The Westland Fire Department provides more than just Fire and Rescue services to our citizens. An early Christmas gift was given to one of our residents this month. This resident has a disability that is progressively getting worse and negatively impacting her daily life. The seemingly simple task of taking a shower had become almost impossible until now. The Westland Fire Department was contacted by her social worker, Megan Graber, from the "Medical Team." Ms. Graber asked if the Fire Department could volunteer to remodel the patient's bathroom to accommodate her disability. We jumped to the task without hesitation. Battalion Chief Patrick Harder and Captain Michael Stradtner led the way from the demolition of the bathroom room, to the final installation of the new shower enclosure. Westland's Fire Department is always proud to serve the citizens of Westland, regardless of the request. If we can't get it done we will find a way to help.

The Commodity Food Program provides food once a month for low income households. Food distribution is held at the Dorsey Center, 32715 Dorsey Road, for qualified Westland residents living north of Michigan Avenue, usually on the third Thursday of each month. For Westland residents living south of Michigan Avenue, food distribution is held at St. James United Methodist Church, 30055 Annapolis, between Henry Ruff and Middlebelt Roads, usually the third Monday of each month.

To qualify, residents must meet the following guidelines:

• For those under 60 years of age, 130% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, $28,665 for a family of 4
• For those 60 years of age and older, 160% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, $23,312 for a family of 2.

Applicants must provide proof of City of Westland residency and proof of income.

Qualified residents of Taylor Towers may pick up the food at Taylor Towers, usually on the third Wednesday of each month.

For further information, including the type of food that will be provided, call the Commodities Hotline at (734) 595-0366.

The Wayne County Family Center provides a safe haven for families who have lost their homes. The Family Center can accommodate 24 families with children and serves an average of 85 people each month. Each family has a "room of their own", where the family members can share private, restful nights. The shelter is funded through Wayne County and federal grants. As with all human services, these families find themselves in need of many items, day-to-day necessities that many take for granted.

At this special time of the year, please keep the families of the Wayne County Family Center in mind. Donations are always welcome. In particular, the Family Center is in need of:

-        bath towels, wash clothes, pillows, twin size sheets

-        snacks - pre-packaged individual serving size

-        paper towels, multipurpose cleaners, liquid hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, brooms & dust pans, kitchen degreaser - floors & hood

-        diapers and wipes- children's larger sizes

-        flashlights & batteries

The Family Center also welcomes groups interested in cooking and serving meals for the families.

For more information about donations to the Wayne County Family Center, please contact (734) 721-0590.

Whether it's eating a holiday dinner together, picking out a Christmas tree, volunteering together, or watching a favorite family video together, family traditions are important to build strong families. People value traditions because they bring family members together and strengthen relationships.

Family traditions are valuable because of the recurring planned time with family members that give children, parents, and relatives a meaningful sense of security and connectedness. This is becoming more essential in this day and age as families become increasingly separated by divorce, hectic schedules and demanding work commitments.

Children need to see that parents take family traditions seriously. The goal is to have younger generations enjoy participating and continue the tradition. Teens learn the value of traditions by being included in the planning and carrying out family activities. Including teens in the planning gives them a sense of being needed and wanted.

Traditions are a special reason for families to get together, the interaction and togetherness is important for family bonding. In the face of increasing time pressures and stress on family members, traditions may provide a mechanism to restore family unity and cohesiveness. Be sure to document your precious family events by taking and sharing pictures or keeping a scrapbook. Whatever your family decides to do to celebrate, make this holiday season special by continuing or starting a tradition that will last for generations.

Westland Youth Assistance supports youth and families in Westland. For more information, call (734) 467-7904.

November was a time of celebration in the City of Westland between the Grand Opening of the MJR Digital Cinema to the kickoff of the annual Wayne County Lightfest. Westland Seniors were in the holiday spirit at the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Friendship Center and kids were cheering for Santa as he arrived via helicopter at Westland Shopping Center. The celebrating continued at the William P. Faust Public Library as they recognized their 15-year anniversary and the Wayne-Westland Distinguished Young Woman of the Year (formerly known as Junior Miss) honored the finest young women from our local area.

Mayor Wild was busy throughout the month of November starting with his involvement in the Ford Road/I-275 intersection hearing where several dignitaries voiced their support to improve that area. Shortly after, Mayor Wild and St. Mary Mercy Hospital team up with MJR Theaters to launch his Healthy City Campaign to turn Westland in to one of America's healthiest cities with a fundraiser called "Lights, Camera & Take Action! Harvest Bible Chapel and ITT Technical Institute also welcomed the Mayor for tours of their facilities. In addition, Mayor Wild joined Jim Harper on 105.1 on his final Sunday Morning Brunch show to promote the Westland Shopping and Dining district for the coming holiday season. Later in the month, the Mayor was proud to accept the Habitat for Humanity Raymond & Theresa Carbott Service Award on behalf of the City of Westland (pictured above) in recognition of significant supportive contribution.

City departments were also busy in November going above and beyond their expected duties. Westland Police Chief Greg Angelosanto and fellow officers provided retail fraud information at an event to protect businesses from becoming a victim by offering tips and advice on a number of crime prevention techniques. In addition to that, the Department of Public Service has officially geared up for the snow season with its delivery of salt. Let it snow!