Dear Friend,

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

Scholarship Opportunity

Young women of Michigan are encouraged to apply for a scholarship and an opportunity to meet elected women from across the country. The National Foundation for Women Legislators has coupled with a national organization to co-sponsor the 20th annual Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors.

The contest is open to high school junior and senior girls (class of 2017 and 2018) from around the country. Applicants are required to write a 400-600 word essay on one of three topics, allowing applicants to address a wide array of pertinent constitutional issues regarding women. In addition to the essay, applicants must complete the application form and obtain two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an elected woman in their state.

The contest's six winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to NFWL's Annual Conference from Nov.14-18 in Minneapolis, Minn., where they will network with, be mentored by and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States.

While percentages of women on college campuses continues to rise, it is more important than ever that we support these young women and the decisions they make for themselves. This scholarship not only provides financial support, but also helps young women understand the impact policymakers and their decisions have on their lives.

Entries must be received via the online application portal no later than July 10 by 5 p.m., after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and determine the six winners. The judges will primarily consider their understanding of the Constitution with original insight. Please contact my office for more information.

Road Repairs in Our District

MDOT has created an interactive map to provide up-to-date information about driving conditions throughout the state. To view the map and learn more, go to https://mdotnetpublic.state.mi.us/drive.

Potholes are a major problem in Michigan. Our older, deteriorated roads can no longer withstand the constant freeze-thaw climate. Whether you hit a pothole or you missed it, you can save your fellow motorists the headaches and costs of repairs by reporting it. 

  • If the pothole is on a city street or county road, pothole reports or other road concerns should be submitted to the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC) by calling (810) 767-4920, or by emailing potholes@gcrc.org.
  • If the pothole is on a state trunkline (roads with I-, US-, or M- prefixes), pothole reports or other road concerns should be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) by filling out their online form or calling (888) 296-4546.

MDOT Promotes Safety During National Bike Month

With the welcome return of warm weather, May is recognized as National Bike Month. Bike to Work Week is this week, May 15-19, with today, Friday, May 19, designated as Bike to Work Day. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages other transportation agencies and the public to help raise bicycling safety awareness and promote the safety message: Give 'em Space, Make it Safe, Please Share the Road.

In 2016, there were 1,959 reported crashes involving bicyclists in Michigan that resulted in 1,563 injuries and 38 fatalities. According to the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), that number of fatalities is up 15 percent from 2015 (33). The number of fatal crashes involving bicyclists remains disproportionately high compared to other roadway users or crash types.

Motorists are reminded that bicyclists are permitted to ride on most roadways in the state. In fact, Michigan has a growing number of bike lanes and thousands of miles of shared-use pathways that bicyclists use and enjoy. Many communities are building bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and drivers must remain attentive when driving and take extra care when approaching bicyclists as the warmer spring months lure people outdoors.

Bicyclists are reminded that, as legal roadway users, they are required to obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

For maps and other important bicycling information, including "What Every Michigan Driver Should Know About Bike Lanes," go to www.michigan.gov/mdot-biking.

DNR encourages boaters to follow safety tips

National Safe Boating Week set for May 20-26

With boating season around the corner, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are encouraging boaters to make their pastime more enjoyable by following important safety tips. Saturday, May 20, marks the start of National Safe Boating Week and the DNR wants all Michigan residents and visitors to have fun while exercising caution and obeying the law.

“Michigan is made for boating,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, state boating law administrator with the DNR. “But being on the water carries responsibilities. Following the law and taking simple precautions will help ensure that your boating experience goes as planned. You have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and fellow boaters to be as safe as possible.”

The DNR encourages boaters to:

  • Wear a life jacket. About 85 percent of drownings resulting from boating accidents in the U.S. are due to people not wearing life jackets. In Michigan, anyone under the age of 6 must wear a life jacket when on the open deck of any vessel, but wearing a personal flotation device is recommended for everyone.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol. Nationally, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents where the primary cause was known.
  • Make sure the boat is properly equipped and equipment is in good working order. In addition to legally required equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, always carry a first-aid kit, nautical charts and an anchor. Make sure navigation lights work properly.
  • File a float plan. Always inform family or friends about the details of your trip. Let them know when to expect you back. Give them phone numbers for the local emergency dispatch center and U.S. Coast Guard in case you don’t return on time.
  • Stay alert. Watch for other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water. This is especially true when operating in crowded waterways, at night and when visibility is restricted.
  • Carry a marine radio or cell phone. Be prepared to call for help if you are involved in or witness an accident, your boat or the boat of another becomes disabled or you need medical assistance. Program the numbers for the local emergency dispatch center and U.S. Coast Guard in your cell phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged but be aware that there often are coverage gaps on the water.

The DNR also recommends a boating safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft. Classes are offered at different locations around the state and online, making it convenient and affordable. 

Visit www.michigan.gov/boating for more information on boating safety and who is required to take a safety class.

For more information on safe boating go to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org.

2017 Michigan Campground Directory

Camping and RV season is here! You can pick up your copy of the 2017 Michigan Campground Directory in my office or if you live in the 48th House District we will gladly mail you a copy at no cost. I hope you have a chance to get outside and enjoy all beautiful places Michigan has to offer.

Community Events

Citizen Science: Frog and Toad Survey

Saturday, May 20, from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

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

The Michigan Frog and Toad Survey is organized through the DNR and conducted by citizen scientists like you! Learn the calls of our 13 native species and how to help monitor and complete the survey. Free for all ages and abilities; Pre-registration not required. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

Michigan Rediscovered

Saturday, May 20, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Davison Area Library, 203 East 4th Street in Davison

Love our Mitten State? If so, you'll love learning about Michigan's best kept secrets, presented by author and Michigan trail expert Ron Rademacher. For more information or to register for 'Michigan Rediscovered’, please call (810) 653-2022 or visit the Genesee District Library website.

Nature, Mindfulness and Meditation

Sunday, May 21, from 1-2 p.m.

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 Genesee Road in 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. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

iBikeParks!

Thursday, May 25, from 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, June 1, from 6-8 p.m.

Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 Bray Road in Genesee Township

May is National Bike Month and iBikeParks! is your opportunity to get out and ride. Start with a 30-minute bike safety lesson followed by a 1.5-hour ride using the roads and bike trails in the park. You can participate even if you don’t have a bike or a helmet because the program will have them available for you! Free for all ages and abilities; pre-registration not required. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

Lake Callis Summer Kickoff

Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lake Callis Recreation Complex, 1152 N. Gale Rd. in Davison

This fun filled day at Lake Callis Recreational Complex will be one you won’t want to miss! Park entrance is free for the whole day, and numerous activities are planned for you and your family to enjoy.  Activities will include: volleyball, numerous games, bounce house, free giveaways and much more.  Finding Dory will be shown on the beach at night, with movie-themed activities for the family to enjoy, starting at 6 p.m. and leading up to the start of the movie at dusk. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets or whatever is comfortable to enjoy this one of a kind movie experience. For more information, please call (810) 214-1810 or visit the Davison Parks and Recreation website.

Honoring American Veterans

Saturday, May 27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

All veterans and active duty military personnel along with one guest will receive free admission to Crossroads Village and a train or boat ride. Everyone can enjoy the day by making a card that will be sent to a hospitalized veteran or add a square to our 2017 “Remembrance Quilt.” Don’t forget to witness the flag retirement ceremony performed by Troop 129 from Columbiaville. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

Art and Nature: Foreshadowing – Endangered and Threatened Plant Species

Saturday, May 27, from 11 a.m.-noon

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

For her project Foreshadowing – Endangered and Threatened Plant Species, Jane Kramer photographs the shadows of endangered and threatened plant species and prints the images on paper made from the invasive plants that threaten them. Jane will be talking about how to collect invasive plant species responsibly, the steps for processing these plants into pulp, and how she selects and photographs the shadows of endangered plant species. Free, recommended for ages 16 and older, all abilities. Pre-registration is not required. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

15th Annual Summer Kick-off Celebration

Sunday, May 28, from 4-11 p.m.

Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1, 5500 Bray Road in Genesee Township

It’s the unofficial start of summer and that means it’s time to celebrate! Join Genesee County Parks for FREE family fun including bounce houses, live music, activities and everyone’s favorite, FIREWORKS! Free for families, all ages and abilities. Pre-registration not required. Please call (810) 736-7100 or visit the Genesee County Parks and Recreation website for more information.

President Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the [people] it produces but also by the [people] it honors, the [people] it remembers.” Since before the United States came into formal existence, America has produced men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of American liberty and global peace and freedom. Memorial Day 2017 is on Monday, May 29. I hope as you and your families take care to enjoy a safe holiday, you also make a point to honor and remember the Americans who willingly sacrificed their lives for our future benefit. 

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