Fraser-Clinton Chronicle | Published June 30, 2023
CMPL hosting events in July
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton-Macomb Public Library kicks off its July events at the North Branch with Drummunity on Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m.
This family-friendly event will allow all visitors to play the drums with percussionist Lori Fithian.
The South Branch will host an introduction to genealogy session on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m., using Ancestry Family Edition and other family history sites. Participants can bring their own computers and the library will have several available.
Tweens aged 8-12 will get their chance to solve a crime scene and learn about forensics and use science, logic and problem-solving skills on Saturday, July 15, at 2:30 p.m. Tweens can also build pom-pom poppers, pool noodle rocket flingers and paper airplanes at the Main Branch on Wednesday, July 19, at 3 p.m.
The Main Library will host Legends of Detroit Television on Monday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Tim Kiska — Michigan Journalism Hall of Famer, professor and voice of The Detroit History Podcast — will discuss the history of Detroit television broadcasting, its characters and how they influenced the city’s personality and social agenda. Entertainer and singer Vanessa Carr will visit the Main Library on Wednesday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. to host a show featuring songs, dancing and storytelling inspired by iconic shows.
Visit http://cmpl.libnet.info/events for a full list of events or to register for events.
New director at county health department
MACOMB COUNTY — County Executive Mark Hackel announced on June 20 the appointment of Krista Willette, R.N., M.S.A., as the new director of the Macomb County Health Department MCHD. Willette is currently the deputy director of the MCHD.
“Krista’s background gives her the experience and unique perspective required for leading the Macomb County Health Department,” Hackel said in a statement. “She knows the programs and the people, and she’s connected to the individuals and families we serve. This knowledge, combined with her skills as a trained medical professional, ensures a strong future for our Health Department and the important programming it provides.”
Willette began her career at the MCHD in 1995 as a public health nurse and has provided supervisory and management support for many programs including community outreach, maternal and child health, and clinic services. In her role as deputy director, Willette was responsible for the daily operations of the department, which has a budget of $31 million and more than 250 employees.
“It is an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Health Department,” Willette said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated professionals of the department to reestablish priorities and move the department forward post COVID response.”
Macomb Sheriff Office ready for distracted driving law
MACOMB COUNTY — As Michigan’s new distracted driving law comes into effect on June 30, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to enforce it.
“If we see you with a phone in your hand, you’re going to get pulled over and either warned or ticketed,” said Sgt. Ken Rumps of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Enacted as an amendment to the Michigan vehicle code, the new language prohibits drivers from using a phone for social media, internet use and other nonemergency purposes while operating a motor vehicle, even while stationary at stop signs and red lights. The law expands on prior bans for talking and texting while operating a vehicle. First-time offenders will be charged a $100 civil fine and/or 16 hours of community service with $250 fines and/or 24 hours of community service for subsequent offenses. Penalties are increased if involved in a crash and for school bus and commercial vehicle operators.
“It’s everywhere,” Rumps said. “You can just drive down the road, even not in a patrol car, and see how many people have a phone in their hand, let alone when we see them in our patrol cars. A lot of times, we’re going to calls and we’re like, ‘God, I wish I wasn’t going to a call right now. This guy is all over the road typing on his phone.’ It’s an issue and hopefully we can get a dent in it and the word out. We’ve got to stop this distracted driving.”
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office has an Office of Highway Safety Planning grant to increase traffic enforcement efforts in July to focus on distracted driving, and the department has been part of the Operation Ghost Rider distracted driving enforcement efforts along Hall Road with the Transportation Improvement Association, the Michigan State Police and local agencies.
Anton Center celebrates 120 years of Detroit painters, sculptors’ society
MOUNT CLEMENS — From June 24 to Aug. 12, the Anton Art Center’s first-floor gallery will showcase the works of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors in a celebration of the society’s 120 years of art in the city.
“Celebrating 120 Years of Art in Detroit” will display 50 pieces of art from a selection of over 100 submissions by painters and sculptors from the society. The exhibit is juried by Stephanie James, the director, curator and collection educator at the Mott-Warsh Collection in Flint, Michigan.
Established in 1903 by Lillian Burk Meeser, the DSWPS is one of the oldest self-sustaining women’s art organizations in the United States. The society aims to develop an appreciation for contemporary art movements, encourage high achievement and active participation among its members and provide support and encouragement to art students. The DSWPS achieves these goals through exhibitions, programs, and an annual scholarship awarded to a woman student attending art classes in an accredited college.
“There’s something powerful about knowing you’re a part of a landmark artist group,” artist Jaclyn Gordyan said in a statement. “Especially one devoted to elevating women’s voices that have historically been diminished in the art world. I’m proud to be a part of this show to share my voice in the loud song of the other artists beside me.”
The Anton Art Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.