aging adults can sign up for free online classes

by Becky Andrus | Jun 3, 2021 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Michigan’s aging adults can sign up for free online classes offered by MDHHS to improve their brain health

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and GetSetUp are partnering to offer classes to improve brain health during June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Healthy lifestyle choices can improve general health and can possibly protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.

The MDHHS Aging & Adult Services Agency has a partnership with GetSetUp, a mission-driven education technology company dedicated to creating economic and learning opportunities for older adults. The partnership provides free virtual learning and social engagement opportunities for Michiganders ages 60 and over.

The Alzheimer’s Association says regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Additionally, studies say that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.

“Dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form – is an emerging public health crisis,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, who recently became senior deputy director for the MDHHS Public Health Administration and previously was senior deputy director of the Aging and Adult Services Agency. “An estimated 190,000 Michiganders age 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That number is expected to grow to 220,000 by 2025. Brain health is a crucial component of healthy aging and we are pleased to offer these and over 150 classes on the GetSetUp platform to older Michiganders at no cost.”

GetSetUp offers a wide variety of classes to empower older adults to connect with others and stay healthy, including:

Class Series: Our Minds Matter…Embrace Mental Health!
Yoga for Beginners
Get Moving by Line Dancing (the Hustle)
Mindful Chair Yoga
Get Moving with QiGong
Ageless Grace: Exercises for the Body and Mind
Social hours and interest groups on a range of topics, including a social hour on brain fitness and Dementia Caregivers Unite

“We have designed GetSetUp online classes and events to provide the physical, mental and social activities that are so critical to healthy living as we work toward a day when we can all age-in-place,” said Lawrence Kosick, co-founder of GetSetUp. “And starting in June, we’re excited to be able to offer even more programming to support brain health and education around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With over 80,000 of Michiganders over age 60 already benefiting through our partnership with MDHHS, we’re excited to be able to expand our content in the areas that are most needed and support even more older adults in Michigan.”

Michiganders age 60 and over may enroll in any GetSetUp session at no cost by visiting getsetup.io/michigan and using the code MICHIGANHEALTH or by calling 888-559-1614.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or 800-272-3900.

DNR Get Involved: ‘Three Free’ Weekend

by Becky Andrus | Jun 3, 2021 | Recreation

DNR Get Involved – June 2021

man with fishing rod and woman on wooded river bank

Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in June. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

‘Three Free’ Weekend: Fishing, ORV riding and Recreation Passport

collage image with woman and boy fishing, ORVs on trail and boat on lake

June 12-13, residents and out-of-state visitors can fish, ride Michigan’s off-road trails or visit state parks and state-managed boating access sites – all for free.

Free Fishing Weekend: Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for free! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. This year’s weekend includes a 4-H Youth Virtual Fishing Derby for kids ages 5-19 (no need to be a 4-H member).

Free ORV Weekend: Twice a year, residents and nonresidents legally can ride without buying an ORV license or trail permit during Free ORV Weekends (the second one is set for Aug. 21-22). All other ORV rules and laws still apply. Riders will have access to nearly 3,800 miles of off-road trails and the state’s six scramble areas.

Waived Recreation Passport: A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during ‘Three Free’ Weekend.

Classes offer chance to get into turkey, pheasant hunting and shooting sports

Several state parks will host introductory classes in June to help newcomers get started with turkey and pheasant hunting and archery.

Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic

This “A to Z” class, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, will cover everything you need to know to get started hunting wild turkeys, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear. There also will be an intro to BB gun shooting, with top shooter awards handed out at the end.

BB Gun Shoot

Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for this intro to BB gun shooting class. Top shooter awards will be handed out at the end.

Archery 101

This introductory archery course, suitable for ages 5 and up, will consist of a brief educational portion, a “get to know your bow” segment and some active target shooting practice.

Rec 101: Pheasant Friday

Join representatives from Pheasants Forever and learn about firearm safety and this organization’s effort to restore pheasant habitat. Participants will get a hands-on opportunity to shoot a BB gun with expert instruction in a safe environment and to take part in activities to learn about grasslands and pollinators.

‘Lodge and Learn’ about walleye fishing with Outdoor Skills Academy

Smiling girl holding walleye and her mom in boat

Starting this month, the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy will offer classes at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon – commonly known as the RAM Center – giving you an opportunity to add an overnight stay on the shores of on Higgins Lake to your outdoor recreation education experience.

The first class at the RAM Center will be the June 19 Walleye Fishing Clinic.

Pro walleye tournament angler Dan Miller will cover the ins and outs of walleye fishing in this class that will go through how Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staffers, Pure Fishing pros and others spend their day chasing trophy walleye. Learn about seasonal activities, how to set up your boat and more. DNR staff will be on hand to answer any rules and regulations questions you may have. Plus, tips from a master taxidermist on how to care for your trophy fish when you catch it and want to have it mounted.

Cost for the class is $45, which includes lunch and instruction. To register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the “Purchase a license” button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab.

If you would like to stay the night, please contact the RAM Center at 989-821-6200 for reservations with meals included. Cost is $80 for an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast.

For more information about the clinic, contact the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at 231-779-1321.

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. For a full schedule of upcoming classes, visit Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Many Michigan History Museum sites open for summer season

Two people walking with harbor and cliffs in background, seen through brick archway

With many of the Michigan History Center’s museums and historic sites around the state now open for the summer season, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Michigan’s stories wherever your travels take you.

Check out the following webpages for visitor information, including days/hours of operation (some locations have modified schedules due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic).

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park and Walker Tavern Historic Site (Brooklyn): Tour the site’s three historic buildings, view exhibits about tourism and enjoy the natural landscape of the Irish Hills.

Father Marquette National Memorial at Straits State Park (St. Ignace): Tells the story of the 17th-century missionary-explorer and the meeting of French and Native American cultures deep in the North American wilderness.

Fayette Historic Townsite at Fayette Historic State Park (Garden): Once a bustling industrial community, Fayette offers historic buildings set among the unmatched serenity of a Lake Michigan harbor, white cliffs and verdant forests.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park and Copper Harbor Lighthouse (Copper Harbor): The fort tells the story of life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s. The park also includes the Copper Harbor lighthouses built in 1866 and 1868.

Hartwick Pines Logging Museum at Hartwick Pines State Park (Grayling): Situated among the towering trees of one of Michigan’s largest remaining stands of virgin white pine, the museum depicts the state’s 19th-century logging era.

Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum at North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon): The museum tells the stories of Michigan’s first tree nursery, as well as the Civilian Conservation Corps in Michigan.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum (Negaunee): Amid the forested ravines of the Marquette Iron Range, the museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge in the Lake Superior region.

Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park (Cass City): The park protects and interprets Michigan’s largest known collection of early Native American teachings carved in stone.

Tawas Point Lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park (East Tawas) A fascinating attraction for maritime buffs. The lighthouse is closed for 2021, but outdoor programming will be offered.

The Michigan History Museum and Archives of Michigan in Lansing will remain closed to the public at least through July 12. Keep an on the Michigan History Center website for reopening information.

Christmas in June

Have some holly jolly fun in the sun with Christmas in June at Fayette Historic State Park, with campsites decked out in holiday decor and Yuletide activities.

Recreate responsibly

Before you head outside, learn about steps you can take to keep you and your family, and the outdoors, safe. Recreate responsibly to stay safe and protect Michigan’s natural resources.

Whitmer & Gilchrist Join State’s First Expungement Event

by Becky Andrus | Jun 3, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Join State’s First Expungement Event Since Clean Slate Bills Were Signed into Law

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist joined Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Congressman Dan Kildee and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson in Flint for the state’s first expungement event since the governor signed the Clean Slate bills into law. During her 2018 campaign, Governor Whitmer made expungement for marijuana convictions one of her key priorities. Upon taking office, Governor Whitmer worked with the Republican-majority legislature to pass crucial Clean Slate legislation that will help thousands of Michiganders gain employment, housing and education.

“Clean Slate legislation is crucial for Michiganders who are seeking opportunities for employment, housing, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “Expungement is an opportunity to grow our workforce and expand access to job training and education for so many people. Let’s recommit ourselves to empowering every Michigander to pursue their potential as we emerge from the pandemic and turbocharge our economic recovery. ”

“When I took office as lieutenant governor, I made it clear that I would focus on building and delivering fundamental reforms to make our communities safer and improve people’s outcomes who come into contact with our criminal legal system,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The process of clearing a criminal offense from your record has long been too narrow, too difficult, and too expensive for the overwhelming majority of Michiganders who have some kind of record. Today, and going forward, we will continue to open wide every doorway to opportunity and civic participation in ways that change the lives of Michiganders for the better.”

Setting aside a conviction, sometimes called expungement of criminal records, will remove a specific conviction from a public criminal record. If returning citizens get an order setting aside their conviction, they can legally state on any job or school application that they have never been convicted of or arrested for that crime. They will also be able to state that they have not been convicted of that crime on applications for public benefits, housing or employment.

Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist have been committed to enacting criminal justice reforms since the day they took office. In April of 2019, Governor Whitmer created the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack, which reviewed the state’s jail and court data to expand alternatives to jail, safely reduce jail admissions and length of stay, and improve the effectiveness of the front end of Michigan’s justice system. The task force has produced a report and made recommendations.

Michiganders are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply to participate in an expungement fair.

MDHHS issues RFP for elder abuse program

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2021 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS issues RFP for elder abuse prevention programming

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Aging and Adult Services Agency has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention Services.

Eligible applicants include government organizations, educational organizations and nonprofit organizations that provide prevention services to populations at risk of elder or vulnerable adult abuse.

MDHHS works to ensure all people at risk for elder or vulnerable adult abuse have access to prevention services, as well as to a range of resources. In an attempt to achieve these outcomes, applications must develop proposals that fall within one of six areas:

Mediation: Develop programs or processes to allow older adults and their care team to create mutually acceptable solutions to disputes.
Hoarding: Develop programs and/or processes that work with multi-disciplinary partners to address hoarding and develop long-term viable solutions.
Safe Housing: Identify and develop systems or solutions to assist elder abuse survivors and/or those elders in potential abuse situations to transition to sustainable long-term housing.
Forensic Accounting: Improve the prevention and prosecution of financial exploitation.
Elder Death Review Team: Develop or expand elder death review teams to work with medical examiners to identify gaps in justice for elder abuse, neglect and exploitation victims, and develop and implement actionable solutions.
Investigative Team: Develop or expand investigative teams to work with law enforcement, prosecutor, and adult protective services to identify gaps in justice for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation victims and develop and implement actionable solutions.

The funding priorities for this application period include proposals that develop new services or enhance existing ones; demonstrate the financial or other value to elder or vulnerable adults, family members and the community; and identify measurable objectives, metrics and outcomes, where applicable.

The award period begins Oct. 1, 2021, and ends Sept. 30, 2022. MDHHS expects to award approximately $500,000 to up to six applicants, with a minimum award of $75,000 and a maximum award of $200,000 per applicant.

Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on June 25.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and click the “About EGrAMS” link on the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete Request for Proposal document can be accessed on the EGrAMS website in the ‘Current Grants’ section by clicking the “Aging and Adult Services” link and accessing the “PRVNT-2022” grant program.

11 grants awarded to restore, protect water quality

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2021 | Environmental

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
Robert Sweet, Nonpoint Source Grants Coordinator, SweetR@Michigan.gov, 517-512-9765

EGLE awards 11 grants to restore, protect water quality

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced 11 grants totaling over $4.7 million for watershed management projects that will benefit wetlands, lakes and streams.

Each grant will reduce sediment, nutrients and other contaminants to help restore impaired water bodies and protect high-quality water bodies.

Organizations and projects selected to receive implementation funding:

Ottawa Conservation District: $929,061 to use environmental and social monitoring to target enactment of agricultural best management practices and septic system repairs and replacements in the Sand and Crockery Creek Watersheds.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council: $781,123 to expand the use of green storm water infrastructure in critical areas of the Lower Grand River Watershed. The project will use outreach and workshops for the business community, community organizations and residents to increase storm water best management practices on private property.
Huron Conservation District: $767,004 for an incentive program targeting agricultural producers that includes structural, vegetative and managerial best management practices to reduce sediment, nutrient and pathogen loads to the Pigeon River and Saginaw Bay.
Village of Beulah: $519,949 to install rain gardens, bioswales, infiltration structures and inlet filters to reduce urban pollutant loads and stormwater that are having an impact on Cold Creek and Crystal Lake. The project will reduce E. coli and nutrient‑rich sediment while preserving the cold-water fishery.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy: $455,493 for permanent conservation easements to protect 269 acres of natural uplands and wetlands and 10,000 feet of creek frontage within the Paw Paw River Watershed, ensuring that the land will not be developed.
Delta Service Through Detroit Foundation, Inc.: $308,167 to increase urban green infrastructure in the Rouge River watershed using faith/community-based properties for large scale community outreach to reduce urban storm water runoff.
Marquette Charter Township: $293,356 to reduce nonpoint source pollutants, improve stream conditions and restore hydrology by replacing four dramatically undersized culverts with appropriately sized bottomless arch culverts in an urban cold-water stream.
Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC Network): $257,684 to continue restoration efforts on Peters Creek, a major tributary of the Macatawa River in Ottawa County. The project will use natural channel techniques to restore 1,700 feet of unstable stream channel.
Clinton River Watershed Council: $160,590 to retrofit a parking lot within the city of Center Line’s Downtown Development Area using low impact development techniques. Four bioretention cells will be installed to mitigate stormwater runoff in the highly urbanized Bear Creek subwatershed.
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Petoskey: $153,938 to install 1,000 feet of shoreline improvements, promote sustainable riparian practices with targeted outreach and work to strengthen local environmental ordinances.
Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Inc.: $94,866 to repair a failed road stream crossing on Deer Creek, a cold-water tributary of the Yellow Dog River in Marquette County. The project will restore the hydrology and sediment flow of Deer Creek and maintain the cold-water recharge of the Yellow Dog River.

The grants are funded under the federal Clean Water Act – Section 319 and the Clean Michigan Initiative – Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants Program. Grants are offered via an annual request for proposals with the next opportunity to apply in mid-July at Michigan.gov/NPS. EGLE’s Nonpoint Source Program helps local stakeholders reduce pollution and excess runoff by supporting efforts to develop and launch watershed management plans.

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