Whether you want to continue to work on a new goal or improve your life, Oakland County can support your efforts. The county’s vision and mission is to create a place where residents and businesses can thrive. Let Oakland County help you make 2024 your best year yet!
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The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 20th and 21st for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The community celebration will be packed with events like axe throwing, cornhole, climbing wall, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on both nights, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!
“The Fire & Ice Festival is a fun-filled opportunity to get out of the house, even in the depths of winter, to enjoy some fresh air and regain a sense of community. The event attracts thousands of people from across the region to get a taste of how joyful and active winter can really be.”
-Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. both days.
Take a look at our video for a preview of the fun:
The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center offers housing and medical care to more than 4,000 animals per year. The state-of-the-art shelter, built in 2017, is located on Oakland County‘s campus in Pontiac, and provides some of the very best in industry standards to the animals staying there. The facility combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to deliver the best possible service to animals in need.
The pet adoption center has plenty of cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies who are looking for their forever home. Those interested in adopting a pet or learning more about available pets are invited to schedule an appointment by calling 248-858-1070. The center takes appointments Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The animal shelter also partners with several local non-profits and Pet Adoption Outreach Centers to help place more animals into loving homes.
All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, heartworm or feline leukemia tested, microchipped, and given age appropriate vaccinations prior to leaving the shelter. You must be over 18 years old to adopt an animal from the shelter and a valid ID is required. All fees must be paid in full before an animal can leave the shelter. If you rent your living space, approval from a landlord is required.
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Oakland County provides many services to help our rapidly growing older adult community and those who care for them. While National Senior Citizens Day is on August 21 each year, we want to celebrate older adults all month and highlight resources that are available to them year round.
To improve and expand upon these services, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter included funding for an Older Adult Advocate position in his balanced, three-year budget recommendation for fiscal year 2023-2025. This new position will coordinate and help improve services the county provides to older residents across all departments.
Additional resources and services are available within the county to help our community of older adults. Find a full list of services below to take advantage of:
C.A.T.S. (Companion Animals Touching Seniors) offers older adults the opportunity to foster a cat. The program lasts two months, in which the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center provides all the necessary supplies to care for the cat. When the foster period ends, the older adult has the chance to adopt the cat. The only fee they are asked to cover is for the license. For more information, contact Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center at 248-858-1070 or email petadoption@oakgov.com.
The Healthy Aging Oakland County Ad Hoc Committee was formed in 2021 to create a strategic blueprint for an aging-friendly county that meets the needs of the rapidly growing 65+ populations and those who care for them.
In honor of Older Americans Month in June, 12 community members were recognized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners with 2022 Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Awards. The program, spearheaded by Commissioner Kristen Nelson (District 5), was designed to highlight Oakland County residents 60 years and older who demonstrate a passion for volunteerism and community service. Commissioners were invited to nominate a resident from their district for this special award program.
The Oakland County Health Division offers a guide for older adults who are looking for information about aging well. Many resources are available for housing, health, medical, legal issues, and local services as well as other valuable information. Additional services the Health Division provides:
Contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com for more information.
Older adults can subscribe to the MSU Extension-Oakland monthly newsletter, which offers up-to-date, research-based information affecting senior health and wellness issues. Each month includes a healthy recipe.
The Senior Market FRESH program is aimed at helping older adults eat healthier. Senior Market FRESH gives coupon vouchers to eligible older adults to get Michigan-grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and honey from farmers markets.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Senior Market Days:
The county’s Neighborhood Housing and Development Division offers reverse mortgages for those aged 62 or older. Housing Counselors can explain the program to you so you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right product for your household. They can also provide the necessary certificate to be able to apply for a reverse mortgage. Call to speak with an advisor: 248-858-5402.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programming for active adults. Explore their parks, try a new activity, learn about Oakland County history and enjoy socializing with others in a welcoming, friendly environment. Older adults ages 62 and up can receive a free Annual Vehicle Permit to access eight of the 14 Oakland County Parks. Call 248-858-0916 or email info@oaklandcountyparks.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s 911 Emergency Senior Cell Phone Program is designed to equip seniors with a mobile means of contacting help in the event of an emergency. The cell phones are available to any Oakland County Senior Citizens free of charge. There is no monthly service fee to use the phone for emergency use.
Cell phone distribution hours are:
Where:
Learn about domestic safety for older adults by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website.
As a U.S. veteran, part of your life’s journey was serving our country, and the Oakland County Veterans Services team is dedicated to honoring your service and helping you to map out all the veteran benefits you have earned. Learn more about all the resources available to veterans.
For more information, call the Veterans Services Pontiac office at 248-858-0785 or the Troy/South Oakland office at 248-655-1250.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.
Are you ready to give an adorable dog or cat a furever home and family? Join the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center from May 2-6 for the BISSELL Empty the Shelter Adoption Event sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Dog adoptions are $25, and cat adoptions are $15. All adoptable dogs and cats can be found online on the Oakland County Pet Finder page. To adopt a pet, you must first submit an adoption application. Schedule an adoption appointment at the shelter by calling 248-858-1297.
