Community Corner

6 Community Organizations Earn Brooksie Way Minigrants

Brooksie Way awards organizations a total of $7,700 for wellness-oriented efforts.

The Rochester Hills Public Library and Crittenton Hospital Medical Center Foundation were among six Oakland County organizations awarded funding through minigrants Wednesday from the Brooksie Way.

A total of $7,700 was awarded between the six programs.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson helped announce the recipients during a sponsor reception at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester that served as the kickoff for Sunday's Brooksie Way festival of races.

The grants benefit programs throughout Oakland County that promote wellness and physical activity, striking a chord consistent with the Brooksie Way's series of races, which include a half marathon, 10K and 5K events.

The Brooksie Way, now in its sixth year, is named in memory of Patterson's late son, Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in an automobile accident in 2007. The festivities at this year's Brooksie Way kick off at 8 a.m. Sept. 29 at Oakland University's Meadow Brook Music Festival. 

"I want my county to be healthy," Patterson said, addressing a crowd of more than 100 sponsors, elected officials and Brooksie Way organizers.

The Rochester Hills Public Library earned funding for its Activity Camp Try-athlon, a three-day camp of physical activities during the mid-winter school break. Activities at the camp will include yoga, dance, tumbling, Zumba and martial arts and will help promote the library's collection of fitness and health-oriented DVDs and books.

The Crittenton Hospital Medical Center Foundation earned funds for its Mommy & Me walking program, which takes place weekly through September 2014 and includes mothers, children and families in the area.

Other recipients included the Kenny Goldman Basketball League at the Bloomfield Township-based Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit. The league will use grant funds toward the purchase of new score clocks, basketballs, nets and supplies. 

The Special Olympics Michigan Oakland County Area 15 earned funds to cover its facility charges for the Southeast Regional Tournaments for poly hockey and basketball.

The Huntington Woods-based Strive Recreational Therapy earned funding for its New Pathways program, held in conjunction with Clarkston Hot Yoga, to offer an eight-week yoga, Tai Chi and pilates program for those with disabilities. 

West Bloomfield's Sheiko Elementary School earned funding for its educational program developed by Henry Ford West Bloomfield, which focuses on fitness and nutrition for kids. All of the school's students will participate in a five-session program, while the hospital installs six hydroponic flood and drain systems at the school and will provide seeds and plants.


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