CORONAVIRUS-RELATED COMMUNITY NEWS

Here is the latest information on community response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Oakland County.

BLOOD DRIVES

Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac to host blood drive

The Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, March 20 at the hotel’s ballroom, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac, according to a press release. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood. org and enter sponsor code: ahmarriott or call 1 800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.

Clawson-Troy Elks Club to host blood drive

The Clawson-Troy Elks Club in Troy is partnering with the American Red Cross as an Emergency Blood Donation Center, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. March 19, March 23, March 25-26 and 1-7 p.m. March 24. according to an announcement. To make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Michigan Treasury provides tax assistance for small businesses

Small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment, according to a press release. Tax payments due on March 20, can be postponed until April 20. The treasury department will waive all penalties and interest for 30days. For information, call (517) 636-6925, or visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

City of Farmington Hills shares resources for impacted local businesses

The City of Farmington Hills has established a coronavirus resource web page for impacted local businesses, at https://fhgov. com/Business/BusinessResources.aspx, according to a press release.Meeting rooms are available to members for small meetings involving 10 people or less. For information, contact Economic Development Director Samantha Seimer at (248) 871-2506or sseimer@ fhgov.com.

State provides guidance to employers contemplating layoffs

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity offers guidance to Michigan employers on how to avoid potential layoffs related to COVID-19, according to a press release. For information, visit www.michigan.gov/workshare.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

All Saints Community Breakfast

All Saints’ Community Breakfast will not be held in the auditorium, however the church is providing breakfast to go, from outside the elevator door, according to an email. The breakfast is normally held 8-10 a.m. March 21. The Produce Market, book store and resale shop will be closed through March 31, All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Pontiac, allsaintspontiac.org.

MSU Extension adds new online programming

The Michigan State University Extension has created a suite of online resources and programming, available on demand through its new Remote Learning and Resources online space, according to a press release. The Remote Learning and Resources online space includes a wide variety such as a listing of all MSU Extension virtual events — from family yoga sessions to lunch-andlearns for equine enthusiasts and educational resources.

Huron Valley Council for the Arts closes

The Huron Valley Council for the Arts in Highland Township will be closed through March 30 and reopen March 31, according to a press release, www.huronvalleyarts. org,

Holocaust Memorial Center closes

The Holocaust Memorial Center will be closed to the public through at least Sunday, March 29, according to a press release. Check the center’s website at www. holocaustcenter.org for updates.

Royal Oak Market Art Fair canceled

The Guild of Artists and Artisans has canceled the Royal Oak Market’s Spring Art Fair, scheduled for April 2-3at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, according to a press release. For information, visit www.theguild.org/fair/royaloak-market-spring.

Salvation Army pauses community activities The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division is pausing weekly activities until March 31, according to a press release. Social services such as food and utility assistance are still available and will continue to serve people in need with limited person-to-person interaction. Worship services will be held virtually and livestreamed on Sunday mornings at www. youtube.com/channel/UCokP1CMmCWIwW-zvjNGQPQ. For information, visit www. salmich.org or call 877-SALMICH.

ADHD workshop converted to webinar

“The Perfect Storm” workshop to help families who may have children with ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory, & Immune challenges, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 24, will now be a webinar. The Zoom meeting link is at https://zoom. us/j/5232842109. For information, call Kids In Motion Pediatric Therapy Services at 248-684-9610.

FUNDRAISERS

Fleece & Thank You event postponed

Fleece & Thank You postponed its March 28 blanket making event at Suburban Collection in Novi, according to a press release. The organization works with local groups to make fleece blankets packaged with video messages and deliver them to hospitalized children. The organization is encouraging individuals to order Fleece & Thank You Blanket Making Kits to make at home at https://fleeceandthankyou.org/product/blanket-kit.

GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES

Oakland County Treasurer’s office closes to the public The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office is closed to the public. Services will continue to be provided via telephone and online, with payment plans still available, according to a press release. To pay delinquent taxes online, visit www.oakgov.com/treasurer/ Residents/Pages/paytaxes. aspx or mail to Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341, or deposit payments in the outdoor dropbox or call (248) 858-0611. For more information, visit www.oakgov. com/pages/services.aspx.

City of Pontiac declares state of emergency

Mayor Deirdre Waterman has declared a local State of Emergency for the City of Pontiac, with offices closed to the public until further notice, according to a press release, www.pontiac.mi.us.

Unemployment Insurance Agency closes lobbies, except for appointments

Unemployment Insurance Agency closes lobbies statewide, except for appointments, March 18 until further notice, according to a press release. Unemployment claims can be filed online at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling (866) 500-0017, according to a press release.

Oakland County waives digital processing fees

Customers who use Oakland County’s online services to pay for parking tickets, dog licenses, legal documents or delinquent property taxes will not incur a credit card or electronic check fee, March 25-April 30, according to a press release. For information, visit www.oakgov.com/ cart/fee/enhanced_win.html.

MDHHS closes to the public

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has closed its lobbies to the public, except for appointments, and will stop requiring residents to visit MDHHS offices in order to receive state assistance benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a press release. For information, visit https://newmibridges.michigan.gov.

Michigan Department of Civil Rights offices close to public

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights will close all offices to the public until further notice, except by appointment, according to a press release. To file a complaint of discrimination, visit Michigan.Gov/MDCR or call 1-800482-3604.

Mackinac Bridge Authority to stop accepting cash

The Mackinac Bridge Authority will not accept cash transactions starting Saturday, March 21, until further notice, according to a press release. Customers will need to pay with a credit or debit card, or use a MacPass card or windshield sticker, www. MackinacBridge.org. Frequent users of the bridge may wish to open a MacPass account at https:// MacPass.MackinacBridge. org/Login.