Press Release | Office of the Mayor | REVISED - Free Holiday Meals to be Provided to Westland Veterans and Active Duty Families

For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36300 Warren Rd | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Free Holiday Meals to be Provided to Westland Veterans and Active Duty Families

REVISED

WESTLAND, MI - The holidays are quickly approaching and for the 4th year, the Wayne-Ford Civic League will be partnering with Mayor William Wild and State Representative Robert Kosowski to help local veterans in need for the holidays. This year, Council President James Godbout and Councilman Elect Jim Hart will also join in the volunteer efforts. Their partnership will work to ensure veterans in need have a proper holiday meal.

"I have always been an advocate for our veterans. We have Men and Women who ask for nothing in return for all they have given for us. This is a very small gesture that we all can and should get behind. It is an honor and privilege for me and my family to roll up our sleeves, shake their hands, and show our thanks," commented Councilman Elect Jim Hart."

"I am thrilled to be able to participate with my colleagues in such an incredible program this year," commented Council President James Godbout. "There are many ways to help this wonderful cause, like helping to get the word out to Veterans and their families or by donating. Every bit really does help."

Donations can be made online by visiting the Wayne Ford Civic League Facebook page in person at the Wayne Ford Civic League, located at 1661 N. Wayne Rd. and the Mayor's Office.

Vic Barra, President of the Wayne-Ford Civic League, Mayor Wild, State Representative Kosowski, Council President James Godbout and Councilman Elect Jim Hart will be providing a choice of either a turkey or ham, along with mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and heat and serve rolls to those veterans in need for Christmas. Westland Veterans should call the office of Mayor Wild or State Representative Kosowski to register for a turkey. The turkeys will be dispersed Saturday, December 23 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Those looking to participate must register by Wednesday, December 20.

"As a veteran I was proud to begin this tradition with Mayor Wild and State Representative Kosowski 4 years ago." commented Vic Barra, President of the Wayne Ford Civic League. "Every year we are able to help more and more people and to see it grow as more veterans become aware of the effort is extremely rewarding. I appreciate the continued support of our local elected officials and this year's sponsors D&B Grocers and Heartland Market."

"This is the forth year that we have partnered on this cause that is very important to us," commented State Representative Robert Kosowski. "We want to ensure that every Veteran in our district has everything they need for a delicious meal around the holidays to show our thanks for their service."

"The veterans of our community have given the ultimate sacrifice by putting their life on the line to defend those here at home. It is our duty to take care of those distinguished members who have served our country," commented Mayor Wild. "Providing free turkeys for the holiday is our way of honoring the veterans of Westland."

The numbers to reach the offices of Mayor Wild and Representative Kosowski are listed below:

Mayor Wild - (734) 467-3200

State Representative Kosowski - (517) 373-2576

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary, at (734)467-3200

Westland, Michigan is the state's 10th largest municipality, with a population of over 84,000 people who exhibit a great deal of pride in their All-American City. Westland has a thriving business community along with beautiful residential areas. The citizens enjoy a wide array of amenities and a quality of life that is second to none.

In 2014, Westland was rated as one of 24/7 Wall Street's America's Best 50 Cities to Live, offering residents and visitors an ideal blend of single-family affordable homes, apartments and condominiums, great schools, and access to numerous outdoor activities. Public safety is delivered by full-service, professional law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Westland Police Department, whose motto is protect and serve, provides emergency dispatch services to four cities and over 100,000 residents; the Westland Fire Department responded to over 8,000 calls for service last year, about 85% being medical based. They never forget their mission of preserving life and property.

Westland is well-known as the premier destination for shopping and dining in Wayne County with hundreds of shops and restaurants anchored by the Westland Shopping Center, one of the country's original four regional malls.

Infinite opportunities are available in Westland for the recreation aficionado including, more than 40 parks and 1,500 acres of trails, a 9-hole golf course, hockey arena, athletic fields, playscapes, a Farmers and Artisans Market and more. One of Michigan's most environmentally friendly cities, Westland has a progressive curbside recycling program with one of the highest participation rates in the nation and the City is raising the bar for cultural experiences with the placement of public art throughout the City.

The City is served by two public school districts; Wayne-Westland Community Schools serving 12,000 youth was recently named one of the Best Schools in Michigan by WXYZ-TV and is the proud recipient of 14 Golden Apple and two Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards. Livonia Public Schools, educating nearly 15,000 students, is proud of their MEAP/MME scores that exceed state averages and the District has also earned Golden Apple and Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards.

Westland's philosophy is that government should embrace good business principles. Providing oversight over the City's operating budget of $60 million dollars, Westland is the only community in Wayne County with a 3-year balanced budget and an approximately 10 percent budget surplus.

The City provides competitive incentives for those who are interested in investing in Westland, making it one of the hottest investment markets in the region. Our Fast-Track to Business Team, which consists of key decision makers who work diligently on a development plan will "cut the red tape" and expedite the approval process for new business development.