by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Health and Wellness
For immediate release: May 23, 2024
MDARD media contact: Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151
MDARD Reminds Michiganders to Think Food Safety this Memorial Day
Lansing, MI – Memorial Day is Michigan’s traditional kick-off to the picnic and barbeque season. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds Michiganders to think food safety as they get outside to enjoy the holiday weekend. Following a few simple food safety tips when preparing, holding, and serving foods in warmer weather can help prevent foodborne illness.
“This Memorial Day take extra care when it comes to the food you’re serving and play a major part in protecting your family and friends,” said Tim Slawinski, director of MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health. “Ensuring food safety is crucial for everyone, as it prevents foodborne illnesses and ensures everyone can enjoy their holiday gathering.”
Here are some food safety tips to help make outdoor eating fun and safe:
- Safe food begins with proper hand washing: Everyone involved in the cooking or eating should wash their hands with soap and water. If water is not available, use disposable handwipes or hand sanitizer.
- Keep food at the appropriate temperature: Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the “Danger Zone.” It’s especially important to keep cold foods cold when it’s hot outside. When transporting food to a picnic site, pack food on ice to keep it cold so bacteria can’t grow and spoil it. Don’t leave perishable foods out in the heat all day. Pack leftovers back in the cooler with plenty of ice to cool hot foods quickly and keep everything out of the danger zone.
- Pack beverages in a separate cooler from perishable foods: The beverage cooler will be opened more often, letting in the hot air, while the food cooler will keep contents cooler longer.
- Cook all meats at the proper temperature: Bring a meat thermometer and test your meats for doneness to assure they are properly cooked.
- Pack clean soapy towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands: Use a table cover for picnic tables whenever possible. Picnic tables are usually exposed to weather and wildlife and may not be clean even if they look clean. Wipe down the picnic site before you go home as common courtesy for the next picnickers.
If you suspect you have eaten something that has made you ill, please seek medical attention and report your illness to your local health department. Your doctor can assist with this process, or you can contact your local health department directly.
For more food safety tips, visit www.foodsafety.gov. |
by orionontv | May 22, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LEONARD, Mich. – On Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its female-focused “Women of Inspiration Luncheon.”
The Chamber puts on several networking events each year in order for business people around the Orion area to connect with one another, this year they put on a new event with some truly inspirational speakers.
Approximately 120 attendees joined the Chamber at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, everyone was treated to a nice lunch and entered into a raffle to win prizes donated by sponsors. “Swag bags” were also handed out during the luncheon, within the bags were treats and trinkets given out by local businesses such as the Oxford Bank, Genisys Credit Union and Keller-Williams.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The primary speakers at the event were representatives from Dutton Farm, Michelle Smither, along with her daughters, Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither. Founded in 2010, Dutton Farm serves the local special needs community through educational programs.
Joyce Donaldson, the President and CEO of the Orion Area Chamber, spoke with ONTV’s Joe Johnson at the event about it’s purpose that day.
“We are here to celebrate women – women of inspiration – and we’re super excited about our guest speakers today from Dutton Farm… This is an opportunity for us all to gather, to support each other, and to inspire each other,” Donaldson said.
After the guests had lunch, Michelle Smither talked about the history of Dutton Farm, their mission, as well as introducing her daughter, Jenny, as the next speaker.
Brown spoke to the crowd about how she started the organization with her mother and sister, their humble beginnings to now over 100 people in their programs. Brown also spoke to Joe Johnson about what the event means to her.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“Being just here today, with all of these women, has already been uplifting. But to know that all of these women come together and care about lifting each other up, and just hearing about what we do at Dutton Farm, just that alone means the world to us,” Brown said.
Brown then introduced her sister onto the podium, who greeted the crowd and gave remarks about herself, what she does now and her gratefulness to her supportive family and community.
Michelle Smither, the co-founder of Dutton Farm and the mother of Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither, spoke to ONTV about what it meant to start an organization like this one and how she can keep paying it forward.
“It’s great to be successful and be go getters and achievers but don’t forget the people behind you or the people who can’t do that or don’t have the choices and opportunities and help them along the way,” Smither said. “It does my heart good, especially as I age, that this will go on.”
For more information about Dutton Farm and their programs, you can visit duttonfarm.org, and for more information about upcoming events at the Orion Area Chamber, you can visit orionareachamber.com.
by orionontv | May 22, 2024 | Local News
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR
CHRIS BARNETT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jenny Bhatti
248-391-0304 ext. 1003
[email protected]
ORION TOWNSHIP RECOGNIZED FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Orion Township, MI (May 22, 2024) – Orion Township was recognized for environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities program. As part of the 2023 Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, 62 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more. Seven communities received bronze certification, twenty received silver certifications, and thirty-five received gold certification.
Orion Township achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection, and community engagement.
Most remarkable was Orion Township’s demonstrated increase in quantity and quality of both commercial and recreational development, while also increasing investment in and improvement of local parks and nature reserves all while prioritizing and enhancing community social, financial, environmental, and physical wellbeing. Examples include General Motor’s Orion Assembly, Orion Township’s purchase of Great Lakes Athletic Club and their investing in and revisioning of the space into a community recreation center, upgraded and renovated several sewer lift stations and other waste management measures resulting in a 20% reduction in household disposal since 2020, and over $3 million invested in Orion Parks and trails.
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator at [email protected].
by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LAKE ORION/ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two fun events for runners, walkers and athletes alike happened this weekend. The Donut Dash 5k and the Dragon Dash 5k events both took place on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th respectively.
The Donut Dash 5k, which took place at Friendship Park in Lake Orion, was put on by YoungLife Lake Orion, an adolescent-focused religious group that puts on events in the community. Donuts were handed out during and after the race, with many young faces crowding the park that morinng enjoying their racing rewards.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The next day, on the other side of town, the Dragon Dash 5k event took place – starting at the Orion Center. The event primarily took place on the Polly Ann Trail, with runners of all ages and skill levels participating in the race.
In total, over 200 runners registered for the event, with 32 walk-ons registering that morning for the race.
The runners gathered at the starting line, and then… they were off!
Racers charged towards the entrance of the Polly Ann Trail, heading south towards Civic Center Park, then they turned around and headed back to the Orion Center – where the finish line was.
Photo by Joe Johnson
For the first time in the Dragon Dash’s 28-year history, the entry fees were collected and donated towards a local non-profit: Orion Area Youth Assistance.
ONTV broadcasting intern Lexi McKinney spoke to Jennifer Vezina, a recreation programmer at Orion Township Parks & Rec., Sunday morning about the 5k and how the event’s allocation will help children in need.
“All proceeds from this run will go directly to [Orion Area Youth Assistance], they will be awarding scholarships for participants needing financial aid to register for programs within the community,” Vezina said.
And the winner of the Dragon Dash 5k, for the second year in a row… Alexander Pollack.
Pollack, a Lake Orion Native, took the gold once again with a time of 18 minutes and 42 seconds.
“It’s hard to prepare for the heat, cause we’re coming out of winter so I think the heat got every body today, but, I don’t know, I just run a lot and have fun with it – that’s how I prepare,” Pollack said.
Photo by Joe Johnson and Lexi McKinney
The first female runner to cross the finish line was Maria Brandon, with a time of 20 minutes and 8 seconds.
“I had a blast out there! It was a great course, it was so well administrated,” Brandon said. “I am actually a running coach over at Great Lakes Athletic Club… I train a group of runners through my cadence classes and I work out with them as well. But now honestly, I have two little kids so right now it’s a lot of stroller-running, but once I lose the stroller it’s a lot easier to run fast.”
Family and fun was had here at the Orion Center this weekend, many other events will be taking place in the Orion area in the following weeks, including another running event, the Veteran’s Memorial Day 5k and 5-mile Run/Walk May 27th, as well as the summer season kickoff with the “Summer Sizzle” at the Orion Center on June 2nd.
For more information about these events, visit orionparks.com
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by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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 May 21, 2024
Contact: Joe Nohner, 517-599-6825 or Chip Kosloski, 517-281-1705
Over $1.7 million in grants will benefit fish and aquatic systems statewide
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is awarding more than $1.7 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants for conservation projects on lakes and streams statewide. The funds are matched by more than $950,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of about $2.7 million.
“These grants provide critical funding for projects that yield cleaner water, healthier fish populations and better aquatic habitats – all of which make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable for residents,” said Randy Claramunt, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. “Our natural resources have always been central to Michigan’s appeal as an outdoor recreation destination, and creative, collaborative projects like these make a lasting, positive impact on those resources.”
The projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Two of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects – those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities – and another four are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities such as fishing. Funding from fishing license sales, state of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.
Most of the funding is distributed through traditional grants that are funded this year, but the Fisheries Habitat Grant program also provides conditional commitments for funding from future years. These conditional commitments enable partners to leverage future Fisheries Habitat Grant funds in applications for federal and other funding sources, making high-priority and sometimes very expensive projects possible.
Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitats across the state, while in many cases also improving public safety through the removal of dams.
“These projects are critical to strengthening and maintaining populations of fishes and other aquatic species,” Nohner said. “They will improve fish migration in over 327 miles of Michigan streams and boost public safety through the removal of three dams and seven culverts.”
Supporting work in 12 counties
 This year’s funded projects (and counties where projects are located) include:
- City of Battle Creek – Kalamazoo River restoration project (Calhoun County), $325,000.
- City of Kalamazoo – Habitat restoration of Portage Creek at Milham Park (Kalamazoo County), $75,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Boyne Falls Dam removal options analysis (Charlevoix County), conditional commitment for $135,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Manistee River tributaries aquatic organism passage (Wexford County), $150,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – N. Cole Creek/24th Street fish passage (Lake County), $100,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Stony Creek restoration, fish passage and Marshville Dam removal implementation (Oceana County), $108,604.
- DNR Fisheries Division – Muskegon walleye rearing pond water intake improvements (Muskegon County), $156,000.
- Duplain Township – Duplain Township Dam removal engineering and design (Clinton County), $225,000. (The snow-covered Elsie Dam is pictured above.)
- J.A. Woollam Foundation – Restoring fish passage on the headwaters of the Fox River (Alger County), $62,264.
- Michigan Trout Unlimited – North Branch Manistee stream restoration and improvement at Flowing Wells (Kalkaska County), $144,800.
- Michigan Trout Unlimited – Riparian wood inventory for opportunistic stream improvement on state land (Crawford and Kalkaska counties), $27,700.
- Trout Unlimited – Restoring habitat and connectivity in the White River watershed (Newaygo County), $250,500.
Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available annually to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups through an open, competitive process. The next request for proposals is expected to be announced in September.
Learn more about the Fisheries Habitat Grant program and other grant opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants. |
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption/credit information follows.
- Elsie Dam: The failing Elsie Dam in Duplain Township, Clinton County, will be removed using Fisheries Habitat Grant funds, with the goal of reconnecting fish passage on 200 miles of the Maple River. Photo credit: Bruce Levey.
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