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Admission is free for CNC members and children under age 18 and $3 for nonmembers age 18 and up.

Festival visitors may enjoy a pancake breakfast from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $6, ages 13 and up; $4 for ages three to 12 and free to children under age three. Members may choose to register for a members-only breakfast before the event for a reduced fee.

Children can enjoy activities and crafts in the Visitor Center, including a 40-to-1 maple leaf bead necklace and a paper mokuk, a copy of the bark container used by Native Americans for gathering maple sap. There will also be a stenciling station and special activity for younger children. Visitors will see maple candy being made and watch the Homestead Quilters and Midland Woodcarvers creating their projects. Free samples of Maple cotton candy will also be available.

In the auditorium, visitors will be entertained by Dennis Polaske's "Maple Syrup Matinee," sing along to original songs dedicated to spring, watch a video featuring Massachusetts families who have produced maple products for generations and enjoy the "Green Machines" puppet play.

At the wigwam, visitors can watch traditional skills instructor Jim Miller as he uses natural Michigan materials on several spring projects. Wagon rides to the sugarhouse to see how sap is boiled into pure maple syrup will also be part of the event, along with 1870s sap boiling demonstrations, Sugarbush tours, a tree-tapping activity and lessons about trees in the one-room schoolhouse.

The Nature Preschool and Nature Study building will be open to meet teachers, see the classroom and outdoor play area, ask questions and more.

Sponsors for Maple Syrup Day include Anderson's Service Centers, Inc.; Carey Plumbing and Heating, Inc.; Kindy Tree Service, Retrofoamâ, Simmons Specific Chiropractic and Veterans Alarm, Inc.

To volunteer for the event, call Cathy Devendorf at (989)-631-0830.

CNC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of natural and cultural resources as relevant to the Saginaw Valley's ecosystems, to promote environmental awareness and to foster responsible stewardship. CNC offers free admission to 15+ miles of trails from dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center, located at 400 Badour, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and holidays.

For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Committee moves MEGA tax incentive bill

LANSING-A Senate panel approved legislation Thursday that Sen. Roger Kahn said would help stimulate the local economy.

"This bill provides another incentive for businesses to come to Michigan," said Kahn, R-Saginaw. "Hemlock Semiconductor, a joint venture of Dow Corning Corp. located in Thomas Township, is a prime example of a company that would benefit from this bill. This legislation may create jobs by encouraging customers or suppliers of HSC to consider relocating to the region."

Senate Bill 1115, sponsored by Sen. Jason Allen, would modify the Michigan Business Tax to provide a fully refundable tax credit for companies that have the ability to dictate business decisions and site location decisions of the firms that do business with them. The tax credit would equal the entire amount of a supplier or customer's payroll if it locates in Michigan to work with the so-called anchor company.

Hemlock Semiconductor is the world's leading supplier of polycrystalline silicon, the key raw material used to manufacture solar panels, and employs several hundred mid-Michigan residents. The new legislation would help attract customers and suppliers to be closer to the anchor company. The relocation of customers to Michigan could also help reduce prices as transportation costs would significantly decrease.

SB 1115 was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Rep. Horn: Residents can receive special coupons to prepare for historic TV transition

LANSING -- Saginaw County residents can receive help purchasing a special converter box to receive television broadcasts after Feb. 17, 2009 with a coupon from the federal government, state Rep. Ken Horn announced Thursday.

Consumers who have televisions with "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna will stop getting TV broadcasts next February if they don't buy a converter box, purchase a new TV with a digital tuner, connect their TV to cable, satellite, or other pay service.

Horn said the government is offering a $40 voucher to help pay for the converter, which costs up to $70. All high-power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100-percent digital broadcasting due to a federal mandate.

"Although this historic change will improve TV picture quality, we must make sure people are not negatively impacted by the mandate," said Horn, R-Frankenmuth. "The transition will mainly affect senior citizens and residents who are struggling financially, so it's important they know about the coupons."

A total of 14 percent of television viewers in the Flint-Saginaw and Bay City areas will be affected by the transition. About 1.5 million people throughout Michigan use rabbit ears.

People can contact Horn toll free at 1-866-HORN094, or e-mail him at kennethhorn@house.mi.gov. Those with access to the Internet can visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 to request a voucher.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is offering all U.S. households up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes. Coupons are free, but supply is limited.

Converter boxes will be available in the spring. Vouchers are only good for 90 days after they are mailed.

MMA offers Six Sigma Seminar in Lansing

LANSING -- The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) is hosting a seminar, "Six Sigma - The Best Approach," in Lansing on March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Six Sigma expert trainer from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) will present.

Participants will learn the history of the Six Sigma approach and more about this methodology that can provide cost-savings for businesses. Strategies on how to get organizational support for the initiative and proper implementation will also be discussed.

Manufacturers interested in the Six Sigma approach or those who have been urged by their customers to investigate this process are encouraged to attend.

The event will be held at MMA headquarters, 620 S. Capitol Ave. in Lansing, and lunch will be provided. There is no cost for manufacturers to attend this session but pre-registration is required.

For more information go to www.mma-net.org or e-mail LeAnn Hicks, MMA's seminar and event coordinator, at hicks@mma-net.org or call 517-487-8557 or 800-253-9039 and press "9" followed by ext. 557.