Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June 2 through June 8 as State Veterans Homes Recognition Week, honoring the more than 350 veterans that reside in our state veterans homes and the hardworking staff that support them, according to a press release.

“During State Veterans Homes Recognition Week, we uplift the more than 350 veterans living at state veterans homes in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids and Marquette and recommit ourselves to having their backs,” said Gov. Whitmer.

“This week, we should also applaud the hundreds of health care workers who work hard every day to care for our veterans. Together, let’s keep working to ensure our veterans and their families have the resources and support they need to thrive,” Whitmer said.

“This honor is a reflection on the distinguished heroes we serve and the incredible staff and volunteers who help bring veterans the high-quality care they’ve earned,” said Anne Zerbe, executive director, and CEO of Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH).

“With three unique homes, we’re proud to offer veterans across Michigan an opportunity to live in an extraordinary veteran-centric community with state-of-the-art skilled nursing care,” Zerbe said.

While there are many ways to support veterans at MVH, including volunteering at one of the state veterans homes, joining their team to provide veterans with exceptional care or making provisions in your will, trust, retirement account or insurance policy to distribute a legacy-leaving commitment, you can also support MVH by sending a check directly to each home or donating online. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2024/06/02/june-2-8-2024-state-veterans-homes-recognition-week.

For more information about Michigan Veteran Homes, visit www.michigan.gov/mvh.

Veteran food distribution event is June 13 in Madison Heights

• Oakland County Veteran Services, the City of Madison Heights Recreation Department and Forgotten Harvest will host a Veteran Food Distribution Event from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 13, at the Red Oaks Soccer Complex, 29601 John R Road Madison Heights.

Veterans can pick up free food as well as learn more about what Oakland County Parks has to offer Oakland County Veterans and their families. Registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-food-distribution-event-june-event-tickets-692597968167?aff= oddtdtcreator&fb. For more information, contact Tyrone Jordan at jordant@oakgov.com or 248-285-8016.

Michigan Youth Challenge Academy applications open for next class

The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) admissions process is now open for the academy’s next class, Cycle #51, which begins on July 14. The MYCA is a cost-free alternative education program which offers at-risk youth the opportunity to change their future. As part of the curriculum, cadets participate in drill and ceremony formations, meet physical fitness standards, perform community service, and receive classroom instruction. Candidates for the academy are 15 1/2-18 years old and are at risk of not graduating high school. Graduates of the MYCA are eligible for the Michigan Job Challenge Program, an extension program of the MYCA, which teaches workplace essentials, provides opportunities to learn a skilled trade and assists with job placement. To begin the admissions and application process and for more information, visit www.michigan.gov/myca. The application deadline is June 14.

Upcoming events

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Line Dancing Class at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, at 408 S. Saginaw. For more information, call Tina Thurlow 810-348-1359.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, at 408 S. Saginaw. Public welcome. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday June 13, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11; Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12; and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, June 14; at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Desert Angels to host a Miracle Box Packing Party for troops worldwide from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Oakland County Sportsmen Club, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. For more information and a complete list of requested items, email office@thedesertangel.org or call 248-736-6403.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.