Dear Friend,

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

Treasury Outreach Team Members Hosting Sales Tax Seminars for Small Businesses

The Michigan Department of Treasury is hosting several sales tax outreach seminars across the Lower Peninsula in August to provide insight to and receive feedback from small businesses.

Treasury Outreach Team members will be providing an overview of the sales tax filing process, the ins and outs of auditing and how to appeal an audit decision, including dedicating a portion of the session to taxpayer questions and suggestions. These seminars are ideal for owners of gas stations, convenience stores, wine, beer and liquor stores or other small businesses.

“Due to popular demand, Treasury is expanding its small business sales tax seminar tour across the state,” said Deputy Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury’s Tax Administration Group. “Small businesses can receive special attention and one-on-one help at these seminars. Taxpayer feedback has been that the sessions provide valuable information and insight.”

In August, the Treasury Outreach Team members will be visiting the following locations:

  • Kalamazoo Area
    Thursday, Aug. 3, from 1-3 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Library

315 S. Rose St.

Kalamazoo

  • Lansing Area
    Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Lansing Public Library

South Lansing Branch

3500 S. Cedar St.

Lansing

  • Flint Area

Thursday, Aug. 24, from noon to 2 p.m.

Flint Public Library

1026 Kearsley St., Room 205

Flint

Treasury is looking for other topic suggestions and locations for future outreach seminars. Suggestions should be directed to TreasuryOutreach@michigan.gov.

MDOT Seeks Public Comment on Draft 2018-2022 Transportation Program

Fast facts:

  • MDOT's annual Five-Year Transportation Program document outlines mobility initiatives, revenues, and specific projects planned for the next five years.
  • The public is invited to comment on the draft 2018-2022 Five-Year Program now through Aug. 25.
  • The draft document is available on MDOT's website.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking public comment on its draft 2018-2022 Five-Year Transportation Program. The draft document, which is updated annually, includes information about MDOT's mobility initiatives, revenues and a list of specific transportation projects planned for the next five years in each of MDOT's seven regions. You can view the location, description and proposed construction year for upcoming projects on an interactive map available online at www.michigan.gov/mdot5yearplan.

The Five-Year Transportation Program, a continuous, interactive dialogue with the users of the state transportation system, anchors MDOT's project development. The integrated multi-modal program emphasizes system preservation and safety, and carries out the goals and policies outlined by the State Transportation Commission (STC). In addition to providing a list of MDOT-managed road and bridge projects, the document addresses investment strategies, funding assumptions, and economic benefits for all modes of transportation in Michigan, including highways, public transit, rail, air, marine and non-motorized transportation.

MDOT presented the draft 2018-2022 Five-Year Transportation Program to the STC on July 20, 2017. It will remain a draft program until it receives final approval by the STC, expected on Sept. 21, 2017. The full document is available on the MDOT website at https://goo.gl/MYhbn3.

Comments will be accepted now through Aug. 25, 2017, via an online form on the MDOT website: https://goo.gl/8JzR6q. Comments also can be e-mailed to mdot-five-year-program@michigan.gov.

Alternative formats, such as print, large type and language translation, are available upon request.

Enjoy 'Meteors & S'mores' at State Parks Aug. 11-12 During Perseid Meteor Shower

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites visitors and campers to catch a view of the Perseid meteor shower during "Meteors & S'mores" in participating Michigan state parks Aug. 11-12.

Day-use visitors and campers at participating state parks are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing.

Participating parks will stay open later than their normal closing times. Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. Designated viewing areas and viewing times will be specified at each park.

"Many consider themselves lucky if they catch a shooting star, but the Perseid meteor shower is one of the best opportunities to see them with the naked eye," said Elissa Buck, a DNR event coordinator. "We encourage those who want to catch magnificent views with fellow park-goers take part in one of these Meteors & S'mores events."

The calendar of events can be found online at michigan.gov/darksky and also is listed below.

  • South Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11 p.m.
  • Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) Friday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) Friday, Aug. 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 8 to 11 p.m.
  • Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 8 to 11:45 p.m.
  • North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Young State Park (Charlevoix County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11 p.m.
  • Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11:45 p.m.
  • Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 p.m. to midnight
  • Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Holland State Park (Ottawa County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 11 p.m.
  • Indian Lake State Park (Delta County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 11:45 p.m.
  • Negwegon State Park (Alcona and Alpena counties) Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11 p.m.

About Dark Sky parks in Michigan

Dark Sky Preserves are protected against light pollution and are ideal locations for stargazing. Here in Michigan, six state-designated Dark Sky Preserves are located at Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. In addition, Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities across more than 15,000 square miles. Learn more at michigan.gov/darksky.

Camp under the stars

To take full advantage of the meteor showers that are estimated to take place Aug. 9-16, visitors are encouraged to make camping reservations throughout the week and sleep under the stars. To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.

For more information about these events, contact Elissa Buck at bucke@michigan.gov or (989) 313-0000.

Community Events

National Park and Recreation Month Celebration

  • Sunday, July 30, from 3:30-7:30 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                                                                

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and we’re going to celebrate with lots of fun! Join Genesee County Parks and Recreation for bounce houses, ladder ball, bubbles and other family fun activities. Did you know that World Ranger Day is Monday, July 31? Take some time to talk with our Park Rangers and Park Naturalists to get an understanding of their role in our park system. After learning what they do, you’ll get to make your own ranger outfit. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

The Secret Lives of Pokemon

  • Monday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to noon
    Buell Lake County Park, Pavilion 1, 14098 N. Genesee Road, Clio                
  • Thursday, Aug. 3, from 2-3 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                          

Mysterious creatures are roaming our parks. They have secret identities that help them blend in with the native animals.  Can you tell which animals are real and which are Pokémon? Children ages 3-6 will go on a hike to search for these secretive creatures and even make your own Pokémon to take home. The mystical Pokémon roaming the Genesee County Parks all have secret identities! Which animals around you might be Pokémon in disguise? Children ages 7-12 will look at a few native species that look a lot like Pokémon and learn about their cool powers and abilities! Free for all abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Dragonflies, Ladybugs and Salamanders, Oh My!

  • Monday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to noon
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 
  • Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 2-3 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                          
  • Wednesday, Aug. 2,  from 11 a.m. to noon
    Buell Lake County Park, Pavilion 1, 14098 N. Genesee Road, Clio                

Bees and butterflies are helpful in the garden, but not all insects and animals are good for our plants. Luckily, animals like dragonflies, ladybugs, salamanders and toads are there to help us out. Children ages 4-6 will learn how these predators protect our garden through the natural food web in our garden ecosystem. Children ages 7-12 will discover the dangerous microcosms of animals bent on total garden annihilation and, more importantly, the animals that can help keep our garden safe. Free for all abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Enhance Fitness

  • Monday, July 31, from 6:30-7:30 AND
    Monday, Aug. 7, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bluebell Beach, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                

Enhance Fitness is low-impact aerobic exercise designed to increase physical activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s designed to keep you strong, balanced and flexible so you retain the ability to do all of life’s normal daily activities and it’s taught by certified instructors from the National Kidney Foundation of MI. Meet at the plaza in front of the bathhouse. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Grow It, Try It, Like It! Fun with Fruits and Veggies

  • Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to noon AND
    Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to noon
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                          

Grow it, Try it, Like it! Children ages 3-6 will explore fruits and vegetables including how they grow and how we eat them! During the class, kids will also be able to taste a yummy recipe using delicious fruits and vegetables. Children ages 7-12 will learn all about Michigan’s bountiful summer harvest focusing on a different Michigan grown fruit or veggie each week. Learn about its nutrition, how to choose it in the grocery store and how to prepare a simple recipe with it. Simple cooking skills like safety when cutting, measuring and mixing will be included. At the end of the program, youth will be placed into small teams and challenged to create a simple recipe using surprise ingredients along with the fruits and veggies highlighted during the classes. The winning team will be crowned the “Genesee County Parks Fun with Fruits and Veggies Champion” of Summer 2017! Free; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Backyard Bark Beetle

  • Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 6-7 p.m.
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 

Bring your recycled two-liter bottles, and you’ll be taught how to make a beetle trap so you can be part of this nationwide Citizen Science project. You’ll learn why this project is so important and then take your trap home to catch beetles in your own backyard so you can mail them to the Backyard Beetles organization. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Backyard Naturalist: Birds and Butterflies

  • Thursday, Aug. 3, from 7-8 p.m.
    Richfield County Park, Pavilion 4, 6322 N. Irish Road, Davison      
  • Friday, Aug. 4, from 7-8 p.m.
    Stepping Stone Falls, 5161 Branch Road, Flint
    (Meet in the parking lot by the For-Mar Turtle Mobile)                   

Take to the trails in search of our winged friends, birds and butterflies. Learn basic identification skills as you search for these flying beauties. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Honeybee Hive Inspection

  • Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 

Join For-Mar’s favorite beekeeper, Jim Withers from Withers Mountain Honey Farm, as he opens up our learning hives to check on our busy bee friends. Meet at the apiary in the Arboretum, weather permitting. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Silly Saturday

  • Saturday, Aug. 5, from 1-2 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                                                                          

Playing with food is ooey, gooey and so much fun! Come dressed to get slimed and don’t forget your beach towel; we’ll be washing off in the splash pad or on the beach. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Sturgeon Moon Campfire

  • Saturday, Aug. 5, from 7-8 p.m.
    Richfield County Park, Rest Station Pavilion, 6322 N. Irish Road, Davison 

Almost everyone has heard of the Harvest Moon, but did you know that every full moon has its own name? August’s full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon. A sturgeon is a big grey fish, but fish come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Deferring to Dr. Seuss and his book “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” for this month’s moon celebration, we’ll read the story and make some fishy crafts and snacks. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Nature Mindfulness & Meditation

  • Sunday, Aug. 6, from 1-2 p.m.
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 

Join Todd Robinson, a mindfulness and meditation master with more than 30 years of experience, for weekly meditations on the grounds at For-Mar. During each session, you will have a chance to relax with nature while learning useful, every day, stress-relieving techniques. We suggest participants bring something comfortable to sit on and dress appropriately for the weather. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required.  For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Chrysalis, Cocoons and Caterpillars!

  • Monday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon
    Buell Lake County Park, Pavilion 1, 14098 N. Genesee Road, Clio                
  • Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to noon
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 
  • Thursday, Aug. 10, from 2-3 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                          

Calling all caterpillars! Children ages 3-6: are invited to come out, build a chrysalis, and go through metamorphosis while learning the stages a young caterpillar goes through to become a beautiful butterfly. Children ages 7-12 will flutter their wings while learning about metamorphosis as well as the importance of butterflies to the flowers. Travel through the butterfly life cycle from egg to caterpillar and finally become a beautiful butterfly. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Mini-Monarch Festival

  • Monday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 
  • Tuesday, Aug. 8, from 2-3 p.m.
    Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 N. Bray Road, Flint                                                          
  • Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to noon
    Buell Lake County Park, Pavilion 1, 14098 N. Genesee Road, Clio                

To prepare for the Monarch Festival at For-Mar on Aug. 12, children ages 4-6 will learn all about what makes a butterfly the perfect pollinator, from their head to their toes. Children ages 7-12 can become an amateur lepidopterist, a scientist who studies butterflies, by learning the amazing adaptations of butterflies and how to identify them. Then, come out to For-Mar’s Monarch Festival on Aug. 12 to test your skills. Free for all abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Back to the Bricks: Clio Tune-Up

  • Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Simms Chevrolet, 4220 W. Vienna Road, Clio                                       

During the week prior to the Back to the Bricks main event, the excitement builds as Tune-up Parties rev up on successive days around the county. Attractions and activities vary by location, but include parties with a 50’s, 60’s or 70’s theme, concessions, vendors, live music, dancing in the streets, and giveaways. Simms Chevrolet has been the Clio host for the past several years, and once again invites the public to stop by for live music and ice cream. For more information, please visit the Back to the Bricks website, or call John Root at (810) 210-6292.

Summer Songbirds

  • Tuesday, Aug. 8, from 6-7:30 p.m.
    E.A. Cummings Event Center, 6130 E. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris                            

Before birds start their fall migration, take a hike through the Genesee Recreation Area that will reveal the summer feathered residents of Michigan. Bring a pair of binoculars and our For-Mar Naturalist will lead you on a birding hike. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

What’s in Your Soil?

  • Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 6-7:30 p.m.
    For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton 

It’s under our feet and filled with the nutrients we need to grow our food, but is there more to our soil then just that? Learn about the different types of soil, bugs that call it home and how it could be part of important cancer research. Get a FREE soil kit to take back to your house so you can learn more about the soil in your backyard too! Free for families and all abilities, suggested for ages 5 and older; pre-registration not required. Learn more about this project at http://npdg.ou.edu/citizenscience; for more information on this event, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

Bat Walk

  • Thursday, Aug. 10, from 8:30-9:30 p.m.
    Richfield County Park, Rest Station Pavilion (near playground), 6322 N. Irish Road, Davison

Investigate the myth and mysteries of one of the most misunderstood creatures, bats! Listen in on their secret calls and learn how these nocturnal superheroes protect us and our food from a variety of pests. Participate in a nocturnal walk around the park to see their super powers in action. Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks website.

 

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