"Turkey Tales: How Larry and Norma Earned Their Pardon and Helped the Community"
Spared from the Dinner Plate
Larry and Norma were saved from being gobbled up as "Dinner" this year through the remarkable efforts of 1,507 votes. This shows the strong sense of community and compassion that came together to ensure their survival.The community's generosity truly shone through as a total of 3,873 food items were donated to Transform Burien's Food Bank. This significant donation will have a lasting impact on local families in need, providing them with essential sustenance during the holiday season.
A special mention goes to Mrs. Eaton's 2nd grade class at Gatewood Elementary School. They contributed more than 500 cans of food, demonstrating the power of education and community involvement. Organizers joked that many of the class's donations were specifically aimed at sparing the birds, highlighting the emotional connection that the community has with these turkeys.
Back Home with a Surprise
"Larry and Norma are now back home, reunited with their chicken crew," said event organizer Candace Krull. Despite the challenges of a bomb cyclone and power outages, Norma even managed to lay nine eggs during the food drive.Although a few eggs had a rough journey, six survivors were safely tucked into the incubator. Norma has now moved on from her egg-laying phase and is back home with her flock.
This event not only saved the turkeys but also brought the community together. It added a touch of holiday fun while supporting a worthy cause. The unique tradition of the turkey vote has become a symbol of community spirit and generosity.
Read our extensive coverage of previous "Dinner or Pardon" events here to learn more about this amazing tradition and the impact it has on the community.
Photos courtesy Candace Krull capture the essence of this event, showing the joy and camaraderie of the community.
Impact of Horticulture Programs
The Muskegon Correctional Facility horticulture program achieved its largest harvest ever this year, donating nearly 25,000 pounds of produce to multiple food pantries and organizations. The Women’s Huron Valley horticulture program has been equally productive, supplying over 15,000 pounds of vegetables to Food Gatherers. These programs not only teach valuable skills but also give back to the community.Vocational programs like horticulture help students gain the knowledge and confidence needed for success after release. As Kyle Kaminski, Offender Success Administrator, stated, “The horticulture program is especially impactful as it provides a sense of community as we all work together for the greater good of our communities.”
MDOC operates two CTE vocational programs in horticulture – one at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and one at Muskegon Correctional Facility. In addition, 17 facilities host recreational gardens where individuals with a positive institutional record contribute their time and efforts.
Gardens Across the State
Lakeland Correctional Facility donated 20,032 pounds to the Branch Area Food Pantry. Kinross Correctional Facility donated 10,694 pounds to the Sault Ste. Marie Salvation Army, including 560 pounds of pumpkins. Cooper Street Correctional Facility donated 8,077 pounds to the Salvation Army in Jackson. Gus Harrison Correctional Facility donated 5,222 pounds to Fishes and Loaves Soup Kitchen, ProMedica Veggie Mobile, and Daily Bread Food Pantry. Thumb Correctional Facility donated 2,000 pounds to Stone Soup Pantry in Lapeer. Carson City Correctional Facility donated over 1,000 pounds to the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center in St. Johns. Newberry Correctional Facility donated over 600 pounds of produce, with 307 pounds of pumpkins going to the Yooper Youth Halloween Carnival.These donations have been crucial in providing food for families in need across the state. As MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said, “These donations wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our gardeners and the MDOC staff.”
Pumpkin Project Fundraiser
The Alger Correctional Facility’s pumpkins have been used for an annual Pumpkin Project fundraiser. Participants use their creativity to paint the pumpkins, which are then sold to raise funds for the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight. This year’s fundraiser raised $550 for the organization that helps fly Upper Michigan veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials.MDOC gardens have been donating food and raising funds for various charities for over a decade. Non-profits and pantries interested in partnering for the 2025 growing season can reach out to Jenni Riehle, MDOC Public Information Officer at 517-241-0363.
Unlock the Future of Food Delivery with Drone Technology
How the Drone Food Delivery Service Works
The drone food delivery service in California operates with a high level of precision and efficiency. These drones are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow them to navigate through the air with ease. They are programmed to follow specific routes and deliver food directly to the customer's doorstep. The process begins with an order being placed through a dedicated app or online platform. Once the order is received, the drone is dispatched with the food securely packaged inside. The drones are designed to handle various types of food containers and ensure that the food remains fresh and intact during the delivery process. This seamless integration of technology and food delivery has the potential to transform the way we think about getting our meals.
Moreover, the safety and reliability of the drone food delivery service are of utmost importance. The companies involved in this pilot program have implemented strict safety protocols and regulations to ensure that the drones operate safely in the air. They use advanced sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. In addition, the drones are equipped with fail-safe mechanisms that ensure they can land safely in case of any technical issues. This combination of advanced technology and safety measures gives customers confidence in the reliability of the drone food delivery service.
The Benefits of Drone Food Delivery
One of the key benefits of drone food delivery is the speed and efficiency it offers. With drones, food can be delivered in a fraction of the time compared to traditional delivery methods. This is particularly beneficial in areas where traffic congestion is a common problem. Drones can bypass traffic and reach the customer's location quickly, ensuring that the food arrives fresh and hot. Additionally, drone food delivery has the potential to reduce costs associated with traditional delivery methods. The use of drones eliminates the need for human drivers and reduces fuel consumption, resulting in lower delivery costs.
Another advantage of drone food delivery is its potential to reach remote and hard-to-reach areas. In areas where traditional delivery methods are difficult or expensive, drones can provide a viable alternative. They can fly over mountains, rivers, and other obstacles to deliver food to customers in remote locations. This opens up new markets and opportunities for food delivery companies and can help to improve access to food in underserved areas.
The Challenges and Future of Drone Food Delivery
While drone food delivery offers many benefits, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is regulatory compliance. The operation of drones in the air is subject to various regulations and restrictions, and food delivery companies need to ensure that they comply with these regulations. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and permits and adhering to safety and airspace regulations. Another challenge is public acceptance. Some people may have concerns about the safety and privacy of drone food delivery, and it will be important for companies to address these concerns and build trust with the public.
Despite these challenges, the future of drone food delivery looks promising. As technology continues to advance, drones are becoming more reliable and efficient. Companies are investing in research and development to improve the capabilities of drones and make them more suitable for food delivery. In addition, regulatory frameworks are being developed to support the growth of drone technology in the food delivery industry. With the right regulations and public acceptance, drone food delivery has the potential to become a mainstream part of our daily lives.