Showcasing the DNR: Summer’s dog days

Showcasing the DNR: Summer’s dog days

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Recreation

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A field of summer grasses and blooming red hawkweed is shown from the Upper Peninsula.

Showcasing the DNR: Summer’s dog days

“Summertime and the living is easy, fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high,” – George Gershwin

By JOHN PEPIN
Deputy public information officer
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Out under the powdery blue morning skies, the sun was already beating down like someone had left the woodstove door wide open.

I was surprised at how intently I could feel the sun’s rays through the long sleeves of my shirt – seemingly penetrating deep into my skin, perhaps all the way to the bone.

The day would certainly become what people familiar with ironing clothes would call a scorcher. I tend to wilt like a daisy in these conditions.

Despite my affinity for California, after living there for many years, the hot summer sun can slow me down quickly without some shade, a place to rest and a cool drink.

I saw a picture a few days ago that showed the temperature at the Death Valley National Monument at 130 degrees.

The highest temperature I’ve experienced was 112 degrees while driving through Las Vegas on a summertime trip headed back to California from Michigan.

On another occasion, during a late May birding trip to southeastern Arizona, we had to get up quite early to do our hiking and birdwatching before wildlife activity would drop off and the temperatures would jump up into the mid-90s by 10 a.m.

Thank goodness the heat out there in those Arizona and New Mexico deserts is dry. Under those temperatures, coupled with midwestern humidity, it would be unbearable.

I walked along, just inside a line of trees where the shade of the forest cloaked me in coolness and respite from the bright and glaring sunshine.

There was no dry heat here on this Michigan morning.

The humidity was high, making it feel like being in a sauna with no cupped hands filled with cool water to breathe from. The seemingly thick air was tight up against my nose and mouth, like a furry mitten.

For me, it’s an interesting time of year, one when the forest creatures tend to be quieter and less visible while the human activity and associated noise levels are greatly increased.

I tend to be like the deer that retreat to the quiet forests to rest and relax during the daytime swelter, or some of the birds that have already done their breeding and are likely already anticipating their approaching migration south before wintertime.

The days between July 3 and Aug. 11 are typically the warmest of the year – famously referred to as the “dog days” of summer.

They are called that because the star Sirius, which is nicknamed “the Dog Star” and is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (that resembles a dog), appears during this time each year in the same place in the sky as the sun.

“In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. On July 23rd, specifically, it is in conjunction with the sun, and because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. They referred to this time as dies caniculares, or ‘dog days,’” according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“Thus, the term Dog Days of Summer came to mean the 20 days before and 20 days after this alignment of Sirius with the sun.”

To me, the summertime activity in the forest passes by like a Fourth of July parade.

Here come the deer. They are showing off their new fawns, like the sandhill cranes presenting their colts along the shoulders of highways and across farm fields.

In fact, many species of birds of highly varied stripe and color are tending to their young at this time of the season. Some, like robins, may hatch two, three or even four broods in a single summer – with three to four eggs in each. Wow.

At home, there are families of downy woodpeckers and northern flickers, chipping sparrows, red-eyed vireos and ruffed grouse around our yard.

The lupines are done blooming, while the black-eyed Susans just started. Green apples are already on the trees. Blueberries and raspberries have ripened, and it won’t be long before the black and thimble berries will be ready to enjoy.

I make my way down to the creek, where those high temperatures of late have competed with passing thunderstorms in raising or lowering water depths and temperatures.

In some places, it looks like the contest has been a tie. In others, the water is low and warm, moving only sluggishly. Grass growth from the bottoms of these low-flow creeks is high – wavy and green, like a witch’s hair.

I walk upstream along the banks of a stream that always seems to have enough water to make its rapids and small waterfalls chatter. Today, the water flow is nearly bank full. I’m guessing an artesian well or spring is the source of its strength.

I get a physical itch in the palms of my hands as I see the deeper holes where trout are no doubt hugging the stream bottom waiting for food. I am not fishing today, just out walking, trying to stay cool while enjoying the scene.

I kneel at the river’s edge and plunge my hand into the fast water. It is very chilly and refreshing. I follow with my other hand. I lift a small amount of water up to my face and rub it across my nose, mouth and eyes.

It feels as though I am removing two saddle bags worth of sand from my skin. The water makes my face feel so clean, especially with the light breeze moving across it.

The heat and intermittent rains of these days of late have really allowed the plants to grow thick and deep with greenery. Everything along the stream is so lush and heavy with vegetation growth.

It fills in all the blank spots where winter and early spring would have allowed a passerby like me to gaze far into the forest through bare trees, downed limbs and almost no plants growing up from the forest floor.

I keep moving upstream along a small informal trail. Before long, I come to a pool at the bottom of a rapids where the creek turns on a sharp bend.

There are big boulders here to sit on, where I can feel misting spray from the water being sloshed between the rocks.

Animal tracks are covering an expanse of mud at the trail’s edge. Drag marks from a beaver’s tail are here too.

These remnants of activity represent actions taken likely under the cover of darkness or in the early and cool confines of the morning hours. A beautiful mourning cloak butterfly stops here too for a drink.

Kneeling against one of the rocks, I enjoy my shady spot along the water, listening to hear what my surroundings, along with my head, heart and soul, might have to say to me.

I am continuously surprised by how being deliberate about focusing and listening without and within can produce valuable insights that I might often carry with me for months or years later.

Today, I can hear piano music from a quiet and otherwise empty room in a large and vacant house. The furniture and the windowsills are dusty and old. It’s not a haunted house, just a lonesome house.

A staircase twirls up toward more empty rooms and an attic that is no doubt hot and uncomfortable; maybe one of those attic vents spins slowly in circles.

I sense an acquaintanceship and alignment with this house somehow, not that I ever lived here, but more that I can feel what it feels. There’s a usefulness outlived, a carrying on that’s been carried away and an understated but palpable obsolescence.

A blue jay swoops into the branches of a leafy maple on the far side of the creek and disappears. His loud crying calls announce my presence to anyone in the woods who will listen, popping the spell bubble cast around my reverie.

I return to the sound of the water moving over the rocks and the pleasant sights along this woodland waterway.

In not too long a walk, I reemerge at the edge of the trees and follow the line to a clearing where I move into the open under the still-hot sun.

Guideposts mark the distances to several locations on an old wooden sign. All these destinations are too far for me to reach today under these jungle-like conditions.

Another day, with cooler temperatures, will entice me to wander down these trails to new and unexplored places within this aged and knowledgeable forest.

I am the interloper here, the stranger, the searcher appearing silent and shadowy at the gate, looking for reason, truth and reconciliation.

With bowed head and heart, I will again return to enter nature’s grand sanctuary.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

Note to editors: This feature previously issued as part of the DNR’s weekly Outdoors North column series. Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. An accompanying photo and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Hawkweed: A field of summer grasses and blooming red hawkweed is shown from the Upper Peninsula.
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.
Whitmer Signs Bills to Put More Money in Your Pocket

Whitmer Signs Bills to Put More Money in Your Pocket

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 25, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Put More Money in Your Pocket, Making Michigan a Better Place to Live, Work, and Invest 

Legislation bolsters infrastructure in our state, ensuring hardworking Michiganders are paid more and cutting red tape to eliminate blight in our neighborhoods

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer signed three bills this week to raise wages for workers building clean energy projects, lower costs for cities and towns to help them fix up damaged properties, and cut red tape to eliminate blight in our communities and make them better places to live, work, and invest.

 

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to have signed three commonsense bills, putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders, ensuring that they are well paid for good work, and making it easier to redevelop blight in our neighborhoods so we can make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest. Together, we’ll keep supporting our workers, growing our economy, and making progress on the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

Delivering on Key Infrastructure Priorities

Senate Bill 571, sponsored by state Senator John Cherry (D-Flint), ensures that Michiganders working on renewable energy projects get more money in their paychecks, allowing for competitive wages and a higher quality of work. It also requires contractors to register with the state before bidding on a state project. This bill will foster a more competitive and equitable process for state projects. It will also prioritize local manufacturing and development, boosting Michigan’s economy and promoting homegrown solutions, ensuring that any business can “Make it in Michigan.”

 

“This legislation isn’t just about fair compensation; it’s about safeguarding the skills and safety of our workforce,” said state Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint). “This law will be instrumental in supporting our state’s transition to clean energy and it’ll ultimately save us more money in the long run. I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside my Senate colleagues to build a more sustainable and just future for the state of Michigan and all those who call it home.”

 

House Bill 4331, sponsored by state Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), responds to inflated costs, giving local governments more financial flexibility and capability to fix damaged properties. This bill works to make Michigan’s communities safer by ensuring local governments have sufficient funds to respond to property damage quickly and demolish blighted buildings that pose safety concerns to residents.

 

“This legislation is important to help communities recover quicker after property losses. It’s important to take care of damages from fire or other disasters to prevent blight and abandonment of property in our neighborhoods. Now municipalities will have more money withheld for demolition or repairs if needed,” said state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit).

 

House Bill 4332, sponsored by state Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), puts public safety and infrastructure first by ensuring that offenders are incentivized to correct blight violations in a timely manner, ensuring that local communities are repaired and revitalized while also maintaining the state’s commitment to public safety.

 

“This is about keeping our neighborhoods free from blight and pollution. My bill increases the penalties and puts more pressure and accountability on these landlords and landowners who contribute to making these unsafe eyesores in our neighborhoods due to their neglect. Enough is enough, and polluters must pay up — and pay more,” said state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit).

 

Governor Whitmer’s Work to Restore Workers’ Rights

  • Repealed anti-worker laws and put the power back in the hands of hardworking Michiganders, ensuring workers can more effectively bargain together for fair wages and benefits.
  • Signed an executive directive to fight payroll fraud and required the state to increase the number of contracts awarded to companies that create good-paying jobs in the state
  • Ensured Michiganders could get to work easier by fixing 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges, supporting 118,000 jobs
  • Protected Michigan’s construction workers, mandating traffic control measures that keep both drivers and workers safe

 

Governor Whitmer’s Work to Reduce Blight in Our Communities and Neighborhoods 

  • Announced that the State of Michigan will make the largest investment to build housing in Michigan history, with nearly $1.4 billion to build or rehabilitate nearly 10,000 affordable homes in her 2024 State of the State Address.
  • Signed a bipartisan supplemental investing $275 million to build and refurbish thousands of affordable housing units, revitalize communities, and address blight.
  • Secured a sustainable funding source for Revitalization and Placemaking Grants, used to make communities more attractive places to live and work by building housing.
Governor Whitmer Signs Balanced, Bipartisan FY25 Budget

Governor Whitmer Signs Balanced, Bipartisan FY25 Budget

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Balanced, Bipartisan FY25 Budget

Budget will protect public safety, bring jobs and supply chains home, build affordable housing, fix the damn roads, improve public health, and deliver on range of kitchen-table issues

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed into law a balanced, bipartisan fiscal year 2025 budget to protect public safety, build affordable housing, and help more workers “make it” in Michigan.

 

“Today’s balanced budget prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, and Michigan workers without raising taxes by a dime,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will hire, train, and retain more first responders, keep fixing the damn roads, compete to bring manufacturing plants back home, put workers on paths to better-paying jobs, and build a heck of a lot more housing. Let’s keep getting things done that make a real difference in people’s lives and ensuring everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

“Our sixth balanced, bipartisan, fiscally responsible budget builds on the work we have done to help more individuals and families be their best selves and reach their full potential right here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “It makes strong investments in students and teachers, business owners, infrastructure, affordable housing, climate resilience, health equity, and more. Whether you are a parent raising a family or an innovator pursuing your next idea, you are welcome in Michigan. Governor Whitmer and I will continue Standing Tall to help everyone thrive in Michigan.”

 

The FY25 budget totals $82.5 billion, including a general fund total of $15 billion.

 

“The state budget is one of the best tools we have at our disposal to elicit the most impactful change for the good of Michigan’s diverse communities — and that’s precisely what we’ve accomplished today with Governor Whitmer’s stamp of approval on this historic budget,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Together, we are leading Michigan to a future full of opportunity and prosperity by delivering an equitable, fiscally sound budget that builds up our state’s families, our economy, our infrastructure, and our communities.”

 

“The budget represents our core values — lowering costs so families can flourish, keeping residents safe, and creating more affordable housing,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “Every hometown from Detroit to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula will benefit from tens of millions of dollars to establish a Public Safety Trust Fund, $100 million for innovative housing programs, and tax relief for families and seniors. With the passage of this budget, we are making transformative investments for every main street and every household, and Michigan continues to be on a stronger and brighter path forward.  We are making smart and fiscally responsible decisions to deliver for the residents of Michigan and continue our commitment to putting PEOPLE first.”

 

“This ‘Make it in Michigan’ budget will reduce crime, lower costs for families, and fix our roads and bridges,” said State Budget Director Jen Flood. “The investments in this budget will benefit Michiganders for decades to come, create jobs and power economic development, and build on our record of fiscal responsibility.”

 

Balancing Michigan’s Budget and Lowering Costs

The budget makes critical investments to ensure Michigan’s budget is balanced and puts money back in people’s pockets, including:

  • $50 million deposit into the Budget Stabilization Fund, which will bring the grand total in the rainy day fund to nearly $2.2 billion by the end of FY25.
  • $20 million deposit ($10 million in FY25 and $10 million in a FY24 supplemental) into the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund ​to cover current and identified expenses and safeguard against the risks of future disasters.
  • $3.3 million to improve turnaround times and public outreach for environmental permitting.
  • $3 million to implement the Secure Retirement program to help small businesses provide retirement savings plans to their employees at no cost.
  • $500,000 to continue the federal EBT summer food benefit program, which distributes $108 million in federal funds to ensure children have access to nutritional food throughout the summer months, saving families $120 per child​.

Making it in Michigan

The budget powers economic development, rebuilds our roads and bridges, builds strong communities, replaces lead pipes and more, including:

 

Economic Development

  • $45.5 million for Talent and Growth to support Michigan’s current and future workforce needs and population growth, including specialized economic assistance to businesses locating or expanding in Michigan to meet their talent and workforce needs, developing customized talent solutions to fill identified talent gaps, and grow Michigan’s population.
  • $2.5 million for the Economic and Worker Transition Office and an additional $8.6 million for a pilot fund to aid Michiganders with the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy, and prepare for the jobs of the future.
  • $50 million in continued funding for the Revitalization and Placemaking program, including support for a new program to implement transformational public space development projects that will increase the population by creating high-density, high-amenity, walkable, vibrant neighborhoods and business ownership opportunities for locals.
  • $100 million to construct more affordable housing, building on the historic $1.4 billion investment to build or rehabilitate almost 10,000 homes and the unprecedented $50 million set aside for housing.
  • $3.3 million for the Housing Readiness Incentive Grant Program to provide grants to local communities to cover the costs associated with master plan updates, zoning amendments, and other actions to increase housing supply and affordability.
  • $3 million to establish a Farm to Family program, focusing on building agricultural diversity, fueling economic growth in agriculture, increasing food security, providing healthy food options, and cultivating climate resiliency across the industry.
  • $500 million in the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve fund to attract new manufacturers and industries to Michigan helping to diversify our economy and compete nationally for high-paying jobs.
  • $60 million to establish an Innovation Fund to invest in scalable startups and help launch hundreds of new Michigan-based companies, creating thousands of jobs.
  • $15 million to build off the iconic Pure Michigan campaign, on top of the $15 million in existing general fund for the program.
  • $2.5 million for the Office of Rural Prosperity to expand outreach and grant funding in rural communities throughout the state.
  • $75 million in new Revenue Sharing funds to continue support for all cities, villages, townships, and counties across the state, helping them provide services to residents including first responders, transportation, and water infrastructure, as well as placemaking and recreation.

 

Rebuilding Our Infrastructure

  • $150 million to support the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Facility in Southwest Michigan, protecting 600 high-paying jobs at the plant and 1,100 additional jobs throughout the community while helping Michigan reach its clean energy goal.
  • $509.4 million for water infrastructure to fund lead service line replacement and water infrastructure, and climate change mitigation.
  • $48.3 million to provide loans and grants to local communities to support projects associated with lead service line replacement.
  • $74.5 million of new one-time funding for local roads and bridges and other critical infrastructure projects.
  • $247.6 million of new funding to improve state and local roads, highways, and bridges across the state. The FY25 budget includes a total of $4.2 billion for road and bridge construction projects, including $1.7 billion in federal highway aid from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
  • The new investments in roads and bridges will add to $700 million from the final tranche of Rebuilding Michigan Plan bonds to be issued later this year. Key upcoming Rebuilding Michigan projects include work on I-94 near Detroit Metro Airport, I-696 from Southfield through Warren, and a critical bridge project in Erie Township.
  • $75 million of additional funding to support local transit operating expenses, federal transit capital grants, marine passenger services, rail operations and transit capital matching funds.
  • $20 million of federal American Recovery Plan funding to support local transit operating expenses.
  • $24 million to support new technology and mobility projects, including drone infrastructure projects, e-bike incentives, and an inductive charging pilot project.
  • $7.1 million of additional funding for Michigan airports and air service retention and enhancement.

Reducing Crime & Keeping Michigan Healthy

The budget includes funding to keep Michigan families safe and healthy, including:

 

Public Safety

  • $75 million to establish a Public Safety Trust Fund to provide cities, villages, and townships with additional resources for police services and to support community violence intervention efforts.
  • $75 million in new Revenue Sharing funds to continue support for all cities, villages, townships, and counties across the state.
  • $15 million for capital improvements and infrastructure projects at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
  • Hire and train 120 Michigan State Police troopers, and $5.5 million to support salary and equipment costs of the 145th state police trooper recruit school, anticipated to graduate 50 new troopers this summer.
  • $25 million for lifecycle upgrades to the state’s safety communication system, ensuring this critical infrastructure supports state and local emergency personnel.
  • $5.4 million to continue implementing improvements based on recommendations of the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.
  • $17 million to fund grants for local prosecutors to reduce caseload per attorney in the counties with the highest levels of violent crime.
  • $8.8 million to support various investments to increase offender success through education, training, and reentry programs.
  • $4.4 million for a new National Guard armory in the Grand Rapids area.
  • $1.4 million to protect the State Capitol by increasing MSP’s capacity to safeguard those who work in and visit the Capitol and Heritage Hall.
  • $7.8 million for firearm injury and violence prevention grants, and community violence intervention services to reduce gun violence and save lives.
  • $3.2 million for disaster recovery in communities affected by natural disasters.

 

Public Health

  • $161.5 million to establish new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics sites across the state to serve as many as 35,000 additional individuals, providing them with behavioral health services.
  • $18.1 million in funding to continue the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program which helps new and expectant mothers receive the care they need and reduce racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality.
  • $37 million in new funding for the Family Independence Program, including the first meaningful change to the FIP payment rate since 1990, and expanded supplemental payments to families with young children.
  • $28.7 million to fund a 20-cent an hour raise for direct care workers.
  • $2 million to fund sexual assault victim services.
  • $40 million for federally qualified health centers and $17.2 million autism Medicaid rate increases.
  • $8.1 million for a Medicaid rate increase for private duty nursing services.
  • $7 million to provide vaccinations to young children.
  • $5.6 million to expand contraceptive coverage and family planning services.
  • $20 million to provide new funds to communities that identify innovative approaches to support expectant parents and newborns.
  • $1.8 million to ensure children have access to health care through MIChild, saving families $120 a year per child.
  • $5 million to help low-income households with pre-weatherization and improve the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing utility bills.
  • $7.3 million to ensure individuals experiencing behavioral health crises have access to the Michigan Crisis and Access Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • $2.5 million for smoking cessation and tobacco prevention programs to expand current efforts in addressing tobacco use among Michigan’s adult and youth population.
  • $1.5 million to increase the clothing and holiday allowances for children in foster care. This investment is the first increase in state support to foster parents for clothing and holiday presents in over 20 years, increasing the clothing allowance by 40-50% (depending on the child’s age) and tripling the holiday allowance.
  • $500,000 for technical assistance and equipment to ensure the water is safe to drink in the state’s child care centers.
  • $4 million additional in internet gaming, internet sports betting, and state lottery funds to support Problem Gambling services.

 

A Fairer and More Equitable Michigan

The budget includes investments that will build a fairer and more equitable Michigan, including:

  • $65 million to fund a 15% rate increase for child care and bonuses for child care workers.
  • $37.4 million of new funding for local trial courts to support the effective and fair assistance of counsel for indigent criminal defendants across the state. In addition, $1 million of new one-time funding is included for the University of Michigan Law School to support competent legal representation for juvenile defendants in felony cases.
  • $18.5 million total to implement recommendations of the Racial Disparities Taskforce, including neighborhood health grants, mobile health units, sickle cell support and more.
  • $2.5 million to fund grants to nonprofit organizations to reduce veteran homelessness.
  • $5 million to continue the MI Contracting program to assist small and disadvantaged businesses in securing equipment and insurance to help them compete for contracts.
  • $2.4 million to make state government more accessible by ensuring information and materials are provided in the languages spoken by Michigan residents.
  • $800,000 for state certification, credentialing, and endorsement of approximately 1,000 interpreters serving the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community​.
  • $1 million for district courts to help individuals regain their driving privileges.

 

Budget signing

budget signing 2
MDHHS launch on-demand grief and bereavement support

MDHHS launch on-demand grief and bereavement support

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS and Michigan 211 launch on-demand grief and
bereavement support services and resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with Michigan 211, has launched a new website dedicated to increasing access to grief and bereavement support services and resources.  

The website was made possible through a $490,000 grant to the MDHHS Division of Maternal and Infant Health from the Michigan Health Endowment fund. This funding also provided for grants to improve partnerships between hospitals, community-based organizations and hospice, and activities designed to address the critical need for support following the death of a mother or infant and to provide linkages to ongoing support for grieving families, communities and care providers. 

“There was a need for a statewide system to support individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Each person’s grief experience is affected by their relationship to the deceased as well as the circumstances surrounding the loss. This partnership offers on-demand access to a wide range of bereavement support services through 211 to help Michigan families navigate loss.” 

Each year in Michigan, 80 to 90 people die while pregnant or within the year following pregnancy, and 700 infants die before their first birthday.  

“The deaths of mothers and infants and the resulting grief can impact families and communities for generations,” said Jennie Pollak, Michigan 211 executive director. “Grief journeys are individual, lifelong and require ongoing assistance, including support immediately following a death. We’re honored to help navigate resources to support this journey.” 

Any member of the community, including bereaved families and health care professionals, will be able to access resources and services through the site or by calling 211. Individuals will be able to search for resources and services before and immediately following a death, including perinatal hospice, palliative care, burial and cremation services; financial assistance; mental health support; resources and services for maternal and infant loss; and resources and services for sudden loss. Users will be able to search for services by ZIP code. 

In addition, 211 specialists have been trained to assist callers in locating grief and bereavement services.  
Flag Retirement Ceremony Takes Place at the Orion Veterans Memorial

Flag Retirement Ceremony Takes Place at the Orion Veterans Memorial

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers

LAKE ORION, Mich. – On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the VFW (post 334) hosted a flag retirement ceremony at the Orion Veterans Memorial on Lapeer Rd. Representatives from the post as well as the Memorial Board properly and respectfully disposed of approximately 200 United States flags that were torn and tattered after years of use via a ceremonial burning.

ONTV spoke to both Bob Smith, the Orion Veterans Memorial Board Chairman, and Chuck Haskin, Quartermaster for the VFW Post 334 about the event taking place that day and why it is necessary for these flags to be disposed of this way.

“This is a very solemn ceremony that we try to do every year during summertime, where we have a collection of the flags and give them a proper disposal. We call it a flag retirement…” Haskin said. “The only way to properly dispose of a U.S. flag is to put it in the flag and burn it.”

Flag collection boxes are scattered all across the Orion area, places like Ace Hardware and grocery stores feature these collection bins at the entrances.

The flags that were burned that day were only made of cloth, since nylon or plastic fumes are toxic and members of the Board thought it was better to dispose of them separately via burial

Orion Township purchased the land that would become the Orion Veterans Memorial from the Michigan Department of Transportation over 30 years ago, now, it is a staple of not only the armed forces community here in Orion, but with the community at large. The Memorial has several events coming up, including “Patriot Day” on Sep. 11.

“A lot of these flags were donated throughout the last couple years, this is the first one we have done since COVID,” Smith said. “It’s a real honor to do it here, because this is one of the most beautiful memorials that you’ll see and to be able to do it here today is quite an honor.”

For more information on the Orion Veterans Memorial, visit orionveteransmemorial.com.