DEARBORN HEIGHTS — City Councilman Tom Berry, who was re-elected in November, took his oath of office on Tuesday at city hall with the help of Judge David Turfe, marking one of the first times in history an Arab American elected official swore in another Arab American to public office.

Dearborn Heights City Councilman Tom Berry, right, who was re-elected in November, took his oath of office on Tuesday at City Hall. The oath was administered by 20th District Court Judge David Turfe, marking one of the first times in history an Arab American elected official swore in another Arab American to public office. PHOTO: Khalil AlHajal/TAAN

The two men grew up in immigrant families in south and east Dearborn.
Their common backgrounds made the moment particularly sweet, Berry said before the first council meeting of his second term of office.

“We came from humble means, humble beginnings, and we end up here coming together to help change perceptions that people have of us,” he said.

“It was an honor,” said Turfe about administering the oath for another Arab American elected to office. “It’s a great privelege. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to do that many more times.”

Christmas decoration contest begins

DEARBORN — The city’s annual “Dearborn Aglow” holiday home decoration contest starts this weekend.

Judging for the annual holiday display awards will take place from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, Sunday, Dec. 13 and Monday, Dec. 14.

“Members of the City Beautiful Commission will be on patrol throughout the city looking for the most compelling, imaginative, and awe-inspiring displays,” said city spokeswoman Mary Laundroche.

Residents are encouraged to alert judges on where to find the best homes by calling 313.943.2415.

Finalists will be honored during a special ceremony at Dearborn City Hall in 2010.

Flu, H1N1 shots clinic to be held Monday

DEARBORN — Dearborn Public Schools, and the city’s Health Department are to host a flu shot clinic from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 and Monday Dec. 14 in the lobby of the Administration Building, 18700 Audette.

The clinics are open to residents and non-residents of Dearborn. Both the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shot will be available.

The seasonal flu shot will cost $20 for adults, $10 for children age 3 through 18.

H1N1 flu shots will be available for free but will only be offered to pregnant women, people between ages 3 and 24, adults below the age of 65 with a chronic medical condition, and adults who care for children less than 6 months old.

Contact the City Health Department at (313) 943-2090.

New WSU law school program to benefit students, immigrants

DETROIT — Wayne State University Law School has announced the addition of a new law clinic aimed at providing students with practical experience and serving the community.

The Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, led by Assistant Professor Rachel Settlage, will be offered starting in winter 2010. Students will represent low-income clients who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance and gain experience working on a wide variety of immigration cases, according to university spokespeople.

“This Clinic will give students a hands-on opportunity to address the complex legal and cultural issues that arise when representing immigrants, while also challenging them to develop analytical and problem-solving skills that they will need to be effective legal practitioners,” Settlage said.

For more information on the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, contact Settlage at rsettlage@wayne.edu.