“Robin Moore, one of our Board members, wrote a funding proposal to the Junior Women on behalf of the Friends, and we were thrilled to be selected as one of the recipients this year,” said Friends President Kathy Dorn.

The Library’s early childhood specialist Wendy Lehman is pictured with two young boys.

The Friends have used the $5,900 to purchase learning materials for the early literacy area of the Rochester Hills Public Library. “Preparing children to read has become a primary goal of the Library over recent years,” said public library director Christine Lind Hage. “We know that parents are a child’s first teacher and our goal is to help parents in that effort through the provision of training, resources and activities.” The wood toys and learning manipulatives purchased with the money raised by the Junior Woman will be put out for public use later in June once the Library has competed re-carpeting the Youth Services area.

Since becoming a Family Place library last fall, the Library’s goal has been to develop lifelong learners while fostering home/library/community connections and to provide community support for families with very young children. Family Place Libraries™ acknowledge the power of the family in a child’s development and equips them with the necessary tools to implement the progressive Family Place Libraries™ model nationwide.

“We truly appreciate the ongoing support that the Friends give the Library and also the impressive community work done by the Rochester Junior Women,” said Hage. “Groups like these two make the greater Rochester area a great place to live and raise a family.”

Summer Reading Kickoff: Chris Linn Presents “Pure Imagination Magic Show”

All ages

Saturday, June 1

11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

West Entry Area (MPR in case of rain)
Register all adults and children attending. Rochester’s own funnyman Chris Linn is back with his action packed, hilarious, Pure Imagination Magic Show. Sure to tickle the funny bone and dazzle your senses! Online registration begins May 24 at 9 a.m.  If the weather is nice and the show remains outdoors, non-registered participants are welcome.

BONUS Kickoff event – Hands-on Fossil Hunt

All ages

Saturday, June 1

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  (Break 11-11:45 a.m.)

West Entrance
Check in at the west entry area – program restarts every 30 minutes; spots assigned on a first come, first served basis. Come and dig for a 350 million year old fossil. We will demonstrate how these animals looked long ago and how they became fossilized. Kids can dig up, identify, and take home a fossil. Paleontology becomes familiar and friendly. No online registration required.

Dig into Reading Family Fun Storytime
All Ages
Tuesday, June 4

7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Story Room
Register all children and adults attending.  Join Crystal for a family storytime sure to get you ready to dig into reading this summer! Online registration opens Tuesday, May 28 at 9 am.

Board Chairman Michael J. Gingell will present the proclamation commemorating the 100th milestone and history of the Road Commission of which the Oakland County Board of Supervisors, (the predecessors to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners), appointed the first Road Commissioners on May 6, 1913. The proclamation will be presented at the Board meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, Michigan. 

BOARD TO HONOR OAKLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S CAPTAIN HENRY C. WALLACE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER AND 41 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OAKLAND COUNTY

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will honor Oakland County Sheriff’s Captain Henry C. Wallace for his 41 years of service to the county in recognition of his retirement from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. Captain Wallace has the distinction of being the first African American to be promoted to the rank of Police Captain in the entire State of Michigan. He was also one of only eight African American men to be hired to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in 1971.

 Oakland County Board Chairman Michael J. Gingell and Commissioner Mattie Hatchett will present the proclamation at the Board meeting, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, Michigan.

BOARD TO HONOR JOHN BOWKER FOR OUTSTANDING

 SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will honor John Bowker for his outstanding service in Oakland County. Mr. Bowker has served as a member of the Oakland Community Mental Health Board since 2000.  He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards Association and is the founder of the Center for the Education of Returning Veterans.

Oakland County Board Chairman Michael J. Gingell and Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub will present a proclamation to Mr. John Bowker recognizing his tremendous community service. The proclamation will be presented during the Board of Commissioners meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, Michigan.

COUNTY OFFICIALS TO RECOGNIZE

NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY IN OAKLAND COUNTY ON MAY 25, 2013

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will recognize the National Missing Children’s Day on May 25th, by presenting a proclamation honoring the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and recognizing the following organizations including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Masonic Order of Berkley and TEAM HOPE for their efforts on behalf of missing children.

Oakland County Board Chairman Michael J. Gingell and Commissioner Janet Jackson will present the proclamation during the Board of Commissioners meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, Michigan.

This community-wide bake sale will raise funds for the Rochester Regional Service Collaboration which benefits Blessings in a Backpack, Community Kitchen and the Rochester Area Neighborhood House. The Rochester Regional Service Collaboration was launched by Rochester area youth, nonprofit leaders and individuals dedicated to see those in need assisted and thriving in the community.

“More than 17 million kids in America are at risk of hunger,” said Stephanie Hellebuyck, events coordinator of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. “Some of these kids live right in our community, so it’s important to support the wonderful organizations that help them. Together, we can make a difference in our community.”

Those interested in donating baked goods to Rochester’s Great American Bake Sale should visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com/events/bake-sale to download a donation form or submit their donation electronically. And those with a sweet tooth should attend the event on August 17!

Additional information on Rochester’s Great American Bake Sale will be available in July. Anticipated activities included at the Bake Sale are a cupcake-walk, cooking demonstrations and more. So bring your wallet and your appetite for this Great cause! Rochester’s Great American Bake Sale is presented by Lincoln of Troy and the Rochester DDA. Additional sponsors include Lucido Fine Jewelry of Rochester and Penn Station East Coast Subs.

Other downtown Rochester events include the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market, every Saturday morning through Oct. 26; Movies in the Moonlight every Saturday from July 13 through August 3; Sidewalk Sales on July 11, 12 and 13; and The Big, Bright Ball on August 4. For more information on the Rochester DDA and downtown Rochester, including a complete list of events and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com.

Here are the most up-to-date crime reports from the Rochester Hills Police Department:

Shattered car window, but nothing taken

On Thursday, May 16, a Rochester Hills resident reported two suspicious men walking near cars parked on their street—at Pembroke Drive and Essex Drive. A Rochester Hills officer investigated and found a rear window had been shattered in a nearby Hyundai. There were no signs of entry in the vehicle and nothing was reported missing. The owner of the vehicle was notified and there are no suspects at this time.

Location unknown for missing GPS

Also on May 16, Rochester Hills Police received a report of a stolen GPS from a Fairview Lane resident’s vehicle. The owner filed the report at the station after noticing their car door was unlatched earlier that morning. It was later discovered the GPS was missing, but there are no suspects at this time.

Car lock vandal

On Wednesday, May 15, a Tienken Road resident reported that someone had damaged her car door lock. Her Sebring was parked in front of her boyfriend’s home overnight and the following morning, she noticed the damage. The lock no longer functions properly but it was not reported that items were missing. There are not suspects at this time.

Costco employee’s car gets ransacked

On Sunday, May 12, a Fieldstone Drive resident reported several of her belongings were stolen from her Volvo. Her Costco work identification card, work keys, briefcase and Franklin planner were taken. There are no suspects at this time.

Check out some of the latest crime reports from the Rochester Police Department:

Speeding leads to arrest of intoxicated driver

On Sunday, May 12, a Rochester Police officer stopped a speeding vehicle on University Ave around 1 a.m. The 43-year-old Rochester Hills resident was observed to be drinking, according to reports, and was asked to perform field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested and it was later learned their blood alcohol content was 0.13. Officers gave the driver an operating while intoxicated (OWI) citation and the driver was later released.

Swerving and lack of turn signaling leads to drunk driving ticket

On Saturday, May 11, Rochester Police arrested a 21-year-old Livonia woman around 2 a.m. after stopping her for several traffic violations, including swerving and lack of turn signal use. The driver, coming from Main Street Billiards, was observed to smell of intoxicants and had watery, blood-shot eyes, according to reports. The driver stated she only consumed two alcoholic beverages but field sobriety tests and a blood alcohol content of 0.17 lead to her arrest. She was given an operating while intoxicated (OWI) citation and was later released when she was sober.

Underage Lake Orion resident arrested for drunk driving

Also on Saturday, May 11, Rochester Police stopped a speeding Dodge Journey on Fourth Street and Main Street around 3 a.m. The 20-year-old Lake Orion driver had failed to stop at an intersection but after investigation, was discovered to be using a stolen ID card. The driver also smelled of intoxicants and was asked to perform field sobriety tests. A breathalyzer test revealed his 0.14 blood alcohol content. He was given several traffic tickets as well as an operating while intoxicated (OWI) citation and taken to Crittenton Hospital Medical Center.

Missing mother during Rochester garage sale

On Monday, May 6, Rochester Police responded to a lost child report near Crista Court. The resident was hosting a garage sale and noticed a child standing on the sidewalk and tried to get the child’s name and information as to where his family might be. She was unable to get the information, due to a language barrier, according to reports. Responding officers canvassed the area in hopes of finding the child’s family but after 25 minutes, the 20-year-old mother from Pontiac arrived and reunited with her child. A report for child neglect was filled out and faxed to the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Gershenson states, “Our resolution supports increasing medical coverage to over 40,000 Oakland County residents and brings an estimated 2.1 billion dollars in economic activity to our state.  In addition, Medicaid reform will bring an estimated 18,000 health care jobs to enhance Oakland County’s Medical Main Street initiative and save our state over 1.1 billion dollars. “

Co-sponsor of the Medicaid Resolution 13112, along with Commissioner Gershenson, Oakland County Commissioner Bill Dwyer believes reform is beneficial across the spectrum, stating

“I am proud to join in support of Governor Snyder’s efforts to expand coverage and decrease costs to the state. This proposal is a win-win for Michigan because it increases coverage to working families and provides much needed savings to the state’s budget. This should not be a partisan issue; it’s about doing the smart thing for our future.”

In support of her fellow commissioners’ resolution and the governor’s Medicaid Reform proposal, Commissioner Helaine Zack explained,

“Medicaid expansion would help increase the availability of mental health and many other medical services in our county.”

This bi-partisan effort highlights the benefits of reform by identifying the positive economic impact that will result from this effort as well as the ability for increased health care coverage for Michigan and Oakland County residents. It is the hope that state leaders will support Medicaid Reform.

The resolution is scheduled to go through the committee process, before it is voted on by the full Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Once this process is complete copies of the resolution will be sent to the Oakland County Delegation of the Michigan State Legislators, Governor Rick Snyder, the Oakland County legislative lobbyist and the Michigan Association of Counties by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

“Programs like Count Your Steps that promote active and healthy lifestyles are impacting the quality of life for residents in positive ways,” Patterson said. “I believe in a decade or two that we will have measurably improved the overall health of Oakland County residents.”

Shrine Catholic Grade School students walked an average of 164,374 steps per student this year. Franklin Road Christian School students walked an average of 138,707 steps per student for second place. Angell Elementary students walked an average 136,845 per student for third place.

 More than 13,000 students from over 100 schools participated in Count Your Steps from April 8 – May 5 this year. They logged a total of 873,921,850 steps or 436,961 miles – more than 17 times around the Earth. Students also ate 290,956 servings of fruits and vegetables. Since the program’s inception in 2004, more than 200,000 Oakland County third- and fourth-grade students have logged more than 18 billion steps or 360 times around the Earth.

Alarmed by the growing national epidemic of childhood obesity, Patterson launched Count Your Steps in 2004 to encourage Oakland County kids to become active and make proper nutrition choices.

“The number of obese children in the U.S. continues to rise,” Patterson said. “I began Count Your Steps to address childhood obesity here in Oakland County. I am thrilled that after a decade, our numbers are strong.”

Patterson, who had another engagement, recorded a message for the winners at the finale.

For more information about Count Your Steps go to www.countyoursteps.com.

2013 program sponsors include Platinum Sponsor PNC Bank; Gold Sponsors DTE Energy Foundation, Oakland County Parks and Oakland County Health Division; Silver Sponsor McLaren Oakland; Bronze Sponsor HAP; and Supporting Sponsors Beaumont Health System, Detroit Zoo, HealthPlus, and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

Work will start in the Youth Services Department and should be finished by the June 30th. “We wanted to focus on Youth Services first because our Summer Reading Club starts on June 1and things get real busy with children registering for the program,” said Jaclyn Miller, Manager of Youth Services. The new carpet in Youth Services will feature some primary colors and in the Explore Zone (area for the youngest children), there will be numbers and letters in the carpeting. While the area is being re-carpeted, it will also be rearranged putting the Explore Zone at the west end of the room, where it was originally located.

 The action will shift to the large lobby area during the first week in June. The Friends’ Library Store will be closed on Tuesday, June 5 while the carpet is installed in that area. “We will continue to check books in and out throughout that week, although the checkout stations may be in different locations. “We will be lifting the entire circulation desk and will have to relocate computers while the workers are in that area,” said Hage. “Things will be a bit discombobulated for a while, but our staff is ready and willing to make this work.”

Work will begin on the second floor around June 6, but will stretch throughout the month. The Outreach & Bookmobile Services Department will be re-carpeted on June 12 and 13.

Carpeting a library is no easy task as all of the shelving must be lifted so carpet can be put underneath the shelving. This is also true of the Library’s large service desks. “One company actually installs the carpet and then a separate company lifts and moves the shelves,” Hage said. Each double-sided, 90” tall, 3’ fully- loaded section of shelving weights about 2,000 pounds! So an entire range of shelving could weigh as much as 10,000 pounds. Library flooring needs to hold 150 pounds per square foot, making it one of the strongest flooring in the construction industry. “I’m anxious to see them move a 12 – 15 foot range of shelving,” Hage said.

The entire re-flooring project should be complete by the end of June. The next major project will be to reupholster the furniture in the public areas of the building.

Infants as young as 6 months of age who will be traveling abroad should receive a dose of measles vaccine at least two weeks before departure because of the high risk associated with travel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Two measles vaccine doses are routinely given in childhood, at 1 year of age and the other at 4-6 years of age.

“Measles is a very rare disease in the U.S., but is quite common in many parts of the world. Travel is a risk for anyone not immune to measles, which is extremely contagious,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, Chief Medical Executive with the MDCH. “Recent outbreaks have been reported in other parts of the world. With the summer travel season at hand it is especially important that travelers be protected.”

Measles spreads through coughing and sneezing. The disease is characterized by a red, raised rash. The rash is preceded by a high fever, red and watery eyes, coughing, and runny nose. The time between exposure to the virus and the rash appearing is about two weeks.

The disease was once so common that virtually everyone had it in childhood. Millions of cases occurred every year in the U.S., with between 400 and 500 measles-related deaths annually. The licensure of a measles vaccine in 1963, followed by its routine use in childhood, resulted in a steady decline in cases in the U.S. In 2000, measles was certified as eliminated in this country. All Michigan residents, including adults and adolescents, should check with their physician to make sure they have been protected against measles and other important vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Measles can be prevented through vaccination.  This is an important reminder that anyone who is going to travel outside of the U.S. should get a dose of measles vaccine, as should anyone who is uncertain of their measles immunity status,” said Dr. Davis.  “If you have questions about whether you should get vaccinated against measles, please contact your health care provider.”

The measles vaccine and other vaccines have been proven to be highly effective and very safe. In the U.S., measles vaccine is given as a combination vaccine known as MMR that also protects against mumps and rubella. For more information about measles or the vaccine, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/measles.