Happy Columbus Day!

Tomorrow's national celebration is personally meaningful for me, since our son's middle name is Columbus (named after a dear uncle who raised my husband during his early formative years). This connection has always expanded how we view Columbus during this annual celebration. More than a historical figure who gives postal workers reason to relax for the day, we embrace Columbus as, well, a member of our family.

Connections such as these have grown in importance within the context of today's increasingly unsteady economy. It's reassuring to know that we can still enjoy the history that surrounds Columbus and celebrate who he was as a person.

I'm reminded of a special program in our community that has just enjoyed one more popular tourist season: a 10-cent Trolley Tour operated by the Blue Water Area Transportration Commission. That's right. For only a dime, it's possible to board a trolley and enjoy a 45-minute journey back in time to learn about Thomas Edison and others who played important roles in our town's early development. And, unlike many recreational outings, this is one that most family budgets can still afford.

Get on Board with SEMCOG!

"Get on Board" is definitely worth a few minutes of your time to let your mind explore transit possibilities in Detroit. The video is by the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments. Click here SEMCOG to see this and other videos of interest.

$9 Billion is a Great Start!

Public transit is slated to receive $9 Billion in Federal funding in the current draft of President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009, according to reports from the American Public Transportation Association.

Whether or not this bill ever sees the light of day, I'm encouraged to see Washington investing in an industry that is "part of the solution" on so many fronts.

According to Virginia Miller, APTA's Sr. Manager - Media Relations: "Currently, 216 public transit systems have identified more than 700 projects that are ready-to-go within 90 days of federal funding. These projects total $12.2 billion and would create and sustain 340,000 jobs."

This means that there are 216 "good news" stories just waiting to happen. It's a great opportunity... and a news release is all it takes to get you started.