The flags that line Main Street on holidays were raised for the first time in 1976 for the country’s bicentennial. Photo credit Sara Swanson.

submitted by Linda Knox, Manchester Voices Indivisible

Early Saturday morning, a lot of chairs and more than a dozen tables will be set up in Wurster Park, the tables topped with checkered tablecloths and dressed with bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers. Millie’s Coffeehouse will deliver coffee, and Dragonfly and Birch will bring the tea service. There will be a special cake from Grand River Bakery and duffins! That’s not a typo. Duffins are the invention of an anonymous Manchester baker — a muffin and a doughnut combined (did you guess?) — and they’re offered as a gift to celebrate our shared community in Manchester on Flag Day.

From 10am to 2pm, all are invited to sit for a bit to talk with neighbors and representatives of local organizations who provide services of community interest. Children will enjoy flag-related activities at tables nearby.

Patti McCabe encourages everyone to visit the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council table to learn about the brand new Senior Citizen Center. It will host services, events, and activities for seniors — and “anyone can request it for community meetings.”

Youth Librarian Abby Lebovitz will host the Manchester District Library’s table, with more resources for all: “Whether you’re looking for a good book or activities to fill your summer days, the library has something for everyone! Learn about our 2025 summer reading program, ‘Color Our World,’ and the different artistic events we will be hosting for all ages. Did you know that owning a library card also gives you access to the Michigan Activity Pass program? Stop by to hear more about which museums, parks, and attractions are included.”

Visit the K–12 Education table to discuss the outlook for local school programs this fall with Christine Deacons. She has a good deal of personal knowledge of Manchester schools: All four of her children attended here and her grandchildren are now enrolled; and she brings professional knowledge as an expert in learning and student success, with a PhD in Educational Leadership. Currently, she’s vice chair of the Board for the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan (SAC), a nonprofit organization that supports K–12 students who experience barriers in school. She offers, “I can answer questions about school funding and how proposed federal cuts to education funding would impact low-income students, staff training, and other programs.”

At the Public Health table, you may recognize Will Stahly (MHS ’15), recently returned to Manchester with a passion for public health and an MPH from the University of Minnesota. Who benefits from programs like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid? What cuts would we, in the Manchester area, feel? Who would fill gaps? Will will have resources on hand to inform conversations about those questions and more. He’ll also field questions and comments about alternative health insurance programs proposed for Michigan by our State Senator Carrie Rheingans and at the federal level by our US Representative Debbie Dingell.

People experiencing dementia-related issues can find resources and an experienced guide at a table with Jim Mangi of Dementia Friendly Services. Originating in Saline, Jim and a growing number of cohorts have established a network of caring individuals whose first-hand experiences have led to outreach among caregivers and the business community as well. Their purpose is to increase understanding of dementia for people facing personal challenges and to help us all become more sensitive to practices of acceptance, safety, and welcome in our communities. Resources for classes, movies, “Memory Cafe,” and more will be available.

Manchester Township resident Sybil Kolon will host the Land Preservation table. Her broad knowledge of the topic is grounded in experience as a founding member of the Raisin Valley Land Trust and the Grand-Raisin Conservation Community of the Stewardship Network; as a former member of the Manchester Township Board and Planning Commission and its Land Preservation Committee; and as the township’s current representative to the River Raisin Watershed Council. As a private landowner, she and her husband recently donated acreage that will soon be open to the public as Legacy Land Conservancy’s Iron Creek Preserve. Visit the table to learn more about the Preserve (maybe the grand opening date!) or about next steps for the township’s Land Preservation Committee. Its recent report contains many recommendations that can help preserve our rural character. A series of public meetings is planned to seek input to determine what programs and ordinances the township should adopt to help property owners steward and protect their land for the long term.

Additional participating organizations will include Rank MI Vote, Voters Not Politicians, Washtenaw County Conservation District-NRCS, and more!

This event is organized by Manchester Voices Indivisible, composed of  peaceful, non-partisan, pro-democracy Manchester-area residents.

6-10-25 Editor's note: The list of additional participating organizations was updated. 

All-ages activities at MVI’s Earth Day event celebrating Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Photo by Peter Knox.