By: Anthony Davis

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

March 20th is the first day of Spring. The days are getting longer, which means more sunshine (I hope). With spring comes motorcycles, so please check twice. It could save a life, and help spread awareness of drivers sharing the road.

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history. Culture and society have been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.

Women’s History Month 2025 takes place from Saturday, March 1st through Monday, March 31, 2025. Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women throughout our proud American history, from Rosa Parks to Susan B. Anthony.

In February, the Black History Committee has a great dinner program while “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” A few things from the program included a great tribute to Brother Greg Brock from a couple of past chairs. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley was one of our speakers. We had a poet and the dance group Smooth Steps. The keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, delivered a great speech. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

We recently held our 6th Annual UAW Local 659 Conservation Dinner. Financial Secretary Duane Ballard and I want to thank everyone who came out, all the volunteers, and Sarah from Union Sportsmen’s Alliance.

I will say everyone who attended understood what the dinner was all about, which showed during the live auction. The funds we make off this dinner go towards our free Kids Day that we put on out at Bluegill Boat Launch, which is part of Genesee County Parks.

Since we have partnered up with the parks, we have been talking about building a pavilion at the boat launch. Well, I’m happy to say this is a go and will be happening in the upcoming May time frame. We are already looking ahead at our next big project, which is a long dock for fishing purposes.

When we were out at the last Kids Day, we noticed not a lot of good shoreline fishing and the dock they have is small and dated. So, I threw an idea out and we now have the additional project to tackle.

The Pre/Post-Retirement Classes are wrapped up. They had some informative speakers and a great turnout. These classes are kind of bittersweet. I am so excited our members are getting prepared to retire, but sad to see great people and a lot of knowledge leaving. Our Education Committee always does a fantastic job putting this program together.

The Easter Bunny and the Easter Egg Hunt will be on Sunday, April 6, 2025. at UAW Local 659 Union Hall. The Easter Bunny will be here from 1:00 – 3:00 pm and the Easter Egg Hunt will start at 2:00 pm. Mark your calendars.

From my family to yours, Happy Easter, Don’t eat too much and if you are traveling, safe travels.

Remember, no matter who you are, or where you are from, we are all in this together!