It’s summertime in Macomb County and that means the return of the Summer Discovery Cruises program.

The voyageurs and fur traders, shipwrecks, lighthouses, science and the birds who migrate to the area are just a few of engaging topics that will be covered during the leisurely cruises on Lake St. Clair.

MSU Extension along with Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) and Michigan Sea Grant will be offering the educational on-boat experiences for individuals and families July 11 through Aug. 9.

“We’re happy to be able to offer the Summer Discovery Cruise program again this year,” Andrew Cox, director/health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services (MCDHCS), which oversees the MSU Extension department said, in a news release. “It’s a fun, educational way to experience the wonders of Lake St. Clair in Macomb County.”

The cruise alone is a great way to spend a day on the lake.

Adding to the experience are engaging programs led by a variety of professionals, some of whom are involved in the preservation and conservation of the Great Lakes and its surrounding watersheds.

The leisurely cruises depart from Lake St. Clair Metropark North Marina and are usually about two hours long.

“Our Summer Discovery Cruises are perfect for families, group leaders and anyone looking for an opportunity to learn about and enjoy Lake St. Clair,” said Kristi Evans, district director of Michigan State University Extension. “I would encourage anyone who is looking for a unique summer experience to make their reservations as soon as possible.”

The cruise and programs covering a variety of topics will start July 11 and run through Aug. 9. Departure times are at 10 a.m. and 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person.

Seating is limited and early registration is highly encouraged at metroparks.com/summer-discovery-cruises/.

“I’m excited about this year’s program,” said Angela Scapini, an MSU Extension sea grant educator who works with local communities, partners and networks promoting Great Lakes literacy and community resiliency through paced-based education programs like the Summer Discovery Cruise.. “We have an excellent lineup of cruise themes and I’m looking forward to sharing them with everyone.”

Reservations for any cruise is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

For more information visit metroparks.com/summer-discovery-cruises/

Calling all golfers.

Got a child that could be the next Tiger Woods or Nelly Korda?

Bank of America’s Golf With Us program gives children who cannot afford access to a course the opportunity to get on one and develop their skills.

However, Saturday is the last day to register.

“Through ‘Golf with Us,’ Bank of America is opening doors for young people in Metro Detroit, demonstrating that with dedication and support, they can achieve great things both on and off the golf course,” said Star Crawford, senior vice-president and market executive with Bank of America Detroit, in a news release. “By providing accessible opportunities to engage with the game, we’re helping to build confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the fairway.”

The program that has partnered with Youth on Course gives Metro Detroit kids affordable access to local golf courses, helping develop confidence, life skills, and a lifelong love of the game.

The initiative was launched during this year’s Masters Tournament, where Bank of America served as Champion Partner. In addition to subsidized rounds, Golf with Us will host free clinics across select U.S. cities, including Metro Detroit, featuring professional golfers, athletes, and other notable figures.

Those interested can register for the program at BofA.com/GolfwithUs.

Once registered, families can take advantage of a free one-year Youth on Course membership, courtesy of Bank of America.

Among the courses in Macomb County participating in this national initiative offering $5 or less rounds of golf for youth between the ages of 6 and 18 is Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Macomb Township.

Other participating sites include: Chandler Park Golf Course at 12801 Chandler Park Dr., Detroit and Royal Oak Golf Center at 3500 Edgar Ave., Royal Oak.

Sycamore Hills Golf Club is at 48787 North Ave., Macomb

The special needs bicycle for Max Davidson has not arrived but the smile on his face says he knows it’s coming.

“I like to put my feet on the pedals,” said Max, 7, and one of 100 children in Southeast Michigan invited to Bike Day at Corewell Health’s Center for Children’s Rehabilitation in Royal Oak, where a team of experts worked to fit them for a no-cost custom, adaptable bicycle.

The bicycles are not something you can buy at any store.

They range in price from $1,300 to $5,000 and can be adapted to meet the needs of a variety of riders, and ages.

Some can even be pedaled by hand.

Such technology comes at a cost but thankfully covered by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Corewell Health Foundation, not to mention the community that supports them.

“When we round up to donate coins at a Speedway gas station or contribute to a Dairy Queen Children’s Network fundraiser that money pays for these bicycles,” said Charlotte Alex, director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Corewell Health Children’s. “I would be remiss if I did not stress we are also incredibly grateful to our expert and caring vendors, our dedicated volunteers and the extraordinary generosity of the people of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. It’s you who make these adaptive bicycles possible.”

While a few pennies in a jar doesn’t seem like a big contribution, it adds up and every bike purchased makes a huge difference in people’s lives.

“They offer a fun and dynamic opportunity for exercise, socialization and family togetherness,” said Ryan Barto, Corewell Health bike day coordinator and senior pediatric occupational therapist. “The physical benefits, including improved strength and coordination, are numerous.”

Bike Day has also become a tradition for parents of children with special needs like Max, who was born with hemimegalencephaly, a rare neurological disorder that causes seizures and is drug resistant.

Before the age of one Max had to undergo a hemispherectomy, which involved removing the right side of his brain, which was causing the seizures. Since then, he has been in therapy to help the left side of his brain to take over the duties of the right side.

What’s been a great help is the bicycle.

“I notice his back is straighter and his gait is strong after he rides his bike,” said Kelly Davidson, while watching Max and his sister Eleanor playing in the driveway of their Shelby Township home. “It’s just a wonderful program. It gives kids an opportunity to get a bike they’re able to ride.”

Max concurred.

“I like going fast,” he said of the bicycle he will receive in July.

Delta Airlines and Tubby’s Sub Shops are also sponsors of Bike Day.

Motorists in Michigan preparing to travel during Memorial Day Weekend are hoping gas prices continue to decrease.

This weekend motorists were paying an average of $3.06 per gallon, which was 6 cents less than this time last month.

“Michigan drivers are seeing lower prices at the pump this week,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group in Monday’s report. “If demand stays low, alongside increasing gasoline stocks, motorists could continue to see gas prices decline.”

This price is 6 cents less than this time last month and 59 cents less than this time last year.

Across the state motorists were paying an average of $45 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $12 from 2024’s highest price last July.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.09 million barrels of oil per day to 8.71. Total domestic gasoline supply slightly increased from 225.5 million barrels to 225.7. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.02 to settle at $58.07 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2 million barrels from the previous week. At 438.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.

A weekly comparison of prices showed Metro Detroit’s average daily gas price decreased. Metro Detroit’s current average is $3.09 per gallon, about 8 cents less than last week’s average and 51 cents less than this same time last year.

AAA report on state and metro gas averaged showed:

• Most expensive gas price averages:  Ann Arbor ($3.11), Marquette ($3.10), Metro Detroit ($3.09)• Least expensive gas price averages: Traverse City ($2.94), Jackson ($2.95), Flint ($2.98)

Find local gas prices

According to AAA’s report, daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com Motorists can find the lowest gas prices on their smartphone or tablet with the free AAA Mobile app. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

Tips to save on gas

• Limit driving time by combining errands.• Use the apps and shop around for best gas prices in your community before you venture onto the roads.• Some retailers charge more per gallon when using a credit card, so consider paying cash. .• Remove excess weight in your vehicle.• Keep to the speed limit. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.• Find a savings program. AAA Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon when they fill up at Shell.

For more information visit acg.aaa.com/.

The only thing worse than the need for community food pantries is having a pantry and not being able to store perishable goods.

That’s what makes the food pantry grant for a new refrigeration unit offered by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the BCBSM Foundation such a blessing.

“Last year we served 75,665 people and because of the refrigeration unit we were able to store milk between pantry days for emergency food,” said Sue Ostosh, executive director of Harvest Time Christian Fellowship Church’s pantry and among the organizations that have received the grant that’s now open for new applicants.

Emergency food as Ostosh explained is a term that pantries use for people who are in a crisis situation.

“They have no food in the house. No food in the cupboards. Their children are hungry and they don’t know what to do,” Ostosh said. “We probably serve three to five families in this situation every week.”

Harvest Time in Warren is one of 179 organizations in 54 counties that have received a grant to help people facing food insecurity, which includes about 14% of people in Michigan or one in seven Michiganders, according to a report by Feeding America. Older adults, seniors over the age of 60, are also at risk with a food insecurity rate of 6.5%.

According to the BCBSM, the situation is even worse for children, with nearly one in six lacking enough to eat and more than 20 counties having 20% or more kids without reliable access to healthy food.

“When families have consistent access to fresh, nutritious foods like milk, cheese and yogurt it supports their health, development and well being,” said Amiee Vondrasek, health and wellness senior manager for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, in a news release. “Through this grant program, we’re proud to partner with organizations across Michigan to ensure food pantries are equipped to provide the dairy foods their communities want and need, especially for children and seniors facing food insecurity.”

Todd Anderson concurred.

“Access to fresh produce is critically important for growing children and families who are making ends meet with fewer resources,” said the market president for Blue Cross Complete. “Having these basic needs met creates a positive shift in a person’s overall health and wellbeing. It helps bring them out of survival mode, and that ripples out and allows whole communities to thrive.”

The refrigeration units cost $7,000.

In addition to the refrigeration unit, food pantry grantees will also receive personalized technical assistance to enhance pantry operations and $250 in dairy match funding to purchase additional eligible dairy products for their pantry.

“Food pantries play a vital role in providing individuals and families with access to nutritious food and BCBSM and the BCBSM Foundation are proud to offer resources to help expand their reach and impact,” said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of community relations for BCBSM. “By investing in food pantries, we can address the immediate need of our communities and equip pantries with the necessary resources, tools and support to serve those in need for years to come.”

Ostosh, whose pantry in Warren serves families in Macomb and parts of Oakland and Wayne counties, said she appreciates what BCBSM is doing.

She just wishes more companies were doing it.

“I could use another refrigerator,” she said. “Even a walk-in cooler or freezer would be great.”

Grant applications are due June 22. They must be submitted using the online application.

For more information and to apply visit the Food Pantry Grant Program site at milkmeansmore.org/dairy-in-the-community/food-pantry-grant-program/

Harvest Time Christian Fellowship Church food pantry is 8204 East 9 Mile Rd., in Warren.