Summer 2017 in Oak Park: Better Than Ever!

The best gift my mom ever gave me was growing up in Oak Park. The late 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s in this city were filled with family, friends, fun, and freedom. All of us who grew up here know exactly what I’m talking about. We had neighborhood kids as best friends, the park was our playground, and the pool was the place to be. Every week we listened to a variety of concerts at the Music in the Park program, and we watched hundreds of games at the ball diamonds every year. The library was the best place to be, especially on hot days. We would cool off, check out some books, and participate in the Summer Reading Program.

But summer really started with the Ethnic Festival, and the Funfest, which lasted for about 10 days, leading up to the 4th of July. Everyone was at the park on the 4th of July! We decorated our bikes with red, white, and blue streamers, taped flags to our handlebars, and wore red, white, and blue clothes to match, and proudly rode our bikes in the parade. After the parade, we stayed in the park all day, eating junk food, playing games, buying things we didn’t need, and hanging out with our friends. There was no better place to be than Oak Park.

I treasure every memory. I believed that the best days of Oak Park were in the past. I mean, what could possibly compare to our “Wonder Years” Oak Park childhood? Well, this spring I realized that as wonderful as the past was, the present is even better. Oak Park has become even better than it was before, and I love this city even more. That’s why this blog, Oak Park Connections, is back for good now. I want to share everything that is going on, all the stories, all the connections, all the news about everything Oak Park with those of you who share the memories and want to join in the fun, even if from afar. So come on with me. Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and I’ll be at the park (Shepherd Park, aka Oak Park Park) watching the parade, seeing old friends and neighbors, hanging out in the park, just like always. I can’t wait.

I didn’t tell you what’s new yet, did I? Come back, and I’ll tell you all about the Sherman Summer Pop Up Park, the Public Safety Ice Cream truck, the almost daily events at the library, the upgrades at the Oak Park Pool, Summerfest, the OPHS Reunion Picnic Part 1 and Part 2 (because one is just not enough for OPHS alumni!!) and MUCH more!! If you love Oak Park, please subscribe, and keep checking back. I have photos, stories, and more to share. Let’s reconnect, and notice just how connected we all are, no matter where we are now, we are Oak Parkers forever. #OP4Life #ForeverOakParkGirl

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Sep. ’16

Oak Park Connections is Returning!!

It’s a beautiful fall day in Oak Park, and it has been a spectacular summer here as well. I am super excited about restarting this blog, and I have SO much to share with you! Right now, though, I’m off to the Oak Park Public Safety Open House. Are you going? It’s from 1:00 – 4:00pm today, and from the photos I’ve already seen, it’s an awesome event with lots to see and do.

So, check back here tonight, tomorrow, and often from now on – there will be lots to see and I’m looking for your input as well. Join me, as we share Oak Park Connections – better than ever!! 192

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Oct. ’15

A New Story at the Library: Assistive Devices Now Welcome!

By Cheryl Weiss

Photo of the Rochester Hills Library Used Book Sale Room. Photo from http://www.rhpl.org

Wow, what a week it has been! Since I first posted the story about my experience at the Rochester Hills Library Used Book Sale, it has been read over 1,100 times by people all over the world, including Australia, India, Norway, Japan, France, the UK, Canada, Bulgaria, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Denmark, South Korea, Brazil, and across the United States. Many people shared this on Facebook, posted responses, and sent me messages with suggestions, words of support, which I very deeply appreciate, as well as a few not so kind comments. I have read through all of it, and thought about everyone’s feedback as I made phone calls, continued to research, and wrote this post.

So what happened? Have there been any changes? Did I contact the ADA? The ACLU? An attorney? Yes, no, no, and no.

As I shared on Facebook, what I wanted from all this was to make sure what I experienced at the book sale would not happen to anyone else, especially someone who is not willing or able to speak up for what they need. I wanted change. I wanted people with disabilities to be respected, not treated like a helpless second class citizen. Or, as I was referred to, “people like you…” People like me, and people like each of us should be welcomed to all public places, and treated with respect, regardless of our disabilities. Even on the last day of a used book sale. Even then. That’s how modern society is supposed to work, and fortunately in most places, that’s how it does work.

Part of the research I felt I needed to do was first, find out if the ban on wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and carts was in fact a safety issue. Did those items violate codes for fire safety? No, they did not. The room is large enough to accommodate them, especially with the wide aisles and open space. So the rationale of not allowing cluttered aisles with our assorted devices was not a valid one, especially since I was the only person at the sale at that time with any sort of adaptive device.

Next was the ADA issue. Many of you reading this blog do not know me well, but I’m the kind of person who would much rather solve problems easily and quietly than create a ton of drama around a situation. However, once a situation I feel is wrong has started, I will finish it and see it through to the end. I was pretty sure that banning walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and other items people with disabilities need was a violation of the American Disabilities Act, and I was hoping that initially Library Director Christine Hage would say of course they are allowed; when I was told that none of these items were not allowed at the sale on Sunday, that was a mistake and everyone is welcome, regardless of physical abilities or disabilities, even on the last day of the sale. As you already know, that did not happen when I spoke to her on the phone on Monday. Contacting the ADA and/or the ACLU regarding this situation would definitely have accomplished my goals, I am sure, but I hesitated, still hoping this could be resolved among those of us already involved. In a way, it almost felt like going to the ADA or ACLU was like tattling on an elementary school child being mean to another child. I could do that, and she would be told to change her policy, but wouldn’t it be better if she could make that decision on her own? So, I held off on contacting them to see how this would unfold.

I had absolutely no intention of contacting a lawyer. I was angry, absolutely, but there was truly nothing I could sue for, nor do I want or need that kind of stress in my life! I did not want anything personally except to fix this for the people who are in the same situation next time. I didn’t want anyone else to go to the Rochester Hills Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, excited to pick out a bag or two of books, only to be turned away at the door because they have a walker, a cart, or a wheelchair. And yes, the volunteers are willing to bring people with disabilities a selection of books to look through. For some people, it might be great to have people shop for them. If my grandmother was still alive, she probably would have loved that! She was more than happy to let us shop for her and bring her books and other things we thought she might like. For me, however, that was not a reasonable or acceptable accommodation. I am an independent woman. I love to browse, and I hate asking people for help with anything I can do myself. The whole point of going to a used book sale is to browse through the books, finding treasures I didn’t even know I was looking for. I did not accept that accommodation of a volunteer to shop for me then, and I would not accept that accommodation now. So for me, there are other used book sales going on this weekend, and others coming up this month; I can get all the books I need and want. I just wanted to turn a bad situation into something positive. Well, there was one thing I was hoping for…an apology would have been nice, but I guess that is too much to ask.

So, what happened?

On Wednesday, Police Chief Schettenhelm called me to and shared some highlights of his discussion with Christine Hage regarding this issue. “We can’t roll back time, but we can make things easier for the future,” he said. According to Schettenhelm, Hage said that they wanted me to shop and felt they had made some measures of accommodation that were not acceptable to me. In any case, he said that wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters ARE welcome at all times all over the library! However, Hage reached a different decision on items used as a medical device that are technically not medical devices, such as my cart. That is still not permitted.

I wanted to speak with Hage directly, to hear the policy from her, rather than just reporting what Schettenhelm shared that Hage said, and it took a number of tries to get her on the phone. Finally, Thursday afternoon, I spoke to another staff member at the library, explained that I was trying to reach Hage before I publish this blog post, and was hoping to speak to her first, but she has not been answering the phone at her desk. She suggested that I try calling Hage’s cell phone, which I did, and she answered. I asked her if it is true that people are now allowed to go into the used book sale with wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. She said, “It has always been our policy that people may use their own, or the library’s free walkers, wheelchairs, or electric carts. The library is and has always been fully accessible to people with disabilities.The restriction is that one may not bring a shopping cart, stroller or wagon type device in the book sale. That is not a device for the handicapped. We provide people to carry things for you.”

Putting aside the shopping cart issue momentarily, I pressed for absolute confirmation. “So even on the last day of the sale, if people come with walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, they will be allowed inside to shop?” I asked. “Any day, any sale, anywhere in that building, canes, walkers, electric scooters, and wheelchairs are allowed, ” she confirmed. Then she added, “Well, when the aisles are congested, there may not be enough room. If the room gets over crowded, we will bring a box of books to you, ” she said.

Hmmmm. So they ARE allowed, even on the last day of the sale! That’s the change I was hoping for!

Unless it’s too crowded.

I should have asked more about that. I wonder what happens if, for example, three people arrive on the last day of the sale when the sale opens with wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters, along with a dozen able-bodied people. They all go browsing as more and more people enter. As it gets crowded, are the people with disabilities who were there first asked to leave and have volunteers select books for them? Or once they are in, do they get to stay in as long as they want? What if more people with wheelchairs arrive? Will they have the option of waiting until it’s less crowded, or having someone select books for them? If it’s too crowded, should there be a line for everyone to wait until some people leave, then some more can enter? I guess we’ll find out at the next used book sale. The last day of that sale is January 31, 2016.

Next, the “shopping cart” issue. I understand that my cart is not a recognized medical device for the disabled. It is, however, a device that helps me to manage with my health-related disabilities. I cannot carry a stack of books when I have a lot of back pain and breathing trouble. Using the cart to hold my books (and using that same cart to shop at farmer’s markets, and other similar places) helps me to shop independently. It’s also a lot easier to walk and stand when I have a cart to hold on to when my back pain is bad. I don’t think anyone wants to be dependent on others; I certainly don’t! I have brought this cart, or another one I have similar to it, to many places, including a number of book sales in the area. No one has ever complained….until I went to the Rochester Hills Used Book Sale. Because it is not technically a medical device, it is not covered by ADA, from what I understand. Hage cannot be forced to allow me to use it, even though in the spirit of the law, it would be nice if she did. You can’t regulate nice, though, and in this world, some people simply are not nice, kind, and compassionate. I choose to spend time with people who are, and I choose to shop where people are, however.

As Hage originally suggested to me, I will shop with my cart at used book sales where I am welcome, such as Oak Park, and the other local libraries. Actually, the only one I know of where I am not welcome is Rochester Hills, so I have lots to choose from! The Rochester Hills Friends of the Library’s next sale is January 27-31, 2016, and quite a few people have discussed going on Facebook, and bringing family members and friends who use wheelchairs and walkers, to see if they are truly allowed to enter and shop on their own. If you do, please let me know how it goes! I’ll be very interested in hearing if this is truly a new story…or just a story.

Happy Reading, Happy Autumn, and Happy Weekend!

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Tags: Accommodations, ADA, Americans With Disabilities Act, book sales, carts, Disabled, Friends of the Library, library, Love Oak Park, Oak Park Library, Rochester Hills Library', scooters, Used book sales, walkers, wheelchairs. 2 Comments

Sep. ’15

Rochester Hills Public Library Disrespects the Disabled in Oak Park

By Cheryl Weiss

If you love to read, used book sales at local libraries are a great place to be, especially on the last day of the sale, when you can fill up a bag for $5.00. If you have physical disabilities, however, don’t go to the Rochester Hills Library’s used book sale.
They won’t let you enter their shiny new used book room where the book sale is held with a folding cart to help you wallk and hold your books.

This is the cart I brought to the used book sale.

This is the cart I brought to the book sale.

It folds up at the touch of a finger, taking up hardly any space.

They also don’t allow wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices commonly used by people with disabilities on the last day of the sale.
They don’t allow strollers either. There’s a sign on the door announcing that strollers are not allowed in the sale. There is not a sign prohibiting adaptive devices for the disabled, but the volunteers with the Friends of the Library are eager to let you know that you can’t clog their aisles on such a busy sale day with those items.
I know this is true, because it happened to me on Sunday, September 27, 2015.

I have a number of serious chronic health issues that have led to physical disabilities. If you look at me, you may not realize I am disabled, but not all disabilities look like a missing limb or a stroke-affected side of the body. I am in constant pain from my lower back down to my toes, and on bad days like yesterday, I need to hold on to something in order to stand and walk for more than a few minutes. Carrying a pile of books in my arms right now is impossible.

In addition, I have a number of autoimmune diseases including Advanced Sjogren’s Syndrome. Currently, Sjogren’s is attacking my lungs, making breathing difficult. I have been on a high dose of steroids for over six weeks, I have to take breathing treatments with a nebulizer every 4-5 hours, and I am on a great deal of other medications to ease the respiratory distress. Because of both health challenges, and others, I spend a lot of time at home resting and reading. This is why I wanted to stock up on books at the bag sale.

One of my favorite things in the world to do, ever since I was a child, is to poke around a book sale, browsing as long as I can, finding treasures in almost every genre. I can get lost in a book sale for hours, if only my body holds up that long! However, my cart was not allowed, so I was not permitted to browse like everyone else. The volunteers offered to bring me a selection of books I could look at and choose from, or to assign a volunteer to escort me around the sale, taking the books I chose (with my cart stored away, of course), but that is not what I consider enjoying a used book sale. I want the same access as anyone else at the sale, able-bodied or not. The room is huge, with aisles that are even wider than standard library aisles. The new space holds 40,000 books! And it couldn’t accommodate a folding, collapsible cart?

I’ve taken this cart to many other used book sales at local libraries, all of which are held in much smaller spaces than Rochester Hills. Sure, sometimes it’s crowded, but that’s when we use common courtesy and step aside so someone else can pass, say “excuse me, please”, or even go around another way. No one has ever complained.

Why did they put up such a fuss at the Rochester Hills Public Library? What is their problem with a collapsible wire cart?

For that matter, what about the Americans With Disabilities Act? How can they establish and enforce a rule that excludes people with physical disabilities that require devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters from shopping at their sale? Is this not a direct violation of the ADA? Doesn’t the ADA provide for reasonable accommodation at public events, including libraries? I’m not an expert, but I did some reading.

According to Section 12132: Discrimination of the ADA, “Subject to the provisions of this subchapter, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.” In Subchapter III – Public Accommodations and Services Operated By Private Entities, Sec. 12181: Definitions states the following:” (7) Public accommodation. The following private entities are considered public accommodations for purposes of this subchapter: (H) a museum, library, gallery, or other place of public display or collection; if the operations of such entities affect commerce.”
According to Mark Pierce, one of the Friends of the Library volunteers who asked me to leave the book sale on Sunday, their accommodation is to offer volunteers to pre-select books for me, or to assign me a volunteer to follow me. That makes me uncomfortable. I do not want an escort. I do not want to be followed. I want to browse on my own, like the middle aged adult that I am. Their offer is not a reasonable or acceptable accommodation.

I was asked if I have a doctor’s note regarding my health issues with me. No, I don’t carry a doctor’s note detailing my health issues, but I do have a handicapped parking placard. I had it in my purse because I only use it when I absolutely need to, and since I had the cart to hold on to on the walk from the parking lot to the sale, I parked in a regular spot so that someone else who needed it more than I do would have access to that handicapped spot. But I showed the volunteers I had the handicapped parking placard. It didn’t matter. I still couldn’t go in with my cart. Even though it collapses at the touch of a finger, so it could be out of anyone’s way in an instant.

There were quite a few people at the sale, but there were not hundreds of people in the room when I was, as Hage claimed. Forty or fifty, maybe, but I don’t think there were even that many. According to at least five volunteers with the Friends of the Rochester Hills Library group, their aisles would get too crowded with carts like mine; there is no room when the sale is so crowded. With able-bodied people, of course.

Another volunteer, who was identified later as Pierce’s wife, said I can use one of their black carts downstairs if I want. I looked at their cart and compared it to mine. Guess what? Their cart is approximately the same height and same width as mine! I couldn’t understand the difference, so I took them both back upstairs. Pierce said he didn’t know why his wife even suggested the black carts; he won’t allow those in either.

There was a very kind, compassionate young man named Ed at the checkout counter. He listened to me share my experience, and offered to give me a comment card to fill out for the Director of the Library, Christine Hage. I wrote about what happened, gave him the card, and he assured me that he would place it directly in her box so she would see it Monday morning.

Then I left for the 40 minute drive back home empty handed, angry, embarrassed, offended, and determined to try to make things better for the next person who tries to shop at their sale and is turned away like I was. This is not right. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, regardless of physical abilities or disabilities.

Monday around noon, Hage called me. I hoped she would be kind, offer an apology, and assure me that the way I was treated on Sunday was not the way they respond to guests at their library, nor is it how they will treat people with disabilities in the future. That’s all I really wanted.

Unfortunately, what she said couldn’t have been more opposite, more rude, or more hurtful. Hage said, “We are happy to bring materials to you, to preselect for people like you, and we are glad to bring as many books as you want to look at. That’s our accommodation, and other people do take advantage of that. However, you can’t clog the aisles with your equipment. We can’t have safety issues. We do not allow walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs on Sunday; it’s just too crowded.” She suggested, “You could come on a Friday afternoon when it’s not busy.” I reminded her that I went on Sunday; Friday had already passed. In addition, the bag sale was in my budget, because I planned to buy a lot of books. I am retired, on a pension, and on a tight budget. Spending $20-50 on books is not something I can afford right now. Spending $5-10 for a bag or two of books, however, is what I budgeted for. When I said that, she laughed unkindly, and said, “Really?” I guess Hage, in Rochester Hills, does not only fail to understand life with physical disabilities, but life on a tight budget as well. She can laugh at me if it makes her continue to feel more superior, I suppose, but I believe my situation is more common around this area than she may realize. I would rather struggle financially, however, then struggle to be a kind, caring, compassionate woman as she apparently does.
When I shared with Hage that I have taken my cart to many other local book sales, and I am on the Friends of the Oak Park Library Committee, she suggested, “Maybe you need to go to smaller book sales. You can go to Oak Park. We are very busy, we have safety concerns. Because of the size and success of our sales, we have rules, and the rules are no different for you than anyone else. We don’t allow wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters.”

Wow.

Wait, what does that mean exactly?

“You can go to Oak Park.” Does that mean that I should just stay in my own city, and stay away from Rochester Hills? That I am not welcome? That Oak Parkers are not good enough to visit the Rochester Hills Public Library? That Oak Parkers should just stay in Oak Park?

Wow.

You know what? Fine! I am proud to be a lifelong Oak Parker. Oak Park has a spirit unlike any other city anywhere. We help each other. We care about each other. We welcome each other, regardless of disability, income level, age, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or any other identifier that might separate us. Our hearts are bigger, fuller, and richer than the cold, closed, discriminatory Grinch-like heart expressed in Christine Hage of the Rochester Hills Public Library.

Yes, her suggestion to ‘stay in my place’ hurt for a while. But it made me proud that my little city, along with Berkley, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, and Auburn Hills would never dream of treating a guest at their used book sales as she treated me. I know this is true, because I called all of them and asked if I could bring my cart to their used book sales. Every one of them answered the same – YES! Of course! That is no problem! People attend their used book sales with strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, wheeled carts, and all are welcome.

But there’s more.

I could have written and posted this story as it is above yesterday, before the Oakland Press published their story about this situation. But I wanted to investigate further, to do more research. I was wondering about the “safety” issue. In this huge new space, with extra wide aisles, would a cart, or a wheelchair, truly be an issue for safety and building codes?
I called the Rochester Hills Fire Department to ask. I was told that actually, although the library is called the Rochester Hills Public Library, it is actually located in the city of Rochester, and would follow their building codes, as they have jurisdiction. So I called them. I was told that they are looking into it, but I should call Police Chief Schettenhelm and share this with him. So I did. He was very kind, and wanted to hear about what happened. He said that he will discuss this with the Building Inspector, and he will go over to speak to the Director of the Library and find out how they are making decisions like this. He explained that as my cart may not be an actual medical device, it may be exempt from the letter of the law of the ADA, but there is a need for common sense. I understand and agree with him. Certainly wheelchairs, which Hage prohibited at the sale, are in the realm of the ADA. Tomorrow, Chief Schettenhelm and the building inspector will continue to look into this issue, and I deeply appreciate his concern, his kindness, and his interest. I am very much looking forward to hearing what they find out and share with me.

I also thought the Mayor of Rochester Hills might like to know about this situation, since I planned to share this story on social media. I spoke with someone at Mayor Bryan Barnett’s office, who wrote down my information and assured me that she would share this with him when he returned to the office. A few hours later, Mayor Burnett returned my call. He asked me what happened, listened to what I shared, and said, “I’m sorry, I have never had a situation like this brought to my attention before.” He genuinely sounded amazed that this happened, that I was treated with such disrespect. He explained to me that the library is actually not under city control, and the library employees are not city employees. They have their own governing board, and they are their own administration, which serves the people of Rochester Hills, Rochester, and Oakland Township. This is different from how other libraries in the area are run. So unfortunately, the mayor has little control or influence over what happens there, but he did express his dismay at my experience, apologized, and said he hopes I will not avoid all of Rochester Hills because of that group of people. I appreciate that, but at this point, I have no intention of returning to the Rochester Hills Public Library for anything, nor do I plan to attend any events in Rochester or Rochester Hills. There is more than enough to do in Oak Park and other nearby cities. I’m an Oak Park girl, and proud of it!

So what’s next? The Friends of the Oak Park Library Used Book Sale is coming up in October! The sale schedule is as follows:

Thursday, October 22nd from 1:00 – 7:30pm

Friday, October 23rd from 1:00 – 5:30pm

Sunday, October 25th from 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Monday, October 26th from 1:00 – 7:30pm – BAG DAY!!!

Tuesday, October 27th from 4:00 – 7:00pm – FREE DAY!!!

Please come and shop!

If you have a walker, a wheelchair, a scooter, a stroller, or a cart, you are more than welcome at our sale. We welcome everyone in Oak Park! See you there!

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Tags: Accommodations, ADA, Americans With Disabilities Act, book sales, Disabled, library, Oak Park, Oak Park Library, People With Disabilities, Rochester Hills Library', Used book sales. 4 Comments

Apr. ’15

CONTEST WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS………………………………………………

Congratulations to Larry Melton, winner of the March Oak Park Connections contest!!! He will receive a copy of THE HILL THAT GREW children’s picture book by Esther K. Meeks, about the hill in the park!!

THE CONTEST WAS EXTENDED DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS THIS TIME

I had planned to announce the winner on Monday, April 6, 2015, but at the end of last week, a few people emailed me to ask if I would consider extending the contest because they were super busy with preparations for the holidays (Passover and Easter), and wanted to enter, but needed more time. As I was involved in more holiday preparations myself than I had planned, I totally understood, and I did not draw the winner until today.

SECOND CHANCE CONTEST THROUGH APRIL – DON’T MISS IT!!!!

If you are disappointed because you did not win, guess what?!?! You have a SECOND CHANCE!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Yes, I have purchased another copy of THE HILL THAT GREW, so keep sending in your memories through the end of April 2015! 🙂 I will draw one person’s submission (random drawing again) on May 1, 2015. Please send them to oakparkconnections@gmail.com and include a statement giving your permission to publish your entry on this blog.

MORE TO COME – KEEP READING, SUBSCRIBING, AND FOLLOWING!

I have more contests planned, and more activities planned for this year, hopefully you will love it and want to be an active part of our community here! If you haven’t subscribed to this blog or if you aren’t following it yet, please do! That will guarantee you are notified when there is a new post on the blog, and you won’t miss anything. Now that the holidays are over, I will return to posting 2-3 times a week (sometimes more!)

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Tags: contest winner, Love Oak Park, new contest!, Oak Park, Oak Park Connections contest winner, Oak Park Connections contest!, Oak Park Families, Oak Park life, Oak Park Memories, Oak Park Michigan. Leave a comment

Mar. ’15

CONTEST – ENTER BY APRIL 4, 2015 TO WIN!!!!!

Would you like to win this book, a piece of Oak Park’s history? Published in 1959, this picture book for children tells the story of Hamilton Hill, the hill in “Oak Park Park”, or Shepherd Park.

We have all probably gone down the hill at least once in our childhood, and it’s one of those Oak Park landmarks that are so much a part of our memories. I remember riding my bike down the hill more than sledding down – I always was more of a spring/summer person than a winter person! And I used to love running up to the top and rolling down, fast as I could, feeling dizzy when I reached the bottom. But I know my mom has pictures somewhere of me in a long red plastic sled on the hill in the 1970’s. What do you remember most about it? Were you one of those kids that waited endlessly for snow so you could head over to the hill with your friends? Or were you one of those kids who never wanted to leave the train? Remember Teen Night at the pool? I think it was Tuesday nights, and when I was a teen volunteer, that’s were all of us would go. What are your memories of Oak Park? Gather them up for the contest, and you might win this book!

Here’s how you can win:

1. You have to follow this blog (be a subscriber). It’s totally free – just click on the ‘follow’ button at the top of the screen.

2. Write about what you love most or what you remember most about your time in Oak Park and email it to me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com. There is no maximum or minimum length of your entry – whatever you choose is totally fine.

3. At the end of your submisstion, type: “I give my permission to share this on the Oak Park Connections blog”.

4. Entries must be received via email by 11:30pm Saturday, April 4th, 2015.

5. The winner will be chosen randomly. I will put the name of everyone who submitted their memories into a drawing and will choose one. If you win, I will email you for your mailing address. No money will be awarded, just a copy of the book will be sent to you.

6. Winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, April 6, 2015.

7. All entries will be published on the blog the week of April 6, 2015.

My goal is to have a contest at least every two months, and I hope this blog will become interactive; an ongoing conversation among those of us who love and care about Oak Park.

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Mar. ’15

State of the City Address, Upcoming Town Hall, and More!

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

If you missed the State of the City Address, the text of the speech along with wonderful pictures by Ron Warren Photography are in this link: http://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/21/oak-park-mayor-gives-2015-state-of-the-city-address/

OAK PARK: WONDERFUL THEN AND WONDERFUL NOW

I have always loved living in Oak Park, for so many reasons, and I am even more excited about our city today. It was the perfect place to grow up, a great place to start a lifetime of being involved in volunteer activities through the Teen Volunteer program, and a wonderful place to purchase a home and build my own life.

But times change, and we need to change along with them. Some things that worked perfectly in the 1970’s do not always fit in 2015. And some things we had in the past, then lost due to budget cuts are returning. I love that plans are being made to revitalize Coolidge as well as parts of 9 Mile and 11 Mile with the Corridor Development Authority, to make Oak Park a more walkable city, and the return of summer concerts in the park this July.

We have the traditional Independence Day Parade and celebration in the park to look forward to, and a fabulous Summerfest coming up August 8-9, 2015. Please click on the link http://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/21/oak-park-mayor-gives-2015-state-of-the-city-address/ and check out all the fantastic news about Oak Park!

As Mayor Marian McClellan says at the end of her speech, “The best is definitely yet to come!”

WE NEED YOU!! WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW, COME ON BACK TO OAK PARK!

Be a part of it….we need you…please join us for all the fun, join a volunteer activity (hint, hint, Summerfest needs volunteers!). If you live in the area, please consider returning home for some spring or summer events. If you are in another state, or another country, now is a great time to consider planning that summer vacation! July 3, 2015 is the Independence Day Parade and celebration in the park. July 5, 2015 is the 3rd Annual OPHS Alumni Picnic (Super weekend to be in Oak Park!), and August 8-9 2015 is Summerfest. Come for one weekend, or come for both! 🙂

TOWN HALL MONDAY, MARCH 30

As you are probably aware, there are two ballot proposals in the special election May 5, 2015. The first one is about the statewide ballot proposal for road funding/taxes. The second one is regarding the sale of mixed spirits in Oak Park restaurants. Regardless of where you stand on either issue, please attend the Town Hall meeting to find out more about them. The meeting will take place at 6:00pm in City Hall Chambers, 14000 Oak Park Blvd. If you can’t make that one, another one will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the same time, same place. I can’t stay for the whole meeting Monday night, but I will be there for at least the first part of it. Join me if you can!

CONTEST DETAILS!!

As I mentioned earlier, I have purchased a copy of The Hill That Grew by Esther Meeks, which is a children’s picture book about Hamilton Hill, better known as “The Hill” at Shepherd Park (Oak Park Park). I am giving it to one lucky winner!!

Here’s how you can win:

1. You have to follow this blog (be a subscriber). It’s totally free – just click on the ‘follow’ button at the top of the screen.

2. Write about what you love most or what you remember most about your time in Oak Park and email it to me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com. There is no maximum or minimum length of your entry – whatever you choose is totally fine.

3. At the end of your submisstion, type: “I give my permission to share this on the Oak Park Connections blog”.

4. Entries must be received via email by 11:30pm Saturday, April 4th, 2015.

6. Winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, April 6, 2015.

7. All entries will be published on the blog the week of April 6, 2015.

My goal is to have a contest at least every two months, and I hope this blog will become interactive; an ongoing conversation among those of us who love and care about Oak Park.

If you have any questions, or suggestions for things you would like to read about here in the blog, please let me know. Email me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com.

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Mar. ’15

State of the City Address March 19th

If you are in the area, please come to the State of the City Address on March 19th. There will be a networking event at 6:00 PM and the Address will begin at 7:00 PM. This is my first time attending one, but I am really looking forward to hearing all about the City’s present and future.

The more city events I attend lately, the more I appreciate and love living here. The residents of Oak Park, as well as city staff members, truly express what living in Tthe Family City” means; everyone I have met lately has been friendly, helpful, and caring. If I had one wish for Oak Park (okay, I have lots of them, and I’m sure I’ll write about all of them eventually, but I’ll stick to one for now), it would be for more people to get involved and attend events. There is SO much going on every week, but some events have just a few people there, maybe 15-20, and we’re a city of about 29,000, I think.

Since I’ve had more free time over the last year, I’ve gone to events at the Library, at City Hall, at the Court (Night Court story coming soon!), and other places. I’ve never regretted going to any of them….not even that time when I felt totally awkward singing and dancing at one event last month. It was fun, after I stopped being so self-conscious! At every city event, I have met great people, learned a lot, and walked away feeling more grateful than ever that I live in Oak Park. If you’re reading this, you can probably relate. Whether you lived in Oak Park years ago, or are still here now, it’s special. It’s home. It’s who we are. So come if you can on March 19th, and hear about the State of the City. I’ll see you there! 🙂

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Mar. ’15

Oak Park May 5th Ballot Issue: Spirit Sales in Restaurants

(Published in oaklanccounty115.com)

VOTERS WILL DECIDE MAY 5, 2015

On May 5, 2015, voters in Oak Park will decide if the sale of mixed drinks in restaurants will be permitted in the city.
If Proposal 2 is approved by the voters, the same restrictions will be in place for Class C liquor licenses as for Tavern Licenses.

TAVERN LICENSES WERE APPROVED TWO YEARS AGO
Two years ago, the Oak Park City Council passed the Tavern License ordinance, allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine, with very restrictive provisions. In order to qualify for a tavern license, the restaurant must be 500 feet from any school, park, or place of worship. The establishment must have at least 50 seats, at least 10 food items, income from alcohol sales is limited to half of total sales, and no alcohol can be sold after midnight. Up to 20 restaurants are allowed tavern licenses in Oak Park and at this time only two restaurants have obtained a tavern license: Sahara and Jade Palace, both at 10 Mile and Coolidge.

THE QUESTION ON THE BALLOT
The ballot question states: “Shall the sale of spirits and mixed spirit drinks in addition to beer and wine be permitted for consumption on the premises within the City of Oak Park under the provision of the law governing same?”

GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN
This issue was placed on the ballot following a grassroots campaign by Sahara co-owner Zeana Attisha amd her campaign manager, Skip Mongo. In order for this to become an issue for the voters to decide, 3,500 signatures were needed; they submitted 5,500 signatures. “People signed, they wanted this. People understand this city can’t survive on property taxes alone,” he said. Mongo went on to say, “If you do your research, the top 10 cities serve liquor. Most people go to Berkley, Ferndale, or Royal Oak instead of Oak Park. We don’t have a shopping mall. We don’t have a walkable community. They [other cities] have the entertainment.”

RESTAURANTS TRIGGER GROWTH OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Marian McClellan agrees. “Because surrounding communities welcome restaurants that serve spirits, Oak Park has been at an economic development disadvantage for decades. Now we have an active Economic Development Department Director, Kimberly Marrone, who is functioning with one arm tied behind her back because businesses she is courting choose to locate in other cities. Restaurants often trigger the growth of economic development in cities. Royal Oak started growing when a chef opened a good restaurant on Main Street. We want to promote vitality in our business community, and passing Proposition 2 will give us that opportunity.”

MORE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES IN THE CITY WILL RAISE PROPERTY VALUES
City Manager Erik Tungate explained the benefits to Oak Park if Proposition 2 passes. “Allowing restaurants to serve liquor and provide more choices to their dining patrons will open up the possibility that as many as 20 new restaurants, all with strict liquor licensing guidelines, will land in our community. More successful businesses create more vibrant business districts and raise property values across the board.”

MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS WANTED
Attisha believes that with Proposition 2, more restaurants will choose to open in Oak Park, including family friendly places. She would relish another restaurant in the 10 Mile and Coolidge location. “Restaurants seem to be approved together, as in Ferndale and Royal Oak. That’s actually good for business; it’s a destination. Sahara is now a landmark; people know to come to us.” To make Oak Park a destination, however, more restaurants are needed, and most restaurants require a Class C liquor license as part of their business plan.

PROPOSITION 2 WILL BRING FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS TO OAK PARK

Attisha and Mongo remember at least two restaurants that were planning to open in Oak Park, but chose other cities because Oak Park was a dry city. With the passage of Proposition 2, Attisha believes restaurants will come. She is also hoping for a restaurant her children would enjoy, such as a Chuck E. Cheese, which also serves alcohol to parents. As in Ferndale, a mix of restaurants as well as shopping would bring more people to Oak Park on a regular basis. Tungate added, “With this tool in my hand, my staff and I can recruit new restaurants to the city that would have otherwise gone elsewhere due to the lack of freedom to institute their respective business models at a location in Oak Park.”
Mayor McClellan agrees. “We are looking to attract family centered national chains like Applebee’s, and locally owned quality restaurants and bistros,” Mayor McClellan said. “When Oak Park City Council passed the Tavern License ordinance, the Council put very restrictive provisions in it to protect the family centered nature of our community The ordinance prohibits bars, topless bars, strip clubs, and night clubs to avoid problems, “ she explained.

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS PROPOSITION 2
“Our Public Safety Department is squarely behind the city on this topic. Sahara and Jade Palace have had tavern licenses for a year, and there have been no public safety problems,” stated Mayor McClellan.
ZEANA ATTISHA, LONG TIME OAK PARK BUSINESS OWNER

A long-time business owner, Attisha has spent a great deal of time working on obtaining of Class C liquor licenses in Oak Park. She and her husband first opened a restaurant on 9 Mile in Oak Park in the 1980’s. In 2010, there was a fire, and they needed to look for another location. They considered going to Royal Oak or Birmingham, but they love being in Oak Park, which she considers “the center of everything.” Then an opportunity came up and space became available in the former Blockbuster Video and Metro PCS stores, which is now Sahara. At the time, Attisha remembers, Farm Fresh supermarket was falling apart. Public safety officers were being laid off, and much was changing in the city. It made sense to leave Oak Park, yet they chose to stay. However, they knew they needed to be able to sell drinks with dinner, and Oak Park was a dry city.
She went to Oakland County to get ballots and collect signatures, and found out that tavern licenses could be approved by City Council. She talked with the Mayor and City Council, and in 2013, the City Council approved tavern licenses, which allowed restaurants to serve beer and wine. Sahara got their tavern license on May 5, 2014. Oak Park voters will decide if Class C liquor licenses will be permitted exactly one year later, on May 5, 2015.

“A CITY CAN’T LIVE ON PROPERTY TAXES ALONE”
Attisha and Mongo plan to continue and grow their grassroots campaign. They will contact the 5,500 people who signed the petition, attend town hall meetings, educate people about how this issue will help move the city forward, and motivate people, focusing on getting out the vote. “A city can’t live on property taxes alone. We need to be creative and figure out how we can get revenue,” she stated.

MAYOR MCCLELLAN: “IT’S TIME TO MOVE OAK PARK FORWARD, AND FOR THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP”
When asked if she had a message about this issue for Oak Park residents, Mayor McClellan said, “It’s time to move Oak Park forward, and for this we need your help.”

TOWN HALL MEETINGS PLANNED
Oak Park city staff will hold several Town Hall meetings before the May 5th election to answer any questions residents may have on this issue.

Posted by Cheryl Weiss. Categories: Uncategorized. Tags: BALLOT PROPOSAL, City of Oak Park, LIQUOR LICENSE OAK PARK, MAY 5 ELECTION, MIXED DRINKS, MIXED SPIRITS, Oak Park life, OAK PARK RESTAURANTS. Leave a comment