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Five Things You Need to Know for Friday, June 30, 2006

We've rolled out a couple of "What to Do in Michigan" guides for Hiking in Michigan and Fishing in Michigan. The first of many more to come!

The Michigan Apollo Alliance Formed

Michigan labor unions and environmental groups joined forces today to launch a new coalition to end America's dependence on foreign oil. The groups, organized as the Michigan Apollo Alliance, believe a major initiative to develop renewable energy, homegrown biofuels and advanced automotive technologies is needed to end Michigan's dependence on imported energy and to take advantage of the state's skilled workforce and manufacturing base, while restoring Michigan's natural heritage.

Read the rest of the announcement of the Michigan Apollo Alliance on Absolute Michigan

Sculptor Tom Otterness in Grand Rapids

Tom Otterness exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The exhibit represents the artist's largest public art exhibition in the United States to date. The sculptures are also on display throughout downtown Grand Rapids throughout September 10, 2006.
You can also visit the Meijer Gardens web site for a host of additional information including a great slideshow.

Chevy Corvette Turns 53

1953 Corvette by Morven

Michigan History Magazine tells us that on June 30th, 1953, America's first sports car with a fiberglass body, the Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. General Motor's design guru Harley Earl began work on the Corvette in 1951. 53 years later, the Corvette remains one of the nation's most popular sports cars.

Michigan History Magazine
Corvette Timeline from the Corvette Museum (the museum is in Kentucky, but CARS were mostly made in Michigan)
Flint Corvette Club web site
Corvette Club of Michigan

Program to Provide Family Planning Services & Save State Millions

The Freep reports that a new state program called "Plan First!" will provide family planning services for about 200,000 low-income Michigan women. The program doesn't include coverage of abortions or treatment for infertility, but does include educational material, birth control and prenatal and postnatal care.

Michigan Department of Community Health director Janet Olszewski said "It is estimated that each public dollar spent to provide family planning services saves $3 that would otherwise be spent in Medicaid costs for pregnancy-related care and medical care for newborns, according to national Medicaid research. These services provide cost-savings solutions for our Medicaid program, as well as prevent unintended pregnancies.

Read Women's health plan will save state millions in the Detroit Free Press

Battle Creek Air Show & Balloon Festival, June 30 - July 4, 2006

Visit Battle Creek for the five-day Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. The event officially begins today at W.K. Kellogg Airport and features hot-air balloon launches, balloon illumes and three days of air shows, including appearances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Snowbirds. There also will be car shows, arts and crafts sales, food vendors and a fireworks display...