100+ Women With Heart continuing, despite effects of COVID-19
The Sault News
SAULT STE. MARIE Each year, 100+ Women With Heart has a goal to get 100 women to pledge $100 each to raise $10,000 that will be awarded to a local nonprofit in the area.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many businesses and nonprofits across the country, fundraising and giving is needed now more than ever.
“I had a dream,” said Nikki Dowd-McKechnie when talking about the inspiration of creating this yearly event. “For me, I run a nonprofit and I know how hard it is to try to get money from grants and everything else … I didn’t have all the details worked out, but I knew that I wanted to create something that wouldn’t be so cumbersome and try to get money to a nonprofit in Chippewa County.”
Photo provided by Carl Gianotti
Freedom Hill to host drive-in movies
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STERLING HEIGHTS While normalcy after COVID-19 might not be here quite yet, drive-in movies are returning to Freedom Hill County Park starting this May.
Carl Gianotti, the owner and founder of Macomb County Drive-in Movies, said springtime is perfect for getting outside to have fun. He started running drive-in films at the Freedom Hill site last year as a response to the challenges COVID-19 brought. He said last year went so well that he wants to do it again.
“Families like it. People love it. They’re happy to see the drive-in movies back. It’s like a giant tailgate party before the movie people sitting in their chairs and blankets.”
Troy police partner with Families Against Narcotics for overdose response team
Families Against Narcotics Executive Director Linda Davis speaks during a press conference April 27.
Photo by Jonathan Shead
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TROY A new partnership initiative between the Troy Police Department and Families Against Narcotics was announced April 27 to help compassionately combat the opioid epidemic and those dealing with substance use disorder or opioid use disorder.
The new Comeback Quick Response Team in Troy was funded by a one-time $8,500 grant from Impact100 Oakland County, a group of women who come together to raise money for local organizations and causes.
The Troy Police Department is the 15th law enforcement agency in the state and the fourth in Oakland County to begin a Quick Response Team initiative. Troy police join Berkley, Ferndale and Madison Heights, as well as some departments in Macomb County.
jriddle@thealpenanews.com
News Photo by Julie Riddle
Jill Busha, advocacy leader and drug court graduate, pauses in downtown Alpena last week.
ALPENA Jill Busha sits on the board of directors of a federally mandated advocacy organization.
And, when people look at her, they see a junkie, Busha said.
After years of battling drug addiction while advocating for others, Busha credits the Alpena drug court with seeing who she could be and helping her on the path to get there.
Michigan’s 199 problem-solving courts including drug, veterans, and mental health courts drastically reduce reoffending rates and almost eliminate unemployment among graduates, according to a report issued this month by the Michigan Supreme Court.
Warning signs and resources for people with alcoholism
The Sault News
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, reminding us people should exercise caution and watch out for warning signs of alcoholism in family/friends year-round.
Excessive alcohol use is responsible for about 95,000 deaths a year in the United States. Deaths due to excessive drinking account for 1 in 10 total deaths among working-age adults aged 20 to 64 years. In 2010, excessive alcohol use cost the US economy $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink. About 40% of these costs were paid by federal, state, and local governments.
“Great Lakes Recovery Centers has been providing behavioral health services, including treatment for alcohol use disorders, for over 40 years,” said Shawn Baker, chief operating officer of Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. “We have gender specific residential treatment for men and women … During the screening process, we help individuals access their insurance or set up payment agreements to cove