Troy Times | Published June 24, 2023
Local students recognized in art competition
Three young Troy residents were among 22 students recognized as winners or honorable mentions in the 2023 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest, formerly known as the Financial Literacy Arts Contest.
A private reception was held at the Flagstar Bank Regional Headquarters in Troy June 8. At least 160 Oakland County public high school student art submissions were received in various mediums — including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, video and illustration — focusing on the different aspects of financial empowerment.
International Academy East High School student Annie Zhao won second place and a cash prize of $750. Zhao’s piece, “Choose Your Path,” shows the importance of financial literacy through a warped representation of a person’s financial choices.
Troy Athens High School student Alicia Wang won third place and a cash prize of $500. She won first place in 2022. Wang’s piece, “Financial Security,” shows the importance of financial literacy through a fantastical representation of a financial safety net.
Troy Athens High School student Sophie Palmkoeck was named an honorable mention and received a cash prize of $100. Palmkoeck’s piece, “Gluttonous Drives,” shows the importance of financial literacy to reflect upon consumerism and gluttony.
For more information on the arts contest and to view the winners and submissions, visit the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office website at oakgov.com/treasurer.
Troy Community Center to host ‘Boogie Woogie Kid’
The Troy Community Center, in conjunction with the City of Troy Seniors, is inviting the public to a live performance by Matthew Ball, known as the Boogie Woogie Kid.
Describing himself as a “piano and song man,” Ball will perform classic American songbook favorites from New Orleans and the swing era, including “In the Mood,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “It Had to be You,” “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In,” “Basin Street Blues,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “Bumble Boogie.”
He will perform this family-friendly event at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, in the Theater Room of the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road. For more information or to register, those interested can call (248) 524-3484.
Second annual fundraiser held to fight colon cancer
On June 9, the second annual “Jamie Samuelsen Strike Out Colon Cancer” tournament was held at Flynn Park in Troy.
Featuring the Troy High band, the Troy combined choirs, and a silent auction, a softball match took place pitting the Troy School District team against a team of local celebrities to raise money for colon cancer research.
Named in honor of former sports talk personality and Troy School District member Jamie Samuelsen, the event raised $3,577, bringing its two-year total to $17,038. The money will benefit nonprofits Fight CRC and Colontown.
“It was so wonderful to see the community come out to enjoy a fun night of softball and share the message of early colon cancer screening in Jamie’s memory,” said Jamie’s wife, Christy McDonald. “Our family is so thankful for the love and support.”
Victory and bragging rights went to the Troy School District team after a close score of 38-37.
DNR wants feedback on auctioning off 4,600 acres of public wilderness
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for public feedback regarding its future plans, including its intention to auction off almost 6,000 acres of public wilderness.
The DNR is determining plans on approximately 16,000 acres of land, 66.7% of which it intends to retain, 3% it intends on offering to alternative conservation partners, 1.3% it intends to exchange with other organizations, and 29% of which it intends to sell through public auction.
The land in question is located in Baraga, Benzie, Clare, Clinton, Genesee, Ionia, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Shiawassee and Wayne counties. The DNR said it’s part of its multiyear state land review process to determine which parcels best help the department to deliver broad public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities, while also protecting natural and cultural resources on those lands.
Those wishing to weigh in can email the DNR at dnr-statelandreview@michigan.gov. All feedback is due by June 30.