Dear Neighbor,
We are officially in June, and this month, we have lots of things to celebrate! Warmer weather is here, June is Pride Month, and on June 19th, we honor Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the end of slavery. In this newsletter, I have included some festivities to mark Pride Month and Juneteenth.
Featured in Today’s Newsletter:
- Juneteenth Events in District
- Pride Events in District
- Three-Free Weekend: Free fishing, (Off-Road Vehicle) ORVing, and State Park Entry
- MSU Extension
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- Double Up Food Bucks
- Emergency Weather Preparedness
As always, it is an honor to represent you. If you would like any assistance with state-based issues, please feel free to reach out! You can email me at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-8360.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Juneteenth Events in District
Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19th every year, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This year, the communities in our district are hosting a variety of events to commemorate this significant day. I have included the information below.
Juneteenth Jubilee Family Day at Valade Park – June 21
The Roots, Rhythm, & Flow: A Juneteenth Jubilee Family Day at Robert C. Valade Park will be held on June 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is in partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, which will activate a day of health, wellness, community engagement, and history, including a liberation run, community and health fair, mindfulness zone, interactive field games, currents of courage tour, and a health and wellness hub. Click here for more details.
City of Warren Juneteenth Celebration – June 21
The City of Warren will be hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Warren City Hall. This event will include a gospel concert, poetry performance, hip hop and spoken word, soul, R&B, and jazz performances, as well as free food, admission, and parking.
Sterling Heights Juneteenth Dodge Park Thursday – June 19
The City of Sterling Heights will be celebrating Juneteenth in collaboration with Dodge Park Thursdays. This free event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a “Stand Up for Freedom: A Dance Workshop” hosted by Detroit’s Abigail School of Dance and will offer food, books, and crafts at the Sterling Heights Public Library. The daylong celebration continues at 3:00 p.m. when the Dodge Park Farmers Market and nearly 30 vendors and information booths open, featuring several Black-owned businesses and organizations. At 5:00 p.m., the Juneteenth stage will feature music and hustle lessons at the Patios ‘n’ Pints beer garden next to the Upton House Museum. To cap off the celebration, the Prolifics, a Motown Tribute Band, will be performing at 7:00 p.m. on the Dodge Park Amphitheatre Stage as part of the 50th anniversary season of Music in the Park.
Pride Events in District
Motor City Pride – June 7 and 8
The Motor City Pride celebration is Michigan’s largest Pride event! This festival will be happening on both June 7th and 8th. On Saturday, the event will be from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sunday the parade will begin at 12:00 p.m., and the festival will go from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event will take place at 1 West Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48226. To get tickets, please click here.
City of Warren Pride – June 14
The City of Warren will be hosting their pride event on June 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Warren Civic Center. This free event will include live music, drag artists, and performers. There will also be food and drink vendors throughout the event. If interested in attending, please click here.
Three-Free Weekend: Free Fishing, ORVing, and State Park Entry
This weekend, June 7-8, is the “three-free” weekend. This weekend is two full days of free fishing, riding off roads, and state park access provided by the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).
“Three Free” Weekend includes:
- Free Fishing: Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Click here for more information.
- Free ORVing: Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Please note that many ORV trails remain closed following this spring’s ice storm in northern Michigan. Click here for the latest ORV trail, safety, and closure information.
- Waiver of the Recreation Passport: To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites, and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits here.
MSU Extension
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is a program that brings the university’s vast knowledge and resources to Michigan residents. This program equips people with tools to work and live better. MSU Extension offers both online and in-person programs on food and health, family, animal agriculture, and field crops. These programs can range from quick 30-minute sessions to a series with multiple meeting dates. Programs are offered in every county and are mostly free. To view the events offered in your county, click here.
Additionally, MSU Extension also offers Ask Extension, an online opportunity to submit questions to MSU Extension experts on topics such as gardening, nutrition, food safety, and community development. Ask Extension also allows you to upload images along with the question. To ask a question, click here.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Eder Abuse Awareness Day. This day is aimed to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
Michigan is home to more than 1.7 million residents aged 60 and older — and while many enjoy safe and fulfilling lives — far too many faces abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In response, the Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF), launched in 2019 by Attorney General Dana Nessel, continues to lead a statewide effort to protect our most vulnerable residents. I am a proud member of this task force. Learn more here.
Double Up Food Bucks
Double Up Food Bucks is a program aimed at helping Michigan residents make their food dollars go further, while also supporting local farmers and healthy eating. This program doubles the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits when spent on fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks is available at 230 locations across Michigan, including select grocery stores, farm stands, and farmers markets. To find participating locations, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org. To participate, all you need to do is bring your Bridge Card and buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
Emergency Weather Preparedness
With the warming of weather comes the increase in potential severe storms. It is important to remember that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can develop quickly and without much warning. Preparing ahead of time and knowing what to do during and after a storm can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Here are some tips to staying safe:
Stay Informed
Monitor weather alerts from trusted sources like the National Weather Service or local emergency management.
Create a Family Emergency Plan and Designate a Safe Room
Designate a safe room, preferably a basement or interior room without windows. Keep an emergency kit in the designated safe room.
Build an Emergency Kit
Make sure your emergency kits include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Important documents (ID, insurance, medical info)
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Sanitation supplies
- Pet food and supplies
Thunderstorm vs. Tornado Warnings
- For thunderstorm warnings, take shelter in doors away from any windows, avoid using electrical appliances, and unplug electronics to prevent damages from water surges. Please note, thunderstorm warnings can quickly escalate into tornado warnings.
- For tornado warnings, go to your designated safe room. If you find yourself in a vehicle, drive to a shelter if possible. If not, keep your seat belt fastened and cover your head. If you are outdoors, lie in a flat low-lying area and cover your head. Avoid overpasses.
Stay Cautious After a Storm
After a storm, things may not be as they were before. Avoid and report downed powerlines and flood water, check for injuries and property damage, and continue to listen to local authorities for updates and instructions.