We have all seen the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. A year ago, our lives started changing and life as we knew it was fundamentally altered from how it used to be.
As the county looks back at the last year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to recognize and pay tribute to the sacrifice and resilience of Oakland County residents and honor the collective pain and loss that has touched our lives
Oakland County has created a pair of virtual story maps that embody the spirit of Oakland Together with both the gratitude we’ve felt for big and small acts of kindness from our friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and strangers as well as the grief and loss many of us have experienced from deaths from the coronavirus.
Four Oakland County residents were chosen by public vote as the winners in the ‘Oakland Together’ Online COVID-19 Safety Video & Art Contest.
Oakland County Executive David Coulter announced the winners during a Facebook Live update on August 11th, celebrating the creativity of the winners while reminding residents that the steps each of us takes makes a difference in stopping the spread of the virus.
“Oakland County is so fortunate to have such wonderfully talented artists and storytellers in our midst. Their collective message is simple and to the point. We have an obligation to our families, those we care about, our coworkers, classmates and friends, and even those we don’t know to wear a facial covering to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.”
Oakland County Executive David Coulter
The contest was open to county residents in two categories: youth ages 10-17 and those 18 and above. The theme was the continuing importance of practicing COVID-19 safety protocols such as wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently. Entrants could submit a video or visual art.
YOUR art has power. Art can save lives & bring us together.
Oakland County is looking for residents of nearly any age who have an artistic flair or video-making chops to create original art or a video to promote the continuing importance of practicing COVID-19 safety.
The ‘Oakland Together’ COVID-19 Safety Video & Art Contest is a way to encourage residents ages 10 and up to offer creative ways of sending the message that practices such as wearing face masks or social distancing continue to be critical components of fighting the pandemic.
“I know first-hand how creative and imaginative the residents of our county can be. This isn’t a new message, but it remains an important one. Wearing a face mask does make a difference in stopping the spread of the virus; washing your hands makes a difference and so does social distancing. You’ve heard me say it many times. I’m certain there are a lot of creative minds out there who can deliver the message that COVID-19 is still with us and it will take all of us working as Oakland Together to beat this insidious virus.”
Oakland County Executive David Coulter
The contest has two ages divisions: 10-17 and 18 and above; and video or visual arts/2D categories for each. There is no limit to the number of times a person may enter but each entry must be done separately. Entry deadline is July 24th at 11:59 p.m.
The contest is open to original artwork submitted by the original creator, including but not limited to video, painting, drawing, photography, illustration, and printmaking. Artwork should promote and encourage COVID safety, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Michigan protocols.
A panel of judges will select the top three entries from each age group and category. Criteria include creativity, overall artistic impact in communicating safety during COVID-19, and the skill in mastering of the chosen medium. Coulter will announce the finalists on July 28th, whose creations will then be displayed online for a vote of by the public to determine the order of finish.
Every finalist will receive $100 each; category winners will each be awarded an additional $250 for a total of $350 combined with their finalist prize.
The winning entries will be considered for a virtual exhibit on OakGov.com, the county’s website and featured on Oakland County’s social media accounts and promoted in OaklandCountyProsper.com, the county’s bi-weekly electronic newsletter. They will also be considered for use in upcoming public service announcements. The artists will be given credit if their creations are used.
The contest is only open to residents of Oakland County. A complete list of rules and details on how to enter the contest are found at www.oakgov.com/covid/contests.
Stay up to date about the coronavirus disease in the county and explore more information at www.oakgov.com/covid.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson delivered the 2019 State of the County address in United Shore’s new Pontiac headquarters on Thursday night. Their new space provided an underscore to Patterson’s overall address: a message of continual economic growth and development in Oakland County.
Whether you’re a pro at hosting the Thanksgiving meal or this will be your very first time, it’s important to follow and practice food safety tips, especially when poultry and stuffing are involved.
Turkey:
Cooking a turkey requires planning and preparation; get started using these tips from the USDA.
Buy the turkey a few days before you plan to cook it.
Refrain from buying a pre-stuffed turkey.
Remember that thawing the turkey takes 24 hours in the refrigerator for every four to five pounds, and cold water thawing takes 30 minutes per pound.
Be sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 ºF.
Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2-2 1/2 inches deep.
Cook stuffing in a casserole for optimum safety.
Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer and ensure it is at least 165 ºF.
Let the bird sit for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.
Cook all stuffing and dressing to a minimum temperature of 165 ºF, whether it is cooked inside or outside the bird. For optimum safety, cooking your stuffing in a casserole dish is recommended.
Prepare and put stuffing in the turkey immediately before it’s placed into the oven.
Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using.
Stuff the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
Bake any extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish.
Need more tips for preparing your feast? Call Butterball’s hotline at 800-288-8372, text them at 844-877-3456, or visit their website. Check out the Oakland County Health Division website for additional food safety tips.
