ACCESS Summer Academy Is in Full Swing

As the summer sun continues to shine, the ACCESS Summer Academy continues its fun program for kids. Four weeks in, the Academy has been offering kids a host of fun and educational activities. Classes such as Language Arts, Math, and Arabic Language have served to enrich the children’s education throughout the summer. Guest speakers have come in from the Detroit Zoo, Arab American National Museum, the Fire Department, and the Magic Animal Show to give the kids fun and fascinating presentations about their respective fields.

But what would summer be without outdoor play? To supplement these educational activities, the academy has provided fun recreational activities such swimming at Lapeer Park, arts classes, team sports, community gardening, and drumming lessons! On top of that the students have taken field trips to exciting locations such as the Detroit Zoo, Metro Beach, Kensington Park, Emagine Canton Theater and they’ve even held a field day outside Salina Elementary! The only downside to the Summer Academy is that there are only two weeks left!

About ACCESS Summer Academy
The ACCESS Summer Academy operates Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Salina Elementary.  The program seeks to expand children's potential by providing a creative, safe, and fun learning environment in which they can develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. 

Join ACCESS, Comcast and One Economy to Celebrate Comcast Digital Connectors!

At 10 a.m. Monday, August 9, 2010, Comcast officials including Executive Vice President David L. Cohen will join Congressman John Dingell, Congressman John Conyers, Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly, Jr., and members of ACCESS to celebrate ACCESS’ graduating class of Comcast Digital Connectors.

Over the past year, students came to ACCESS to learn digital literacy skills in both after-school and summer training programs.  Skills learned through Cisco included leadership training, community mapping assignments, and a financial certification.  Each student volunteered more than 50 hours at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches, local schools, and even in their own homes to help improve digital literacy in their communities.  They also had the opportunity to interact with Comcast employees who served as mentors by lending their leadership and expertise to this next generation of digital leaders and innovators. To RSVP for the celebration, call 248-933-4606 or email MI_GetConnected@cable.comcast.com.

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Support the AANM’s Helen Thomas Sculpture Campaign

The Arab American National Museum has launched a 45-day campaign to raise the remaining $10,000 needed to complete a sculpture of legendary journalist and Arab American Helen Thomas (right), to be displayed at the Museum. The recently retired White House journalist turns 90 years old on August 4. Click HERE to make a donation of $1 or more to the project at the online fundraising site kickstarter.com; larger donations also earn rewards such as a private, guided AANM tour for 10. Total pledges received by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, must reach or exceed $10,000 in order for the funding to be released to the project, so please donate today. Every little bit helps!

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Learn to Be Healthy and Green at Cleaning Workshop

Did you know that some common household cleaning products contain ingredients that can be harmful to you and your family? Learn how to protect yourself from toxic chemicals and make your own non-toxic cleaners at a workshop sponsored by ACCESS and the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health. The free event will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, August 2, at the People’s Community Center, 8625 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck. RSVP to Mona ElShamaa at 313-216-2248 or MElShamaa@accesscommunity.org

Golfers Welcome at the 16^th Annual Arab American Golf Open

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Golf Open from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, August 2, at TPC Legendary Golf Course, One Nicklaus Drive, Dearborn.  Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus designed the 18-hole championship golf course, which offers guests a challenging links-style layout with tee options ranging from 6100 yards to 7000 yards.

This year's open will feature many opportunities to network and socialize. There will be tournaments, great raffle prizes and an awards ceremony with delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Reserve your spot today by calling Hebah Alwerfalli, 313-945-1700 or email hebaha@americanarab.com.

KaBOOM! Playground Build Day a Success, Thanks to Community Members!

Despite rain at the beginning of the day, more than 200 volunteers showed up with shovels in hand to build a playground on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the ACCESS Youth & Education building.  In just eight hours, community members build the playground, shoveled mulch, started a garden, built picnic tables and shade structures, and more. Notable Volunteers included Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly; Congressman John Dingell and his wife, Debbie; Dearborn Councilman George Darany and Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano were among the volunteers. All of the 3,200 youth in our area are invited to see and use the new playground at 2651 Saulino Ct., Dearborn.

Thanks again to all of our dedicated volunteers! Visit Flickr to see photos.

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ACCESS to Be Honored with William H. Beckham, Jr. Community Service Award

The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion is honoring ACCESS for 39 years of service to the Southeast Michigan community with the William H. Beckham, Jr. Community Service Award at its Humanitarian Tribute Luncheon.  ACCESS is being recognized for advocating and empowering individuals, families and communities.  The luncheon will take place November 9, 2010.

The Michigan Roundtable is Michigan’s leading human relations organization, making a critical difference by helping build sustainable inclusive communities.  The Humanitarian Tribute highlights the important work and visions of civic leaders.