For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36601 Ford Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Extra Mile Day Shines Light on Volunteer Heroes

Westland, MI - The City of Westland recently joined cities across the nation and celebrated Extra Mile Day on November 1 to recognize individuals and organizations that go the "extra mile" in their service and volunteerism for the City.

"Extra Mile Day is an opportunity to honor those in Westland and the nation who are making a positive impact on our communities every day. It is also a great way to encourage others to be difference makers," said Mayor William R. Wild.

Residents of Westland were asked to nominate groups and individuals through a Facebook poll on the City page. The Westland Cub Scout Pack 1736, Lou Toarmina, Vic Barra, and Mike Londeau received the most nominations for this prestigious award.

The names of the individuals and groups who receive these awards, along with their stories, will be added to the Extra Mile America Foundation website. Additionally, the names will be sent to the White House in Washington, DC where they will be recognized as extra-mile change makers who truly stand out.

Westland Cub Scout Pack 1736 celebrated Extra Mile Day by going door-to-door delivering food to the Westland residents in need. Lou Toarmina, a local business owner of Toarmina's Pizza, was recognized for his efforts as the Rotary Club President and long-time Red Cross volunteer. Mike Londeau is a resident that you will find volunteering at nearly every Westland City function. In addition to his many charitable efforts, Londeau is a member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Council. Finally, Vic Barra is the President of the Wayne-Ford Civic League and is consistently first in line to volunteer for efforts throughout the community.

"The nominees have given unselfishly of themselves to purposes that make life better for others," said Mayor Wild. "They work hard and are a reminder of the power we each have to create positive change at any time, on any day for ourselves and for others."

Extra Mile Day was created by speaker and author, Shawn Anderson, who spread his "go the extra mile" message across the United States in 2009 using a symbolic 4,000 mile ocean-to-ocean bike ride. On his solo ride, Anderson interviewed 200 people who had been identified as going the extra mile who had risked everything to accomplish something extraordinary. After the tour ended, he personally gave $10,000 to those people whose stories he found especially inspiring.

More information about "Extra Mile Day" and the "Extra Mile Heroes," can be found on the website at: http://extramileamerica.org/extramileday.php.

Westland Cub Scouts deliver food for the needy on
Extra Mile Day.

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary,

at (734) 467-3200.

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The City of Westland is the 10th largest city in Michigan with a population of over 84,000. The city's residential development is an excellent blend of single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The broad selection of housing opportunities is complimented by over 1500 acres of well-maintained parks and nature trails as well as a highly rated municipal golf course. Also available is a skate park, ice arena, a state-of-the-art Library and novel city park themes that are fun and family-friendly.

Westland has the location, land, infrastructure, and leadership, under Mayor William R. Wild to attract new industry and help existing businesses redevelop properties and to maintain competitiveness in today's global economy. Six modern platted industrial parks on 320 acres are served by class "A" internal roads, with up to date utilities and rail access available within two of the parks. Westland is conveniently located within the center of southeastern Michigan's expressway system, minutes north of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and ideally located between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Westland is the area's premier "Shopping and Dining Destination". Westland Shopping center, one of the country's original four regional malls, boasts 80 retail stores and has anchored Westland's commercial district for more than 30 years. Westland's diversity and progressive planning offers residents a wide variety of life experiences, and make Westland truly the "All American City".