By: Duane Ballard

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to start by welcoming all 55 new members who have transferred to the Engine plant. If you see them, please make them feel welcomed. I hope they find a permanent home here, if they want it.

I want to put a huge shout out to everyone who came to help with the pavilion build on Saturday, May 10th. This project has been in the works for a long while now and it came out just as we have pictured it.

The Local, along with the Union Sportsman’s Alliance and Genesee County parks, came together to build a 32′ x 48′ pavilion at Bluegill Boat Launch, 4045 E Coldwater Road in Flint. I want to thank each and every one of you who volunteered 11 hours on your Saturday to make it happen. It was a lot of hard work, but once we looked at the final result, I believe everyone went home happy and sore. Make sure you check out the project photos on pages 6-7 of this Searchlight or here.

This pavilion was purchased with dinner money that we put on in March. The Bluegill landing is the spot we host our annual Get Youth Outdoors Day. This project will be around for generations down the road to enjoy the outdoors and Genesee County Parks. Even before the pavilion was finished, we have decided on our next project there, more fishing docks. Stay tuned for more info to come on that.

Our 2025 Get Youth Outdoors Day is scheduled for June 7th. This year, we are going to try no registration. Last year, the afternoon group was messed up by the weather, so we have decided to open it from 9:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. The first 200 kids who show up will get a free pole and a goody bag. The flyer for the event in on page 12 of this Searchlight, so make sure you check it out. We are in dire need of some volunteers to help out that day sign up here.

This year, we have added an archery range to the day and are looking for some bow hunters to come out and instruct the kids on shooting bows. We also have plenty of room for help in the fishing, bird house building, bird feeders, lunch, helping direct, and helping kids find the spots. Helping to set up would also be a great help. I guarantee, if you show, we can find something you can help with. Contact me at the Union hall (810-232-4130 ext. 216) to let me know if you can.

I hope all the mothers had a great Mother’s Day and a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

Let’s not forget Memorial Day is on the 26th this year. Although some people get it confused with Veterans Day (yes, I’m not calling it Victory Day for WW1), this day is for all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please take that day to memorialize all who gave their lives for our freedom.

This June 7th will be a perfect day to bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or any kid you know to explore the outdoors. There will be a lot of activities to let them find what piques their interest and give them something to expand on in the future. Take the time and bring them to a great event. I bet it will give you and them something more to bond to other than all the electrical devices that dominate our lives today. Get a kid outdoors and enjoy it with them.