On Saturday, May 30th, come to Hunter Park for a full day of fun, and top it off with the Music Fest, a set of free outdoor performances with music sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The lineup of artists this year will begin at 3:30 p.m. with P.H.I.L.T.H.Y., a self described “Conscience Rapper with a lot of swag”, known for songs such as “Whatchu listenin to”, “Voice of the Voiceless” and “Live yo life”.
He’ll be followed by Nervous But Excited, a “pleasantly aggressive folk duo”. They recently released “anchors: the green album”, with tracks including “ashes”, ““dear john”, and “said and done”.
Next up will be Thom Jayne and the Nomads, whose influences include world music, jazz, and Celtic traditions. Their 2005 CD “Road Trip” includes “Stairway to Seven”, “Moses”, “Fireheart”, and others.
Our final performance of the day is from Root Doctor, a highly-acclaimed band that plays a mix of traditional blues, classic soul and R&B. Their album “Live at the Cadillac Club” includes songs like “Rainy Night in Georgia”, “Foolish Pride” and “Been a Long Time Coming”.
Other activities that day include:
o The Family Fun Walk, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Between 1:30-3:30 pm, the first 200 people to complete four laps of the Hunter Park Path (approximately 2 miles) will receive a $5 Market Coin for use at our Allen Street Farmers Market. (Note: The Market officially opens on May 20th, and runs 2:30 – 7 pm every Wednesday through October in the 1600 block of East Kalamazoo St!)
o Grand Opening of the beautiful new Hunter Park Pool and Splash Pad at 12:30 pm, with free and open swim until 7 pm. Check out this beautiful new zero depth entry pool with its colorful and fun splash pad for the littlest ones!
o Our lovely Hunter Park GardenHouse is a stamped site that day for Be A Tourist in Your Own Town. Come enjoy tours of this year-round greenhouse, a hub for urban gardening projects. Enjoy delicious tastings of food grown in our raised beds, and perhaps sit in on gardening workshops for adults and kids from 11 am-7 pm
o Market Croquet- Enjoy a traditional game of croquet, using our famous market yard signs rather than wickets. All participants are eligible to win a $15 gift certificate to the Allen Street Farmers Market.
o Bring a picnic basket or purchase food from Vendors working the event.
Kick off the summer season by spending the entire day with family, friends, and neighbors in the gorgeous, 13 acre Hunter Park, located on the Eastside of Lansing in the 1400 block of East Kalamazoo Street. On-street parking is available or park in the lot off Clifford St.
Enhanced driver’s license will help
travelers at border
By Terri Lynn Land
A convenient new driver’s license is now available to Michigan residents that has the flexibility to be used as a secure travel document at the U.S. border as well as for driving purposes.
The Michigan Department of State is offering the option of an enhanced driver’s license or ID card in an effort to help protect state and national security and to ensure ease of cross-border travel.
The new license doubles as a border-crossing document and denotes both identity and citizenship. It has higher security features to meet tougher federal ID requirements that take effect at America’s land and sea borders on June 1, 2009.
As a card that people can carry on an everyday basis, the enhanced license can provide residents peace of mind that comes from always carrying what they need for border travel. At $45, it is a more affordable option than a passport, which costs $100. And the card will take 2 to 3 weeks to receive after application, compared to 4 to 6 weeks for a passport.
Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens may apply for the license at any Secretary of State SUPER!Center or at select other branch offices statewide. The application process is relatively easy for those who already have a current driver’s license. They only need to present proof of a valid Social Security number and U.S. citizenship in addition to their driver’s license. Anyone who has had their name legally changed for any reason, including marriage, must present proof of that fact.
When travelers approach an American border station in a vehicle, they simply hold up their enhanced license. Technology in the card allows it to be scanned from a distance. By the time travelers reach the station, security personnel will usually only need to make a quick visual check. No personal information is transmitted during this process.
Enacted as part of federal legislation to protect the nation from terrorism, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to present a passport or other secure document to enter the U.S. by air, land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. The rule for air travel has been in effect since January 2007.
Beginning June 1, residents may only use travel documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security such as an enhanced driver license or enhanced personal identification card, U. S. passport, U.S. passport card, or trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) to cross the international border by land or sea.
Michigan will continue to issue standard driver’s licenses to residents who don’t apply for the enhanced version, but these individuals will need additional identification to cross the American border. Children under the age of 16 who are U.S. citizens may present an enhanced document, a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship for entry. Those 16- through 18-years-old who are traveling with chaperoned school, sports or other groups also will only need to show a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship.
Keeping international travel a smooth process is important for our state. We have a $70-billion-a-year trade relationship with Canada and vital tourism interests that depend on the efficient and hassle-free movement of goods and people across the border.
That’s why I was an early advocate of combining the security of a passport with the convenience of a driver’s license and have been working with state and federal officials and other groups to see it through. Other states have adopted the single-document idea and now, we are very pleased to offer enhanced licenses in Michigan. I’m grateful for the support many people have provided in moving this concept into reality.
The enhanced driver’s license will be helpful to Michigan’s security and our economy-and that’s good news for our great state.
For more information, please visit our Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
Agriculturally Speaking…
MDA protecting you at the pump
By Don Koivisto, Director
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Summer driving season is just around the corner and I want to take this time to acknowledge the critical role the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Weights and Measures inspectors play as our consumer watchdogs. Consumer protection is always a top priority for MDA, and protecting gasoline purchases is one of our most important responsibilities. The inspectors’ efforts ensure Michigan motorists and our dedicated truckers receive both the quality and quantity of gasoline they pay for at the pump.
Last year, MDA inspectors tested the gasoline quality at more than 1,000 of the state’s approximately 4,800 retail establishments. Many of these inspections were results of consumer complaints. Although our staff of inspectors is small, increased inspections have significantly protected consumers’ wallets. In recent years, the increased inspections have driven meter accuracy up five percent since 2004, to more than 99 percent. Overall meter compliance has risen nearly 13 percent, from 80 percent in 2004 to approximately 93 percent in 2008.
While most gas station operators attempt to deliver the proper quality and quantity of fuel, motorists can help increase their protection by making sure that the price display on the pump is set to zero before the pump starts, and verifying that the sign on the roadway matches the price on the pump before fueling. In addition, consumers should always request a receipt as a record of their purchase.
You can increase your protection at the pump by looking for the green Weights and Measures sticker on the pump. This verifies the pump has been inspected by MDA and is in proper working condition. Also, always make sure the price display is set to zero before fueling, and verify the sign on the roadway matches the price at the pump.
Additionally, gas mileage can be controlled by putting a few energy-saving practices into your routine. Following these quick tips can expand gas mileage, extend vehicle life, and provide for safer travel:
• Keep your engine tuned; maintain tires at the correct pressure; change the air filter regularly; and use energy-saving motor oil.
• Avoid aggressive driving – such as rapid acceleration and braking. It can lower fuel economy up to 33 percent on the highway and five percent around town. This can cost as much as $0.49 per gallon.
• Watch your speed – high speed creates more wind resistance. Every five mph driven over 60 mph can cost an additional $0.10 per gallon.
• When possible, use your cruise control – it can save fuel by maintaining a steady speed.
• Excess weight uses more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from inside the vehicle, trunk or truck bed.
• Be aware that running electric accessories like an air conditioner can also reduce fuel economy by five to 25 percent.
Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDA’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).
