A vigil on overdose awareness is being held in Howell Wednesday by a coalition of several advocacy groups.
A Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance will be held at the Historic Courthouse in Downtown Howell on Wednesday from 7 to 8pm. The event is being organized to allow the community to come together and remember those lost to addiction, those still battling it and those in recovery. It was organized by members of four groups; Project Opiate, Connect 3 House, the Amber Reineck House and Unite to face Addiction Michigan.
The vigil will feature stories of hope, a memorial wall and a candlelight vigil commemoration. Attendees are asked to bring a photo of their loved one to add to the memorial wall. Those who can't attend, but still would like their loved one commemorated, can do so through the link below. (JK)
Candlelight Vigil Set Wednesday In HowellCandlelight Vigil Set Wednesday In Howell
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Trash Collection Transition Underway in Genoa TownshipTrash Collection Transition Underway in Genoa Township
Genoa Township residents will soon be receiving new refuse and recycling carts as the municipality begins the transition from Green For Life (GFL) to Advanced Disposal for trash collection services.
The township decided to switch companies after receiving numerous complaints from residents about trash continually not being picked up in certain areas. Township Manager Michael Archinal says he is confident Advanced Disposal will provide improved services, adding that the new system is safer and more efficient. Advanced Disposal will begin refuse collection services the week of October 29th and recycling services the week of November 5th.
Advanced Disposal will be collecting recyclables every other week. At the townshipâs Board of Trustees meeting Monday, it was noted that the township has received a lot of correspondence from residents, much of which has been in regards to the every-other-week recyclables collection. To help residents stay on track, Archinal says a schedule will soon be posted on the township and Advanced Disposalâs websites. Residents will also be able to check Advanced Disposalâs soon-to-come smartphone app, which will send notifications and schedule reminders.
Archinal says residents will soon be receiving a 96-gallon refuse cart and a 64-gallon recycling cart, though notes he does expect a two-week transition period so residents may not receive them until next week. Residents should expect to receive them on what will be their new collection day. Archinal asks for residentsâ patience while the township and Advanced Disposal are working to accommodate everyoneâs needs.
The townshipâs current contract with GFL will end the week of October 22nd, so any residents that are renting a cart should leave those out after their trash is collected that week. There are approximately 800 residents whose trash pick-up day will change, which Archinal says is mostly for safety reasons.
Flyers have been mailed out, or residents can visit genoa.org for additional informational. A link is posted below. (DK)
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Mobile SOS Office Coming To Brighton Later This MonthMobile SOS Office Coming To Brighton Later This Month
Local residents can receive full Secretary of State services from the traveling office when it makes a stop in Brighton later this month.
The Secretary of State Mobile Office will pay a visit to the Brighton District Library on Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30. The office will be open from noon to 6pm both days to serve area customers by offering a full range of services. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says all of the services of a traditional office will be brought right into the community, where residents can have their transactions handled quickly and easily. Tab renewals, voter registration, address changes, signing up for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and other services will all be available at the mobile office.
Residents can also ask questions about the elimination of Driver Responsibility Fees, including those who have associated debt or a related driverâs license suspension. (JK)
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Fowlerville Man Charged In MSU Sex AssaultsFowlerville Man Charged In MSU Sex Assaults
Authorities say a Livingston County man sexually assaulted two women at the Michigan State University health center and forced them to watch lewd videos he made of himself.
The Lansing State Journal reports court records say university police Detective Sam Miller testified about the allegations during a hearing that led to charges against 32-year-old Michael Phinn of Fowlerville. Phinn, who worked as a medical resident in the MSU Neurology Clinic, faces charges including first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault and aggravated indecent exposure. He was charged earlier this month, about a week after the women reported the allegations to police.
University spokeswoman Emily Guerrant says Phinn was suspended from clinical duties after the allegations surfaced. Police say the women weren't his patients at the Clinical Center. The Journal says Phinn graduated from MSUâs College of Osteopathic Medicine and was serving a post-graduate neurology residency under supervision of the college, which has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal. Nassar, who sexually assaulted hundreds of women and girls, worked in the college for nearly two decades. His former boss, William Strampel, was also the dean of the college and is now facing criminal charges, including using his position to "harass, discriminate, demean, sexually proposition, and sexually assault female students." He also is charged with misdemeanor sex assault related to his actions during and after MSU's 2014 Title IX investigation that cleared Nassar. An arraignment date for Phinn has yet to be set. (JK)
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New Charges Sought Against BrennanNew Charges Sought Against Brennan
Three additional allegations have been lodged against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan.
In a filing on Monday, the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission amended their ongoing complaint against Brennan to include allegations of persistent failure to treat persons fairly or courteously, conduct clearly prejudicial to the administration of justice and making false statements. The new accusations were made following an 8-day hearing examining misconduct charges against Brennan of abusing her judicial power and failing to disclose personal relationship that constituted clear conflicts of interest.
Chief among those was a relationship with former Michigan State Police Detective Sean Furlong, who was the chief prosecution witness in the 2013 murder trial of Jerome Kowalski, over which Brennan presided and resulted in Kowalskiâs conviction and life sentence. They claim the affair began after the trial, but testimony and records from Brennanâs 2017 divorce indicated otherwise.
The new JTC filing says that testimony from the hearing indicated Brennan was âunfair and discourteousâ to court employees, lawyers and litigants, disregarded a court order from her divorce case to preserve data on her cell phone and made false statements about the circumstances leading to her decision to delete the data from her phone. Brennan will now be given time to respond to the new accusations and then retired Wayne County Judge William Giovan, who is serving as a Special Master over the JTC complaint, will decide whether to add the charges or deny them.
Brennan, who has denied all of the allegations, was removed from her duties in June, one day after the first formal JTC complaint was issued on June 12th. She is still being paid her annual $135,000 salary, while Livingston County is paying up to $100,000 for her defense. In addition, a visiting judge has been brought in at taxpayer expense to handle her docket. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police continue to investigate criminal allegations against Brennan including perjury, destroying evidence and obstruction of justice. (JK)
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Grant Funds To Upgrade Community Theatre's Sound SystemGrant Funds To Upgrade Community Theatre's Sound System
Newly awarded grant funds will help the Community Theatre of Howell upgrade the theatre's failing sound system.
The Community Theatre of Howell has been awarded a grant of $7,462 from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The grant was awarded through a peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for fiscal year 2019 funding. Organizations receiving grant awards are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars, and much local support was received. The Theatreâs mission is to foster and encourage the study of and public appreciation for the performing arts. It offers quality productions to the community each year, as well as educational opportunities for adults and youth.
The grant award, along with the matching funds, will be used to upgrade the theatre's failing sound system. New house speakers, stage microphones, and amplifiers are being installed in October so that they are fully functional for the opening show of The Little Mermaid on November 9th. Officials say the new elements will enhance the audience's auditory experience of the production. They add that stage monitors are also being installed, which will better enable the performers' perception of the accompanying music, thereby enhancing their vocal performance. (JM)
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Parking Restrictions Start Thursday On Second Street In BrightonParking Restrictions Start Thursday On Second Street In Brighton
The City of Brighton is advising residents of parking restrictions associated with the Second Street reconstruction project this week.
The City advises that the contractor will begin pouring concrete curbs, sidewalks, and driveway approaches early Thursday morning. That work will take place on the west side of Second Street only, as concrete work for the east side of the street will take place at a later date. In order to allow the concrete to cure properly, residents will not be able to enter or exit their driveway for approximately 7-10 days. Vehicles will not be permitted to park along the street from 7am to 7pm during the day while crews are working. Parking will be available at the City lot at Center Street and Second Street, as well as the Millpond Manor parking lot. The City says it will advise those affected when it is safe to access driveways.
Those with questions should contact Andy Heise, onsite inspector: 517-348-5541 or
Daren Collins, DPW Superintendent: 810-225-8001. (JM)
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State of the Twp. Highlights Hartland's Partnerships, "Smart Growth"State of the Twp. Highlights Hartland's Partnerships, "Smart Growth"
The 4th annual State of the Township address to the Hartland community revolved around a theme of growth, as officials highlighted their efforts to build not just developmentally, but relationally as well.
Supervisor Bill Fountain delivered the address at township hall Monday to residents, local officials and community partners. Fountain says the four Partners in Progress, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, Hartland Consolidated Schools, Cromaine Library and Hartland Township, have been working together to finalize the communityâs âbrandâ. Chamber Executive Director Katie Chuba says the partners want to fulfill the promise to those coming to area adding, âWe want to create that sense of community through this collaboration.â
After talking about the ongoing and continued growing relationship among the partners, Fountain discussed âsmart growthâ. He says itâs a tool for officials to use while planning for the areaâs future, keeping in mind what is in the best interest of the communityâs stakeholders. Fountain says the âsmart growthâ philosophy considers what a community can look like as times change. The goal when planning, according to Fountain, is to consider the different land uses, like residential, industrial or commercial, and ensure there are buffers between those uses that are sensitive to both entities living next to each other.
The âsmart growthâ concept is one that may come in handy, as Planning Director Troy Langer says thereâs an increased interest among developers to pursue various projects in Hartland Township. The Emagine Movie Theater, set to open by the end of this year, has played a role in generating conversation between the township and companies interested in bringing commercial and residential developments to the M-59 corridor. Noting the obvious growth and potential to grow, Langer says officials have also seen an uptick in renovations, adding that there are existing businesses that have and are doing interior remodeling and a âtremendous increaseâ in the number of permits sought to remodel homes.
Mondayâs State of the Township address concluded with the announcement of the 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Kathy Farhat-Tomaszewski. She was recognized for her advocacy work in the community as she works to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, as well as the need for research and more programs. (DK)
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Congressional Candidate Due In Court On Domestic Violence ChargeCongressional Candidate Due In Court On Domestic Violence Charge
A court date is set next week on a domestic violence charge lodged against a candidate for the 8th Congressional District.
Libertarian Brian Ellison was charged earlier this month with one count of domestic violence, assault & battery after police say he assaulted his wife in Madison Heights. Ellison was arrested October 9th after he got into an argument with his wife while driving along John R. Road. She says after putting in ear buds, Ellison pulled them out of her ears, scratching her in the process. He posted bond following his arraignment and is due back in court October 23rd.
Ellison told The Oakland Press he has no plans to withdraw his candidacy for Congress because of the arrest. This is the Libertarianâs third arrest this year, having previously been taken into custody in June and August while protesting fatal shootings involving Royal Oak Police. Ellison is set to appear Thursday night at a candidate forum in Hartland Township, alongside Incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Bishop and Democrat Elissa Slotkin. (JK)
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Judicial Candidate Says Foreclosure Issue Is ResolvedJudicial Candidate Says Foreclosure Issue Is Resolved
A candidate for circuit court judge says that issues have been resolved pertaining to a default judgment entered against his home mortgage.
Brighton-based attorney Dennis Brewer, who is running for a newly created 44th Circuit Court judgeship in Livingston County, says he is up to date on payments for a condominium he and his wife own in the San Marino Hills community in Hartland Township. A foreclosure by default notice was published last month by Wells Fargo Bank for the remaining balance of $184,965.08. A foreclosure sale was scheduled to take place today after the mortgage was sent to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office Civil Division for auction, but has been removed from the docket. Records show that since the couple purchased the condo in 2010, all taxes have been paid on time. It is currently valued at about $320,000.
When asked about the foreclosure notice, Brewer told WHMI that it was, âdue to a variety of very personal family mattersâ and that he didnât see the relevance as, âJudges are not responsible for handling budgetsâ¦â He added that he was, âpart of a family thatâs going through a situation that a lot of other families in Livingston County can relate to.â
Brewer is facing 53rd District Court Judge L. Suzanne Geddis in the Nov. 6 General Election. (JK)
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Settler's Park Bike Trails To Receive "Destination" ExpansionSettler's Park Bike Trails To Receive "Destination" Expansion
A biking trail in one local communityâs park may soon become a âgo toâ spot for enthusiasts. The Hartland Township Board of Trustees approved a proposal from the Motor City Mountain Biking Association to continue building out their vision of trails in Settlerâs Park. The Association completed phase 1 of the project during the summer. That phase was for the first 2 miles of their vision.
With the MCMBA receiving overwhelming support and response from phase 1, they are looking to expand the system to be a collective 6 miles in length. This is magic number where the Association believes a trail system turns into a âdestination.â Hartland Township Supervisor Bill Fountain said this âdestinationâ possibility is one of the reasons theyâve built up Settlerâs and Heritage Park in the community. He said itâs not really to bring a tourism aspect to Hartland, but that it could still give the local businesses a bump in revenue from mountain bikers also wanting to go shopping, see a movie, or grab a bite to eat.
The Parks Site Plan Committee gave the project its recommendation under one condition â if new amenities to Settlerâs Park require the trail to be revised, that it be done. The MCMBA agreed. They will also incur all the costs for construction and maintenance, meaning the project wonât cost township residents a dime. With it being approved, Phase 2 is expected to begin as soon as the leaves are off the trees. (MK)
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Arc Fall Fashion Show Celebrating 25 YearsArc Fall Fashion Show Celebrating 25 Years
Local and state celebrities will take to the cat walk in a fundraiser to help those with developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Livingston is holding their 25th annual Celebrity Holiday Fashion Show on November 15th at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. All of the proceeds will remain in Livingston County helping The Arc with their mission to empower and support people with developmental disabilities so that they can participate with and contribute to the community.
The evening begins at 5:30pm with hor d'oeuvres and a silent auction filled with many great ideas for holiday shopping by local businesses. Dinner and the fashion show begin at 7pm. A live auction with prizes including a trip to the Bahamas will follow.
In celebration of the eventâs 25th year, the jewelry raffle will feature a one-of-a-kind, 18-karat white- and yellow-gold diamond necklace, valued at $7,500. It features white and yellow diamonds commissioned by Cooper & Binkley Jewelers from world class designer Simon G. Tickets for the jewelry raffle are sold separately and you do not need to be present to win. Just 1,000 are being sold and are available at Cooper & Binkley, Bink nâ Babs Boutique and at the Arc of Livingston office.
As for the fashion show on November 15th, those tickets are $80 per person. To reserve a spot of find more information on any of the events that night, visit the link below. (JK)
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Livingston County Adopts New Master PlanLivingston County Adopts New Master Plan
The Livingston County Planning Commission has officially approved a non-traditional and new master plan.
The master plan is the document that communities use to guide development and describe how they wish their community to look in the future. Livingston County had been working off of 2003âs plan until Wednesday night, when a new master plan was approved. The plan is built for online viewing and draws inspiration from a pair of sources. One is the pictorial aspect of Grand Traverse Countyâs 2013 master plan; the other are best practice documents popularized locally by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. The new master plan identifies trends and then follows up with best practice examples from similar local, state, and national communities. Leaders can then follow a link on the plan to view or even replicate what others have done.
Missing from the new master plan is a future land use map for the county. The planning department felt that the local governments all had the best first-hand knowledge of what their own maps should look like. Instead the planning commission included an âopportunities and constraints map.â On it, the âopportunitiesâ are identified areas where neighboring communities can benefit from each other, while âconstraintsâ show areas that may need to be addressed, like border disputes.
The new master plan is also entirely online, with quality-of-life improvements made to the navigation of it. Residents will find easy to use table of contents tabs and embedded web links throughout. The links will be checked annually to ensure they always work. With 5 year periodic updates, the planning commission expects this new master plan to be good for 10 to 15 years. Those wishing to see the new master plan can find it at https://www.livgov.com/plan. (MK)
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Bishop Earns Detroit Chamber EndorsementBishop Earns Detroit Chamber Endorsement
The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce has made an endorsement in whatâs become the most expensive Congressional race in Michigan history.
The chamber's political action committee offered public support on Wednesday for 8th District Republican Congressman Mike Bishop. Brad Williams, vice president of Government Relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber, said Bishopâs, âservice in Congress has been exemplary and the Chamber encourages voters to return him to Washington to continue his leadership on smart taxation and regulation, protecting the Great Lakes, and lowering the costs of college education." Bishop said he was honored to, âonce again earn the support of more than the 2/3 of the men and women of the Chamber PAC board required to earn this endorsement, and I am ready to continue to work with them toward a brighter for future for our region."
Bishop is being challenged by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, whose spokesperson Laura Epstein responded to the announcement by saying, âElissa Slotkin is proud to have the support of local leaders and community groups, including Democrats and Republicans, and if elected, she will work hard in Congress on behalf of all Michigan small-business owners." Slotkin has brought the race to a statistical dead-heat in a district Bishop won by 17 points in 2016. According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, the 8th District race is now the most expensive congressional race in Michigan history, with spending already exceeding $16.5 million with less than three weeks before the Nov. 6 election.
In a surprise move, the chamber also endorsed Democrat Gretchen Whitmer in her race against Republican Bill Schuette for Governor, the first Democrat theyâve backed for that post since 1990. The chamber PAC cited Whitmer's support for infrastructure funding, including construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, her votes as a state senator for Detroit's bankruptcy deal and expansion of the stateâs Medicaid program. (JK)
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Brighton School Board Discusses Items For 2019 Bond IssueBrighton School Board Discusses Items For 2019 Bond Issue
At an over 3-hour workshop session Wednesday night, the Brighton Board of Education hashed out a laundry list of possible items to put on an upcoming 2019 bond issue, which will likely be in the $48 million range.
The board went to the public with a bond issue back in 2012
that was approved, but some items were left out because the bond would not have had a chance of passing. A good percentage of the items that were removed from the 2012 package had to do with infrastructure: parking lots, interior improvements and so forth â things that didnât pertain directly to academics and that could be deferred to a later date. The board discussed both big-ticket and small items last night, and voted separately on whether to include each particular item in the bond issue.
A few of the big-ticket items certain to be included in the bond issue are STEAM Centers âan acronym which means Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. STEAM Centers are proposed for Maltby Intermediate, Scranton Middle School and Brighton High School - all lumped together - at $10 million. Also given the nod: a new parking lot at Scranton Middle School for $2.6 million, and one that might be considered controversial: a cover, or âdomeâ, at the High School field, priced anywhere from $1.5 to $3.5 million.
Supt Greg Gray says that the problem now is that they canât utilize the outdoor facilities four months of the year, whereas covering the practice field or the main football field with a dome in the winter would allow it to be used all year long.
Board member John Conely warned that if a dome is included in the bond issue it might not be approved by the voters, since some in the public would regard it as frivolous and unnecessary. At any rate, the shopping list will be pared down and refined at subsequent meetings. Right now, nothing is cast in stone, and the board is not expected to make a final decision on the items to be included in the bond issue until its December meeting. An important aspect of the bond issue is that it will not result in an increase in property owners' taxes, but will merely extend the length of the district's current debt. A date for the 2019 bond issue to be placed on the ballot hasn't been set. (TT)
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Fowlerville Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesFowlerville Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
A police search at a home in Fowlerville has led to the authorization of child pornography charges against an area man.
35-year-old James Witgen of Fowlerville is charged with three counts each of child sexually abusive activity and possession of child sexually abusive material, and six counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned on all counts in 53rd District Court in Howell Tuesday.
Witgen was arrested on October 15th by Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers from the Brighton Post, following an investigation conducted by the MSP Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Further investigation led to locating a residence in Fowlerville, where a search of the home netted multiple internet capable devices and evidence.
Witgen is being held in the Livingston County Jail on a $1 million cash/surety bond. He returns to court October 24th for a probable cause conference. Court records show the charges against Witgen stem from an incident that occurred August 13th. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of child sexually abusive activity, four years in prison for each count of possession of child sexually abusive material and seven years in prison for each count of using of a computer to commit a crime.
Witgen is also charged in Livingston County in a separate case in which he is facing one count of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from an incident said to have occurred this past February.
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Brighton Library Book Sale Runs Through SundayBrighton Library Book Sale Runs Through Sunday
A bargain book sale will offer deals and entertainment for all ages through this weekend.
The Friends of the Brighton District Library is hosting their bi-annual book sale through Sunday, October 21st. Attendees can peruse hundreds of books and media items for all ages and tastes that are priced from 50 cents to a dollar. New releases, classics, how-to books, self-help, outdoor, cooking are some of the genres included. DVDâs CDâs and audio books will also be available. The book and media sale runs two times per year.
The Friends of the Brighton District library is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen and support program and services. Funds from memberships, book sales, special events, and donations go toward much needed programming, equipment, and services at the Library.
Included are a Books for Babies program, online databases like Mango Languages, the Summer Reading Program, Springfest, Holiday Open House, Livingston Reads, Writerâs Workshops, and movie licenses which allow the library to show films to the public at no charge. (JK)
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Michigan Fans Beat Spartans Raising Funds For Dental ClinicMichigan Fans Beat Spartans Raising Funds For Dental Clinic
Wolverine fans helped Michigan grab a win prior to Saturdayâs big game at an annual fundraiser benefitting a local dental clinic that serves those in need.
The 10th annual VINA Dental Tailgate was held at Crystal Gardens in Howell Wednesday night, pitting Michigan and Michigan State fans against one another to see which teamâs fanbase is more charitable. The winner of the yearly contest is the side that donates the most to VINA in the time leading up to and through the event.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy was the emcee of this yearâs party and announced Michiganâs fans had raised more by âquite a lotâ, though the final numbers wonât be calculated for a few days still. Murphy says while Saturdayâs game will have a winner and a loser, the tailgate party does not because itâs all about raising money for a good cause like VINA. The clinic was established in 2008 with a mission to provide quality, affordable dental care to individuals with limited finances and little to no access to dental care.
Noting Livingston Countyâs location directly between Michigan and Michigan State University, Co-Founder Dr. Fred Bonine says fans came to the tailgate to support their respective institutions, but more importantly, they came to contribute to local residents in need. Speaking of VINA's patients Bonine says, "Theyâre the working poor for that matter and they have the same teeth that everybody else does with the same problems and because of VINA, they have someplace to go."
With VINAâs 10th anniversary held just last month, Bonine says they have much to celebrate, including the approximately 18,000 dental appointments provided over the last decade, and generating $5 million in dental care for patients. (DK)
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Two Local Non-Profits That Help Persons With Disabilities To Share $50KTwo Local Non-Profits That Help Persons With Disabilities To Share $50K
Individuals with disabilities are the real winners following a golf outing held this past summer.
Corrigan Oil, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and First National Bank held their 5th Annual Golf Outing, which raised $52,124.45. Half will go to Special Ministries of Livingston County, a non-profit that provides social activities for children and adults with disabilities - of all ages and all abilities. Executive Director Sabrina Musko says they let them know theyâre in a safe environment, just love on them and make sure theyâre having a lot of fun. She said the golf outing was an amazing event and it was great to see all of the people who came, even those from outside of Livingston County to support non-profits. Musko, a big fan of surprises, didnât find out the actual amount until the check presentation ceremony and was certainly surprised. She tells WHMI they are so incredibly blessed to be one of the recipients of the golf outing and want to reach as many people with disabilities as they can, noting theyâre working on a shoe string budget so the funds will make a huge difference and help incredibility to be able to continue programming and make a difference in Livingston County. She said a big thank you is owned to everyone who pulled off the golf outing, which she recognizes wasnât easy with so with so many participants. Musko said sheâs thankful to all of the golfers and volunteers and wants them to know how much they are going to change peopleâs lives.
The other recipient of the golf outing was the Arc of Livingston, which empowers and supports community members with developmental disabilities and their families so that they can participate with and contribute to the community. Executive Director Anne Richardson says the funds will play a huge piece in helping them address issues that families with developmental disabilities go through; adding the amount of money raised was tremendous. Richardson says the funds will pay for one of their part time advocates, thus increase the amount of outreach they can do and the amount of people they can serve â adding it is truly a gift.
Arc Board Chair Kim Hughes says they serve as an advocacy agency for persons with disabilities. She says they work with agencies and organizations to help them understand persons with disabilities and make systems a little bit fairer for them. In schools, for example, Hughes says many wonât know the different needs someone with a disability might have so Arc will work with administrators and teachers to help them understand. She says Arc helps and supports parents but also educates and works with different programs to get them the help they need. She says their fashion show is an annual event that opens the Christmas season and its tradition now but also their primary funding, as the Arc is community and partner supported. Hughes says there has always been the desire and need to do more and itâs hard to turn families away or be unable to make it to an event with someone because of limited funds but now, the Arc is at a place where they can do more. She says they can now reach more families but also look at ways to connect with the community. Hughes noted the donation from the golf outing was a huge surprise because it wasnât budgeted and now they get to do more, adding they are very grateful to the community and couldnât do it without them. She further noted they donât like to think of themselves as a charity. Hughes says when they say advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities, their hope is to one day no longer be needed one day so families and persons donât need someone to walk side by side with them to help interpret to the community and different government systems who they are, and that itâs something more natural one day. She says the ideal picture would be that people understand persons with disabilities and the Arc is obsolete, one day.
The event was held at Hartland Glen Golf Course in August. 70 teams were registered with around 280 golfers taking part. The ARC of Livingston and Special Ministries of Livingston County will each receive $26,062.23 as a result of the golf outing. (JM)
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ESPN At BHS In Advance Of Friday Banner PresentationESPN At BHS In Advance Of Friday Banner Presentation
The ESPN television sports network is in Brighton today preparing for a ceremony Friday that will honor everyone involved in a unique athletic program.
The Brighton Unified squads play three sports: flag football, basketball and bocce ball, in which special and regular education students play on the same team. Brighton High School was named by ESPN as one of five exemplary high schools in the nation and will receive a national banner from the network as part of the its Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Recognition Program.
Today, representatives from ESPN and Special Olympics of Michigan are at the high school filming background footage and then conducting focus group interviews with six students who participate in the program. Then on Friday morning at 8:30, a special breakfast event will be held in the cafeteria for program participants, coaches, VIP Guests, ESPN & Special Olympics Staff and the media. That will be followed by a building tour and then an assembly for the entire student body ending with the banner presentation by ESPNâs Michelle Steele.
As a Unified Champion School, ESPN recognizes that Brighton has met the 10 national standards of inclusion. The other four schools which have been chosen as a national Unified Champion are located in California, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia.
The goal of the Unified Sports Program, developed by Special Olympics, is to promote Unified Sports - in which an equal number of regular classroom and special needs students are members of the same Unified team â with the result being that students with a developmental disability are included in the overall school experience. This means inclusion in a supportive classroom environment, school-wide activities and the social environment, both in and out of the school setting.
The Unified Schools Program is also designed to promote healthy physical activity, to reduce classroom bullying and exclusion, combat stereotypes and improve the school climate with activities that promote inclusion and acceptance of individual differences in people. The program is now in its 3rd year in the Brighton Area Schools. (JK)
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