It’s a special Friday edition of our 3 Things series. Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition host Christina Shockley speaks with people at The Ann Arbor Art Fairs about what we can all do to help the state.

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Michigan Radio’s Christina Shockley hit the streets at the Ann Arbor art fairs to find out what attendees could do to help the state. She didn’t have to venture far from the Michigan Radio booth to find a few folks willing to talk.

Christina Shockley first spoke with Frank and Rose Cousin. Frank began the conversation with the idea that Michigan’s people need to look forward. He said that despite a bad economy “to attract business, to attract other folks who wanted to move from other states to Michigan that we’ve got to think ahead. We need to have parks. We need to have infrastructure. So we’ve got to think forward.”

Rose Cousin’s saw a need for more altruism – people “help[ing] each other without thinking they need to be reimbursed or paid for, give[ing] themselves to help somebody else.”

Edwin Hoffman wants Michiganders to stay strong and remember how many resources this state has been blessed with. He believes we are endowed with many assets that are “natural, economic and cultural.” He also believes that things are starting to turn around.

“Yes, we are in a dip, but I strongly think that we are maybe going up the side of the trough. Michigan is going to be a beautiful state ten years from now, twenty years from now. It’s in our hands now and there’s a lot to work with.”

When asked what specifically we have to be proud of, Mr. Hoffman found his answer quickly.

“Well, we are world renowned for our natural resources, for our lakes, for the scenery. The fabulous towns, each one with its own different flavor, and there’s so much diversity here. You’d be very hard pressed to find an arc of culture and beauty better than what we straddle right here.”

“I think bicycling more would be a great idea, we could all stand to be a little healthier and use less oil and gasoline,” said David Suzaki.

Sarah Bowmen rounded out today’s segment with a unique idea. She believes the people of Michigan should “sing more and embrace making music together.” When asked how that will help the state she responded, “Making music in general improves the state of happiness.”
Finding her voice she began implementing her idea right away, “My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation, I hear the tune of far away…”.

Photo courtesy of artfair.org.