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Madison Heights City Councilman David Soltis, crouching on the left, poses for a picture with the group he brought to Lansing during Older Michiganians Day last year. This year’s trip is set for May 7. Those interested in attending can sign up by calling Soltis at (248) 219-6381. The trip is free.
Photo provided by David Soltis
MADISON HEIGHTS — May 7 is Older Michiganians Day, raising appreciation for seniors and awareness for the issues they face. Seniors and groups advocating on their behalf will flock to Lansing to meet with legislators and enjoy the beautiful historic buildings at the state capital.
Continuing a long-running tradition, Madison Heights City Councilmember David Soltis is once again organizing a free bus trip for interested seniors in Madison Heights. To sign up, call or text Soltis at (248) 219-6381.
Everyone will meet in the parking lot at Madison Heights City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 7. The bus is expected to arrive in Lansing by mid-morning.
“I don’t really know of any other cities nearby that organize trips of this magnitude for seniors,” Soltis said. “I think the seniors love being out in a social setting with other seniors, and they get to experience the Michigan capital, which is beautiful.”
Upon arriving in Lansing, the first activity is a group lunch on the lawn of the Capitol building. Seniors from across the state mingle and enjoy boxed meals at tables and chairs under large tents. The meals are served cold and usually consist of sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips and other items, along with drinks.
“Our senator and representative were out there on the lawn with us last year, talking with us. So it’s a chance to meet with our legislators,” Soltis said.
Attendees also have the opportunity to tour the beautiful Capitol building, and even get to sit in on a legislative session, observing from the House gallery.
“We go up there, and I then submit a form on the House floor for the elected officials to acknowledge the seniors up in the gallery,” Soltis said. “Everyone claps for the seniors, and then we watch some of the things they’re working on. It’s just a nice way to remind the policymakers who they’re serving. Our representative also makes an appearance on our behalf.”
That person is Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), representing District 14.
“I’m so grateful to Councilmember Soltis for helping organize the trip to Lansing. It’s wonderful to see seniors from home advocating for themselves and others,” McFall said via email. “Our older folks are facing real challenges. From rising prescription costs to support for aging in place, it’s important that their voices are heard here at the Capitol. Having them here in Lansing helps keep their issues front and center.”
Attendees will then board the bus and return to Madison Heights by late afternoon.
Soltis started arranging the bus trips for Older Michiganians Day in 2014, his first full year as a member of the City Council. The trips continued annually until COVID, at which point there was a four-year hiatus. Last year marked the return of the event.
“In the beginning, it was small, but it grew and grew,” said Soltis, who today is now among the most veteran members of the council. “I think seniors see things differently than the younger generation because they have more experience. They always appreciate the history of the capital. They appreciate the work taking place there.”
