West Bloomfield Parks honors Black History Month throughout February
West Bloomfield Parks will celebrate and honor Black History Month every Friday in February.
To kick off the month, they’re hosting a “History of the Tuskegee Airmen: Then and Now” webinar at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, via Zoom.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and they flew with distinction during World War II. Though subject to racial discrimination, both at home and abroad, the 996 pilots and more than 15,000 ground personnel who served with the allblack units, would be credited with some 15,500 combat stories.
Hear from Major William H. Burnett, president of the Macon-Thomas West Bloomfield Chapter President of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc, during the event. The presentation will include time for questions/answers.
To pre-register, call 248451-1900 or visit bit.ly/tuskegeehistory. For more events, visit www.wbparks.org/ blackhistory.html.
• Veterans meet-up: All West Bloomfield and area veteran residents age 50 and older may join a “Veterans Meet-Up” zoom session from 10:30 to 11:30 Tuesday, Feb. 8. to chat and swap stories. Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, call 248-451-1900.
• Help for veterans: Consumers Energy has donated $150,000 to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund to help eligible military veterans pay their energy bills and make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. The donation
is the largest in the fund’s 75-year history. Consumers previously made donations of $100,000 and $50,000 to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. Eligible veterans or dependents who are Consumers customers can apply for the utility assistance by calling the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800642-4838).
• Civil War exhibit: The Oxford Public Library presents “Michigan in the Civil War” traveling exhibit from the Detroit Historical Society via Zoom session from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at The Oxford Public Library, 530 Pontiac Street. There will be a fireside chat with storyteller Lois Keel, who will discuss the Civil War from the Homefront. Registrants will receive an email with Zoom meeting link and instructions prior to the presentation. To register, call 248-628-3034 or visit www. miopl.org.
• Friday fish fry: Oxford American Legion Post 108 hosts a carry-out only Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, 130 E. Drahner Road. Cost is $9 to $11 for a variety of fish and chicken dinner choices. For more information, call 248-628-9081.
• Raffle drawing: Farmington Groves-Walker American Legion Post 346 hosts a Queen of Hearts Progressive Raffle drawing at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, on the back patio, at 31775 Grand River Avenue, with a light dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be heated tents, and bathrooms will be open. Raffle tickets are only $1 by emailing 346Queen@ gmail.com or calling 248478-9174. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/www.americanlegionpost346.org.
• Opportunities for veteran-owned businesses: The National Veteran Business Development Council, based in Detroit, is the leading Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by veterans for veterans. Many lucrative business opportunities are available to veteran-owned businesses through the supplier diversity programs offered at many corporations and government agencies. For more information, visit nvbdc.org.
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.