 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JUNE 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
 Commissioners celebrated May as Older Americans Month with their 4th annual Outstanding Older Adult Awards. They honored ten residents aged 60 and over from their districts who are flipping the script on aging. The honorees who are challenging stereotypes on what it means to grow older include:
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Pamela Carmichael, Bloomfield Hills (presented by Vice Chair Gershenson)
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Tina Caudill and Ken Muha, Hazel Park (presented by Commissioner Erickson Gault)
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Zakiya Hollifield, Oak Park (presented by Commissioner Smith Charles
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Ruth Jordan, Pontiac (presented by Commissioner Powell)
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Mark Kelly, Troy (presented by Commissioner Luebs)
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Christopher Peal, Commerce Township (presented by Commissioner Long)
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Anthony WA! Pizza, Waterford (presented by Commissioner Nelson)
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Len Pokora, Highland Township (presented by Commissioner Hoffman)
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Loretta VanPelt, Southfield (presented by Commissioner Taylor)
Read more about the recipients in the Oakland County Blog.
On May 22, commissioners joined Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi to hear from University of Michigan economists Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich and Donald Grimes. The two presented their review of the county’s past and current economic conditions and compared its performance to its peers across the country. Their economic forecast through 2027 and an exploration of the latest trends, challenges and opportunities faced by Main Street downtowns/corridors and local small businesses in today’s dynamic landscape can be found in their report. Check out what commissioners had to say about it.
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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.
- The annual Hanami Spring Picnic hosted by Michigan State University Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center was recognized – presented by Commissioner Markham, May 1.
- Daisy Mae Boutique opened its doors in Waterford – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 1.
- The promise of liberty and justice for all was celebrated on Law Day – presented by Commissioners Erickson Gault and Weipert, May 1.
- Judge Traci Richards, the first Black woman elected to Oakland County Probate Court, was honored – presented by Commissioner Powell, May 1.
- Chaldean Community Foundation West opened a $15M center in West Bloomfield – presented by Vice Chair Gershenson and Commissioner Hoffman, May 2.
- Jewish Senior Life’s annual 8 Over 80 recognized Deede Auster, Nancy Jacobson, Barbara “Bunny” Kratchman, Michael Maddin, Neil Alan Satovsky, Mark Schlussel, Michael Serling and Rachel Yoskowitz – presented by Vice Chair Gershenson and Commissioner Smith Charles, May 18.
- New restaurant Fireside Kitchen hosted a ribbon cutting in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 21.
- The importance of firearm safety and new state laws were highlighted as part of Gun Violence Awareness-Wear Orange Day – presented by Vice Chair Gershenson with unanimous support, May 22.
- The vital role mental health plays in overall wellbeing was highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month – presented by Commissioner Luebs with unanimous support, May 22.
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Below is a schedule of meetings open to the public this month at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Full Board and standing committee meetings are livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. Visit our website for any schedule changes.
Tuesday, June 3 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations Committee, 9 a.m. Public Health & Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 4 Coordinating Zoning, 8:30 a.m. Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m. Finance, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, June 11 Oakland County Transit Ad Hoc, 3 p.m. Majority Caucus, 5 p.m. Full Board, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17 Human Trafficking Task Force, 9 a.m. Oakland County Zoological Authority, 10 a.m.
U.S. Census data reports that nearly three-quarters of housing in Oakland County is owner-occupied, much higher than the national average of 65%. June is National Home Ownership Month, so stay tuned to the Board throughout June for more about this topic.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
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Oakland County Parks is participating in Michigan’s Free Fishing and Free Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Weekends from June 7-8, when all fishing license fees will be waived for residents and non-residents, and residents and visitors can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for more information.
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As scams continue to evolve, residents are encouraged to educate themselves. Techniques may include scammers pretending to be government agents, exploiting relationships begun online, pretending to be grandchildren or other loved ones in trouble, or calling to tell you about issues with your computer or other devices. Find resources to report certain scams and what to look out for at bit.ly/25CommonScams.
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Oakland County Michigan Works! recently recognized four employers for their participation with Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Learn about the programs and Oakland County employers who participate at OakGov.com.
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