One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to travel to unique places and meet with new people without having to be away from my home and family. I get to visit SEMCOG member communities throughout Southeast Michigan’s seven counties and see the diversity that makes our region great. While my destinations include small towns, rural townships, and cities of all sizes, the wonderful places and welcoming people make me feel like I am at home no matter where I am in the region.
Last week was a particularly busy travel week for me, both for work and family:
Monday (96 miles) – I visited Brandon Township to speak on one of my favorite topics: the benefits of SEMCOG membership. What a beautiful community, including the quaint Village of Ortonville within its borders. On our way out of township hall, the parks and recreation director stopped to share his pride in developing unique experiences for visitors to their parks.
Wednesday (90 miles) – I got to talk about SEMCOG membership again in Oxford Township (the township board voted to join SEMCOG that night, bringing us to a record membership total of 172 communities – welcome to our newest member!) This was another opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery and plentiful lakes of northern Oakland County.
Thursday (126 miles) – I met with new General Assembly and Executive Committee members from St. Clair County and heard about a variety of initiatives throughout the county, from improving road safety for both cyclists and drivers in Marine City and the City of St. Clair, to a countywide community health improvement program initiative. I always enjoy being in Port Huron – seeing the Blue Water Bridge, downtown and, of course, the water.
Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (206 miles) – There was some scrambling as my son’s baseball tournament was postponed when heavy rain on Thursday rendered the tournament field at Oakland University unplayable. Two local school districts stepped up and allowed the use of their fields. I was able to see the fantastic ball fields at Avondale Schools in Auburn Hills and the Chippewa Valley Schools in Clinton Township.
Sunday (88 miles) – This was a bittersweet day as I dropped my daughter off at YMCA camp for the week. Thankfully, Camp Ohiyesa is right here in Southeast Michigan – on Fish Lake in Holly, near where I had spent Monday and Wednesday evenings. Hopefully she is feeling right at home.
What a week! I traveled 606 miles without having to book a flight or rent a hotel room. I got to experience many of the people and places that make Southeast Michigan special and even view some regional progress in action (AKA road construction) up close!
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