Emergency test
A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System was conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Listeners and viewers of broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa experienced a test at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The words, “This is a test,” prompted audiences for the 30-sec. nationwide check, which was the first of its kind for the EAS. In Michigan, the national alert and warning system is typically analyzed and used during monthly regional tests.
The national test was issued to make addressing the public possible in the event of emergencies or disasters for President Obama. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, governors and emergency authorities on state and local levels also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.
The test was organized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission.
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Andy Rooney died*
Andrew Aitken “Andy” Rooney, CBS commentator on 60 Minutes for 33 years, died Friday, Nov. 4.
The long-time television personality was hospitalized Oct. 25 from developing postoperative complications following an undisclosed surgery. Rooney never fully recovered, and a month after delivering his 1,097th and final televised commentary, he died at 92 years old.
More than 15 of Rooney’s books have been published including a late work, “60 Years of Wisdom and Wit” in 2002. A year earlier he won the Emperor Has No Clothes Award from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Rooney was born Jan.14, 1919.
Voters decide
Voters hit the polls Tuesday to decide on a number of local issues.
Those in the Ann Arbor Public Schools district, for example, had a choice of six candidates to fill two open seats on the AAPS board of trustees. Ann Arbor city residents also chose their representation on the 11-member city council.
Three ballot proposals were presented: Proposal 1 — renews an existing street repair property tax at a rate of 2 mills. A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.
Assuming Proposal 1 is approved, Proposal 2 would levy an additional 0.125 mills for sidewalk repair. If Proposal 2 is approved by voters, the city would not start a new 5-year inspection cycle. Under the inspection program, property owners are formally notified that sidewalks adjacent to their property need repair and then must undertake those repairs themselves.
Proposal 3 would change the makeup of the retirement system’s board of trustees so fewer beneficiaries of the system are included on the board.
Polls were open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Judge to lecture
Judge Daniel S. Opperman of the Federal Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan will contribute to a lecture series held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 in the Halle Library Auditorium.
The EMU graduate, appointed to the bench in 2006, will focus on the topic, “Judging vs. Lawyering: The Professional and Personal Changes When Switching Jobs to Become a Judge.”
“A View from the Bench” is a monthly lecture series. Last month’s gathering was hosted by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly.
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Veterans Day*
Friday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day.
In honor of Veterans Day, Friday, WEMU (89.1 FM) will read the names of those who have served in the nation’s military at the top of each hour Friday, November 11th.
Names of veterans, military branches served on, war or military conflict involved in and home towns may be submitted to WEMU by calling 734-487-2229 during regular business hours or by
emailing wemu@emich.edu.
Information should be sent by Thursday.
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Cards being made*
Holiday cards can be made for service members, veterans and their families at the following times and dates at the Veterans Services table in the Student Center:
12 – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16
12 – 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21
12 – 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28
12 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1
12 – 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5
2 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
For additional opportunities, visit the Veterans Services office at 246 McKenny Hall.
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Documentary *
“The Indian Schools — A Survivor’s Story,” a documentary created in part by EMU professor Kay McGowan, will be shown at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 in the Student Center auditorium.
The film, with a 45 min. run time, will reveal the ugly truth behind Native American boarding schools by featuring interviews from tribes with roots across Michigan who were affected by boarding schools in one way or another.
So far, it has been shown at the Arab American Museum in Dearborn and particular locations across the country. In McGowan’s eyes, schools are crucial in spreading the word of Indians’ historic trauma.
“If they’re educated and understand, then when they get out there and they’re opinion makers and in positions of power and authority, they’ll understand what happened to Indians,” McGowan said.
Professors and classes in the social work and anthropology departments are expected to attend the screening. The movie is sponsored in part by the Native American Student Association in honor of November’s Native American Heritage Month.
Energy efficiency
Farwell Area Schools was recognized by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation from a project with Ameresco, a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company.
As a result of extensive upgrades – including controls work and infrastructure improvements – to high school, middle school and elementary school buildings, the mid-Michigan district reduced its carbon footprint by over 18 percent — equivalent to removing 62 cars from the road, powering 31 homes through clean renewable energy or maintaining 79 acres of pine forest — and saved nearly $44,000 in annual electricity fees, calculating to $35.65 per student this year.
Additional changes include a new building automation system, interior and exterior lighting upgrades, consolidation of boiler operations, damper replacement, resizing of the water meter, vending machine controls and the installation of domestic hot water pumps.
Farwell schools were honored Monday during an awards luncheon at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing.
