Dear Crabby, Last year, I was the only person on my street to fly the Stars and Stripes for Flag Day. Do people just not know about it, or do they just not care? Thanks,M. Erica Dear M. Erica, Well, just so no one forgets this year, Flag Day is Monday, June 14. In fact, it’s always recognized on June 14. Personally, I think the reason it isn’t on people’s radar is because it’s shoehorned between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. That and the fact, it’s not a national … [Read more...]
Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle: Fourth of July
July 10, 2020 by 3 Comments
Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle July 4, 2020 - Lake Orion, Michigan - Sunny, again, and in the 90s In the lake most of the day—cleaning boats and raking muck from the shore—too hot to do anything else. While scrubbing the boat pontoons I looked out toward the island and saw a herd of geese, 9 actually, swimming with purpose toward the point. I was sure they were about to land and further despoil the area. They have totally fouled the entire shore to the point that a parent would never allow … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Why do we shoot off Fireworks on July Fourth?
July 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Why do we shoot off Fireworks on July Fourth? Sincerely, Baozhu Dear Bauzhu, To celebrate our Independence from Britain, of course. But why fireworks to celebrate such a landmark world event? Well, as with many things these days, it all started in China. The Han Dynasty would sizzle bamboo stalks until they exploded - that was around 200 B.C. Then, a few hundred years later, the Chinese started filling the bamboo stalks with gunpowder and adding metal shavings to … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Should we travel this Fourth of July?
July 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Should we be nervous to travel this Fourth of July? Sincerely, Pat Triotic Dear Mr. Triotic, I get the feeling you’re talking about the government warnings about heightened security threats that seem to come every Fourth of July weekend since 9/11. I am a person that feels strongly about keeping his family safe—I’m from that era—it’s the man’s job and that sort of thing. Therefore, I understand that “stay close to home” feeling of security. However, if an attack was to … [Read more...]
Most RCOC road construction work to stop for the July 4 holiday
July 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Good news. According to the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Managing Director Dennis Kolar has announced that most RCOC road construction projects will be suspended at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, for the 4th of July holiday. Work will resume after 6 a.m., Monday, July 7. “The Road Commission wants to ensure that its roads are as free of obstructions as possible during this period because of the increased holiday traffic we typically see on the July 4 holiday,” Kolar stated. “That … [Read more...]
Guard against West Nile Virus over July 4th
July 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson urges residents to take precautions to minimize mosquito exposure and protect themselves from West Nile Virus (WNV). The recent rainfall coupled with warmer weather creates the perfect breeding ground for a large mosquito population to develop very quickly, the Oakland County Health Division said. “Our Health Division stresses prevention to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors for any activity,” Patterson said. “Using insect repellent and removing … [Read more...]
New ordinance quiets the ‘boom’ on fireworks
June 26, 2013 by 1 Comment
Special report by Michael Webber, Vice President, Rochester Hills City Council Up until last year, fireworks were only discharged legally in Michigan through the use of a permit. That quickly changed when the Michigan Legislature passed legislation in 2012 that permitted the use of fireworks on the day of, the day before and the day after a national holiday. With that legislation came the legal sale of fireworks in the state – with the thought that the sales tax on these fireworks would … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What are your Fourth of July traditions?
June 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Every year we find ourselves doing something slightly different for the Fourth of July. I just wondered if your family had any traditions that you consistently did for that holiday? Sincerely, Betsy Ross Dear Ms. Ross, We do not have one consistent Fourth of July tradition per se. We do, however, always try to enjoy it as a family, if possible. We try to catch a good fireworks show whenever we can to commemorate the "Rockets' red glare, and the bombs bursting in air!" … [Read more...]
