by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2021 | Regional News
Oakland County Launches Annual Flu Vaccine Program
Health Division Strongly Recommends Flu Vaccine Amid Pandemic
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County’s annual flu vaccination program gets underway this week at the North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac and South Oakland Health Center in Southfield. Getting the flu vaccine is even more urgent during the pandemic, Oakland County Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said.
“Those who get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time double their risk of dying from complications of either respiratory illness,” Faust said. “If you get the flu vaccine, you can reduce the risk of you, your loved ones, and others in the community from getting seriously ill or dying from the flu.”
Flu shots for ages six months to 64 years are available for $24 at both Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a high-dose flu shot, which costs $59. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mondays and 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Pre-payment and registration are not needed at these indoor clinics. Bring a photo ID and insurance card, if available. Masks are required inside Health Division offices.
Oakland County will also host community clinics to administer the flu vaccine this month in the following locations:
- Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Dr., Rochester on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Rd., Troy on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Appointments are preferred but not required for these community clinics. For self-registration, click here. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo identification and if available, an insurance card, to the community clinic.
Payment options include cash, credit (Visa/Mastercard), Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network, and additional insurances. Credit card fees apply. Bring picture identification and all insurance cards to the clinic. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children up to 18-years-old. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:
- North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
- South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2021 | Regional News
Adopt A Dog Or Cat For Reduced Fees At Oakland County Animal Shelter And Pet Adoption Center
BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty The Shelters Event Comes To Oakland County Week of Oct. 4
Pontiac, Michigan – BISSELL Pet Foundation is teaming up with Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and more than 180 other shelters in 35 states to reduce adoption fees and find forever homes for homeless pets from Oct. 4-10.
Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is participating everyday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dogs will be available for adoption for $25 and cats will be available for adoption for $15. All animals are fully vetted, vaccinated, micro chipped and ready to be the newest addition to your family.
To download a pet adoption application, visit Oakland County Animal Shelter’s website at oakgov.com/petadoption , click on the Pet Adoption Center tab and select “Adoptions” from the dropdown menu, or email [email protected]
by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2021 | Local News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2021
Independence Village of Oxford to host Senior Safety Series
Topics include, self-defense, avoiding phone scams, prescription interactions and more.
Brighton, Mich. — Independence Village of Oxford is partnering with the Oxford Senior Center to host several presentations on senior safety. The first event is from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 12, with a deadline to register of Thursday, October 7, and it will be hosted at Independence Village of Oxford.
The Senior Safety Series includes three events, each covering a different topic to help seniors stay safe. The events are free, and each guest will enjoy lunch prepared by the Executive Chef and culinary team at Independence Village of Oxford. The first event includes a presentation from Empower People’s Agency on self-defense and boundary setting for seniors, and all are welcome to attend this and upcoming presentations.
The second presentation of the Senior Safety Series by Vibe Credit Union will discuss how seniors can protect themselves from phone scams, phishing and identity theft. The event is from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, with a deadline to register of Thursday, October 14, and it will be hosted at Independence Village of Oxford.
The third presentation in the series by Apothecary & Co. will cover how to safely use and discard prescription drugs and education about some drug interactions. The event is from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, with a deadline to register of Thursday, October 21, and it will be hosted at Independence Village of Oxford.
To register for one or all of the events, guests should visit Bit.ly/seniorsafetyseries or contact Dawn Medici at 248-963-7660 or [email protected].
Independence Village of Oxford is located at 701 Market Street in Oxford. To learn more about Independence Village, call 248-236-8300.
About Independence Village Senior Living
With 40 years of experience developing and operating senior housing communities, Independence Village Senior Living is the premier choice for seniors and families looking for an individualized, purposeful and engaging senior living setting. Independence Village operates communities across Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Each location offers unique independent senior living options with select locations offering enhanced living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing options. To learn more about Independence Village, please visit IndependenceVillages.com.
Contact
Irina Olgart
Director of Marketing
248-438-2224
[email protected]
by Becky Andrus | Oct 4, 2021 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to lower to half-staff on Sunday, October 3rd in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and to pay respects to the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect Americans.
“Our nation’s fallen firefighters and first responders will forever be remembered for their selflessness and dedication, especially those who served throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The bravery of these heroes is part of what makes our nation so great. My heart goes out to the loved ones of these fallen heroes as we remember their lives and legacies.”
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of these fallen firefighters by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should return to full-staff on Monday, October 4.
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 4, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Addressing The Division One Teams in the Blue and the Concerns I have once they make the Playoffs.
By Sammy Taormina
Written Saturday October 2nd at 12:10 PM
The Blue has had a ton of surprises in the past.
This one is also a surprise but it also triggers a question.
This season there are two teams that are unbeaten right now in Troy and Bloomfield Hills while Troy Athens sits at 4-2. All three teams are off to good starts.
So where does the problem lie???
All three schools are in the Blue.
They are also Division One schools with big enrollments.
Troy has 2,285 students, Troy Athens has 1,775 students, and Bloomfield Hills has 1,851 students.
The problem for the three Division One schools is that they don’t play other Division One schools or get tested once the playoffs come.
Bloomfield Hills is a perfect example. Once they get to the postseason they usually play West Bloomfield or a Clarkston and get blown out.
The same is also for Troy and Troy Athens.
It happened to the Colts in 2017 despite being in the White. They played Waterford Mott and got blown out. Troy ran into a very good West Bloomfield team in the district semifinals last season while the Red Hawks played a very good Southfield Arts and Tech team despite their record and got blown out.
All three of these schools will likely be in the postseason this season. The question I have is can they hold their own against teams that are from the Red, the White, or other non league powerhouse conferences???
Farmington and Ferndale both play Division One or strong quality Division Two schools for their non league. They get a pass with this column. Avondale, Pontiac, and Royal Oak also get passes.
Bloomfield Hills played Waterford Kettering in Week Two. The Captains are a bottom feeder in the Lakes Valley Conference and have a new coach in Bob Chiesa. They trailed 21-0 only to comeback and win that game 42-21.
Now it is possible that the Blackhawks struggled to find a strong opponent and that Waterford Kettering was available. Now in 2020 they were scheduled to play a powerhouse program in Ohio but because of the COVID-19 pandemic that did not happen.
Bloomfield Hills is not a bad football team. The problem is that they are a Division One school competing in the third division. I know it’s not their fault with the league they are in but could they have considered playing teams to prepare them for the playoffs???
This brings up the question, should everyone make the playoffs??? If this happens this would make realignment so much easier.
It’s very challenging to trust these three teams in the postseason. I don’t think they are tested enough and the strength of schedule worries me with them.
In 2017, Troy, Rochester, and Bloomfield Hills were all in the Blue. Hazel Park was not thrilled about it and left the league because of it.
The team I worry the most out of this is Bloomfield Hills.
There is a real possibility that they could see West Bloomfield, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, or Clarkston in the first round. The Blackhawks have not played the schedule as these three teams have.
So one question that I get is why do I rank Berkley higher than Bloomfield Hills despite the Blackhawks beating the Bears 13-10 in week one.
The answer is the David vs goliath.
Berkley is Division Two and with Bloomfield Hills being in Division One isn’t Bloomfield Hills expected to beat the Division Two or Division Three schools???
Berkley played Warren Mott in the postseason (made district semifinals) last season despite getting blown out.
I can’t blame the Blackhawks for the predicament they are in but how would they do against other Division One foes in the Red and White while not counting Troy Athens and Troy, would we even have this conversation right now???
The thing is Bloomfield Hills is really good this season but are they in the wrong division???
That we will find out.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 1, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer announces U.S. Economic Development Administration awards $2 million in grants to support high-tech startups Across the State
- Funds further boost Michigan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, Industry 4.0 initiative
- Grants build on Sept. 16 awards by the U.S. Small Business Administration to three Michigan accelerators to speed the launch, growth, and scale of high-tech small businesses in the state
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding more than $2 million to three SmartZones in Michigan to support programs that fuel innovation and tech-based economic development.
“In Michigan, we are laser-focused on supporting small businesses and providing critical access to capital to support growth and ensure long-term economic opportunity in the state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s grants will leverage private funds to create good-paying jobs and grow emerging businesses around the state, helping us usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo announced the “Build to Scale” grantees yesterday at TechTown Detroit. Representatives from MEDC, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Automation Alley also joined the event. The “Build to Scale” program is administered annually by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The program aims to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to business support and startup capital.
“Michigan is excited to work with the U.S. Economic Development Association to take advantage of these tremendous grant opportunities that will allow our communities to build back better,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director. “These grants will allow us to focus on equity and grow local programs and services that not only help communities recover from the hardships brought on by the pandemic, but also prepare them to be resilient against future economic shock.”
The grants were awarded in two categories: The Venture Capital Fund, which seeks to leverage regional strengths to accelerate innovation and job creation through high-growth technology entrepreneurship and fostering inclusive access to proven entrepreneurship models. The Capital Challenge increases access to capital in communities where risk capital is in short supply by providing operational support for early-stage investment funds, angel capital networks, or investor training programs that focus on both traditional and hybrid equity-based models.
Automation Alley received a Venture Capital grant which it will use to expand its Michigan Industry 4.0 (MI4.0) Accelerator, powered by Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University and Lean Rocket Lab in Jackson. The MI4.0 aims to attract best-in-class advanced manufacturing technology companies from around the world and find pathways for these firms to provide a meaningful impact to our domestic value chain, using Michigan’s existing manufacturing base as a gateway catalyst.
“There is an urgent need for manufacturers to understand and adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, and a great risk in not doing so,” said Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. “This national funding award from the Build to Scale Program will allow Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 Accelerator to bolster our region’s competitive position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by amplifying startups’ efforts to fortify and expand Michigan’s Industry 4.0 ecosystem.”
TechTown Detroit received a Capital Challenge grant that it will use, in partnership with the Angel Capital Association, VentureWell, and Ann Arbor SPARK, to recruit and train 200 high-net-worth individuals from Michigan who are underrepresented in the angel investor community and activate their potential as investors. TechTown’s goal is to support 50 projects, totaling $34.7 million in early-stage capital.
“Expanding the pool of angel investors to include more people who intrinsically understand the experience of founders of color and women is critical to unlocking more high-risk capital and creating a more robust innovation ecosystem,” said Ned Staebler, president and CEO of TechTown Detroit.
Innovate Marquette also received a Capital Challenge grant, which will be matched with $306,446 in local funds. Innovate Marquette plans to use the new resources for the Make it Marquette Start to Scale (Marquette STS) project, which will leverage educational, economic development and capital investor partnerships. Together, with project partners, Marquette STS will educate local angel investors about scalable tech investment opportunities and connect to state, regional and national venture capital (VC) networks.
“Innovate Marquette is honored to receive this win for the Marquette community, however, it’s not an award we accept singlehandedly. Without support and collaboration from all of our economic development partners, championing this grant would not have been possible,” said Joe Thiel, CEO of Innovate Marquette. “Rural innovation begins when longtime residents who have built the foundation of a community work in parallel with those who have a vision for a regenerative economic future. That’s what we are seeing in Marquette today; it’s pivotal and it’s just the beginning.”
The project is also designed to be 100-percent sustainable after the proposed three-year project timeline.
Today’s news builds on the Sept. 16 announcement that the U.S. Small Business Administration also awarded grants to the Centrepolis Accelerator, BBCetc in Chelsea, and TechTown Detroit through its the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and Small Business Innovation Research Catalyst competition. The grants are intended to support start-up accelerators and incubators working with underrepresented entrepreneurs.
“Michigan’s entrepreneurial support system is extremely robust, as evidenced by these federal grants, which will further empower our business incubators to support Michigan’s entrepreneurs – ultimately leading to more jobs and a creating a stronger, more inclusive economy in Michigan,” said Fred Molnar, vice president of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the MEDC. “Congratulations to the teams at Automation Alley, Innovate Marquette, and TechTown Detroit, as well as BBCetc and Centrepolis, on receiving these grants that will help Michigan’s small business and entrepreneurs find success, and will help lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and workforce needs.”
“EDA is proud to support this year’s ‘Build to Scale’ grantees as they fuel regional innovation hubs throughout the country,” Castillo said. “Investing in scalable startups and creating access to capital will yield more economic opportunities and support the next generation of industry-leading companies. This is the type of vital work that President Biden’s build back better agenda promises to continue to support.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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