Dear Neighbor,
Happy August, I hope you are getting outdoors and enjoying the last few weeks of summer before the back-to-school season is in full swing! There are various local events and free national park opportunities happening in our great state in the coming weeks.
Featured in This Newsletter:
- Celebrating & Protecting Michigan’s Greatest Natural Treasure: Our Great Lakes
- Save on Higher Education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Enrollment for Macomb Community College is Open: Take Advantage of Michigan Reconnect
- National Night Out – August 5
- Free National Park Day – August 4
- Warren Birthday Bash Weekend
- Dodge Park Thursdays
- Renovations and Grand Opening of Warren’s Fire Station No. 5
As always, it is an honor to represent you. If you would like any assistance with state-based issues, please feel free to reach out! You can email me at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-8360.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Celebrating & Protecting Michigan’s Greatest Natural Treasure: Our Great Lakes
The Great Lakes boast more than their scenic sandy shorelines and unmatched recreational opportunities. Containing more than 20% of the world’s freshwater, the Great Lakes region is used as the primary water source for more than 40 million people. These iconic water bodies form a vital component of our state’s natural ecosystem, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife while also serving as crucial shipping routes and energy sources. In short, they’re vital to our state and national economy, environment, and day-to-day way of life.
As the Great Lakes State, we’re home to 11,000 more inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. With Lakes Appreciation Month wrapping up yesterday, there’s no better time to take a moment and celebrate our water resources. For all the reasons mentioned above and more, it’s absolutely critical that we work to protect our lakes and waterways as much as we seek to enjoy them.
Committed to safeguarding our lakes and water bodies for future generations to come, Senate Democrats have worked to:
- Prevent Michigan from serving as the nation’s dumping grounds for hazardous waste before our waterways, fields, and neighborhoods become too toxic for us to enjoy.
- Hold polluters accountable for contaminating Michigan’s land and water and harming residents’ health.
- Empower Michigan officials to strengthen environmental and public health protections that exceed federal standards.
- Improve water quality and public health outcomes through the creation of a uniform statewide septic code.
- Invest $40 million to offset increased water infrastructure project costs due to tariffs and $15 million in dam safety and management in the 2026 state budget proposal.
- Deliver tens of millions of dollars in last year’s state budget to strengthen various water infrastructure projects around the state, support research to address microplastics contamination, implement recommendations from the Water Use Advisory Council, bolster invasive species management, and more.
Some Ways YOU Can Celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month in the Great Lakes State
- Head out for a swim at one of Michigan’s beautiful state parks, many of which surround the Great Lakes coastline. (Be sure to read up on these safety tips beforehand.)
- Grab a pole and some bait and enjoy some of the best fly-fishing and bass lakes in the country right here in Michigan. Check out this map of family-friendly fishing locations around the state.
- Plan a visit to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and immerse yourself in Detroit’s role in Michigan’s maritime history. A Detroiter membership is available at no cost for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park!
- Have a furry friend in tow? Bring them along to one of Michigan’s many pet-friendly beaches.
Learn more about ways to explore the Great Lakes here, and read on about further efforts my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have championed to protect Michigan’s freshwater ecosystem here.
Save on Higher Education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship
With a new school year right around the corner, learn more about how you can save money on the cost of higher education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship!
Recognizing the vital role colleges play in shaping the future of our state, my colleagues and I worked to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program and create the “Community College Guarantee.” This scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars that will give an overview of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and more. You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
Enrollment for Macomb Community College is Open: Take Advantage of Michigan Reconnect
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult, or a retiree eager to keep learning, taking classes at Macomb Community College might be right for you! The fall 2025 semester starts August 18 for the 16–week and 8-week sessions, September 15 for the 12-week sessions, and October 13 for the second round of 8-week sessions. To sign up for classes, please follow the steps below.
- Apply for Admission
Visit macomb.edu and complete the online application.
If you’re a returning student who hasn’t attended in the last two years, submit a Student Update Form. - Log In to Your Student Account
Go to my.macomb.edu and sign in using your Macomb email and password.
Navigate to Quick Links and click Register for Classes. - Choose Your Classes
Use the course catalog to explore over 150 programs, including online and in-person options.
Consider short-term certificates, associate degrees, or transfer pathways to four-year universities. - Pay Tuition
Pay online through your student account or set up a payment plan.Financial aid, including the Michigan Reconnect and Achievement Scholarships, may be available.
Michigan Reconnect
The Michigan Reconnect Scholarship might be able to aid those looking to attend classes at Macomb Community College. Michiganders who are 25 years of age or older are eligible to apply for Michigan Reconnect Program. Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that pays for you to attend your in-district community college tuition-free or offers a large tuition discount if you attend an out-of-district community college
To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency (GED), or certificate of completion
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelors)
If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, click here to get started.
To participate in the Reconnect scholarship, you must complete four steps:
- Apply online for Michigan Reconnect. The application takes less than five minutes to complete and can be done on a mobile phone. If you are having difficulties on your mobile device, it is recommended to use a different browser or computer.
- Apply to a Michigan public community college. All public community colleges, including tribal colleges, in Michigan qualify. If you’re already enrolled at a public community college this step is completed. If you’re not, remember your tuition is free at an in-district community college, but that Reconnect only pays part of the tuition if you attend an out-of-district community college. See What costs does Reconnect cover?
- Submit your FAFSA. This is free financial aid provided by the federal government.
- Enroll in an eligible program and start classes. You can enroll in any Pell-eligible skill certificate or associate degree program.
National Night Out Event at Freedom Hill — August 5th
National Night Out is taking place on Tuesday, August 5 — a day dedicated to strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and the community. Macomb County will be hosting a free neighborhood event to celebrate at Freedom Hill County Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy helicopter displays, live entertainment, police vehicles, K-9 demonstrations, and so much more. Families and community members are invited to meet their local law enforcement officers and experience an evening of connection, community, and fun!
Free National Park Day — August 4th
On August 4, you and your loved ones can enjoy the last of the warm summer weather at one of our national parks for free.
All entrance fees will be waived during the dates nationwide. National Parks in Michigan that you may visit on these dates for free are Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park.
Michigan’s additional National Park units, such as River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and more than 1,100 miles of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, are always free.
Please note amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours are not free during these dates.
Warren Birthday Bash Weekend
The City of Warren will be holding their Birthday Bash the weekend of August 21-23. These three days of family fun includes carnival rides, live music, local food trucks, a firework show, Polish Day Parade, drone show, and a kidz zone. This event will be held at 1 City Sqaure. To find the itinerary for this event please click here.
Dodge Park Thursdays
The City of Sterling Heights will be hosting their Dodge Park Thursdays until September 25. This weekly event includes a farmers market from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with locally made food and produce; Patios ‘n’ Pints from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during which you can sample beers and ciders from various breweries; and Music in the Park, where you can enjoy live concerts at 7:00 p.m.!
Please note, Dodge Park Farmer’s Market will also be accepting EBT, so no family will be turned away. The event also participates in the Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market program.
The August concert schedule at Dodge Park includes:
- s Family Tradition (Country Rock)
- Aug. 14: Larger Than Life (Ultimate Boy Band Tribute) + Park It Family Fun Night & Movie in the Park
- Aug. 21: Magic Bus (Woodstock Era)
- Aug. 28: Atomic Radio vs. Phoenix Theory (Party Bands)
Renovations and Grand Opening of Warren’s Fire Station No. 5
67 years ago, the City of Warren opened its very first fire station, completed in July 1958. After decades of dedicated service by both Fire Stations No. 1 and 5, major renovations began in December 2023.
Much-needed updates are bringing state-of-the-art technology, amenities, and improvements to both stations. The buildings have also been relocated to better serve the community’s needs. Architects, contractors, elected officials, and community stakeholders all collaborated to bring the city’s vision for these impressive facilities to life.
Fire Station No. 5 celebrated its grand opening with a full day of festivities on July 30. The day included a community parade to move the fire engines from the old Station 5, followed by a dedication ceremony and an open house. Neighbors and visitors were invited to tour the new facility, meet firefighters, and learn about the legacy of Old Station No. 5. The City of Warren looks forward to utilizing both Station No. 1 and 5 to better serve the community while honoring the proud history of the Fire Department.