community


By John Cash and Kenya Wells STATE FARM® AGENTS


Cars and trucks far out-


number motorcycles on the roadways. No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, every- one needs to follow the rules of the road and watch out for other vehicles. But, drivers of cars and trucks often don’t recognize or see motorcycles. Because of their smaller size, motorcycles may present spe- cial concerns for motorists.


To help motorists better


understand the need to share the road with motorcyclists, here are some safety tips from the Motorcycle Safety Founda- tion (MSF-USA):


• Motorcycles may look far- ther away than they really are. When preparing to make a turn, assume that the mo- torcycle is closer than it ap- pears.


• Take extra caution in checking blind spots, as a mo- torcycle may be hidden from sight by the body of your car or masked by objects such as bushes, fences and bridges.


Kenya Wells


• Motorcycles may appear to be going faster than the rest of the traffic, but don’t assume every motorcyclist is a speed demon.


• Motorcyclists can slow down without activating the brake light. Turn signals may not cancel after a turn.


• Allow greater distance be- tween your car and a motor- cycle for stopping and don’t assume turn signals mean they are going to turn again.


• Motorcyclists often adjust their position in a lane so they


John Cash


can be seen more easily, avoid debris or minimize the effects of passing vehicles. Don’t assume that this adjustment is a reckless maneuver.


Although motorcycles have


greater maneuverability than cars and trucks, don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way or be able to stop on a dime. Con- tinually scan the road in front of you for all types of vehicles and allow more following dis- tance behind a motorcycle, for your safety and that of the mo- torcyclist.


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues efforts to curb childhood obesity


Thousands of students


will exercise more, eat less junk food and learn healthier habits when they return to school in September, thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s commitment to continue fighting childhood obesity.


Twenty-two elementary


schools and nine community partners around Michigan have been awarded grants to imple- ment programs that increase physical activity and improve nutrition among their student population. The grants are part of the Blues’ 2010-2011 Building Healthy Communi- ties: Engaging Elementary Schools and their Community Partners program. Funding amounts range from $20,000 to $50,000 per school. Since 2004, Blue Cross has awarded nearly $3.4 million in Building Healthy Communities and re- lated grant funding.


“We are investing in a


healthier Michigan. Over- weight children are at greater risk of developing a variety of costly and devastating dis- eases, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pres- sure,” said Lynda Rossi, Blues vice president of Social Mis- sion and Public Affairs. “Our resources and attention to this important health issue will hopefully improve quality of life, and reduce overall health care costs in the future.”


The grants are part of BCB-


SM’s mission-focused effort to reduce the risk and prevalence of childhood obesity. They di- rectly align with the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s goals to significantly reduce childhood obesity within a generation as outlined in her Let’s Move campaign. About 32 percent of children and adolescents, or 25 million, are obese or overweight today,


according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion. In Michigan, 12 percent of middle school children, and 15 percent of high school stu- dents are considered obese.


Michigan Blue Cross is also


partnering with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to raise visibility and support in addressing this alarming health issue (build health video).


For 2010-2011, schools


must include four components in their Building Healthy Com- munities program: an assess- ment tool to measure the overall health of the school environment; physical activity and nutrition education, using specific programs designated by Blue Cross; a walking club for students and faculty; and a celebratory 5K run or walk event.


Visit bcbsm.com/build- health for details. Overcoming Odds


By David C. Butty Magdalene B. Tanyi Epse


Ayuk, grew up in her native homeland of the Cameroon, in Central Africa, where poverty and traditional beliefs often deprived children, most espe- cially young girls, the resourc- es they need to make their way through education. Although education is commonly seen as the way out of the cycle of poverty that has plagued the country for decades, yet, it is not equal for boys and girls.


The country is also domi-


nated by religion and tradi- tional beliefs that provide boys a better chance of going to school than girls. Those who are familiar with Camer- oon’s educational system say sometimes it is more than just economics. Experts say in Cameroon, the influence of socio-cultural factors greatly hinders the development of girls, and as a result many young people fail, but the failure is harsher on young women more than on young men.


Traditional perceptions of


the role of women also have an adverse effect as it relates to education. But despite all these odds, Magdalene sur- vived the various barriers of tradition and socio-economic conditions, immigrated to the United States and enrolled at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD).


Cameroon is perhaps the


only country in Africa where the people speak two offi- cial languages – English and French, and more than 230 local dialects.


“We are seven siblings; six


girls and one boy,” said Ayuk, in a soft-spoken voice. “I am the last child in my family, but the first to receive a col- lege education. My brother is a businessman in Cameroon, and all of my sisters are now married,” she added. “When I called my family and informed them that I was graduating with a two-year degree, they were very happy for me. My older brother was very happy. He said, ‘Wow! Already?”


Ayuk was one of six stu-


dents honored as “Special Recognition Award Recipi- ents” during commencement for their academic achieve- ment and community ser- vice. Each maintained a 3.5 or higher grade-point average during their academic tenure at WCCCD. She also was the 2010 Class Representative and spoke on behalf of fellow


the achievement and how the program has impacted stu- dents’ academic achievement and community service.


“When I took over as lead


advisor of the program, there were 37 students inducted into PTK,” Washington said. “During my first year as lead advisor, we had more than doubled the induction class to 73. This year, we had an in- duction class of 231. The more students know about the orga- nization, the more likely they are to join.”


She said community proj- Magdalene B. Tanyi Epse Ayuk


graduates during the District’s 41st Commencement Ceremo- nies. “Today, standing here before you speaks volumes, something I might not have been able to do in my home country. I am glad I made the choice to go to school despites all the difficulties,” she said.


“I was engaged in a very in-


teresting and service-oriented health science program, and this helped me to take the shyness away,” said Ayuk, who holds the office of vice president of scholarships with the WCCCD’s chapter of Alpha Upsilon Zeta of the Phi Theta Kappa, a national, academic honor society for community colleges. She is also a member of the All-USA and All Michi- gan Academic Team.


Phi Theta Kappa is one of


the largest honor societies in the nation with more than 1.5 million members and 1,200 chapters. The organization provides two-year college stu- dents with the opportunity for the development of leadership and service, and for an intel- lectual climate to exchange ideas and ideals for fellowship for scholars, and for stimula- tion of interest in continuing academic excellence.


The Alpha Upsilon Zeta


Chapter recently inducted 293 students this year into the honor society who maintained a 3.5 or higher grade-point av- erage during their tenure at WCCCD. During the Spring in- duction for 231 new members, Detroit Free Press Columnist and Author, Rochelle Riley de- livered the keynote address at the ceremony held at the West- ern Campus of WCCCD. Lizzie Washington, who directs the District’s PTK program, began as an advisor in 1995.


Today, she is pleased with


ects in which students have participated range from clean- ing Detroit city streets to col- lecting old cell phones and Books for Africa.


As for Ayuk, she has al-


ready set a career goal that would have been very diffi- cult in her native Cameroon. She has been accepted in the nursing program at Johns Hopkins University. While she has been active in a host of campus activities and served as a note-taker for students with special needs, Ayuk has also worked in the community activities completing 24 hours of volunteer service with the American Cancer Society. The organization recently gave her a commendation noting that she had been very helpful in the area of “making Strides Against Breast Cancer.”


Ayuk is also looking to


begin a book drive for her native homeland. But for now, she is ready to move to the next challenge in earning a nursing degree from Johns Hopkins. “There, I hope to complete my bachelor’s degree and go on to pursue a master’s degree in public health nursing,” she said, adding, “My participation in academic and extracurricu- lar activities at WCCCD has helped me to develop a sense of confidence in myself and in my activities both in and out of the classroom.”


Through her affiliation with


PTK, Ayuk developed a strong commitment to service, and today is involved with Hospice of Michigan along with her work at the American Cancer Society. She credits WCCCD for providing a diverse envi- ronment of students, faculty and staff which has allowed her to experience the benefits of interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds.


“Truly, WCCCD has pre-


pared the way for my family and me to live the American Dream,” said Ayuk.


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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Cars, trucks and motorcycles


June 16-22, 2010


Page B-7


Charlotte Knight, Agent 7100 W Seven Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48221 Bus: 313-340-9000


T Kenneth Walton Ins Agcy Inc Ken Walton, Agent 26117 Grand River Redford, MI 48240 Bus: 313-534-4300


James H Martin Ins Agcy Inc Jim Martin, Agent 13650 W. 8 Mile Road Oak Park, MI 48237 Bus: 248-399-6260


Eric D Huffman Ins Agcy Inc Eric D Huffman, Agent


3031 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 568 Detroit, MI 48202 Bus: 313-875-3172


Alisa O Green Ins Agcy Inc Alisa O Green, Agent 29610 Southfield Road Southfield, MI 48076 Bus: 248-559-0000


John Cash, Agent 19203 Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI 48223 Bus: 313-537-1200


Veronica R Murff, Agent 24360 Novi Road Novi, MI 48375 Bus: 248-380-6446


Vev Tripp Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Vev Tripp, Agent 24530 Gratiot Avenue Eastpointe, MI 48021 Bus: 586-772-7474


Dwight E V Jones, Agent 29706 Grand River Ave Farmington Hills, MI 48336 Bus: 248-476-0030


Dolapo T Shodipo, Agent 9005 Joseph Campau Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 Bus: 313-875-1955


Teleese O Nobles, Agent 145 Haggerty Canton, MI 48187 Bus: 734-981-2050


Anthony D Massey, Agent 15 E Kirby Street, Suite 112 Detroit, MI 48202 Bus: 313-873-3334


Kenya Wells, Agent 13318 E Jefferson Detroit, MI 48215 Bus: 313-822-KW4U


Michelle Sims Ins Agcy Inc Michelle Sims, Agent 2785 South Fort Detroit, MI 48217 Bus: 313-928-1348


Beverly Lochard, Agent 16704 15 Mile Road Fraser, MI 48026 Bus: 586-296-1616


Glenda McGuire Ins Agcy Inc Glenda McGuire, Agent 26600 Gratiot Ave. Roseville, MI 48066 Bus: 586-771-4050


Jennie C Flowers Ins Agcy Inc Jennie Flowers, Agent 8322 Cooley Lake Road


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PD Dandnaik, Agent 24300 Joy Road Redford, MI 48239 Bus: 313-817-1000


Ivy Fields-Releford, Agent 2925 Walton Blvd


Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Bus: 248-375-0510


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