FLY Art At The CRC

Don't miss the chance to enjoy arts and crafts with Ms. Katie from the FLY Art Children's Center of Ypsilanti. She will be bringing lost of material to make some wonderful Valentine projects. She will be at the Community Resource Center (CRC) located at 2057 Tyler Rd. on Saturday, February 9th from 3:30-4:30pm. If you have any questions contact Linda at 734-483-8195.

Telling It West Willow

Are you looking for something to do after school? Please come and join us at the CRC on January 31st from 3:45-5:45! WE WANT YOU! West Willow Youth ages 11-15. Be a change agent in your community and have fun doing it! Starting January 31st and every Thursday for the next 11 weeks!   Activities include music, art and poetry. Free food and beverages.  The CRC address is: 2057 Tyler Road. Hope to see you there!

Neighborhood Meeting on January 21, 2013

Hello West Willow Residents!

I hope this post finds you well, and having survived the holidays! Our monthly meetings will begin with our first meeting on January 21st at 7pm at the CRC at 2057 Tyler Road. We welcome everyone to come and provide input for the community in which you live!!

Here is a link to the meeting agenda! http://tinyurl.com/as76oqe

Art's and Craft's at the CRC!

Are you looking for something to keep those kids entertained for a few hours while they are on holiday break? Bring them by to the Community Resource Center on December 27th and January 3rd between 1-4pm for arts and crafts! Linda Mealing will be there to work with the youth of the neighborhood! She will also be showing the dvd's that were made over the past year! Stop by and see us!

We have a new board!

Hello  residents of West Willow!

I am happy to announce that we have elected a new 5 member board to run the neighborhood association!

I am excited to introduce our new president, Ms. Deborah Hawkins! Deborah has stepped up to continue the great traditions of our West Willow Community, being a long time resident, she will be a great addition to the new board!

Linda Mealing is our new Vice President. Linda has been an integral part of our community and board for quite some time! Most recently as our treasurer! Linda has called WW home for the last 41 years and is quite dedicated to the children in our community, being very active in our summer program as well as various other programs run throughout the year. Her interests include gardening, travelling, baking, spending time with family and camping.

Next, i'd like to introduce myself, Alisa Doddie. I am your new recording secretary for the NWWNA! I am very excited to get to know the residents of WW, and become part of the WW family! My husband and I bought our home here in July and moved in in August. Since moving in, I knew we made the right decision, our neighbors and community have been very welcoming. Meeting Linda at the end of Summer picnic really cemented it for me! I work for a contractor of Google in Ann Arbor. My husband also works full time between his two jobs. We are currently expecting our first child, a girl, in March! We also have 2 dogs, Mickey and Murphy. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Mary Jo MiduraWhite is our new treasurer! Mary Jo has also been a member of the WW community for quite sometime. She is excited to get to know the residents of WW and serving on the board.

Our last member is Aaron Shemwell, who will serve on the board as our finance secretary! Aaron has a background in security, and has been a long time WW resident and is looking forward to serving the community he calls home!

Our first scheduled meeting will be January 21st at the Community Resource Center. Please come and join us and learn what the New West Willow Neighborhood Association is all about!

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MONDAY 7PM

Click here for printable full agenda.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING AGENDA

Monday, October 15, 2012 7:00-8:30pm

Community Resource Center (CRC)

2057 Tyler Road

                               I.            Welcome – 7:00pm – 5 mins

                            II.            Safety Report 7:05pm – 20 mins

a.       Fire Department

b.      WCSO Crime Report

c.       Citizen Patrol

                         III.            Township Report – 7:25pm – 10 mins

                         IV.            September Meeting Minutes Approval – 7:35pm – 5 mins

                            V.            October Treasurer’s Report Approval – 7:40pm – 5 mins

                         VI.            CRC Activities – 7:45pm – 10 mins

a.       Telling It (for teens ages 10-15): Thursday, 4:00-5:45pm

b.      West Willow Women in Action: Tuesday, 6:00-8:00pm

                      VII.            CTC Grant Application – 7:55pm 5 mins

                   VIII.            State & National Elections (Tuesday, Nov. 6^th) – 8:00pm – 15 mins

                         IX.            Outgoing board C&B clerical recommendations – 8:15pm – 10 mins

                            X.            NWWNA Election Nominations – 8:25pm – 5 mins

                         XI.            Adjourn – 8:30pm

IMPORTANT DATES à   October 23^rd, 9am – Board Meeting

(all meetings @ CRC)                       November 19^th 7pm – Annual Meeting/Elections

November 20^th 9am – Board Meeting

December 4^th 7pm – Board Transition Mtg (no public mtg in Dec)

Constitution & Bylaws -- Voted Version Dated 9/17/12 and Outgoing Recommendations

The current NWWNA board has been reviewing the Constitution & Bylaws throughout the 2012 calendar year, and we have found several areas where terms, rules, and definitions could be clarified.

In an effort to help the incoming board to have a record of our recommendations and for the membership to consider these changes, we have posted the current document and the recommended changes below.

The changes are also outlined on the back (page 2) of the October Meeting Agenda.

Current Version Dated 9/17/12

NWWNA Constitution & Bylaws Outgoing Board Recommendations 101312

Thank you,
NWWNA Board

IMPORTANT: Neighborhood Meeting Monday 7pm

Monday 7pm: Neighborhood Meeting & Future of NWWNA

PLEASE JOIN US!

Come learn about what's going on in your neighborhood.  Below is the schedule -- meeting is at the Community Resource Center (CRC) at 2057 Tyler Road.  We look forward to seeing you!  :)

                               I.            Welcome – 7:00pm – 5 mins

                            II.            Safety Report 7:05pm – 20 mins

a.       WCSO Crime Report

b.      Derrick Jackson

c.       Fire Department

                         III.            Township Report – 7:25pm – 15 mins

                         IV.            July, August & Special Meeting Minutes Approval – 7:40pm – 5 mins

                            V.            September Treasurer’s Report Approval – 7:45pm – 5 mins

                         VI.            CRC Upcoming Activities – 7:50pm – 10 mins

a.       Flu Shots: Sept. 27^th 1-6pm

b.      Telling It: Starting Oct. 4^th

c.       West Willow Women in Action: Tuesday, 6:00-7:30pm

                      VII.            Future of NWWNA – 8:00pm – 30 mins

a.       Constitutional Amendment: 2^nd reading and vote

b.      Election: procedures and committee

                   VIII.            Adjourn – 8:30pm

-------------------------------------------------------

CURRENTLY READS

NWWNA CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE III OFFICERS 

SEC III EXECUTIVE BOARD QUALIFICATIONS:

A participating member is an individual that meets the qualifications of residency as outlined in the Bylaws Article II Section II and has attended at least six (6) meetings in the current fiscal year.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT

A participating member is an individual that meets the qualifications of residency as outlined in the Bylaws Article II Section II, is 18 years or older, and has lived in the community at least 1 year if a renter.

TIMELINE à                      September 17^th – 2^nd Reading and Vote

(all meetings 7:00-8:30pm @ CRC)       October 15^th – Nominations Due at end of meeting

                                                November 19^th – Annual Meeting/Elections or Dissolution Vote

                                                December 10^th – Board Transition Meeting (no public meeting)        

77 Reasons to Call it a Success

This past Thursday night 77 people gathered under the trees at the West Willow Community Resource Center (CRC) to discuss the fate of our Neighborhood Association, the volunteer resident run 501c3 nonprofit that serves as the home for our neighborhood's collective interests.

What brought everyone together was a call to action, a call to serve.  If people do not volunteer to serve, the neighborhood will lose this invaluable resource.  Here are just a few of the things that the West Willow residents have accomplished in the last five years, proving that an organized community is a productive community:

• A 5 year strategic plan written in 2006 with the help of Washtenaw County and Ypsilanti Township
• Beautiful entry signs at the two main entrances, announcing where you are
• 5 Security cameras stationed at main exits to deter crime
• A Citizen Patrol team, keeping eyes and ears on the streets
• A 8 week Summer Youth Program that has been free to kids and run by volunteers for the last 11 years
• A $16,000 grant awarded for the 2013 Summer Youth Program and neighborhood mapping project
• An established Community Garden, with harvest available free of charge to any resident
• A rental unit inspection program with Ypsilanti Township
• Introduction videos on YouTube sharing our neighborhood

If you joined us Thursday night, then we're happy you made it.  If you missed the meeting and still want to know more about what's going on in your backyard, about how you can make your neighborhood a better place to live, then join us at these upcoming meetings (all at the CRC):

Monday, September 17th, 7:00-8:30pm -- vote to change the Constitution to allow any resident or landlord over the age of 18 to serve on the board, without a minimum meeting requirement (but with a 1 year prior residency requirement for renters).

Monday, October 15th, 7:00-8:30pm -- Nominations due by end of the meeting for people who want to serve

Monday, November 19th 7:00-8:30pm -- Annual Meeting and the voting in of the NEW BOARD!

To the 77 who made it --> YOU ROCK!

Cheers,

Angela Barbash

President, NWWNA

April 16, 2012 General Meeting Minutes

Please find the Minutes for the West Willow April 16, 2012 general meeting here. Please note that the date of meetings has been changed to the 3rd Monday of the month at 7PM.

Police detain man wanted for questioning in attacks on girls in West Willow

THANK YOU RESIDENTS OF WEST WILLOW FOR YOUR VIGILANCE!

Due to your many phone calls, eyes, and ears, the suspect has been detained.  We are awaiting more information on the matter.  Stay tuned!

Police detain man wanted for questioning in attacks on girls in West Willow

Fly Art Center comes back to NWWNA

During the Summer Program, the kids were thrilled to work with Katie from Fly Art Center and they won't have to wait long to regain the experience. Nearly every Friday from now until April, Fly Art will be coming in to do zany, instructive, fascinating crafts with the kids. Classes are FREE thanks to a generous donation from the Mardi Gras Foundation. All youth ages 6-13 are welcome to come attend. Moms, Dads, and Grandparents stop in and revisit your inner child! See the NWWNA Calendar for Upcoming Events.

Saturday, August 13th will be a day to remember...."Speak Peace Rally & NWWNA Annual Picnic"

Saturday, August 13th at the West Willow Park on Tyler Road, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office - Street Outreach Team, along with the New West Willow Neighborhood Association with host a "Speak Peace Rally" and our 9th annual Neighborhood Picnic.


The event will take place from 10AM-4PM, with engaging activities occurring throughout the day, including:

• A 45-minute "Peace Walk" throughout our beautiful West Willow Neighborhood beginning at 10:30AM, with a meet up at the West Willow Park.

• Returning back to the park to listen to a number of guest speakers at 11:30 AM, including community leaders, officials and members of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office "Street Outreach Team", our NWWNA President Angela Barbash and more.

• Memorial balloon release following the speakers, to celebrate life and honor those who are no longer with us around 12:15 PM.

• Local non-profit and other organizations including St. Joseph Hospital - Free Mammograms and University of Michigan Hospitals - Free health clinic, Ozone House- Mentoring/crisis management program for teens, Girls on the Run-Tutoring program and Ann Arbor Dispute Resolution Center and Art in the Park-Arts Engagement Program, with booths to visit starting around 12:30 PM.

• A picnic hosted by the New West Willow Neighborhood Association starting at 1:00 PM, along with the "Ballin' in the Willow" 3-on-3 basketball finals and awards ceremony, during the afternoon. 

• An interactive graffiti art demonstration, comedy & step show beginning around 3:00 PM

• A wrap of to the days events with a Neighborhood pledge to end violence and plaque ceremony around 4:00PM.

Ann Arbor.com's writer Tom Perkins wrote a nice piece in the local newspaper about Saturday's "Speak Peace Rally". Feel free to read his piece at the following link.

We're looking forward to seeing our great neighbors out at the park!

Sincerely,

NWWNA Executive and Advisory Board Members

NWWNA August 2011 Newsletter is Available

The NWWNA August 2011 Newsletter has been uploaded for online review via Google Docs. Feel free to review our neighborhood monthly newsletter at this link.

General Meeting Minutes Notes from July,11 2011 Available

The General Meeting Notes from written by NWWNA Recording Secretary Claudia Small from Monday, July 11, 2011 meeting, are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member

Monica Ross-Williams

General Meeting Minutes Notes from June 13, 2011 Available

The General Meeting Notes from written by NWWNA Recording Secretary Claudia Small from Monday, June 13, 2011 meeting, are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member

Monica Ross-Williams

President Angela Barbash appearance on the Lucy Ann Lance Business Show 1290 AM

By-Monica Ross-Williams
NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member
Ypsilanti Township Parks Commissioner


Originally appeared on Ann Arbor.com June 18, 2011 
Recap of article by Lucy Ann Lance

Photo Credit-Ann Arbor.com

Plagued with shootings and distrust of police, Ypsilanti Township’s West Willow  neighborhood is fighting back to save its community. Last summer resident Angela Barbash started a Citizens Patrol to keep watch, and new entryway signs were erected to greet visitors. The New West Willow Neighborhood Association (Barbash is the president) was formed and a comprehensive strategic plan was created. 

Located in the north part of Ypsilanti Township directly west of Willow Run Airport, the neighborhood is bounded by a triangle of I-94, US-12, and Wiard Road - all limited access roads - which tends to isolate the community from the greater Ypsilanti area. West Willow neighbors are taking a novel approach to the rejuvenation of their community. We talked with Barbash, a driving force in these initiatives, on 1290 WLBY this past week (June 14, 2011).

President Angela Barbash of the NWWNA appearance on behalf of residents of the New West Willow Community was a part of the outgoing NWWNA Media effort to promote a positive view about our historical community to the populist at large. Listen to the entire interview, with radio host Lucy Lance at her website, near the bottom of the page.

Also, if you have not joined into our growing Facebook Fan Page, please take to time to do so now and connect with residents of this fabulous community.

Notes from Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees meeting 6/21

By-Monica Ross-Williams                                                                                                                     NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member
Ypsilanti Township Parks Commissioner

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees general meeting occurred on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Various issues that would impact and/or effect the West Willow Community were discussed. Here is a summary of the topics highlighted at Tuesday's meeting.

-Bosal International located at 1476 Seaver Way Ypsilanti, Michigan was approved for a Township tax abatement. In addition, the company will be seeking additional tax incentives from both federal and state resources.  


                                 Image via WikipediaWith the Board of Trustees approving the tax abatement for Ypsilanti Township community, Bosal spokesperson Bruce Wager stated with the incentive, the goal is to build additional production lines at the facility, adding about 150 local employment opportunities in the near future. 


"Consider hiring our residents (in Ypsilanti Township)," Supervisor Brenda Stumbo stated to Bosal before the entire board voted in favor of the tax abatement". "A lot of people in the area have been laid off and could use these jobs."


Bosal spokesperson noted that the company has hired a majority of their current employees from the Ypsilanti Township area and plan to continue adding jobs locally, with the new production lines at the facility.


-Ypsilanti Township Attorney Doug Winters cited the purposed "Willow Run Aeropolis" (at the site of the former GM Powertrain location)-which would add a air, train and ground transportation hub for businesses/commuters in Southeastern Michigan, if finally approved. The site would add up to 150 new jobs into the area. 


Ypsilanti Township continues to be in discussions with official in Wayne County and the state of Michigan for the development process of this proposed project.


-Attorney Winters also noted that the continuing public nuisance of the Daily Mart at 2375 Grove Road -which included up to three incidents of selling alcohol to minors that lead to a 60 day suspension of their liquor license in April/May 2011-is still being worked on behalf of Ypsilanti Township residents. The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees plan to move forward to request the Michigan Liquor Commission revoke the Dairy Mart's spirits license, permanently. 


Atty. Winters cited one incident after the 60 day suspension was lifted that a convicted felon was hired by the store owner as the "store security" and a recent incident involving minor violence fighting event at the store, for reasons why the Township would continue to pursue a liquor license revoke of this location. 


A special meeting will be called in July 2011 for Ypsilanti Township residents to discuss their opinions on the Dairy Mart location, while the Township make the appeal to revoke the license to the Michigan Liquor Commission.


-Burning Bush International Church at 2069 Tyler Road in Ypsilanti, Michigan (West Willow Community) currently, was approved in a first reading to move their worship location to 770 James L. Hart Parkway in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A second reading on the measure will take place at the July 2011 Board of Trustees meeting. 


The amended planning development of Burning Bush Church was approved with the following conditions by the Township Board: No day care, preschool or early educational facility at the location due to its' proximity to industrial locations, landscaping of property location would be required and no parcel usage allowed at the location.  


-Purposed new development in Ypsilanti Township -Spirits Restaurant at 2711 Rawsonville Road in Belleville, Michigan (Ypsilanti Township Property) was approved a food services Liquor Operational License. Formerly, the building housed a Lonestar Steakhouse restaurant. 


The restaurant spokesperson D'Wayne Turner stated that the theme of the location will be a India based food cuisine, along with a lounge location nightly, with live music. A spokesperson  also noted that Spirits, will be hiring local employees to Monica RW of the Reach Out Job Search News Blog, after the development is complete.


-Water and sewer governmental operator YCUA was approved in their request of the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees to increase residential and business rates by 5.3%. The average residential costs increase Township residents will increase between $2.47 to $4.52 monthly, depending on water usage. 


The request of the increase was to the increased retirement and operational costs, a YCUA spokesperson cited during the meeting.


-The first reading of the purpose Ypsilanti Township Dog Ordinance , requiring "Backyard Breeders" to have a permit and meet certain conditions to operate a dog birthing business, was approved by the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees. Township governmental officials have and continue to work jointly with the Humane Society of Huron Valley and members of the local AKC organization for final approval of the proposal. 


"Backyard breeding is a business," Jenny Paillon Director of the HSHV Clinic Operations cited. " Many of these breeders are selling the animals without the proper vaccinations, behavioral training or history and when these owners call the breeders with issues on the dog, they are avoiding their calls".  

More information on the purposed Ypsilanti Township "Backyard Breeder" ordnance can be found on the Ann Arbor.com website. 


To stay abreast of information on local governmental operations, meetings and proposals, please visit the Charter Township Ypsilanti Government Website.

2011 WEST WILLOW SUMMER PROGRAM

By Linda Mealing
Treasurer NWWNA/Youth Programs Committee Chairperson

West Willow Summer 2011 Youth Program

DATE AND LOCATION
June 20 - Aug. 11, 2011 *closed July 4th
Mon. - Fri., 11am - 3pm
Community Resource Center (CRC)
2057 Tyler Rd.
Ypsilanti, Mi., 48198

EARLY REGISTRATION (at CRC building)
June 14th - 10am-noon school
June 16th - 4-6pm

AGES: school ages 5-17 yrs. old Capacity around 60 youth

OVERVIEW - Lunch provides by Washtenaw Cty. ETC Lunch Program at 11:15am promptly!! With the help of other nonprofit agencies, governmental entities, individuals and area churches, the West Willow Summer Program (under NWWNA leadership) offers neighborhood youths a healthy and safe haven at the CRC for the summer months. Activities include guest speakers, nutritional classes, computer work, help with reading and math, gardening and a few field trips. We hope to cover each week with a central theme such as Safety, State of MI/Around the World Exploration, Community Helpers, Life Skills/Careers, Leadership, Art/creativity and much more!

SUPPORTING OPPORTUNITIES
Come as a guest speaker, janitorial services, provide a tax-exempt donation, volunteer as an adult mentor, donate craft supplies, provide support for field
trips, help get building & grounds ready, gardening mentors/care takers

Contact information: Linda Mealing 734-483-8195 or lindame5881@att.net

* more details can be found posted at the CRC and on distributed flyers