Dear Friend,

 

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Read on for legislative updates and things to do this month, along with other community information.

 

March is Reading Month Winners

 

Visiting with students in the 48th House District is always a favorite part of my job – but last week’s visit was extra special. Mrs. Braham’s class at Haas Elementary was chosen by Delta Dental of Michigan as one of its four March is Reading Month grant winners, and I got to present the check. Many thanks to Delta Dental and congratulations to the Genesee School District.

 

Legislative Update

 

Recently, I sponsored a bill (HB 6055) to rename a portion of M-57 in Clio as the Firefighter Mike Wager Memorial Highway. Michael Wager, an eight-year veteran of the Clio Area Fire Department, tragically died in July 2016 after the vehicle he was driving while off-duty was struck by an impaired driver. Mike’s life was one of many cut far too short; but in his short time here, he gave so much of himself and accomplished a great deal on behalf of his community, serving both as a firefighter and head of maintenance at Clio Fire Station No. 1.  It would be a fitting tribute that we should honor not only Mike’s life, but commemorate his spirit of service by renaming the stretch of M-57 between Clio Fire Stations 1 and 2 in his honor.

 

I also co-sponsored the following:

  • A bill (HB 6080) that would repeal a law that imposes a $5 per day fine on the owner for leaving a building or other obstruction on a highway. After consultation with MDOT, they have agreed that this law is outdated and fully support its repeal.

 

  • A resolution (HR 351) to call on the Trump Administration to immediately release the draft toxicological profile on the dangers of PFAS to human health. To date, PFAS chemicals have been detected in the water at 15 locations, including 30 individual sites, across the state of Michigan. Exposure to PFAS above certain levels may be harmful to people. PFAS can accumulate in the body and may increase cancer risk; affect the immune system; increase cholesterol; decrease fertility; and impact the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and children. Understanding the risks posed by PFAS based on the most current science is critical to protecting the health of Michigan residents. It is important for Michigan’s residents to know that we, as legislators, are fulfilling our constitutional obligation to protect both public health and the natural resources of the state of Michigan. 

 

Heat Safety Tips and Resources

 

The recent heat wave is a reminder that while North American summers are hot, sometimes spring and fall temperatures reach dangerous levels as well. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. Please remember that it is NEVER safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car.

 

Cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun. This website is designed to inform you about the health dangers of heat, prepare you for excessive heat events, and tell you what to do during an excessive heat wave. You will find vital information about the dangers of leaving children, pets or anyone with limited mobility alone in a car even for a few minutes in what might seem like mild weather. Children locked in cars have died in December and in 70 degree weather, even with a window left open a little. You also will find, educational materials and specifics on how the National Weather Service keeps you aware of potentially dangerous situations.

 

M-15 center left-turn lane construction in Davison Township starts June 4

 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $1.8 million to widen M-15 from Bristol Road to south of Kitchen Road, adding a center left-turn lane and resurfacing 0.6 miles of the roadway. This work will require overnight flag control between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. while crews widen the west side of M-15. Following the initial widening, one lane will be open in each direction while crews address the east side of M-15 during daytime hours. Overnight single-lane closures will be required during the final phase of the project for resurfacing. The project is expected to start on Monday, June 4 and be completed in August.

 

'Three Free' weekend June 9-10 makes fishing, off-road riding and state park entry easy

 

Grab a fishing rod, ride Michigan’s off-road trails and/or pay a visit to your favorite Michigan state park for free – all in the same weekend.

 

On two back-to-back days, June 9-10, the Department of Natural Resources invites residents and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Free Fishing Weekend, Free ORV Weekend and free entry into state parks.

 

All fishing license, ORV license, trail permit and Recreation Passport fees are waived those two days, though all other regulations still apply.

 

“Depending on where you choose to go in Michigan during the 'Three Free' weekend, you could enjoy all three outdoor recreation experiences,” said Bill O'Neill, DNR natural resources deputy director. “That weekend is the perfect opportunity to give a new sport or hobby a try, or introduce friends to an outdoor activity you love."

 

The DNR's annual “Three Free” weekend gives visitors plenty of reasons to explore Michigan’s great outdoors:

 

  • Take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend. Twice a year, residents and nonresidents can enjoy a weekend of fishing without a license. For more information, visit michigan.gov/freefishing. 
  • To encourage visitors to enjoy free fishing at a state park, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks during both winter and summer Free Fishing Weekends. Learn more at michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
  • During two Free ORV Weekends each year, Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. The second Free ORV Weekend is Aug. 18-19. For more information, visit michigan.gov/orvinfo.

 

For questions about Free ORV Weekend, contact Jessica Holley at 517-331-3790. For questions about Free Fishing Weekend, contact Elyse Walter at 517-284-5839.

 

Events, Programs or Services in the 48th House District

 

Kaleidoscope Day

 

Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, 6140 Bray Road in Genesee Township

 

This is your chance for a FREE Family Fun day with activities for the whole family and free admission to Crossroads Village (tickets for the Huckleberry Railroad, Genesee Belle and Vintage Amusement rides are not included in admission and may be purchased separately). This family-friendly event is brought to you by your Genesee County Parks, Kohl’s Healthy Kids and Hurley Children’s Hospital. Enjoy fitness activities, kid crafts and more! For more information, please call (800) 648-7275 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

 

Avian Adventures with a Bird Nerd: Eagle Expedition

 

Tuesday, June 5 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Goldenrod Disc Golf Course (meet in the parking lot), 6405 Irish Road in Davison

 

Join bird nerd Tom Esper for a walk at Goldenrod and view an active eagle’s nest as well as spot summer residents of Genesee Recreation Area. Free for all ages; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (800) 648-7275 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

 

Davison Festival of Flags

 

Wednesday, June 6 – Sunday, June 10

Lake Callis Recreation Complex,

1152 N. Gale Road in Davison

 

Come out for one of Genesee County's largest parades along with live music, a fireworks display, Market in the Park, sports tournaments, carnival rides, a talent show and much more including the annual Color Me Davison 5K Fun Run. For a detailed schedule of events and more information, please check out the event flier.

 

Montrose Township Farmers Market

 

Thursday, June 7 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Barbers Park, 11410 Seymour Road in Montrose

 

Food trucks, food stands, lots of new vendors along with the established ones await you at the Montrose Township Farmers Market, taking place on the FIRST Thursday of each month. Come shop, eat, socialize with neighbors and friends, play games like corn hole, jenga and ladderball and have a great time. For more information, please call (810) 533-4880.

 

Paleo Joe's Dinosaur Program

 

Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. until noon.

Montrose-Jennings Library, 241 Feher Drive in Montrose

 

Attention all dino-lovers! Learn about the extinct wonders from a real paleontologist who spends several months a year digging for fossils across the United States. Paleo Joe’s Dinosaur Program features new casts, models and fossils. (Ages 6 and up). Pre-registration required; please call (810) 639-6388 or visit the Genesee District Library website.

 

Acting Out with Flint Youth Theater

 

Tuesday, June 12 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 North Genesee Road in Burton

 

Working with a Flint Youth Theatre Educator, students will create amazing characters and stories from literature and their own imaginations, while working on acting techniques, teamwork, confidence, self-worth and responsibility.  Class will be outside, weather permitting. Free for ages 5 and older, all abilities. Pre-registration required by 6/11/18; please call (800) 648-7275 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

 

Make Your Own Fabric Softener

 

Wed June 13 from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Montrose-Jennings Library, 241 Feher Drive in Montrose

 

Learn to make liquid fabric softener and take some home in a jar. One jar per person. (Ages 12 and up). Pre-registration required; please call (810) 639-6388 or visit the Genesee District Library website.

 

 

I hope you found this information useful. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

State Representative Pam Faris

48th House District