Note: The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, Sept. 26:

Within our communities, we are something more than individuals.

It was an honor to attend many different community events throughout the summer months across Lapeer, Genesee and Tuscola counties, and I wanted to showcase them.

I visited a pair of events in Metamora. I stopped by for Community Awareness Day at D-Bar-A Ranch hosted by the Army National Guard’s 507th Engineer Battalion and Scouting America. I was given a tour of a new 40-by-80-foot pavilion and renovated facilities that had been built and can host events for people in the community for years to come. More than 110 soldiers from the battalion donated their time and expertise as part of their training to helping this project get across the finish line. I also recently attended Metamora Country Days, a tradition that draws thousands of visitors each year and features local food, music, crafts, fireworks, hot air balloon launches, and more. It was great to talk with people there and I thank everyone who stopped me to introduce themselves and chat about priorities.

I have many memories of showing beef and swine when I was growing up in Tuscola County. Because of that background and what our local fairs mean to our region, it was an honor to once again attend the Eastern Michigan State Fair, Genesee County Fair and Tuscola County Fair this summer. The Tuscola County Fair is the oldest ongoing event in the county. I was proud to support local kids by bidding on farm animals they had up for auction, and it was great to talk with organizers and families who make these fairs the wonderful spectacles they are and help drive our local economies!

It was an honor to be in Lapeer to present a U.S. flag that had been flown on the Fourth of July over the Michigan State Capitol to the Nipissing Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and in recognition of the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Members of both DAR and the Sons of the American Revolution who are direct descendants of those who aided the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War gave the reading in historic attire. This ceremony at the historic Lapeer County Courthouse was a moving commemoration of our country’s past and showcased the spirit of how we’ve endured for 250 years.

In August, I teamed up with other local officials and groups for a legislative volunteer day hosted by the Genesee County Habitat for Humanity. Founded in 1990, the chapter builds or rehabilitates homes and provides dozens of homeowners across Genesee County with critical repair services every year. It was great to get out, move some lumber, and help those in need. I want to thank those who put this event together and the vital work Genesee Habitat for Humanity is doing.

A critical part of my work as a legislator is keeping people informed about the latest both locally and in Lansing. I continue to attend local hearings and meetings, including one in Watertown Township to provide an update on funding I secured in the budget for the township’s new fire truck. As is the case with all of these meetings, I want to thank leaders and local officials in the township for having me by and for their continued commitment to service and public safety.

I’m proud to represent areas with rich traditions. I’m proud to be a voice for communities where people look out for one another and come together to celebrate and cherish all that makes us great, instead of letting differences among neighbors divide us. This is what makes the places we call home strong — and it was on full display this summer.