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A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
4
February 9, 2012
P
LYMOUTH
- R
OMULUS
Block grant funding
reduced in Romulus
Officials in the City of Romulus said they
would have to do the best they can with their
allotment of Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds.
Unfortunately, the best they can isn't as
much as it was last year-or the year before
that, either.
Maria Lambert, director of the Romulus
Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
and coordinator of the CDBG program, said
she anticipates a reduction from the
allowance of $252,000 last year, plus an addi-
tional $30,000 for the housing rehabilitation
program. This year, she's budgeted for about
$212,000, plus an additional $20,000 for hous-
ing rehabilitation. The grants are federally
funded, but distributed through Wayne
County.
“Wayne County uses a general formula to
give us this estimate and, until Congress
approves its budget, we will not have a hard
figure to work with,” Lambert said. “Chances
are that we will be looking at an additional
cut this year.”
“It's unfortunate that this has been so dras-
tically reduced,” said Councilwoman Eva
Webb.
The majority of the money-about $200,000-
will go to repay the construction bonds on the
Romulus Senior Center. The city is in the
ninth year of a 10-year repayment program
for the work done at the center. The remain-
ing $12,000 will go to fund senior programs,
but it's a reduction from the $32,000 that was
available last year, Lambert said.
The CDBG program is designed to provide
grants for development projects in low-
income areas or to provide services for senior
citizens. Communities across Michigan are
suffering from the same type of loss, as fewer
and fewer funds are available from the feder-
al government. RomulusMayor AlanLambert
said it was just another example of the belt-
tightening that's become necessary in munici-
palities in the state.
“It is unfortunate that the reduction in our
allocation has eliminated the possibility of
supporting any other projects or community
organizations,” he said.
The city conducted a public hearing on the
proposed uses of the funds on Monday night
and votedunanimously on the issue, aswell.
The Michigan Philharmonic will pres-
ent Sunday with Schubert this Sunday,
Feb. 12, featuring principal clarinetist,
Lisa Raschiatore, who will perform Aaron
Copeland's jazzy, Clarinet Concerto. This
piece, commissioned by Benny Goodman,
will highlight the concert which will also
featureSchubert's SymphonyNo. 5.
Raschiatore is a freelance musician
and teacher originally from Southern
California. She completed her under-
graduate degree at Pepperdine University,
and earned both her masters and doctoral
degrees at theUniversity ofMichigan.
Tickets for the concert are $22 for
adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students
andmay be purchased by calling (734) 451-
2112 or online at www.michiganphil.org
To follow up the concert a special High
Tea is planned.
Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will go
toward Haitian Relief efforts.
Reservations are required and may be
made by calling the same number.
Armstrongwouldbe greatlymissed.
“Jack was one of the strongest, bravest,
kindest and most sincere men I have ever
known. Youwanted to be onhis team.
“I knew Jack for 10 years and I am a
much better person for it. Jack was my hero
every day for the last 10 years. I will miss
him.”
Mr. Armstrong led the annual Toys for
Tots auction at Hermann's, which became a
traditional event for many people. He was
relentless in his efforts to help collect toys
and funding for the holiday project to help
needy children through the U.S. Marine
Corps.
“He gave so much of himself to that
cause,” Wendover said. “At the end of the
auction, his voice would be gone. I think he
easily collected more than $100,000 over the
years for them.”
Mr. Armstrongwas diagnosedwith cancer
about two years ago, Wendover said, and
handled the devastating prognosis with his
usual stubborn resolve. “He told me, 'I'm not
going to believe those guys,' when he was
told he only had about six months to live.
Andhe didn't,”Wendover said.
“He was a great family guy. You simply
couldnot dislike Jack,” he added.
Mr. Armstrong was born July 6, 1938. He
and his wife, Judy, who predeceased him,
were the parents of Jim (Teresa) Armstrong,
Julie (Rich) Bardelli and Janet Armstrong.
In addition to his children, Mr. Armstrong
is survived by his grandchildren, Emma
Rose, Sydney and Flora Mae and brothers,
Harry “Bud” (Noreen), Mike and Carl
Gowan.
Funeral services took place Tuesday at
VermeulenFuneral Home inPlymouth.
Memorials may be made to the U.S.
Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, 18251
QuanticoGateway, Triangle, VA22172.
Library to host author
Schubert concert will be Sunday
Daniel W. Mason, author of the book
Detroit Metro Airport, will visit the
Romulus Public Library at 1 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25.
Masonwill speak and sign copies of his
book, which will be available for pur-
chase. The library is located at 11121
WayneRoadnearGoddardRoad.
The book is the newest addition to
Arcadia Publishing's popular “Images of
America” series. The book boasts more
than 200 vintage images and memories of
days “flownby.”
Throughout the years, Detroit Metro
Airport in Romulus has grown and
changed with the times. During the gold-
en age of flight, the airport served the
local community.
For more information on Mason's
appearance or other activities at the
Romulus Public Library, call (734) 942-
7589.
Death
FROM PAGE 1
John "Jack" Armstrong,