Michigan's Own Military and Space Museum will be the site for a celebration TODAY, June 14th, Flag Day.  The celebration begins at 9:00am and runs all day until 7:00pm, in Frankenmuth.

Events include a live broadcast of the Art Lewis Radio Show in the morning, special flag-raising ceremonies all day long, and a free patriotic concert with Ms. Ruthie Van Gilder.  You can also register to have breakfast or lunch with "President Lincoln."  These meals will be held at the Black Forest Restaurant at 9:30am and 1:00pm, respectively, and cost $15 for individuals, $25 for a couple, and $35 for a family.  Contact Robert Zelle for more details.

The US Army's Birthday Party will feature cake and ice cream for all, from 12:00noon- 4:00pm.  This is a celebration of 234 years of our military!  So bring everyone, especially veterans to be honored.

The impact of immigration on our public health system is often overlooked.  The cost of medical care for uninsured immigrants is of course passed onto the taxpayer, and strains the financial stability of our health care community.  Retired Lieutenant Commander John L McKenney of the United States Public Health Service will present an overview of America's health care delivery, as the system pertains to detained illegal and criminal aliens.
The presentation is Thursday, June 17th, at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron, Vassar, from 6:00-8:00pm.
 
Lieutenant Commander McKenney (ret) served 12 years in the United States Air Force and  was detailed to the Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service Health Care Program which provides health care to alien detainees, where he gained firsthand experience working with the U.S. Border Patrol.

The meeting is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party, which is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  There will be information on immigration, health care, and cap and trade.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.

Picnic At The Tridge

Congressman Dave Camp will again be holding his annual Picnic At The Tridge in Midland, on Monday, June 21.  The event runs from 5:30-7:30pm, behind the H Hotel in downtown Midland.

There will be clowns, balloons, music, and of course, food!  It's a fun event for the entire family.  Tickets are $45 per family, and checks should be made out to Dave Camp For Congress.  You can make reservations by calling 989-631-9475.

Dave also needs volunteer help to make the whole event run smoothly.  If you can help set up or help during the event, please contact Sarah Wurtzel at Dave Camp's campaign and she will get you all of the necessary information.

A few weeks ago we announced a new way to tell your Congressmen about wasteful spending.  Another new way to contact them about all sorts of legislation has been initiated by Republican Congressional leaders.  It's called America Speaking Out.  The website allows anyone to propose and debate any idea and the information is passed on the Congress.  Nearly 300,000 unique visitors have stopped in during just the first two weeks.

It allows the American people to directly let Congress know of priorities and policy directions Congress should follow.  Operation is simple: choose a category that you care about, then choose a topic on a specific issues. Then, you can just look around, debate ideas that are posted, or offer one of your own ideas!  Ideas and debate can also be shared on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites.

Representative Dave Camp notes, "It is Americans' right to be heard, and I am happy to help introduce this innovative new forum, using the best of social media to impact policies pursued in Washington.  I encourage all my constituents to participate in America Speaking Out and engage in the debate and creation of a new agenda for our country. Washington must listen when America speaks, and I look forward to hearing the results."