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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN April 16, 2020

CANTON
CANTON

Massage parlor ordinance updated by trustees

Julie Brown investigation at that time. The ” if there had been increased med-
Staff Writer new ordinance includes explicit Trustees have addressed concerns ical rescue calls to senior health
regulations regarding massage care facilities in light of the cur-
Following complaints about parlors, kennels, junkyards, in the past with proximity of massage businesses rent coronavirus pandemic.
criminal sexual conduct at a arcades and fortune to day care centers and schools. Meier said that the call levels
Canton massage parlor in 2018, telling/palmistry. appeared to be at about the
members of the township board Responding to a query at the same rate as usual.
of trustees have updated the recent meeting, Canton Public other,” Siegrist said. Siegrist members have addressed con- “It has not been an easy time.
ordinance language applicable Safety Director Joshua Meier added criminal convictions such cerns in the past with proximity From my perspective the town-
to these facilities, along with sev- said that massage parlor checks, as sexually-oriented soliciting of massage businesses to day ship seems to be operating on an
eral others in the township. “will be random by design so we will, under the new law in care centers and schools. The even keel,” with the average citi-
In 2018, a young woman was can enforce the ordinance as Canton, have a seven-year “cool- ordinance addresses that issue zen not noticing differences,
living at the massage establish- written.” ing off” period rather than five and now prohibits fortune remarked Trustee John Anthony.
ment, noted Township Canton Clerk Michael Siegrist years. Williams thanked Siegrist telling/palmistry “which was “We're in a unique position
Supervisor Pat Williams during explained that the ordinance is and others for “a lot of good high- determined to be illegal” com- financially” compared to other
a meeting of the board of clear about the facilities. “Two quality meetings (that) got us to mented Siegrist. municipalities, Williams said.
trustees recently, although police massage establishments cannot this point.” In other business, Trustee “We'll make the best decisions
said she was not a target of an be within 1,000 feet of each Canton Board of Trustees Anne Marie Hudak asked Meier we can as a team,” he added.
Educator nominated for ‘Teacher of the Year’ award

Ashley Benson, a first-grade teacher at Achieve
Charter Academy in Canton Township, has been nominat-
ed as the 2020 Michigan Charter School Teacher of the
Year.
“I am thrilled for Ashley to have been chosen as a
finalist for Michigan Association of Public School
Academies (MAPSA) Teacher of the Year,” said Jennifer
Conley, principal at Achieve Charter Academy.
“Ashley is one of the most compassionate and caring
teachers who provides a first-grade classroom that is
focused on a combination of fun, firmness, and focus. She
meets the needs of all her individual learners and is a
huge asset to our school community.”
Every year, MAPSA Charter School Awards provide a
platform to highlight outstanding educators in Michigan
charter schools. There are nearly 300 charter schools
across Michigan and hundreds of nominations were
received for the award this year.
“We are so excited to have a member of our team
receive this recognition. Ashley demonstrates sincere
care for every student as she connects one-on-one with
their interests and needs,” said Cathy Henkenberns,
director of school quality at NHA. “She is dedicated to
her own learning and strives to improve her practice. As a
result, her students benefit from her growth mindset and
dedication to her work.” Ashley Benson teaches her first grade class. Photo submitted
To be considered for this recognition, MAPSA receives try, and we've seen that come to light even more in the 'We're so proud to be able to honor them and shine a
anonymous nominations from parents, teachers, school past few weeks,” said Dan Quisenberry, MAPSA presi- spotlight on their accomplishments.”
leaders, and community members to recognize those who dent. The top five Teacher of the Year and Administrator of
are going above and beyond. “These finalists represent the best of the best, and the Year finalists will each receive a $500 cash prize and
“Michigan's charter schools have some of the most they're continuing to work every day to engage, inspire, will earn a platform to share their best practices through-
innovative, creative and talented educators in the coun- and educate their students. out the year.