Troy Times | Published May 12, 2023
Troy church to host 30th annual Opa! Fest
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy is inviting the public to join them for their 30th annual Opa! Fest celebration.
A celebration of Greek culture, Opa! Fest will include authentic Greek cuisine, folk dancing, a chef contest, a children’s play area, church tours and a community marketplace. The festival will take place 4-11 p.m. Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17; and noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. The church is located at 760 W. Wattles Road in Troy.
The cost to attend is $3 per person or $10 per family. Each person can gain admittance instead by donating three canned goods that will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Children under age 12 get in free.
Three Troy students honored as presidential scholars
Troy High seniors Deepti Aggarwal, Riya Dutta and Sonnet Xu have been named one of 629 semifinalists in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The three students were selected from over 5,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2023. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas, including academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character, and involvement in school and the community.
A panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 629 semifinalists. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement in late June with an online National Recognition Program.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and service to school and community. It has since been expanded to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, as well as technical fields. Each year’s scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.
Michigan ranked 10th worst state in drug abuse
Personal finance website WalletHub has released a report on the states most affected by illicit drug use in the United States, stating that Michigan was the 10th most affected based on 20 different metrics.
The report stated that more than 103,500 overdose deaths were reported last year across the United States. Michigan had the 10th most teenagers who used drugs, the 11th most adults who used drugs, the 26th most overdose deaths per capita and the 21st highest number of adults who couldn’t get treatment for drug use.
“The best thing you can do if you are concerned about a family member or friend is to offer support and listen without judgment,” William Eggleston, an assistant professor at Binghamton University, said in WalletHub’s report. “If they want help getting treatment you can contact the National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or reach out to a local healthcare provider. You should also talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare professional about getting naloxone.”
Troy Public Library to kick off summer reading program
The Troy Public Library will host its ‘All Together Now’ kickoff event for its summer library program 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 16, in the Peace Garden at the library, located at 510 W. Big Beaver Road.
Those attending can sign up for the summer reading program and can begin logging their reading and activities at the event. Participants who complete up to six activities at the kickoff will earn a treat. Activities will include a bounce house (socks are required), a petting zoo, scratch art, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk decorating, games and food trucks. Some activities may be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
The summer library program allows patrons to use Beanstack to track reading and activities. Those who have already participated in a library challenge using Beanstack do not need to create a new account and can simply log in to join the new challenge. Those with questions about signing up can contact the library at (248) 524-3541 for assistance.