by Becky Andrus | Aug 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
PAINT CREEK TRAIL HOSTS 14TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK & RUN
Family-Friendly Event to be Held Monday, September 6, 2021
Rochester, Michigan: Looking for a fun local event on Labor Day this year? The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is offering all community members a chance to participate in a Labor Day Walk and Run right in their own backyard.
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is organizing the 14th Annual Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Virtual Bridge Walk and Run on Monday, September 6th, 2021, at the Rochester Municipal Park Kiwanis Pavilion. This event is part of the Labor Day Community Walks that are held throughout the state in conjunction with the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.
Two options are being offered to participants – a 1 mile family-friendly walk or a 5k roundtrip walk or run on the Paint Creek Trail. Onsite registration begins at 8:00am, and the event starts at 9:00am. It is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $5.00 to support the maintenance of the Moutrie Pollinator Garden on the trail. For more information, including online registration, visit http://paintcreektrail.org/wordpress/events/labor-day-bridge-walk/.
“Each year, the Trailways Commission hosts this annual event to encourage the community to enjoy some physical activity on the trail during Labor Day weekend. If you’re unable to travel up north to participate in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk, this is a great way to take part in our state’s Labor Day walking tradition much closer to home,” said Trail Manager Melissa Ford. “We are especially excited to hold this year’s event after hosting a virtual event last year due to COVID and cancelling 2019’s walk and run due to construction projects on the trail,” continued Ford. “We look forward to again seeing the many community members who have made this event an annual tradition for their families.”
The event is free and open to all ages and abilities. This year’s walk and run will have a special focus on pollinators in honor of the new pollinator garden on the trail. The Rochester Pollinators will be on hand to share information on the important role that pollinators play in our ecosystem and the Trailways Commission will be giving away native seed packets so that participants can plant their own pollinator garden at home. A butterfly craft will also be available for children to create and take home. Donuts, coffee, water, and other snacks will be provided and the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail will have trail merchandise for sale. A drawing for the chance to win several different gift cards is also planned.
“We found our trail users have been happy and grateful to participate and reunite with friends and the community this summer, especially when the activity is outdoors,” said Donni Steele, Chairperson of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. “We are thankful to be able to offer this event again this year – we hope you can join us!”
Approximately 350 participants are expected to attend this year’s event. Supporting sponsors include Back to the Beach Runners, Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, Spalding DeDecker, and Trent Creative. Contributing sponsors for the event include Emily and Sarah Blust, Eva and Louis Carrio, Cookies & Cream (Sprout Bake), David Walker for City Council, Friends of Donni Steele, KLM Bikes, Theresa Mungioli, Oat Soda, Premier Pet Supply in Rochester Hills, Tim Horton’s on Rochester Road, and Trader Joe’s. Many thanks to our sponsors whose generous support allows the Trailways Commission to host the Labor Day Bridge Walk and Run as a free event for the community!
About the Paint Creek Trail: The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. The Trail annually serves approximately 100,000 pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and users of all ages and abilities. For more information about the Paint Creek Trail, visit www.paintcreektrail.org, or call (248) 651-9260.
by Becky Andrus | Aug 20, 2021 | Regional News
Veterans Invited To Oakland County Food Drive And Resource Fair
Waterford, Michigan – A number of community and veterans organizations are joining forces to host a food drive and special Veterans Resource Fair on Thursday, August 26, 2021, from 9 a.m. – noon, at the Hazel Park Community Center, 620 West Woodward Heights, Hazel Park.
Oakland County Veterans’ Services has partnered with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Oakland Community Health Network, Oakland County Housing & Neighborhood Development, Oakland County Michigan Works! and South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce to offer food and a variety of resources to all veterans, as well as active duty, guard and reserve service men and women, and their families.
“Our communities continue to rebound from the pandemic, but we know our proud veterans, as well as active duty and reserve personnel, are still struggling,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “They served us and now we’re serving them through resource fairs that provide food and other invaluable services, no matter their age, health or work status. Our goal is to help out as many local veterans and service personnel as possible.”
There is no cost to participate in this event, but registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-resource-fair-tickets-165320950413.
Products and services provided to veterans by Oakland County include:
- Free, nonperishable food boxes.
- Completing an application for the COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.
- Assistance from Oakland County Housing & Neighborhood Development, with completing a Rent, Mortgage and Utility Relief grant application and housing counseling Career planning, training programs, and job search resources on a priority basis from Oakland County Michigan Works!,
- Counseling to address behavioral health issues and other concerns from the Oakland Community Health Network
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of veterans dealing with food and housing insecurity has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2018 study in Women’s Health Issues indicated 28 percent of female veterans were “food insufficient.”
Another study by the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans in 2015 found of those who were homeless or at-risk of being so, 50 percent experienced food insecurity. Census Bureau data indicates about 1.3 million veterans use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“There are about 60,000 U.S. veterans in Oakland County and, while the majority of them are financially stable, we know there are many who aren’t. They have certainly earned our help,” said Garth Wootten, manager, Oakland County Veterans’ Services. “This resource fair will provide food for their families and introduce them to the variety of services available to them today, from disability compensation to VA health care to employment services and more.”
Questions about the Veterans Resource Fair should be directed to Joy Wells, executive director, South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce, at [email protected] or 248-542-2160.
by Becky Andrus | Aug 20, 2021 | Environmental
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Council on Climate Solutions to meet, discuss equity and EJ issues August 24
The Council on Climate Solutions will discuss equity and environmental justice issues at its meeting next week as it works with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Office of Climate and Energy to develop an effective and equitable strategy to achieve economywide carbon neutrality by 2050 in Michigan.
- When: 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, August 24. A draft agenda is posted online.
- How to join: Online meeting link and phone number are posted to Michigan.gov/Climate (after navigating to page, click on “More About the Council” button).
- Of note: Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at the meeting should contact Kimber Frantz at [email protected] or 517-284-5035 prior to the event to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation and/or other assistance.
- Background: Fourteen state residents appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and representatives of several state departments make up the Council, with EGLE Director Liesl Clark as chair. The Council will advise EGLE in forming the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the governor’s action plan to protect public health, create clean energy jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward statewide carbon neutrality.
- Public participation in the planning process: Email topical comments to the council or its five workgroups:
Recordings of previous Council meetings and two public listening sessions can be accessed through Michigan.gov/Climate.
EGLE does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability, political beliefs, height, weight, genetic information or sexual orientation in the administration of any of its programs or activities, and prohibits intimidation and retaliation, as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Sign up to receive updates about EGLE’s climate and Catalyst Communities initiatives at Michigan.gov/EGLEConnect |
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 20, 2021 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2021
Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer proclaims August 21 as Older Michigander Day
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is celebrating the state’s more than 2.4 million adults aged 60 years and older by proclaiming Aug. 21 as Older Michigander Day.
Michigan residents are living longer, healthier lives — and Michigan currently has more residents over age 60 than under the age of 18.
“Our state is committed to supporting older adults by ensuring there are opportunities available in local communities to help them stay engaged, maintain their health and independence and live where they want to live and thrive with age,” said Governor Whitmer. “We encourage Michiganders to take time this month to acknowledge the older adults in their lives and join me in thanking them for the contributions they have made to our state.”
Older adults are stronger socially and economically when there is community support and recognition to provide them with resources for fulfilling life. Michigan was the first state in the Midwest and fifth in the nation to join the AARP/World Health Organization Age-Friendly Movement. Enrolled communities and states share the belief that communities are more livable and better able to support people of all ages when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old and everyone in between.
“People of all age, as well as businesses, benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan. “That’s why AARP is proud to count Michigan among the states that have joined the age-friendly movement.”
“Michigan has one of the most rapidly aging populations in the country, and our vision is for Michiganders to live well and thrive as they age,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS has worked diligently to meet the diverse needs of the growing number of older adults in our state through the Aging and Adult Services Agency and local service providers that offer essential community-based supports and services.”
To locate services that help older Michiganders maintain their independence at home or in their community, contact local Area Agency on Aging offices. For more information on aging resources, visit the MDHHS Aging and Adult Services Agency.
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 19, 2021 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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Aug. 19, 2021
Contact: Amanda Ewald, [email protected]
Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame posthumously honors first female conservation officer in the U.S.
Huldah Neal – a Michigander who, in 1897, became the first female conservation officer in the United States – was honored by the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame as a Legacy award recipient for her commitment to protecting natural resources. The ceremony took place Tuesday at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.
“This is an important milestone in history to recognize, not only for our state, but for our country,” said Chief Gary Hagler, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. “Huldah Neal established a career path for many successful women who uphold her legacy today by protecting natural resources.”
Neal hailed from Grand Traverse County and lived from 1855 to 1931. She had a love for the outdoors and little tolerance for the fish and game poaching occurring in Grand Traverse County. Her knowledge of the outdoors and her shooting and fishing skills made her an excellent fit for the job – which she quickly demonstrated by bringing a well-known gang of poaching violators to justice.
“Neal paved the way for new generations of women who proudly serve as guardians of our natural resources,” said Ron Brown, chair of the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame.
The Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame in a nonprofit organization that recognizes people and organizations that have made significant contributions to our environment over the years and individuals who are making contributions each day.
Today, there are 26 female conservation officers who serve at all ranks within the DNR Law Enforcement Division.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who protect natural resources, ensure recreational safety and protect residents by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Due to the nature of their job, they often work with federal, state and local law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of the general public.
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| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR. |
