 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
DECEMBER 2024
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 Commissioner Markham speaks at SEMCOG’s October 2024 General Assembly meeting. Photo courtesy of SEMCOG.
Commissioner Gwen Markham (District 15) officially became chairperson of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) on November 13. The organization brings together government entities, including cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts and community colleges, from across the seven counties that make up Southeast Michigan. As chair, Commissioner Markham will lead SEMCOG’s efforts to promote the efficient use of tax dollars for infrastructure investment, develop solutions to regional challenges, improve decision-making through data analysis and advocate on behalf of the region in Lansing and Washington, D.C.
Having served in a number of SEMCOG roles, Commissioner Markham also brings her experience as chair of the Board’s Finance Committee to her term of service. She follows in the footsteps of her father, Daniel T. Murphy, Oakland County’s first executive, who also served as SEMCOG chair from 1981-1983. Her term will run through the end of June 2026. More information is available in the press release from SEMCOG.
Commissioner William Miller (District 16) recently supported the county’s first naturalization ceremony, which welcomed 25 new citizens from 13 countries. The new United States citizens took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion, then received their Certificate of Naturalization and took part in a small celebration.
Commissioner Miller, whose grandfather immigrated from England to Detroit as a welder in 1927, feels a strong connection to those wishing to become U.S. citizens. In 2019, he sponsored the first Welcoming Week resolution for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Welcoming Week recognizes the importance of fostering a welcoming community for all residents, including immigrants, to be accepted and appreciated for their diverse perspectives. Visit OakGov.com to learn more about the ceremony.
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The student loan borrower experience can be difficult to navigate. That’s why the Board of Commissioners and Oakland County have partnered with Savi, a financial technology start-up, to help Oakland County residents apply for debt forgiveness programs at no cost. The Oakland County Savi portal opened earlier this year and allows registered users free access for one year from their sign-up to find tailored recommendations for debt consolidation or loan forgiveness through their program.
Savi is hosting a live and interactive virtual webinar from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, designed to help you:
- Understand the latest policy changes affecting federal repayment, forgiveness and relief programs.
- Recognize how these policies will directly impact you.
- Identify the actions necessary to maximize your potential benefits under these programs.
- Explore how Savi's tools and resources can facilitate your path to the best possible savings.
Register now for the webinar at bit.ly/SaviWebDec4. A recorded version of the webinar will be available after the session on Savi’s YouTube channel. Learn more about the Student Debt Relief Initiative at bit.ly/OCStudentDebt24.
The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recognitions from last month.
- Friends of Highland Recreation Area hosted the opening of the newly renovated Haven Hill Gatehouse Visitor’s Center in Highland Township – presented by Commissioners Philip J. Weipert (District 13) and Bob Hoffman (District 7), Nov 6.
- Young mathematicians can develop their skills in a variety of fields with tutoring sessions at the recently opened Mathnasium of Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), Nov. 6.
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Bishop Rosezell Rutley, founder and former pastor of Pontiac’s Berea Family Tabernacle of Faith, celebrated his 70th birthday – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 10), Nov. 6.
- Currently under the leadership of the Rev. William Parker Jr., Pontiac’s New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church marked its 50th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Powell, Nov. 9.
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Building Blocks Preschool, a nature school and early childhood learning center, was recognized as the Highland White Lake Business Association’s Business of the Year - presented by Commissioners Weipert and Hoffman, Nov 9.
- Dedicated community member and business owner Andy West received the Volunteer of the Year honor from the Highland White Lake Business Association – presented by Commissioners Weipert and Hoffman, Nov. 9.
- With the goal of encouraging collaboration among community stakeholders and highlighting the importance of a judicial system dedicated to protecting children, November was declared as Family Court Awareness Month in Oakland County – presented by Commissioner Linnie Taylor (District 18), Nov. 12.
- Ready to host special occasions for up to 50 people, former workshop turned event space The Shop on Elm opened its doors in Holly – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Nov. 13.
- Three-generation catering and event planning company Wardell Manor Family Farm launched after many years as a popular vendor at farmers markets in Highland and Milford – presented by Commissioners Weipert and Hoffman, Nov 14.
- 15-story apartment living community for older adults Clawson Manor revealed its remodeled units, exterior improvements and mechanical upgrades – presented by Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2), Nov. 15.
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Rochester Hills Public Library marked a century of service to the community – presented by Commissioners Brendan Johnson (District 4), Michael J. Gingell (District 6) and Michael Spisz (District 5), Nov. 21.
- Longtime community volunteer and advocate Nancy Dingeldey, who also served as an Oakland County Commissioner from 1993 to 2003, retired as president of the Wixom Historical Society – presented by Commissioners Gwen Markham (District 15) and Ajay Raman (District 14), Nov. 21.
- In recognition of the importance of the trades, both as a service to residents as well as an employment opportunity, November 17-23 was observed as National Apprenticeship Week in Oakland County – presented by Commissioner William Miller (District 16), Nov. 21.
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Hannah Saunders, a senior at Royal Oak High School, was celebrated for her 12 years with the Zajączek Dance Ensemble where she learned traditional Polish folk dance as well as Polish culture and heritage during the Zajączek Graduate Ball – presented by Commissioner Charlie Cavell (District 19), Nov. 23.
Below is a schedule of meetings this month. Full Board and standing committee meetings are open to the public at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, and livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. Visit our website for any schedule changes and follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Coordinating Zoning, 8:30 a.m.
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Savi Student Loan Workshop: Policy Updates and Loan Forgiveness, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Art Institute Authority, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
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The Board meets just 1 more time for the 2023-2024 term. The final meeting of the year and term will be December 12, 2024.
The official calendar for 2025, which will kick off the change to four-year terms for county commissioners from the previous two, will be posted to OakGov.com/BOC when established.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office has launched its 2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest. The contest is open to Oakland County public high school students, who are invited to submit a work of 2-D art or video expressing financial empowerment by 11:59 p.m. on March 14, 2025. As in past years, cash prizes will be awarded for each grade level and all entries will be displayed in the Treasurer’s Office. Learn more at OakGov.com/Arts.
- Waterford Oaks County Park will host the Fireworks & Flannels race day on February 15, 2025. The event includes a children’s 1K, an all-ages 5K walk/run, activities, food trucks and a fireworks display at the end of the evening. Find details and register at bit.ly/25FireworksFlannel.
- Residents are urged to get vaccinated against respiratory illness during the holiday season. Call your doctor to find out which vaccines may be appropriate for you or get more information at bit.ly/24PreventIllness.
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Students and educators from 114 schools across Michigan attended the fourth annual MiCareerQuest Southeast in Novi, the region’s largest career exploration event for high school students. Students visited hands-on exhibits and learned about 210 high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences and technology. Visit OakGov.com/MiCareerQuestSE to learn more.
Was this message forwarded to you? Be sure to sign up for The Board Bulletin by visiting your commissioner's webpage at OakGov.com/BOC and clicking the "Newsletter Sign-up" button. You can also follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest updates.
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