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City of Alma E-Newsletter |
Friday Night at the Movies at Alma Public Library
The fun continues into the month of February. This month's movies include:
2/5 - Kramer vs. Kramer with Dustin Hoffman & Meryl Streep
2/12 - Falling in Love with Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep
2/19 - Sophie's Choice with Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline & Peter MacNichol
2/26 - To Kill a Mockingbird with Gregory Peck
The program starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Alma Public Library, with free admission. Snacks are available during the presentations for a nominal fee. Stop in and spend a Friday evening at the cinema with a group of "Friends".
Sponsored by "The Friends of the Alma Public Library"
Wilcox Non-Profit Center Grand Opening
"A Community Dream Becomes a Reality"
The Wilcox Non-Profit Center will be celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The ceremony will be followed by tours of the facility until 7:00 p.m.
Agencies located at the Center include: American Red Cross - Gratiot County; ASCC; CASA; Child Advocacy of Central MI; EightCAP Inc.; Habitat for Humanity - Gratiot County; Mid Michigan Literacy Council; and the United Way of Gratiot County.
Please plan to attend and tour the renovated facility.
Gratiot County Players Present:
"The Women"
 The show follows the lives of a handful of wealthy Manhattan women, focusing in particular on Mary Haines, the cheerful, contented wife of Stephen and mother of Little Mary. After a bit of gossip flies around the salon these wealthy women visit, Mary's friend and cousin, Sylvia Fowler, learns from a manicurist, Olga, that Mary's husband has been having an affair with a predatory perfume counter girl named Crystal Allen. A notorious gossip, Sylvia delights in sharing the news with Mary's other friends, and sets up Mary with an appointment with Olga so that she hears the same rumor about Stephen's infidelity. Written by Claire Booth Luce
Directed by Telli Luneack
Presented through Dramatists Play Service
Showings will be February 19, 20, 21 & 26, 27, 28, 2010.
Friday/Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
The box office is open from 7-8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
the week before each performance weekend. Get your tickets early, avoid waiting in line!
 Alma College Events:
Athletics Sponsor Pink Zone Breast Cancer Awareness Week
The Alma College Athletics Department is sponsoring Pink Zone Breast Cancer Awareness Week with a series of activities culminating with the women's and men's home basketball doubleheader on Saturday, February 6 in Cappaert Gymnasium.
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Tuesday, February 2 - Community Pink Day: Students and faculty are encourage to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.
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Friday, February 5: Women's basketball coach, Keisha Brown will share her experiences as a breast cancer survivor at 7:15 p.m. in the Dunning Memorial Chapel. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Saturday, February 6: Local groups will be on hand with breast cancer informational materials in the Hogan Center Lobby during the basketball games. The women's game tipoff is at 1:00 p.m. against Hope while the men host Adrian with a 3:00 p.m. tipoff.
Raffles will take place during the two games. All proceeds from the $5 admission, raffle ticket purchases and donations will go to charities that promote breast cancer awareness.
Coach Brown was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy. In 2008, Brown had a reoccurrence of cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and six weeks of radiation. Now, as a survivor, she is doing what she can to enhance awareness and share her experience with others.
"This week is all about bringing awareness about the disease to the community," says Brown. "Everyone has been affected by cancer in some form or fashion. We are hoping that Pink Zone Week will give people more knowledge and understanding of this disease and cancer in general."
The Pink Zone initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) in raising awareness of breast cancer.
Spend Valentine's Day with the Alma Symphony Orchestra
 Romantic overtures and concertos along with performances by the student winners of the Alma College Concerto Competition will highlight a Valentine's Day concert by the Alma Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 14, in the Remick Heritage Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students, and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
Also planned for the concert is a display of artwork by students from Alma Middle School and St. Louis High School in the Heritage Center lobby along with an after-glow reception with refreshments following the performance.
Concertgoers are invited to vote on their favorite pieces of student art prior to the concert and during the intermission, with a prize to be awarded to the winning artist.
Follow the link for additional information on this and other performances. |
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 The City Commission meeting of January 26th brought a packed house to the City Commission Chambers, as residents of Golfside Drive and Pineview Court addressed the City Commission regarding the possible construction of sidewalks on their respective streets. During the public hearings, residents voiced their objections to the sidewalks, citing costs and practicality of the construction. Based upon residents concerns, the City Commission voted unanimously to abandon the sidewalk projects on the two streets. The street reconstruction projects will proceed and residents will be invited to another public meeting sometime late spring or early summer to learn the details and timing of the projects. Thank you to all those that attended the meeting and voiced their opinions.
Also at the January 26th meeting, the City Commission adopted a Mailbox Policy t o establish requirements for the installation of mailboxes along street rights-of-way that provide for efficient snow clearance and right-of-way maintenance and enhance traffic safety. The policy also establishes standards for reimbursing property owners for damage done to mailboxes by City equipment.
Congratulations to J & J/Giles Tire on receiving a $1500 Downtown Development Facade Grant for their recent addition and improvements at their location at the corner of Superior and Park. Thank you Jim Huff and Tyler Haase for your commitment to the Alma community.
Complete copies of City Commission minutes are available on the City's website. |
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The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
What does the census mean to Michigan?
The 2010 Census will help Michigan communities receive its share of more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:
- Hospitals
- Job training centers
- Schools
- Senior centers
- Bridges, tunnels and other public works projects
- Emergency services
- Data collected by the census also determines the number of seats Michigan has in the U.S. House of Representatives
What does the census mean to Alma?
 Constitutional revenue sharing - the portion the legislature cannot touch - is based on population.
- Revenue sharing is funding received to help pay for core government services such as police and fire protection.
- Data collected by the census also determines the senate and house districts for the Michigan legislature.
How does it work?
- The Census is 10 questions long and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
- Your answers to the census are strictly confidential.
- Your response influences the future of Michigan.
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.
Any personal data you provide is protected under the federal law.
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City of Alma Water Quality Report
The City of Alma Water Department recently completed the 2009 Water Quality Report. The report provides important information concerning the source of your drinking water, what it consists of and how it compares to standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). A copy of the report is available on the City's website. We recommend that you keep this report as a reference source, as it provides useful information, as well as contacts and phone numbers you may need from time to time. |
Gratiot County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Another example of Gratiot communities working together is the collaboration of our local units of government in developing the Gratiot County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The entities have been reviewing hazards that may occur in the county, such as floods, tornados, fires, lightening and any other type of disaster that may occur. The plan is required by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in order to qualify for hazard mitigation grants before and/or after a disaster. Once the plan is in place, it will be used to help lessen the impact a disaster will have on the residents and the community in general. The group intends to submit the plan to FEMA in April. Member communities welcome your input and suggestions. Follow the link for a list of the City of Alma Mitigation Strategies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Safety Director Dave Walsh at 463-8317. |
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New Businesses & Business Improvements for 2009
Even in these tough economic times, the City of Alma saw a number of new businesses open and several existing businesses making investments in their property in 2009. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their commitment to the Alma community:
New Businesses in Alma for 2009:
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 Edna Bells Confectionary -
Wooden Spoon Bakery and Café
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Permanent Images
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Arbor Grove Assisted Living Center
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Energy First
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Laura Benitez PLLC
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Superior Street Barber Shop
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Ryan T. Pellerito Attorney
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Yost Auto Sales
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R U Outdoors
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WMLM 1520 AM Raido (New Owership)
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Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company
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State Street Stuff
Business Renovations in Alma for 2009
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Mainstream Computers & Discount Appliance - Improvements façade, roof, landscaping.
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Ken's Culligan Water Conditioning - Rear façade improvements and alley improvements
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ABC Music New Location 325 N State - Added a repair shop, an office, more display walls, a security alarm, new lighting, and new roof.
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J & J/Giles Tire Service - Complete façade remodel/new service building, added Giles tire business.
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Bravehearts Pub - New carpet and back bar floor area.
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Alma College - Swanson Academic Center Renovations, Hogan Renovations Existing Building, Bruske Hall Renovations, infrastructure improvements to Mitchell and Newberry Halls, sidewalks, parking lot and outdoor meeting space improvements.
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Wilcox Non-Profit Center - Complete renovation from nursing home to office building, new windows, lighting, roof, paint, media infrastructure, ceilings, carpeting, elevator improvements, and construction of a new lobby.
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Alma Sewing Center - Removal of steel siding, tuck point block, paint entire building.
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Larry's IGA - New paint façade and parking lot improvements
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City of Alma - New transportation building on Willow Run Drive
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Masonic Pathways - Drive thru carport at Doig Chapel entrance
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The Strand Theatre - Marquee sign rehab
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Alma Reality - New windows at 113 E Superior
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Mancino's Pizza & Grinders of Alma - New energy efficient doors and parking lot improvements
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The Tanner - Pulsed electro-magnetic pain therapy, new Sun Capsule Eclipse tanning booth
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Merrill Fabricators - New signage
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Marilyn Stenberg - New roof at 325 N State Street
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Gene Smith - New Edward Jones office North Town Plaza
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McDonald Appraisal - New front façade
Thank you again for your commitment to the City of Alma. |
Free Window Rehab Workshop
In Michigan and throughout the Unitied States, 20% of the housing was built before 1950 and a significant part of that housing stock has traditional wooden double hung windows. With rehabilitation and a working storm window, old windows can be as energy efficient as new windows.
A FREE three-day workshop is being sponsored by the Michigan Historic Preservation Network on April 9-11 and April 16-18, 2010 in Kalamazoo. The intensive workshop will teach students the fundamentals of repair and rehab of traditional wooden double hung windows. Under the guidance of trained preservation craftspeople, trainees will work with traditional building materials and rehab one complete window.
Prospective trainees will:
- Have some experience using hand tools and basic power tools (drill, saw, router)
- Possess appropriate fine motor skill abilities and physical strength to successfully complete the work of the class.
- Agree to follow all safety instructions, and use all available safety and personal protection clothing and equipment as instructed.
- Sign a release of liability form and a model release - photos and video from the training will be used to promote preservations skills both within Michigan and elsewhere.
- Commit to the full three day workshop and be on-site in Kalamazoo by 8:00 am each day.
- Must be 18 years old.
- Must be a Michigan resident.
The workshop will provide:
- All necessary tools - trainees may bring their own tools but they should be clearly marked.
- Safety gear as needed.
- Breakfast and lunch each day.
- Lead Safe Work Practices training appropriate for homeowners to help minimize the dangers of disturbing lead based paints.
Applications must be received by 5:00 pm, March 5th and can be obtained by following this link. Additional information is also included with the application. You will be notified that you have been accepted in the class by Friday, March 12, 2010. |
Final Fire Call for Chief George Blyton
The Alma community said a sad farewell to long-time Fire Chief George Blyton. Mr. Blyon passed away at his home on Friday, January 24, 2010. He was 86.
Mr. Blyton served as an Alma firefighter and Chief for over 46 years before retiring in 2000. His distinguished career began as a substitute firefighter and evolved to include serving as a Class B firefighter, Class A firefighter, driver/engineer and secretary before being elected Fire Chief in 1973.
During George's tenure as Fire Chief and firefighter he attended over 10,000 fires, served under five City Managers and assisted them in matters related to community safety. He played a vital role in the planning and developing of the current Alma Fire District Board which includes the City of Alma, Pine River, Arcada, Sumner and Seville Townships.
Through his dedication and commitment, George has always made personal sacrifices for the benefit of the City of Alma and its citizens, always putting the needs of the City and his department first. It is with great honor that the City of Alma called him "Chief". |
Congratulations to Sharon Fenton, Alma Order of the Tartan Award Winner
 The City of Alma would like to congratulate Sharon Fenton on being named the Alma Order of the Tartan Award winner at the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce dinner last Saturday night. Sharon has been an integral part of the community for many years, currently serving as United Way Director for Gratiot County. Sharon spearheaded the Wilcox Non-Profit Center renovations and was instrumental in bringing the local non-profit agencies all under one roof.
Thank you Sharon for your long standing dedication and commitment to the Alma community! |
Puxsutawny Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!
Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2010 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
"Hear Ye Hear Ye Hear Ye
On Gobbler's Knob on this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2010, Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators awoke to the call of President Bill Deeley and greeted his handlers, John Griffiths and Ben Hughes.
After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers, Phil proclaimed, "If you want to know what's next, you must read my text. As the sky shines bright above me, my shadow I see beside me. So six more weeks of winter it will be."
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA. On February 2, (Groundhog Day) of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the beloved groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food. During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, located in a rural area about 2 mi east of town. According to the tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, the United States will have six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early. During the rest of the year, Phil lives in the town library with his "wife" Phyllis. A select group, called the Inner Circle, takes care of Phil year-round and also plan the annual ceremony. Members of the Inner Circle are recognizable by their top hats and tuxedos.
Puxsutawney Phil fans say that there is only one Phil (all the other groundhog weathermen are imposters), and that he has made weather prognostications for over 120 years as of 2010. They say that every summer, Phil is fed a sip of the mysterious Groundhog Punch, which magically lengthens his life for seven years. This is done by the Inner Circle members. According to the Groundhog Club, Phil, after making the prediction, speaks to the Club President in "Groundhogese", which ony the Inner Circle appear to understand, and then his prediction is translated for the entire world.
Data shows, however, groundhogs (widely known as woodchucks) have a maximum lifespan in captivity of 10 years, much shorter in the wild. Thus it is certain that Phil has been replaced many times. The actual method whereby the Inner Circle makes the "prediction" is unknown.
Since 1887 (113 predictions on record so far), Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring 14 times (13%), and has never done so in consecutive years. As to his accuracy, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, he is 100% accurate. However, according to the StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Phil's predictions have been correct just 39% of the time. There's always hope for an early spring!
(Information taken from Wikipedia and PuxsutawneyPhil.com) | |
Property owners are reminded that property taxes are due by 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 15, 2010. Taxes paid after February 15th will be subject to a 3% penalty.
Street Light Out?
 If you notice a street light out in your neighborhood or somewhere in the City, you may contact Consumers Energy through this link to report it. Parking Ban Began November 1st
The annual winter parking ban on city streets is in effect. Parking is prohibited on any street from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., November 1 - March 31.
Permit Required to Park Overnight in Downtown Parking Lots
If you park overnight in a downtown city parking lot, you need to purchase an overnight parking permit for 2010. Permits can be purchased at City Hall. The cost of the permit is $25 for those living and/or working in the downtown and $125 for anyone else who needs to park overnight in the lots. You may download the permit form and fill it out by visiting the Alma DDA website. If you have questions please call 463-8336 and ask for Aeric.
Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks and Clear Snow and Ice from Fire Hydrants
Now that winter has arrived, we remind everyone that you are required by City Ordinance to keep sidewalks free and clear of snow and ice. Also, if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please keep it clear of snow and ice so that it is easily accessible in case of an emergency. If you have questions, call 463-8356.
Snow and Ice Control Plan
The City of Alma has a snow and ice control plan in place which designates snow plowing priorities during a winter storm. The plan specifies which facilities and streets will be cleared and the priority in which snow and ice will be removed. Please follow the link to read the plan in its entirety. | |
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City of Alma offices/services closings:
Good Friday:
4/02/10
Memorial Day:
5/31/10
July 4th:
7/5/10
Labor Day:
9/6/10
Thanksgiving:
11/25/10
11/26/10
Christmas:
12/23/10
12/24/10 |
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City of Alma Officials:
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
City Manager
Asst. City Manager/ DDA Director
Public Safety Director
Public Services Director
City Clerk
City Assessor
Assistant
Building/Zoning/Code Enforcement Director
Finance Director
Transportation Services Director
Library Director
Controller |
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City of Alma Telephone Numbers:
City Manager
463-8336
City Clerk
463-8336
City Assessor
463-8356
City Treasurer
463-8346
City Engineer
463-8346
Building/Zoning
463-8356
Downtown Development Authority
463-8336
Public Safety
463-8317
Fire (business)
463-8359
Public Services
463-8346
Municipal Garage
463-8339
Cemetery
463-8901
Forestry
463-8901
Library
463-3966
DART
463-6016
Water
463-8349
Wastewater
463-6506
Public Access
463-5883
Housing Commission
463-4200
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