by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2022 | Community Event
Orion Neighborhood Television
“Virtual Food Drive for FISH”
Orion Neighborhood Television, Orion’s community access television station, will be hosting its 12th annual Food Drive to benefit the Oxford/Orion FISH Food Pantry. Over the past 11 years, the ONTV food drives have collected more than 45,000 lbs. of food during the LIVE telethons. For a second year, the drive will be virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We made the decision to stay virtual this year,” says Ian Locke, executive director. “We went to a virtual format last year and were pleasantly surprised on the success we had. The community and corporate sponsors really stepped up to help us reach our goal. As much as we like having the in-person food drive, we thought it was in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety to stay virtual for 2022.”
The virtual food drive will begin the week of Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. and run through Feb. 11 until 9 p.m.
The televised food/fund drive will air for five full days and nights with LIVE studio elements each day from 12-2 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. The community can view the food drive on Comcast Ch. 10, AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99, ROKU Cablecast Ch., ONTV Facebook Page and at OrionONTV.org.
ONTV’s goal is to raise $5,000 for FISH through corporate sponsorships and community donations. They are also asking for the community’s help to fill the ONTV van with non-perishable food and personal items. The ONTV production van will be parked at the studio, located at 1349 Joslyn Rd for in-person donations Feb. 7 -11 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monetary donations can be made through the GoFundMe account located on the ONTV website at orionONTV.org.
Oxford/Orion FISH provides emergency aid in the form of food and agency referrals to individuals in Oxford, Lake Orion, Addison and Oakland Township. People who have a need for groceries can call the office at 248.628.3933.
by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2022 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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| Jan. 13, 2022
Contact: Kristin Phillips, 517-284-6065
DNR offers variety of sponsorship and partnership opportunities
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites businesses and organizations to get involved as sponsors and partners in taking care of the state’s natural and cultural resources, while connecting with the millions of people who enjoy them.
With less than 15% of the DNR’s annual budget coming from general tax dollars, new and creative revenue sources are vital to fulfilling the department’s mission.
“We are open to a variety of sponsorships and partnerships to help people enjoy and appreciate Michigan’s natural and cultural resources and, at the same time, highlight the many businesses that are growing the outdoor recreation industry and the state’s economy,” said Kristin Phillips, DNR Marketing and Outreach Division chief.
Examples of sponsorship/partnership opportunities include:
- Advertising in the annual hunting digest or fishing guide, reaching hundreds of thousands of Michigan hunters or over 1 million anglers. Find more information about advertising opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
- Joining the “These Goods are Good for Michigan” program. This collection of partners works with the DNR to raise awareness and support through revenue sharing – on products or services of interest to outdoor enthusiasts – for state parks, trails, waterways, and fish and wildlife species restoration. If you’re interested in becoming a partner, contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.
- Expanding visitor services and experiences throughout the DNR parks and recreation system by becoming a concessionaire. The department’s “outdoorpreneur” partners include concessions, restaurants, gift shops, rental outfitters, water park operators, guide services and many others. Find current concession opportunities at Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions or contact Lori Green at 989-889-9178, for more information.
- Bringing “up north” to downtown Detroit with sponsorship opportunities at the Outdoor Adventure Center, from exhibit and display sponsors to naming rights on the building. Those interested in promoting stewardship and enjoyment of Michigan’s natural resources have the chance to inspire millions annually through this hands-on, urban educational facility.
- Contributing to DNR visitor centers, which host nature exhibits and programs that help teach thousands of schoolchildren and families more about Michigan’s natural resources. For more information about exhibit and building sponsorship opportunities at Saginaw Bay Visitor Center in Bay City, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan, contact Jon Spieles at 906-293-5131, ext. 4023.
- Sponsoring habitat projects on state-managed lands through the Adopt-a-Game-Area program and help grassland wildlife thrive. Support of this program provides valuable habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, cottontail rabbits, songbirds and pollinators.
- Becoming a partner in the Iron Belle Trail Fund Campaign, which aims to create a seamless, 2,000-mile trail – with two distinct routes, one for bicycling and one for hiking – that connects Michigan from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula.
Businesses and organizations interested in these, or other, opportunities can contact Kristin Phillips at 517-284-6065 to discuss.
For a complete list of ongoing sponsorship and partnership options, bookmark the DNR Get Involved webpage, where new opportunities will be added as they become available. |
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
- Visitors: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers many ways businesses and organizations can get involved as sponsors and partners in taking care of the state’s natural and cultural resources, while connecting with the millions of people who enjoy them. One example is contributing to DNR visitor centers, which host nature exhibits and programs that reach thousands of schoolchildren and families.
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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. |
by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2022 | Meetings, Township/Village
by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Delivers up to $1,000 Bonuses to Over 38,000 Childcare Professionals
Nearly 6,000 childcare providers receiving $365 million in grants to provide bonuses to staff and keep childcare facilities open for Michigan families.
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer continued her commitment to support Michigan families by investing $365 million in childcare programs across the state. Nearly 6,000 childcare programs received funding through the Child Care Stabilization Grant. These funds will help keep programs open and provide $1,000 bonuses for full time staff.
“Many Michigan families rely on childcare to keep their children safe, happy, healthy, and learning while parents work or go to school. It’s simple. Our economy cannot thrive without a strong childcare industry,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I worked across the aisle to secure the largest investment in childcare in the state’s history. This funding helps keep our childcare businesses open, makes childcare more affordable for families, and delivers bonuses to childcare professionals. All our kids deserve a great start. These grants are another investment in their future.”
Grants were awarded to licensed centers, group homes, family homes, and tribal childcare providers. Funds must be used to support operational expense and a site’s COVID response.
“I’m so grateful for this grant. It’s giving me the opportunity to offer free childcare to my families. I also plan to use funding to give my employee a raise. I want an employee that will stay here and be valued more than a minimum wage employee,” said Tamie Stampfly, owner and operator of a family group home childcare in Berrien County. “I’ve owned a home-based childcare business for 10 years. I love this job, but it’s hard work. I work 18 hours a day. The pandemic makes it even more challenging. This grant makes it just a little bit easier to stay open and focus on teaching my kids.”
“I’m honored to serve the children of Flint in two centers. Unfortunately, one of my sites has been temporarily closed due to the pandemic and staffing shortages,” said Teyana Sprinkle, owner and operator of the Honey Bee Palace Childcare Center in Flint. “This grant will help me reopen my program, recruit the qualified staff, and continue providing high quality early learning for children and families in my community.”
“The grant funding is like being thrown a life preserver to finally pay all staff more than minimum wage as well as provide more than minimum training,” said Theresa Buggia, owner and director at Kids Club in Tuscola County. “I plan to offer bonuses as staff further their education on behalf of the children. This will include additional training for a deeper understanding of how to serve children with special needs and trauma because these are a part of our everyday.”
Nearly all applicants also requested and received funding for $1,000 sign on bonuses to fill staff vacancies. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is partnering with the Michigan Works! network in February to host virtual job fairs to fill these jobs. Interested applicants should visit Michigan.gov/workforce for more details on these events.
“Quality, accessible childcare is necessary for our communities and economy to grow and flourish. The pandemic has made it clear that early childhood educators’ work is essential. The Michigan Works! system looks forward to partnering with the State of Michigan to help job seekers across Michigan connect to the opportunities within this dynamic and rewarding industry,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of the Capital Area Michigan Works!.
Retaining licensed childcare providers is critical in the state’s economic recovery.
“Businesses thrive when employees and their families have the stability of quality childcare options. Further, this is a long-term investment in the talent pipeline that puts Michigan at a competitive advantage in future generations.” Said Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Bipartisan leadership from Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature to invest in families today and our workforce tomorrow is one more step to proving that Michigan’s business climate continues to improve.”
“It’s no secret that businesses are having trouble finding employees, and one major barrier to entering the workforce right now is access to affordable childcare,” said Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “These stabilization grants are a great step in helping solve the childcare shortage in Michigan, and I thank Governor Whitmer for her leadership, as well as the legislative leaders in Lansing for making this critical investment.” Johnston added that “We look forward to continuing to advocate for more access to affordable, quality childcare moving forward.”
The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant for childcare programs to help stabilize operations and support the health and safety of children and staff. Eligible licensed childcare programs applied for funding in fall 2021. A second application will be released in late spring 2022. Governor Whitmer signed a bipartisan budget that included $730 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support Stabilization Grants and staff bonuses.
- Total grant awards: 5,890
- Average awards:
- Family home program: $10,763
- Group home program: $20,454
- Childcare center: $108,685
- $1,000 to 24,947 full time staff members
- $500 to 13,213 part time staff members
Staff in the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Care worked diligently with the support of partners across the state to manage and process the grants to ensure that all eligible child care providers were able to apply for and receive the funds as quickly as possible. The MDE has also published summary data and a breakdown of grant awards by county and provider. Additional information about the program is available at Michigan.gov/childcare.
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by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former U.S. Senator Harry Reid
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan on Thursday, January 13 to honor the life and service of former U.S. Senator Harry Reid.
“Senator Harry Reid was a force in American politics,” said Governor Whitmer. “As Senate Majority Leader, he helped pass landmark legislation to ensure access to health care for millions of Americans, and allowed us to expand quality, affordable care to nearly one million Michiganders through the Healthy Michigan program. We are grateful for his many years of public service.”
Senator Harry Reid was born in Searchlight, Nevada in 1939. He represented Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987, before serving as U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2017. Reid served as Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015.
Reid passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the age of 82.
The State of Michigan recognizes the leadership, determination, and dedication of Senator Harry Reid by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday, January 14.
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