Down with the devil — It’s almost Halloween, which means that it’s almost time for what used to be known around these parts as Devil’s Night. At one time, not all that long ago, a fair portion of the city would be set ablaze the night before Halloween. That ugliness has been snuffed, but there’s always the fear that it might reignite. Which is why the city is once again seeking volunteers to help out on what’s now known as Angels’ Night. Help is needed beginning at 6 p.m., Oct. 29, and lasting until dawn on Nov. 1. Last year more than 56,000 people volunteered for the anti-arson campaign. Individuals and organizations interested in signing up this year can call 313-224-4414 or log onto www.angelsnight.org.

Health care redux — Proactive tends to run an item only once, but sometimes there’s an event important enough to mention a few times. This is one of those events: A citizens hearing to discuss strategies for obtaining universal health care in this country will be held Monday, Oct. 17, at UAW Local 600, 10550 Dix Rd., Dearborn. Among those attending will be U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., who will talk about his proposed U.S. National Health Insurance Act. Also speaking will be Lynn Williams, former president of the United Steelworkers and Dr. David Apsey of the group Physicians for a National Health Plan. There will also be a panel discussion and a time set aside to answer questions from the audience. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning promptly at 6. Call Al Cholger at 248-414-9291.

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