MDHHS and GetSetUp renew partnership

MDHHS and GetSetUp renew partnership

by | Jun 7, 2022 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2022 

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

GETSETUP CONTACT: Liz Miller, 888-559-1614, press@getsetup.io

MDHHS and GetSetUp renew partnership and expand to Library of Michigan to continue reducing isolation for older adults

LANSING, Mich. – GetSetUp, an interactive learning community where older adults better their lives through the pursuit of learning, has renewed its partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The partnership with MDHHS’s Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration has been so effective that the state is expanding free access to the program through 2023 and increasing access through an agreement with the Library of Michigan and its 400 branches around the state. Library patrons can access GetSetUp from public access computers, or they can log on through their library’s website and direct questions to library staff.

GetSetUp’s initial partnership with MDHHS reduced isolation and loneliness by making its services available to the 2.4 million older adults in Michigan. That included reaching 108,000 older adult learners in the first year who enjoyed classes and discussions on a variety of topics such as healthy aging, fitness, photography, technology and mental well-being.

GetSetUp offers real-time, engaging learning experiences that range from teaching everyday technical skills to enrichment-focused courses taught by expert instructors. Since starting the partnership with Michigan in 2020, GetSetUp has expanded to more than 4,500 classes. It offers classes 24 hours per day in languages such as English, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin, with instructors and participants from all over the world. Its custom-designed video platform was made specifically for older adults to easily learn new skills and connect with a trusted community. 

“With over 40% of Michigan older adults living alone across a diverse geography and in rural areas, social isolation and loneliness are critical problems we are taking proactive steps to address,” said Farah Hanley, chief deputy director for health at MDHHS.

“GetSetUp is a key part of our solution, helping older adults overcome their fears and reluctance to learn technology, providing safe socialization opportunities, and creating a sense of purpose through learning that improves mood and mental health,” Hanley said. “We are excited to extend our partnership with GetSetUp through 2023.”

GetSetUp’s model of community-based classes taught by experts – who are older adults themselves – has helped older adults become more comfortable with technology so they can now access state-provided services and manage their own health and wellness. They’ve also explored their creative sides and shared their knowledge with others. Michigan community members who are participating are spending on average two to 10 hours a week on GetSetUp. Dozens of Michiganders have become active ambassadors who host their own interest groups on topics that matter to them, including Dealing with Diabetes, Meatless Recipes and more. Several Michiganders have even become paid guides on the platform, serving as a model and inspiration for expanding peoples’ economic opportunities. 

“We are thrilled to be continuing to partner with MDHHS and expanding to include the Library of Michigan and its branches,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder at GetSetUp.“We admire how dedicated to meeting the needs of their older adults the State of Michigan has been and the support they have fostered in scaling GetSetUp’s life-long learning offerings to their older adult community. We look forward to reaching even more Michiganders to assure that they, too, have the opportunity to stay active and engaged and reimagine themselves at any age in a safe, fun and interactive way.” 

About GetSetUp

GetSetUp is on a mission to help those over 55 learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences. The social learning platform helps more than 4.6 million older adults in 160 countries stay mentally and physically fit, creates economic opportunities through jobs and reskilling, and provides a community where people find meaning and purpose by sharing their knowledge and passions and forming new connections. Classes are taught by older adults on a highly interactive, custom-built video platform where older adults can connect during and in between classes. Learn more at www.getsetup.io/michigan. 
Softball Regional Preview

Softball Regional Preview

by | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Softball Regional Preview

Written Saturday June 4th at 9:30 PM

By Sammy Taormina

This my preview on the Softball Regionals that take place this weekend.

Region 6 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

BERKLEY vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Farmington Hills Mercy vs Grosse Pointe North

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping to be a very interesting regional at Farmington Hills Mercy. Three teams haven’t allowed a run in their respected districts which that is expected to change. Berkley was the only team in this regional that allowed some runs. They won their district over Royal Oak and Ferndale by a combined 24-5. St. Clair Shores Lakeview won their district over Warren Cousino and Warren Mott by a combined 31-0. Farmington Hills Mercy won their district over Farmington and Seaholm by a combined 25-0. Grosse Pointe North won their district over Detroit Western and Detroit Cass Tech by a combined 34-0.

PICK: Farmington Hills Mercy has home field in this regional and it should pay dividends. I like Berkley to get to the regional final over St. Clair Shores Lakeview. I see the Marlins winning this regional over the Bears because of pitching.

Region 7 @ Oxford

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Walled Lake Northern

ADAMS vs LAKE ORION

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is a very interesting regional at Oxford where the Red, White, and the second best teams in the White and Lakes Valley Conference. Lake Orion has been rolling. They won their district with their high octane offense. The Dragons outscored Waterford Kettering and Clarkston by a combined 30-10 including a stunning 11-5 win over a very good Wolves program in the district finals. Adams has been playing very good softball. The Highlanders beat Avondale and Stoney Creek by a combined 15-3 in their district. North Farmington has also been playing very well coming into the regional. The Raiders have been rolling in their district outscoring both West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills by a combined 21-6. Walled Lake Northern has been battle tested. The Knights beat Milford 5-2 in the district semifinals and earned a 2-0 district final victory over Lakeland.

PICK: This is an interesting district. I think Lake Orion gets by Adams with their high octane offense. I  see Walled Lake Northern and North Farmington being a tight game with the Knights moving on to the regional finals. I think the Dragons have just too much hitting and should move onto the State Quarterfinals.

 

Region 14 @ Hazel Park

HARPER WOODS vs Center Line

Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy vs Detroit Mumford

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is an interesting regional at Hazel Park. Three of the four teams that are in this regional just had to play a district final including Harper Woods. The Pioneers won 18-3 over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy on the road. Center Line is the only team in this regional to play two different district opponents. The Panthers won their district by outscoring Eastpointe and Hazel Park by a combined 30-4. Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy won 21-3 over Detroit Martin Luther King in their district finals. Detroit Mumford had to survive Detroit Lincoln in a high scoring game 15-11. This regional has a ton of storylines to watch.

PICK: Center Line has been very dominant. I see no reason why the Panthers shouldn’t win this regional with ease over Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy.

Softball Regional Preview

Baseball Regional Preview

by | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Baseball Regional Preview

Written Saturday June 4th at 9:15 PM

By Sammy Taormina

Here is my insight on the Baseball Regional matchups.

Harper Woods vs Grosse Isle @ Trenton: The Pioneers have been rolling. They really didn’t have much competition in their district outscoring both Detroit East English Village Prep and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy by a combined 37-0. Grosse Isle will prove to be a much bigger challenge for Harper Woods. It’s going to be a tough one for the Pioneers. The winner will head to Livonia Franklin to play either Jackson Northwest or Milan in the next round.

Groves vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Troy Athens: The Falcons pulled off the stunning district victory at Troy Athens. They outscored Warren Mott and Royal Oak by a combined 23-2 in their district semifinals and finals. Groves should be tested against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Cubs won their district with ease shutting out Ferndale 12-0 in the district finals. It’s going to be a very tough matchup for the Falcons. The winner heads to Detroit at Wayne State to take on Warren De LaSalle or Grosse Pointe North in the next round.

Adams vs Lake Orion @ Rochester: This is a rematch of the Red title series with the Highlanders taking the Red and two of three from the Dragons. Lake Orion has been on a roll. They outscored Waterford Mott and Oxford by a combined 27-4 in their postseason run. Adams has outscored Romeo and Utica Eisenhower by a combined 11-3 in their district. This is a rematch a lot of people are looking forward but the winner will likely see Orchard Lake St. Marys at Novi in the

MDARD: prevent spread of invasive pests

MDARD: prevent spread of invasive pests

by | Jun 6, 2022 | Environmental

bob new header
Release Date: June 6, 2022
Program contact: Robin Rosenbaum, 517-490-1301
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD asks public to help prevent spread of invasive pests, protect plant health during national gardening week

LANSING – Summer weather has finally made its appearance, and many Michiganders are stocking up on new plants for their garden or landscape. With people headed to their local greenhouse or nursery, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking the public to help be on the lookout for invasive plants, pests, and diseases.

When selecting plants and flowers, homeowners and gardeners should keep in mind the impact those plants may have on other plants cultivated around their landscape or garden.  Invasive, non-native plants have few or no natural predators in their non-native environments and can quickly spread—disrupting ecosystems by pushing out native species and reducing biological diversity.

Invasive plants are not the only problem. Many plants and flowers, including those native to Michigan, can be hosts to invasive plant pests and diseases. These invasives can hitch a ride on plants and be transported to homeowners’ yards and then quickly spread to the surrounding area. Warmer weather can magnify their impact, increasing the level of plant pest infestations and disease infections, allowing pests to produce more generations each year, and extending the suitable habitat for plant pests.

“People can unintentionally move pests around the state,” said Robin Rosenbaum, Plant Health Section Manager of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “Many of the pests we are most concerned about can hide in or on untreated firewood, soil, seeds, and plants. Some pests such as spotted lanternfly can lay eggs on conveyances in an infested region and then be transported into Michigan.”

To help combat the spread of invasives pests and diseases, MDARD has implemented several plant pest quarantines. These legal documents issued by the department limit the movement of specific plant material within, into or out of the state of Michigan. The United States Department of Agriculture and other state’s quarantines help combat the movement of invasives such as spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth), Asian longhorned beetle and others. MDARD’s plant heath inspectors work throughout the summer months inspecting plant material and ensuring compliance with state and federal quarantines.

“Quarantines are a useful tool to control the spread of invasives, but we need help from the public to stop the spread of pests we’re most concerned about,” added Rosenbaum.

Michiganders interested in buying plant material online should also be aware that many websites and social media groups lack adequate information about state and federal quarantines and concerns about pest movement.is. Buying locally from an MDARD-licensed nursery is a great way to minimize risk as these firms are inspected annually and are aware of Michigan-specific laws, regulations, and pests.

Here are some simple steps you should take to help limit the spread of invasive species:

  • Visit the Michigan Invasive Species website to learn how to spot invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in your area.
  • Don’t move untreated firewood. Buy certified, heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it and burn it all before you go home to avoid unintentionally spreading species that hide inside untreated firewood.
  • When returning from international travel, declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these items are pest-free.
  • Make sure seeds and plants you buy online are not invasive to your region.
  • Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases to MDARD through the Michigan Invasive Species website or at 800-292-3939.

For additional information about MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest.
Softball Regional Preview

OAA Top Ten Sports Traditions

by | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Top Ten Sports Traditions

Written Saturday June 4th at 2:30 AM
By Sammy Taormina

Every school has their tradition in every sport. This is what makes high school sports one of the greatest traditions in our lifetimes. Here are some noticeable traditions around the OAA.

The Deer-Head (Troy): When going to a Colts sporting event, the deer head always finds a way to make an appearance. The deer head is named Canela. Now there are some detractors to say why the deer head is at Troy games. Here is an article describing the traditional deer head.

https://troychariot.org/5406/features/deer-pressure/

The Soldiers of Fortune (Rochester): The Falcons student section for games is called “The Soldiers of Fortune.” Rochester students bring out a pirate flag which is their main logo. The students go all in and cheer on their Falcons during games. The flag and the students is what makes the tradition continue now and into the future.

https://twitter.com/SOFisgood/photo

The Jungle (Clarkston): Pretty much during a boys basketball game, “the Jungle” is out in full force making things miserable for opponents whether at Clarkston High School or on the road. The students usually dress in camouflage which has been the tradition however they have changed things up in the past. The Jungle is one of the best student sections in the State.

“Enter Sandman” (Lake Orion): When Bob Brydges took over the Lake Orion Girls Basketball program in 2018. His teams always came out to “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa when he was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser. Brydges thought of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica as the Dragons entrance. Whenever that music hits the Dragons are not that far behind.

The Highlander Bang Pipes (Adams): When going to an Adams sporting event there is someone that is in Highlanders attire. He would play his Scottish bang pipes whether it is on the football field or on the basketball court before the team comes out. It has been a tradition at Adams. It is an awesome tradition to see at Highlanders home games.

Dragon Banner (Lake Orion): The Dragons have one of the best traditions is the Dragon banner where the football players run down the tunnel to touch the banner while cheerleaders and dance team lead the charge while the Marching Band plays “Push On” (Dragons school song.) The Dragon faithful is on their feet cheering the team with some of them painted up while the Dragon Moms make the tunnel with two others hold the banner for the players to touch when they come on the field. It’s a great tradition for the players to do for every home game.

American Flag (Clarkston): The Wolves have one of the best traditions in football. They come out of their tunnel with one of the players holding the American Flag while another has the Clarkston flag and everyone else touches the Clarkston football banner. One of the best traditions in football as mentioned.

Wildcat head (Oxford): This is a new tradition started at Oxford in the last two years. The Wildcats usually announce the offensive starters during the pre-game. Oxford players walk the long path down the hill to the south end of the field but now there is a Wildcat head with smoke leading them to the field. The Wildcats have one of their players running with an American Flag while another player has the Oxford O they run with to the field. It’s a great tradition and a strong symbol of Oxford football.

Warriors Marching Band (Southfield Arts and Tech): The Warriors band is one of the best bands in the OAA. They are on the south side of the field. Some folks want to see the band play along with the varsity team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCuAIyNXMNc

Cougars Football Entrance (Stoney Creek): The Cougars football entrance is one of the most interesting in sports. Their football stadium is like a dome so the players have to walk the home bleachers to come to the football field. It’s a unique entrance but the Stoney Creek faithful, coaches, and players know how to make things work.