by orionontv | May 8, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
METAMORA/ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two fundraising events happened this past week as Camp Oakland’s Run For The Roses and Genisys Credit Union and OLSHA’s Walk for Warmth took place on Thursday, May 2, and Saturday, May 4 respectively.
On Thursday, May 2, in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, Camp Oakland – a non-profit which focuses on at-risk children identified by the juvenile system – hosted its first Run For The Roses, a horse-racing themed fundraiser.
The fundraiser took place at the White Horse Inn in Metamora, a perfect venue for the event. Approximately 80 people – staff, donors, community partners, etc. – attended and took part in a buffet-style dinner, several raffles and betting on pre-recorded horse races.
Susan Hollady, the Board Chair for Camp Oakland, talked with ONTV’s Joe Johnson Thursday about the camp and the event.
“This is all about the kids, we’re a residential facility for the youth that have gotten in trouble with the law and are asked to come to our campus in Oxford for schooling, therapy, counseling, and get them back on the right path. We have a girls’ program and a couple of boys’ programs to give them the skills that they need so that they can be successful,” Hollady said.
Founded in 1951, Camp Oakland – founded in Oxford – supports these at-risk youth year-round.
“Our mission is to give every child a chance, so this is a way for us to raise some funds to give them the tools, the techniques, the things that they need so that they can be successful,” Hollady said.
On Saturday, May 4, approximately 500 people gathered at Canterbury Village in Orion Township to participate in the annual Walk For Warmth, hosted by Genisys Credit Union.
In 1964, the Oakland Livingston Health Services Agency or “OLSHA” for short, was founded as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” OLSHA supports Oakland and Livingston county residents’ needs for alleviating family and personal poverty.
On that Saturday, Genisys Credit Union hosted the Walk For Warmth to help OLSHA get the fundraising they need.
The morning started off with music and speeches, then the participants gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commence the start of the walk.
Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union, spoke to Joe Johnson Saturday morning about the event. 
“This is an event that we do every year and it supports OLSHA and we raise money all-year-round at Genisys to help heat the homes of our needy friends and neighbors,” Buchanan said. “We’ve probably been doing this for at least 20 years.”
Theresa Doan, the director of Social Responsibility for Genisys Credit Union, remarked on how much they have raised for OLSHA.
“We’ve raised I think close to $30,000 dollars for this organization,” Doan said. “This venue has been a huge gift to this event and to this organization. They actually donate the property – no charge to the organization, so all the money raised is actually being raised to go back to the individuals.”
OLSHA is located in Pontiac, Mich., and supported around 10,000 Oakland and Livingston county residents and their families last year.
For more information on Camp Oakland and how you can help, call (248) 628-2561 or visit campoakland.org.
If you or someone you know needs living-related assistance, you can call (248) 209-2600 or visit olsha.org to schedule and appointment.
Photo by Joe Johnson
by orionontv | May 8, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich – On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Orion Township Public Library hosted its annual Fandom Fest. This year, Fandom Fest happened to fall on the fourth of May, as in, “May the fourth be with you” – a popular phrase among “Star Wars” fans.
Fandom Fest also took place across Orion Township and Lake Orion as Prime Time Comics & Cards also participated in the festivities, hosting Free Comic Book Day, where fans of all ages could acquire free comics at the store. Free Comic Book Day was created in 2002 by the comic book industry to help attract new readers to independent stores.
OTPL started its event at 11 a.m., with story-time, crafts and trivia. Dan Major is the Head of Adult Services at OTPL, Joe Johnson of ONTV spoke with Major on the day of the festivities.
“It is a celebration of games, anime, TV, movies, ‘Star Wars’ Day, Free Comic Book Day – any fandom is being celebrated here today,” Major said. “We’ve got ‘Bounce ‘n’ Boogie’ at 11 a.m. today which is like a movement-based story time for younger kids. We’ve also got crafts going on in our meeting room today with snacks and everything like that – all different kinds of fandom-based crafts. Then we’re having fandom trivia at 1 o’clock.”
Free comics were also distributed at Fandom Fest, with multiple kids and families enjoying the complimentary media.
“We have some leftover comics from previous years and 2nd & Charles actually helped us out this year,” Major said.
Why does OTPL host this event every year? The answer is simple:
“Well obviously, libraries and fandoms are tied so closely – we’ve all got a movie series, TV series, book series that we love. And it is available here and it is a way to draw people into the library with something fun and a little different to celebrate the books and the media that they love,” Major said.
We all need a break from reality now and again, but indulging in these stories and engaging with the community in a fun, festive way, it seems as though real-life is not that bad.
You can support OTPL by going to their next big event, their annual Summer Reading Kickoff, which is set to take place on Saturday, June 8. There will be games, activities, food and entertainment at this fun, family-friendly event.
For more information on events like these visit oriontownship.librarycalendar.com.
Photo By Joe Johnson
Photo by Joe Johnson
by orionontv | May 8, 2024 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2024
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS raises awareness about the need for
loving homes during Foster Care Month
About 10,000 children are in foster care in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is raising awareness that more loving foster families are needed to temporarily care for children while the state works to reunify them safely with their parents during Foster Care Month.
“We are thankful for the thousands of families across Michigan who have already opened up their hearts and homes to care for youth in foster care,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “There continues to be a need for more foster families to provide stable and safe family homes for children of all ages in the state’s care.”
Every person involved in foster care has a diverse background and experiences that offer a unique perspective. MDHHS has shared several stories about people who have made a difference in the lives of youth in Michigan in Faces of Foster Care.
Michigan has approximately 10,000 children in foster care and temporary foster homes are needed for children of all ages, especially teens, sibling groups and youth who have special needs. These children have been victims of abuse and neglect, and need a nurturing environment until they can be safely reunified with their parents or – in a smaller number of cases – until they can find adoptive homes when it’s not safe for them to return home.
MDHHS provides foster families a daily rate to help with the care of foster children based on the age and needs of the child. Foster families also receive a semi-annual clothing allowance, and many families qualify for reimbursement for the costs of day care. Children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid, which pays for medical, dental and mental health care.
The first step to becoming a foster parent is contacting a Foster Care Navigator.
Navigators are experienced foster parents who can answer questions, help individuals find an agency that’s right for them and provide guidance along their journey to becoming a foster parent. They can be reached at 855-MICHKIDS with additional information available at Fcnp.org. Foster Care Navigators are also able to assist families with the foster home licensing process.
To learn more about foster care, visit Michigan.gov/HopeforaHome.
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by orionontv | May 8, 2024 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2024 |
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AG Nessel Sheds Light on Opioid Epidemic on National Fentanyl Awareness Day
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is recognizing today as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Now in its third year, National Fentanyl Awareness Day brings together individuals, parents, teachers, corporations, influencers, community groups, and government entities to raise awareness and combat this public health crisis.
“The devastating impact of fentanyl on Michigan families and communities is undeniable,” Nessel said. “My department is committed to deploying every resource at our disposal to combat the opioid epidemic and hold those who exploit those struggling with opioid-use disorder accountable.”
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, between the years 2000 and 2020, the opioid death rate in Michigan increased on average 13.9% each year. These deaths — and the impacts on thousands who have struggled with opioid addiction — have created considerable costs for our health care, child welfare, and criminal justice systems. More significant than the dollars and cents in damage to our state, the impact of opioid addiction, substance use, and overdose deaths has torn families apart, damaged relationships, and devastated communities.
Since taking office in 2019, the Attorney General, who recently launched a website dedicated to opioid settlement distributions, has focused intently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis, resulting in over $1.6 billion to Michigan governments through settlements with Publicis, McKinsey & Co, distributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The money is distributed to the state and local units of governments for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation.
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by orionontv | May 8, 2024 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Storms and Tornadoes in Southwest Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – This evening, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties after a severe storm system, including large hail up to four inches in diameter and at least two confirmed tornadoes, swept through the area leaving significant damage to buildings and roads.
“My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “State and local emergency teams are on the ground and working together to assist Michiganders. I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure resources are expedited to the area and activated our State Emergency Operations Center. We will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts overnight. I want to thank all the first responders working hard to keep Michiganders safe. We’ll get through this together.”
By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.
“My heart goes out to all of the residents, business owners and communities in Kalamazoo County and the surrounding areas impacted by tonight’s tornadoes,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “I appreciate the swift work of our first responders, volunteers and neighbors to help those who were injured or experienced damages, and am grateful for the governor’s equally swift response to declare an emergency in the area and dedicate state support to assist with cleanup and repairs.”
“This evening our community has been directly impacted by the severe storm that moved through Southwest Michigan,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “The health and safety of family, friends and residents always comes first, and I can assure our community members that our local emergency responders are at work to ensure that anyone who needs assistance will get it. Along with my local and state partners we will continue to survey the damage and step in swiftly when and where needed. Daybreak will reveal the level of devastation, and I will be at-the-ready for every possible way to bring immediate relief to those affected. My office is available to help find resources and support families in need during this unexpected crisis.”
On the evening of May 7, a severe storm system swept through several counties in southwest Michigan. National Weather Service radar confirmed the storm system resulted in multiple tornadoes touching down in the affected areas. There is widespread damage, including homes and businesses that were destroyed, trees and power lines blocking roads, and extensive property damage.
