Shelby Township remembers its former chief
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Donald Campbell, retired Shelby Township chief of police, died earlier this month at Troy Beaumont Hospital after suffering from a long illness. Campbell was the second chief of police in Shelby Township’s 69-year history. He served with the department from 1968 to 1995 and was chief of police from 1987 until his retirement in 1995.
Campbell was a resident of Shelby Township and is survived by his only daughter, Samantha. Current Police Chief Robert Shelide said in a post on the Department’s Facebook page that during Campbell’s tenure and through the rest of his life, he was greatly respected by the men and women that he served with. His bench sits in the department’s Hall of Heroes with his name engraved and his years of service, and his picture is in the department’s lobby. The Police Department gave Campbell a tour of the new building, built in 2012 and updated in 2018, in 2021.
Utica declares May as ALS Awareness Month
UTICA — The Utica City Council has declared May as ALS Awareness Month. City Councilman Brad O’Donnell brought forth the resolution to present the public with information about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. O’Donnell’s father, Bryan G. O’Donnell, died due to complications from ALS in January 2022.
The resolution states that ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is a fatal disease that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, the resolution states, and the life expectancy is between two and five years after the date of diagnosis. The resolution states that Michigan has the highest prevalence of ALS in the Midwest and notes the love and care that family members provide to ALS patients.
The resolution passed unanimously at the May 9, 2023, Utica City Council meeting.
Down Home Days Festival family night is May 25
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Down Home Days Festival will have family night from 4:30 to 8 p.m. May 25 at Knights Park & Pavilion, 11541 21 Mile Road. There will be animals from the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, a DJ and kids dance party, the opportunity to meet Shelby Township police and fire personnel, the opportunity to meet Kelsey from Shelby TV’s “The Treehouse” kids show, and the chance to sign up for library cards and to learn about the Shelby Township Library’s summer reading program. There will also be an outdoor showing of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
Down Home Days will continue at Knights Park & Pavilion with carnival rides, a party pavilion, a beer tent and music through May 29.
Summer courses to teach young adults life skills
MACOMB COUNTY — Michigan State University Extension is offering Adulting 101 this spring and summer.
The educational programs are designed for high school students and young adults. Each class teaches life skills and tools to live independently, with different topics planned for each month taught by experienced MSU Extension educators and 4-H volunteers.
“How to Buy a Car” will be held at 4 p.m. June 8.
“Sew What! Clothing Care saves Cash” will be held at 1 p.m. July 13.
“Eating Healthy on a Budget” will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 16.
Register at canr.msu.edu/events/adult101s23. For more information, contact Macomb County MSU Extension educator Kathy Jamieson at jamies13@msu.edu.
To bee or not to bee
MICHIGAN — In observance of World Bee Day on May 20, Lawn Love ranked 2023’s best states for beekeeping. Michigan ranked No. 11.
According to the study, Michigan was 12th in the number of honey-producing colonies and 10th in value of honey production. The data also reveal that the state ranked fourth in number of honey suppliers and sixth in the number of apiculture classes. Apiculture is generally the scientific method of rearing honeybees.
To come up with the rankings, Lawn Love compared 39 of the 50 states with available data based on the four categories, among 15 total metrics. Lawn Love offers lawn care service nationwide.
Hibernians hosting benefit for childhood cancer camp
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On Saturday, June 10, the Ancient Order of Hibernians is hosting a benefit golf outing at Fern Hill Golf Club in Clinton Township.
Costing $100 per person to register ($120 on day of the event), “The Irish Open” is raising money to support the AOH’s Camp Casey, which brings horses to the homes of children with cancer.
“The joy and excitement of the children interacting with the horses is just priceless,” Patrick O’Brien, officer for the AOH Fr. Solanus Casey Division, said in a statement. “This confirms to us that the work that Camp Casey does is worthy of our continuing support.”
The outing includes 18 holes of golf, on-course refreshments and a steak dinner. For more information, contact O’Brien at (586) 243-2662.