Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a safe and healthy start to the year, and I hope your family has been staying warm in this cold weather. As we begin February, we look forward to celebrating Black History Month, Presidents’ Day, and having a leap day on February 29. As always, it is an honor to serve and represent you!
Featured in this newsletter:
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Red Cross Seeking Blood Donations
- Check for Senior Benefits Programs
- New Gun Safety Laws go into Effect
- Michigan’s Individual Income Tax Filing Season Officially Begins on January 29
- MSU Extension
- Electronic Waste Recycling
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Focus: HOPE Looking for Volunteers to Pack and Deliver Food to Thousands of Metro Detroit Seniors
- Warming Centers Available in Detroit
- Keeping Your Animals Warm and Safe with Below Freezing Temperatures
- Take Care of Yourself, Combat Winter Blues
- Detroit Neighborhood Beautification Program
If you ever have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, call (517) 373-8360 or email SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month, where we celebrate the achievements of African Americans as well as their central role in United States culture and history. For the last 48 years, every United States president has recognized February as Black History Month. The celebration is held in February to coincide with President’s Day and the birthday of Fredrick Douglas. This year we celebrate with the theme of African Americans and the Arts.
Some Black History Month events to check out include:
- Black History Scavenger Hunt
Detroit Public Library, Jefferson Branch
February 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Outer Drive East, Detroit, MI 48224 - Winter LoveFest
Palmer Park
February 10, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit, MI 48203 - Black History Head Wrap Party
Detroit Public Library, Jefferson Branch
February 17, 2023, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Outer Drive East, Detroit, MI 48224 - On the Shoulders of Giants Event with a Contemporary Jazz Performance
Detroit Historical Museum
February 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, 48202 - Celebrate Black History and Black Futures at Henry Ford
Henry Ford Museum
February 4, 2024, The Motor City Stars at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
February 12, 2024, Institute of Dance at Marygrove at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
February 17, 2024, Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 at 7:00 p.m. in the Giant Screen Experience Theater
February 18, 2024, McClenon & Mann at 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
February 25, 2024, The Will Cyprian Trio at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Red Cross Seeking Blood Donations
The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations due to an emergency blood shortage. It has been reported that blood products are going to the hospital faster than blood donations are coming in. In the past few decades, people donating blood have declined by about 40 percent. Having ample blood supply is vital for many lifesaving procedures.
To help alleviate the shortage, the Red Cross is urging anyone who can give blood to make an appointment to do so. There are also local blood drives in Southeast Michigan, locations including Warren, Shelby Township, and Novi. To make an appointment or find a blood drive near you, use the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit their website , or call (800) 733-2767.
Check for Senior Benefit Programs
If you or a senior you know are struggling to make ends meet, a website run by the National Council on Aging may be able to help. Benefits CheckUp is a free website that allows you to search for state, federal, and private benefit programs available to you. This website prompts you to enter your zip code and select which assistance you are in need of. It will then show you all your available options, along with their contact information. These programs help with things such as health care costs, food assistance, utility bills, and more. To check benefit programs available to you, visit www.benefitscheckup.org.
New Gun Safety Laws go into Effect
Four new gun safety laws passed last year will go into effect on February 13, 2024, the one-year mark of the shooting that took place on Michigan State University’s campus. The shooting claimed the lives of three and injured five more. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation early last year.
These new laws will require safe storage, provide for universal background checks, make Extreme Risk Protection Orders available, and disarm individuals convicted of domestic violence.
For more information on firearm safety please visit Michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/firearm-safety.
Michigan’s Individual Income Tax Filing Season Officially Begins on January 29
The Michigan Department of Treasury has announced that Monday, Jan. 29, was the official start date of the 2024 tax season when the agency will begin processing individual income tax returns.
Individuals can file their state income tax return online, with a tax professional, or by mailing in paper forms and documentation. All state of Michigan income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 15, 2024.
For the convenience of taxpayers, the state’s individual income tax deadline is the same date set by the Internal Revenue Service. To learn more, click here.
MSU Extension
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is a program that brings the university’s vast knowledge resources to Michigan residents. The offerings equip people with tools to work and live better. MSU extension offers both online and in-person programs on food and health, family, animal agriculture, and field crops. These programs can range from quick 30-minute sessions to a series with multiple meeting dates. Programs are offered in every county and are mostly free. To view the events offered in your county, click here.
Additionally, MSU Extension also offers Ask Extension, an online opportunity to submit questions to MSU Extension experts on topics such as gardening, nutrition, food safety, and community development. Ask Extension also allows you to upload images along with the question. To ask a question, click here.
Electronic Waste Recycling
When it comes to discarding electronics, it is very important to dispose of them correctly. Electronics can contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated flame retardants. These toxins can be very harmful to the planet. Recycling of electronics allows valuable materials to be used again to make new products and cause less damage to our planet. There are a few different options for recycling electronics.
One option is eCycle Opportunities, which offers a public drop-off service Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can bring your electronics to 29699 Southfield Road, Southfield MI 48076. Most items can be recycled free of charge. Televisions, CRT monitors, printers, copiers, and fax machines will have a charge fee of no more than $25. To learn more about the fees, items accepted, and drop-off procedures please visit the eCycle website.
Best Buy also offers a recycling program. You can recycle up to three items per household a day. Many items are free to recycle, but items such as televisions and monitors are $29.99 per item. There is a mail-in and haul-away option for items as well. To learn more, click here.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides renewable scholarships for in-state, undergraduate students that graduate high school or achieve an equivalency certificate in 2023 or after, and attend an eligible Michigan public university, community college, tribal college, or independent nonprofit college or university full-time. This program offers up to $5,500 for students enrolled at any of Michigan’s fifteen public universities. This program also will provide up to $4,000 per student at the state’s private nonprofit colleges, and up to $2,750 per student at community colleges and tribal colleges.
To qualify students must demonstrate financial need when they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by having an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $25,000 or less. Students may be eligible to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for up to five consecutive years total, with no more than three years at a Michigan community college and tribal college. Please note, current and future awards are subject to available and approved funding. Total funding for Michigan Achievement Scholarships for FY 2023-24 will be $300 million. For more information, click here.
Focus: HOPE Looking for Volunteers to Pack and Deliver Food to Thousands of Metro Detroit Seniors
The nonprofit Focus: HOPE is seeking volunteers to help pack and deliver food to thousands of Metro Detroit seniors. HOPE is in partnership with both state and federal agencies to serve low-income seniors with monthly food packages, opportunities to obtain health screenings, income support, tax preparation, and utility assistance. They currently have 42,000 seniors enrolled in their Food for Seniors program, which covers Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties.
While Focus: HOPE currently has a shortage of volunteers with the holiday season coming to an end, Metro Detroit food pantries have recently seen a spike in need. Once a volunteer has received an orientation, they may volunteer during any open hours, some including Saturday morning. Focus: HOPE is also looking for more spaces to distribute food boxes such as government buildings, churches, and community centers. To volunteer or become a distribution site please call (313) 494-4600. You can also email volunteer@focushope.eduor visit focushope.galaxydigital.com/need to volunteer.
For those interested in joining the food assistance program, Focus: Hope is looking to add more than 3,000 eligible seniors. To qualify, you must be 60 years of age and living in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw counties. To apply, contact Focus: Hope via phone at (313) 494-4600, via email at food@focushope.edu, or visit a distribution site. Those who need home deliveries can call (313) 494-4980.
For more information on locations and the program please visit the Focus: HOPE website.
Warming Centers Available in Detroit
With the frigid winter weather we have been experiencing lately, it is important that you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. If you do not have a warm place to stay, there are warming centers available.
Overnight Warming Centers:
- Cass Community Social Services
11850 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 833-2277 - Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
11037 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 331-8990
or
3535 Third Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 993-6703
The City of Detroit is providing respite locations in their recreational centers as well as their public library branches. They are available during normal operating hours.
Keeping Your Animals Warm and Safe with Below Freezing Temperatures
With the recent winter storms and drops in temperatures, it is important to know your animal’s limits in cold weather. This can help you to prevent hyperthermia, frostbite, and more in your pets. Animals are vulnerable to freezing temperatures and it is recommended to keep pets inside as much as possible and limit their walk and bathroom time during these weather conditions. Animals that are young or elderly, short-coated, and/or have chronic health conditions are more at risk in frigid temperatures.
The following tips can help to keep your animals safe from the cold:
- Bring your pets indoors whenever possible or provide shelter with dry bedding.
- Ensure your pets’ water source does not freeze.
- Check paws for injury and clean deicers from them. Cold and snowy surfaces can cause paw pads to crack and bleed. Deicers can be toxic to pets.
- Some animals may need more calories to maintain their body heat, especially if they spend time outdoors.
- Thoroughly clean areas where antifreeze may have spilled.
To learn more please click here.
Take Care of Yourself, Combat Winter Blues
The winter season can bring joy and happiness but can also have an adverse impact on mental health. It is important to consistently check in with your mental health and ensure you are getting the support you need. If you find yourself emotionally struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health. To learn more, click here.
- If you need mental health care, go to the MDHHS website for more information.
Detroit Neighborhood Beautification Program
The Neighborhood Beatification Program (NBP) program provides grants to Detroit-based block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations to carry out a project. This project allows a group to carry out up to four projects on vacant lots. This program is funded with $4.75 million from the Neighborhood Improvement Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act. The NBP offers grants of $500 to $15,000 for community gardens, public space improvements, and clean-up activities. This grant is managed in partnership with the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be a city-registered block club or neighborhood association. Nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations can partner with a block club or neighborhood association and must submit a partnership letter.
- Be an LLC or 501(c)(3) legal entity or have a 501(c)(3) fiduciary partner.
- Provide proof of ownership of the lots to be improved in the name of the applicant organization. Only parcels zoned R1, R2, or R3 are eligible for funding, and deeds in the names of individuals will not be accepted.
Please note organizations may only submit one application per round. City-registered blocks and neighborhood associations can apply for their own projects and sponsor a nonprofit or faith-based organization’s project simultaneously. For more information on applicant eligibility, please view the grant guidelines on the Wayne Metro website.