STUDYING ABROAD SHEDS LIGHT ON ‘GOING GREEN!’

Week-long trip to Calgary, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska gives WCCCD students ways on how to save the planet!

By David C. Butty

Alexa Williams learned something unique about our neighbor to the north during the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) recent study abroad trip to Calgary, Canada – RECYCLING. The week-long trip began in Calgary, Canada, and ended in Anchorage, Alaska. Williams says it is an “experience that I will never forget for the rest of my years.”

Seventeen students and facilitators returned home recently following a visit at the invitation of Bow Valley College in Calgary, Canada, and the University of Anchorage, in Alaska. The theme was ‘sustainability.’ The trip to Calgary, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska was the 26th study abroad trip that the District has made since the Study Abroad Program made its maiden voyage to Accra, Ghana, in West Africa in 2003. The program has taken students to six of the seven continents; and is eyeing Antarctica, as the final frontier. The program has touched the lives of more than 500 students, exposing them to different cultures and educating them outside of the traditional classroom and beyond pages of history books.

This Fall, the WCCCD Study Abroad Program partnered with Bow Valley College and the University of Anchorage to provide immersive experiences by the partnering hosts that broaden both educational and cultural knowledge. At Bow Valley College, the students attended lectures on sustainability and learned the steps that the college is taking to protect the environment. Bow Valley College, like WCCCD, is home to international students from over 100 countries around the world. The College is best known for its degree and certificate programs, and being affordable. “We are very proud of our diverse faculty with real life experiences,” said a faculty member who lectured on sustainability and carbon footprints. While at the University of Anchorage, the concentration was on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Program is an excellent opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zone, expand their learning horizons, to see the world and be exposed to new cultures, landmarks, and arts institutions. It also enables students to experience the cuisines of another country; and hone their foreign language skills. Best of all, WCCCD students established lasting friendships with the students from both Bow Valley College and the institutions in Anchorage. The trip helped to expand the students’ social circle.

“Both Calgary, Canada and Anchorage, Alaska have been such a life-changing experience. I had the absolute best time in both Canada and Alaska because of all the new things we were exposed to throughout the environment and the social aspect of these two locations. I was able to learn things about global warming and recycling.”

“Without a doubt the people of Calgary reduce, reuse, and recycle in all of their businesses, schools, and homes. I was definitely astonished at the different ways that they choose to recycle. In Bow Valley College, they recycle pens, bottles/cans, and even gloves used by the students (as long as they were not completely contaminated).” Alexa Williams recalled.

Clarissa Meirthew shares in the learning experience of the trip. For her, it was the early snowfall. “The snow was falling …beautiful small white flakes danced above my head. The bustle of people out and about was comforting—comforting to know life was the same there as it was back home.”

“Or was it? As the hours rolled into the next day, the regularities weren’t so parallel. I learned more in-depth about their recycling habits—which makes ours look elementary. Bow Valley College, a beautifully progressive institution, welcomed me with open arms. It was here that I was made aware and experienced first-hand their practices with recycling and garbage disposal. It is in Calgary, where being very mindful of the environment is of the utmost importance.”

Kaitlyn Brashear is concerned about the Alaskan ‘permafrost’ and the effect that global warming is having on it. “We may ask why is it so important that this permafrost is starting to melt. It is so important because there are villages, homes and families living on this permafrost. When this ice melts, the water and storms will wipe away all that was built causing families to search for a new place to live.”

“Environmentalists say that the permafrost degradation is a major threat to Arctic communities and ecosystems. It also extends beyond the region, as it contributes to climate change and the positive feedback loop which threatens to push our planet into an environmental crisis.”

“In the end I want to shine light on the importance of making better decisions with our waste and trying to reduce plastic use. Using refillable containers, less paper products, simple changes we can all adopt. Dispose of waste properly and recycle! Try limiting driving back and forth when we could make one trip for all of our errands. We recognize change is going to happen, but our chemical footprint is making change happen faster which in turn is causing devastating results which may not otherwise happen naturally.”

Gayle Jones-Smith puts it all into prospective like this. “Thankful is a word that comes to mind. The electricity in each room from the study abroad group that kept coming up with questions and concerns about sustainable energy and recycling. To be shown how they recycle and why. The care they give to in store cleanliness for all to enjoy. The minds of the people are at its best developing more and more ways for us to care about our world. Simply ingenious to say the least. Will we bring this home and demand a change for the U.S.A? We WILL!”

The WCCCD Study Abroad Program focuses on immersing students in different cultures and ecosystems that broaden their understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences outside of their own. To date, WCCCD has partnered with 26 different countries to advance students’ personal, educational and professional growth beyond the walls of the campus and classrooms.

ANNOUNCEMENT

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Van Dyke Traffic Signal Modification In The City Of Detroit

PW-7028

23JW183136

Vivian Ermadeane Adams Flounory

Vivian Ermadeane Adams Flounory, a retired educator who led several local service and social organizations, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023. She was 93.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for SaaS Software &Consultant Service, Control No. 23-3769. RFP forms may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023, from http://www.mitn.info. RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, March 3, 2023

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for Circuit Board Repairs for RFQ Control No. 23-3764 may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info. Responses to RFQ are due by 3:00 PM ET, February 20, 2023.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting proposals for Bus Wraps for RFP Control No. 23-3668A may be obtained beginning February 1, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info.

Responses to RFP are due by 3:00 PM ET, February 27, 2023.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for No. 23-3791 for Federal Lobbyist. RFP forms may be obtained beginning, January 30, 2023 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, February 10, 2023.

ENROLLMENT Grades PK-6 Noor International Academy 37412 Dequindre Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (586) 365-5000 www.niapsa.org

Proposals for this project will be received the ORACLE e-Procurement system until 2:30 P.M. Detroit time, February 21, 2023. The bidding documents, which must be used in submitting a proposal, are available via invitation or request for invitation on Negotiation Abstracts. The bids will be opened, on February 21, 2023 at 2:45 P.M. via Zoom Communications.

SCOPE OF WORK: The scope of work includes Replacement of the existing diagonal span traffic signalization design at both East and West Edsel Ford Service Drive intersections with M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) with two independently controlled box span signal designs at each of the Service Drive intersections, includes; utility coordination for the disconnection and connection of existing and new electrical service, wood pole and steel strain pole installation, removal of cabling within underdeck electrical conduit along the M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue)-I-94 overpass bridge, upgrade existing non-compliant ADA sidewalk and curb ramps

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting to answer any questions relative to the work or contract documents will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Flounory was born November 10, 1929 in Detroit to Add Adams and Luberta Turner Adams, the third of the couple’s five children and their only daughter. She attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Pershing High School.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She spent her career as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor in Westwood Community Schools, spending 18 years as a counselor at Robichaud High School.

She married Willie Flounory in 1948 and raised their four children in Inkster. She was an active member of St. Clements Episcopal Church in Inkster, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was a member of the vestry. In 1990, she returned to the church of her childhood, Vernon Chapel AME Church, and was an active member there. Later in life, she married Virgil Ross, who preceded her in death.

She held leadership roles in organizations such as Daughters of Isis (Illustrious Commandress of Marracci Court), Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Matron), and The Golden Circle. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for 65 years, serving as the sorority’s first-ever Michigan State Coordinator and as a charter member and past president of the Inkster Alumnae Chapter.

Contractors are encouraged to be on time. As those arriving after the administrative portion of the meeting will not be allowed to sign in and deemed ineligible to bid. For additional information on the Pre-Bid Meeting, contact Tracine Pickett at 313224-3948. Questions concerning the specifications or drawings must be submitted through the ORACLE e-Procurement system on or before the question deadline date/time of February 03, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Bids are solicited only from qualified contractors regularly engaged in the required construction work and having adequate work experience to successfully complete work of the described size and scope. The successful low bidder must attain necessary clearances and provide bonds and insurance within 10 days of the bid date. No proposal once submitted may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual opening of the bids. The City of Detroit reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any bid, or to reject any or all bids should it be deemed in its best interest. Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check, bank draft, irrevocable bank letter of credit, or a satisfactory surety bond in an amount not less than 5% of the total bid price as a guarantee and security for the acceptance of the contract. Checks shall be made payable to the treasurer, City of Detroit. Bonds shall be issued by a guaranty or surety company licensed to do business in the State of Michigan.

In determining the low bidder, Detroit-based firms will be given an equalization percentage credit over non-Detroit firms in accordance with Ordinance 19-86.

Please Note: Respondents must be registered in ORACLE to receive invitations for the RFP. Respondents shall provide notice to take exception to any requirements of the Request for Qualifications. Such exceptions may reflect negatively on the evaluation of the Submittal. The City of Detroit does not guarantee a response to questions not submitted before the question deadline.

Per Executive Order No. 2016-1 worker hours on any construction project funded in whole or in part by city, state, or federal funds shall be performed by not less than 50% bona fide Detroit residents. For purposes of Executive Order No. 2016-1, worker hours shall include work performed by persons filling apprenticeship and on-the-job training positions.

The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. This contract is financed by State of Michigan funds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her four brothers: Add, Harold, Robert, and Theodore and her two daughters, Margarita and Kathy. Left to mourn her are her sons, Cedric and Jeffrey (Tanda); her highly-cherished grandchildren: Cedric Jr., Cheri, Chantelle (Stephen), Alexandria, Cherrell, Stephanie, Costello and Merlin; her great-grandchildren: Alicia, Jakobe, Skylar, Stephen Jr, Chase, Dejanae, Devon, and Daisy; her brother-in-love, Stanley Flounory (Ellen); her sisters-in-love: Madaline Booker (Kenneth), Joann Adams, and Gladys Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Splunk, as well

&/or MSSQL database. Develop & maintain service documentation needed to support IAM-supported applications & services. Provide escalation & troubleshooting operational support for IAMsupported applications & services. Assist in the deployment of strategic direction of IAM applications & services. Provide Oncall support. Educate, train, & present IAM applications & services to all levels of the Michigan Medicine community to improve service delivery. Michigan Medicine conducts background screening & pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. Qualified candidates should e-mail resume & verification of reqs. to: Sarah Partin, Administrative Specialist Associate Healthcare, sapartin@med.umich.edu.