Springtime Opportunities Await Us

By: Marisa Horak Belotti Growing up, how many times did we hear our parents tell us to get out of the house and take advantage of the spring and summer days filled with warmth and sunshine? And as parents, how many times have we told our own kids the same thing? “Go outside and play!” In our May edition, we look at options for kids that will get them away from their video game consoles. Maybe they will want to make their own giant lawn version of the popular game Jenga. (Page 15) Families can find fun on the recreational trails of the Great Lakes Bay region. You can hike, stroll, run or even ride bikes on the vast system of connecting trails. One option for cycling is a fat-tire bicycle, which enables you to go where other bikes wouldn’t dare venture. (Page 28) While you’re on those trails, you will want to take precautions to avoid encountering ticks, which could lead to Lyme disease. Here’s what to do to avoid ticks and what signs to watch for if a tick does attach itself to you. (Page 18) When the Great Lakes Loons play at home, they find homes away from home with host families in Midland. Great Lakes Bay Magazine visits with some of the host family coordinators to hear how the program began and how mutually fulfilling it is for both the players and themselves. (Page 32) Bay City native Dr. Sydney Learman is in dental practice with her father. She says it is rewarding to see the smiles of patients – smiles she helped preserve. (Page 20) I hope you enjoy the warmth of spring, the burst of colors from blooming flowers, and this fun and informative edition of Great Lakes Bay Magazine!

By: Marisa Horak Belotti

Growing up, how many times did we hear our parents tell us to get out of the house and take advantage of the spring and summer days filled with warmth and sunshine?

And as parents, how many times have we told our own kids the same thing?

“Go outside and play!”

In our May edition, we look at options for kids that will get them away from their video game consoles. Maybe they will want to make their own giant lawn version of the popular game Jenga. (Page 15)

Families can find fun on the recreational trails of the Great Lakes Bay region. You can hike, stroll, run or even ride bikes on the vast system of connecting trails. One option for cycling is a fat-tire bicycle, which enables you to go where other bikes wouldn’t dare venture. (Page 28)

While you’re on those trails, you will want to take precautions to avoid encountering ticks, which could lead to Lyme disease. Here’s what to do to avoid ticks and what signs to watch for if a tick does attach itself to you. (Page 18)

When the Great Lakes Loons play at home, they find homes away from home with host families in Midland. Great Lakes Bay Magazine visits with some of the host family coordinators to hear how the program began and how mutually fulfilling it is for both the players and themselves. (Page 32)

Bay City native Dr. Sydney Learman is in dental practice with her father. She says it is rewarding to see the smiles of patients – smiles she helped preserve. (Page 20)

I hope you enjoy the warmth of spring, the burst of colors from blooming flowers, and this fun and informative edition of Great Lakes Bay Magazine!