By: Kim Jones

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

It seems like summer just got started, and now it’s winding down already. Take advantage of the hot weather and try to stay cool. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Union meetings will be starting back up soon. Joint Council and Unit meetings start September 14, 2025. If you are interested in what’s going on in your plant and within the Local, I ask that you attend your Unit and Joint Council meetings.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our Local 659 Women’s Committee will be taking orders for breast cancer shirts. For more details, keep a lookout for postings in your plant and in future Searchlight issues.

Making Strides of Flint is the premier Breast Cancer Walk in the area. The walk begins at 10:00 a.m. and is a 3-mile, noncompetitive walk through downtown Flint to celebrate and honor those who have been impacted by breast cancer.

There are a variety of ways to get involved with our event. Please visit our website or reach out for more information. The date is Saturday, October 11, 2025, located at the flat lot in downtown Flint. Sponsor and activity tents open at 8:30 a.m. The UAW will have a tent where you can register (make sure you include Region 1-D). At 9:30 a.m. there will be a survivors/thrivers photo on the stage. The walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Walk registration and website information can be found at www.makingstrideswalk.org/flintmi or see a member of the Women’s Committee.

Fundraising and/or donations are greatly appreciated to continue hosting this experience for our community and breast cancer survivors and thrivers in the area. Put together a team and walk for this event.

UAW Local 659 Recreation Committee, Women’s Committee, and Community Service Committee will be putting on a Trunk or Treat to be held October 26, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Bring your decorated vehicle to UAW Local 659 and be part of the fun. Dress in your spookiest or silliest Halloween costume. Community is welcome.

I would like to wish all my Sisters and Brothers out there a safe and very happy Labor Day!