by Kiwanis Club members, officials did discuss whether Halloween should be observed on Sunday or Saturday this year,” said Police Chief Leonard McDougall.
But Kiwanis members finally decided toward the end of September that Halloween celebrations should stay on Oct. 31.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” McDougall said.
Halloween last fell on a Sunday five years ago in 1993.
Originally published Monday, October 25, 1999
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Children know that Halloween falls on Oct. 31, but their parents may wonder whether trick-or-treating will go on as usual since that date falls on a Sunday this year.
The answer from most area municipalities is yes.
Most officials said that the fact Halloween falls on a Sunday this year doesn’t seem to be a problem. Neither Ann Arbor nor Ypsilanti officials said they considered switching the celebration date.
Halloween always has been celebrated on October 31 in the Ann Arbor area, said the city’s police chief.
However, Chief Carl Ent said there will be one change this year. The city will push up official trick-or-treating hours from 5-8 p.m. from the regular 6-9 p.m.
Ent said ordinarily city police suggest that trick-or-treating hours begin at 6 p.m., so parents can come home from work in time to accompany their children on the rounds.
But he said the city figured this year that most parents would want to start and finish candy collecting earlier so families would have enough time to get ready for school and work Monday morning.
The community appears satisfied with the arrangement.
“On the one hand, it might make sense to have it Saturday. On the other hand, Halloween usually falls on a weekday,” said Carol Shulman, co-president of the district-wide PTO Council in the Ann Arbor Public schools.
She added that most parents are used to the time crunch and the fact they will be trick-or-treating in the dark.
“I’m not sure that the community could switch Halloween,” she said.
Ypsilanti plans Halloween hours to coincide with Ann Arbor, though downtown businesses will have their traditional give-away from Friday from 5-7 p.m.
In Livingston County, Halloween scheduling sparked protest among Brighton residents after Brighton City Council change Halloween trick-or-treating hours to Oct. 30.
But council reversed its decision on Thursday, restoring the traditional Oct. 31 trick-or-treating.
Only Livingston County’s Pickney Village still plans Oct. 30 Halloween hours.
Many area church officials say they haven’t tried to influence when Halloween is celebrated.
“We can’t expect any other changes or any sort of respect for Sunday. It’s nothing new and it’s nothing that surprises us,” said the Rev. Norbert Rodriguez, youth pastor at Bethesda Bible Church in Ypsilanti.
Rodriguez said his church will set up a fall festival for Halloween, so that children will have something else to do that night.
In Chelsea, where Halloween trick-or-treating is organized by Kiwanis Club members, officials did discuss whether Halloween should be observed on Sunday or Saturday this year,” said Police Chief Leonard McDougall.
But Kiwanis members finally decided toward the end of September that Halloween celebrations should stay on Oct. 31.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” McDougall said.
Halloween last fell on a Sunday five years ago in 1993.
Originally published Monday, October 25, 1999
Thursday, October 14, 1999
Richardson discusses global community, Chicago Maroon
Chicago Maroon
Richardson discusses global community
By Pamela Appea
Bill Richardson, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, spoke Thursday night at Hutchinson Commons in a lecture and discussion sponsored by the U of C’s Political Union. The event attracted over 300 people.
Richardson is a member of the President’s cabinet and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming to the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Bill Richardson served New Mexico’s Third Congressional District, where he was elected eight times.
He has been described as one of the most prolific legislators in the House, with numerous bills and amendments enacted in environment, energy, Native American affairs, health, foreign policy, and defense areas, during which he successfully negotiated the release of three political prisoners and visas for their families. Ambassador Richardson has also chaired U.S. observer teams for elections in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Deutsche Demokratische Republik, the former East Germany.
“Ambassador Richardson’s an encyclopedia of diplomatic knowledge, as he should be,” said Jacob Studley, president of the Political Union, 1996 intern for Richardson and a third-year student at the college. “I think the event went well … he shone during the Q & A.”
Richardson’s twenty-minute speech was followed by a session in which he answered questions from audience members. Richardson began his speech by clearly enunciating the positive side of U.S. foreign policy during the two-term Clinton Administration.
“We’ve had some problems, we’ve had some bumps and bruises. But, on the whole, we have a coherent foreign policy,” said Richardson. “If you’re going to have a sustainable foreign policy, you’re going to have to have the support of the American people,” he said.
“As American Ambassador to the UN, I have dealt with issues concerning human rights, refugees, or conflicts in Africa, but have also attempted to explain to the American people why the UN is important,” he said.
The UN was formed in a historic conference held in San Francisco by several nations in 1945 after World War II. The goal of these countries was to maintain peace and to encourage political, social and economic security and stability over the world. While the role of the UN has changed over the years, Richardson stressed that it is still a vital, important organization.
The UN is active in over 172 countries, and according to Richardson, this year alone, the UN has monitored elections is more than 50 countries. Other organizations that operate under the UN include the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Richardson sees the role of the UN as that of a peacemaker more so than in the traditional peacekeeping light. He used Somalia, China and Bosnia as examples of this. “It’s a global village,” said Richardson. “It’s better to have summits, to keep a constructive dialogue going, in order to bring these countries into the international community.”
Richardson also wants to raise public consciousness in the amount of U.S. economic obligation to the UN, as our country currently pays 25 percent of the UN’s bills. He wants to lower America’s contributions to a rate of 20 percent.
“In the past two years, there has been great improvement in the UN, in terms of the budget,” said Richardson. “But we still have a long way to go.”
Many enjoyed Richardson’s speech.
“It is important for students who will one day be prominent in the county to pay attention to political matters because what’s happening in the world will have an effect late,” said Brandi Kishner, a first-year student in the College.
Richardson fielded several questions on the Middle East, in particular the current political events between Palestinians and Israelis.
“I thought his speech was excellent. He covered many topics. In particular, I liked that he wants a better understanding of the Arab world,” said Diane Mahmoud, a visitor from California.
Richardson was a member of the Resources Committee, the Commerce Committee, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Helsinki Commission on Human Rights. During the 103rd Congress he chaired the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.
Richardson spoke earlier on in the day for the United States Hispanic Leadership Conference at Sheraton Chicago Hotel. Richardson received a B.A. (1970) from Tufts University and a M.A. (1971) from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
The Political Union has recruited many public figures, since its founding last year, including Betty Friedan and the President of Chile. They hope to sponsor at least three more speakers this year, and are currently attempting to bring King Hussein of Jordan to campus.
Originally published October 14, 1999
Richardson discusses global community
By Pamela Appea
Bill Richardson, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, spoke Thursday night at Hutchinson Commons in a lecture and discussion sponsored by the U of C’s Political Union. The event attracted over 300 people.
Richardson is a member of the President’s cabinet and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming to the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Bill Richardson served New Mexico’s Third Congressional District, where he was elected eight times.
He has been described as one of the most prolific legislators in the House, with numerous bills and amendments enacted in environment, energy, Native American affairs, health, foreign policy, and defense areas, during which he successfully negotiated the release of three political prisoners and visas for their families. Ambassador Richardson has also chaired U.S. observer teams for elections in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Deutsche Demokratische Republik, the former East Germany.
“Ambassador Richardson’s an encyclopedia of diplomatic knowledge, as he should be,” said Jacob Studley, president of the Political Union, 1996 intern for Richardson and a third-year student at the college. “I think the event went well … he shone during the Q & A.”
Richardson’s twenty-minute speech was followed by a session in which he answered questions from audience members. Richardson began his speech by clearly enunciating the positive side of U.S. foreign policy during the two-term Clinton Administration.
“We’ve had some problems, we’ve had some bumps and bruises. But, on the whole, we have a coherent foreign policy,” said Richardson. “If you’re going to have a sustainable foreign policy, you’re going to have to have the support of the American people,” he said.
“As American Ambassador to the UN, I have dealt with issues concerning human rights, refugees, or conflicts in Africa, but have also attempted to explain to the American people why the UN is important,” he said.
The UN was formed in a historic conference held in San Francisco by several nations in 1945 after World War II. The goal of these countries was to maintain peace and to encourage political, social and economic security and stability over the world. While the role of the UN has changed over the years, Richardson stressed that it is still a vital, important organization.
The UN is active in over 172 countries, and according to Richardson, this year alone, the UN has monitored elections is more than 50 countries. Other organizations that operate under the UN include the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Richardson sees the role of the UN as that of a peacemaker more so than in the traditional peacekeeping light. He used Somalia, China and Bosnia as examples of this. “It’s a global village,” said Richardson. “It’s better to have summits, to keep a constructive dialogue going, in order to bring these countries into the international community.”
Richardson also wants to raise public consciousness in the amount of U.S. economic obligation to the UN, as our country currently pays 25 percent of the UN’s bills. He wants to lower America’s contributions to a rate of 20 percent.
“In the past two years, there has been great improvement in the UN, in terms of the budget,” said Richardson. “But we still have a long way to go.”
Many enjoyed Richardson’s speech.
“It is important for students who will one day be prominent in the county to pay attention to political matters because what’s happening in the world will have an effect late,” said Brandi Kishner, a first-year student in the College.
Richardson fielded several questions on the Middle East, in particular the current political events between Palestinians and Israelis.
“I thought his speech was excellent. He covered many topics. In particular, I liked that he wants a better understanding of the Arab world,” said Diane Mahmoud, a visitor from California.
Richardson was a member of the Resources Committee, the Commerce Committee, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Helsinki Commission on Human Rights. During the 103rd Congress he chaired the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.
Richardson spoke earlier on in the day for the United States Hispanic Leadership Conference at Sheraton Chicago Hotel. Richardson received a B.A. (1970) from Tufts University and a M.A. (1971) from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
The Political Union has recruited many public figures, since its founding last year, including Betty Friedan and the President of Chile. They hope to sponsor at least three more speakers this year, and are currently attempting to bring King Hussein of Jordan to campus.
Originally published October 14, 1999
Friday, October 08, 1999
Fire Brought Reality Home for Couple
Fire Brought Reality Home for Couple
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Cynthia and James D’Amour of Ann Arbor know that fire is not something that always happens to other people. The D’Amours still vividly recall the night several weeks ago when they awoke to the shouts of “fire!” and the sound of someone pounding on their door.
By the time the D’Amours, groggy with sleep, realized their apartment building was on fire, their exit out the front door was blocked.
They grabbed their wedding photos, an airplane ticket for Cynthia D’Amour’s business trip the next day and some computer disks for their home-based business and fled to their balcony to await rescue.
The D’Amour’s, both 37, survived their ordeal without serious injury, but the experience made them realize how important it is to be prepared for the possibility of fire.
Fire officials would underscore that, during this week, which has been declared Fire Prevention Week. Many area fire departments will have open houses this weekend.
“We (want to) share some valuable lessons that we have painfully learned,” Cynthia D’Amour said.
“Never in our wildest dreams did I think we would be burned out by a fire started in the apartment below us.” (Ann Arbor Fire Departments said the blaze started on the floor below the D’Amours by smokers who accidentally set a mattress on fire.)
Although they had insurance, it wasn’t enough, the D’Amours said.
“If we replace everything that we lost, (it) could easily add up to $30,000. Instead we are having to make some strategic decisions about replacements,” Cynthia D’Amour said.
The couple now realize that their previous fire insurance policy was inadequate. They thought they were a low fire risk and that $20,000 in coverage would be enough for their two-bedroom unit in the Village Park apartments on the east side of Ann Arbor. They regret that they did not buy an additional $10,000 in fire insurance that would have only cost an extra $25 per year.
D’Amour added that she lost many things, including family heirlooms and professional achievement plaques that are irreplaceable. It’s also hard, she said, to prove to insurance adjusters that a burned out piece of furniture or other heirloom was originally worth something.
Fire Department Open House
The Ann Arbor Fire Department will have open houses at all six of its fire stations Sunday as part of Fire Prevention Week.
The open houses will run from 1-4 p.m., with different activities at each fire station. For more information, call (734) 994-4908.
Some other fire departments will have open houses Sunday:
-Brighton: the station at 615 W. Grand River Ave. will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Events include rescue equipment display, tours, a “smoke house” presentation by the Brighton SWAT team, survival flight helicopter landing.
-Howell: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1211 W. Grand River Ave. Events include Smoke House demonstrations, survival flight helicopter landings, fire hose practice for children, “Stew” the Arson dog, refreshments.
-Green Oak Township: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday at 9384 Whitmore Lake Road. Events include car fire demonstration, an extrication demonstration, two survival helicopter landings, a fire prevention program for children at 3:30 p.m.
Originally published Friday, October 8, 1999
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Cynthia and James D’Amour of Ann Arbor know that fire is not something that always happens to other people. The D’Amours still vividly recall the night several weeks ago when they awoke to the shouts of “fire!” and the sound of someone pounding on their door.
By the time the D’Amours, groggy with sleep, realized their apartment building was on fire, their exit out the front door was blocked.
They grabbed their wedding photos, an airplane ticket for Cynthia D’Amour’s business trip the next day and some computer disks for their home-based business and fled to their balcony to await rescue.
The D’Amour’s, both 37, survived their ordeal without serious injury, but the experience made them realize how important it is to be prepared for the possibility of fire.
Fire officials would underscore that, during this week, which has been declared Fire Prevention Week. Many area fire departments will have open houses this weekend.
“We (want to) share some valuable lessons that we have painfully learned,” Cynthia D’Amour said.
“Never in our wildest dreams did I think we would be burned out by a fire started in the apartment below us.” (Ann Arbor Fire Departments said the blaze started on the floor below the D’Amours by smokers who accidentally set a mattress on fire.)
Although they had insurance, it wasn’t enough, the D’Amours said.
“If we replace everything that we lost, (it) could easily add up to $30,000. Instead we are having to make some strategic decisions about replacements,” Cynthia D’Amour said.
The couple now realize that their previous fire insurance policy was inadequate. They thought they were a low fire risk and that $20,000 in coverage would be enough for their two-bedroom unit in the Village Park apartments on the east side of Ann Arbor. They regret that they did not buy an additional $10,000 in fire insurance that would have only cost an extra $25 per year.
D’Amour added that she lost many things, including family heirlooms and professional achievement plaques that are irreplaceable. It’s also hard, she said, to prove to insurance adjusters that a burned out piece of furniture or other heirloom was originally worth something.
Fire Department Open House
The Ann Arbor Fire Department will have open houses at all six of its fire stations Sunday as part of Fire Prevention Week.
The open houses will run from 1-4 p.m., with different activities at each fire station. For more information, call (734) 994-4908.
Some other fire departments will have open houses Sunday:
-Brighton: the station at 615 W. Grand River Ave. will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Events include rescue equipment display, tours, a “smoke house” presentation by the Brighton SWAT team, survival flight helicopter landing.
-Howell: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1211 W. Grand River Ave. Events include Smoke House demonstrations, survival flight helicopter landings, fire hose practice for children, “Stew” the Arson dog, refreshments.
-Green Oak Township: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday at 9384 Whitmore Lake Road. Events include car fire demonstration, an extrication demonstration, two survival helicopter landings, a fire prevention program for children at 3:30 p.m.
Originally published Friday, October 8, 1999
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