By: Kim Jones

Greetings My Sisters and Brothers,

Hope to find everyone in good spirits and doing well.

Spring has sprung? Right? I know that we’ve been waiting patiently for it to arrive.

The UAW Region 1D Women’s Council is pleased to announce the annual Ruben Burks scholarship. To honor our founder, Brother Ruben Burks, we award scholarships to support women pursuing their educational goals and to promote the importance of education and union involvement in our communities.

We askk that you join us in celebrating our 23rd annual Scholarship Luncheon. To be held July 25, 2026 at UAW Local 598. The luncheon will be from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Tickets are $50.00 per perosn. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Xantheia (Z) Carter at 810-252-6397.

The 4th Annual Get Youth Outdoors Day will be held June 6, 2026 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at Bluegill Boat Launch, 4045 E. Coldwater Road, Flint, Michigan. Bring the kids (ages 8+) out for a fun day outdoors. This event is open to the public and the first 400 participants will receive a fishing rod and reel to keep. For more information, contact Duane Ballard at local659fin@comcast.net.

The UAW Local Recreation Committee presents the Detroit Tigers vs. LA Dodgers at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI on August 30th. Tickets are $145 per person, which includes ticket to the game, t-shirt, $20 food voucher, and the bus ride to and from the game. Bus leaves at 10:00 am from UAW Local 659. Game starts at 1:40 pm. Deadline for tickets August 7, 2026.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day. The Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI will host it’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm/ The formal, public ceremony featuring honor guards, guest speakers, and tributes will be held in the cemetery assembly area.

To all the fathers, step-fathers, and the men who step up as fathers, I wish you a very Happy Father’s Day. Also, a happy heavenly Father’s Day to my own father, Larry McNeil.