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City of Alma E-Newsletter

News That's Important for You!

 March 2013 

City Commission Nominating Petitions

   

The City of Alma will have four seats open on the City Commission for the November 5, 2013 election.

 

Any qualified elector of the City of Alma is eligible to run for City Commission. Nominating petitions are available from the City Clerk at the Municipal Building. Anyone desiring to qualify as a candidate for the City Commission must file a nominating petition with the City Clerk signed by no less than 25 nor more than 50 registered electors of the City. Petitions must be filed by 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2013.

  
In the event that nine or more candidates file petitions, a primary election will be held on August 6, 2013 to elect the eight candidates who will appear on the November 5th ballot.
  
Call Barb Gager at 463-8336 or email at [email protected]  for more information.
boardofreview2013 Board of Review

 

Property assessment notices have been mailed to residents of the City of Alma. With that in mind, the Board of Review will hear property tax appeals at City Hall on the following days:

 

Appointment only:
Tuesday - 3/19:  9:00 a.m. to noon  & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Wednesday - 3/20:  9:00 a.m. to noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Open session:

Wednesday - 3/20: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thursday - 3/21: 9:00 a.m. to noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Call 463-8356 for an appointment. 
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
 

The City of Alma conducts a weekly recycling program and encourages all residents to take advantage of this valuable program. Recycling is collected on your regular refuse collection day in the recycling bin provided. Lost, stolen or damaged recycling bins are the responsibility of the property owner. Replacement bins may be purchased at the Alma Municipal Building for a nominal fee. Only properly prepared items listed will be collected as part of the Alma's residential recycling program. Recyclables must be separated: plastic, paper, glass and cans should each be placed in separate sacks and placed in the recycle bin. Follow the link for complete recycling information or phone (989)463-8339.

 

By recycling, a substantial portion of our waste can be broken down into their original elements and be used to produce new materials. In this way, we can reduce the harmful waste we discard into the environment, ie. pollution, and even conserve raw materials.

Besides the environmental reasons for recycling, there are also other reasons why is recycling important. Recycling contributes to the economy by conserving resources and saving money and helps to create jobs and generate revenue.  In turn, recycling is also a form of patriotism, because we are helping our country save money and reduce our dependence on other countries for raw materials.  All efforts count, even at an individual level. 

Yard Waste Program Begins
    
Even though we were just blasted with another winter storm, believe it or not, spring is just around the corner....we promise!  In anticipation of its arrival, the City of Alma will begin its yard waste program on April 1, 2013.
 
Yard waste will be collected on your regular trash collection day and must be in paper bags, cardboard boxes and/or trash containers marked "yard waste". Tree limbs should be placed in piles, not bundled, with all stems lying in the same direction. To get the complete info on the yard waste program, follow this link.

Remember...THINK SPRING!!
Park Shelter Reservation Program
  

Alma has many beautiful parks throughout the city, some of which have shelters which you can reserve for your special events. Reservations are accepted through September 30 each year. You can download the reservation form and bring it to City Hall with the appropriate fee.

Alma Public Library    Upcoming Events

 

Looking for a way to cure the winter "blahs" and get ready for spring?  Well, the APL has the remedy for what ails you!  Check out all the activities planned for March:

 

Paper Crafting Demo Day:

 

March 16, 2013:  1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

The Friends of the Alma Public Library will be hosting "Paper Crafting Demo Day".  This open house style program will be held in the Art and Carra Smith Meeting Room and is intended to be an introduction to paper crafting for beginners.  Of course, if you are already a paper crafter you could come for new ideas and techniques.   Tables will be set up with displays of paper crafting techniques such as: Rubber stamping, scrapbooking, and card making.  Check the library's Facebook page and the circulation desk for up-coming details regarding this program. 

 

Peeps Extravaganza:

  
Enter March 11th thru March 30th

 

We are again celebrating our love of marshmallow peeps with a contest to stretch your creative minds!   The challenge: create a diorama of a scene from your favorite book or movie.  The rules:  all characters must be played by Peeps.  Build your diorama using a shoebox or similar sized space no larger than 18" x 18" x 18".  Create a setting, furnishings, a back drop - you are limited only by your imagination! 

 

Who can enter: EVERYBODY!!  There will be 1st place winners in three age groups: ages 10 and under, ages 11 to 15 and ages 16 to adult.  Prizes: Each 1st place winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate contributed by the Alma Public Library.  Honorable mentions will receive a small surprise.

 

Where and when:  begin turning your entries in at the Alma Public Library Monday, March 11.  Your entries must be in no later than 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.  Peeple will begin voting for their favorite diorama on Monday, March 18.  Peeple's choice winners will be announced on  Monday, April 1.  We hope everybody will join in the fun and challenge your imaginations.

  

Easter Egg Hunt & Story Time

 

Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 am.

 

Bring your little "bunnies" for a fun program at "Easter Central" - the APL.  There will be storytelling, songs and crafts.  After the story program the kids will have the Easter egg hunt in the children's section of the library.  The kids are absolutely guaranteed a great time and lots of candy!!

Gratiot Downtown Art Expo

 

Don't forget to submit your banner art ideas for the 2nd Annual "Gratiot Downtown Art Exposition". Alma, St. Louis and Ithaca are partnering to bring locally produced art to our downtowns in the form of painted banners. If you are or know of an "artist" and would like to participate, please download the information brochure/entry form before March 15th and submit your idea for the committee's review. If you have questions, please call Aeric at 463-8336.

Pine River Arts Council Music & Art Sale

 

A music and art sale will be held Friday, March 22, from 12-6 and Saturday, March 23, from 9-6 at the Alma First Presbyterian Church.  Buy and sell musical instruments, paintings & prints, music supplies, art supplies, frames, sheet music, art books, recordings, and much more!

 

You may donate or consign your music and art items and they will sell them for you.  If consigned, you keep 70% of your selling price.  Drop off donations and consignments at ABC Music, 325 N. State by April 17th.  Follow this link for more information or call Jan, Linda or Ken at (989)285-3171.

 

Proceeds benefit Pine River Arts Council, Gratiot String Association and Creative Artists Guild of MidMichigan.

Pine River Canoe Map

     

Looking for some fun this summer?  Check out Gratiot County's Pine River Canoe Trail map.  The route runs from Lumberjack Park in Riverdale to the Pine River Boat Launch in Alma.  Take some time to explore the mighty Pine and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.  Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy the ride!

Evening in the Park Volunteer Needed

 

How would you like to be involved in planning the great weekly events held in Gratiot County locations throughout the summer?

 

The Evening in the Park Committee is looking for a volunteer to help organize nine events in multiple parks in the communities of Alma, St. Louis, Ithaca & Breckenridge.  The committee meets 4 - 5 times a year to plan the schedule.  If you or somone you know is interested, please contact Sheila Letourneau at 463-8346.

Prescription Drop Site

 

Gratiot County now has two permanent prescription drop sites.  Individuals may dispose of their outdated or unused medications at anytime at the following locations:

 

Alma Police Department

525 E. Superior St.

989-463-8317

Hours of operation:  Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

Gratiot County Sheriff's Department

226 E. Center

989-875-5211

Hours of operation:  24 hours/7 days a week.

 

Sharps disposal is now available at Gratiot Community Mental Health.  Bring your containers to the reception desk (north entrance of the building).  For more information, contact Gratiot Community Mental Health at 989-463-4971.

Red Cross Blood Drives

 

Every two seconds, someone in the Unites States needs blood. By making an appointment to donate blood this month, you can help the Red Cross meet the needs of patients in our community and across the nation.

 

Upcoming blood drives are:

 

Tuesday, March 5: noon - 5:45 p.m.
Ithaca Community Center
Monday, March 11: 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Breckenridge High School
Tuesday, March 19: 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Alma College - Stone Rec Center
Thursday, March 28: noon - 5:45 p.m.
St. Louis Church of Christ
Tuesday, April 2: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Alma First Presbyterian Church
  
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call
463-3209.


 

Check out the Alma Police Department & Fire Department Annual Reports.
 
Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks
 
Please remember that you are required by City Ordinance to keep sidewalks free and clear of snow
and ice. If you have questions, call 463-8356.

  

daylightsavingspringDaylight Savings Time Begins

 

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed on Saturday, March 9th and to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

 

Masonic Pathways Easter Egg Hunt

  

The annual Masonic Pathways Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 11:00 a.m. sharp. 

 

On-Street Parking Ban Ends April 1

 

Overnight parking on the street is allowed as of April 1, 2013.

 

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Issue:  48

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City of Alma

In This Issue
City Commission Nominating Petitions
2013 Board of Review
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
Yard Waste Program
Yard Waste Program
Library Events
Downtown Art Expo
Pine River Arts Council
Pine River Canoe Map
Evening in the Park Volunteer Needed
Prescription Drop Site
Red Cross Blood Drives
DON'T FORGET!

City of Alma offices/services closings: 

  

Good Friday

3/29/13
 
Memorial Day
5/27/13
 
July 4th
7/4/13

Labor Day:
9/2/13

Thanksgiving:
11/28/13
11/29/13

Christmas:
12/24/13
12/25/13

New Year's
1/1/14

City of Alma

Officials:

 

Mayor

 

Vice-Mayor

 

Commissioner 

 

 Commissioner

 

Commissioner

Nick Piccolo
Commissioner

 

Commissioner

City Manager
(989-463-8336

 

Asst. City Manager/  DDA Director
(989)463-8336

 

Public Safety Director
(989)463-8317

 

Public Services Director
(989)463-8346

 

City Clerk
(989)463-8336

 

City Assessor
(989)463-8356

 

Building Inspector
(989)463-8356

 

Finance Director
(989)463-8346

 

Transportation Services Director
(989)463-6016

 

Library Director
(989)463-3966

 

Controller
(989)463-8346
  
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
  
Emergency
911
City of Alma
525 E. Superior St., PO Box 278
Alma, MI 48801-0278
(989)463-8336